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Ireland held by Denmark in stalemate

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Ireland held by Denmark in stalemateIreland held by Denmark in stalemate Ireland are still waiting for their first win in the Nations League after being held to a dour 0-0 draw by Denmark on

Saturday.

Martin O'Neill's side are bottom of their three-team group, with this tepid stalemate at Dublin's Aviva Stadium following a 4-1 thrashing by Wales in their first match. Ireland are without a win in their last four competitive matches. Denmark beat Wales in their opener and have four points from two matches in the new competition, which offers qualification for Euro 2020.

Matt Doherty was handed a first start for the Republic as O'Neill made six changes. There was a place for Cardiff midfielder Harry Arter following his return to the squad after resolving his differences with assistant manager Roy Keane. Denmark was without injured playmaker Christian Eriksen and the Tottenham star's absence rendered the side toothless.Tempers frayed within five minutes of kick-off when, with Denmark's Thomas Delaney apparently attempting to play the ball into touch after Arter had gone down injured, Jeff Hendrick robbed him and raced in on goal before shooting wide, sparking an ugly

confrontation.

Arter made a crucial 58th-minute goal-line clearance to keep his side level as he hacked away Simon Kjaer's header from a Lasse Schone corner. Shane Long teed up Cyrus Christie for a ferocious strike from outside the area which drew a fine save from Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Denmark threatened again when Pione Sisto picked out Martin Braithwaite, but his effort was well saved by Darren Randolph.

The Irish had a late penalty appealed turned down when Shane Duffy was booked for diving after appearing to be bundled over.

NAMPA /AFP

South Africa trounce Seychelles

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South Africa trounce Seychelles South Africa trounce Seychelles KICKOFF MAGAZINE

Bafana Bafana walloped the Seychelles 6-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.

Bafana made a few changes following their dismal goalless draw at home to Libya in the last encounter. With many expecting them to win, Bafana were hoping not to disappoint.

After an even start, Percy Tau came close to open the scoring when his free-kick struck the top of the crossbar on 12 minutes.

Bafana found another chance when Lebohang Mothiba found space in the box to head off Sifiso Hlanti’s cross but the goalkeeper Bara was able to save on 17 minutes.

The Seychelles were struggling to get in their groove and Lebohang Maboe’s long-range drive forced Bara to punch away for a corner.

The pressure finally took its toll when Nigel headed into his own net after a free-kick from outside the box on 23 minutes.

Bafana made it two thanks to Thulani Hlatshwayo propping up inside the box to head home Aubrey Modiba’s corner two minutes later.

It was three before the half and hour mark as Mothiba turned his marker to hit the top corner after a nicely-laid pass from Maboe.

Bafana were on the up and Tau nearly got in on the act later in the half when his shot from inside the box drew a save from Bara.

Bafana continued from where the high which their game ended in the first period. Tau missed a one-on-one opportunity after going through from a long-ball, but failed to beat the on-rushing Bara.

The South Africans kept coming for more goals and it was Tau again finding another perfect opportunity in front of goal, but shot horribly over the bar after beating the offside trap.

At this rate, it was becoming a contest between Bara and Bafana, with the shot-stopper having to save another close-range effort from Modiba who combined well on the edge of the box with Kamohelo Mokotjo.

The fourth did eventually arrive after combining well with Mothiba, Tau managed to round Bara to slot into an empty net on 74 minutes.

Bafana were not done yet, with the visitors posing no threat at all the score-line increased. Substitute Dino Ndlovu came off the bench and ran onto a through ball for a nice finish.

Another substitute Teboho Mokoena rounded off the clash in added time after heading home Hlanti’s cross.

The 2018 Mahindra KUV100 NXT packs more style

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The 2018 Mahindra KUV100 NXT packs more styleThe 2018 Mahindra KUV100 NXT packs more styleNew look, bolder stance The New KUV100 NXT enters the market with a bold new look, which includes a new grille, larger alloy wheels on the K8 variant and redesigned tail lamps. The New KUV 100 NXT offers an excellent value proposition of space along with safety features such as airbags and ABS from the base variant onwards. - Rajesh Gupta, CEO: Mahindra SA One of South Africa’s popular A-segment SUVs – the Mahindra KUV100 NXT – is set to become even more popular, thanks to additional new features and styling upgrades on the 2018 model.

“The New KUV 100 NXT offers an excellent value proposition of space along with safety features such as airbags and ABS from the base variant onwards. This variant is expected to generate significant interest amongst the first-time buyers,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

The New KUV100 NXT enters the market with a bold new look, which includes a new grille, larger alloy wheels on the K8 variant and redesigned tail lamps.

The redesigned seven-slot grille appears to be more aggressive, and the number plate now sits atop a blacked-out bumper section; there is also a new silver skid plate to emphasise the KUV’s SUV-family genes. Mahindra has also created new blacked-out surrounds for the integrated fog lights, which are standard on the K8 variant.

On the flanks, the new 15” diamond-cut dual-tone alloy wheels on the K8 sit in flared wheel arches that now feature redesigned cladding. On the roof, the integrated roof rails have been redesigned to be more aerodynamically efficient.

Some of the most popular styling cues on The New KUV100 NXT, the fist-shaped side mirrors and the rear door handles in the C-pillars, have been retained, although the mirrors now incorporate the side turn signals.

At the rear, the tail gate and rear bumper have been completely redesigned. The rear tail gate features deeper character lines that form around brand-new double-barrel rear combination lights and a new electronic latch on certain models. The headlights are now equipped with LED daytime running lights.

The restyled rear bumper mirrors the trapezoidal design of the front bumper, with new integrated reflectors and a silver skid plate.

Rounding off the rear design is a new tail-gate spoiler which was aerodynamically tested.

Premium interior, more specifications

The New KUV100 NXT upgrade continues inside the new model, where Mahindra has added new premium finishes to the higher-specification models. This includes new fabric upholstery, piano black detailing on certain specification levels and a new temperature control panel on models fitted with climate control.

The New KUV100 NXT now also has a 7” (17.8 cm) touch screen on the K8 variant, which replaces the previous 3.5” display. This infotainment system is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and audio, image and video playback.

Other luxury additions include a new remote boot-opening switch, a new gearshift indicator display, Intellipark reverse parking sensors and electrically foldable side mirrors on the K8.

The additional luxury specifications on The New KUV100 NXT only add to its already impressive list of features such as power windows, tilt-adjustable power steering, air conditioning, central locking rear underfloor storage bins and foldable rear seats.

