Valombola docket bungle explained

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

The case against Home Affairs commissioner for refugees Likius Valombola (53), who is free on N$15 000 bail, was postponed on Thursday because the docket was unavailable.

Court officials confirmed yesterday that although the charge sheet had indicated the next court date was set for 8 November, the docket indicated 18 November, a Sunday.

Yesterday, court proceedings resumed as planned as the docket was available. Magistrate Atutala Shikalep postponed the case to 21 January next year for further investigation and plea, but supporters and family said the bungle last week was worrying.

Ndjaba's younger brother, Lamek Ndjaba, said: “When we came to court last Thursday we were told the docket was not available. We went to the police station to find out what had happened and were told by the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Moses Shivolo, that the docket did not make it because the date written for court was wrong. It was written as 18 November.”

That day is a Sunday, Ndjaba pointed out.

“We told him, you as the investigating officer were supposed to know that. He told us he would make sure it's in court on Monday.”

Dozens of supporters, including Ndjaba's mother, second brother and cousins, as well as his partner and young son, friends and members of the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) attended yesterday's court proceedings.

Some wore shirts with the slogans #JusticeForHelao and #BreakFreeFromViolence.

A friend, Jason Shivute, said the missing docket spurred his supporters even more to ensure Ndjaba's trial remains in the spotlight and is not bogged down by long delays and other problems.

“We are here to show support and to show that we have not forgotten,” he said, noting that last week's bungled docket highlighted the need for his supporters to attend each court date.

“In regard to the docket, we are concerned. Without a docket, there is no case. It also shows how incompetent the system is. We don't know who to blame, the police or the court, for not doing their job. This is the best we can do, to come here and show our support no matter how long it takes.”

He said the frequent delays in trials in Namibia defeat the purpose of justice and his supporters want to show the courts that the system needs to ensure that trials are handled quickly and efficiently.

“The longer these court proceedings take, the longer it takes to serve justice. Our system sometimes takes very long and we are here to show support regardless how long it takes.”

Ndjaba died in May this year, nine days after he had sustained two gunshots to the head in what has been described as a case of road rage.

Valombola told the court during his bail hearing that he had not intended to shoot at Ndjaba but had fired warning shots because he feared for his safety during an altercation. The incident took place late on a Friday night.

Valombola was represented in court yesterday by Ndeli Ndeitwah, while the State was represented by control prosecutor Pieter Smit.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Farmer murdered, wife kidnapped

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Farmer murdered, wife kidnapped

A farmworker, who allegedly killed a farmer with an axe and kidnapped his wife, has been arrested.

Erongo police crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, told Namibian Sun yesterday afternoon the suspect went on the run on Saturday, shortly after the incident that occurred at about 18:00 on a farm in Otjimbingwe.

According to media updates late yesterday afternoon, the suspect was arrested and will appear in court today.

The farmworker approached the 56-year-old farmer's wife, demanding to know where the firearms are kept on the farm.

The suspect is originally from Rundu and had been employed on the farm since October.

She told the worker that her husband does not have a firearm. The farmworker then searched the house without success. He then took an axe, walked towards 59-year-old Hendrik Coetzee, who was milking goats, and hit him several times on the head.

The suspect then went back to the house and loaded some items into Coetzee's GWM bakkie and instructed the wife to climb into the vehicle.

He drove off on the Otjimbingwe/Wilhelmstal gravel road. About 35km from Otjimbingwe, the suspect lost control off the vehicle and it overturned.

After the accident, the suspect ran away and the wife managed to walk a few kilometres before she was assisted to go back to Otjimbingwe.

In another incident at Rehoboth, a 25-year-old man allegedly killed a 28-year-old man with an okapi.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning at Block E. According to police, the suspect and his girlfriend were quarrelling in their house and Harold Rooi overhead them while passing by with his friend.

He decided to stop the quarrel. The suspect allegedly stabbed him in the right side of his neck. Rooi was rushed to hospital, but was declared dead on arrival. The suspect was arrested.

In a separate incident on Friday at Okadhiya village in the Ontunda area a ten-year-old child allegedly suffocated his three-year-old cousin with sand.

According to the police, Stefanus Shipandeni Simaneka was playing with his cousin and they were throwing each other with sand. Simaneka fell and his cousin sat on top of him and allegedly poured sand into his mouth, causing him to suffocate. A case of murder has been opened.

At Otjiwarongo a 31-year-old man was killed with an iron bar on Saturday. According to the police, Absalom Nghishidibwa was hit in the stomach and died after he was involved in a fight. Nghishidibwa had initially run away, but was overpowered by three suspects who assaulted him, leading to his death. Three suspects aged between 17 to 23 years old were arrested.

Meanwhile, on Saturday at Kuvukiland location in Nomtsoub a 51-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death by his cousin.

According to the police, the two cousins were walking in Kuvukiland when an argument erupted.

Frankie Aweseb was stabbed in the chest and the suspect ran away. Aweseb picked up stones and chased him, but collapsed and died instantly. The suspect was arrested.

At Epako location in Gobabis a 29-year-old man was stabbed to death on Friday, allegedly by a 26-year-old suspect.

