Air Namibia resumes flights to Zimbabwe

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Air Namibia resumes flights to Zimbabwe Air Namibia has resumed its flights to Zimbabwe that were cancelled because of a lawsuit in which a Zimbabwean family is suing the airline for US$1 million.

Air Namibia spokesman Paul Nakawa says flights to Harare and Victoria Falls resumed on Sunday.

Flights from Windhoek to Harare are on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, whereas the Windhoek to Victoria Falls route is operated on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Nakawa says the resumption follows a Zimbabwe High Court ruling lifting the attachment of Air Namibia property or aircraft in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwean family filed a US$1 million lawsuit for inconvenience suffered after they were allegedly deported after having been detained for two days by Air Namibia officials in Windhoek last year.

The applicants in the matter are Chenjerai, Fadzai, Rutendo and Tadiwanashe Mawumba and Juliana Magombedze.

They applied to the Zimbabwean court to attach Air Namibia property in Zimbabwe.

Nakawa said the family was to travel to Turkey and Air Namibia denied them boarding for travelling through Germany on advice received from the German border police. On 27 June this year the High Court of Zimbabwe made an ex parte order for the attachment of Air Namibia property or aircraft in Zimbabwe without notifying the parties.

“An attempt of attachment took place on 5 October, which was successfully avoided by Air Namibia, specifically on the basis of the fact that the aircraft in terms of which the attachment was to take place did not belong to Air Namibia,” said Nakawa. As a result Air Namibia suspended its flights to Harare and Victoria Falls on 8 October.

From 6 to 27 October, the airline diverted its flights between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Victoria Falls to Livingstone in Zambia. Nakawa said Air Namibia subsequently obtained alternative legal counsel who arranged for the matter to be heard by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe.

An application to this effect was heard on 23 October in which Air Namibia was granted an extension of time in which to file an appeal and condonation was equally granted to Air Namibia to file its opposing papers by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe.

The Supreme Court made the order with costs against the passengers who were denied boarding. The order has the effect of staying the previous ex parte order that had facilitated the attachment of the Air Namibia aircraft.

“We are confident that this matter will come to a conclusion soon and trust that Air Namibia can count on your continued support, as we continue to offer the most professional and pleasant experience for our passengers,” said Nakawa.



ELLANIE SMIT

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Standard Bank fuels Tura Expo

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Standard Bank fuels Tura ExpoKatutura branch ready to serve the community Standard Bank is ready to take banking services to the public at this year's Katutura Expo. Standard Bank has been at the forefront of driving growth and development in the community. As such, the bank has put much effort into investing in the annual Katutura Expo to be held from 30 October to 4 November under the theme: 'Building Together a Better Business Society'.

The bank sponsors the expo to the tune of N$50 000. Standard Bank's Katutura branch manager, Lazarus Shikongo, is optimistic that the bank's sponsorship will go a long way in promoting trade and investment, as well as making a meaningful impact on local entrepreneurs in Katutura at the expo.

'The expo is a noble initiative which will have a positive impact by uplifting the living standards of Katutura and enhancing their business endeavours,” he said.

According to Shikongo, the Katutura branch is one of the best performing of the bank's branches and continues to grow annually.

“We have big plans in store for our branch because we want to satisfy our customers' needs and grow with our community,” he said.

'Allied to this is the necessity for these actions to help reduce the failure rate of small businesses in Namibia. Central to any progress being achieved in this regard is the need for reducing the risk associated with lending to a group of people who may have occupational skills and passion, but who sometimes lack the business knowledge to successfully manage and grow a business,” Shikongo said.

“During the course of running and growing an enterprise, you will need access to both short-term and long-term cash savings to pay salaries, suppliers, or even to save for a future project or large payment. Standard Bank provides a range of flexible savings and investment solutions, with competitive interest rates, to help you meet your business's savings and investment needs.

“Our intention is to create a financial 'vortex' in which money is more easily available in the economy. As it is injected, it creates jobs and opportunities, stimulating spend and further job creation. The faster funds become available, the quicker the benefits of increased activity and employment creation will be felt,” Shikongo said.

New Mustang Bullitt confirmed for SA introduction

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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New Mustang Bullitt confirmed for SA introduction50th anniversary of movie The new Mustang Bullitt is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission with rev matching, and the gear shifter features a white cue ball shift knob in a nod to the original. It’s just cool, like Steve McQueen. - Darrell Behmer, Chief Designer: Mustang To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic movie “Bullitt”, and as effortlessly cool as the original Mustang in the movie, the new Mustang Bullitt has been confirmed for local introduction next year, in limited numbers.

The limited-edition gets an upgraded performance-tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 480 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque*, pushing it to a top speed of 163 mph – an 8 mph increase versus the latest Mustang GT.

The new Mustang Bullitt is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission with rev matching, and the gear shifter features a white cue ball shift knob in a nod to the original. Bullitt combines elements of Mustang GT Premium and Performance Package content into a unique sports car that maintains the original Bullitt’s understated persona.

An active valve performance exhaust system is standard, with new black NitroPlate™ exhaust tips, retuned to give the car its signature burble. A new open-air induction system and Shelby® GT350 intake manifold help deliver optimal performance.

Other standard equipment includes a heated leather steering wheel and 12-inch all-digital LCD instrument cluster, identical in function to the cluster introduced on 2018 Mustang, but with a unique Bullitt welcome screen that starts with an image of the car rather than the standard pony.

“This new Bullitt is my favourite Mustang,” said Darrell Behmer, Mustang chief designer. “With zero stripes, spoilers or badges, it doesn’t need to shout. It’s just cool, like Steve McQueen.”

Exterior paint choices are limited to Shadow Black and classic Dark Highland Green – as worn in the movie. Other features paying tribute to the car McQueen drove are subtle chrome accents around a unique black honeycomb grille and side windows, classic five spoke heritage 19-inch aluminum wheels and red-painted Brembo™ brake calipers with larger rotors. There is minimal badging inside and out; only a circular Bullitt logo emblem on the decklid adorns the exterior.

The leather-trimmed interior features unique green accent stitching on the dashboard, door panels, center console and seats.

