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JJD says no to NFA presidency race

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JJD says no to NFA presidency raceJJD says no to NFA presidency race Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Former Namibia Premier League (NPL) chairman Johnny Doeseb has distanced himself from the Namibia Football Association (NFA) presidency race, saying he is only interested in taking care of his businesses and family.

With the NFA congress slated for December, the names of people who may be interested in the hot seat have emerged. This is especially so, given the possibility that the incumbent, Frans Mbidi, might opt to step down for good, amid a constitutional wrangle over his candidacy.

Doeseb, Black Africa boss Ranga Haikali and top football administrator Isaac Hamata are among those suggested by members of the public to take over the position.

“It is a nice gesture from people, but I seriously will not want to mix myself into football affairs anymore. I am done. All I want to do now is take care of my family and my business, which I feel needs me more,” Doeseb said.

Doeseb resigned from the NPL in February 2017, citing “tribalism and backstabbing” as the primary reasons for his departure.

Doeseb had held the league chairperson post since 2008.

Haikali and Hamata could not be reached for comment.

Govt intervenes in rugby fracas

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Govt intervenes in rugby fracasGovt intervenes in rugby fracasBacks NRU in dispute with business wing Government has recommended that the NRU nullifies its old contract with its business wing, the NRL. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa and Limba Mupetami



The sports ministry and the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) have recommended that the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) takes control of its affairs, without the interference of Namibia Rugby Limited (NRL).

This follows vicious infighting between the NRL and NRU over who exactly controls Namibian rugby.

The NRU is arguing that the NRL is trying to control the affairs of Namibian rugby, given the financial influence it has.

The NRL, which the business wing of Namibian rugby, is said to have influenced the appointment of coaches and management committees for the rugby national team.

Namibian Sun understands the two parties signed a contract that favoured the NRL, and which gave it more control over local rugby.

The squabbles between the two parties has resulted in the office of sports minister Erastus Uutoni and the NSC making recommendations that will suit the NRU.

Government has recommended that the NRU nullifies its old contract with the NRL, in order for the union to take their rightful place at the helm of Namibian rugby.

The NRL, however, has refused to terminate the contract without further consultations.

The NSC and the ministry have, however, maintained that the contract must be nullified and that a new contract must be drafted in favour of the NRU.

“The NSC and the ministry of sports only recognise the Namibia Rugby Union.

“In our last meeting, we also concluded that the NRL has more say in the matters of the national team and that must be changed.

“That is why the ministry and the NSC have recommended that the NRU takes back all its powers and be the authentic leaders of Namibian rugby,” NSC chairperson Freddy Mwiya said.

It was therefore also resolved that the NRU appoints the coach responsible for the selection of the Invitational XV team, scheduled to play against the Bulls Presidents Team this Saturday at the Hage Geingob Stadium.

The ministry has also called for a further probe into the appointment of two different coaches by the two bodies, which will take place after the game.

This is after the NRL appointed JP Nel as the coach of the Currie Cup team, replacing Welshman Lyn Jones who decided to quit the team.

The NRU on the other hand appointed Johan Diergaardt as the head coach of the Currie Cup team.

Based on the ministry’s recommendations, it appears as if Diergaardt is the rightful and authentic coach of the team, given the powers vested in the NRU by the line ministry.

Diergaardt insisted he was given the go-ahead to lead the troops in Saturday’s encounter. He, however, stepped away from the issues at hand and opted only to speak about the friendly match.

“I will be assisted by Nel and Engels. We have sent a list of possible names for approval to NRU and thus wait for approval. We want to expose and create opportunities for these players and to see the state of their fitness levels, as we prepare to tour in November.”

He, however, emphasised the post is not permanent and that he has not relinquished his job at Unam Rugby Club.

“Let’s start speaking positive about rugby. Let’s prepare the team for Saturday, let’s focus on the field and leave boardroom politics,” Diergaardt said.

Women's league to commence next weekend

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Women's league to commence next weekendWomen's league to commence next weekend Following years of domestic inactivity, Namibia's female footballers can smile again, as their league is set to kick off next weekend.

The much-anticipated local 2018/19 NFA Skorpion Zinc Women Super League was supposed to start this weekend, but was moved to next week, when the official launch will also take place, said Jacky Gertze from the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Women's Desk.

The league will see ten clubs competing against each other for the trophy. Head coach of Right Way FC, Immanuel Kamwiya, said the league provides opportunities for young players.

It also uplifts their respective communities and keeps girls off the street.

“It is a very crucial league because at the moment we have very few international footballers, and in order to export more players, we need an active league.

“There are girls who have talent and continue to show their skills, and who really have a lot to show potential international scouts,” Kamwiya said. He added that Namibia needs to take heed of the example set by South Africa, as they recently developed a relationship with the United States women's league, particularly the Houston Dash soccer team.

“This came as a result of an active league. Now the players are benefiting, as they are offered opportunities to play abroad,” Kamwiya said. The local women's league received sponsorship to the tune of N$700 000 this year, when the 2018 Skorpion Zinc Under-17 Cup was launched in July.

Tura Magic, Khomas Nampol, Galz & Goals, V-Power, Unam Bokkies, Nust Babes, Right Way, Namib Daughters, Omaheke Queens and Girls Academy will compete in the super league.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Ministry trumps regional councils

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Ministry trumps regional councilsMinistry trumps regional councilsWins eight medals at annual tournament All 14 regional councils, as well as the urban and rural development ministry, competed in soccer, netball, volleyball, tug-of-war and mini-athletics. The urban and rural development ministry dominated the Regional Councils Annual Sports Tournament, which was hosted by the Omaheke regional council in Gobabis.

The tournament ended last Friday with the ministry walking away four gold medals, three silver and one bronze.

All 14 regional councils, together with the ministry, competed in soccer, netball, volleyball, tug-of-war and mini-athletics.

The ministry won the football final against Omaheke, courtesy of a 5-3 penalty shootout triumph.

Khomas ended third, after beating Oshana. Monica Ipinge and Sara Nakanyala from the ministry won gold and silver medals in the women's 200m, after beating Mutero Runguro from Kavango East into third place.

Gold in the women's relay race went to the ministry, followed by Kavango East and Oshana.

The ministry also won gold in the men's relay race and were followed home by Oshana and Omusati in third place.

Kavango East won a total of six medals, and ended second on the overall table.

They defeated the ministry 3-2 in the final volleyball match, while Ohangwena came third by beating Oshana 2-0.