The incident occurred at a shebeen known as 'Why me bar', situated in the Canaan-C residential area of Epako.

Elia Muyari confronted the suspect about his girlfriend, who allegedly drew a knife and stabbed him in the chest. The suspect was arrested.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Damaged houses still unrepaired

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Damaged houses still unrepairedResponsibility for Rundu housing project unclear Mass housing units in Rundu's Kaisosi area, which were severely damaged by a rainstorm a year ago, are yet to be repaired,

It is still unclear who will take responsibility for the houses built under the government's mass housing programme in Rundu's Kaisosi area, which were severely damaged in December 2017 by a heavy rainstorm, and are yet to be repaired.

A total of 34 houses were damaged on 18 December 2017, with some having their roofs blown off, leaving residents homeless.

At the time, no one came forward to say they would fix the houses, because it had not been established whether the damage was simply the result of a natural disaster or because of shoddy work.

Namibian Sun has been reliably informed that some homeowners have opted to do repairs at their own cost.

When contacted for comment, National Housing Enterprise (NHE) spokesperson Mutonga Matali said because the project was taken away from them and placed under the care of the urban and rural development ministry, he cannot comment.

Green Circle Investment, which had constructed 318 houses at Kaisosi to the tune of N$89 million, referred all questions to the NHE.

Green Circle managing partner Ndeuli Hamutumwa said: “I cannot comment on the matter. Contact NHE because they contracted us. We signed a completion agreement.”

Namibian Sun then contacted ministry permanent secretary Nghidinua Daniel.

He said it would be best if the ministry's director of housing, planning and technical services coordination, Big-Don Kondunda, was contacted to provide answers.

Kondunda requested last Tuesday that questions be emailed to him.

However, minutes later Daniel was quoted by Nampa as saying they would investigate the matter.

“We will hold whoever is responsible for that work accountable, if it is determined that it is the contractor who is responsible,” Nghidinwa told Nampa.

Kondunda only responded to confirm receipt of Namibian Sun's email. On Thursday, he was again emailed, to no avail.

On Friday he was contacted telephonically and he referred Namibian Sun to senior ministry official Evans Maswahu.

When contacted for comment, Maswahu said the response was ready, but needed Daniel's approval. The nationwide mass housing project was launched in 2013 by former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, and was to have built 185 000 houses by 2030.

However, in 2015 the cabinet took a decision to remove the project from the NHE and place it in the hands of the urban and rural development ministry, amid allegations of corruption.

It was also said that contractors had inflated prices.

President Hage Geingob has reportedly called for an audit into the project.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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A law unto themselves

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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A law unto themselves

The conduct of prominent businessman and Ondangwa mayor Paavo Amweele with regards to the illegal sand mining activities outside Oniipa makes him think he is a law unto himself. Amweele and businessman Otto Niimboto Shikomba have come under a fire for mining sand illegally at the Ondando village in the Oniipa constituency. In fact, the ministry of environment has recommended that the pair be charged for their illegal conduct. By law, sand mining is prohibited and can only take place once permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities who in turn issue an environmental clearance certificate. The authorities in this case declined to give the green light for the businessmen to continue with sand mining, arguing the extraction site was not suitable for commercial purposes. Of course, it goes without saying that the once pristine grazing areas in many northern parts of the country have now been destroyed and damaged thanks to the illegal mining of sand for commercial purposes. Some companies are said to pay as little as N$300 per load to local traditional authorities and sell it for as much as N$1 500 or more to developers and contractors in urban areas. However, it is so sad that hapless community members have had to endure the sight of dozens of trucks carrying tonnes of sand ready to supply the construction markets, while at the same time destroying the livelihoods of thousands of communal farmers who use the land for grazing, among others. For too long the authorities have been turning a blind eye to these illegal activities, which still continues undeterred in many other parts of our country. The traditional authorities also appear to condone this practice by ignoring the environmental destruction which has ruined the natural beauty of many environments. It is also disappointing to see a political leader engaged in this outrageous behaviour by not complying with appropriate permissions to carry out his business legally. Amweele ought to lead by example in this regard and let justice take its course.

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Leave abusers - Shanghala

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Leave abusers - Shanghala Victims should stand up for themselves People in abusive relationships should leave their partners and seek help before it is too late, the justice minister advises.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Justice minister Sacky Shanghala has urged those in abusive relationships to leave their partners.

Shanghala also strongly urged those being abused to report incidents to the police and visit the gender ministry, as well as call Lifeline/Childline.

“Victims need not feel ashamed. I applaud those that have come forward, your courage and will to make a better life for yourself is inspiring,” he said, while delivering a statement in the National Assembly last week.

He also invited comments and inputs on the Combating of Domestic Violence Amendment Bill, the Maintenance Amendment Bill and Combating of Rape Amendment Bill, which have now been uploaded onto the ministry’s website for public consumption.

According to Shanghala, the Combating of Rape Amendment Bill now clarifies that the minimum sentences for rape apply equally to attempted rape, and prosecutors will have to fulfil additional duties towards complainants and vulnerable witnesses before the commencement of trials, to ensure victims are not intimidated.

