Goodbye Namibia, hello Germany

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Junior council pushes social change

≪ Previous: Drugs push youth over edge

$

0

0

Goodbye Namibia, hello Germany The Goethe-Institut Namibia held its annual Foreign Language Competition in Windhoek over the weekend. Justicia Shipena



German is taught as foreign language in many Namibian schools, with about 10 000 primary and secondary learners engaging in the language that is spoken by about 120 million people worldwide.

About 54 schools participated in the competition by entering the best (German as foreign language) learners from grades 7 to 11 for written and oral examinations. A total of 70 learners from schools across Namibia took part.

The nationwide competition was facilitated by the Namibian-German Foundation for Cultural Cooperation (NaDS) and later by the Goethe-Institut Namibia.

The five best contestants stand a chance to win flight tickets to Germany for four weeks, in which they spend each week in a different German city.

They also have the opportunity to stay with families in that country, with all living expenses paid and they experience German culture first-hand.

The competition divided learners into nine test groups, according to their grades and how many hours they spend learning the German language per week. The learners had to complete a 30-minute oral examination that gave them the opportunity to showcase their German language skills.



The competition

The learners also had access to numerous activities, such as dancing, making waffles, meditating, improvisational theatre and handicraft making.

Justin Brandt from Namib High School, Max Titus from Rocky Crest High School, Panduleni Shatilwe from Delta Secondary School, Carla Vosloo from Private School Swakopmund and Kauzemburukua Muikute from Academia Secondary School where the overall winners of the competition. Two of the flights are sponsored by the German-Namibian Foundation, which also facilitates learner stays at several guest families in Germany. Another three flights are provided by the Pedagogical Exchange Service, through the German embassy in Namibia.

---

Junior council pushes social change

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Teen moms keep rising

≪ Previous: Goodbye Namibia, hello Germany

$

0

0

Junior council pushes social change Justicia Shipena



Under the theme 'Empowering youth in the community through dances and songs', the City of Windhoek Junior Council visited the Family of Hope Services in the Havana informal settlement last week.

The junior council was established in 1999 with the aim of targeting young people in grades 10 and 11 in Windhoek. The council consists of 75 members from various schools.

Speaking at the 12 September event, linked the council's HIV/Aids project, junior mayor

Rochelle Beukes said the theme is aimed at inspiring and motivating young people to believe they are capable of achieving anything they set their mind to.

“In this HIV era, young people carry a responsibility. You are our future and what you do today will determine the kind of world you will live in tomorrow,” she said.

Beukes added youth need to continue to educate themselves, their friends and loved ones on HIV.

“We have every tool to stop the spread of HIV/Aids, but the solution to this epidemic is in our schools and communities.

“The key to ending HIV/Aids is mobilising and empowering the next generation to push for social change,” she said.



Mind-set

“If we are going to end HIV/Aids, we have to cure the disease within our own hearts and minds first. I believe we, the young people, are the ones who can do this. We have always been the drivers of social change and we will achieve social injustice.”

Deputy junior mayor Johannes Kapitango said it was great being with the Family of Hope Services children, while also educating them about HIV/Aids.

He urged young people to be vigilant of the choices they make.

“We need to create awareness and continue to educate our fellow youth in a fun way, hence our theme is of empowering through songs and dance, which makes it easier for kids to remember,” he said.

Ilena Geve, a grade 3 learner at Family of Hope Services, said she learned a lot from the junior councillors and will put the knowledge gained to good use, including to educate her peers.

Teen moms keep rising

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Africa in brief

≪ Previous: Junior council pushes social change

$

0

0

Teen moms keep rising For many years, Namibia has grappled with the issue of teenage pregnancies, with schoolgirls often left confused, alone and unable to complete their education. Justicia Shipena



Under the theme 'Survivors speak up! No more teenage pregnancy: Is the girl child the only one responsible for teenage pregnancy in Namibia?', the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), in collaboration with the Regain Trust and the European Union, held a public dialogue on 13 September at Nust.

The dialogue was aimed at achieving a holistic approach towards the prevention of gender-based violence and learner pregnancies, as well as the protection of those affected.

Public dialogues have served as an effective platform for open criticism and the exchange of views on current challenges and opportunities that youth face on a daily basis.

The attendees comprised of local decision-makers on youth policy implementation, as well as the youth themselves. The attendees had a chance to put forward their proposals and share their views on the issues.

During the open discussions, special attention was attached to the significance of advocating for a decrease of teenage pregnancies in Namibia.

Gender activist Ngamane Karuaihe-Upi said focus should between the boy and girl child.

“We need to change gender roles that disempower women and give men the false sense of power that is killing youth in their most productive years. “The family as a social institution is a brewery for patriarchal practices, by socialising the youth to accept sexuality differentiated roles,” he said.

Karuaihe-Upi said men also have the right to assume a more nurturing role, and opportunities for them to do so should be promoted, equally.

Thus providing spaces where men and boys can discuss gender roles alone and amongst their peers, in a non-threatening and non-defensive environment, can also be a helpful starting point.

“Addressing these rights and responsibilities entails recognising men-specific problems and the conditions that shape them,” he said.

FES project manager, Sylvia Mundjindi, said teenage pregnancy has become one of the most disturbing social challenges in Namibia.

“Teenage pregnancy, in most cases, affects the quality of life of the girl child, although the girl child is also responsible,” she said.



The recommendations ­included:

• Both parents should be involved in the sexual education of the boy and girl child;

• Sex education in both rural and urban areas should be made compulsory;

• Regular, ongoing monitoring of policies and their implementation should take place;

• Adequate resources should be committed towards the implementation of the teenage pregnancy policy;

• The girl and boy child should be empowered to be assertive and report sexual violence to the relevant authorities;

• A life education course should be implemented that targets teacher life skills;

• The policy should include both genders; and

• Social gender rules should be changed, in order to promote good healthy relationships within society.

Africa in brief

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Land not a popularity contest

≪ Previous: Teen moms keep rising

$

0

0

Africa in brief Nigerian finance minister resigns

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday accepted the resignation of finance minister Kemi Adeosun, who said she stepped down over allegations of using a forged certificate to avoid participation in the country’s mandatory one-year national youth service scheme.

Adeosun, a top cabinet member and a former investment banker who promoted the government’s policy to boost growth following a recent recession, said in a statement that she believed she was exempt from the service scheme but felt bound to resign because of the administration’s “focus on integrity.”