On K6 and K8 models, this list of creature comforts grows to include a rear row armrest, a cooled glove box, follow-me-home and lead-me-to-vehicle headlights, remote keyless entry, speed-sensing door locks and front and rear 12V power outlets.

High safety, security standards

In keeping with Mahindra’s family-friendly nature, all variants of the KUV are equipped with dual front airbags, child safety locks on the rear doors, ABS with EBD (EBD available only on K6+ and K8 variants) and corner braking control (CBC).

In addition, the K6+ and K8 versions of The New KUV100 NXT also have speed-sensing automatic door locks, automatic hazard warnings in emergency situations and a security alarm.

Petrol and turbodiesel power

The KUV100 NXT is available with the choice of two three-cylinderall-aluminium engines.

The 1.2 mFalcon G80 petrol engine is equipped with multi-point fuel injection and dual-variable valve timing to deliver 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque. The 1.2 mFalcon D75 turbodiesel engine has common rail direct injection and an intercooler to deliver 57 kW and a generous 190 Nm of torque, with the latter peaking between 1 750 rpm and 2 250 rpm.

On the K8 specification level, the diesel model is equipped with a micro-hybrid system that switches off the engine when the vehicle is not moving and immediately restarts the engine when the accelerator is pressed.

Both engines drive the front wheels of the KUV100 through a five-speed manual gearbox.

SUV-underpinnings refined further

A large part of The New KUV100 NXT’s popularity is its SUV-style and functionality. This includes its higher-than-normal 170 mm ground clearance and its equally functional approach and departure angles of just under 22 degrees.

Under the sheet metal, the KUV rides on independent McPherson struts suspension with dual path mounts and coil springs. At the rear, the suspension consists of semi-independent twist beams and coil springs, with all four corners also equipped with hydraulic gas-charged shock absorbers.

The New KUV100 NXT has a wheelbase of 2.385 metres that has been intelligently utilised to offer seating for five adults and 243 litres of luggage space, which can be increased to 473 litres, with the rear seats folded flat. - Quickpic

Aanafaalama taya tsakaneke omupresidende ondjilakati

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Aanafaalama taya tsakaneke omupresidende ondjilakatiAanafaalama taya tsakaneke omupresidende ondjilakati ELLANIE SMIT

Aanafaalama yopangeshefa oya popi kutya otaya ka yambidhidha Omupresidende Hage Geingob momaindilo ge getulululo lyomavi.

Shoka osha kwatela mo okuninga omalunduluko moonkalo dhiilonga dhaaniilonga yomoofaalama, okushunitha pevi onkalo yoluhepo, okuyambulapo onkalo yuuntu yaaniilonga yomoofaalama oshowo okuyambidhidha aaniilonga mboka ye ya longela ethimbo uule uuna taya yi miipundi yokuvululukwa.

Shoka otashi ka ningwa okupitila mehangano lyawo nokuyambidhidhwa koNamibian Agricultural Union (NAU).

Mboka owumwe yomuutokolitho wa ningwa pethimbo lyomutumba gwokomvula gwoNAU, ngoka gwa ningwa sha landula omutumba gwevi omutiyali ngoka gwa ningwa omasiku ga piti, ngoka gwa pula opo ku kuthwe ko evi pwaahena iifuta yasha.

Omupresidende gwoNAU, Ryno van der Merwe okwa popi kutya okwa tseyithilwa kutya Geingob okwa pula opo wumwe womuutokolitho mboka wa ningwa momutumba ngoka wu tulwe miionga, pethimbo lyOmutumba gwOlaata yOshilongo ngoka ga ningwa mEtiyali lyoshiwike sha piti.

Nonando ongaaka okwa holola uumbanda we kutya wumwe womuutokolitho mboka wa ningwa pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka ngashiingeyi, owa li wa ningwa nale pethimbo lyomutumba gwotango ngoka gwa ningwa momvula yo 1991, ihe inawu tulwa miiloga, ngaashi uutokolitho kombinga yevi ndyoka li li momake gaazaizai.

“Kandi na uumbanda washa otandi tsikile nuunafaalama wandje ngaashi shito. Itandi kala nda tila ngaashi nda li nda tila nale. Otu li megameno na okwa pumbwa okutsikila owala ngaashi shito.”

Okwa popi kutya aanafalama yopangeshefa oye na ehogololo lyomukalo ngoka taya tsikile nago.

Van der Merwe okwa yelitha kutya Geingob okwa pula aanafaalama yopangeshefa iikando ya thika puiyali opo ye mu tsakaneke ondjilakati.

Pahapu dhaVan der Merwe, omupresidende okwa pula aanafalaama mboka opo ya hwepopaleke oonkalo yiilonga nuuntu yaaniilonga yawo moofaalama dhawo nokusimaneka woo onkatu yuuntu yaaniilonga mboka, mwa kwatelwa okuyambidhidha aaniilonga mboka ye ya longela ethimbo nuule, una taya thiki moomvula dhokuthiga po iilonga.

Okwa popi kutya nonando ope na nale mboka taya ningi ngaashi sha pulwa komuleli gwoshilongo, oshindji natango osha pumbwa okuninga, ta pula aanafaalama ya longele kumwe.

Aanafaalama yamwe oya popi kutya otaya landula eindilo lyomupresidende nomukumo.

Van der Merwe okwa gwedha po kutya ehangano lyawo olya hala okukala nomushoondondo gwiinyangadhalwa yopashigwana mbyoka tayi ningwa kaanafaalama momidhingoloko dhawo niinyangadhalwa mboyka oya pumbwa okuhwahwamekwa, yo taya ka tsakanena natango nomupresidende nokumu pa omusholondondo gwiinyangadhalwa mbyoka.

Aanafaalama mboka oya popi kutya kaye na nkene ihe oye na okuninga shoka tashi pulwa komuleli nokumutsakaneka ondjilakati.

Uukombunda tawu dhana onkandangala onene metanga lyegameno

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Uukombunda tawu dhana onkandangala onene metanga lyegamenoUukombunda tawu dhana onkandangala onene metanga lyegameno Okwa nyenyetwa kutya Etanga lyEgameno lyaNamibia, ano Namibian Defence Force (NDF) olya kwatwa ko kombepo yuukombunda ngele tashi mokuyela aakwiita, moka aapombanda taya gandja owala oombandi kookume, oyana, aaholike nokwaaamboka yehole. Ø Taku ka ningwa omakonaakon okumona uukwashili momanyenyeto ngoka

ILENI NANDJATO

Iilyo yetanga ndyoka unene mokamba yoNDF yonomola 26 moGrootfontein oshowo mokamba yonomola 263 mOshakati oya nyenyeta omukalo gwomayelo ngoka tagu longithwa kaakombanda yawo miilonga, moka ya popi kutya aakwiita mboka yiilongela okuyelwa shili otaya dhengelwa pevi omanga omayelo taga pewa owala aantu yamwe.