“Children, who are often intricately involved in toxic domestic relationships, will now also be able to testify in court and their evidence will carry the same weight as an adult's testimony.”

He added the Maintenance Amendment Bill recognises that often maintenance payers default while living lavish lives.

“To ensure that maintenance payments are made, the court now has the discretion to order that the maintenance payment is directly deducted from the payer’s salary. Defaulters will also not be able to do business with government until the default is cleared,” he said.

Shanghala also pleaded with language experts to translate these bills into the most widely spoken Namibian languages, adding the ministry was committed to ensuring the accuracy of these translations.

“Our people must understand their rights and the best understanding comes from a mother-tongue interpretation.”

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Chief axed again

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Chief axed againHambukushu want Mbambo to step down The Hambukushu people have voted in favour of asking their chief, Erwin Munika Mbambo, to step down.

A committee established by the Hambukushu tribe has renewed its demand that Chief Erwin Munika Mbambo relinquish power.

In a letter dated 8 November 2018, the chairperson of the pressure group, Cassius Mukenah, lists the reasons why they want Mbambo to step down immediately.

This is the second attempt in a year by the pressure group to relieve Mbambo of his powers.

They wrote the first letter just before Christmas last year, listing a number of allegations and accusing the chief of blocking much-needed development in the tribal area.

Surprisingly the group made a U-turn on 17 January and apologised unconditionally to the chief.

In the latest letter Mukenah writes that a referendum was conducted last week and the Hambukushu tribe overwhelmingly voted in favour of Mbambo's removal.

“Following a referendum which took place on 7 November 2018 in Mbukushu district, the result thereof indicates that a total number of people who voted was 2 931 of which four votes were spoilt ballots, 222 voted in your favour and 2 705 votes were against you. This is a clear indication democratically that the Hambukushu people do not want you to continue as Fumu,” the letter reads.

The letter quotes Section 8, subsection 1, of the Traditional Authorities Act which stipulates that if a traditional community has sufficient reasons that warrant the removal of a chief, they can go ahead as long as they follow the customary law of that community.

“In terms of the customary law of the Hambukushu community, it was decided to conduct a referendum on 7 November 2018 to determine the popular position of the Hambukushu community as to whether or not you should be removed from the position, as it was done in 1947 and repeated twice in 1971 and 1990 respectively,” the letter reads.

Mukenah has confirmed the authenticity of the letter, which was copied to the minister of urban and rural development and the Kavango East governor.

Mukenah said Mbambo had overthrown his predecessor, the late Chief Alfons Majavero, in the same fashion in 1990.

According to Mukenah, the last three chiefs of the Hambukushu tribe had been removed because they had not fulfilled their duties.

Asked whether the close to 3 000 people who participated in last Thursday's referendum were a true reflection of the population of the Hambukushu tribe, and whether all the community members had been informed of the vote, Mukenah initially responded by asking whether all eligible Namibians took part in presidential elections.

He then explained that Mbambo's supporters had urged the community not to take part in the vote.

“The camp of Mbambo went to tell the people that they should not participate in the referendum but we had to go into the communities again and sensitise the people on the importance of the referendum,” Mukenah said.

When asked about their U-turn at the beginning of the year, Mukenah said they had to reverse the December decision because they had made a technical mistake.

Mukenah called on the chief to do the right thing and vacate the position.

“It is our strong belief that you will respect and adhere to the will and aspirations of the Hambukushu people as shown in the referendum of 7 November 2018 and act in the same manner as was done by your late uncle Fumu Disho, referred to in your affidavit of 1990,” Mukenah said.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Still no trace of Mandume's head

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Still no trace of Mandume's head

There is still no indication where the head of Oukwanyama king Mandume Ya Ndemufayo ended up after his death in 1917.

The Oukwanyama Traditional Authority says it is still trying to trace its whereabouts.

During the centenary commemoration of the king's death at Omhedi in the Ohangwena Region in February last year, Queen Martha Mwadinombo Kristian Nelumbu appealed for the return of his head. Nelumbu appealed to those who know the whereabouts of the head to return it.

Oukwanyama Traditional Authority chairperson George Nelulu told Namibian Sun yesterday that a committee was established to assist in tracing the king's head.

However, they have not been able to trace its whereabouts and those who were responsible for his death deny being in position of the head.

“After the queen made the announcement during the centenary commemoration, a committee was established to liaise with the ambassadors of Portugal and Britain, and they reported to us that the two countries are denying being in position of the head,” Nelulu said.

“We are still repeating the call that whoever knows about of King Mandume's head should come forward or return it.”

An advisor to the queen, Hadino Hishongwa, told Namibian Sun last year they were confident the South African authorities must know where it is buried.

He said photos were taken of army generals with Mandume's head, and that's why they are appealing to the South African authorities to say where the head is or to return it.

Hishongwa's theory is the same as that of many researchers, who have argued that the South African forces that attacked Mandume and his men at Oihole in Angola on 6 February 1917 later decapitated him and paraded his head.

His headless body was buried at Oihole.

Photographs showing South African forces with Mandume's head continue to raise eyebrows.

Some believe that Mandume's head was buried at Palm Tree Park near the Windhoek railway station, where 12 South African soldiers who died in the battle were also buried. Others say the head was taken to Germany.