“When making a Bullitt, there are certain things it absolutely must have,” said Carl Widmann, Mustang chief engineer. “It has to have the right attitude and it has to be unique in some way from a Mustang GT. More than anything, it has to be badass.”

Nanso en Nust help familie ná brand

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Nanso en Nust help familie ná brand“Ek is baie dankbaar en word aangeraak en beseer dat dit klein kinders is wat sulke wonder doen”- Oupa van die familie Michelline Nawatises

Studente van die Namibië Universiteit van Wetenskap en Tegnologie (Nust) en die Namibië Nasionale Studenteorganisasie (Nanso) het ’n helpende hand na ’n familie van 21 uitgereik.

In Augustus vanjaar is ’n familie wat in Katutura, naby single quaters bly se huis in ’n brand verwoes toe hul elektriese boks gebreek, dit is geglo dat elektriese komplikasies die brand veroorsaak het.

Die familie kook gewoonlik buite om elektrisiteit te spaar en maak net saans gebruik daarvan.

Ná die brand uitgebreek het, is die brandweer ontbied, maar die brand het reeds deur die hele huis versprei en die huis is verwoes.

Die gemeenskap het vergeefs probeer om die brand te blus.

Me. Salinde Kaunuua, ’n lid van dié familie, het gesê hulle het twee beddens, vrieskaste, klere, komberse en 'n TV-rak verloor.

"Ons is baie bekommerd omdat ons nie weet waar om te slaap en eet nie. Dit is 'n stryd om die kinders by die skool te kry," het sy gesê.

Die familie se grootste uitdaging is dat die huis en huisinhoud nie verseker was nie.

Die studente het klere, skoene, matrasse, boeke en 'n bedrag van meer as N$3 000 ingesamel en aan die ouma oorhandig.

Een van die oudste familielede het gesê hy sal vir altyd dankbaar wees dat hul lewens gespaar is, hoewel hulle soveel items verloor het.

Me. Vevangouua Kaihiva, ’n Nust-student, het haar medestudente aangemoedig om te waardeer wat hulle het, aangesien soveel mense soveel minder het.

"Hierdie ouma maak 12 kleinkinders op haar eie groot," het sy gesê.

Me. Shilomboleni Roosa, ook ’n student, het die kinders aangemoedig om baie hard te leer sodat hulle hul ouers kan help.

"Eendag, wanneer jy sukses bereik het, moet jy nooit vergeet waar jy vandaan gekom het nie. Sorg altyd vir jou ouers as 'n blyk van waardering," het sy gesê.

Die familie bestaan ??uit 12 kinders en 9 volwassenes, en is dankbaar vir die skenking.

Go Wangara for your motoring needs

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Go Wangara for your motoring needsWangara Automotive offers extended hours at B1 branch Wangara Automotive's B1 branch will be operating for extended hours during the festive season to accommodate motorists. Wangara Automotive's B1 branch, situated on Windhoek's Independence Avenue, will be open for extended hours during this festive season.

Other branches include the Prosperita workshop, situated on the corner of Dante and Silver streets, and the Ongwediva workshop situated on Elyambala Street.

“We have been open for extended hours since last week. On Saturdays we are now open from 08:00 to 17:00 and on Sundays from 08:30 to 15:00,” says its manager, Ken Joseph.

Apart from the extended hours, motorists will be pleased to note that Wangara Automotive has ultra-modern, state-of-the-art showrooms and service centres.

It offers a wide variety of alloy wheels and major tyre brands, as well as high-tech 3D wheel alignment, wheel balancing, vehicle maintenance services and much more, at incredibly competitive prices.

“Our highly trained and experienced tyre and technical experts, two of whom are female, will happily assist you in choosing the tyres appropriate for your vehicle and your budget. We also pride ourselves in having management on site at all times, as this makes it easy for our customers to engage us and we can work towards arrangements to ensure that our customers need not compromise on their family's safety,” Joseph adds.

Wangara offers motorists a one-stop-shop solution. While attending to your tyres, they also offer service and mechanical repairs and are able to fit and replace old and worn-out brakes and shock breakers. Wangara can also overhaul engines, should the need arise.

“We use the latest technology to serve our clients. We have a latest Bosch diagnostics machines to determine accurately what may be wrong with your vehicle,” Joseph says.

These and other efforts, such as their regular tyre education sessions for women, not only empower women to be self-sufficient, but also help them avoid the harrowing possibilities that could arise when they are stranded and waiting for help.

Wangara Tyre & Fitment centres strive to offer customers the very best tyres available on the Southern African market, as well as manufacturer-recommended tyres for the majority of vehicle makes and models, from 'Dankie Botswana' to truck tyres.

Be sure to watch this space as this wholly Namibian and completely customer-centric tyre fitment and vehicle maintenance group goes on to lead the revolution in their industry.

Make a point of stopping at one of their locations for all your fitment, suspension and mechanical needs.

STAFF REPORTER

Company news in brief

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Company news in brief Aspen to invest in anaesthetics

South African drug maker Aspen Pharmacare will invest an additional 3.4 billion rand (US$231 million) at its Port Elizabeth plant, it said on Friday at an investment summit in Johannesburg.

The investment will be used to manufacture sterile anaesthetics, Aspen’s senior executive Stavros Nicolaou said at the summit.

-Nampa/Reuters

IBM to acquire Red Hat

IBM Corp said on Sunday it had agreed to acquire US software company Red Hat Inc for US$34 billion, including debt, as it seeks to diversify its technology hardware and consulting business into higher-margin products and services.

The transaction is by far IBM’s biggest acquisition. It underscores IBM Chief Executive Ginni Rometty’s efforts to expand the company’s subscription-based software offerings, as it faces slowing software sales and waning demand for mainframe servers.

IBM, which has a market capitalization of US$114 billion, will pay US$190 per share in cash for Red Hat, a 63% premium to Friday’s closing share price.

Founded in 1993, Red Hat specializes in Linux operating systems, the most popular type of open-source software, which was developed as an alternative to proprietary software made by Microsoft Corp.

Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Red Hat charges fees to its corporate customers for custom features, maintenance and technical support, offering IBM a lucrative source of subscription revenue.