Iilyo mboka ya nyenyeta oya popi kutya momusholondondo gwoonakuyelwa ngoka gwa pitithwa muFebruali gwonuumvo, oya mono kutya iilyo yimwe mbyoka ya li ya hogololwa kaahona yawo opo yi yelwe oya kuthwa mo omusholondondo kookomanda nopomahala gawo opwa tulwa aantu yamwe.

NDF ina vula okutinda nenge okukoleka omapopyo ngoka.

Uuministeli owa popi kutya Mayola-Ndaji gwetanga ndyoka, John Mutwa, otaka ninga omakonakono nokukatuka oonkatu iikwatelela kiizemo yomakonaakono ngoka taka ninga.

Ombaapila ndjoka ya monika koNamibian Sun, ya nuninwa Ominista yEgameno, Penda Ya Ndakolo, oya holola kutya aakomeho miilonga metanga lyegameno lyoshilongo oya kongo po omiklao dhokuyela aantu, moka ngashiingeyi aakwiita yamwe taya yelwa nokutulwa pomahala giilonga mpoka pe na nale aantu. Uuministeli okwa lopotwa poompito dhimwe tawu futu aantu omulongo pompito yiilonga yomuntu gumwe.

Iilyo mbyoka ya nyenyeta oya popi kutya, omukalo ngoka tagu thindile pevi uuministeli ngele tashi ya kelongitho lyiimaliwa mokufuta oondjambi, molwaashoka otaku futwa aantu ye li omulongo pompito yimwe yiilonga. Oya pula Ndakolo, opo a gandje elombwelo kuMutwa, a ungaunge naanambelelwa mboka taya longo uulingilingi.

Pamulandu gwoNDF, olutu lwomayele olwa pumbwa okukwatela mo ookomanda, aanambelewa aakomeho miilonga oshowo aanambelelwa yointelligence officers, nookomanda mbali dhookamba dhaakwiita.

Oonakunyenyeta oya holola mombaaapila yawo ndjka ya shanga kutya omulandu ngoka ihagu landulwa naashoka osha etitha ookomanda dhi vule okukala owala tadhi gandja oombandi ku mboka yahala.



Oya tsikile kutya omulandu ngoka ihagu landulwa naanambelewa ohaya gandja owala omusholondondo gaakwiita mboka yiilongela okuyelwa na oya pumbw aokupewa olupandu pakuyelwa, nookomanda taya ka ninga nduno omatokolo kutya oolye taya yelwa, nolundji omushoondondo ngoka haya pewa ohagu ka lundululwa yo pehala lyaamboka taya tula po okuume kawo, aakwanezimo, aanona yawo oshowo aaholike yawo, nokonima kwa ningwa omayelo opo owala omuntu haka mona kutya mboka ya li tulwa momusholondondo yamwe po inaya pita mo.

Mboka okwa lopotwa haya pingenwa po naantu ya za kiikondo ya yooloka nolundji mboka haya pingenepo aantu kaye na ontseyo ya sha miilonga. Oya popi kutya omushondondo ngoka ohagu ningwa po owala okukengelela omukomeho ngoka ha shaina omusholondondo gwaamboka taya yelwa, ihe konima otaku yiwa pondje Ompango yEtanga lyEgameno nOmaihumbato yomomvula yo 2002, ontopolwa onti 30.

Okwa hololwa polweela kutya muule woomvula 8 dhomayelo dha piti, aanambelewa yowarrant officers 10 , staff sergeants 11 oshowo osergeants 18 otaya longele oompito ndatu mokamba yo26th Brigade, omanga owarrant officers yahetatu , osergeants 9 oshowo ocorporals 12 taya longele oompito ndatu mo263rd Battalion.

Sho a ningilwa omapulo, omupopiliko guuministeli mboka, Lieutenant-Colonel Petrus Shilumbu okwa popi kutya uuministeli kawu na ontseyo kombinga yomapopyo ngoka ga ningwa.

Okwa popi kutya metanga lyawo omu na omilandu ndhoka handi landulwa uuna taku ningwa omanyenyeto, nomakuto miilonga nenge omayelo ohaga ningwa pamulandu gwetanga lyegameno.

Okwa popi kutya uuministeli wawo owa kutha ko omanyenyeto ngoka na otawu ka ningwa omakonaakono nokukatuka oonkatu kwiikwatelelwa kiizemo mbyoka tawu ka mona.

Top Total Tara Rally 50th edition launched

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Top Total Tara Rally 50th edition launchedTop Total Tara Rally 50th edition launchedDrivers geared for races. This year's rally will cover over 558 kilometres kicking off on 8 November at Swakopmund and ending on 10 November in Windhoek. The 50th edition of the Total Tara Rally was launched in Windhoek on Saturday, with 40 cars expected to take part in the three-day rally.

Speaking at the launch, Windhoek Motor Club (WMC) chairperson Richard Slamet, who is also the organising committee chairperson for the Tara Rally, said organising the rally has a lot of hurdles but he is happy that everything is in place come the race date.

“The Total Tara Rally is older than the Dakar Rally, which is now 39 years old. I am happy to see the Tara Rally celebrating its 50th anniversary because as a little boy, I watched this rally and had an opportunity to sit on the hood of my father's car and little did I know that I would also race in this event while at the same time organising its 50th anniversary,” he said.

Slamet added that 40 vehicles have been registered to compete in this year's event.

“It's really nice to have more cars taking part in the rally and what would be nice is seeing all of those cars completing the competition and not getting stuck somewhere because they are broken, as we all know the rally is harsh on cars,” Slamet said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Pieter Greeff from the Walvis Bay Motor Club said this year would be special for the Tara Rally because they are going back to three days' racing as well as night racing, which has not happened for a while.

The 50th edition of the Tara Rally is sponsored to the tune of N$150 000 by Total Namibia, which has been the sponsor of the event for 35 years.

Willem de Witt, Total Namibia commercial manager, said they are happy to be sponsoring the event and they are looking forward to exciting racing that will be interesting and exciting to all spectators.