The call for the return of Mandume's head has been repeated many times over the years. Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba has also requested that those with more information should come forward.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Stop marrying off young girls - Mbambo

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Stop marrying off young girls - Mbambo

Kavango governor Samuel Mbambo says parents who marry off their daughters at a young age are not only compromising their health, but also risking their lives.

Mbambo said he is aware of parents marrying off their daughters because of poverty, but warned the consequences can be deadly.

“When you look at child marriages, there are repercussions when a girl gets married early; one of them is that her health is compromised, not only in terms of the likelihood of her being infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases, but she could die in childbirth, as her body is not yet ready to go through the trauma of giving birth,” Mbambo said yesterday at Rundu, at the official opening of a gender ministry workshop on women's empowerment.

Mbambo called on parents to be patient and wait for their daughters to acquire the necessary education and become responsible citizens, who can become independent women and give back to their families, instead of being imposed on a stranger at a vulnerable age.

“I am aware that there are reasons which some parents think are genuine, like poverty and feeling compelled to marry off their daughters, but we need to know that if we wait just a few years, this child would complete her education and be in a better position to help the family,” Mbambo said.

The governor said he was also concerned about the increasing trend of people using violence to settle disputes, saying they should use alternative ways to resolve their issues.

“As for gender-based violence (GBV), it is sad when society thinks that the way out of disagreements is fighting, emotional torture or murdering someone. We need to learn to find alternative ways to resolve our differences,” Mbambo said.

“Further, I believe that if we get back to our roots, where we lived knowing and taking responsibility for the growth, safety and security of every individual in the community, we will have no more GBV incidences.”

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Swapo sets date for extraordinary congress

November 13, 2018, 4:01 am

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Swapo sets date for extraordinary congress

The ruling Swapo Party will hold an extraordinary congress on 30 November to 1 December at Ramatex in Windhoek. On the agenda are the reports and resolutions of the sixth ordinary elective congress held late last year, as well as poverty reduction, ignorance, and social and economic upheavals bedevilling the nation. Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa said the extraordinary congress is a continuation of the last congress and will be attended by the same delegates who participated in the previous one.
CATHERINE SASMAN

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Who is the greatest so far?

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Who is the greatest so far?

Who is Formula 1's greatest driver of the 21st century so far - Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel or Fernando Alonso?

One man with better insight than most is Mercedes technical director James Allison, who has worked with all four over the past two decades.

“If they all had to be in a super-team fighting it out every year, my guess is that Lewis would end up on top,” Allison said.

The 50-year-old added that he thought Hamilton was the fastest of those four.

Allison was talking as part of a BBC Radio 5 live review of Hamilton's fifth world title, secured in Mexico on 28 October.

He made it clear that he regarded speculation about where individual drivers ranked against each other as “a sort of idle game, because in a way, who knows? Everyone has an opinion and it's as valuable as that - i.e. not very”.

He added that he did not think Hamilton would necessarily win each year in this fictional battle.

“But if they kept coming back every year to do battle in some sort of Valhalla-type confrontation, more often than not it would be Lewis wearing the crown at the end of the year,” Allison said.

Allison worked with Schumacher at Ferrari from 2000-05, with Alonso at two teams - Renault from 2005-06 and Ferrari from 2013-14 - and with Vettel at Ferrari from 2015-16.

Asked to analyse how Hamilton differed from the other three, Allison said: “Of that cluster, I think he is the quickest, at his best, and he shows us his best extremely frequently.

“I think he is the best of those in qualifying. It's not by accident that he is the all-time pole record holder. He just has a better turn of speed than the others.

“He has a record of finding clean but utterly improbable overtakes that surpasses the others. [Hamilton is] maybe not quite at Michael's machine-like consistency, season-in, season-out, year after year. But the Lewis we have seen in the past two seasons here is flawless.”

Four-time champion Alain Prost told the programme Hamilton had performed “in a very brilliant way sometimes” in 2018 as he and Mercedes defeated Vettel and Ferrari.

“From the beginning, we knew it could be an interesting year and it has been even more interesting than we thought,” Prost said.

He said at the beginning of the year, the Ferrari was “maybe a little bit better, a little bit more consistent”.

“And then we had a fight between the teams and also between the drivers and the psychology of the drivers.

“We have reached the point where everybody can say that Mercedes [have come out on top] on one side - but more than the teams, the drivers, Lewis has done a fantastic job this year.

“Just look at his calm when things are not going well. And he has performed in a very brilliant way sometimes in qualifying and races. On the other side, Sebastian did some mistakes, much more than he is used to doing in the past. Lewis really deserved his titles this year, maybe one of the best of his five,” Prost added.

Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, added that Hamilton's ability to create the balance he wanted, in both professional and private spheres, had been decisive in enabling him to raise his game in the past two seasons.

He said at times, in previous years, it looked like Hamilton was “a little bit distracted”.

“Maybe he had a bit too much jet lag, because there were some races when you thought: 'Well, hang on, where's Lewis gone?' And he has to admit that was true - sometimes he went missing and maybe his off-track lifestyle was contributing to that.

