Namibia a hwepopeleke onkalo yaanona

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Editors condemn suicide photo post

Namibia a hwepopeleke onkalo yaanona

OMUTOOLINKUNDANA GWOMENI

Muule woomvula ntano dha piti, Namibia okwe shi pondola okuhwepopaleka onkalo yaanona noondondo dhi li po 19 momusholondondo gwiilongo yaAfrika mbyoka tayi kondjo okukaleka po uuwanawa waanona.

Ngashiingeyi oshilongo oshi li ponomola onti 7 muAfrika, okuza ponomola onti 26 mpoka sha li momvula yo 2013.

Nonando Namibia ota kambadhala, oshilongo kashi li pamwe natango momisindalandu dhopauyuni, ngele tashi ya koomvul dha tulwa po moka aanona taya vulu okupangulilwa omiyonena.

United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) okwa pula oomvula dha tameka po 12 omanga Namibia e li poomvula 7.

Omusholondondo ngoka gwa kwatela mo iilongo 52, ohagu ngongwapo kwiikwatelelwa kiinima itatu, egameno, omakwatho oshowo ekuthombinga.

Namibia oku li ponomola onti 9 megameno lyaanona, pegandjo lyomayakulo nomayambidhidho kaanona oku li ponomola onti 6 omanga kekuthombinga e li ponomola onti 4.

Uuyelele mboka owa hololwa molopota ompe tayi ithanwa 'African Report on Child Wellbeing 2018: Progress in the Child-friendliness of African Governments'.

Iilongo mbyoka yi li pombanda ongaashi Mauritius, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Cabo Verde, Egypt, Namibia, Seychelles, Swaziland, Morocco oshowo Lesotho.

Olopota oya holola kutya iitsa yi li pombanda oya monika kiilongo mbyoka tayi kondjo mokukaleka po egameno lyaanona, nokutula miilonga omilandu ndhoka dha nuninwa uuwanawa waanona. Iilongo mbyoka oya longa nuudhiginini mokukwashilipaleka kutya aanona oya pewa omakwatho nomayakulo kehe taya pumbwa.

Iilongo mbyoka yi li pohi yomusholondondo ngoka ongaashi South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, Cameroon, Zambia, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea oshowo Eritrea.

Okwa hololwa kutya omisindalandu nomahwahwameko gokukaleka po uuwananwa waanona miilongo kadhi na oonkondo, niilongo mbyoka ihayi pungula sha gwana miikondo ngaashi elongo, uundjolowele oshowo uukalinawa.

Olopota oya holola kutya Namibia oha gandja oopresenda 6.7 dhiiyemo ye kegameno lyopankalathano, noshilongo shi li pombanda ponkatu mpoka oLesotho ngoka ha gandja oopresenda 16.3.

Namibia natango okuli momusholondondo gwiilongo yi li pombanda mbyoka hayi gandja oshindji kelongo, sho ha gandja oopresenda 8, omanga Lesotho ha gandja oopresenda 11.

Namibia natango okwa lopotwa e na ondjele yi li pombanda yaanona taya tameke ooskola dhoondondo dhopetameko, sho e na oopresenda 21.5, omanga Swaziland e na oopresenda 24.6.

Namibia oku na ondjele yomulongigumwe naanona ye li 30 shoka shi li hwepo lela okuyelela nondjele yomulongi gumwe maanona 40 ndjoka ya tulwa po.

Kombinga yoluhepo, oopresenda 22.6 dhaaNamibia otadhi lumbu moluhepo, okuyeleka naMadagascar ngoka e na oopresenda 77.

Olopota oya tsikile kutya oopresenda 13 dhaanona moNamibia yoomwedhi dhi li pokati kahamano sigo 23 ohaya mono oondya dhi na iitungilutu.

Olopota natango oya tsikile kutya Namibia oku na oopresenda 7 dhaanona mboka hayi moondjokana aashona okuyeleka naNiger ngoka e na oopresenda 76.

Olopota oya nkunkilile kutya Afrika oku li a taalela omashongo ogendji konkalonawa yaantu noshindji osha pumbwa okuningwa oku ku hupithwe oshigwana okuza komaupyakadhi ngoka.

Olopota otayi pula wo enkondopeko lyiikondo yimwe po ngaashi egandjo lyiikulya yi na iitungilutu kaanona, elongo lyongushu, esimaneko lyuuntu waanona, eyambulepo lyuuntu, naanona inaya pumbwa okupatelwa pondje ngele tashi ya kelongitho lyiimaliwa yoshilongo.

↧

Editors condemn suicide photo post

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: SADC health ministers meet

≪ Previous: Namibia a hwepopeleke onkalo yaanona

Editors condemn suicide photo post

The Editors' Forum of Namibia (EFN) has condemned the social media posting of Ivan Pitt's suicide photograph.

Pitt was wanted for questioning in connection with the gruesome murder of his girlfriend Lindie Prinsloo.

His body was discovered on Monday, hanging from a rope inside the garage of the same Swakopmund house in which Prinsloo was murdered last Friday.

Shortly afterwards, Informanté published a photo on its Facebook page. The EFN said in statement yesterday it learnt with dismay about the posting of the photograph.

“Although Informanté is not a signed up member of the EFN, this graphic content constitutes unethical and insensitive journalism, which brings the Namibian media in general into disrepute with its readers and online audiences.”

The EFN said it cannot be argued the photo was posted in the public interest or to raise awareness.

“It seems the only aim was to sensationalise this breaking news post and use the graphic content to gain more clicks.”

The EFN said irrespective of what the deceased allegedly did, he was still a father, son and family member, loved by those close to him.

According to code of ethics and conduct for print, broadcast and online media, the media must exercise care and consideration in matters involving the private lives and concerns of individuals. However, the right to privacy may be overridden by public interest.

It says in the protection of privacy, dignity and reputation, special weight must be afforded to cultural customs concerning the privacy and dignity of people who are bereaved, and that respect must be shown for those who have passed away, as well as children, the elderly and the physically and mentally challenged.

According to the code, due care and responsibility must be exercised by the media with regard to the presentation of brutality, gratuitous violence and suffering.

“Material judged within this context should not sanction, promote or glamorise violence or unlawful conduct or discrimination based on sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed or social or economic status.”

The code also states that content depicting violent crime, violence or explicit sexual conduct should be avoided, unless public interest dictates otherwise; in which case there should be a prominent indication and warning displayed, saying such content is graphic and inappropriate for certain audiences, such as children.

The EFN said the Informanté post did not show the necessary care and consideration for the feelings and dignity of the bereaved family.

“Neither was a prominent warning given that the content is graphic and inappropriate for certain ages.”

The EFN emphasised the importance of reasonable journalism, in which journalists maintain the highest standards of credibility and keep the trust of the public, as spelt out in the code.

ELLANIE SMIT

↧

SADC health ministers meet

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Govt urged to ban primate hunting

≪ Previous: Editors condemn suicide photo post

SADC health ministers meet

SADC health ministers are meeting tomorrow to review public health issues in the southern African region.