Allegations that Adeosun had used a forged exemption certificate to avoid participation in the youth service scheme surfaced in recent months in the Nigerian media. Adeosun did not comment on the claims initially, prompting criticism from her opponents.

In her statement on Friday, Adeosun said her understanding was that she was exempted from the scheme because she had moved back to Nigeria from Britain, where she was born, after she had passed the required minimum age.

-Nampa/Reuters

Angola asked for permission to explore for metals

Anglo American, one of the world’s largest commodities miners, has asked Angola for permission to explore for base metals, the country’s ministry for mines said on Friday.

Anglo, which operates diamond, copper, platinum mines around the world, submitted a letter of intent to invest in the southern African nation’s mining sector, the Angolan ministry of mineral resources and oil said.

-Nampa/Reuters

Egypt signs oil, gas exploration deal with Shell, Petronas

Egypt has signed a deep-water oil and gas exploration deal with Royal Dutch Shell and Malaysia’s Petronas worth around US$1 billion for 8 wells in the country’s West Nile Delta, the petroleum ministry said on Saturday.

The country also signed a second US$10 million deal with Rockhopper, Kuwait Energy and Canada’s Dover Corporation for exploration in the Western Desert, a ministry statement said.

-Nampa/Reuters

Congo will declare cobalt and other minerals as "strategic"

The prime minister of Democratic Republic of Congo will sign a decree in the coming days to designate cobalt and other minerals as “strategic” and therefore subject to higher royalties, mines minister Martin Kabwelulu said on Saturday.

The change is part of a new mining code, which mining companies including Glencore and Randgold oppose as it axes tax exemptions and hikes royalties and profit taxes. They have been holding out the hope it might be watered down in further negotiations.

-Nampa/Reuters

Land not a popularity contest

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Land conference: Boycott threats grow

≪ Previous: Africa in brief

$

0

0

Land not a popularity contest The land issue has sparked, and rightly so, emotional debates ahead of the second national land conference. Various stakeholders, including opposition political parties, the church and non-governmental organisations have come out strongly with position papers highlighting the plight of landless Namibians, while also offering advice to government on how best to deal with this thorny issue. Given the chaotic planning surrounding this important gathering, it is not surprising to read about imminent threats of withdrawal by NGOs such as the Non-Governmental Organisation Forum (Nangof) and other pressure groups that are championing the cause of landless Namibians. For a conference that was billed to take place two years ago, it is unacceptable that we still find ourselves in this situation. We have allowed the land issue to be politicised at the expense of vulnerable Namibians, who had expected their political leaders to take the lead on this crucial discussion. This approach again shows there is no urgency when it comes to dealing with and fixing the land issue, and subsequently improving the lives of thousands and thousands of Namibians. The constant moaning and bickering has also created a really negative atmosphere in the build-up to this important meeting. Instead of preoccupying ourselves with notions on how restorative justice can be advanced in the best interest of the country, the critical urban land crisis as well as addressing the issue of having thousands of black farmers crammed together in less fertile areas, the build-up has now been reduced to a popularity contest with no real battle of ideas. For real land reform to happen in this country, sober minds must prevail. The land conference must unite every single Namibian, including the white minority who still control most of country's productive land. There is no need for political opportunism; the bottom line is that the land must be equally be redistributed.

Land conference: Boycott threats grow

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: The world of the leader is full of potential

≪ Previous: Land not a popularity contest

$

0

0

Land conference: Boycott threats growNGOs demand relevant documents Civil society organisations have threatened to snub next month's national land conference unless various reports dealing with the issue of land reform are publicly released. Civil society organisations say they will not attend next month's second national land conference if prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila fails to release relevant documents, including the controversial master list of resettlement beneficiaries.

The chairperson of the Non-Governmental Organisation Forum (Nangof) Trust, Sandie Tjaronda, yesterday said they cannot be part of something that they do not agree with.

At the same time, a joint press statement was issued by civil society including the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN), National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), National Youth Council (NYC) and the Namibia CBNRM Support Organisations (NACSO), saying all their demands must be published on social media and other platforms in the spirit of the Access to Information Bill in order for participants to prepare thoroughly.

Others signatories to the statement are the Namibia Housing Action Group (NHAG), //Naosan /Aes Movement for Land (Ancestor Fire), Legal Assistance Centre (LAC), Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU), Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN), Namibia Rural Women's Assembly (NRWA), Damara King's Council, Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) and the Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA).

Their demands include the release of a report by the lands minister on the 24 resolutions of the 1991 national land conference; the list of resettlement beneficiaries; the review report on the Affirmative Action Loan Scheme (AALS), Resettlement Programme and Post Resettlement Support; a report on farms offered to the government or waived and purchased; the final report of a review of the Mass Housing Development Programme and any relevant documents.

“We also propose that the plenary sessions of the second land conference be broadcast live by NBC-TV and that the conference budget make provision for this cost. Social media platforms must be provided to allow citizens who are not attending to follow and participate,” the statement read.

The statement said the organisations have been sidelined and there seems to be no clarity whether the prime minister's office or the lands ministry is organising the conference.

“We have engaged in the preparations of the second land conference with the understanding that our inputs would be taken into account, which is not the case. We maintain that if the above concerns are not addressed adequately and in the spirit of Harambee that nobody must be left behind, civil society will reconsider the legitimacy of the second land conference,” the statement read.

Civil society is particularly concerned that participants will not have sufficient information and documentation to critically review the various programmes.

“Equally, since there was no prior consensus building, the second land conference will be unable to resolve sensitive and emotional topics such as ancestral land claims and urban land reform in five days.

“The second land conference should rather be seen as the start of an inclusive and robust land education and reform process with clearly stated deliverables and a set time frame,” it said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

The world of the leader is full of potential

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: RFIN 2018 conference to focus on legislative changes

≪ Previous: Land conference: Boycott threats grow

$

0

0

The world of the leader is full of potential Justicia Shipena

There are so many books and countless websites devoted to teaching us to become successful leaders.

They torment us, and understandably so. Every day calls go out from our parents, our professors, our employers and others for us to stand up and become leaders in all our endeavours.

Of course, for the typical student, this is nothing new; after all, being leaders helped us to get into certain positions in the first place. We are leaders in our classes, clubs and in the innumerable services we are involved in, and also among our friends.

However, I would argue that although the collective wisdom of the older generation might say otherwise, all people are not intended to become leaders. Instead, we are called on to do quite the opposite, for a world full of leaders is a dangerous place for everyone.

