Radical new Rav4 gets advanced AWD system

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

Radical new Rav4 gets advanced AWD systemEnhanced performance, capability and control Dynamic torque vectoring is a Toyota first for mechanical AWD. Toyota SA - “The Toyota RAV4 - widely credited with creating and popularising the SUV market segment - has become one of the world's best-selling vehicles and sits at the heart of Toyota's global business.”

Toyota's all-new RAV4 will introduce two advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems that will distinguish the range with sure-footed cornering performance and grip in all driving conditions.

The mechanical AWD system has been updated with Toyota's first dynamic torque vectoring system that apportions torque between the left and right rear wheels as well as between the front and rear axles.

Due in local dealerships during the first quarter of 2019, the fifth-generation RAV4 will be offered with all-new four-cylinder direct-injection engines - 2.0-litre petrol with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and 2.5-litre petrol (mechanical AWD). A hybrid model will also be offered in overseas markets in both FWD and newly-developed electric AWD configurations.

Buyers choosing the non-hybrid version of this new 2.5-litre engine will have 152 kW and 243 Nm on tap – a substantial 15% improvement in power.

It will be mated exclusively to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, including a lower first gear for enhanced start-off performance and a much wider ratio spread than the six-speed automatic it replaces.

RAV4 can also be equipped with a new 2.0-litre engine that delivers thermal efficiency of up to 40%. Maximum power has been increased by 18% to 127 kW with a generous peak torque figure of 203 Nm.

It will come with the choice of a CVT or an intelligent six-speed manual gearbox that provides rev-matching control for smoother and more responsive gear shifts. This new CVT features an innovative launch gear for sporty driving with impressive fuel efficiency.

RAV4 gains new dynamic torque vectoring system

The mechanical all-wheel drive system for the new RAV4 2.5-litre petrol engine with 8-speed auto features Toyota's first dynamic torque vectoring system. It ensures stable performance and accurate response to the driver's steering inputs when cornering, both in dry and slippery conditions.

As well as providing up to 50% of the available torque to the rear wheels, the new system introduces independent couplings on the rear-axle output shafts to control torque distribution between the left and right wheels.

When AWD is not required, such as during constant-speed driving, a new disconnect feature stops rotation of the driveline to contribute to lower fuel consumption.

AWD Integrated Management

Performance of the new RAV4's two AWD systems is further improved with the introduction of AWD Integrated Management (AIM). AIM automatically adjusts vital vehicle systems - steering assist, brake and throttle control, shift pattern and drive torque distribution – according to the drive mode selected.

The driver can switch from Normal to Eco or Sport mode. In Eco mode, AIM decreases drive torque to enhance fuel efficiency. In Sport mode, it modifies the steering assist, throttle control shift schedule and drive torque distribution to gain better on-road performance.

For the mechanical AWD system, a multi-terrain switch enables the driver to select the appropriate settings for mud & sand or rock & dirt.

RAV4 pedigree

The name RAV-FOUR (for Recreational Active Vehicle Four-wheel drive) first appeared on a small 4WD concept shown at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show.

The production version, named RAV4, made its debut at the Tokyo show in 1993 and was released in southern Africa the following year. The arrival of the fifth-generation RAV4 will coincide with the model's 25th anniversary.

The Toyota RAV4 – widely credited with creating and popularising the SUV market segment - has become one of the world's best-selling vehicles and sits at the heart of Toyota's global business.

Cumulative global sales across four generations since 1994 have reached more than 8.1 million vehicles. In 2017, RAV4 was the world's best-selling SUV and fourth best-selling model overall, with 810 953 sales.

Local specification and model line-up detail will follow at launch time (Q1 2019).

– MotorPress

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Company news in brief

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Company news in brief

Total plans new offshore Angola well

French oil company Total said on Saturday it plans to drill 13 wells on block 17, offshore Angola, in order to maintain production of 400 000 barrels per day of crude until 2023 in Africa's second largest crude producer.