In the netball competition, Ludgela Nangura from Kavango East received the best goal shooter accolade.

She scored a total of 74 goals during the tournament.

Oshana received the third most medals, with a total of five.

On the netball court, Oshana won the final match against neighbouring Ohangwena, with a score of 14-10. Kavango East won third place against Hardap.

Oshana was also awarded the most disciplined regional council trophy for the third consecutive year.

The hosts, Omaheke, together with Hardap and Omusati, received the fourth most medals - a total of three each.

Omaheke beat Otjozondjupa in the tug-of-war final, while Zambezi won third place against Oshana.

In football, Omaheke's Dominikus Ganeb received the top goal scorer trophy for scoring a total of nine goals during the tournament.

Isak Pedul and Graham Diergaardt from Hardap won gold and bronze, respectively, in the men's 100m race, while Simion Kandjala from Omusati won silver.

Pedul also won gold in the men's 200m race, beating Longimus Ipumbu (silver) and Buta Joachim (bronze) from Oshana and Kavango East, respectively.

Letitia Festus from Omusati won gold in the women's 100m, beating Monica Ipinge (silver) and Sara Nakanyala (bronze), both from the ministry.

Ohangwena received a total of two medals during the tournament, while Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, Khomas and Erongo each received one medal, with Jackey Eiseb from Erongo being awarded the top goalkeeper accolade.

//Karas, Kunene, Oshikoto and Kavango West did not win any medals during the tournament.

Next year's tournament will be hosted by the Ohangwena regional council.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

First division playoffs confirmed

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First division playoffs confirmedFirst division playoffs confirmed Promotion playoff matches for the country's first divisions have been confirmed, with Grootfontein, Outjo and Mariental scheduled to host the clashes.

The North West Stream First Division (NWSFD) playoffs will be held this coming weekend, with the North East Stream First Division (NESFD) and Southern Stream First Division (SSFD) clashes slated for 29 and 30 September.

The playoffs will see seven teams from the three streams promoted to their respective leagues. The NESFD will see regional winners from Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Omusati and Oshana vying for two spots, while the SSFD will see winners from Hardap, //Karas, Omaheke, Khomas and Erongo playing for three spots.

Zambezi, Ohangwena, Kavango West, Kavango East and Oshikoto's regional winners will compete for two spots in the NWSFD.

The matches will be played on a round robin basis with the top two in the NESFD and NWSFD, and three teams from the SSFD gaining promotion to their respective streams.

The Omulunga Stadium in Grootfontein will host the NWSFD matches, with Kantema Bullets facing Young Western Fighters at 08:00 in the first match on Saturday, followed by Eeshoke Chulachula battling Safile United at 10:00.

Bush Bucks will go up against Kantema Bullets at 12:00, while Young Western Fighters will confront Eeshoke Chulachula at 14:00.

At 16:00, Safile United will go head-to-head against Kantema Bullets, with the penultimate match between Eeshoke Chulachula and Bush Bucks taking place at 18:00, followed by the last match of the day between Young Western Fighters and Safile United at 20:00.

Sunday's first match will see Safile United do battle against Bush Bucks at 10:00, followed by Kantema Bullets and Eeshoke Chulachula at 12:00.

At 14:00, Bush Bucks and Young Western Spurs will bring the curtain down on the playoffs.

NAMPA

Ya pewa omboloha yooN$4 000

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Ya pewa omboloha yooN$4 000Ya pewa omboloha yooN$4 000 Aalumentu yane mboka ya li ya tulwa miipandeko momwedhi Juni, konima sho ya dhenge omulumentu gwoomvula 28 mongeleka pOdibo, ngoka a hulitha lwanima oya pewa omboloha yoshimaliwa shooN$4000 kehe gumwe nomakonaakono goshiyetithi sheso inaga vula okuulika kutya oshike sha titha eso lyomulumentu ngoka.

Aafekelwa mboka oya tumbulwa komadhina kutya Matias Nakale oshowo Petrus Weyulu Mweendobe, ayehe yoomvula 21, naafekelwa yaali yoomvula 17. Mboka oyali ya tulwa miipandeko omolwa eso lyaTitus Kaluvi ngoka a ponokelwa mongeleka yaAnglican mOdibo moshitopolwa shaHangwena momasiku 9 gaJuni. Kaluvi okwa hulitha pethimbo a thiki poshipangelo sha St Mary's shoka shi li owala oometa dhotumba okuza pongeleka ndjoka.

Nonando ongaaka oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun osha nongele kutya aafekelwa mboka itaya tamanekelwa we oshipotha shedhipago ihe oshipotha shedhengo sho onzapo yeso ya holola kutya oshiyetithi sheso lyaKaluvi inashi vula okumonika.

Omolwa oshipotha oshipe shoka ya taalela, aafekelwa mboka oya ningi eindilo lyomboloha na oya pewa omboloha yoshimaliwa shooN$4000, kehe gumwe, mompangulilo yaMangestrata mOhangwena. Shoka oha uvitha nayi ofamili yanakusa ndjoka ya popi kutya aafekelwa oya dhenge Kaluvi miipathi yaantu oyendji na kaya uviteko kutya omolwashike oshiyetithi sheso inashi vula okumonika.

MuJuni omunambelewa omupopiliko gwopolisi yaHangwena, Warrant Officer Abner Itumba okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya aafekelwa mboka oya yi mongeleka lwopotundi onti 00:45 moka mwa li mu na ohungi yiilyo yoStudent Christian Movement (SCM).

Sho ya yi mongeleka ndjoka, Kaluvi okwe ya pula opo ya kutheko ombale gawo komitse ihe oya tokola okuya pondje, na omanga ya li taya piti pondje, Kaluvi okwa kambadhala oku edhila omweelo gwongeleka. Aafekelwa mboka oye mu nana melapi lye lyomothingo na oya tameke oku mu dhenga.

Ofamili oya popi kutya kape na uumbangi kutya nakusa okwa li e na uuvu wontumba.

“Kashi li mondjila omuntu gwetu a dhengwa nokuhulitha lwanima ihe oonakumuponokela miipathi yaantu oyendji oye li yamanguluka sho ya pewa omboloha. Otwa hala uuyuuki meso lyaKaluvi osha hala okutya ngiini sho taya ti oshiyetihi sheso inashi monika” Sho a ningilwa omapulo, Itumba owa popi kutya ngele ofamili inayi pandula oshizemo shoka, nayi ka konge ekwatho komunambelewa omukonaakoni gwoshipotha shoka opo ya vule okufalwa komundohotola ngoka a ningi omakonaakono ngoka, e ya yelithile.