Below is a brief summary of the routes of the three-day Tara Rally:

Day 1: Thursday, 8 November - Rally starts in Swakopmund with four special stages, a portion of which will be night stages, totalling about 47km excluding liaison distances.

Day 2: Friday, 9 November - Starts at Swakopmund at 07:00, goes through Karibib to Wilhelmstal on to Windhoek with night stages starting at 18:30. There will be 12 morning and afternoon special stages between Swakopmund and Wilhelmstal with two super special stages in Windhoek at the Tony Rust Racetrack.

There are 12 brand new special stages totalling about 120km. Two super special stages at Tony Rust Racetrack will total about 12km, thus, day two stages in total will be 132km excluding liaison distances.

Day 3: Saturday, 10 November - In and around Windhoek, five special stages totalling about 31km excluding liaison distances.

The rally in total will comprise of special stages of 198km, super special stages of 12km and liaison sections of 347km.

NAMPA

Namibia out of Africa sevens

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Namibia out of Africa sevensNamibia out of Africa sevens JESSE JACKSON

KAURAISA



Namibia's hopes of winning silverware at the 2018 Africa Men's Sevens in Tunisia have been dashed by Zambia and Madagascar.

The team failed to make an impression at the 2018 Rugby Africa tournament.

Namibia lost 24-19 to Madagascar and Zambia beat Namibia 28-7 to exit the competition at an early stage.

The 12 best African teams (apart from South Africa) have been competing for the African Champion title.

Côte d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo joined the competition this year after having been promoted from regional pre-qualification events. The Africa Men's Sevens tournament is the biggest African rugby event, with 12 teams from all over the continent: Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Zambia, Tunisia, Senegal, Morocco, Botswana, Ghana, Mauritius and Namibia.

In 2017, Kenya did not take part in the annual African tournament as they had already qualified for the Sevens World Cup based on their performance in the previous World Cup.

But this year, they are back in the game and as keen as ever to be crowned African champions.



Results:

Kenya 49 - 0 Botswana; Uganda 45 - 0 Ghana; Zimbabwe 34 - 0 Mauritius; Madagascar 24 – 19 Namibia; Morocco 24 - 0 Botswana; Senegal 24 - 12 Ghana; Tunisia 31 - 10 Mauritius; Zambia 28 - 7 Namibia; Kenya 41 - 0 Morocco; Uganda 31 - 0 Senegal; Zimbabwe 26 - 5 Tunisia; Madagascar 19 - 12 Zambia.

Vague environment act to be amended

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Vague environment act to be amendedVague environment act to be amended The office of the environmental commissioner is in the process of amending environmental regulations in order to make them less ambiguous to ensure successful prosecutions.

The environment ministry's conservation scientist, Ipeinge Mundjulu, told Namibian Sun upon enquiry that the 2007 Environmental Management Act (EMA) will be amended in order to address the loopholes that currently exist in the act, in particular as it relates to sand mining.

Namibian Sun has, for months, published a series of articles on illegal sand mining, commonplace in the northern regions of Namibia where sand is being mined without obtaining the required permission.

According to the act, all government institutions, companies, other organisations and individuals should first obtain a clearance certificate in order to mine sand.

Illegal sand miners face fines of up to N$500 000 or 25 years in jail which, however, is said to be vague as the act does not define how an illegal sand miner will be fined and how the prosecution will take place as there are no existing cases which can be used as examples.

Some argue that the reason why illegal sand mining continues is because the act is not clear and perpetrators commit the crime without fear of prosecution.

“The act is not clear as to whether, for example, I will be fined based on the amount of sand they find in my possession or whether I will be fined while I am in the process of mining sand. The reason why illegal sand mining is continuing unabatedly is because the act is not clear. I say to you that to date, no one has been prosecuted for mining sand, maybe warned, but not prosecuted,” a source said on the condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile Ipeinge said that it is for those reasons, which include how to fine a perpetrator, that the ministry saw a need to amend the act.

“We understand that there are loopholes in the act and that is why we are in the process of amending it. All those loopholes will be addressed once the act is amended,” Ipeinge said. He however warned the current contractors who are mining sand illegally to stop immediately and apply for the clearance certificates as they can still be prosecuted.

Furthermore the days will soon be over for sand mining companies who are currently mining without being monitored and controlled on-site, as people will be employed to be on standby at burrow

pits. This is one of the ministry's attempts to ensure that illegal sand mining in the country.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Commercial farmers come to the party

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Commercial farmers come to the partyCommercial farmers come to the partyResolved to meet Geingob halfway Namibian commercial farmers say they are ready to actively participate in land reform and upliftment. Commercial farmers last week resolved to heed President Hage Geingob's call on land reform.

This includes the improvement of farmworkers' living standards, to reduce poverty, to improve the dignity of farmworkers and also to support long-service farmworkers through their retirement.

This will be managed through farmers associations and supported by the Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU).

It was also resolved that mentorship programmes must be expanded.

The resolution was made during the annual congress of the NAU. This followed the recently concluded land conference during which the expropriation of land without compensation and other matters were discussed.

NAU president Ryno van der Merwe said that he was informed that Geingob during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday already instructed the land reform minister to implement some of the resolutions that were taken during the land conference.

He however eased fears of commercial farmers saying that some of the resolutions that were taken during the land conference were already taken during the first land conference in 1991, but were never implemented. An example of this is the expropriation of foreign-owned land.

“I am not afraid. I will continue farming as usual. I will not be frightened like I was before. We are safe and we must continue as normal.”

He said commercial farmers therefore have a choice about the way forward.

Van der Merwe explained that Geingob called upon the commercial farmers twice to meet him halfway.

According to Van der Merwe, the president called on farmers to improve farmworkers' living standards, to acknowledge and improve the dignity of farmworkers and also to support long-service farmworkers through retirement, through either providing housing or giving them land.

“I am not willing to have the president ask me a third time what we have done regarding his call.”

He told commercial farmers that even though the changes they have to implement are not big, everyone has to come on board.

“I know that there are some of us that are already doing more than is being asked, some are almost there, but then there others that are doing the minimum.”

He asked farmers if they are willing to accept the challenge from the president.

“Are you willing or not? If you are not willing then you will have to elect another president to represent you, but if you are willing, we will have to work on plans. My message is not one of fear, but of urgency and pride.”

One the farmers said that they will heed the call of the president. “We are proud and we have to show this by way of our deeds.”