-Nmapa/Reuters

Microsoft overtakes Amazon as second most valuable

Microsoft Corp regained its spot as the second most valuable US company on Friday after a disappointing quarterly report from Amazon.com wiped US$65 billion off the online retailer’s market capitalization.

Apple Inc tops the list at over US$1 trillion after crossing that threshold in September. Microsoft’s market capitalization was Wall Street’s highest in late 1998 through early 2000 before the dot-com bubble burst.

Amazon’s shares dropped 7%, the most in nearly three years after its holiday season sales outlook missed targets, fanning concerns that Wall Street’s tech darlings are finally starting to face stronger competition.

Microsoft fell a more modest 1.1% in a broad technology sell-off that was also driven by a weaker-than-expected report from Google-parent Alphabet Inc , leaving the Nasdaq composite index down 1.9% late Friday afternoon.

-Nampa/Reuters

Brazil leaves fate of Boeing-Embraer deal to next president

Brazil will leave a decision on whether to approve the sale of a controlling stake in planemaker Embraer SA’s commercial jet business to Boeing Co to the next government, defense minister Joaquim Silva e Luna told Reuters on Friday.

That’s a reversal from Luna’s remarks in August, when he said that current President Michel Temer’s administration would reach a decision after elections conclude this Sunday but before the January transition to the next government.

Embraer and Boeing agreed in July to the deal, but Brazil’s government, which owns a special class of stock in the planemaker that allows it to veto significant business decisions, has yet to sign off on it.

-Nampa/Reuters

Fraud office denied permission to charge Barclays

A High Court judge has denied a Serious Fraud Office application to charge Barclays over its 2008 capital raising, potentially ending the biggest remaining legal headache facing the British bank over its conduct during the financial crisis.

A British court dismissed the charges against the bank last May in a decision that the SFO, which prosecutes financial crimes, said it would seek to reverse by applying to the High Court to reinstate them.

“The High Court has today denied the SFO’s application to reinstate in respect of all of the charges. As a result, all of the charges remain dismissed,” Barclays said in a statement.

The SFO said on Friday it could not comment on the decision, citing reporting restrictions on other cases related to the 2008 fundraising which are set to continue.

Barclays denied the SFO’s allegation that a US$3 billion loan it made to Qatar in November 2008 was connected with a Qatari investment in the British bank which ultimately helped it avoid a British government rescue during the financial crisis.

-Nampa/Reuters

Katutura Expo helps local SMEs

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Katutura Expo helps local SMEsSurprise concert planned for Saturday This year's Katutura Expo promises a week of sport, entertainment and a chance for small businesses to catch the eye of the buying public. Katutura East regional councillor Ambrosius Kandjii says the Katutura Expo provides Katutura-based small and medium enterprises with a unique opportunity to showcase their businesses and get a leg up.

He was speaking at the launch of the 2018 Katutura Expo recently.

According to him, after numerous engagements and consultations with various corporate and public-sector institutions with regard to the hosting of this year's Katutura Expo, positive feedback was received.

“These corporate and public-sector institutions committed themselves financially and technically to the cause of the Katutura Expo, which is to provide an entrepreneurial platform where small and medium enterprises from Katutura, but not limited thereto, can showcase their products and services in order to attain long-term growth through expansion of their client base and the acquisition of capital,” said Kandjii.

This year's Katutura Expo promises to be fun filled, judging by the activities of its entertainment committee.

This year's expo offers upcoming artists the chance to showcase their talent from Wednesday through to Friday, while an even bigger bash is planned is planned for Saturday.

The head of the entertainment committee, Shepherd Muhaindjumba, said all artists were invited to perform at the expo from Wednesday to Friday. According to him, it is an initiative to promote young and upcoming artists.

“There will be live bands. Artists are encouraged to make contact with us if they would like to perform but they must do it before Wednesday. The big bash will be on Saturday, it is a surprise who will perform so keep your eyes and ears open for this one,” said Muhaindjumba.

Artists are encouraged to contact Muhaindjumba on 081 230 5475 if they want to perform at the expo. Apart from the live performances, visitors to this year's expo will also be entertained by traditional performances.

Other entertainment activities planned include a football tournament that will be held on Friday. “We are having an under-13 football tournament. It will be a seven-a-side tournament held at the Hope Village pitch. This one is specifically for the children,” said Muhaindjumba

Gates to the expo will open at 08:00 and N$20 will get you in if you are an adult, or N$10 for children.

Kandjii thanked the sponsors that made the expo possible.

“I would like to convey on behalf of the Katutura Expo organising committee our utmost gratitude and appreciation for the support and assistance towards the hosting of the Katutura Expo 2018, which will kick-off on 30 October 2018 up to 4 November 2018,” he said.

OGONE TLHAGE

To Russia, with love

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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To Russia, with loveHelping Namibian students reach higher A new centre established at the International University of Management in Windhoek, the Russian-Namibian Center for Culture and Education, will assist students to achieve major successes in Russia. Yanna smith



Namibians students wishing to pursue an international qualification have just come one step closer. The International University of Management (IUM) has an agreement with two Russian centres of higher learning, The People's Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) and the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Service under the President of the Russian Federation (RANEPA).

Both of these agreements will allow Namibian students to pursue a new, higher degree of excellence in education but IUM has taken it one step further. RusNam, the Russian-Namibian Center for Culture and Education at IUM, will create the bridge for these students to allow them to effortlessly integrate into their new Russian surroundings.

Namibian students pursuing degrees in Russia is nothing new. The Russian government has extended fully paid scholarships for Namibian residents for almost 28 years. However, the concern was the high dropout rate of these students due to cultural and language barriers. Many are unable to complete their education, not due to financial constraints, but rather, a lack of cultural and language preparedness.

IUM has stepped up to the plate in this regard through the recently concluded partnership. RusNam, is the brain-child of Diana Kemp, a Russian expatriate who has been living in Namibia for almost 20 years and the founder of IUM, Dr David Namwandi. After having identified the need for such a centre, and following discussions and rigorous planning, the centre will see its official launch on 9 November 2018.

From her perspective, Kemp told The Zone that she was concerned about the difficulties Namibians in Russia face. “We will prepare them to study and live in Russia comfortably,” Kemp said.