The wells, which will connect marginal fields to existing floating platforms, would be divided between two projects. CLOV 2 will involve drilling seven additional wells to produce 40 000 barrels of oil per day. First oil is expected in 2020.

Dalia 3 will see six new wells drilled, producing 30 000 barrels per day, with oil coming onstream from 2021.

The projects, along with the previously announced Zinia 2, will enable Total to maintain production from block 17 of more than 400 000 barrels per day, the company said. – Nampa/Reuters

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SARB fines HSBC for lax controls

South Africa's central bank on Friday fined HSBC's local business R15 million for weaknesses in its processes meant to detect money laundering and terrorism financing, and ordered the bank to fix the problems.

The Prudential Authority (PA), which sits within the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and monitors the country's lenders, said HSBC's South African branch had already taken the measures required to address the issues. It added HSBC was not found to have facilitated any transactions involving money laundering or the financing of terrorism.

While small, the South African fine highlights that HSBC still faces problems with compliance long after pledging to toughen up its controls and after paying billions of US dollars in fines for such failures.

It drew a line under one of its most serious cases – failing to prevent Mexican drug cartels from laundering hundreds of millions of dollars - last year, when the US Department of Justice said it would end its deferred prosecution agreement over the matter, lifting the threat of further penalties. – Nampa/Reuters

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SA state arms firm Denel fires CFO

South African state-owned weapons manufacturer Denel has fired its chief financial officer Odwa Mhlwana after he was found guilty of all disciplinary charges relating to irregular expenditure, the firm said on Friday.

The firm appointed Wim de Klerk, former chief executive of ArcelorMittal South Africa as acting CFO, adding that a formal process to recruit a permanent CFO will commence soon.

Mhlwana had been put on suspension in June while Denel conducted a probe into allegations of misconduct by him. Denel also said it had selected a new CEO, after the previous one resigned in May.

Earlier on Friday the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) said South Africa's government must urgently inject at least R7 billion into Denel in order for the firm to pay suppliers and implement its turnaround strategy efficiently.

Denel reported a R1.7 billion loss for the 2017/18 financial year and is struggling to pay worker salaries and deliver on roughly R18 billion of outstanding orders. – Nampa/Reuters

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Richemont flags slow progress in watch sales

Luxury goods group Richemont struck a cautious note after reporting sales numbers hurt by moves to combat the grey market and efforts by the Chinese government to discourage consumers from spending overseas.

The company known for Cartier jewellery and IWC watches attributed a weak performance in Europe in the six months to Sept. 30 to the disposal of its Lancel bag business and a drop in watch sales to third-party retailers to avoid unsold stock ending up on online platforms at big discounts.

Sales growth has slowed for Swiss luxury watchmakers of late, with exports to their biggest markets, Hong Kong and the United States, turning negative in September.

Richemont, the world's second-biggest luxury group, has recently made adjustments to its portfolio to gear it more towards the online sector and last month announced a strategic partnership with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.

Group sales grew 8% at constant currency in the six months to Sept. 30, down from 10% during the five-month period. Including the contribution of recently acquired online distributors Yoox Net-a-Porter (YNAP) and Watchfinder, first-half sales were up 24%. – Nampa/Reuters

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Alibaba hits another 'Singles Day' record

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba filled a record US$30.7 billion in orders on Sunday during its annual “Singles Day” shopping frenzy, but growth slowed from previous years.

The world's biggest 24-hour shopping event, celebrating its tenth year, kicked off early Sunday and once again shattered its own sales mark as Chinese online buyers seized on promotions to snap up everything from electronics to clothing and housewares.

Sales rose 27%, compared with 39% last year.

Although retail sales in China have been steady, the outlook is uncertain as the economy slows and concerns rise over the impact of the trade war with the United States.

Alibaba's share price, which doubled in 2017, is down 16% this year. – Nampa/AFP

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Just a growth wobble or the beginning of the end?