From my point of view, the problem is this: If everyone is a leader, who’s left to be led? If everyone is the traffic cop at the street intersection, then who is driving the cars? If everyone is formulating the blueprints to the house, then who is actually building it?

In short, our misunderstanding of leadership is linked to excessive societal pride; there are far too many leaders and far too few followers.

Woefully, a social stigma has slowly crept its way into our impression of a ‘follower’. The stigma is that followers are the small-minded, uncreative folk who lack powerful insight; they play an insignificant role in a community when compared to leaders; they are a dime a dozen and are enslaved to the powerful leaders they follow.

We believe followers are the lemmings of the human race. They march blindly ahead, throwing themselves from cliffs at the slightest nod of their demagogue master.

This is far from the truth. In fact, the follower is far more important than the leader. A leader can draw castles in the sky, but only the follower can take that vision and build a castle on the hillside.

A leader can envision the healing of the world and call for it, but only the followers’ hands and strength can achieve that solution.

According to Wikipedia the word ‘leader’ comes from the old English word laedan, meaning, ‘cause to go with one’.

But one cannot guide if no one will follow. The word ‘follower’ comes from the old English word full-gan, meaning ‘full-going’. The follower is passionate, excited and motivated. The leader cannot exist without the follower; the connection between the two is unbreakable.

Yet, I question how often leaders forget about their followers?

In doing so, they divorce themselves from the greatest trait any leader can possess: trust. No leader exists in a vacuum; they must rely on those around them to accomplish their goals.

The best leader is one that inspires his or her followers and trusts their work so much that he/she need not even be present for the job to be done.

A few months ago I watched this documentary which said leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done, because he or she wants to do it.

A great leader does not only display this trait in small, everyday interactions, but also in the greatest act any leader can perform: stepping down from power. The act of resigning from power is really to trust those who follow to expand upon your accomplishments and learn from your mistakes. The great leader recognises his own limitations; the great leader does his part and lets others do theirs.

Therefore, we are not called to be leaders but we are instead called to be a leader. The distinction is linguistically subtle, but the ramifications are immense. If one is a true leader, you trust that others will lead where you cannot.

A true leader guides in that one area where he or she can makes the greatest difference and accepts the guidance of others elsewhere. A true leader is not asleep but is instead a daydreamer.

A leader does not consist of visions and words alone, but also consists of his/her actions in relation to other leaders’ visions and words. A leader arises to make a realistic difference, and a true leader departs once that objective has been accomplished.

So, I conclude by saying: be a follower to your peers and friends, as well as a leader. Inspire, but also be inspired. Guide and in the same vein, let yourself be taken down unknown paths. Dream, but also toil to realise the dreams of others. A world of leaders is fleeting; the world of the leader is full of potential.

justicia@myzone.com.na

RFIN 2018 conference to focus on legislative changes

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Ongwediva offers Johannes family N$982k

≪ Previous: The world of the leader is full of potential

$

0

0

RFIN 2018 conference to focus on legislative changes To take place next week The Retirement Funds Institute of Namibia’s (RFIN) 12th annual conference programme this year will take place against the environment of legislative changes. Retirement funds themselves contribute to Namibian revenue and make the collection of income tax more efficient- Gerson Kamatuka, acting chairperson, RFIN

The conference will explore how the industry can prepare for these changes, along with showcasing personal and professional development opportunities.

RFIN acting chairperson, Gerson Kamatuka states that the economic challenges facing the country including the decline of trade and commodities are impacting the economy, and retirement fund professionals must be both aware of this context and work to reduce the on retirement fund members. “The efforts to improve the sustainability of the sector are welcome and yet there are considerable implications which need to be discussed and prepared for. In recent years, the ministry of finance has undertaken fundamental reforms to the retirement funds industry as part of their comprehensive reforms of the Namibian financial sector, “Kamatuka said.

As an event which attracts stakeholders including pension fund trustees and service providers such as pension fund administrators, insurers, asset managers, pension fund investment consultants, legal practitioners and auditors, the conference is uniquely placed to explore the issues impacting the entire retirement funds sector in 2018 and beyond. The RFIN Annual Conference brings stakeholders together in an environment which not only aids their understanding of the sector’s evolution, but it also provides them with a platform to represent themselves amongst their peers.

Growth

Kamatuka further states that retirement funds are growing in significance and importance within the Namibian economy as a growing recognition that they reduce old-age poverty and dependency on the government while contributing to an improved quality of life. “Retirement funds themselves contribute to Namibian revenue and make the collection of income tax more efficient. Citizens are aware of the challenges facing the economy and Namibian society more generally, and it is key for retirement professionals to demonstrate the positive impact of the sector on the country’s prosperity,” Kamatuka added.

As a long-standing fixture in the retirement sector calendar, the RFIN Annual Conference is of exceptional value to the industry. “As at end 2017, the retirement funds industry collectively accounted for 88% of Namibian GDP, making it a significant contributor to economic activity. Its investment decisions therefore have a profound impact on the economy. Consultation to this effect is achieved amongst other at conferences where pertinent discussion points are brought to the fore for deliberation amongst a wide array of stakeholders. Therefore, RFIN has developed a programme of presentations and debates that are relevant to sector professionals and will be valuable to all attendees,” said Kamatuka.

The RFIN Annual Conference 2018 will take place at the Swakopmund Dome from the 27th to the 28th of September 2018. Delegates across the sector are welcomed, including senior management and decision makers, as well as independent professionals.

---

Ongwediva offers Johannes family N$982k

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Parks will not be cut up

≪ Previous: RFIN 2018 conference to focus on legislative changes

$

0

0

Ongwediva offers Johannes family N$982k The Ongwediva town council is willing to pay the Johannes family N$982 000 for land that the council had sold to a company owned by northern businessman Ben Zaaruka in 2010.

The land dispute between Lukas Haivela Johannes and Stantoll Properties was heard by the Oshakati High Court last week.

Zaaruka had applied for an interdict in March to prevent the family from interfering with construction work at his shopping mall.

The extension of the Oshana shopping mall covers about four hectares of what used to be the family's mahangu field.

They were never compensated for the land despite the fact that the council had received about N$1.4 million from Zaaruka as payment for the land.

Negotiations over compensation were unsuccessful.

Namibian Sun understands that the family demanded N$3 million for the land.

According to a letter dated 4 April, town council CEO Damian Egumbo informed the family that the council was prepared to pay them N$982 000 for the land it had sold to Stantoll Properties.

“Kindly receive the final compensation offer of N$981 821.75 of the portion of the field affected by Oshana Mall phase 2 development. This offer is a combination of the first offer of N$149 446.50, second offer of N$836 390.90 and the last assessment carried out,” the letter reads.