“But when you look now at what he's done, you'd have to say he has provided himself with the happiness and contentment in his other life that you need in order to be able to cope with this intense experience of being an F1 driver,” Hill said.

He, however, added that Hamilton had taken the pressure off himself.

“But he has these other things he does and then he can turn up, jump in and win. So there's a smartness.

“To know yourself that well and to create the right conditions is part of the job of a sportsman, and Lewis has done that,” he added.

BBC SPORT

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Demolisher has Vegas dreams

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Demolisher has Vegas dreamsNdafoluma destined for greatness Lukas 'Demolisher' Ndafoluma has his sights set on becoming a world boxing sensation.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

The journey of World Boxing Federation (WBF) intercontinental middleweight champion Lukas 'Demolisher' Ndafoluma has not been easy, but he now has his sights set on earning himself a world title fight in Las Vegas.

Many times in his career, he faced various challenges, but continues to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion.

In his early life, Ndafoluma never imagined he was going to become a celebrity.

He was born on 25 December 1985 at Oshakati.

He grew up at Oshatumba village in Ompundja with his great-grandmother.

Ndafoluma attended Ompundja Primary School and this is where his love for fighting started.

He used to box with his schoolmates and also with village boys when he looked after cattle and goats. He often learnt harsh lessons from his peers during fights, but his passion for boxing never died.

“I always admired the sport, even when watching people like Harry Simon fight and win world titles,” Ndafoluma said.

He made his professional debut in 2007 against fellow Namibian, Steven Shimbonde.

Ndafoluma outclassed Shimbonde at the SKW sports grounds to record his first professional victory.

It took him ten professional fights and five years before he fought for a title.

Ndafoluma said he remained patient, even though some of his sparring partners got title shots sooner than him.

“I have always been a patient guy, because I knew that my time will come to fight for bigger titles. It is not an easy thing to wait that long, but I had to be calm and calculating throughout the years,” he said.

It was in June 2017 that Ndafoluma's dream came true to fight for a title.

He clashed with South African Barend van Rooyen for the vacant International Boxing Organisation (IBO) All-Africa middleweight title at the Ramatex complex in Windhoek.

Ndafoluma produced an excellent performance, which earned him the title.

The Demolisher then defeated Martin Tshuma in a non-title fight at Otjiwarongo on 30 September 2017.

At this point, there was a huge belief in his camp that he was becoming a huge menace for any future opponent.

On 11 November 2017, Ndafoluma was presented with an opportunity of a lifetime, to fight in Manchester for the World Boxing Council (WBC) international middleweight title.

Ndafoluma caused a huge upset when he beat Craig Cunningham from the United Kingdom.

It was the first time a Namibian had won a WBC belt.

On 3 August this year, Ndafoluma became the new WBF intercontinental middleweight champion at The Dome in Swakopmund.

He won the title after defeating fellow Namibian, Ebenestus Kaangundue.

Ndafoluma successfully defended his WBF title, when he defeated Hussein Itaba of Zimbabwe on 31 August.

Ndafoluma has so far won 13 fights, while only losing one bout.

“American boxer Bernard 'The Executioner' Hopkins he has been a middleweight champion of the world for a decade, defending his title 21

times.

“He is my greatest inspiration because he became the champion when everyone thought he was old.

“If there is any person I would like to spend even 30 minutes with in this world that would be Bernard Hopkins,” Ndafoluma said.

His next fight will be against Zimbabwe's Jimmy Mabundji for the vacant WBF international middleweight crown at the Harare Sports Centre on 30 November.

“I have been working hard and I will be ready to fight Mabundji in his own backyard. There are no two-ways about it, because I have to win that fight at all costs.”

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Nashilongo has passion for youth

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Nashilongo has passion for youth

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Local boxing coach and trainer Tobias Nashilongo says he wants to produce more boxing champions in the years to come.

Sport Wrap caught up with the 2018 Namibia Sports Awards' Coach of the Year at his boxing gym at the Katutura Youth Complex.

Nashilongo has several promising boxers, including Lukas 'Demolisher 'Ndafoluma.

“Training these boys and making them respectable individuals in the community has always been my passion.

“In our gym, we do not only focus on the bigger guys, we also focus on the upcoming ones,” Nashilongo said. The trainer also expressed the wish that some of his boxers will become world champions.

He emphasised the importance of them remaining disciplined and humble throughout their careers.

“As a trainer, I know that I have guys capable of being crowned world champions in the future.

“Our desire here at the gym is to raise our standards and develop quality boxers.

“A guy like Lukas Ndafoluma deserves to fight big bouts around the world and big names in the middleweight division,” Nashilongo said.

He also lauded individuals and companies that have contributed towards his individual success and the success of his boxing

gym.

“I would like to thank the Salute Boxing Academy, Kalakoda Promotions and the boxing control board for their support.

“All this would also not have been possible if it was not for the good administration of the Namibia Sports Commission,” he added.

The coach also recognised Namdia for sponsoring the Coach of the Year award.

“I will be wrong if I do not mention my own sponsors Hollard Namibia for their support,” He added.

He further lauded Team Tate Ndjaba, Team Kanu of Outapi, Team Nangombe and his boxers for their support.