“It is one thing to study in Moscow that has a high representation of foreign nationals but studying in a smaller town might pose addi­tional challenges to Namibian students, particularly pertaining to the ­environment. This situation has necessitated year-long foundation courses prior to the main disciplines. But even the foundation courses have not adequately addressed these ­challenges, especially pertaining to the language barriers.

From a broader perspective, the programmes at the centre will be beneficial not only for students who wish to pursue further studies in Russia, but also the larger public who aspire to study the Russian language for communication purposes. Classes for school-going children will also be accommodated at the centre.

While the centre will be managed by IUM, well-qualified lecturers from RUDN will periodically deliver the courses at the centre, assisted by lecturers from IUM.

Russia has its pride of place as a country that provides quality education with more than half of its citizens holding a university degree. One of the main goals of the centre is to prepare individuals to maximise their learning opportunities in Russia.

RusNam will offer not only language courses for beginners, intermediates, and professionals but also specific subject base courses needed for pre-study preparation to enter Russian universities.

IUM signed the two agreements in an effort to foster the internationalisation of tertiary education and promotion of international collaboration.

“The first agreement was signed with RUDN with the aim of collaborating in the fields of research, development, education, and training, transfer technology, and dissemination of knowledge. This agreement will promote faculty-based cooperation between the two universities covering various fields of knowledge as well as to facilitate, amongst others, the exchange of undergraduate and postgraduate students, exchange of faculty and staff, joint research projects, mutual assistance in establishment of new programmes, and organising conferences and workshops.

The RusNam centre will play a pivotal role in this.

The second agreement was signed with the Russian Academy of Economy and Public Service under the President of the Russian Federation (RANEPA) to collaborate in the organisation of international academic exchange, development and implementation of educational programmes for training of Information Technology managers and information security managers (IS) as well as implementation and coordination of joint projects in the field of education, science, forums, conferences and summits.

Currently, preparations are in full swing for the 9 November launch. The Zone will be in attendance of the official opening and will bring you all the necessary information you may need to be part of this project.

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Blue Bankers climb the ladder

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Blue Bankers climb the ladderHeaded for success Standard Bank in a press release yesterday announced its employees’ new appointments. Starting a new position is always exciting- Lorraine Steenkamp, Offshore Manager, Standard Bank. Standard Bank Namibia yesterday announced the appointment of Daniel van Der Merwe as its new commercial relationship Manager.

In this position, van der Merwe will work hand-in-hand with Tier 1 business banking clients, serving as an educator for all their banking needs. He will also be responsible in maintaining the relationship of newly acquired clients.

Van der Merwe joined Standard Bank in 2016 as a client analyst within the corporate investment banking (CIB) Department, doing everything from credit analysis, client queries and industry analysis. After that, in 2017, he joined Private Banking as an offshore manager, dealing with Standard Bank’s offshore banking and investment solutions. While working as an offshore manager, he won Top Sales Person across Africa through growing his portfolio with 130%.

“I’m motivated to explore the banking industry as a whole. I believe it is of utmost importance we as a bank understand our client’s way of doing business. We want to help our clients grow, and by this evolve our relationship with their business.” he said regarding his quest to climb the ladder of success.

Talking about his new position, van der Merwe added he is ready on tackling the new role, and transitioning from a sales oriented job to one where building relationships and trust is key.

Van der Merwe attained his Bachelors in Economics and Investment Management at the University of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape in 2015. He has also set his sights on attaining Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the near future.

Describing himself as being very rational, he is more than eager to kick-start this new position with determination and drive. He invites clients to contact his office and engage with him openly to explore new opportunities.

“I am looking forward to meeting and engaging with clients, being visible in the market and expanding our variety of solutions and services within the industry” van der Merwe concluded.

Standard Bank also announced the appointment of Lorraine Steenkamp, a true ‘Blue Banker’ at heart, who has taken up the mantle as the bank’s new offshore manager.

Considered an invaluable member of the Standard Bank family, she has proven herself to be a hardworking and dedicated individual with the customers’ needs at heart.

A driven career banker, Steenkamp first joined the bank back in 1992, leaving it for four years to explore other avenues. She returned to her roots as a Blue Banker in 2013 where she has excelled by leaps and bounds.

During the course of her career, she honed her expertise in the fields of private banking, business banking and corporate and investment banking as a transactional product specialist.

Under her new position as offshore manager, Steenkamp will represent Standard Bank’s offshore assets in Namibia. Steenkamp will provide clients with insight into the bank’s offshore products offerings, to help them create flexibility and diversity in their investment and banking portfolios.

The bank’s offshore banking enables people who live or work abroad to manage their finances in one central location. By keeping their money in one place, it allows them to make transfers and payments in several currencies from a stable and secure offshore jurisdiction.

Steenkamp was integral to the success of the then Priority Banking department as a top performer in providing superb client experience, which later became known as the Private Banking department. Owing to her earlier success in that department, Steenkamp said she is extremely excited to be returning to the private banking fold.

Steenkamp says “Starting a new position is always exciting and I look forward to the learning opportunities that come with this new position. I am passionate about people and serving them, I would go as far as calling myself “customer-obsessed”. Owing to that, I am eager about adding value to my clients.

Steenkamp boasts a host of accolades on her resume, most notably winning an excellence award in private banking and in 2016 she was awarded the excellence award for being the top relationship manager in Africa regions as part of the commercial property team of Standard Bank.

SA gets US$20 billion of investment pledges

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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SA gets US$20 billion of investment pledges Investment commitments of almost 290 billion rand (US$20 billion) into the South African economy were made at an investment conference on Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said.

“This is going to give our country the lift it requires,” said Ramaphosa, who has staked his reputation on reviving the economy after a decade of stagnation.

“We are working to ensure we remove whatever blockages stand in the way of these investments.”

-Nampa/Reuters

Celebrate and value the honeybee

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Celebrate and value the honeybee Namibia yesterday commemorated its first Bee Day in an effort to highlight the critical role honey bees play in human food supply.