When contacted for comment, council spokesperson Jackson Muma said the council was waiting for the Johannes family to respond to the offer.

“The council is ready to pay the family anytime. The ball is now in the family's hands, it's just a matter of coming to the council and they will be paid,” Muma said.





Attempts to get comment from Johannes yesterday proved futile.

Last week Friday the matter was heard in the Oshakati High Court by a full bench of judges: Judge President Petrus Damaseb and judges Hosea Angula and Shafimana Ueitele.

The court ruled in favour of Stantoll Properties, allowing it to continue with the construction of the second phase of Oshana Mall.



KENYA KAMBOWE

Parks will not be cut up

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Boom in copper exports

≪ Previous: Ongwediva offers Johannes family N$982k

$

0

0

Parks will not be cut upMinister leaps to the defence of protected areas According to the environment minister some communities have started cutting park fences and are squatting there, allegedly with the blessing of traditional authorities. Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta says he will never allow national parks to be reduced in size for the settlement of people.

His fierce reaction followed a call for reducing the size of the Etosha National Park to accommodate people.

This was contained in a draft summary of recommendations from the regional land consultations held in July this year. The document was compiled in preparation of the second national land conference taking place in early October.

The document was discussed last week during a meeting of regional representatives, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and other ministers, including land reform minister Utoni Nujoma and finance minister Calle Schlettwein.

Shifeta, who was speaking at an event at the Waterberg National Park during the weekend, said he would not allow national parks such as Etosha to be “cut up”.

Shifeta said there have been requests from people to reduce the size of national parks for human settlement.

According to him in some areas communities have started cutting park fences and are camping in protected areas.

There have been frequent reports of settlements created close to waterholes in national parks, in particular in the Zambezi Region, where communities settle with their livestock, creating human-wildlife conflict.





“They have told us that they have received approval from their traditional leaders to do this.”

Shifeta emphasised that traditional leaders do not have any rights over national parks, which are owned by the state.

“They have already sold the land to us. Traditional leaders have no rights to give away this land. I will not allow it. I will not allow our parks to be cut,” he said.

Several national parks, declared and gazetted after independence, including Bwabwata, Mangetti and Mudumu were established after land was purchased from the relevant traditional authorities.

The document further included calls for allocating land within national parks to marginalised communities such as the San.

“There were ... discussions that the San people and other marginalised Namibians be resettled in [national] game parks to co-exist with wildlife and other natural resources as their customs and traditions entail,” according to the document.

The discussions, although confidential, may have been in response to a High Court claim filed in May 2017 by the Hai//Om San community where they laid claim to parts of Etosha National Park and 11 farms in the Mangetti area as their ancestral land. They are represented in the matter by Andrew Corbett (SC) and Natasha Bassingsthwaite on instruction from the Legal Assistance Centre.

Shifeta said the ministry is continuing to provide communication, education and community awareness programmes, although much still needs to be done in this regard.

“Our parks such as Etosha National Park are surrounded by communities and farmers. Therefore we need to do more on our awareness and education for a better understanding of the importance of wildlife and the existence of national parks.”

He added that communities have a role to play through their local leaders, such as traditional authorities and conservancies, in combatting wildlife crime.

ELLANIE SMIT

Boom in copper exports

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Having a heart for the youth

≪ Previous: Parks will not be cut up

$

0

0

Boom in copper exportsTrade deficit shrinks Exports to China in the second quarter, mainly copper cathodes, were N$2.68 billion or 726% higher than the same quarter in 2017. Fish continued to prove its significance as one of Namibia’s major export revenue earners. - NSA Jo-Maré Duddy – An annual surge in the export of copper cathodes, as well as a once-off export of vessels boosted Namibia’s total exports in the second quarter by 61% compared to the same quarter in 2017.

The latest data released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) shows Namibia exported goods worth more than N$22.79 billion in the past quarter – about N$8.6 billion more than the second quarter last year.

Imports rose by 16.3% to nearly N$24.03 billion, leaving Namibia with a trade deficit of about N$1.23 billion. Compared to the corresponding three months in 2017, the trade deficit shrank by nearly 81% or about N$5.2 billion.

According to the NSA, Namibia experiencing continuous trade deficits for the past 20 quarters. The average trade deficit was about N$7.3 billion. Average growth in the trade deficit was 42%. The lowest trade deficit over this period was recorded in the first quarter of 2016, totalling N$999 million. The highest – N$12.1 billion – was in the second quarter of 2015.

Exports

Namibia’s top export product in the past quarter was vessels, which earned about N$5.4 billion.

However, this was a once-off export of three exploration and two research vessels to the UK. The vessels were imported in the first quarter of this year and were re-exported in the past quarter.

Diamond exports earned Namibia more than N$4.6 billion in foreign exchange in the second quarter, N$127 million or 2.7% less the same period in 2017. The biggest annual increase in diamond exports came from Hong Kong. This market slurped up N$184 million of Namibia’s gems, N$166 million more than the second quarter in 2017.

Copper cathodes were the star in exports in the second quarter, pumping nearly N$3.2 billion or 368% more into export earnings than a year ago. The bulk of the nearly N$4.07 billion worth of copper cathodes exported went to China, with about N$2.1 billion. Belgium was the second biggest export market, earning nearly N$1.36 billion.

Due to the vessel exports, the United Kingdom was Namibia’s top export market in the second quarter. South Africa came in second and China third. Exports to South Africa totalled nearly N$3.56 billion, about N$339 million or 10.5% more than the second quarter of 2017. Exports to China rose by nearly N$2.68 billion or 726% to about N$3.05 billion.

Fish

The NSA says “fish continued to prove its significance as one of Namibia’s major export revenue earners, ranking fourth among the top five major exported commodities, and the only food item amongst minerals”.

Nearly N$2.52 billion worth of fish was exported in the past quarter, N$290 million or 13% more than the second quarter in 2017. As such, it contributed 11% to the country’s total export earnings.

Over the past 20 quarters, fish exports have grown at an average rate of 5%, equivalent to N$2.011 billion, reaching an all-time high of N$2.567 billion in the second quarter of 2016 and a record low of N$1.304 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to the NSA.

On an annual basis, fish exports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) grew the most. The N$286 million worth of fish destined for the country in the past quarter was nearly 78% more than a year ago. Exports to Mozambique rose by 65% and to Spain by 22%.