This SADC Secretariat said the ministers would review the implementation of the regional health agenda as guided by the SADC Protocol on Health, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan and the SADC Health Policy.

This meeting was preceded by a meeting of SADC senior health officials on 5 and 6 November to prepare documents for the ministers.

The ministers will also consider progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that includes the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in September 2015.

Other issues that will be discussed include the implementation of the regional nutrition plan, using the most recent data with a focus on the World Health Assembly targets for improving maternal, infant and child nutrition.

The meeting will also discuss the development of a Regional Food Fortification Monitoring Framework, as well as emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases, especially the latest outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Malaria control and treatment of severe malaria cases will also be on the agenda. The ministers will discuss how to ensure regular Artemisinin drug efficacy monitoring to prevent a drug-resistant malaria outbreak.

Other agenda items are the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, a progress update on the implementation of HIV-Aids interventions and a report of the implementation of the SADC HIV-Aids Cross-border Initiative.

The meeting will also discuss the implementation of SADC pooled procurement services in order to improve sustainable availability of affordable, quality, safe and efficacious essential medicines.

On Friday, 9 November the ministers will take part in an event commemorating SADC Malaria Day at Kayengona village in the Kavango East Region.

Rapid diagnostic tests will be conducted at a local clinic and the interiors of homes will be sprayed against mosquitos to raise awareness of malaria.

“SADC Malaria Day will highlight the plight of malaria among communities at risk and to advocate for support from key decision-makers and stakeholders for malaria control efforts in the region. This year's theme for SADC Malaria Day is 'Strong cross-border collaboration is key to malaria elimination' and the slogan is 'SADC Unite to End Malaria',” the statement reads.

JEMIMA BEUKES

↧

Govt urged to ban primate hunting

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Company news in brief

≪ Previous: SADC health ministers meet

Govt urged to ban primate huntingFollows baboon hunt by US official On average, Americans imported more than 800 primate trophies each year, including Chacma baboons.

A global animal rights group has asked the Namibian government to ban the trophy hunting of primates.

This follows the international outrage that ensued last month involving an American wildlife official, who has subsequently resigned.

Blake Fischer, who was a member of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, shared the photos of his hunting trip in Namibia during which at least 14 wild animals were killed.

These photos, which he emailed to about 100 people, then found their way onto social media platforms.

In the photo that caused the most outrage, Fischer can be seen smiling with four dead baboons laid out in front of him. He killed them using a bow and arrow.

“It was unfathomable that anyone could mercilessly hunt down a family of animals simply to impress his wife, as Fischer boasted in his email, which was sent to more than 100 recipients,” said Kitty Block, president of Humane Society International.

Included in the email were photos of Fisher and his wife posing with animals they shot and killed, including giraffe, a leopard impala, Sable antelope, waterbuck, kudu, warthog, oryx, eland and a family of baboons.

“So I shot a whole family of baboons,” Fischer wrote below the baboon photo. Fischer included at least 12 photographs in the email, each containing a caption explaining how they hunted the animals.

Bock pointed out this was not an isolated incident when it comes to American trophy hunters.

According to her, between 2007 and 2016, the United States imported the lion's share of primate hunting trophies internationally - a whopping 80% or 8 896 of these

11 205 hunting trophies.

Other countries that imported primate trophies over the nine-year period were Spain (490) trophies, South Africa (401), Germany (322) and Denmark (310), according to Humane Society International's analysis of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species data. On average, Americans imported more than 800 primate trophies each year, including Chacma baboons, which Block says is the species Fischer hunted, vervet monkeys, yellow baboons and African green monkeys.

“Primates are our closet cousins in the animal kingdom, and these intelligent, beautiful and sometimes mischievous animals deserve to be celebrated and protected, not hunted to death,” Block said.

According to her, primates are easy targets for trophy hunters because unlike highly sought-after species like elephants and rhinos, the cost of trophy hunting primates is often nominal or even non-existent.

“After the story of Fischer's killing spree went public, we wrote to the Namibian government to ask that it ban primate trophy hunting,” said Block.

The organisation is also exploring legal action to prohibit the import of primate trophies to the United States.

After immense pressure, Fisher resigned from his position.

ELLANIE SMIT

↧

Company news in brief

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: 7m litres dairy undeclared per year

≪ Previous: Govt urged to ban primate hunting

Company news in brief

AngloGold may sell Mali mine

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd and its joint venture partner are looking at selling a mine in Mali after failing to reach an agreement with the west African country about an investment project, the company said on Monday.

The news came as AngloGold, Africa’s biggest gold miner by output, said it expected full-year production to reach the upper end of its guidance range, helping to push its shares as much as 9% higher.

Mali, Africa’s third biggest producer of gold after South Africa and Ghana, has struggled to attract investment since Islamist militants seized the desert north in 2012.

AngloGold said it had started the process of selling the Sadiola mine, a joint venture with IAMGOLD, after failing to agree the terms of an investment project with the Malian government.

The South African company and IAMGOLD had been in talks with Mali about a project to add sulphide-ore processing capability to a plant.

“While this agreement has not yet been reached, AngloGold Ashanti and IAMGOLD, who collectively own an 82% interest in Sadiola, have initiated a process to identify third parties that may be interested in acquiring their collective interests in Sadiola,” AngloGold said.

The company reported a 15% fall in production to 851 000 ounces in the quarter ended Sept. 30 from the same period a year earlier, after it sold some South African assets.

-Nampa/Reuters

Nigeria says Shell, ExxonMobil also looking at crude swaps

Nigeria’s state oil firm NNPC could sign crude-for-product deals with Shell and ExxonMobil, similar to one signed with BP last week, a senior NNPC official said on Monday.

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced last Wednesday that it had signed such a deal with BP and would provide more details later.

“Unfortunately, Shell and ExxonMobil exited the downstream sector in Nigeria a couple of years ago but they are coming back for this particular arrangement, because it’s an opportunity for them to get crude and sell their products to the refineries,” NNPC’s chief operating officer for upstream, Bello Rabiu, told Reuters on the sidelines of an African oil and gas conference in Cape Town.

NNPC imports about 70% of Nigeria’s fuel needs, mainly gasoline, via swap contracts. NNPC has contracts, known as direct sale direct purchase agreements, with 10 consortiums that include trading houses Vitol, Trafigura, Mercuria and Total.

It extended the existing contracts to June 2019 but several trading sources in the consortiums said they had requested new price terms.

Rabiu said NNPC hoped in 2019 to emulate savings of around US$1 billion seen in 2016 with its crude-for-product swaps, which he said would likely end once Africa’s top crude producer revamps its refineries.

-Nampa/Reuters

Air Tanzania to receive two Airbus jets

Tanzania’s state-owned airline will take delivery of two Airbus 220-300 jets next month, the government said on Monday, continuing expansion to support tourism.

President John Magufuli prioritised investment in Air Tanzania when he took office in 2015, aiming to revive the loss-making carrier because of the potential to boost the vital tourism sector, a top foreign exchange earner.

The airline will take delivery of two Airbus 220-300 planes in December, each with capacity to carry more than 130 passengers, government spokesman Hassan Abbas told a news conference.