“This day should be used by all to celebrate and honour the honeybee, which is one of the most valuable animals in the country. People should be aware of their importance, and learn to value them just as much as other animals and insects,” said Roland zu Bentheim of Imkerei Bentheim, who has staunchly fought for increased awareness of honeybees in Namibia.

Zu Bentheim explains that honeybees pollinate up to 80% of all plants in the world, and are an essential ingredient to agriculture.

“Without bees, we will, for instance, have no more apples.”

Today, one beehive is worth a minimum of N$50 000, which zu Bentheim says indicates the value of bees not only to agriculture and nature in general, but to the economy. Unfortunately, honeybees face increasing threats to survival, in Namibia and globally.

Among other concerns, the destruction of beehives is widespread in Namibia, either by poisoning the bees or by burning the hives to get at the honey.

Zu Bentheim advocates for the humane and safe removal of hives, during which bees are removed and placed in safe havens where they can conduct their important work without disruption.

Zu Bentheim has been a professional beekeeper, and an outspoken conservationist on behalf of this critical species, for close to two decades.



They are essential

The United Nations in May during the global World Bee Day, explained that bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities.

Pollinators allow many plants, including food crops, to reproduce.

Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are crucial to conserving biodiversity - a cornerstone of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

They also serve as sentinels for emergent environmental risks, signalling the health of local ecosystems.

Invasive insects, pesticides, land-use change and monocropping practices may reduce available nutrients and pose threats to bee colonies.

To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day.

In Namibia, Zu Bentheim's services are available to anyone who needs a bee colony humanely and safely removed. He can be reached at 081 635 7323.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Wanted for child mutilation, rape

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Wanted for child mutilation, rapeSuspect is known, has fled The weekly crime report of the Namibian police makes for harrowing reading with rape and sodomy topping the list. Police are searching for a 20-year-old man, who is on the run after he allegedly cut an eight-year-old girl's genitals with a knife and raped her.

According to the police, the “heinous crime” occurred on Friday at about 16:00 at the Farm Satan Locht in the Khomas Region.

It is alleged the girl and another child were left in the care of the suspect, who threatened to harm them. The other child ran away.

The suspect apparently got hold of a knife and tried to rape the girl, but penetration could not take place.

He then cut her genitals and raped her.

According to the police, the suspect, Gervin Gowanab, has since fled into the mountains.

A search has so far yielded no results.

The girl was admitted to the Windhoek Central Hospital and her condition is critical.

The police are asking for the assistance from the public to trace Gowanab.

In a separate incident on Sunday in Omatjete, a five-year-old girl was raped, allegedly by her 30-year-old uncle.

It is alleged the victim and her two-year-old brother were left at home in the uncle's care by their mother.

She apparently went to view the progress of the construction of her new home.

She was alerted by neighbours that her child was bleeding.

Upon her arrival at home, her daughter told her what had happened. The child was rushed to hospital. The suspect fled and the police investigation continues.

In another incident on Friday, an 11-year-old boy was sodomised by a 28-year-old man in Stampriet.

According to the police, the incident occurred between 22:30 and 23:30 at a residence in Soetdoringlaagte.

It is alleged the man overpowered the boy and raped him. The suspect has been arrested.

Also on Saturday, at a residence in Okombahe, a 27-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a man in his twenties.

According to the police, the woman was walking home when the suspect suddenly took out a knife and threatened to kill her, if she does not comply with his demands.

The man allegedly dragged her, hit her with a stone on her head and raped her. The woman managed to escape and reported the incident to her family and the police.

She sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Omaruru state hospital. The suspect is still on the run.

In another incident on Sunday at Groot Aub, a 37-year-old man allegedly raped a 47-year-old woman, after removing her underwear. The suspect has been arrested.

In Windhoek, a woman was raped during an armed robbery at her house in Kleine Kuppe.

According to the police, two suspects entered the premises at about 00:10 on Sunday, by climbing over the fence. They managed to break into the house through a window.

The owner was watching TV, and was threatened with a gun by one suspect, while the woman was asleep in a room. She was also threatened with a gun, undressed and raped.

The suspects tied up the victims and locked them in a room. They stole a Samsung TV, three cellphones, an Xbox, N$2 500 in cash and the car keys of a Fortuner and a Golf 7.

The unrecovered items are valued at about N$98 000.

No arrests were made.

In a separate incident at Ongwediva, a foetus was found on Sunday near the road opposite Baywatch Ongwediva by a boy from Okatope village, who was herding cattle. The boy found a folded newspaper and when he opened it he found the foetus.

The boy ran home and reported this to his parents. No arrests have been made.

At Otjomuise, a 31-year-old man was stabbed to death by a 26-year-old suspect on Saturday.

Sam Shithigona was stabbed three times in Stockholm Street by the suspect, after a fight broke out between them. The suspect has been arrested.

In another incident at Mariental, Simon Valombola succumbed to his injuries after he was stabbed with a knife in the neck on Saturday. It is alleged the deceased and a 23-year-old man were fighting over a girl. The suspect has been arrested.

Meanwhile, in Ondangwa at Okanyofi village, 20-year-old Namila Jonas died instantly after he was stabbed with an okapi. It is alleged the deceased and his friends entered a wedding tent where they were unwelcome. An argument erupted, and Jonas was stabbed.

The suspect has not been arrested and the investigation continues.

In a separate incident, a 61-year-old woman was viciously attacked on Friday afternoon after she withdrew N$80 000 to purchase a car.

According to the police, the incident happened at the Engen service station in Independence Avenue. Two men armed with knives attacked the woman while she was sitting alone in a car, waiting for her son to return from the service station shop, where he went to buy water.

The suspects demanded her handbag, but the woman resisted. They then stabbed her with a knife in the upper-leg and cut her on the hand.

They took her bag containing N$79 000 in cash. The suspects fled the scene in a white Renault without number plates. No arrests and no recovery of the cash was made.



ELLANIE SMIT

Maamberua wants forensic audit

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Maamberua wants forensic audit Swanu parliamentarian, Usutuaije Maamberua has called for a forensic audit into government's resettlement programme since its inception to determine the extent and validity of perceived nepotism, corruption and elitism.

Maamberua made this plea in a recent interview with Nampa after his plea fell on deaf ears and was rejected in the National Assembly last week.