Imports

Most of Namibia’s imports – nearly N$11.5 billion in total – came from South Africa. Compared to the second quarter of 2017, imports from the neighbour dropped by N$995 million or nearly 8%.

At more than N$3.8 billion, Zambia was Namibia’s second biggest import market. Imports from the country, copper cathodes, rose by about N$2.9 billion or 327.8% in a year.

Copper cathodes were Namibia’s top import product, followed by vessels (N$2.2 billion) and vehicles (N$1.9 billion).

Having a heart for the youth

September 17, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Slight uptick in new vehicle sales

≪ Previous: Boom in copper exports

$

0

0

Having a heart for the youthSimon leads from the front The Free Education Committee will include professionals from different educational backgrounds, who will conduct a study that looks into the feasibility of free tertiary education in Namibia. Michelline Nawatises



Ester Simon is a 24-year-old student leader, who believes in strengthening bonds of solidarity between Namibia youth and Africa as a whole.

Simon is a firmly rooted youth activist who believes in Pan-Africanism and the spirit of Ubuntu.

She was born and raised in the beautiful coastal town of Swakopmund and attended Swakopmund Secondary School.

She hold a bachelor’s degree in English and literature, as well as an honours degree in communication from Nust.

Simon currently serves as the president of the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) and regionally as the communication and publicity officer for the Southern African Students Union (SASU).

In addition, she serves as the president of the African Union Youth Club.

Simon fulfils the responsibilities entrusted in her by Nanso and is currently working on three major projects - the Nanso Student Voice Magazine and establishing the Free Education Committee and the Fund A Student Scheme.

The Free Education Committee will include professionals from different educational backgrounds, who will conduct a study that looks into the feasibility of free tertiary education in Namibia.

It will also suggest ways in which to turn this vision into a reality.

The funding scheme aims to raise funds to assist needy students, since many have been rejected by the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF).

Simon served as Nanso’s national secretary for gender and social welfare before becoming its president.

“I felt there was so much more I could still do to assist others when my tenure as the secretary for gender was coming to an end. I generally wanted to be the voice of the voiceless and just champion the mandate of the organisation further,” she says.

Her leadership roles stretch back to when she was 16 years old in grade 10 at Swakopmund Secondary School, where she was firstly elected gender and social welfare secretary of her school branch in 2010 to 2011.

In 2012, she was elected to serve as the regional secretary for political and internal affairs for the Erongo Region, and from 2013 to 2014 she served as the Nanso branch secretary for Nust.

At the 2015 Nanso congress she was elected as the national secretary for gender and social welfare and in 2017.

She was also elected to serve as the communication and publicity officer for SASU, which is the mother body for SADC students.

“Leading a group of dynamic young people requires one to be driven by indiscrimination and democracy and always be open to a free contestation of ideas. Fairness, integrity, accountability and having an open door policy are the principals that govern my leadership,” Simon explains.

This then makes it more comfortable and easier to create an innovative environment.

“It mostly comes with encouragement; making sure that I give the team a word of encouragement to continue pushing, listening to each members ideas, empowering them to make decisions and finally acknowledging achievements. And also creating an atmosphere where we socialise and get to know each other on a more personal level, which enhances our day to day interactions and how we work together,” Simon says.

When asked how she feels about being listed among the 100 most influential African leaders, Simon said it is an honour.

“It is humbling, especially when I am chosen among very influential people that I have been looking up to; the likes of the youngest minister of Botswana, and that Africa sees me being able to sit at the same table with people like her.”

She tells The Zone how pleasing it is that she can represent not only young people, but the entire country as a whole.

She describes it as victory for all Namibian young people.

“This continental achievement generally does not mean that we have arrived, it motivates us as the youth to go forward, to continue fighting, to continue representing our people and to continue setting the bar high.

“In order to address generational challenges, we are thus being inspired by the three pillars of rebuilding, realigning and reuniting our student movement.”

As Nanso president her greatest responsibility is to provide political direction.

“This is the political direction in which the organisation must trudge in order to deliver on our mandate and on our generational mission of free quality education, in order to achieve socio-economic freedom for students in particular and youth in general.

“This will be achieved by constant engagement and involvement at national education policy level, partnerships with stakeholders and finally being involved and keeping alive community work and international programmes for our students, in particular.”

Slight uptick in new vehicle sales

September 18, 2018, 3:32 am

≫ Next: 'We are rightful winners'

≪ Previous: Having a heart for the youth

$

0

0

Slight uptick in new vehicle sales A total of 1 061 new vehicles were sold in Namibia in August, 1.7% more than August 2017, according to the latest stats released by IJG Securities.
The 421 new passenger vehicles sold were 10.2% higher than a year ago.
Sales of light commercial vehicles dropped by 10.2% to 552 units.
Medium commercial vehicle sales rose by 41.7% year on year to 17, while sales of heavy commercial vehicles jumped by 108.8% to 71.
Read the full report tomorrow in Market Watch.

'We are rightful winners'

September 18, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Kendo takes off in Namibia

≪ Previous: Slight uptick in new vehicle sales

$

0

0

'We are rightful winners'Military School angered by boardroom politics Military School Okahandja have reacted with displeasure to the news that they have been blocked from entering the NPL. Military School Okahandja say they were not aware of the rule which prohibits two defence force clubs from participating in the same local football league, including the country's top flight.

The club was reacting to the news that the North West First Division (NWFD) had resolved on Sunday to promote Oshakati's African Motto Football Club to the Namibia Premier League (NPL), instead of them.

This is despite Military School winning the two-leg promotional playoff 1-0 against African Motto two weeks ago.

They were, however, not promoted as this would have meant two Namibian Defence Force (NDF) teams would be playing in the NPL in the upcoming season, with Mighty Gunners already plying their trade in the top flight league.

A senior member of the Military School Okahandja management team, who did not want to be identified, said the club was not aware of the rule, which now sees them being sent back to the first division.

They also never received any formal document or communication that states they would be sent back to the NWFD, even if they win the league and playoffs convincingly.

“We registered the club rightfully, and played in the league. We won on the field and will not allow boardroom politics to interfere with our promotion,” he said.

“If there are rules in place, why skip them till the last minute. There is favouritism here. We never robbed anyone and will not consider the NWFD's decision to eliminate us.”

According to Namibia Football Association (NFA) statutes, no natural or legal person, including holding companies and subsidiaries, may exercise control over more than one club or group in the league.

NWFD vice-chairperson Lawrence Kandundu confirmed the decision insofar as Military School was concerned.