He did not say how much the aircraft will cost.

Air Tanzania has received four planes since 2016, including a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Abbas said that monthly passenger numbers had increased to 30 000 from 4 000 before the fleet expansion.

-Nampa/Reuters

Vying for Vuitton: China's e-commerce rivals seek luxury stranglehold

China’s online giants Alibaba and JD.com are taking their battle for relevance in the lucrative luxury goods market to a new level, as they aim to crack e-commerce tie-ups with top brands that usually shun selling through third parties.

From Hugo Boss to La Perla underwear, the online shopping giants have recruited dozens of labels since launching their rival luxury sites in mid-2017, touting their access to a trove of consumer data and their grip on local payments systems in the world’s biggest market for high-end fashion.

But some of the most prized names have so far remained aloof, and the race is on to attract the likes of LVMH’s Louis Vuitton: a brand notorious for only selling its handbags and other wares through its own stores and websites.

Both are banking that even elusive outsiders will tire of trying to fly solo in China, where potential clients shop far more by mobile phone apps than in the United States or Europe, and those in smaller, far-flung cities are hard to reach.

-Nampa/Reuters

Apple cancels production boost for iPhone XR

Apple Inc has told its smartphone assemblers Foxconn and Pegatron to halt plans for additional production lines dedicated to its new iPhone XR, the Nikkei financial daily reported on Monday.

Apple shares fell nearly 4% after the report, which fueled concerns that the iPhone XR, the cheapest of three iPhones Apple unveiled in September, was facing weak demand just days after it hit shelves.

The Nikkei, citing supply chain sources, said Apple had also asked smaller iPhone assembler Wistron to stand by for rush orders, but that the company will receive no orders for the iPhone XR this season.

-Nampa/Reuters

↧

7m litres dairy undeclared per year

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: SA could migrate fully to e-visa system next year

≪ Previous: Company news in brief

7m litres dairy undeclared per yearEntered the country illegally A new study shows that undeclared milk entering Namibia comprises millions of litres, harming an already vulnerable industry.

More than 100 million litres of dairy have entered Namibia undeclared over the past six years.

This is on average about 7 million litres of undeclared dairy per year.

These shocking figures were announced during an industry meeting on 30 October.

The Dairy Producers Association (DPA), in collaboration with the Namibian Trade Forum (NTF), conducted an analysis of the dairy industry in Namibia. The study was done by Dataspank. The results showed that the Namibian dairy industry accounts for only 1% in relation to the South African dairy industry.

Namibia's total annual milk production is 24 million litres, which South African producers can produce within three days. Where Namibia's total dairy population is 3 000 dairy cows, some individual milk producers in South Africa have 3 000 cows per stable. It is therefore not possible for Namibia to compete against global markets. According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) the dairy industry in Namibia is however seen as a sector of strategic importance for government in terms of employment, industrialisation and growth.

The study further showed that, with a current population growth of 1.8% and with a constant per capita consumption of nine litres of UHT (long-life) milk, there is great potential for growth in this industry.

However, due to imports of UHT milk, this market share of locally produced UHT milk has stagnated and especially imports have grown.

Therefore, imports must be limited to allow the local sector to grow.

The study also showed that 108 million litres of dairy have entered the country undeclared over the last six years.

According to the NAU it was positive that the general feeling of the meeting was that it is important to support the local dairy industry, especially in view of the Namibian economic growth. “It is hoped that the draft legislation, which will regulate imports, and which is currently at its final stage, will be tabled in parliament this year to provide the necessary support to the industry.”

Meanwhile the NAU last week participated in talks on how to bring about growth in the agricultural sector. According to the NAU last year the primary agricultural sector contributed 4.5% towards the total economy.

According to the union there is thus an urgent need that the agricultural sector should start growing and this growth can only be sustainable if it starts at farm level.

The NAU says that research shows that if N$1 is invested in primary agriculture, it brings N$3 to N$4 advantage for the total economy.

Agriculture's contribution can only grow if the amount of animals, tonnes of grain, and litres of milk which are marketed increases.

“Different growth strategies are needed for net-import against net export industries. While net-import industries need constant protection against unfair competition, net-export industries need international competing export value chains,” says the union.

According to the NAU growth can be brought about if investment in the improvement of productivity of land takes places. Investment in turn will only happen if producers have policy certainty about right of ownership, land prices, the marketing environment and rural safety. Furthermore investments will only be done in any business if the business is profitable.

The most important profit driver in cattle production is the sustainable increase of carrying capacity which in turn will lead to the increase of production per hectare.

ELLANIE SMIT

↧

SA could migrate fully to e-visa system next year

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Dagga still the top drug

≪ Previous: 7m litres dairy undeclared per year

SA could migrate fully to e-visa system next yearEying tourism boost If all goes according to plan, South Africa will be migrating fully to the use of an e-visa system for foreign travellers next year. We also have experiences to suit every pocket - Derek Hanekom, South African Minister of Tourism

The South African minister of tourism Derek Hanekom told tour operators at the World Travel Market (WTM) London on Monday about this plan.

A pilot programme will be rolled out soon with the support of the High Commission of New Zealand, he said.

Hanekom also assured those present at his trade briefing that the negative impact of SA’s visa requirements – especially related to children travelling – will hopefully soon be something of the past as new visa regulations are expected to be Gazetted soon.

“SA is here at WTM London because it is one of the premium tourism events in the world. Last year, there were 5 000 exhibitors as well as media from all over the world,” Hanekom told Fin24.

He said President Cyril Ramaphosa made it clear that SA must make it easier for tourists.

“It is about finding a balance between the global effort to fight child trafficking and enabling children to travel,” said Hanekom.

“We want to send out a message of reassurance that these visa difficulties are a thing of the past. We have put off families who wanted to travel and now we are saying, 'We are a popular family destination and will make it easy for families to travel together'.”

For Hanekom, SA’s strong tourism selling point is that the country has a diverse offering all within one country.

“Yes, we have safaris and the Big 5. We also have experiences to suit every pocket – from affordable to the upper end of luxury experiences in private game reserves,” he said.

“We also have so much else - beaches, the city vibe, local culture, history and culinary offerings as well as adventure tourism.”

As for the challenge of safety and security concerns regarding SA as a tourism destination, Hanekom said the message being sent out is that something is being done about it.

“Just as we deal with big challenges like corruption and state capture in our country, we deal with the challenge of crime by escalating the struggle against it and the most popular tourist places are safe. We want to make them even more safe,” he said.

The Department of Tourism will, for instance, train and deploy 1 400 safety monitors as part of the expanded public works programme.

“Our message has consistently been that, although we have high crime and unemployment, we are systematically stabilising our country and creating a safe tourism experience,” said Hanekom.

-Fin24

↧

Dagga still the top drug

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Kahimise out again

≪ Previous: SA could migrate fully to e-visa system next year

Dagga still the top drug39kg of dope seized last month Drugs with a street value of nearly N$2 million were seized by the police in October.