He said if government has nothing to hide, then a forensic audit into the programme is the way to go to set the record straight.

“The motion was basically rejected by the ruling party. The Speaker, Peter Katjavivi, wanted to divide the house but there was no quorum… the land reform minister, Utoni Nujoma, objected to such a motion to be accepted and the others went along with that,” Maamberua said.

He continued: “I then wondered what they are hiding. Are they hiding the corruption that is taking place, fraud, nepotism and all the other transgressions taking place in that ministry?

“I am not the one saying there are problems (with the resettlement programme). It's actually the public,” he said. Maamberua's comments come just two weeks after Ombudsman John Walters released the list of resettlement programme beneficiaries. For long, government's handling of the resettlement programme has come under heavy criticism from certain quarters who say it is skewed in favour of certain ethic groups, politicians and their cronies to the disadvantage of deserving and needy Namibians. To date, government bought 494 farms from which over 5 700 beneficiaries have been resettled or settled across eight regions since the programme's inception. When approached by Nampa on Monday, Landless People's Movement's spokesperson, Paul Thomas welcomed the call for an audit into the programme.

“We are still of the opinion that the list given by the ministry of the ombudsman does not reflect the reality on the ground,” he charged.

Thomas added the movement will set up its own investigation committee in the regions that will do comparisons between the ministry's master list and what is 'really on the ground”.

NAMPA

Pupkewitz Megabuild expands to Outjo

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Pupkewitz Megabuild expands to Outjo17th branch opened Pupkewitz Megabuild Outjo features a modern interior design with over 5 000 line items. Investing in our business and growing the Pupkewitz Megabuild footprint remains our priority whilst working closely with the local authorities to assist in creating job opportunities. - Marcel Lamprecht, MD: Pupkewitz Megabuild Pupkewitz Megabuild opened its new branch Outjo on Friday, bringing the number of the total company branches to 17, creating a comprehensive footprint in Namibia.

Taking its services and products closer to the people remains one of its priority areas as supported by the Pupkewitz Group’s legacy of customer satisfaction through service excellence, the company said in a statement.

Despite difficult economic times, the Pupkewitz Group continues to innovate and create opportunities to further grow the business and deliver value to all its stakeholders, says the managing director of Pupkewitz Megabuild, Marcel Lamprecht.

“Investing in our business and growing the Pupkewitz Megabuild footprint remains our priority whilst working closely with the local authorities to assist in creating job opportunities,” he said.

Pupkewitz Megabuild Outjo features a modern interior design with over 5 000 line items, aimed at offering customers a choice of quality products, as well as the Pupkewitz legendary and trusted expert advice. Furthermore, to enhance customers’ experience, the new branch will be offering a delivery service within the town and adjacent towns within the radius of 150 kilometre.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, the Pupkewitz Group remains truly committed to ensure that we provide the right product at the right price in the right place. In support of our national development goals and living out our number one unifying principle of ‘Commitment to People Development’, we are continually seeking opportunities to create exciting job opportunities for all Namibians,” the company said.

“As a roup, we recognise Outjo Municipality’s vision of becoming a tourism and education hub towards economic growth and social progression.”

The new branch is situated in Jack Frances Street, and will be open from Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays from 07:30 to 17:00, Thursdays from 08:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 13:00.

Pupkewitz Megabuild, a subsidiary of the Pupkewitz Group, is a one-stop building and hardware material supplier, providing a wide range of high quality products to building contractors and the retail home improvement market.

Educating youth on renewable energy

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Educating youth on renewable energy Promoting infrastructure development and empowerment Ensuring that students know the basics of science, technology, engineering and mathematics are key ways in terms of moving to a clean energy economy. Justicia Shipena

The energy ministry launched the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) at the Safari Court Hotel on 24 October.

The event took place in the presence of the ministers and senior officials responsible for energy in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.

Also present was representatives from power utilities and regulators, as well as regional and international experts and international cooperation partners.

A series of events were scheduled to precede the main event, including workshops, which took place from 22 to 24 October.

In line with the launch, a public dialogue forum on youth and innovation under the theme ‘Promoting infrastructure development and youth empowerment for sustainable development’ was held on 23 October.

Speaking at the dialogue, energy ministry director John Titus said youth should be assisted to become better educated in order to enter universities to improve their skills.

“In line with the Harambee Prosperity Plan, the ministry of mines and energy is working together with the government and want to rectify all schools by 2020,” he said.

Titus added the national energy policy involved the youth and two national workshops were held.

The workshops gave an indication that the youth do not get enough support, hence the policy having a general statement to address this.

Titus also said the youth can contribute best to the theme of ‘Promoting infrastructure development and youth empowerment for sustainable development’, as they have great ideas.

With advancing energy, sometimes there are young people with brilliant ideas in terms of innovation and there are those who have received international epaulets from the international organisations.

“This is a clear indication that there is definitely potential in them and they need to be assisted for Namibia to be able to move into industrialisation,” he said.

Titus added there are young innovators out there, but they lack support.

“Platforms like this could help inform our policymakers to adapt to crafting policies so that they can be better assisted.”

Speaking to The Zone last Tuesday, Deon Shekuza, director of Namibia Youth on Re­newable Energy (NAYoRE), said Namibia does not have a dedicated youth programme that can support young people.

“When we as NAYoRE participated in the formulation of the Namibia energy policy; our aim was to give government some kind of leverage inside the policy that looks out for youth, so that when they try and implement it at a national level it is a bit easier,” he said.

Shekuza added that with Namibia being the country where SACREEE sits, it is important that it takes the first step in developing a programme that can recommend it to other SADC members.

Shekuza said government’s philosophy of the tenders and the morphology of the type of tenders being advertised are very debateable, as a lack of skills is emphasised, yet a tender for a megawatt plant is given to five or six to be developed.

“The problem with that is that the foreign institutions will come and will set up some kind of infrastructure that will develop that megawatt plant we asked for, but that does not build our capacity. Namibia should rather aim to be developing it, and this is coming increasingly important,” he said.

Shekuza also questioned how the young people benefit from the facilities like the wind power plant that was recently set up in Lüderitz.