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Stars face Comoros test

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Stars face Comoros test Reigning MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) champions African Stars will have to overcome Comoros side Volcano Club de Moroni in the preliminary round of the 23rd edition of the Total CAF African Champions League.

African Stars were drawn against Volcano Club last week.

The first leg will take place on 27 or 28 November in the Comoros, while the return leg is set for Windhoek on 4 or 5 December.

The winner will then clash with either South Africa's Orlando Pirates or Seychelles' side Light Stars in the first round, with the matches scheduled for between 14 and 23 December.

The winner of this clash will the join 14 other sides, plus defending champions Wydad AC of Morocco, in the group stages of the competition.

The winners of the CAF Champions League will take home US$2.5 million, while the runners-up pocket US$1.5 million.

The semi-finalists get US$800 000, the quarterfinalists US$650 000, and those who finish third and bottom of their groups receive US$550 000 each.

National associations like the Namibia Football Association (NFA) receive an additional 5% of what their teams take home.

The league winners in different African countries participate, and the tournament is the equivalent of the Uefa Champions League in Europe.

The winner of the competition earns a berth at the Fifa Club World Cup, a tournament contested by the champion clubs of all six continental confederations.

Egypt's Al Ahly is the most successful club in CAF Champions League history, having won the tournament eight times.

Egyptian clubs have accumulated the highest number of victories, winning the title 14 times.

Wydad AC beat Egypt's Al Ahly to win the 2017 title.

NFA

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Van Niekerk, Snyman triumph

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Van Niekerk, Snyman triumphTara Rally winners crowned South African driver Japie van Niekerk and his navigator Gerhard Snyman were crowned the winners of the 2018 Total Tara Rally on Saturday.

The 50th edition of the Total Tara Rally saw over 30 cars compete over a distance of 558 kilometres from Swakopmund to Windhoek in three days.

Japie van Niekerk, who is the only driver to have won the event three times in its history, added to this milestone with his fourth Tara Rally win, while his navigator Gerhard Snyman won it for the third time.

Speaking to Nampa Saturday night after the awards ceremony, Van Niekerk said he was honoured to win the event for the fourth time, but credit should be given to his team that made sure everything went smoothly.

“It's amazing to win the Tara Rally, which is one of the toughest rallies in Africa, if not the world, again. Despite all the challenges with the tough routes we managed to bring our car to the finish line, which is great team work,” he said.

Asked if they will return in 2019 to defend their title, Van Niekerk said they first have to enjoy their achievement and a decision with regard to defending their title will only be made in the course of next year.

“I love competing in Namibia because of the way the event is organised and there are a lot of drivers who make the event really competitive.”

His navigator, Snyman, added that Namibian routes are very challenging, but at the same time very exciting.

“I have been here for a couple of rallies and winning it for a third time as navigator is quite an achievement, but credit should be given to the organiser who set up the routes, which are challenging and get everything out of the car,” said Snyman.

Wilro Dippenaar and his navigator Riaan van der Westhuizen, who won the event in 2017, finished second, while Jaco Redelinghuys and his navigator Dries Booysen ended third.

The off-road event, which was introduced this year, saw Jaco van Dyk and his navigator Michel Rust crowned champions, while Richard Himmel and his navigator Adolf Botes came second.

Stefan Labushagne and his navigator Christiaan Labushagne finished third.

NAMPA

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Cabinet approves sport expo

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Cabinet approves sport expoAnnual event slated for September 2019 The aim of hosting an annual sport expo is to bring together all stakeholders, including government, sponsors, athletes, businesses and fans.

Cabinet has endorsed the hosting of the first-ever Namibia Annual Sport Expo in September 2019.

This was announced at a cabinet resolutions media briefing last week by information minister Stanley Simataa.

Simataa said the exact date for the annual event will be provided by the line minister at a later stage.

He said the aim of hosting an annual sport expo is to bring together all stakeholders, including government, sponsors, athletes, businesses and

fans.

“People should appreciate the fact that sport is an enterprise and if Namibians handle sport correctly, as well as develop hidden sporting talent, we stand a better chance to create a progressive enterprise,” he said.

Simataa added many professional sport athletes are highly paid, which enables them to invest in other businesses and create employment, which in turn contributes to the economy of the country.

He added sport interest should be generated countrywide, and as such, there is a need to professionalise some codes.

“If we specialise in some of the sport codes, it will enable steady progress in the transitioning from amateur to professional in different sports segments.”

Simataa called on Namibians to fully participate in the expo, in order to appreciate the value of sport and its many dimensions.

NAMPA

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Diversion tactics must fall

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Diversion tactics must fall Last week I was accused of being “captured” by fired Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Frans Mbidi.

Some people claimed I have taken Mbidi's side, after he was ousted by the Namibia Football Association (NFA) executive committee recently.

This is so typical of some, when they feel that things are not going their way, or they receive a backlash from powerful forces.

To say that I or any other sport reporter is taking sides between Mbidi and NFA secretary-general Barry Rukoro is just a diversion tactic.

We are just doing our jobs as reporters, who can only represent the facts and comments given by the protagonists involved in any particularly saga.