Cannabis is still by far the most consumed illicit drug in Namibia, with 39kg, worth N$1.95 million, confiscated in October.

The other drug busts for cocaine powder, crack cocaine, Mandrax and tik (crystal methamphetamine) pale in comparison, although these narcotics are present in Namibia.

Drugs with a value of about N$2 million were seized by the police in October, while 126 suspects were arrested for drug-related crimes.

According to the chief spokesperson of the Namibian police, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi, the drug law enforcement division seized drugs to the value of N$1 976 820 last month.

Statistics provided by the police show that 141 Mandrax tablets with a street value of N$16 920 were seized during October. Police also confiscated 18.8 grams of cocaine powder worth N$9 400 and four units of crack cocaine worth N$4 000. Two straws of tik with a street value of N$1 000 were seized.

Of those arrested, 115 were Namibians, along with eight Angolans, one Burundian, one Tanzanian and one Zambian.

These statistics make it clear that drug use is becoming more common in Namibia.

In June a drug bust to the value of N$206 million was made in Walvis Bay. The 412kg cocaine container that was intercepted set a new record for Namibia.

The biggest haul up to then had been the 30kg for which two Angolans were arrested at Keetmanshoop in 2007.

Namibian Sun last year reported that according to the 2017 World Drug Report the three most commonly seized drugs in Namibia were crack, Mandrax and dagga.

The report indicated that between 2012 and 2015 a total of 2 525 units of crack cocaine, 8 346 Mandrax tablets and 805kg of marijuana were seized in the country.

It stated that in 2015, about a quarter of a billion people globally used illegal drugs.

The retired head of the Namibian drug squad, Deputy Commissioner Hermie van Zyl, at the time told Namibian Sun that in his experience the amounts seized in some cases appeared to be a bit low.

He said dagga was the most common drug in Namibia, while the Khomas, Erongo and Oshana regions were the top three drug-using regions.

Van Zyl said dagga is a popular drug because it is so cheap. “It is actually your drug for the poorer people and the beginner drug for many.”

He said the type of drug a person uses depends on their status and income level.

After dagga, crack cocaine and Mandrax were the most popular drugs in Namibia, followed by Ecstasy. These were mostly found in Windhoek, Swakopmund and in the north, he said.

“But Ecstasy is more of a party drug and then you will get a little bit of LSD. That is the drug that makes you hallucinate, makes you see things and makes you think you can crawl through keyholes.”

ELLANIE SMIT

↧

Kahimise out again

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Africa news in brief

≪ Previous: Dagga still the top drug

Kahimise out again

The tumult at the City of Windhoek continues, with CEO Robert Kahimise suspended for a second time in less than a month on Monday night, and a mere two days after returning to his post.

Kahimise's lawyer, Patrick Kauta, yesterday confirmed that his client would be seeking an urgent High Court interdict against the second suspension.

Kauta said his client was “suspended without reasons and benefits” at 19:15 on Monday night.

A letter, seen by Namibian Sun and signed by Windhoek deputy mayor Teckla Uwanga, was handed to Kahimise late on Monday in which he was informed that he was suspended for three months without pay in terms of rule 22 of the conditions of service at the municipality.

Uwanga said the decision to suspend was reached at a special council meeting on Monday.

The letter of suspension instructed Kahimise to hand over all his municipal assets, except his cellphone, to the deputy chairperson of the council.

He could keep the phone in order to “be reachable should you be needed,” Uwanga wrote.

Kahimise was further notified he was not to leave the “municipal area of Windhoek without the consent of the deputy council chairperson”.

Kahimise was further forbidden to enter the premises of the municipality or “interfere in activities of the municipal council, its staff, or potential witnesses in any way whatsoever without prior approval of the deputy chairperson of the council.”

Prior to Monday's suspension letter, Kahimise had been handed a notice of intention to suspend him on Friday afternoon, a move criticised by Kauta in a letter to the municipality, also dated Friday.

Kauta said the notice to suspend Kahimise and an invitation for Kahimise to make a representation against the suspension on Monday morning did not provide his client with sufficient time to work on a representation.

“In essence, giving him three working hours' notice to make the representation,” which Kauta argued was too short notice.

Three opposition councillors - Brunhilde Cornelius (RDP), Josef Kauandenge (Nudo) and Ignatius Semba (PDM) - again protested the decision to suspend Kahimise, and recused themselves from the decision to suspend the CEO on Monday.

Sources at the municipality yesterday said an urgent management meeting was scheduled for 13:00, followed by a special council meeting later this afternoon, reportedly to nominate an acting CEO.

Kahimise's return to work on Thursday last week was accompanied with an explicit warning from his lawyers that another move to suspend him would be met with legal action, as it would be unlawful in their legal opinion.

In a letter addressed to deputy mayor Uwanga on Wednesday, a day before Kahimise returned to work, Katua argued that another suspension in terms of clause 22 of the council's conditions of service would constitute an “unlawful and illegal administrative action”.

Kauta said based on resolutions taken at the 25 October council meeting, which concluded that Kahimise's suspension was made “in error”, and should be withdrawn with immediate effect, Kahimise could not be suspended a second time for the same reasons.

Kauta warned that a pre-suspension hearing notice to Kahimise would result in an immediate interdict at Uwanga's personal cost.

Kauta also argued that an “administrative act done admittedly in error” remains in full force until set aside by a competent authority.

“In this matter, the council resolved to reinstate our client after he served his suspension.”

JANA-MARI SMITH

↧

Africa news in brief

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: A ray of sunshine

≪ Previous: Kahimise out again

Africa news in brief

Zimbabwe to announce winning bidders for mining assets

Zimbabwe will announce in two weeks the successful bidders for assets owned by state-owned mining company ZMDC, including gold mines, the mines minister said on Monday, adding more companies would be put on sale at the end of November.

Selling struggling state-owned companies, known locally as parastatals, is part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wider reforms to cut government expenditure.

Mines minister Winston Chitando told a parliamentary committee that after announcing winning bidders for its six mines, the Zimbabwe Mining and Development Corporation (ZMDC) would put on sale its remaining 20 assets by the end of this month.

ZMDC will either sell outright, or seek joint ventures, for the mines, most of which are either operating below capacity or under care and maintenance, Chitando said.

London-listed Caledonia Mining Corp, which already operates Blanket mine in southern Zimbabwe, is among the bidders for the two gold mines.

“As government, we would like to see each and every asset owned by ZMDC getting into production,” Chitando said.

Gold is Zimbabwe’s single largest mineral export. Bullion output reached a record 994 726 ounces between January and October this year, compared with 952 397 ounces for the whole of 2017, Chitando said.

-Nampa/Reuters

Equatorial Guinea's energy sector gets US$2.4 bln boost

Equatorial Guinea’s energy industry has secured US$2.4 billion of new investment from US firms with 11 wells expected to be drilled from next year, an oil ministry source with direct knowledge told Reuters on Monday.

In September, oil minister Gabriel Obiang Lima warned that the government might refuse extensions of existing licences to oil companies unless they collectively invested a minimum of US$2 billion in the country.