Okwa popi kutya osha pumba noonkondo opo ku kale inaku monika oshiyetithi sheso, pethimbo lyomakonaakono ihe ohashi vulu okuholoka. Itumba okwa popi kutya omakonaakono onkene taga tsikile moshipotha shoka, okutya owala aafekelwa itaya pangulilwa we oshipotha sheso ihe oshipotha shedhengo.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Omukithi gwoHepatitis E gwa lopotwa mondoolopa yaNdangwa

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Omukithi gwoHepatitis E gwa lopotwa mondoolopa yaNdangwaOmukithi gwoHepatitis E gwa lopotwa mondoolopa yaNdangwa Elelo lyondolopa yaNdangwa otali tembudhile aalandithi ayehe momomapandaanda komatala gokulandithila gaayehe mondoolopa ndjoka, onga oonkambahala tadhi ningwa kondoolopa ndjoka mokukondjitha omukithi gwohepatitis E ngoka gwa lopotwa mondoolopa.

Uuministeli wuundjolowele owa lopotwa kutya okwa dhidhilikwa iipotha yomukithi ngoka yi li 24 moshilongo okuza muApilili sigo omwedhi Juli, niipotha 12 oya lopotwa mOndangwa.

Elelo olya tameka nale okutembula aalandithi mboka haya landithile mokati kondoolopa ndjoka, popepi nostola yaShoprite oshowo oPick n Pay.

Omupopiliko gwelelo lyondoolopa yaNdangwa, Petrina Shitalangaho, okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya oya tokola petameko lyomwedhi nguka, opo aalandithili ayehe yomomapndanda ya kale taya landithile momatala gokulandithila. Okwa popi kutya itaya tidha aalandithi mboka ihe oye na omaipulo kombina yuundjolowele mondoolopa, molwaashoka mpoka taya landithile kape na uuyogoki yo yamwe otaya landithile woo poondjila, shoka natango shi li sha nika oshiponga.

Okwa popi kutya aalandithi otaya tembudhilwa koABC oshowo komatala gaNdjondjo.

Elelo olya ningi omutumba mEtiyali naalandithi, tali ya tseyithile kombinga yetokolo ndyoka lya ningwa opo ya tembudhilwe komatala gaayehe gokulandithila.





“Kakele kegameno lyawo, otwe ya tseyithile woo kombinga yomaipulo getu kombinga yuundjolwele wiilandithomwa mbyoka haya landitha kookastoma.”

Aalandithi mboka oya popi kutya oya hala okulandithila pomahala mpoka taya mono ongeshefa nokomatala hoka taya tulwa oguudha nale noonkondo aalandithi, na kaku na omahala gawo.

Shitalangaho okwa yamukula kutya omatala omape gokulandithila mondoolopa moka otaga tungwa momumvo nguka gwoshimaliwa.

ILENI NANDJATO

Epangelo lya tindi okulanda oohecta dhevi dhi li poomiliyona 5

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Epangelo lya tindi okulanda oohecta dhevi dhi li poomiliyona 5Epangelo lya tindi okulanda oohecta dhevi dhi li poomiliyona 5Evi lyoohecta 3 olya tulululwa aakwashigwana Muule woomvula 25 dha piti epangelo lyaNAmibia olya landa oohecta dhevi dhi li poomiliyona 3 ihe olya tindi okulanda oohecta dhevi lyuunafaalama okuza koshikondo shopaumwene, dhi li poomiliyona ntano. Epangelo okwa lopotwa lya landa oofaalama dhi li po 496 moka mwa tulululwa aantu ye li po 5 352.

Oshitopolwa oshinene shevi osha landwa moshitopolwa sha Otjozondjupa Region moka mwa tindwa woo kepangelo omwaalu omunene gwevi, sho lya tindi okulanda po evi lyuunene woohecta dhi li pomiliyona 1.59 ndyoka lya kalela po oofaalama dhi li 432, omanga lya landa po owala evi lyuunene woohecta 282 549.

Oshitopolwa shoka okwa lopotwa natango kutya osho shi na omwaalu guli pombanda gwevi li li momake gaazaizai.

Uuyelele mboka owa hololwa kiizemo yomapekaapeko taga ithanwa Namibia Land Statistics Booklet mbyoka ya pitithwa koNamibia Statistics Agency.

Oshitopolwa shaKhomas oshi na omwaalu omushona gwevi lya tindwa okulanda po kepangelo, sho mwa landwa owala evi lyuunene woohecta dhi li 86 283 omanga oofaalama dhi li 37 dhuunene woohecta 157 320 dha tindwa.

Moshitopolwa shaShikoto mwa tindwa kepangelo omwaalu gwevi lyuunene woohecta dhi li 333 950 omanga evi lyuunene woohecta 64 558 lya landwa po kepangelo.

Moshitopolwa shaMaheke mwa tindwa kepangelo omwaalu gwevi lyuunene woohecta dhi li 816 833 omanga evi lyuunene woohecta 426 220 lya landwa po kepangelo.

Moshitopolwa shaKunene mwa tindwa kepangelo omwaalu gwevi lyuunene woohecta dhi li 779 627 omanga evi lyuunene woohecta 298 469 lya landwa po kepangelo.

Moshitopolwa sha //Karas Region, mwa tindwa kepangelo omwaalu gwevi lyuunene woohecta dhi li 560 965 omanga evi lyuunene woohecta 927 366 lya landwa po kepangelo.

Moshitopolwa shaHardap, omwa tindwa kepangelo omwaalu gwevi lyuunene woohecta dhi li 694 630 omanga evi lyuunene woohecta 689 445 lya landwa po kepangelo.



Moshitopplwa shErongo omwa tindwa kepangelo omwaalu gwevi lyuunene woohecta dhi li 227 698 omanga evi lyuunene woohecta 211 067 lya landwa po kepangelo.

Olopota oya tsikile kutya oshitopolwa shaShikoto oshi na omwaalu omunene gwaantu ya tulululwa moofaalama ndhoka dha landwa ko kepangelo, sho aantu ye li pe 1 499 ya tulululwa moshitopolwa shoka, sha landulwa koshitopolwa shamaheke moka aantu ye li pe 1 455 ya tulululwa omanga oshitopolwa shErongo shin a omwaalu omushona gwaantu ya tulululwa sho mwa tulululwa owala aantu yeli 76.