“We decided to promote African Motto as the rules are clear,” he told Nampa on Sunday.

Kandundu added that all teams in the league have been informed of the NFA directive regarding team ownership.

“Club owners should familiarise themselves with the statutes of the football association and should not complain that they were not told, while there are statutes in place that guide all of us,” he said.

The letter regarding African Motto's promotion states that another NDF team, Eleven Warriors, will also be relegated to the Otjozondjupa second division, as they cannot compete in the same league as Military School Okahandja.

It said Young Chiefs, who were relegated at the end of the NPL season, will be accepted into the NWFD instead.

NFA secretary-general Barry Rukoro told Nampa the association's executive committee took a decision two years ago with regard to one organisation or person owning two teams in the same competition.

“Military School belongs to the NDF and there is no documentation stating otherwise. We cannot have two teams owned by the same organisation competing in the same competition,” he said.

Rukoro explained the NFA executive committee decided that any of the NDF teams who win their respective first division or second division streams, where there is already an NDF team playing, will not be promoted to the same league.

“We had two defence force teams playing in the NWFD and we informed the league administrators that at the end of the season, one of the teams would have to be relegated to the second division. The league administrators should now be brave enough to take a decision,” he said.

Rukoro said in an earlier interview that Military School reaching the playoffs was just part of the league process, which they needed to complete.

He said African Motto would have to be promoted to the NPL, even if they fail to win the second leg of their playoff clashes.

NFA president Frans Mbidi said yesterday he cannot comment on the matter, as only the executive could do that.

“If the clubs do not follow the constitution, only then can I comment,” Mbidi said.

African Motto will join already promoted Southern Stream First Division winners Young Brazilians from Karasburg and North East First Division winners Julinho Sporting from Rundu in the NPL.

In addition to the ownership regulation, the NPL also announced earlier this year that all NPL coaches would have to step down if they did not have a CAF B-licence.

Assistant coaches should have a CAF C-licence, as per the NFA constitution rules.

However, some coaches have refused to adhere to this directive, saying they finance their clubs themselves.

They also wanted to know at the time where clubs will find coaches with the qualifications, and who will pay them.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Kendo takes off in Namibia

September 18, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Nakathila rated number 3

≪ Previous: 'We are rightful winners'

$

0

0

Kendo takes off in NamibiaPienaar shares his passion Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that descended from ancient swordsmanship, and uses bamboo swords and protective armour. The sport of kendo in Namibia received a massive boost, with a visit by Sensei Warren Ho, who is the president of the South African Kendo Federation (SAKF).

Ho is supportive of nurturing kendo in the Land of the Brave, which is still a fledging sport being run by the Namibia Kendo Federation (NKF).

Kendo took off in Namibia after the current NKF president, André Pienaar, was trained by then fifth dan kendo instructor, Sensei Shin Hamada, who was employed by the Japanese embassy in Namibia.

The opportunity to train a student in kendo (the way of the sword) rekindled the enthusiasm of Hamada, who guided Pienaar, his only student at the time, to achieve the first black belt in kendo in Namibia.

His initial grading took place after an invitation from Ho to attend an annual international kendo seminar, attended by countries like Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Great Britain, Japan, South Africa and one representative from Namibia.

The 2018 international seminar then afforded Pienaar the opportunity to grade for his second black belt.

Hamada Sensei returned to Japan, where he successfully graded for his sixth dan.

As more people became aware of the new martial art available in Namibia, a dojo was started in Suiderhof, which later became known as the Musashi Kendo Dojo.

It is currently housed in unit 23 in Edison Square in the Southern Industrial Area. At this venue, Ho conducted a gasshuku or training school for the senior class, who are preparing themselves to attend the SAKF-hosted international seminar, in order to test for their sho-dan grading in March 2019.

Kendo is the fastest-growing martial art in Europe, especially among women who find the cultural journey rewarding.

The sport is said to be attractive, given the protective clothing worn, which is similar in look to the ancient Samurai warrior dress.

The training mimics how the bushi or samurai were trained, and the syllabus was standardised by a committee formed by eighth dan kendo instructors, specially appointed by the All Japan Kendo Federation.

This allows kendo adherents to recognise terminology and training techniques in Japanese, which are used all over the world.

Kendo athletes train and fight each other, irrespective of age or gender, and do not wear any colour belts or insignia to indicate rank or seniority.

“The safety of participants is of utmost importance and therefore a shinai is used to replace the katana in training and bogu is worn to protect the vital target areas such as the head or men, the wrists or kote, the abdomen or doh and the throat or tsuki,” Pienaar said.

Although the samurai were deemed to be upper class, the sport is inclusive and open to men, women and children and all cultures and religions. The concept of kendo is to instil discipline in the human character through the application of the principles of the katana or sword.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

---

Nakathila rated number 3

September 18, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: All Blacks defeat offers World Cup hope

≪ Previous: Kendo takes off in Namibia

$

0

0

Nakathila rated number 3World title fight coming soon The Namibian boxer and his promoter are eyeing a shot at the WBO world crown. WBO Africa super featherweight champion, Jeremiah 'Low-Key' Nakathila, is now ranked number three in his division.

He improved his world rating from number five after an impressive knockout win in Swakopmund recently.

In the third Desert Rumble boxing bonanza in August, Nakathila knocked out Malawian challenger Wilson Masamba a minute and four seconds into the fourth round, after his powerful combination of punches were too much for his opponent.

This result put him in a position to fight top-rated fighters in his division, with the aim of overtaking them on the road to WBO title glory.

“He is a true world champion in the making,” said trainer and promoter, Nestor Tobias, from MTC Nestor Sunshine Promotions.

“This boy is a real star in the making; he has power, speed and a big heart. I can assure you that he will get the opportunity to challenge for the world title come 2019.

“I have no doubt about that. His number three world rating is a blessing. Masayuki Ito from Japan just won the vacant title and he will have to defend it against Evgeny Chuprakov from Russia, who is now ranked number one, in the next few months,” Tobias added.

This will bring Nakathila even closer to a world title bout.

Nakathila is ecstatic about his new rating.

“I feel like I'm becoming stronger and wiser with every fight. MTC Nestor Sunshine Promotions is like a family to me; I enjoy training, I'm focused on my boxing career, as I'm surrounded by world-class fighters in the gym.

“I could not have asked to be in a better place in my career right now. I'm now rated number three and I know that every win will bring me closer to number one.

“I want to thank the entire team and of course my fans for all the support,” said Nakathila.