Another farmer said that he is willing to give his support and help with the process of land reform.

“In this context we do not have a choice but to say yes. We will have to do it and we will have to persevere,” another farmer replied.

Another commercial farmer said that he feels that all farmers must come to the party especially when it comes to creating jobs and caring for old people.

Van der Merwe also added that the union wants to create a record of all social initiatives and projects that farmers are involved with in their areas and that this must be promoted more.

According to another farmer they do not have a choice but to meet Geingob half way. “We will come to the party.”

“We must go back to the president with a list of all these initiatives and projects that each and every one of us is involved in in our communities and that we never made public.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Australia claims Youth Olympics golf double glory

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Australia claims Youth Olympics golf double gloryAustralia claims Youth Olympics golf double glory Australian golfers Grace Kim and Karl Vilips held their nerve in pressure-filled final rounds to secure gold medals in their respective events at the Youth Olympics.

Vilips rallied late to beat American Akshay Bhatia by two strokes in the boys' individual stroke play while Kim secured a three-shot victory by closing out the girls' tournament on Thursday with a final-round 71.

“I was five [shots] back through 11 holes, then hit a ball out of bounds but made a 45-footer [putt] for bogey which turned everything around,” said Vilips, who finished the tournament four under par. “I have never been so happy making a bogey.”

Jerry Ji of the Netherlands grabbed bronze in the boys' event with a final score of one over par.

In the girls' competition, Kim finished one over par, comfortably overcoming the Philippines' Yuka Saso, Austria's Emma Spitz and Italy's Alessia Nobilo, who contested a playoff after tying for second at four over.

Nobilo eventually prevailed to secure the silver medal, with Spitz clinching bronze.

The results leave Vilips and Kim as firm favourites to win the mixed team competition starting on Saturday. However Bhatia vowed to put up a fight alongside his partner Lucy Li, who became a global sensation when she competed in the 2014 US Open aged 11. “It's going to be awesome playing with Lucy just because of how good she is,” said Bhatia, who won this year's Junior Ryder Cup in partnership with Li. “How good we are going to be together is scary.”

NAMPA/XINHUA

James keys Colombia's win over USA

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James keys Colombia's win over USAJames keys Colombia's win over USA A Colombian team lead by James Rodriguez beat an inexperienced United States 4-2 on Thursday in an international football friendly in Tampa, Florida.

James put the Cafeteros in the lead with a spectacular effort from the edge of the penalty area in the 36th minute, thrilling a largely pro-Colombia crowd at Raymond James Stadium.

The United States responded with two goals in the space of three minutes by Kellyn Acosta and Bobby Wood early in the second half that gave the hosts a 2-1 lead.

But Colombia rose to the challenge with goals from Carlos Bacca, Radamel Falcao and Miguel Borja to secure the

victory.

“I thought in moments it was good, moments we can do better,” said US midfielder Michael Bradley, making his first international appearance since he captained the side that fell to the devastating loss at Trinidad & Tobago one year and one day ago that saw the US miss this year's World Cup in

Russia.

“The response at the beginning of the second half was pretty good,” Bradley said. “We let ourselves down a little bit towards the middle of the second half. Obviously they're a good team. They challenge you in different ways and obviously that's what these nights are

about.

“It's experience, it's little by little guys understanding what nights like this are like,” Bradley said of the learning curve facing caretaker coach Dave Sarachan's young side.

Colombia, meanwhile, drew on the world class talent of Falcao and Bayern Munich midfielder James, who made his presence felt throughout as he returned to international duty.

Falcao had a chance in the fourth minute after Santiago Arias got past Antonee Robinson and John Brooks to fire in a pass to Falcao who fired high from the top of the area.

The threats kept coming and the pressure paid off in the 36th when James collected the ball on the right edge of the area and curled a left-footed shot into the far corner of Zack Steffen's

net.

James nearly doubled the score five minutes later but his close-range shot was thwarted by a sliding Matthew Miazga.

Unbowed, the United States grabbed the equaliser five minutes into the second half when Robinson's cross found an unmarked Acosta who fired past Colombian keeper David

Ospina.

Wood struck just three minutes later after solid work by Tim Weah on the left side, but the US lead would be short-lived.

Bacca equalised three minutes later, and Falcao put Colombia ahead in the 74th on Falcao's side-footed a shot past

Steffen.

Moments later Falcao exited for Borja, who added a final touch with an entertaining overhead kick that Steffen couldn't reel in.

Colombia's North American tour continues on Tuesday against Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena in Harrison New Jersey, when the United States will face Peru in

Connecticut.

NAMPA/AFP

Coe ready for IAAF to rule on Russia's return

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Coe ready for IAAF to rule on Russia's returnCoe ready for IAAF to rule on Russia's return World athletics Chief Sebastian Coe told AFP that a decision on whether or not Russia will have their ban from international competition lifted “will probably” be made in December.

However Coe, the president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), admitted that “we will have to wait and see” if WADA, the global anti-doping body, was right to lift its three-year ban on Russia's own anti-doping agency.

The ban was introduced in 2015 after Russia's ministry of sport and secret service was found guilty of masterminding institutional doping.

Now, the spotlight is on Coe to allow Russia back into international track and field competition when the IAAF Council meets in Monaco on December 4.

When asked if there will be a decision on reinstatement, 62-year-old Coe told AFP: “Yes there will be”.

“There'll be a meet in the coming weeks with the Russian Athletics Federation, as we have always done in the past, we will wait for the recommendations of the working group and the Council will deliberate according to my recommendation.

“But yes, there will probably be some decision at the Council meeting in December in Monaco.”

Coe had said following WADA's controversial decision to lift the ban that Russia needed to meet two pre-conditions to be allowed to return to international athletics competition.

Firstly, Russian authorities must acknowledge the findings of reports that sports ministry officials were implicated in the scheme to cover up the doping of Russian athletes.

And secondly Russian authorities must provide access to the data from testing of samples at the Moscow laboratory from 2011-2015, so that the Athletics Integrity Unit can determine whether the suspicious findings reported in the Moscow lab's database should be pursued.

Coe said time will tell if WADA who were accused of betraying clean athletes by their decision to lift their Russia ban were right.

“We'll have to see. It is very important that athletes can get answers to a very important question and that it is simple: do you trust the system?” said Coe.

“The athletes ask that question, so the IAAF, WADA, the International Olympic Committee all those organisations have to give evidence to the clean athletes that the system is a clean system.