Oohecta dhilwe dha thika poomiliyna 6.4 odha monika okupitila moAgricultural Bank of Namibia pokati komvula yo 1992 nomvula 2018.

Oohecta dhi li oomiliyona 3.4 dhomoohecta ndhoka odha monika okipitila moAffirmative Action Loan Scheme Programme, omanga oombaanga dha futile oohecta dhi li poomiliyona 2.8 naakiintu yoopresenda 10 oye Ii oonakumona evi ndyoka okupitila moprogramma yoAALS.

Olopota oya holola kutya omatsokumwe gokuhiila evi geli po 442 oga pewa oonaakutulululwa, moka ge li 236 ga pewa aalumentu omanga geli pe 192 ga pewa aakiintu. Omatsokumwe geli 14 oga pewa iiputudhilo. Omaheke oge na omwaalu guli pombanda gwoonakupewa omatsokumwe ngoka ya landulwa koshitopolwa shaHardap.



Evi moNamibia

ONamibia Agricultural Union, ndjoka ya gandja omwaalu ogundji guuyelele moka wa longithwa molopota ndjoka oya pula NSA a tale kevi lyuunafaalama moNamibia alihe.

“Evi lyaayehe moka tamu ningilwa uunamapya oli li poohecta dhili oomiliyona 28 okuyeleka nevi lyuunafaalama wopangeshefa ndyoka li li poohecta 38, onkene evi lyuunamapya otali dhana onkandangala onene na olya pumbwa okutalika.”

NAU natango okwa pula NSA a tothemo evi lyuunamapya ndyoka tali longitha miinyangadhalwa yokumina oshowo evi ndyoka lyuunafaalama li li momake gepangelo, nevi ndyoka inali pumbwa okutalika onga oshitopolwa shevi lyuunamapya li li momake goonakumona uuwanawa mboka nale.

Palopota ndjoka evi lyaNamibia olya kwatelwa mo oopresenda 23 dhevi dhoka dhi li momake gepangelo, oopresenda 35 dhevi lyaayehe, oopresenda 42 dhevi lyuunafaalama wopangeshefa. Momvula yo 2010 epangelo olya li li na evi lyoopresenda 20, evi lyaayehe ya li poopresenda 36 omanga evi lyuunafaalama lya li poopresenda 44.

Olopota oya tsikile kutya moohecta dhevi lyoomiliyona 39.7 lyevi lyuunafaalama, oohecta oomiliyona 27.9 odhi li momake gaanafaalama mboka ya kala inaya talika nale omanga aakwashigwana mboka ya kala inaya talika nale yena oopresenda 16.

Olopota natango oya holola kutya epangelo oli na oohecta dhevi lyuunafaalama oomiliyona 5.4 omanga aakiintu ye na oopresenda 23 dhevi ndyoka.

Mevi lyuunafaalama oohecta dhevi dhi li poomiliyona 38.3 oshili momake gaaNamibia omanga oomiliyona 1.2 dhi li momake gaazaizai.

Oshitopolwa shaTjozondjupa oshi na omwaalu omunene gwaazaizai ye na evi, sho omwaalu gwevi li li momake gaazaizai moshitopolwa shoka guli poohecta 206 523 dhevi moshitopolwa shoka, ihe nonando ongaaka oshitopolwa oshinene shevi shi li momake gaazaizai osha dhidhilikwa moshitopolwa sha//Karas moka aazaizai ye na oofaalama dhi li po 49 huunene wevi lyoohecta 349 220.

AaGerman okwa lopotwa ye na oohecta dhevi dhi li po 639 667 yalandulwa kAaSouth Afrika mboka ye na oohecta dhevi dhi li 353 nAamerika oye na oohecta dhevi dhi li 82 024.

Evi lyomuhanga pokati kAaNamibia naazaizai okwa lopotwa li li poohecta 177 052.

ELLANIE SMIT

Push to honour genocide heroes

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Push to honour genocide heroesPush to honour genocide heroesMany of our people were buried under the sand Ovaherero historian Festus Muundjua has made a call for the dignified unveiling of human remains at Shark Island. Culture minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has called for a national debate on how to honour the fallen heroes of the German genocide, in particular those who perished at or en route to the Shark Island concentration camp.

Hanse-Himarwa responded to a call from local historian Festus Muundjua, who urged the minister to arrange for a “solemn, respectful and dignified” unveiling of human remains at Shark Island and its surrounding areas.

“Basically, wherever people have fallen during the genocide years is a national issue. This requires a national debate and consensus on how we are going to honour them. Honouring those people is not negotiable; it is something that must be done,” Hanse-Himarwa said.

Muundjua referred in particular to the narrative that it cost one Ovaherero life to construct 100 metres of the Lüderitz railway line.

“If you have travelled from Keetmanshoop to Lüderitz and have seen the terrain of the Namib Desert in hot summers and freezing winters, imagine the Ovaherero people that worked there, carrying those heavy steel rails on their shoulders for hours on end, while enduring thirst and hunger, and with a ruthless German soldier, sjambok in hand, behind you,” said Muundjua.

He added the remains of these labourers too must be treated with dignity, just like the skulls in Germany.

“Many of our people died on the way and were buried under the sand dunes or in shallow graves. Some of their bones were collected by Ida Hoffmann and I think she buried them already,” he said.

Muundjua believes more awareness must be raised and Namibian youth must be taught about the realities of the 1904-08 genocide.

He highlighted Swakopmund as a focal point of that dark era, emphasising the terrible history of genocide began there.

“All the colonial agents such as missionaries, traders, lebensraum seekers, scientists, geologists, hydrologists, mineralogists, hunters, exterminators, camels, horses, drums of poison for poisoning water points, etc. disembarked at Swakopmund,” he said.

According to Muundjua, the Nama and Ovaherero who were taken to Cameroon and Togo, and the skulls taken to Germany, were shipped from Swakopmund.

“What used to be the biggest concentration camp, now a graveyard with some of the headless bodies that lie beneath the soil, is in Swakopmund. The street where our people were being killed is still there; and not far away from that the very church where the fresh heads of our people were boiled, cleaned and then packed in boxes to be shipped to Germany, is still there in Swakopmund.”