The boxer has a professional record of 16 wins from 17 fights. He won 12 of his bouts by knockout and has suffered only one loss in his career.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

All Blacks defeat offers World Cup hope

September 18, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Ongwediva tayi ka futa ofamili yaJohannes oshimaliwa shooN$982 000

≪ Previous: Nakathila rated number 3

$

0

0

All Blacks defeat offers World Cup hope A rare defeat for the mighty All Blacks has offered a glimmer of hope to teams hoping to wrestle the Webb Ellis Cup away from them at next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The Springboks' 36-34 victory in Wellington this past weekend ended a 15-match winning streak for the All Blacks, who have dominated world rugby since winning their second World Cup title in England in 2015, after previous successes on home turf in 1987 and 2011.

Excluding the 24-21 defeat by the British and Irish Lions in the drawn series in 2017, it was New Zealand's first defeat at home since 2009.

With the 2019 Rugby World Cup just a year away, the result has been seized upon as evidence that there is at least a chink in the all-conquering team's formidable armour.

“We lost the game because we allowed South Africa to score 36 points and that's something that we can control as a team. It's a team game,” said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

Star All Black Beauden Barrett had an off-day with the boot, missing four of six shots at goal, and there were a number of elementary defensive errors you never normally associate with New Zealand.

But tellingly, South Africa, like the Lions in their drawn series, proved that a physically confrontational defence and competing at the breakdown can pay dividends against the attack-minded All Blacks.

Hansen rued the fact that Barrett did not go for a drop goal at the end of the match, which would have sealed the win, adding that the defeat might be a timely wake-up call for a side too used to victory.

“Sometimes in sporting events you can get things too easily and you mentally switch off a bit and when you play quality opposition they come back at you and it bites you,” Hansen said.

NAMPA/AFP

Ongwediva tayi ka futa ofamili yaJohannes oshimaliwa shooN$982 000

September 18, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Iikunino yiinamwenyo itayi tulululwa aantu - Shifeta

≪ Previous: All Blacks defeat offers World Cup hope

$

0

0

Ongwediva tayi ka futa ofamili yaJohannes oshimaliwa shooN$982 000 Elelo lyondoolopa yaNgwediva olya pyakudhukwa okufuta ofamili yaJohannes oshimaliwa sha thika pooN$982 000 omolwa evi lye ndyoka, elelo lyondoolopa ndjoka lya landitha po komunangeshefa gwomonooli yoshilongo Ben Zaaruka momvula yo2010.

Oontamanana dhevi pokati kaHaivela Johannes oshowo ehangano lyoStantoll properties odha pulakenwa mOmpangulilo yoPombanda mOshakati oshiwike sha piti.

Zaaruka okwa ningi eindilo lyompangu muMaalitsa nuumvo ta pula opo ofamili ndjoka kayi ye moshipala etungo netamununo lyehala lye lyoongeshefa. Etamununo lyehala lyoongeshefa lyOshana shopping mall olya kwatela mo oshitopolwa shevi shoohecta ne dhepya lyofamili yaJohannes. Ofamili ndjoka inayi futwa nonando elelo lyondoolopa olya landitha po oshitopolwa shoka shevi kuZaaruka kondando yoomiliyona 1.4.

Oonkundathana opo ofamili ndjoka yi futwe odha hulile mekwena lya thita. Namibian Sun oyuuvite kutya ofamili ndjoka oyali tayi pula oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 3 omolwa evi lyawo.

Mombaapila ndjoka ya shangwa momasiku ga 4 gaApilili, omunambelewa omukuluntu gwelelo lyondoolopa yaNgwediva, okwa shangele ofamili ndjoka omukanda moka ta popi kutya oya pyakudhukwa okufuta ofamili ndjoka oshimaliwa sha thika pooN$982 000 omolwa evi ndyoka ondoolopa ya landitha po koStantoll Properties.

“Nesimaneko taambiiko iifuta ya thika pooN$981 821.75 omolwa oshitopolwa shevi lyeni shoka sha gumwa kiilonga yoshitopolwa oshitiyali shetungo lyOshana Mall. Iifuta mbika oya kwatela mo iifuta yoshitopolwa shotango shooN$149 446.50, oshowo iifuta yoshitopolwa oshitiyali shooN$836 390.90.” Sho ya ningilwa omapulo, omupopiliko gwondoolopa yaNgwediva, Jackson Muma okwa popi kutya elelo olya tegelela eyamukulo okuza kofamili yaJohannes. “Elelo lyondoolopa olya pyakudhukwa okufuta ofamili ethimbo kehe. Etanga oli li momake gofamili, na oya pumbwa oya okuya kelelo lyondoolopa na otaya futwa,” Muma a popi. Oonkambadhala okumona omaiyuvo gaJohannes odha hulile muunyengwi. Oshiwike sha piti, oontamanana ndhoka odha pulakenwa mompangu kOmupanguli presidende Petrus Damaseb oshowo aapanguli Hosea Angula oshowo Shafimana Ueitele. Ompangu oya ningi etokolo muuwanawa wehangano lyoStantoll Properties, nokuya pitika ya tsikile niilonga yawo yetungo lyoshitopolwa oshitiyali shOshana Mall.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Iikunino yiinamwenyo itayi tulululwa aantu - Shifeta

September 18, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Jaguar launches EV charging network in SA

≪ Previous: Ongwediva tayi ka futa ofamili yaJohannes oshimaliwa shooN$982 000

$

0

0

Iikunino yiinamwenyo itayi tulululwa aantu - ShifetaElongo lyesimano lyiiyamakuti olya pumbiwa moshigwana Ominista yomidhingoloko Pohamba Shifeta oya popi kutya itayi ka pitika omwaalu guunene wiikunino yiinamwenyo gushunithwe pevi opo mu vule okutululwa aakwashigwana. Shifeta okwa popi ngaaka ta yamukula momathaneko ngoka ga ningwa, opo omwaalu gwuunene woshikunino shEtosha gushunithwe pevi momuvule okutulululwa aantu mehala ndyoka.

Omathaneko ngoka oga ningwa onga omagwedhelepo pethimbo lyoonkundathana kombinga dhevi ndhoka dha ningwa noshigwana muJuli nuumvo, miitopolwa ya yooloka. Ondokumnde yomagwedhelepo ngoka oya ngongwa po pethimbo mpoka oshilongo sha taalela eningo lyomutumba gwevi omutiyali gwopashigwana, ngoka tagu ningwa nuumvo kuyele muKotomba.