“The philosophy of the IAAF was very clear. It was to try to separate the clean athletes from a contaminated system, and that is why we have a neutral status for Russian athletes.

“But, of course, it has to be our ambition to have Russian athletes again representing their country. That has to be the final goal.”

NAMPA/AFP

Mboweni to save bold moves for Feb budget

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Mboweni to save bold moves for Feb budgetMboweni to save bold moves for Feb budgetTax analysts say New South African finance Mminister Tito Mboweni will stick to the script laid out by his predecessor Nhlanhla Nene when he delivers the mini budget later in October, according to tax experts. Having a new minister on board two weeks prior is unlikely to have a marked effect on the mini budget- Bernard Sacks , Senior Tax Partner, Mazars At a panel discussion on Thursday about the medium-term budget policy statement, tax specialists from auditing, accounting and consulting group Mazars shared their expectations.

Mboweni will deliver the mini budget in Parliament on October 24.

'Months of planning'

Senior tax partner Bernard Sacks said that it would not be a matter of simply writing a speech and delivering it.

"The speech and documentation behind the speech are based on months of careful planning by a dedicated team at National Treasury," he said.

"Having a new minister on board two weeks prior is unlikely to have a marked effect on the mini budget."

Although the changes are disruptive, Sacks is confident that the team at Treasury is professional and have put together the "best policy statement".

"I don't think we will see significant changes, arising from the appointment of Mboweni, in the document," he added. Mboweni is likely to "stamp authority" in the February budget, but it won't be the case for the mini budget.

RMB Head of Research Nema Ramkhelawan-Bhana echoed similar views in a market update issued earlier this week.

"We believe that it (Mboweni's appointment) will have no bearing on the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.

"While Nene played a crucial role in negotiating the funding of the stimulus package from within the confines of the current fiscal framework, he would have had little to do with the formulation of the actual document, which should be near completion," said Ramkhelawan-Bhana.

Tax rate amendments 'unlikely'

Tertius Troost, tax manager at Mazars, explained that it was unlikely that amendments to tax rates would be introduced in the mini budget.

The finance minister will be able to confirm if SARS has been on track in terms of collecting the R1.345trn targeted revenue. However, the recessionary environment will impact revenue collections, as this target was set assuming economic growth of 1.5%.

The South African Reserve Bank, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund have all revised down growth rates for the year.

National head of tax Mike Teuchert said that revenue collections depended heavily on the economy. "If the economy trudges well, we will be in a position where we can reach targets," he said.

If the growth rate declines it will have a direct impact on revenue collections. Businesses won't be doing great, which means employees might not be given increases; and, worse yet, there could be job shedding, he explained. Consumers, who will have less income, will also put VAT collections under pressure, he warned.

"The minister will tell us if we will reach our target or if we have to revise it," said Teuchert.

Chief economist of Old Mutual Investment Group Johann Els told Fin24 by phone on Thursday afternoon that the mini budget is a chance for the minister to give an update on the progress made since the February budget. Els said there would be an indication of how government plans to reprioritise spend to loosen the R50bn required for President Cyril Ramaphosa's economic stimulus package.

Mboweni will only make "significant changes" at next year's National budget announcement, but he is likely to stick to the path of fiscal consolidation, Els emphasised.

-Nampa/Reuters

'Save public enterprises'

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'Save public enterprises''Save public enterprises'Bill finally tabled The sector is in a dire situation and requires a quick fix. Minister of Public Enterprises, Leon Jooste, made an urgent appeal on the National Assembly to pass the much-anticipated and long overdue Public Enterprises Governance Bill, as a measure to save the parastatal sector.

The Bill was tabled at the National Assembly last week and comes nearly three years after the ministry was established, which was justified as a mechanism to implement a centralised ownership model for public enterprises.

Jooste said the proposed Bill will strengthen the government's oversight functions and thereby strengthen the ability of the state to become a professional shareholder.

He said the ministry has since spent countless hours analysing and diagnosing the core reasons for the “obvious failure” of most State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) and said overwhelming reasons for this failure is because of the “highly flawed” dual governance model, which is currently in place.

“This is not a Namibian failure as such but rather a common global scenario, which is why many countries that have already migrated towards a more centralised governance and ownership model are in the process of doing so,” Jooste said.

The context for the urgency for the Bill to be passed lies in the available figures.

The portfolio of public enterprises has a total asset value of N$93 billion since the end of June. It employs 17 224 people. The total liabilities of this sector, however, amount to a whopping N$44 billion, which leaves it with a net asset value of just N$49 billion. The commercial public enterprises have a N$62 billion asset value, N$30 billion liabilities, an annual income of N$23 billion and an expenditure of N$21 billion and a profitability of just N$1.9 billion. This gives a return on assets of only around 1.2%. Jooste said the promulgation of the Bill is of utmost importance to unlock and facilitate the revival of Namibia's economy at a time when it is sorely needed.



PROVISIONS OF THE BILL

“We shall introduce multiple measures to eradicate mismanagement, corruption and overall poor performance to effectively enhance shareholder value and to ensure the efficient and effective supply and delivery of services and products on behalf of the state,” Jooste said.

He said there is no evidence that a dual governance model has ever worked effectively in any country.

The ministry has developed a hybrid governance model. Under this, public enterprises will be classified as commercial, non-commercial or extra-budgetary fund.

The ministry will make recommendations to Cabinet on the declaration and classification of these entities, and upon consideration of the classification, the entities will be expected to generate sustainable profits and pay dividends to the State.

An extra-budgetary fund is a fund whose only source of revenue comes from the government through budgetary allocations or tax-related levies.

The minister can make any provision of the Bill applicable to any public institution and its governance structures. The minister will also represent the government as the shareholder of the commercial public enterprises, and can appoint or remove board members.

The minister can dictate what information the entities must provide to the ministry, spell out the duties of the board, what records to be kept, under what circumstances and penalties can be meted out against erring entities, what methods should be employed in investigations, and dictate performance measurements.



CATHERINE SASMAN

Namibia calls for review on wildlife trade ban

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Namibia calls for review on wildlife trade banNamibia calls for review on wildlife trade ban Namibia's environment minister Pohamba Shifeta has urged for a review on the blanket ban on the trade of wildlife products, including rhino horns and ivory, in order to better curb the poaching epidemic threatening the survival of high-value species.

Speaking at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London last week, Shifeta told delegates Namibia believes that “banning any trade in products will not necessarily achieve the outcome of stopping the demand and illegal trade. This has not been successful with alcohol, drugs and indeed, rhino horn, pangolin scales and ivory.”