“Often these things are being done in the isolation of the youth and they need that programme or they might isolate some of the youth like, those that don’t go to school or lack knowledge in solar energy,” he said.

Shekuza said when young people graduate from university in renewable energy fields, they seek jobs that they might not obtain, because companies are always looking for a specialised person.

“Youth getting employment in the energy sector, especially women, is a big challenge,” he said.

Shekuza said the programme should be able to help every young person, in every corner of Namibia.

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Unam staff on strike

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Unam staff on strike Employees of the University of Namibia (Unam) yesterday morning went on strike in front of the university's Windhoek campus.

Sixty-one per cent of the university's staff voted in favour of a strike to demand a 6% salary increase, backdated to January this year.

Unam management and staff have been unable to agree on an increase. Unam management offered nothing, while the workers were adamant on a 6% raise.

Members of the Namibian National Teachers' Union (Nantu), which represents the staff, and the university management were yesterday still negotiating how to resolve the matter.

Chairperson of the Nantu Unam branch, Muree Tjiueza told Namibian Sun that they are open to negotiate and resolve the matter.

“We are not closed to negotiations, but we are still demanding our 6% increase.”

According to Tjiueza, the university also failed to stick by the rules of the strike which included providing water and portable toilets to the striking staff members.

He says that this was brought to the attention of management and just before 13:00 yesterday one portable toilet and water finally arrived.

Furthermore, rumours were doing the rounds that a student who is also a member of Unam's management was able to obtain access to exam papers.

Tjiueza said that this was also brought to the attention of management who claimed ignorance.

“We take this issue very seriously and if this is the case the exams must be nullified.”

Furthermore Tjiueza said that they were informed that some staff members who voted to strike went back to work.

“These staff were being used to do the work of employees that are striking, which is not allowed. We wanted to go inside to see whether this is true, but were refused entry.”

Unam has assured that exams will not be interrupted because of the strike.

According to a notification placed on Unam's Facebook page, striking employees will not prevent students and non-striking employees from entering Unam centres and campuses.

“Students are informed that examinations will continue as normal.”

In 2008, Unam staff also voted to go on strike, but backed down at the eleventh hour. At that time Unam employees were seeking a 12% salary increase.

ELLANIE SMIT

Diplomatic shake-up on the cards

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Diplomatic shake-up on the cards President Hage Geingob is expected to make some changes to his diplomatic postings in the coming days, Namibian Sun has learned.

According to reliable government sources, the presidency has recalled ambassadors and high commissioners, who will be back in the country before the end of the year, while others have run their course at their various postings. A source told Namibian Sun that presidency permanent secretary Samuel Goagoseb will be posted to Cuba, while the current ambassador to Cuba, Jerobeam Shaanika, is likely to return to Namibia permanently. Namibian Sun also has it on good authority that former presidential press secretary Albertus Aochamub will make his way to France, while home affairs PS Patrick Nandago will be posted to Angola.

Although there has been no official communication, a number of high commissioners and ambassadors, including those to the United Nations, have announced their farewells on social media. On 24 October, Namibia's ambassador to India, Pius Dunaiski, posted pictures of his farewell party at the Namibian High Commission in New Delhi. Namibia's ambassador to Sweden, Morina Muuondjo, posted her farewell speech on Facebook, as she bids farewell to her posting in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland.

“My tenure as the ambassador of Namibia to the kingdoms of Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the Republic of Iceland is coming to an end in October. My family and I have truly enjoyed our stay in Sweden and we will be leaving with fond and very happy memories,” Muuondjo posted. Shaanika posted a farewell video clip on Facebook. On Twitter, Namibia's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Sabine Bohlke-Moller's departure was also announced last week when UNAids executive director Michel Sidibe bid his farewell, saying she will be sorely missed. “Your many friends at the UNAids headquarters will miss you. We wish you all the best on your return to the ministry of international relations and cooperation in Namibia,” said Sidibe.

Meanwhile The Patriot newspaper reported on Friday that the cut-off date for the affected diplomats is 31 October for them to return home.

When contacted for comment, presidential affairs minister Martin Andjaba referred questions to current press secretary Alfredo Hengari.

STAFF REPORTER

Windhoek plot debacle drags on

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Windhoek plot debacle drags onHousing ministry blamed for mess-up The Windhoek City Council is blaming an error by the then ministry of regional and local government, housing and rural development for the troubles experienced by a Windhoek woman. The blame for a bungled plot allocation saga, and the threat of eviction of an impoverished Windhoek woman who had made her home on the plot for more than a decade, have been put squarely on the shoulders of the urban and rural ministry.

“Ms Hertha Ndapewa Shilongo is destitute and is facing an eviction which is not of her making, but that of the ministry of regional and local government, housing and rural development,” comments by City officials in the October Windhoek City Council agenda state.

In 2012, Shilongo's lawyers contacted the ministry.

“It is our considered opinion that the ministry had the responsibility to determine the ownership of the erf before allocating it to our client,” lawyers from Sisa Namandje & Co argued.

An October 2011 letter from the housing ministry to the City of Windhoek acknowledged the mistake.

“Plot number 861 Goreangab was allocated to Julia Nghiyoonanye to build a house in 1993. However, during 2000 this plot was wrongly allocated to a second beneficiary (Shilongo).”

The ministry further noted that Shilongo had paid all arrears owed to the municipality after Nghiyoonanye was unable to afford payments.

The ministry explained that Nghiyoonanye had unexpectedly, ten years later, “turned up to claim her plot, which is still in her name. This issue has now created a dilemma between the ministry, the original owner and Ms Shilongo.”

The ministry pleaded with the City for assistance, noting that “we are humbly requesting your good office to assist by allocating another plot and a loan under Decentralised Build Together programme to Shilongo in order to construct her house.”

Six years later, the City last week resolved to allocate erf 20, but at a cost of N$107 194.77, “which is the amount after deduction of the payment of N$31 605.53 paid by Shilongo as arrears to the City.”

The council agenda notes that Shilongo has been made aware that she is required to purchase a property from the city, as erf 861 was paid for by the ministry and “thus her obligation was with the said ministry in terms of payments.”