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Just a growth wobble or the beginning of the end?Business cycle entering ‘mature phase’ Germany and Japan are both expected to report negative growth figures this week. It appears the global economy is hitting another major soft patch. - UBS

Balazs Koranyi - Two of the world's biggest economies probably shrank last quarter, further proof that global growth is now past its peak and the risk of a downturn is rising.

Germany and Japan are both expected to report negative growth figures in the coming days and even if a slew of one-off events are factored out, the underlying trend is weak and the outlook is fraught with risk, not least from a global trade war.

For now, few economists predict a global downturn as the US economy is motoring ahead, and most even see a rebound, perhaps in 2020. But the risks are skewed towards a more negative outcome as the global business cycle is entering a mature phase, already having left its growth peak behind in 2017.

"It appears the global economy is hitting another major soft patch," UBS said in a research report. "The deterioration in global 'hard' and 'soft' data is the most severe since the euro zone crisis."

"We view the softness as transitory and we project consumption and investment to re-accelerate in 2020," it added. "There is no precedent for a recession having started with accelerating investment growth, as is currently the case in Japan and the euro zone."

Advanced economies are suffering from capacity constraints, the global trade war is already undermining confidence and rising global interest rates, driven by tighter US monetary policy, are weighing on financial markets.

As if that was not enough, recent corporate earnings were on the weak side of expectations, China's housing market continues to slow, the risk of a hard Brexit looms and Italy is locked in a battle with the EU over its budget.

"As US growth is strong and inflation is trending higher, Fed policy is getting tighter," ABN Amro chief economist Han de Jong said. "Unfortunately, the rest of the world economy is not half as strong as the US."

"Given the US's leading role in the world economy and, more crucially, the importance of US interest rates for global financial markets that creates a big problem," he added.

EXHIBIT A: GERMANY

The euro zone's biggest economy is expected to report a 0.1% quarterly drop in GDP tomorrow, its first negative reading in well over three years.

Economists attribute the hiccup to the auto industry's difficulty in adjusting to new emissions testing regulations, which help up production for months. They say that growth will resume once the bottleneck is cleared, which is expected late this year.

But that is only part of the picture.

"Even without this effect, the economy has lost considerable momentum compared with the first half of the year," Commerzbank said.

"Hardly any measures have been taken in recent years to make Germany a more attractive business location," it added. "Indeed, the opposite has more often been the case."

Germany's loss of export momentum may be just as worrying as its car troubles and with the risks of a global trade war lingering, exports are unlikely to recover quickly and certainly not to last year's level.

EXHIBIT B: JAPAN

Japan's economy will have shrunk by 0.3% in the third quarter, the second negative reading this year, figures due tomorrow are expected to show.

Like in Germany, the contraction is mainly due to one-offs, primarily the impact of natural disasters from typhoons to earthquakes. But also like in Germany, the exceptional events may hide the fact the growth trend is pointing lower.

Japan's expansion will be just above 1% for the year and growth may gradually slow in the coming years on declining labour market capacity, diminishing fiscal support and the limited capacity of monetary policy to provide stimulus.

"GDP growth should return to a moderate positive gain in October-December," Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities said in a note. "While the economy is currently in the late stage of a cycle, we maintain our view that it continues to moderately expand, mainly in domestic demand."

The threats of tariffs on its massive car industry hold the potential for more volatility in growth with global politics likely setting the tone.

Still, even with several big economies wobbling, US growth remains robust and several key emerging markets are also performing well. And it is this backdrop which supports those economists who argue the recent soft patch is just that or, at worst, part of a moderate slowdown, not a downturn. – Nampa/Reuters

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Africa briefs

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Africa briefs

Zambia blames opposition for anti-China attacks

Zambia's government accused the opposition on Friday of fuelling "xenophobic" attacks on Chinese nationals after a spate of violent incidents targeting the community and its businesses.