Shifeta said important decisions should be based on “science and we call for objective scientific review of the current theory that supports blanket bans on wildlife products.”

Shifeta drew on statistics that have shown that despite an international ban implemented in 1975 through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora on rhino horns, the population has declined “relentlessly and catastrophically” through poaching and a thriving illegal market.

He said Namibia is strongly opposed to the “current trend in international thinking which has drifted from eliminating illegal supply into closing all supply in an attempt to eliminate the demand for some wildlife products.”



Costs of protection

At the conference, Shifeta highlighted the steep costs of protecting wildlife against the surge of poachers.

He said as poaching incidences of high-value wild animals intensified, so the costs to protect and keep these animals safe rise.

As an example, he said the cost of protecting a rhino is around N$1 000 per day, which translates to N$30 000 per rhino per month.

In Namibia, which has a population of more than 3 500 rhinos, approximately N$105 million is needed per month to protect the entire country's rhino population, including those in private ownership.



Measures

Shifeta highlighted a number of steps Namibia has taken in recent years to address the poaching epidemic, including a steep increase in penalties if anyone is found guilty of wildlife crimes.

Fines related to poaching of elephant and rhino, were increased from a maximum N$ 200 000 to N$25 million, and imprisonment from a period of 20 years to 25 years.

Anti-poaching units have been created and training intensified for prosecutors, investigators and magistrates.

He said while the CITES ban has done little to curb poaching of rhinos and elephants, in contrast, the Nile crocodile has fared much better within the scope of organised trade.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Koch gets eight years

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Koch gets eight yearsKoch gets eight years A Swakopmund resident found guilty of harbouring minor children for sexual exploitation, was sentenced to an effective eight years imprisonment at the close of last week.

On 18 September 2018, Bertus Koch, 41, was found guilty on five counts of receiving and harbouring five minor girls between the ages of nine and 13 for sexual exploitation between November 2015 and May 2016 in the DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund.

Koch was also found guilty on five alternative counts dealt with under the provisions of the Combating of Indecent and Immoral Practices Act 7 of 2000 for having exposed the five minor girls to pornographic material and for undressing himself and exposing his private parts in full view of the girls.

On the five charges (counts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) in respect of the child trafficking convictions, Koch was sentenced to five years imprisonment for each count of which one year was suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convicted of child trafficking or committing or attempting to commit sexual acts with a child under the age of 16, committed during the period of suspension.

In respect of the five convictions under the Combating of Immoral Practices Act (being the alternatives to counts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10), Koch was sentenced to one year imprisonment on each count which were ordered to run concurrently with the sentence imposed in count 3.

The sentences imposed in respect of counts, 5, 7 and 8 were also ordered to run concurrently with the sentence imposed in count 1.

In the result, Koch was, therefore, sentenced to an effective term of eight years imprisonment.

“The morally harmful pornographic pictures displayed on the walls of Bertus Koch's bedroom seems to me to be one possible attraction why the minor girls kept going to the convict's home time and time again and it was during those visits that Koch at times indecently exposed himself to the girls and demanded to have sex with them,” said High Court Judge President, Petrus Damaseb when handing down the punishment.

According to the Damaseb, Koch has betrayed his community's trust considering the manner in which he exposed the young victims to such morally deplorable, harmful pornographic material and lewd conduct.

“Society expects of adults to look out for the vulnerable and not to exploit them. Your betrayal of that trust aggravates the offences you committed,” Damaseb said as he sentenced Koch.

In her submissions in respect of the type of sentence to be imposed, State Advocate Innocentia Nyoni also asked for a direct custodial sentence because Koch took advantage of the youthfulness and vulnerability of the victims to sexually exploit them.

Koch's State-funded defence lawyer Mpokiseng Dube wanted the court to impose a lenient sentence because his client has HIV and is on anti-retroviral treatment.

Koch was, however, found not guilty and discharged on other five counts of rape following the prosecution's failure to prove these charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Evidence presented before court during trial had it that Koch lured the minor girls into his house with the promise of food and sweets.

His trial was conducted behind closed doors as the victims were all minors.

Koch is a first-time offender.

He will serve his custodial sentence at the Windhoek Central Correctional Facility, where he was kept since his arrest in 2017.

NAMPA

The deadly puncher

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The deadly puncherThe deadly puncherWalter is a knockout king The time has come for Walter 'Executioner' Kautondokwa to prove that he is one of the world's greatest knockout specialists. JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA



Namibia has had many great boxers, but there is one that possesses a lethal and deadly thunder punch.

Walter 'Executioner' Kautondokwa is feared for one reason and that is his ferocious boxing style.

The Namibian boxer had a dream of fighting for the prestigious world title for many years.

His journey to finally getting a crack at the world title has not been easy.

Many fighters around the world always skip the name of the Namibian whenever they chose their opponents for world titles. The reason is that they fear Kautondokwa's professional boxing record.

The Namibian has dropped almost anyone he has faced in his professional boxing career.

Born in November 1984 in Eenhana, Kautondokwa made his debut in 2013 against Muapi Mothipa in Oshikango.

Kautondokwa won the fight by a unanimous decision. It was the last fight that he did not win by a knockout.

His next fight was against Thomas Shangula at the Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino. Fighting in front of the big city crowd and a top venue did not distract Kautondokwa.

He took on Shangula and dropped him with a knockout to win his second career fight. By that time, Kautondokwa was just an ordinary fighter rising in the ranks of Namibian boxing.

It took him three years and nine fights before he got a crack at his first African title fight.

In August 2016, Kautondokwa went up against Walter Dlamini for the vacant WBO Africa middleweight title.

His fierce punches proved too strong for Dlamini and Walter became the new WBO Africa middleweight champion.

The 'Executioner continued tormenting boxers for years, retaining the WBO Africa title until he was rated number-two in that division.

The boxer and his promoter, Nestor Tobias, always kept their eyes on a world title fight.

Their wait is over.

The 'Executioner' will fight for the WBO interim middleweight world title against Demetrius Andrade on 20 October.

“I thank the good Lord for blessing me with this opportunity. I laid my mom to rest just a few days ago but I am more determined now than ever to go out there and make her proud,” Kautondokwa said after the fight was announced.

After so many years of unsuccessful bids to fight for a world crown, the Namibian is now close to achieving his dream of becoming a global champion.

This was after the cancellation of Billy Joe Saunders's mandatory defence against Andrade.