Although he feels there are hypocrites among present-day Germans, Muundjua is hopeful that one good day there will be a genuine paradigm shift on the part of German politicians, who do not want to come to terms with what their forebears did to the Nama and Ovaherero.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Phosphate submissions close next week

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Phosphate submissions close next weekPhosphate submissions close next week Interested and affected parties have until 28 September to submit their inputs on an environmental impact assessment report for a marine phosphate mining project located near Walvis Bay.

The environment ministry announced the closing date last Friday on its webpage.

“The environmental assessment report and all other relevant documents related to Namibian Marine Phosphate Mining License No. 170 are available for inspection at the Office of the Environmental Commissioner,” it said.

Therefore all interested and affected parties are invited to inspect and submit their comments in writing to the ministry on or before 17:00 on 28 September.

This follows a ruling on 21 June by environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, when he set aside the environmental clearance certificate granted to Namibian Marine Phosphate on September 2016.

The clearance certificate was issued by environmental commissioner Theofillius Nghitila for the so-called Sandpiper Project that is located about 120 km southwest of Walvis Bay.

In November 2017, the clearance certificate was withdrawn following a public outcry, court applications and an appeal by community activist Michael Gawaseb.

A court ruled earlier this year that NMP was not given a fair hearing when their certificate was withdrawn, and therefore Shifeta decided to hold a public hearing on the matter.

Delivering his judgment on the matter, Shifeta said the certificate granted to NMP was set aside.

He said the environmental commissioner should notify the fisheries ministry, the fishing industry and all other interested parties to finalise their inputs and submit them within three months.

“The whole process of consultation should be completed within six months from today,” said Shifeta. “This order is with immediate effect and binds all parties, directly or indirectly affected.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Company news in brief

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Company news in briefCompany news in brief Eskom delays completion of new strategy

South African power firm Eskom said on Tuesday it had delayed the date on which its new long-term strategy would be completed, potentially unsettling investors anxious for clues as to how the struggling state firm plans to bolster its finances.

Cash-strapped Eskom has said the new strategy will assess whether its current business model is sustainable, or whether the firm should be broken up into separate entities overseeing power generation, distribution and transmission.

It will also consider ways of addressing Eskom's declining electricity sales, shrinking cash flow and ballooning debt.

Eskom now plans for the strategy to be submitted to its board on Nov. 15, as opposed to the end of this month, it said in a statement.

Eskom is South Africa's most indebted state firm and supplies more than 90 percent of the country's power, making it critical to the health of Africa's most industrialised economy. – Nampa/Reuters

Car sales surge before stiffer EU emissions tests

Renault, Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler led a 29.8% European car sales surge last month, the main regional industry body said, as automakers used discounts to clear inventory ahead of tougher emissions tests.

Registrations across Europe rose to 1.17 million cars, well above usual levels for the slow month of August and the 902 870 achieved in the same month last year, Brussels-based ACEA said yesterday.

The tougher new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test (WLTP) became mandatory on Sept. 1, forcing carmakers including Renault and Volkswagen to halt deliveries of some model versions that had yet to be re-certified for emissions.

Ahead of the deadline, many boosted financial incentives and registrations of their own new vehicles to be sold on the used car market, analysts have said.

Forecasters expect the market surge to be offset by a sales slowdown in the remaining months of the year, in which the August discounters are likely to come off worse. – Nampa/Reuters

Bayer on US-China trade war

Bayer said on Tuesday it would be difficult to predict 2019 earnings at its agriculture business, which now includes Monsanto, because a US-Chinese trade dispute could reroute global trade flows in farming commodities.

The head of Bayer's crop science division said his company could even benefit if US farmers switched to grow more corn to avoid barriers to the soy trade imposed by China in response to US tariffs on Chinese products.

The combination of Bayer-Monsanto has a much bigger market share in corn seeds and related crop protection products than in the soy market, so it could capture more of that growth.

"The big unknown next year will be how US farmers react to the Chinese-US trade war," Liam Condon said.

The Monsanto takeover made Bayer the world's largest maker of seeds and pesticides, ahead of DowDuPont's Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta and BASF.

China said on Tuesday it had no choice but to retaliate against new US trade tariffs, raising the risk that US President Donald Trump could soon impose duties on virtually all of the Chinese goods that America buys. – Nampa/Reuters

Coca-Cola buys Australia's kombucha maker

Coca-Cola Co said on Tuesday it bought Australia-based Organic & Raw Trading Co, known for its Mojo brand of kombucha tea, extending its push into healthier drinks.

The world's largest drinks company has been increasingly diversifying its portfolio to include healthier options such as sparkling waters as consumers move away from sugary sodas.

Organic & Raw's Mojo kombucha is a naturally fermented tea.

Coke has been on a deal spree, ranging from a US$5.1 billion acquisition of coffee chain Costa to a minority stake in a Kobe Bryant-backed sports drink brand BodyArmor last month.

The latest deal, the terms for which were not disclosed, will allow Coca-Cola to add Mojo brands to its portfolio of 165 products and 25 brands across Australia. – Nampa/Reuters

Bids for GSK India Horlicks business

Nestle, Unilever and Coca-Cola are among bidders for

GlaxoSmithKline's Indian Horlicks nutrition business, expected to fetch more than US$4 billion, four people familiar with the matter said.

Initial bids were due on Monday and the three consumer goods giants are seen as frontrunners for a business that offers a significant footprint in a fast-growing emerging market.

Even though Indian shoppers have lately been pressured by a currency devaluation and goods and service tax, the country's growing population and rising wealth make it attractive for companies trying to offset weak growth in Western markets.

GSK Chief Executive Emma Walmsley, who took over last year, is looking to sharpen the focus of what is one of the world's more diversified pharmaceuticals companies.

The main asset on the block is GSK's 72.5% stake in its Indian subsidiary GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, which is famous for Horlicks but also makes products including the chocolate-flavoured malt-based drink Boost. – Nampa/Reuters

Khorixas town council owed over N$50m

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Khorixas town council owed over N$50mKhorixas town council owed over N$50m Government ministries with offices in Khorixas owe the town council more than N$50 million and some of the debt is more than three years old.

Khorixas CEO, Andreas /Howoseb in an interview with Nampa, said his office is concerned because the local authority continues to provide the services and yet the ministries, agencies, and some business owners and households, fail to pay for them.

He singled out the health and sports ministries, as well as a local lodge, saying their total debts amount to millions of dollars.

/Howoseb said N$29 million is owed to the town council for water consumption, while more than N$21 million is owed in rates and taxes.