Anti-Chinese sentiment in Zambia has grown as the government increasingly hands lucrative contracts to the country while borrowing huge sums from Beijing.

Vice President Inonge Wina told parliament that "xenophobic attacks on Chinese [are] politically motivated because of the utterances that politicians make".

Her intervention follows sporadic rioting in the towns of Buchi and Kawama last week when millers took to the streets to protest after rumours that a Zambian timber company had been sold to Chinese buyers.

Last month youths looted Chinese shops in the northern mining town of Kitwe. – Nampa/AFP

Zim's unlicensed foreign currency traders face 10-year jail

Unlicensed foreign currency traders in Zimbabwe face up to 10 years in jail if convicted and loss of their money and assets when new exchange control rules are published this week, a senior government official said on Sunday.

The southern African nation, which adopted the US dollar after dumping its hyperinflation-hit currency in 2009, is gripped by a shortage of cash dollars, which has seen prices of imported goods spiral in recent weeks.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government, under pressure to make good on pre-election promises to mend the stricken economy, is on a drive to end parallel market trading it blames for fuelling price increases.

Ministry of Justice permanent secretary Virginia Mabhiza said Mnangagwa would use executive powers to amend the exchange control and money-laundering laws in an official notice that was gazetted yesterday.

Mabhiza said the new rules will also empower police, the National Prosecuting Authority and anti-corruption commission to compel suspects to explain their source of wealth and bank deposits. – Nampa/Reuters

Kenya signs agricultural exports deal with China

Kenya and China signed an agreement on Friday allowing the East African country to export various agricultural products to China, a senior Kenyan government official said.

Nzioka Waita, President Uhuru Kenyatta's chief of staff, said the agreement on food, plant and animal safety - known as sanitary and phytosanitary measures - had been reached between the two after a week of negotiations.

Waita said on Twitter the agreement would pave the way for Kenya to start exporting a selection of fruit and vegetables, flowers and meat to China.

China has become Kenya's biggest trading partner, accounting for 17% of the East African nation's annual trade by value or more than US$4 billion, heavily tilted in China's favour.

Fruits, vegetables and flowers are already a key foreign exchange earner for Kenya, bringing in 115.3 billion shillings (US$1.13 billion) in 2017 from 101.5 billion shillings a year earlier. At present, their major market is Europe. – Nampa/Reuters

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Africa seeks more exports to China through expo

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Africa seeks more exports to China through expo It is imperative to note that while China is opening up, African countries need to improve their ability to supply such a huge market. Prof Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, Dean of Economics: UNAM

Xu Zheng and Zhu Shaobin - Fridah Mbaya is exhilarated by her trip to the ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. She can finally bring Kenya's unique coffee taste closer to Chinese consumers.

"The exhibition exposes my products to a wider market especially among Chinese," said Mbaya, chief executive officer of the enterprise Nyumbani Coffee, adding that China's large coffee-consuming market will help Kenya diversify its coffee sales.

The expo has attracted over 3 600 exhibitors from around the world. Over 200 are from more than 40 African countries presenting a wide range of products including tea, coffee, wine, cocoa and seafood.

Mbaya's words also echo Kenya's expectation to increase exports to China through the expo, where nine Kenyan companies are promoting the country's agricultural products and tourist attractions, while seeking to build cooperative partnerships in financial services and healthcare.

Hosea Machuki, chief executive officer of Kenya-based Fresh Produce Exporters Association, whose members are among the CIIE exhibitors, said that China is one of the most promising markets for Kenyan horticultural produce.

"China has a population of over 1.3 billion. Kenya can tap into this market for all kinds of fresh products including fruits, vegetables and herbs," he told Xinhua.

Namibia

That idea is shared by Namibian businessman Koos Blaauw who co-owns the Namibia-based Tetelestai Mariculture company in Walvis Bay, which has exported large quantities of live oysters to China's major cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

Blaauw said his focus at the expo is seeking more markets in Asia for his oyster products along the supply-value chain.