“We have secured US$2.4 billion worth of investment that will go into drilling, into the backfill project and increasing production which has been declining,” the source said following three weeks of talks in Frankfurt, Houston and Dallas.

Companies expected to invest include ExxonMobil, Kosmos Energy, Marathon Oil Corp and Noble Energy.

OPEC member Equatorial Guinea is Sub-Saharan Africa’s third-largest oil producer and relies mainly on oil and gas exports to power its economy.

Future production is based on pooling supply from stranded gas fields in Equatorial Guinea and the wider region, raising the prospect of boosting LNG output and state energy revenue.

“You are going to see between US$300 to US$400 million capital investment between Noble, Atlas Petroleum, Marathon and Glencore and all the partners in Block O and I for this backfill project… so you are going to be guaranteed LNG to 2030/35,” the oil ministry source said.

Negotiations were also continuing with potential LNG off-takers as Shell’s exclusive arrangement draws to a close in 2020, which Reuters exclusively reported in May.

“There are no negotiations with Shell because the test the government had for Shell was whether they would invest and they have declined and shown no interest to invest. You might even see an American company getting the new off-take agreement because they are investing and taking risks,” the source said.

-Nampa/Reuters

Mali on track for GDP growth of 5%

Mali’s economy is forecast to grow by 5% this year, down from 5.3% in 2017, the International Monetary Fund said.

The country, a gold producer, expects agricultural production of grain and cotton to lead economic growth. The IMF forecast inflation at 1.9%

-Nampa/Reuters

Kenyan private sector activity rebounds in October

Growth in the Kenyan private sector rebounded in October, after cost pressures held it back the previous month, a survey showed on Monday.

The Markit Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index(PMI) for manufacturing and services rose to 54.0 from 52.7 the previous month. A reading above 50.0 denotes growth.

“The onset of the short rain season, which so far seems quite positive for the agrarian sector, could help GDP growth recover in the fourth quarter of 2018,” said Jibran Qureishi, the economist for East Africa at Stanbic Bank.

Sentiment had turned decidedly negative in September after the government imposed a new tax on fuel, but it reduced the proposed rate by half after a public outcry.

-Nampa/Reuters

↧

A ray of sunshine

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Dad kills daughter, hangs himself

≪ Previous: Africa news in brief

A ray of sunshine

In this doom and gloom, where bad news overshadows much of the country, the happenings at Rundu's Ndama informal settlement gives one hope for what is possible.

Police officers serving the crime-infested community from under a tree is by no means the only good news in the country, but it certainly brings a ray of sunshine into all our lives.

This simple act was in response to the cries of the community, who are running the gauntlet of crime, and who understood that government does not have the necessary resources to erect a structure, or even bring a caravan into the area, at this stage.

The satellite station, which operates daily from 08:00 to 17:00, will provide locals with administrative services, such as the certifying of copies, good conduct certificates and the opening of criminal cases.

Ndama has been declared the most troubled area in Rundu, where the majority of common assault and housebreaking cases take place.

It was also at Ndama where 20-year-old Jesaya Gabriel Chuhunda allegedly massacred five of his family members, including his mother, in July.

Ndama community members asked the police to bring their services closer to the community in order to curb crime - even if these services are delivered under a tree - and this call has now been resoundingly answered. Obviously, there are manifold benefits for the community, which includes the police reacting faster to crimes in the area.

We applaud Ndama headman Olavi Mpande, as well as Kavango East regional commander, Commissioner Johanna Ngondo and Rundu station commander Chief Inspector Paulus Hauwanga for this initiative.

It shows that service is alive and well in the nation, and augurs well for the image of the police force. Tellingly, it was also revealed that Rundu needs about four more satellite police stations in order for the close to 90 000 residents to be served effectively.

This is probably true for most crime-ridden areas, where mere police presence could make all the difference.

↧

Dad kills daughter, hangs himself

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: BoN, DBN kickoff SME financing strategy

≪ Previous: A ray of sunshine

Dad kills daughter, hangs himselfDomestic violence dominates crime bulletin Children and women remain at risk of violent crime in their own homes. A three-year-old girl was allegedly killed by her father this past weekend, before he committed suicide.

According to the police, Christa Nawises's parents were drinking at Kuvukiland location on Friday afternoon when her father, Quinton Puti Nawiseb, decided to go home and took the child with him.

After some time her mother went home, but they were not there.

Their bodies were discovered by children who were walking in the area and the matter was reported to the police.

The girl was found with an open wound to the back of her head, while her father was hanging from a tree. The motive is unknown and the police are still investigating the matter.

In a separate incident on Friday at Uudhiya village near Omuthiya, a four-year-old girl was allegedly raped and sodomised by an 18-year-old boy. According to the police, the girl was asleep in her grandmother's house, who had gone to fetch firewood. The suspect, who is the grandmother's neighbour, allegedly entered the room and sodomised the girl. The suspect was arrested.

In another incident on Friday at Onamulunga village in the Oniipa area, a 40-year-old woman was allegedly raped by her 36-year-old boyfriend.

According to the police, the woman was raped while she was visiting the suspect in his room. The man has been arrested.

In another incident at Iikango village, also in the Oniipa area, 24-year-old Herman Gideon was stabbed to death, allegedly by his stepfather, after Gideon told him to stop beating his mother.

According to the police, Gideon was stabbed in the chest with a knife during an argument with his stepfather and he died at the scene.

Gideon had tried to intervene on his mother's behalf, which allegedly angered the 36-year-old suspect, who has been arrested.

In a separate incident in Wanaheda, Windhoek, a 41-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly illegally aborting her baby in October.

The infant's body was discovered on Sunday behind the room where the woman lives. The incident was reported by her neighbours, who knew that the woman was about six months pregnant.

The neighbours realised the woman was no longer pregnant and called the police. The woman was taken to hospital, but refused to be examined by a doctor. She was then arrested. In a separate incident at Keetmanshoop, a 28-year-old woman died on the way to hospital after she was stabbed with an unknown object.

The incident occurred on Saturday at Hainguba Shebeen in Tseiblaagte. Engeline Rooi was stabbed by a 22-year-old suspect and was rushed to hospital, but died on the way there. The suspect fled and is still on the run.

An 18-year-old boy was stabbed to death on Friday at Goreangab Dam location in Wanaheda.

According to the police, he was stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife during an argument, allegedly by a 43-year-old woman. The suspect was arrested.

ELLANIE SMIT

↧

BoN, DBN kickoff SME financing strategy

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Nando’s closure: A blessing in disguise

≪ Previous: Dad kills daughter, hangs himself

BoN, DBN kickoff SME financing strategy

STAFF REPORTER

The Bank of Namibia and the Development Bank of Namibia yesterday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement that will operationalise the government’s SME Financing Strategy.

The SME Financing Strategy which originated from the Namibia Financial Sector Strategy (NFSS) is aimed at addressing limited access to finance and support services for SMEs in Namibia. This has also been identified as one of the priority areas in the Harambee Prosperity Plan, the National Development Plan and Vision 2030.