The City further notes that it is unable to comply with the ministry's request to grant a loan to Shilongo under the Build Together programme, “as this programme has been suspended”.



A long way coming

The plot tussle dates back to April 2001, when the ministry instructed the city to allocate erf 861 to Shilongo, explaining that Nghiyoonanye was “no longer interested in continuing with the loan allocated to her under the Build Together programme by this ministry.”

The ministry further acknowledged that non-payment had led to debt piling up on the plot.

The council agenda also notes that Nghiyoonanye had not complied with the conditions to construct a house on the plot, and efforts to trace her to settle her outstanding municipal account and to comply with the building conditions proved futile.

However, while the transfer of the property was still ongoing ten years later in 2011, “Nghiyoonanye approached the ministry and claimed ownership of the property, which was in any case legally registered in her name.”

Records showed that N$5 900 was deducted from the initial N$10 000 Build Together loan granted to Nghiyoonanye by the ministry in 1994 to purchase the erf.

Shilongo's legal team demanded that the ministry secure another erf of the same size at no further cost to Shilongo and to compensate her for all structural improvements on the erf she was being evicted from.

The lawyers said their client had not only paid the outstanding arrears on rates and taxes left unpaid by the previous owner, but that she had constructed a home in which she had lived for a decade.

Due to the ministry's negligence their client had suffered damages amounting to N$31 605.23 and was facing eviction “from the erf that has been her home for more than ten years,” the letter stated.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Windhoek: The city of bright lights

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Windhoek: The city of bright lights Elizabeth Joseph

You needed to be at the first-ever Red Bull Music Festival, title African Beats, which took place this past weekend at the Windhoek Showgrounds, to fully understand how awesome it was.

While plenty of Namibians got to see my favourite deejay, Ace Da Bass, as well as killer acts like Gina Jeanz and Shekhinah, I was in Karibib.

I know watching a live video is nothing compared to being there in the flesh. I am always reminded of the amazing talent in Namibia at events like this one. To the upcoming deejays like Zottie and The Rhythm Boys, to the likes of Dj Pierce, the list is endless and the talent keeps growing.

While I was watching those live feeds on Instagram, it was as though I was there. When KP Illest and his team performed Okay Okay, I almost lost my morals. And it was not because he took off his shirt.

It is important that we always affirm these artists and make them feel confident to feel their hype, because the industry is draining.

Getting back to the event, can we please discuss Shekhinah’s outfit? She slayed. Maybe I should’ve been an entertainment journalist, because I honestly like things. The Rhythm Boys killed it in their 2018, self-titled apparel.

We had Ace Da Bass and Gina Jeanz looking effortlessly trendy, as usual, and the rest you know, right?

I mean, you guys were there for real, not like some of us. You are probably wondering where I was? I am getting there.

I went to the coast for the weekend. I know what you’re thinking... Day of Dolphins. Heck no! I am not that kind of coloured. I went to Westside High School’s matric farewell, which was beautiful. It was like God just knew what to do with the weather, because it was perfect.

It was just the right amount of sunlight, with a little breeze to cool us down. I have never been so conflicted in my life. I felt like I needed to be at the music festival, but I also needed some ‘me time’, and if you know me you’d know that my place of complete solitude is Swakopmund, or any other coastal place, like Spain, but that is too farfetched.

Sometimes we have to be selfish and do what is best for our spirits, but how I wish I could’ve been selfish at the showgrounds, with an ice-cold Castel Lite. Regret is the story of my life.

On the day of the event I actually drove to Karibib, which is my best friend’s hometown, because her high school hosted a fun day. And fun it definitely was. I looked and smelled like braaivleis and sunshine. Let that sink in.

I had a great time, but a part of me wanted to hitch a ride back to Windhoek to make it back in time for the show. Little old impulsive me…

And can someone please fill me in about the happenings at Oktoberfest? Both of these events are my cup of tea, so hoe nou? I am a beer person by choice. Where are the pictures and videos though?

Was it really that low-key, that even my nosey self doesn’t know what went down and if the vibe was lit or not?

Luckily I had the videos and all those posts to remind me that I missed out on an awesome vibe, good music and great company, but I was with family and that is equally rewarding for my soul.

I would not change anything about it, however, at this moment I do really wish I could have been at two places at the same time.

All-in-all, I hope amazing memories were made and a lot of great videos were taken; such keepsakes are a good reminder of growth. Now the countdown for the Ivyson tour begins. This I one show I will not miss, if it’s in God’s hands.

Now, if you still have videos and photos of all these events, contact your girl.

Be good to yourself and others!

Politicians the problem, not our courts

October 29, 2018, 3:00 pm

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Politicians the problem, not our courts By virtue of their work, politicians will do anything possible to maximise their popularity. They are thus able to ride the popular wave of support in good and bad times. The ongoing power struggles in many of our political parties all have to do with alignments and vested interests that come with being in a position of influence. The leader of a political party matters, more so, if that political party happens to be Swapo. And as the old adage goes, birds of a political feather always flock together. For many years now Swapo has been criticised for not openly speaking out against corruption in both the public and private sector. For instance, the closure of the SME Bank last year, which saw about N$200 million misappropriated, was once again met with a deafening silence on the part of the ruling party, despite the fact hundreds were left without jobs. The crux of the matter is that Swapo leaders seem to condone corruption, as long as it serves their political self-interest. Or how else would one comprehend the horrible comments attributed to Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa in a local weekly, following the conviction and sentencing of former Namibia Wildlife Resorts MD and ruling party politburo and central committee member, Tobie Aupindi. Aupindi and his co-accused, businessman Antonio di Savino, were sentenced to fines of N$50 000 or 30 months' imprisonment by the Windhoek Magistrate's Court last week, shortly after they were found guilty of providing false information to an authorised officer of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). “I think it's a little bit unfair because there are people who have stolen millions and misused public money, but they have been let off the hook,” the Windhoek Observer quoted Shaningwa as saying. By casting aspersions on the legitimacy of the judiciary, Shaningwa also doesn't seem to know that Namibia is a constitutional democracy governed by laws. We can no longer have so-called leaders buckling under the weight of their own big heads and operating institutions with a non-existent value system.