“A few households also owe us money, but some of them have made arrangements with us on how they intend to pay their debts. We appreciate that,” he said.

The CEO called on the ministries and residents to pay off their debts or make arrangements with his office for payment by signing 'soft contracts' on how they intend to clear their debt dating back to 2015.

He also urged residents to refrain from stealing manhole covers, saying they do so to sell the covers to scrapyards.

/Howoseb also asked that residents stop dumping unwanted objects in the drains.

“We experience constant overflowing of drainage systems and we are often shocked to find old blankets, mops and clothes in the drains, nearly on a weekly basis,” he said.

The town's mayor Elizabeth Geises added that the problem is exacerbated by the fact that the sewerage system is old.

“I am disturbed by the continuous bursting of pipes and overflowing of drains. It is unhygienic for all of us,” she said.

Khorixas has a population of roughly13 000 people.

NAMPA

Shocking twist in church death

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Shocking twist in church deathShocking twist in church deathAutopsy wipes murder charge An indeterminate cause of death has reduced the charge of murder to assault for four suspects. Murder charges against four suspects, who were arrested in June for allegedly beating a 28-year-old man to death in a church, have been reduced to assault, after a post-mortem could not determine the cause of death.

This shocking development led to Matias Nakale and Petrus Weyulu Mweendobe, both aged 21, and two 17-year-olds being released on bail of N$4 000 each.

Titus Kaluvi was attacked in the Anglican Church at Odibo in Ohangwena on 9 June.

He was declared dead on arrival at St Mary's Hospital, situated a few metres from the church.

The four suspects were initially charged with murder, but Namibian Sun has learnt the death certificate, following a post-mortem, indicates the cause of death as “undetermined”.

After the charges were reduced from murder to assault, the four suspects applied for bail and were released by the Ohangwena Magistrate's Court.

The family of the victim, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspects assaulted Kaluvi in the presence of many witnesses, and they do not understand why the cause of death could not be determined.

At the time of the incident, Ohangwena police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Abner Itumba, told Namibian Sun the four suspects entered the Anglican Church at around 00:45, while the Student Christian Movement (SCM) was having a social evening.

Itumba said Kaluvi has asked them to remove their caps.

The suspects then decided to leave.

While they were exiting, Kaluvi attempted to close the church door and they attacked him.

A family member said this week there is no proof that the victim was suffering from any illness.

“It is not fair; the people attacked him in full view of many witnesses are roaming around, as they were granted bail. We want justice for Kaluvi's death. What do they mean by the cause of death is undetermined?”

Itumba said if the family is not happy with what is written on the death certificate, they have the right to approach the investigative officer.

They will then be directed to the doctor who conducted the post-mortem, if they need clarity.

Itumba explained it is rare for a doctor not determine the cause of death, after conducting a post-mortem, but it sometimes happens.

He said this does not mean that the investigations have been finalised.

“We are still investigating the case, but the four are not being charged with murder. They are facing assault charges,” Itumba added.



KENYA KAMBOWE

Telecom to cut outstanding accounts on Sunday

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Telecom to cut outstanding accounts on SundayTelecom to cut outstanding accounts on Sunday Telecom Namibia has announced that it will suspend the accounts of all of its customers who are in arrears for more than 30 days.

“Customers should pay their arrears in full. All customers above 30 days with amounts above N$100 will be included in the suspension,” Telecom said in a statement this week.

Its spokesperson, Oiva Angula, in August said that the cuts would be wide-ranging and that there would be legal action against those who had defaulted on their accounts.

“Defaulters include government ministries, hospitals, institutions of education, state-owned enterprises, embassies, construction companies, individuals, small and medium enterprises, very influential people, and residential users,” he said at the time.

The decision to suspend the services of customers was not an easy decision to make, he said.

“As we have said in the past, the suspension of services as a result of non-payment remains an agonising decision for Telecom, however we take solace in the fact that we spared no effort to collect outstanding debts amicably. All efforts and communication have been made in an attempt to manage this process given the country's macro-economic state,” Angula said.

According to him, Telecom was also consistently advising customers to settle their accounts to avoid paying administrative fees.

“Telecom Namibia constantly advises customers to be punctual with their payments before the due date so as to avoid incurring the monthly administrative fees for any late payments, and the occurrence of reconnection fees when lines are disconnected,” Angula said.

“We urge all customers to ensure that their overdue bills are fully paid up via cash at Teleshops or NamPost outlets countrywide, or to make electronic transfers. Suspended accounts that have been neglected for a long time will result in Telecom Namibia taking legal action,” Angula said.

The company had in the beginning of the year announced that it was owed N$400 million.

OGONE TLHAGE

Africa in brief

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Africa in briefAfrica in brief Donors halt aid to Zambian social-welfare scheme

Britain and Finland have frozen funding to Zambia on suspicion that US$4 million they channelled into a social welfare scheme may have been misused, the Zambian presidency said on Tuesday.

The social cash transfer scheme is a donor-supported programme under which the government relays money to vulnerable households in rural areas in Africa's No.2 copper producer.

The British High Commissioner to Zambia, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet, said in a tweet that Britain had frozen all bilateral funding until audit results are known. "[Britain] takes a zero tolerance approach to fraud and corruption," he said.

Officials from Finland did not immediately comment.

Presidential spokesman Amos Chanda said President Edgar Lungu ordered an inquiry three months ago into possible "misuse" of the aid funds between 2012 and now, and a number of suspects were due to be prosecuted.

– Nampa/Reuters

Britain will support interim programme for Zim

Britain will support Zimbabwe to get on to an interim IMF staff programme to help the country quickly clear its foreign arrears, Britain's ambassador in Harare said on Tuesday,

Clearing the US$1.8 billion in arrears to the World Bank and African Development Bank is seen as a major step for Zimbabwe to start accessing foreign credit, especially for the private sector as well as foreign direct investment.

Zimbabwe's finance minister Mthuli Ncube said President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government was still deciding whether to follow the Highly Indebted Poor Country route or a commercial deal to clear the arrears.

Only then would it come up with a timeline to pay the arrears, he said, adding that he would launch an economic stabilisation programme next month.

Zimbabwe, which is trying to shake off its international pariah tag, started defaulting on its foreign debt in 1999.

– Nampa/Reuters

Kenya proposes tax hike on money transfer services

Kenya's president has proposed hiking taxes on mobile money transfer services and other money transfer services, documents sent to parliament this month showed, amid a tussle in government over how to boost revenues without hurting the poor.