Approved by Cabinet, on 6 June 2018, the strategy comprises of three interlinked facilities namely: mentoring and coaching programme, credit guarantee scheme and the venture capital fund. These facilities are complimentary as they serve SMEs at different stages of growth and maturity. SMEs have the potential to contribute significantly to economic growth, employment creation and poverty alleviation. The sector however, faces numerous challenges including inadequate capacity and limited access to finance. It is therefore important that this sector is supported in order for it to optimally contribute to Namibia’s socio-economic development. The SME Financing Strategy thus aims to ensure that multiple challenges are addressed in a targeted and effective manner.

The mentoring and coaching programme is designed to enhance business and financial management for enterprises to effectively and efficiently manage their businesses. Improved business and financial management in turn increases the SMEs ability to access finance from lending institutions. This enables the businesses to grow and contribute to socio-economic growth.

Building on capacity development through the mentoring and coaching programme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme will ensure that bankable SMEs that require debt financing but lack collateral are able to get loans from lending institutions. This is done through a shared risk arrangement between the government, lending institutions and the borrowers.

At a certain stage in their lifespan, businesses aiming to expand and grow into thriving enterprises will require more than debt financing, they will need direct investment in the form of equity. That’s where the venture capital fund comes in which is intended to grow selected high-potential companies into new industrial leaders of Namibia. The fund will spur innovative products and services that have the potential to create employment and grow the economy sustainably.

In accordance with Cabinet directive, the SME Financing Strategy is being spearheaded by the ministry of finance, the custodian of the NFSS. The ministry of finance has further delegated the administration of the facilities under this strategy to the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN).

The Bank of Namibia, as secretariat and coordinator of the NFSS is determined to support the efforts of the DBN in preparing for the establishment of the facilities under the SME Financing Strategy. In line with this commitment, the Board of Directors of the Bank of Namibia has approved N$20 million for implementation of the Strategy.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been signed between the Bank of Namibia and the Development Bank of Namibia in relation to the utilisation of such funds. The cornerstone of this MOA is to ensure that the funds are utilised for its intended purpose which is assisting SMEs through the facilities under the SME Financing Strategy.

As an institution mandated to spearhead government’s efforts in providing access to finance for SMEs, the Development Bank of Namibia welcomes this financial support from the bank of Namibia. The DBN has already commenced preparing for the implementation of the Strategy, which it will introduce in stages depending on funding availability. The public and targeted beneficiaries will be duly informed once all modalities have been put in place.

↧

Nando’s closure: A blessing in disguise

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Sand-mining tycoon hits back

≪ Previous: BoN, DBN kickoff SME financing strategy

Nando’s closure: A blessing in disguiseNo job losses The man behind the Nando’s brand in Namibia has spoken out about losing the popular fast-food franchise. We urge all our old customers to come and try out the new products and see for themselves. - Rupert Harmse, owner of Grill Addicts

NDAMA NAKASHOLE

The reason why South African grilled chicken franchise Nando’s closed its doors in Namibia is because the head office did not renew the licence of the Namibian franchisee when it expired on 31 October.

Nando’s fast-food outlets had operated in Namibia for the past 16 years.

Rupert Harmse, who held the franchise for the last ten years, told Market Watch that they did not take the setback lying down.

Harmse, who has been in the food industry for the past 29 years, said besides the Nando’s franchise he was simultaneously running a brand called Coffee Addicts.

After losing the Nando’s franchise he decided to sell off the Nando’s branded furniture and to build on his coffee brand by operating the take-away outlets under the name Grill Addicts.

Grill Addicts will operate from all the former Nando’s outlets and all 140 employees kept their jobs.

Grill Addicts has outlets in Klein Windhoek (corner of Sam Nujoma and Stein streets), Olympia (1 Louis Raymond Street), at 141 Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue, in Independence Avenue and at Katutura’s B1 Mall.

Namibian pride

According to Harmse, losing the franchise was a blessing in disguise.

“Namibians love to braai, so this is for Namibians,” he said of Grill Addicts.

He said from kapana, to home braais, Namibians in general love to braai.

Grill Addicts’ slogan is ‘Addicted to Namibia’ and according to Harmse, the brand is closer to the culture of Namibians.

He said whereas they had to meet Nando’s franchise conditions in the past, they are now a free brand that will go the extra mile to satisfy customers’ needs.

Another advantage is that the chicken servings are now bigger since costs are lower because they do not have to pay royalties and import duties any more.

“We are now giving that value for money to our customers,” he said, adding that all procurement is now local.

The reviews so far have been good, Harmse said.

“We urge all our old customers to come and try these out and see for themselves.”

Independence

Harmse said Namibians should embrace their own brands and support local suppliers and service providers.

“Our chicken is local, our beer, our soft drinks; we now buy from local suppliers.”

Diversity

While Nando’s is known as a Portuguese-style chicken brand, Grill Addicts plans to go beyond that.

“Before, we had people who would say they wanted a change and not just chicken every day,” he said.

Grill Addicts will soon add beef burgers and steak to its menu.

“Our beef will be proudly Namibian and coming fresh from the farm here in Namibia,” Harmse said.

He promised that their food would be fresher now because they are getting their ingredients locally and products won’t be refrigerated for long.

“We are now an independent brand,” Harmse reiterated.

Nando’s speaks

Without responding to detailed questions, Nando’s South Africa responded to Market Watch in a brief email: “To confirm, Nando’s have closed franchise branches in Namibia. At this stage we cannot provide further details, however, we are considering future plans to re-enter the Namibian market.”

↧

Sand-mining tycoon hits back

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Airports below par

≪ Previous: Nando’s closure: A blessing in disguise

Sand-mining tycoon hits back

Sand-mining tycoon and Ondangwa mayor Paavo Amwele, who mines sand at Ondando village on the outskirts of Oniipa, is unhappy with the environment ministry, which has accused him of operating illegally.

Amwele and Epale district senior headwoman Anneli Sakaria Mbumba have also laid the blame for the sand-mining mess at the ministry's doorstep. They allege the ministry never consulted them about the enforcement of the Environmental Management Act of 2007, which deals with sand mining, among other issues.

Amwele told Namibian Sun when they started mining sand, the environmental law was not yet implemented in the north, and after implementation, the ministry never consulted with them about the way forward.

Following a public outcry over illegal sand mining last year, the ministry enforced a section of the Act which states that a person cannot undertake sand mining without obtaining an environmental clearance certificate (ECC).

Amwele said he applied for an ECC, but the ministry never gave him feedback. The ministry said his application was declined in August.

“Last year when I heard that the ministry was requesting us to obtain an ECC, I went to the ministry at Ongwediva and they appointed a consultant for me to help me apply for the ECC. The ministry never got back to us until today, despite several personal follow-ups I made even at their offices in Windhoek,” Amwele claimed.

“I tried by all means to comply with all the requirements that would enable me to obtain that certificate, but the ministry is just quiet. I have to go ahead with my activities, because they are quiet while they told us that the certificate does not take long from the day one applies for it.”

Amwele said it is personal vendetta against him and his business.

He said the sand pit belongs to him, as he bought it from the land owner, who had approached him with an offer.