Yes, most of my recent articles have been based on how powerful backers feel about Mbidi's dismissal.

These include Fifa, the sports ministry and the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC). It was not me saying Mbidi's axing was unconstitutional.

“Our investigation through the Namibia Sports Commission has in this regard revealed that some constitutional provisions have been overlooked in the process leading to the dismissal of the incumbent president.

“The NFA exco did not comply with its statues in the process of administering a verdict of dismissal of their president,” sports minister Erastus Uutoni said, for example.

The BBC reported that Fifa will not recognise Mbidi's ousting.

Nowhere did I or any other journalist give their personal opinion.

To be called “captured” - which reeks of the South African saga involving the Guptas, former president Jacob Zuma and others - is uncalled for, and I view it as an attack on media freedom.

As a sport journalists, we report on the facts provided and not what we feel like writing. If some people refuse to comment or put their side of the story, what are we to do?

It is our duty to inform, entertain and educate people on sport matters, including the current football saga.

The problem is that those who accuse others of bias are always reluctant to respond to questions or give their side of the story.

As for Mbidi, he is always prepared to give his side, even when times are tough.

For some to say it is favouritism, when his views are reflected, is a leap into la-la land

It is also not the media's job to decide who leaves and who stays at the NFA. People have made their beds and must now sleep on them.

My biggest desire, and that of most loyal fans, is to see the football body operate in an efficient and focused way, without dirty linen being washed and infighting souring newspapers nearly every day.

Our wish is that administrators find amicable solutions, in order to settle their differences, for the sake of our football-loving nation.

Having said that, the current set-up at the NFA surely favours certain individuals.

The loopholes in the NFA constitution are among the causes of the ongoing war.

As for the Mbidi vs Rukoro battle, we certainly haven't seen the last of the salvos, as pressure mounts on the NFA executive to reinstate Mbidi.

This is an embarrassing battle for the NFA and the entire country.

We are truly tired of the shenanigans in sporting organisations, who are failing to focus on their core function, which is the use of sport to inspire a nation and build a professional cadre of sportsmen and women, who can prosper and uplift their communities.

How do we do that when we are fighting each other and causing a stink all over the place? It is nonsensical and certainly cannot be condoned.

jesse@namibiansun.com

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Erongo Marine Enterprises opens onshore processing plant at Walvis Bay

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Erongo Marine Enterprises opens onshore processing plant at Walvis Bay

Erongo Marine Enterprises inaugurated its onshore processing plant at the Walvis Bay harbour on Wednesday.

Speaking during the inauguration, Erongo Marine Enterprises managing director, Martha Uumati said the onshore processing plant repackages 30 kilogramme (kg) cartons of horse mackerel into 10kg cartons.

Many vendors and small business owners buy horse mackerel in bulk in order to sell it on a smaller scale.

“There is a need on the market for the 10 kilogramme carton of horse mackerel as it would be much more affordable for someone who may not be able to afford the 30kg carton, which was the only one available to consumers before,” she said.

Uumati said another challenge with the 30kg carton was that it was hard for someone without transport to carry.

“However with the 10kg carton, that issue is now taken care of.”

So far, N$1.5 million has been invested in the operation which started in September, amongst others in labour and machinery. The investment is expected to increase to at least N$2.9 million by the end of 2018.

To date the onshore processing plant has processed a little over 974 metric tonnes (mt) out of the 3 407 mt required for the year 2018.

Uumati said job creation was also one of the main reasons for the establishment of the plant.

They started with 16 workers per shift, but this number was recently increased to 18 workers per shift for the two daily shifts, in order to increase daily output.

-Nampa/Reuters

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Tweya talks AfCFTA benefits

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Tweya talks AfCFTA benefitsUrges MPs to support ratification Namibia is one of the African Union members that is yet to ratify the continental free trade agreement. “I am counting on your usual partnership and continued support.” Tjekero Tweya, Trade Minister Trade minister Tjekero Tweya last Thursday tabled the agreement to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for ratification in parliament.

Ratification, which is the action of signing and giving formal consent to a treaty, contract or agreement, making it officially valid, is the next step for the country after President Hage Geingob signed the AfCFTA agreement with the African Union (AU) four months ago.

The agreement will pave the way for the country to benefit from inter-regional trade within the African continent.

For Namibia, the process of ratifying an international treaty takes a maximum of six months, according to Tweya.

He told members of parliament their positive consideration and ratification of the agreement will reinforce and give wide economic space for Namibia's industries.

The agreement aims to create a single market followed by free movement and a single currency for AU member states

Tweya said the ratification of the deal will give additional market access for the country’s exports, while the AfCFTA will also be source for imports.

Tweya told fellow MPs that the ratification of the AfCFTA will further confirm Namibia’s position “as an attractive destination for investment and trade” and will confirm the country’s status as having a “predictable and reliable legal system”.

“I am counting on your usual partnership and continued support,” he said.

Advocacy

Tweya said the AfCFTA offers an opportunity to create larger economies of scale, a bigger market and improve the prospects for the African continent to attract investment.