Uhuru Kenyatta proposed increasing the excise duty on mobile money transfer fees from 10% to 12%.

The latest proposal comes as Kenyatta, re-elected last year after an extended and bloody election, seeks to implement planned tax hikes and other measures in this year's budget that were designed to fund a range of government development goals including universal healthcare and affordable housing.

Lawmakers and some members of the public have resisted the measures, particularly a new tax on petroleum products. Kenyatta said on Friday the tax is necessary, but that he wanted to cut it to 8% from 16%.

Kenya's biggest mobile phone operator Safaricom said in June it is opposed to a proposed tax rise on mobile phone-based transfers, arguing that it would likely mostly hurt the poor, most of whom do not have bank accounts and rely on mobile transfer services such as Safaricom's M-Pesa.

– Nampa/Reuters

Egypt sees surge in share offerings

A surge of new share offerings over the next few months will test whether Egypt can withstand emerging market contagion after currency crises that rattled Turkey and Argentina last month.

The government hopes offerings in five state-controlled firms already trading on the stock exchange will help trim its budget deficit.

Five private companies planning initial public offerings (IPOs) by the end of the year are seeking to spur investment and private-sector growth, which has been moribund since Egypt's 2011 uprising. A sixth private company plans a rights issue.

Economists say international participation would help appetite among local investors but international market volatility may be chasing them away.

Egypt is working on selling shares in at least 23 state-owned companies over the next few years. Analysts say much of the state sector has been suffering heavy losses and companies need major management overhauls and modernisation.

– Nampa/Reuters

Uganda to require telecoms firms to list

Uganda will introduce a requirement for all telecoms firms to list shares on the local bourse as a condition for obtaining a licence to operate in the country, a government statement said on Tuesday.

The statement on resolutions agreed at a cabinet meeting said the move would "help mitigate capital flight, among other benefits."

Outlining a series of changes for the telecoms industry, the statement also said the cabinet agreed at a meeting on Monday to renew the operating licence of the local unit of South African telecom company MTN Group.

However, it was not immediately clear whether that was conditional on the new requirements for operators.

The new policy will also bar operators from selling their allocated spectrum in any merger or acquisition deal.

– Nampa/Reuters

Gun law to be amended

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Gun law to be amendedGun law to be amendedBill ready for tabling in parliament An amendment bill making provision for mandatory firearm competence tests, among other restrictions, has been submitted to the National Assembly for tabling and debate. More than 100 armed robberies were reported to the Namibian police between May and July this year, in line with nearly the same number of gun-related robberies committed in the same three-month periods in 2016 and 2017.

Statistics released by the ministry of safety and security show that between May and July this year, 107 armed robberies took place across Namibia, 104 over the same period last year and 97 in 2016.

Moreover, 90 crimes involving the pointing of a firearm at a person were reported in that same period this year, 74 in 2017 and 88 in 2016.

Firearm thefts reported between May and July this year amounted to 37, compared to 50 during the same period in 2017 and 46 in 2016.

Ninety-one cases of unauthorised possession of a firearm were logged over the three-month period this year, compared to 45 in 2017 and 33 in 2016.

The ministry yesterday confirmed that in line with concerns that the existing gun law is contributing to armed robberies and other firearm-related crimes, a finalised draft amendment to the Arms And Ammunition Act was submitted to parliament in August for consideration and tabling.

It is unclear when the amendment will be tabled.



Compulsory

The ministry said the amendments include a mandatory competency test, which includes theoretical and practical tests, to ensure that firearm owners can safely handle the firearms they own.

The ministry said compulsory testing before a permit is issued would help the ministry maintain an accurate database on firearm ownership. Applicants for a gun licence will be required to undergo training, and officials will interview relatives, friends and others before determining whether the applicant can be issued a licence.

The bill would also introduce compulsory renewal of gun licences after a set period, which could not be confirmed by the ministry.

The renewal will require another round of checks to ensure that licence holders remain fit to possess a firearm. A report released by Small Arms Survey in June stated that at 15.4 guns per 100 people, Namibia had the second highest per capita civil possession of firearms in Africa, totalling 396 000 privately owned guns.

The survey estimated that 195 990 of these were illegal and 200 010 legal firearms.

Last year, the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) published a paper on gun control and crime in Namibia, highlighting increased concern about theft of legally licensed firearms, which are then used to carry out crimes.

A police report for the auditor-general highlighted that some cases of gun theft were the result of negligence by the owners.

Data provided to the IPPR by the police showed that 1 811 guns had been reported stolen between 2008/2009 and 2016/2017. Of these, 620 were recovered by the police.

Of all gun-related crimes, the IPPR said armed robbery remained the biggest concern. Nevertheless, despite a steady increase in armed robberies, statistics showed that firearms played a decreasing role in armed robbery cases.

The IPPR made a number of recommendations, which included that reliable crime statistics should be made available to the public.

It also recommended restrictions on the amount of ammunition held by gun owners, as well as time-limited firearm licences.

The IPPR also suggested gun competency tests, as well as mandatory background checks on whether the applicant has a history of mental illness, violence or prior convictions relating to drug and alcohol abuse.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Venaani's Tipeeg criticism unfounded – Schlettwein

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Venaani's Tipeeg criticism unfounded – SchlettweinVenaani's Tipeeg criticism unfounded – Schlettwein Finance minister Calle Schlettwein has come out in defence of the government's Targeted Intervention Programme for Employment and Economic Growth (Tipeeg) initiative.

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani said last week the programme had failed and was a mere looting spree.

Schlettwein, however, felt that Venaani's criticism was unwarranted and said Tipeeg had created jobs and aided economic growth.

A whopping N$11 billion was spent on the programme over its implementation period, with the end goal to create 104 000 jobs.

The programme led to the creation of 83 000 jobs, of which only 15 829 were permanent posts.

“The injection of such a large funding outlay over the three-year period had positive effects on economic growth, jobs and incomes,” Schlettwein said in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

“There is no denying that the programme has added momentum on realising high growth and pushing back the frontiers of poverty and inequalities. Such discernible progress cannot be termed as a failure, regrettable or anything to be apologetic about,” said Schlettwein.

According to him, gross income per capita increased by more than 60%, from N$38.2 billion in 2010 to N$61.9 billion in 2014.