He then gave permission for other sand traders to mine sand there.

“That pit belongs to me, but I gave permission to about 20 other sand traders to get sand from there.

“Now the environment ministry only spotted Otto Niimboto Shikomba being implicated in this issue (sic). This is a clear indication that there is a personal agenda and I believe it is also a reason I did not get the ECC.

“They are treating us badly because they never told us anything; they never visited our pit, but all of a sudden we are operating illegally.

“I am not operating there illegally. I bought the land from the land owner with the consent of the Ondonga Traditional Authority and I have all the papers,” Amwele said.

Mbumba confirmed that the traditional authority had given consent for sand mining at that site, but after the resource dwindled, the traders extended the pit, following private negotiations with the land owners.

She said one homestead was relocated.

“The environment ministry never consulted us regarding the issue of sand mining… After the leadership conflict erupted within the Ondonga community, members also took advantage and that is when all these things happened. It is now out of our control.”

Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda confirmed that Amwele's application for an ECC was declined in August.

He said it was the duty and responsibility of the traditional authority and the sand miners to ensure they complied with the environmental law.

He said when the Environmental Management Act was introduced, the ministry conducted public education sessions with all stakeholders.

“On a number of occasions environment minister Pohamba Shifeta spoke and appealed to all stakeholders to ensure compliance.

“There was even a time in 2016 when he gave a deadline for compliance and they were also informed after that the ministry will do inspections,” Muyunda said.

“It is now the duty of the stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the new law and see how they will comply. We expect them to comply or else face the consequences.”

Environment inspector Ipeinge Mundjulu said sand mining has badly damaged the environment and plans are under way to report offenders to the police.

“These guys have even reached underground water, which was not supposed to be the case.

“This is all because they are operating illegally and without proper monitoring. They have violated the law and they will face the consequences,” Mundjulu said.

The Environmental Management Act makes provision for 25 years' imprisonment, or a fine of N$500 000, or both, for illegal mining.

ILENI NANDJATO

↧

Airports below par

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: 500 buffalo drown

≪ Previous: Sand-mining tycoon hits back

Airports below parDamning report by parliamentary committee A local investigation has found serious shortcomings at all Namibia's airports and Walvis Bay harbour.

An oversight visit by the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and security has found serious security, infrastructure and surveillance equipment shortcomings at the country's airports and the port of Walvis Bay.

It also highlights that Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) is too small for the increase in services and that the country needs a bigger international airport which meets the international standards.

The visit also established that there were cases of prohibited items detected at the boarding gates of HKIA from the beginning of December 2016.

The report containing the committee's findings on security at the port of Walvis Bay, airports and aerodromes in Erongo, Khomas, Zambezi, Kavango, Oshana, Kunene and Otjozondjupa regions was tabled in parliament last week.

The report comes in the wake of growing concern about the upcoming ICAO security audit of Namibia's airspace scheduled for 18 to 28 November. Failing the audit could lead to a downgrade that would halt all international air travel to the country.

The oversight visits that were undertaken during February, April and May this year found that government ministries, agencies and state-owned enterprises and statutory bodies responsible for Hosea Kutako International Airport are faced with serious conundrums as to their readiness for the upcoming aviation security audit.

The committee described an incident in which a passenger illegally boarded a South African Airways plane in February this year as serious negligence by security officers of the private security company, police officers and the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) staff on duty.

According to the report this incident was still under investigation at the time of writing the report.

On 8 October the committee was assured by the NAC that it had since taken measures to prevent a recurrence of the security breach.

“Inadequate or no accommodation facilities, office equipment, security surveillance equipment at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay airport, Grootfontein Air Force base, Katima Mulilo airport and Rundu airport were found.”

Hosea Kutako

The most prominent security concern at HKIA was the illegal boarding of a South African Airways aircraft on 19 February.

According to the report an Angolan woman who came to Namibia when she was ten years old entered the aircraft through the staff entrance, which was unlocked because of a broken lock.

The report states that the NAC was informed of this broken door a “long time ago” and added that the primary screening point was left unmanned, although after hours.

The report highlights a lack of night patrols by the police and that terminal doors are not locked after hours and that there are no proper control mechanisms in place to hand over or receive keys.

“When constructed in the 1970s and 1980s before independence, HKIA was not meant to be an international airport but was built for local purposes. Thus, the existing building and infrastructure fall in most respects short of the required international standards,” the report reads.

It also states that terminal facilities at the airport cannot accommodate all arriving and departing passengers, visitors and staff.

“At the time of oversight visit, there were shortcomings with regard to manpower and 135 new staff had to be appointed.”

The report also states that the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was of the opinion that there was a lack of police officers trained in aviation security, and that security spots were inconsistently manned.

The police rejected this allegation as unfounded and “grossly tarnishing” the image of the Namibian police.

“NCAA also informed the committee that NAC collects funding from the public through a security levy for departing passengers but does not plough back into airport security equipment and personnel training, nor are these funds channelled to the police,” the report states.

The report also points out that on 17 February the NAC informed Nampol about the insufficient personnel in the police unit at HKIA, as well as lack of training in respect of officers in the unit.

This followed a security report by the airline in January which concluded that there is a huge shortage of police officers to operate X-ray machines, lack of training and lack of job knowledge and supervision of the NPS security company.

According to the report NAC wrote a letter on 8 October that a full workshop was held with the specialist at HKIA which established the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) Task Force and was attended by all relevant NAC employees and police officers.

The visit further found that the office block at the airport is just too small. It also found no closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system in the public, arrival and departure areas.

“X-ray security scanners manufactured and purchased from Astrophysics Inc. not functioning effectively, one scanner was broken, police officers manning the X-ray machines are not certified, enough X-ray machines have been purchased by NAC but some of these machines are not utilised optimally, nor NAC, NCAA or Nampol could specify whether the machines are defective, not installed and or activated [sic],” the report states.

It also finds that the luggage carousels are outdated and inadequate.

“Many times there are arrivals of more than 250 passengers. Most of the time, only one conveyer belt,” the report said.

The visit found that there is no private operator room to monitor the luggage scanner and as a result the officers are subjected to disturbances and lack of concentration which is in conflict with the international requirements.

“Air-conditioners were not functioning, causing major ... discomfort to passengers, staff and visitors. Incidents of fainting passengers were reported as about 300 passengers arrive at the same time. It was reported that passengers have to stand in queues for up to one hour and sometimes more before they leave the airport after arrival,” the report read.

It added that the ablution facilities and sewerage system at the airport were under immense pressure.

“Bathroom, comfort and toilet facilities are simply not adequate. Only two toilets, one for male and one for female, at the arrival hall. There are only one male and one female toilet in the departure hall and therefore compromise the hygiene and international standards.”

The committee has been informed by the NAC that they would need about N$255 million to upgrade the airport to meet the requirements of ICAO and to avoid a possible downgrading.

“NAC also appealed to the committee to facilitate the availing of funds required to install the said security system at HKIA and to source the deficit of funds needed to execute the HKIA Congestion Alleviation Project in the amount of almost N$61 million.”