Ondokumende ndjoka oya kundathanwa oshiwike sha piti, pethimbo lyomutumba gwaakalelipo yiitopolwa, Omuprima Minista Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila oshowo oominista dhiikondo yil mwakwatelwa Ominista yOmavi, Utoni Nujoma oshowo Ominista yEmona, Calle Schlettwein.

Shifeta, ngoka a li ta popi pethimbo lyoshituthi shoka sha ningilwa moWaterberg National Park mehuliloshiwike, okwa popi kutya ita pitika iikunino yiinamwenyo yi ningwe po omahala gokukala aantu. Shifeta okwa tsikile kutya okwa kala nokuningwa omaindilo okuza moshigwana opo omahala ngoka ga ningwe po omashona, go ga vule okutulululwa aantu. Okwa tsikile kutya momahala gamwe, aakwashigwana oya tameka okuteta oondhalate dhiikunino mbyoka nokuyunga oontanda momahala ngoka. Okwa lopotwa omalukalwa ga ningwa momahala giinamwenyo ngaashi unene moshitopolwa shaZambezi, moka aakwashigwana ya tembukile pomahala ngoka niimuna yawo omolwa oomboola ndhoka dhi li mo, nokweettha iikolokosha pokati kaantu niiyamakuti. “Oye tu lombwele kutya oya mono omapitiko okuza kaaleli yopamuthigululwakalo.” Shifeta okwa tsu omuthindo kutya aaleli yopamuthigululwakalo kaye na uuthemba wokugandja po omahala giikunino yiiyamakuti, ngoka geli momake gepangelo.

“Oya landitha po nale evi kutse. Aaleli yopamuthigululwakalo kaye na uuthemba opo ya gandje po evi ndyoka. Itandi shi pitika, itandi pitika iikunino yetu yiinamwenyo yi ningwe po iishona.” Omahala ogendji oga tothwamo nokuninga iikunino yiinamwenyo konima sho oshilongo sha manguluka ngaashi Bwabwata, Mangetti oshowo Mudumu ngoka ga totwa po konima sho evi lya landwa ko okuza komalelo gopamuthigululwakalo.

Ondokumende ndjoka ya ngongwa oya pula woo omahala giikunino yiinamwenyo ga ningwe po omashona kokugandjwe po evi ndyoka kaakwashigwana mboka ya kala inaya talika monakuziwa ngaashi Aayelele.

Oonkundathana ndhoka nonando odhi li paumwene otadhi yamukula keindilo lyOmpangu yoPombanda ndyoka lya ningwa muMei gwomvula yo 2017 kaakwashigwana yomuhoko gwAaHai//Om San mboka taya popi kutya oshitopolwa shimwe po shEtosha oshawo oshowo oofaalama dhi li 11 momudhingoloko gwaMangetti. Otaya kalelwapo paveta kuAndrew Corbett (SC) oshowo Natasha Bassingsthwaite kelombwelo lyoLegal Assistance Centre. Shifeta okwa popi kutya uuministeli otawu tsikile nokuninga elongo lyoshigwana oshowo ooprograma dha nuninwa okuuvithako oshigwana noshindji osha pumbwa okuningwa natango. “Omahala getu giiyamakuti ngaashi Etosha oga dhingolokwa kaakwashigwana oshowo aanafaalama, onkene otwa pumbwa okuninga omahwahwameko gelongo opo tuuvitheko aantu kombinga yesimano lyiiyamakuti nekalepo lyomahala giikunino yiiyamakuti.”

Okwa popi kutya oshigwana nasho oshi na oshinakugwanithwa okupitila maaleli yawo ngaashi omalelo gopamuthigululwakalo mekondjitho lyomiyonena tadhi ningilwa iiyamakuti.



ELLANIE SMIT

Jaguar launches EV charging network in SA

September 18, 2018, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: TransNamib to get new board

≪ Previous: Iikunino yiinamwenyo itayi tulululwa aantu - Shifeta

$

0

0

Jaguar launches EV charging network in SAPlans for expansion to Namibia As the launch of the I-Pace electric car nears, Jaguar Land Rover is in the final stages of setting up the infrastructure to make electric motoring a feasible reality. MOTORPRESS



Jaguar, in partnership with electric vehicle charging authority GridCars, has laid the foundation for the future of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in South Africa with 82 new public charging stations in the country’s major hubs and along frequently travelled holiday routes.

The R30 million infrastructure investment will make day-to-day travel, as well as longer day trips and even very long journeys, possible for owners of electric vehicles, such as the soon to be introduced Jaguar I-PACE.

With a range of up to 470 km on a single charge, depending on driving style and conditions, an I-PACE will comfortably fit into most drivers’ lifestyles, whether it’s commuting to and from work on a daily basis, or travelling the long distances required for inter-city holiday destinations.

In addition to the publicly available charging stations to be installed in customer parking areas at every Jaguar Land Rover retailer in South Africa, a total of 30 public charging stations will be established at various points of convenience, such as shopping centres.

Some of South Africa’s city centres will now also be connected by the Jaguar Powerway - a series of 22 charging stations along the N3 between Gauteng and Durban and the N1 between Gauteng and Cape Town.

Cape Town will also be connected to the Garden Route with a series of charging stations along the N2 all the way to East London.

"As Jaguar we are proud to be setting the pace for the new generation of electric vehicles in Southern Africa. The launch of the Jaguar Powerway demonstrates our commitment to electrification technology and the future of mobility in our market. This new network provides peace of mind to our Jaguar I-PACE customers who can now experience more of their world with less range restrictions," said Richard Gouverneur, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa.

The majority of charging stations on the public network will be 60 kWh fast chargers, meaning 100 km of range will take around 20 minutes for Jaguar I-PACE owners. A charge from 0 to 80% will take around 72 minutes.

Every charging station will also be equipped with a 22kWh AC fast charger to accommodate plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).

Jaguar Land Rover owners will use an RFID card to activate the charging station and manage electricity billing to the card. Cards can be credited with simple EFT payments, much like cellphone airtime top-ups. Charging station electricity rates will also be discounted by 25% for all Jaguar Land Rover EV or PHEV owners.

At current estimates, with a 90kWh battery, a full recharge in an I-PACE will cost between N$ 270 and N$ 315 - a fraction of the fuelling costs of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

The entire Jaguar charging grid and Powerway is expected to be operational by the end of November 2018. The Jaguar I-PACE will be available in South Africa in the first quarter of 2019, with Namibia to follow once the necessary feasibility studies are completed and infrastructural groundwork has been laid.