“Namibia is, therefore, committed to a coordinated strategy to boost intra-Africa trade and build an integrated market in Africa that will see a market of over 1.2 billion people with a GDP of approximately US$2.6 trillion.”

Tweya said the agreement establishing the AfCFTA aims to safeguard and promote the creation of a single market, which he said will help facilitate the free movement of persons, goods, services and investments that will help fast-track the creation of an African customs union.

The agreement, he said, will further reinforce intra-African trade which will harmonise the coordination of trade liberalisation and facilitation regimes and instruments across the regional economic communities (RECs) and across Africa in general.

Tweya said the AfCFTA will accelerate regional and continental integration procedures, and resolve multiple and overlapping membership challenges.

It will also augment industrial competitiveness through production, market access and resource reallocation.

Perspective

Tweya also said the Namibian government, through its AfCFTA negotiating team, has been involved in the full negotiations since February 2016, together with other African Union member states.

He briefed the MPs on how the African Heads of State and Government held an extraordinary summit on the AfCFTA from 17 to 21 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda, during which the agreement establishing the AfCFTA was presented for signature.

This was along with the Kigali Declaration and the protocol to the treaty establishing the African economic community, relating to the free movement of persons, the right to residence and the right to establish the AfCFTA.

“In total, 44 out of the 55 AU member states signed the consolidated text of the AfCFTA agreement, 47 signed the Kigali Declaration and 30 signed the Protocol on Free Movement. Five additional countries (Namibia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Lesotho and Burundi) signed during the summit of the African Union Heads of State and Government held from 1 to 2 July 2018 in Nouakchott, Mauritania,” Tweya said.

He said the implementation of the agreement is expected to commence upon ratification and the depositing of instruments of ratification by 22 African Union member states. Currently only seven countries (Chad, eSwatini, Ghana, Kenya, Niger and Rwanda) have ratified the AfCFTA agreement.

“I therefore, kindly request this August house, upon the approval of the ratification of this agreement by this same August house, to mandate the technical officials from the ministries of trade and international relations and cooperation to fast-track the ratification process,” he urged.

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Tura Magic signal early flair

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Tura Magic signal early flairPirates have work to do The MTC Namibia Premier League returned this weekend, with teams displaying fast, attacking football.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Tura Magic assistant coach Fortune Eichab has played down the club's title aspirations after an impressive 3-1 victory over Orlando Pirates on Friday night at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Tura Magic looked like the complete article, as they put three past the Buccaneers to claim a famous victory over.

Eichab maintained that the league title race is for the bigger clubs.

“Our main aim is to remain competitive, with the hope that we can finish among the top eight in the premier league. It was a great performance by the players and we are happy with the outcome of this match,” Eichab said.

With a new Ghanaian coach, Mohammed Gargo, and a strong attacking force, Magic played like a team on a mission.

They delivered fast, attacking football combined with accurate position play that effectively used their youthful edge.

Orlando Pirates did, however, show glimpses of quality in the first 20 minutes, but their new signings, who lack premier league experience, failed to keep Magic at bay.

A brace from new signing Salomon Omseb and a goal by Kaejarukapo Katjimune was enough to see off the Sea Robbers in the league opener.

Premier league veteran Meraai Swartbooi scored a consolation for the Buccaneers through a penalty, after Jay-Jay Kordom was fouled in the 76th-minute of the match.

On Saturday, newly promoted Young Brazilians registered their first-ever victory in the premier after beating Blue Waters 1-0 in Karasburg.

Black Africa began their premier league campaign with a 1-0 victory over Rundu's Julinho Sporting at the Rundu Sport Stadium on Saturday.

Newly promoted Okahandja United and Tigers FC played to a 1-1 stalemate in Okahandja, while Civics was held 1-1 by Eleven Arrows in Windhoek on Saturday.

The late Saturday fixture, which began at 19:00, was between Mighty Gunners and Unam FC at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

The men in uniform showed why they are regarded as one of Namibia's classic emerging sides, after the beat the university team 1-0 away from home.

Poor attendance

The opening league matches in the capital were once again poorly attended, as only a handful of spectators made their way to the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday.

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Regional champs thrill

November 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Regional champs thrill

Leandrea Louw

The Erongo Regional Open Athletics Championships saw about 150 athletes participating in various track and field events on Friday in Swakopmund.

The athletes hailed from Swakop Striders, who were also the hosts of the competition, Pro-Ed Academy, Omaruru Athletics Club, Walvis Bay Private High School, Windhoek Gymnasium Athletics Club, Rehoboth Athletics Club, Triumph Athletics Club, Windhoek High School, Lions Athletics Club, the Quinton Steele-Botes Athletics Club and Road Runners, among others.

Para-athletes like Johanna Benson, Alubhilu Petrus, Tangeni Ashipala and Simon Shihepo, participated in the competition, clinching gold medals in their respective track and field items.

One of the highlights of the day was Chrislene Klein-Nienaber (15) setting a new personal best of 11.89 seconds in the 80m hurdles event.

At the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (Cossasa) athletics champs earlier this year, Klein-Nienaber made history by breaking the 12.04 record in the event.

To conclude the competition, a one kilometre race was held where runners were challenged to keep the world record marathon pace in their respective age groups.

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