↧

500 buffalo drown

November 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: NPL suspends Young African

≪ Previous: Airports below par

500 buffalo drown

At least 400 Cape Buffalo died in a stampede in the Chobe River last night in a desperate attempt to escape a pack of lions close on their heels.
Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda confirmed the incident and said MET staff are at the site to investigate and begin removal of the carcasses.
Simone Micheletti of Serondela Lodge, situated near the site where the incident took place, told Namibian Sun that it is believed the panicked herd of buffalo tried to cross the river from Botswana’s side to reach the Namibian shore to escape the lions snapping at their heels.
He said the spot where the buffalo tried to cross was unfortunately filled with several high sand banks, forcing the animals into a narrow funnel where they trampled each other and drowned.
He said staff and guests at Serondela lodge could hear a large number of lions roaring in the area last night.
It is likely he said, from a visual scan of the incident area, that as many as 500 animals drowned.
Muyanda said the final number of dead buffalo will be confirmed at a later stage but that some carcasses will likely already have floated away.
He further explained that staff are still considering how to remove the carcasses but that they will likely be burnt as the most preferred method of disposal.
JANA-MARI SMITH

↧

NPL suspends Young African

November 7, 2018, 7:33 am

≫ Next: Keep your eyes on the ball - Mannetti

≪ Previous: 500 buffalo drown

NPL suspends Young African

The Namibia Premier League has resolved to suspend Gobabis-based Young African FC for allegedly fielding an improperly registered player last season. The NPL top brass, who met on Tuesday evening, however, resolved not to suspend the player in question, Zimbabwean national Tapiwa Musekiwa, because he was not registered with any team at the moment. Young African have been suspended pending the finalisation of the disciplinary hearing against them. NPL prosecutor Kadhila Amoomo this week made the recommendation to suspend Young African and Musekiwa from all football-related activities. The alleged fraud was exposed last week when Young Chiefs, who were relegated to the first division at the end of last season, submitted a complaint to the NPL in which they claimed that Young African registered Tapiwa Simon Musekiwa as Albert Mujikerera, by using an altered Zimbabwean passport.
STAFF REPORTER

↧

Keep your eyes on the ball - Mannetti

November 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Big and better

≪ Previous: NPL suspends Young African

Keep your eyes on the ball - Mannetti

Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti has implored football-loving Namibians to keep their eyes on the ball and forget about the current issues and infighting unfolding in the corridors of the Namibia Football Association (NFA).

Mannetti was speaking at a media conference yesterday in Windhoek, where he announced a 26-man training squad ahead of a critical Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Guinea-Bissau next weekend.

“I want it to be a hashtag; I want the players, coaches, fans, sponsors and everyone else to keep their eyes on the ball. Let's forget about the squabbles and focus on playing football,” he said.

The head coach said he selected a squad of tried-and-tested players and has not made many changes to the squad, which he regards as having “depth”.

“To people who are always saying that we are always playing the same guys: a national team is not supposed to change players week in and week out.”

Mannetti said recent away and home wins against Mozambique have grown the confidence levels of the players, but they will not be complacent going into their last two Afcon qualification matches.

“I don't expect complacency. It will be childish for anyone to become complacent and the players know that.”

In response to losing defensive stalwart Denzil Haoseb because of a red card he picked up against Mozambique, Mannetti said it's not an issue, as he will be covered by other players.

He said the team has capable players coming in and the backline has been bolstered.

Mannetti added they are happy with the fitness levels of the players.

In addition, they have studied the Guinea-Bissau team and are familiar with the way they play.

The crunch match will be played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium next Saturday, with Namibia on the verge of qualifying for the continental showpiece, a decade since they played at the 2008 finals.

The training squad is as follows:

Maximillian Mbaeva, Virgil Vries, Lloyd Kazapua, Chris Katjiukua, Larry Horaeb, Tiberius Lombard, Charles Hambira, Emilio Martin, Vitapi Ngaruka, Riaan Hanamub, Ananias Gebhardt, Dynamo Fredericks, Petrus Shitembi, Ronald Ketjijere, Wangu Gome, Immanuel Heita, Absalom Iimbondi, Deon Hotto, Willy Stephanus, Marcel Papama, Hendrik Somaeb, Muna Katupose, Sadney Urikhob, Benson Shilongo, Itamunua Keimuine and Peter Shalulile.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

↧

Big and better

November 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Ompumbwe yomeya moshitopolwa shaHangwena

≪ Previous: Keep your eyes on the ball - Mannetti

Big and better2018/19 NPL season launched It is all systems go for the 2018/19 MTC NPL season, which kicks off on Friday.

MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) chairman Patrick Kauta has promised a bigger and better 2019/19 premier league season.

“I can assure you that this is going to be a good season and we will make sure that things are done in a professional way.

“The fact that there will be one game a weekend for each team is a clear sign that the quality of football will improve,” Kauta said yesterday at the official launch of the season, which kicks off on Friday.

The chairman also lauded MTC and FNB for their continued commitment to sponsoring the league. Kauta said the N$15 million sponsorship by MTC and the N$5 million from FNB for the 2018/19 season will keep around 480 players off the streets.

This season, each club will receive an improved grant of N$114 285 per month. The monthly grant was N$65 000 per team during the 2017/18 season. Kauta, however, did not deliver a verdict on the Young African saga.

Legal practitioner and NPL prosecutor Kadhila Amoomo has recommended that the club be suspended for allegedly using a Zimbabwean player in their team last season, who allegedly played under a false name.

An NPL executive committee meeting on Tuesday was to have determined Young African's fate in the top-flight, but it appears this may not have happened as planned.

“This issue will be communicated to the media and public once a decision has been made. We are at this moment more focused on launching the league and getting it started on Friday,” Kauta said. MTC has sponsored the league to the tune of N$133 million since 2001.

The company, however, pleaded with league administrators to work hard in order to make the league professional.

“I urge the leaders of the league to move to a vision of professionalism. I can also confirm that MTC is in talks with NBC in order to have live broadcasts of matches in the latter stage of the season.

“We have to do away with the thinking that people will not come to stadiums if the matches are broadcast live,” MTC executive Tim Ekandjo said.

FNB's Gordon Pokolo said the bank is pleased to continue sponsoring the premier league.

It was further announced that the league is in the process of appointing an acting CEO until a permanent appointment is made.

Tura Magic and Orlando Pirates will open the season on Friday night when they meet at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20:00.

Newcomers Okahandja United face a baptism of fire when they battle Tigers FC in Okahandja on Saturday at 15:00.

Black Africa will be on the road, as they face Julinho Sporting at the Rundu Sport Stadium on Saturday at 15:00.

Newcomers Young Brazilians FC take on Blue Waters at the Karasburg Stadium on Saturday at 15:00.

Civics FC will host Eleven Arrows in Windhoek at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 17:00.

Unam FC is pitted against Mighty Gunners at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 19:00.

Young African FC is due to host Citizens FC at the Legare Stadium on Saturday at 15:00.

Life Fighters and champions African Stars will battle it out on Sunday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 17:00.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

↧

Latest Images