“Out of this substantial rise in per capita incomes, the evidence brought about by the successive national household income and expenditure surveys between 2009/10 and 2015/16 indicate that not only per capita incomes rose significantly, but the incomes of the middle class,” he said.

Venaani blasted Tipeeg last week, saying it contributed to the precarious financial position the country currently finds itself in.

“We are anxious because of what happened under Tipeeg, because it is one of the reasons why the economy of the country is bleeding today.

“All our biggest procurements went to Chinese companies. They brought their materials, they brought their labour and they took all the money, and there was no economic trickle-down effect,” Venaani said.

He also accused the government of turning a blind eye to theft, saying that money was stolen.

“Tipeeg targets were not met, the money was stolen, and the projects were not completed. We have everything to say sorry for about Tipeeg, because that is money that went to waste.

“Everything went to looting; our economic figures are dwindling, and we are being told that there are no hard feelings. We find it very arrogant,” he said.

Schlettwein, however, dismissed Venaani's claims and encouraged him to come forward with information.

“If honourable Venaani is privy to the information of money having been stolen, as per his public statement, it is expected that he should come forth to report such criminal dealings.”



Chinese loan facility

Schlettwein also defended plans by the government to potentially take up a N$10 billion loan facility offer from the Chinese government.

The offer was made at the recent Forum for Africa-China Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. China, as part of its Belt and Road initiative, has granted African governments US$60 billion in funding for infrastructure projects.

Venaani had asked last week, following a PDM national executive committee meeting, that the government should be transparent if it is to take up the funding offer, and not “spend it alone”.

PDM parliamentarian Vipuakuje Muharukua warned Schlettwein on Tuesday that Namibia would be saddled with Chinese debt in future.

“We fear that you will leave us with this debt. We will have no room to borrow to cushion [against] at that time. China does not care if African governments are squandering, they just want to go after our national assets,” Muharukua added.

JEMIMA BEUKES AND OGONE TLHAGE

JSE looks to tighten listing rules

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JSE looks to tighten listing rulesJSE looks to tighten listing rules JOHANNESBURG - The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) wants to increase the minimum capital amount required for a primary listing and is considering stricter rules on secondary listings as it seeks to improve corporate governance.

Africa's biggest securities exchange published its proposals in a public consultation paper circulated yesterday, aiming to ease investor concerns about listed companies following recent high-profile corporate scandals.

The paper proposes increasing the capital amount required for a primary listing from R500 million, but did not suggest a new minimum level.

On secondary listings, the exchange could limit which jurisdictions would be suitable.

"The intention would be for the JSE to create a pre-approved list of foreign exchanges with regulatory regimes with which the JSE is comfortable," JSE says in the consultation paper. "This approach is followed by peer global exchanges such as the Australian Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange."

The Johannesburg exchange is already crafting tighter disclosure rules for companies with listed debt instruments, announced in May, as part of efforts to improve corporate governance and increase transparency.

It has been hit by scandals including that of retail group Steinhoff International. Steinhoff's shares crashed last December after the group revealed "accounting irregularities" and its CEO quit, prompting a JSE investigation into whether the group broke the exchange's disclosure rules.

The consultation will conclude on October 22.

"Depending on the nature of the comments received in response to this paper, it may be appropriate to convene a colloquium to discuss the improvement of governance," JSE's chief executive Nicky Newton-King said in a statement. – Nampa/Reuters

Enough is enough!

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Enough is enough!Enough is enough! A combination of factors have contributed to the dysfunctional state of many local state-owned enterprises, and there seems to be no end in sight. This situation is even more worrying when such shenanigans play themselves out at perennial lossmaking parastatals, which are already milking the taxpayer dry because of their heavy reliance on bailouts. Clear signs of corporate governance failings have been exposed at the Namibian Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), following revelations this week that the fund cut its ties with a debt collection joint venture, after the contractor only recovered a measly N$6.8 million, while it was paid about N$14.7 million as part of the agreement. NSFAF entered into a contract with the joint venture arrangement between Tribesmen Investment and South African-based New Integrated Credit Solutions (NICS) in 2014, but the fund’s acting CEO, Kennedy Kandume, they realised only in March this year that Tribesmen/NICS was acting in bad faith. The debt collector was given a target of recovering around N$400 million. However, NSFAF was left N$8 million worse off after the contractor failed dismally in its mission. NSFAF received the complete wrong end of the stick here and it clearly defies logic why the fund opted for an arrangement that saw Tribesmen/NCIS receiving a fixed monthly management fee of N$287 500, inclusive of value added tax (VAT), on top of a 12% commission fee. It is also very clear to us that there is a problem with the way this organisation has been managed in the past. Instead of steering the fund in the right direction for growth and to assist poor students with proper funding, the management went ahead and signed an agreement that contained some very unfavourable terms for the institution. It is only fair that whoever agreed to such an undertaking be disciplined, as their actions have unacceptably compromised the principles of good corporate governance. This mess can longer be allowed to continue without officials being held accountable. Enough is enough!

Expropriate with compensation

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Expropriate with compensationExpropriate with compensationHorn weighs in on land options The constitutional expert says half the agricultural, currently owned by white farmers, can be nationalised in some way. JEMIMA BEUKES





Constitutional expert, Professor Nico Horn, believes that half the land currently owned by white farmers can be nationalised in some way, with just compensation being paid.

“Now with the Namibia Statistics Agency statistics we have seen 70% of (agricultural) land belongs to white farmers. Now think if half of those farms are nationalised in some way or another or expropriated with just compensation, as the president promised… then you can have 4 000 families resettled on those farms,” he told Namibian Sun yesterday.

Since the start of the week civil society organisations and traditional authorities have threatened to boycott next month's national land indaba, if government refuses to release the master list of resettlement beneficiaries, among other demands.

The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement and Landless People's Movement (LPM) have already declared the conference predetermined and an absolute farce.

“I hear LPM is not going to attend, but I think they should attend it, even if it just to let all the voices be heard. If AR and LPM is not going to attend and the white farmers unions are not going to attend, what will happen? It is just going to be a brainstorming meeting for civil servants,” Horn said.

He is particularly worried that there seems to be no clear plan or indication of a speaker's list.

To date there has been no official agenda or participant list disclosed to the media, but these documents have been leaked on social media.

This has been a bone of contention for Namibian activists, who are continually raising their voices over government's failure to address landlessness.

Horn is of the opinion that government should interrogate the kinds of land ownership, and divide and address the different needs of the country's citizens, in terms of land.
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