This resulted in WBO president Paco Valcarcel saying his organisation would sanction an Andrade/Kautondokwa fight for its interim middleweight title, because it would afford Saunders an opportunity to appeal the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission's denial of his WBO licence application.

The commission's decision caused the cancellation of the Saunders/Andrade fight, which had been slated for 20 October at TD Garden in Boston.

Eddie Hearn, Andrade's promoter, had arranged prior to the Massachusetts commission's meeting on Tuesday for Kautondokwa to face Andrade in the event Saunders couldn't get a licence.

Kautondokwa (17-0, with 16 KOs) is ranked number-two among the WBO's middleweight contenders.

“I am truly humbled by this opportunity. I have only ever fought outside of Namibia once in my professional career, but I am not intimidated to fight in the USA,” the boxer

said.

“I am from the Land of the Brave and although I am relatively unknown and most definitely the underdog going into this fight, it gives me a great advantage to focus on doing my best and surprising my opponent and the

fans.”

The taxability of rental deposits received

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The taxability of rental deposits receivedThe taxability of rental deposits received A general pitfall we see being applied in practice is that landlords argue the fact that because they have an unconditional liability to repay the rental deposits this means that the deposits received are not taxable.

This is not entirely correct.

In the context of the gross income definition, income is taxable on the earlier of receipt or accrual.

“Reveived by” or “accrued to” is not defined in our Income Tax Act and we normally refer to case lase to establish the meaning thereof.

In the case of Geldenhuys v CIR 1947 (3) SA 256 (C); 14 SATC 419, the court held that “income is received by or accrued to a taxpayer once the taxpayer is unconditionally entitled to the income and received such income for its own benefit.”

In the case of Greases (SA) Ltd v CIR 195 (3) 518 (A); 17 SATC 358, the court held that “for a deposit amount to be excluded from gross income, it must be received and held in a “trust”. The money should not be allowed to freely mix with the business money and uses it as deems fit, but rather kept separate to earn interest for the benefit of the person to be refunded.”

As can be seen from the above guidance, careful consideration must be given on how you receive this money and what you apply it for.

Once the deposit is deposited into your normal operational bank account, and you are able to use the deposit as you deem fit (e.g. to fund you normal daily expenses), you are considered as having received it for your own benefit and on your own behalf. Therefore the amount received is taxable even though you might, at a later stage, have a liability to refund the deposit again.

Landlords must thus remember to plan for the tax effect of rental deposits received to ensure that the tax is correctly accounted for.

Johan Nel is a partner: corporate tax service at PwC Namibia. This series on tax is published in Market Watch bi-monthly on a Monday.

Africa’s intra-trade at only 14%

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Africa’s intra-trade at only 14%Africa’s intra-trade at only 14%//Hoebes at SWAITEX Overcoming hurdles and challenges will spur industrial development and strengthen intra-continental trade. SWAKOPMUND – Africa’s intra-trade amounts to only 14%, whereas it is more comfortable to trade with foreign and international markets at a figure of 86% of total trade per year.

These statistics were mentioned by the deputy minister of international relations and cooperation, Christine //Hoebes, during the official opening of the Swakopmund International Trade Exposition (SWAITEX) last week.

Some of the reasons for the low level investment include the poor coordination across the different trading blocs, diverse currencies and mistrust, among other factors.

“If we are serious about joining and remaining on the development trajectory, then there is an urgent need to work on confidence building mechanisms and establish infrastructure such as rail, road and telecommunications networks as well as information communication technology,” //Hoebes stated.

She stressed that overcoming these hurdles and challenges will spur industrial development and strengthen intra-continental trade.

“This will not only create jobs but it will also have the added advantage of diversifying Africa’s economies that are largely dependent on raw materials.”

//Hoebes added that smaller African countries such as Namibia will no longer be restricted to producing their traditional products and that with better policies and human resources, they can become the locus of new manufacturing operations that would serve wider markets.

“By creating a single economic space with harmonised trade policies and a regulatory framework, the Continental Free Trade Agreement could address the problem of multiple memberships, rationalise trade negotiations and above all, ease movement of goods and people,” she said.

//Hoebes commented that trade fairs and expos, particularly the SWAITEX, have an important role to play in the marketing of the country’s products and in presenting the market to traders.

“The government of Namibia therefore supports these events because of the value, which such fairs add to our efforts towards increasing local production, import substitution and increased local economic development.”

Over the past six years, SWAITEX has hosted exhibitors over a wide spectra comprising of the mining, finance, tourism, transport and logistics, energy and more industries at both large and small and medium enterprises. - Nampa

Vugs fights removal from NAC board

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Vugs fights removal from NAC board Vugs fights removal from NAC board JEMIMA BEUKES

Former deputy board chairperson of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) Beverley Gawanas-Vugs is dragging works minister John Mutorwa to court after he sacked her from the board on Thursday.

Last week, Mutorwa announced changes to the NAC board, naming Leake Hangala as the board chair while Irene Visser replaced Gawanas-Vugs.

Gawanas-Vugs had been acting as board chairperson following the resignation of Rodgers Kauta two months ago. Her term was only due to expire in July next year.

Her lawyer, Sisa Namandje, confirmed that he was preparing an urgent application in a bid to reverse Gawanas-Vugs’s removal from the board.

In a letter to Mutorwa on Friday, Namandje wrote that the Namibia Airports Act did not give the minister the right to remove directors and demanded that his client be reinstated by close of business on Friday.

“We have advised our client that quite apart from the fact that our client was not given reasonable and fair notice of her removal and was further not given a fair and reasonable opportunity to make representation as to why she cannot be removed as board member, the minister did not follow any statutory processes in terms of the Companies Act of 2004,” he wrote.

Gawanas-Vugs only learned of her removal through the media.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed board chairman of the Namibia Airports Company, Leake Hangala, said the most important thing on his mind was to turn around the fortunes of the parastatal.

“I know it is a hot seat, but I will have to acquaint myself talk to colleagues at the board and all the stakeholders and then we take it from there. I think what is important is what we all can do to turn around the fortunes of this important enterprise,” said Hangala.

Rudolph Rittman, Grace Muhamed and Ipupa Kasheeta remain in their positions as board members.

Mutorwa said the NAC board chairperson and vice-chairperson appointments came into effect from 11 October 2018 would run until 1 August 2019.

Attempts to reach Mutorwa and the spokesperson of the works ministry Julius Ngweda were unsuccessful.
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