"The expo created an avenue for traders to arrange partnerships, for Chinese companies to have investments in African countries and vice versa, to further develop these countries through alliances to be able to export," Blaauw said.

Consumers

Apart from exhibiting products and services, many African exporters are also trying to explore the appetite of Chinese consumers.

"We hope this tour will give us more insights in terms of how to penetrate the market and also appreciate the taste and standards that the Chinese are looking forward to if we want to tap that market," Zimbabwe's Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said.

"We are also encouraged by the remarks of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Beijing summit of FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) where he encouraged African countries to consider the Chinese market as a viable market," he added.

Trade

China has been Africa's largest trading partner for nine consecutive years, with imports from Africa hitting US$65.6 billion in the first eight months of 2018, up 33.4% year on year, and exports to Africa up 10% to US$68.5 billion, according to China's General Administration of Customs.

China's recent pledge to lower tariffs and increase imports is welcomed by its African partners.

Commending China's move to further open up its market, Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, Namibian economic analyst and dean of economics at the University of Namibia, said the event has broadened the concept of preferential trade and widened market access for countries like Namibia.

"It is imperative to note that while China is opening up, African countries need to improve their ability to supply such a huge market," Kakujaha-Matundu said, citing his country's beef exports to China as an example.

‘Historic opportunity

Charles Onunaiju, director of the Abuja-based Center for China Studies said that the CIIE is a historic opportunity for Africa to test its stamina, creative ability and innovative acumen in value-added products in the Chinese market and the global market at large.

"China is not just offering investment, infrastructure, financial support ... it is now offering its market," the director said. "The most important element in any meaningful development is the market."

Keith Rockwell, World Trade Organisation director of information and external relations, told Xinhua via email that the expo highlights the need for cooperation and partnership in international trade, particularly for China and Africa. – Nampa/Xinhua

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Wage bill still thorn in IMF’s side

November 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Wage bill still thorn in IMF’s sideCalls for ‘well-structured policy’ The payroll of the civil service has been highlighted as on one of the reasons for government’s dire fiscal situation.

Jo-Maré Duddy – Government should place “special emphasis” on the establishment of a “well-structured policy for the public sector to better align wage dynamics with productivity growth”, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

Concluding its yearly weeklong Article IV consultations with Namibia on Friday, the IMF highlighted the payroll of the civil service, as well as transfers to public entities (SOEs) as main sources of the deterioration of government’s fiscal situation.

“In preparation of next year’s budget, the strategic policy decisions and specific measures to deliver the planned adjustment [of spending] should be clearly identified,” the IMF said in a statement.

In his mid-year budget revision tabled recently, finance minister Calle Schlettwein allocated nearly N$390 million more to total personal expenditure compared to the main budget delivered in March. The total estimated remuneration budget for the civil service for 2018/19 now stands at more than N$29.3 billion or 45.6% or overall expenditure. In March it was 45%.

Commenting on the latest figures, Cirrus Securities said government also overshot its public service wage bill budget in 2017/18 by N$414 million or 1.5%.

“It is uncertain if the 1.3% y/y increase in the wage bill for 2018/19 will be deliverable as this likely represents a decrease in real wages for many government employees. The same goes for the 1.6% y/y increase in 2019/20 and 3.0% increase in 2020/21,” Cirrus said.

Growth

The IMF said the country has entered a “recession phase and is expected to recover gradually”. In his mid-year budget revision, Calle Schlettwein said the economy is expected to grow by -0.2% this year.

Like Schlettwein, the IMF expects economic growth to return to positive territory next year. The Fund didn’t tie a number to its forecast, while Schlettwein ventured growth of 0.9%. Expected growth in 2019, according to the IMF, will be supported by strong mining production and a rebound in construction activities.

“Growth is expected to strengthen over time, and converge to a long-term rate of about 3%, below the average of recent years, held back by low productivity growth and stagnant competitiveness,” the IMF said.

Downside risks to this outlook include lower than expected revenue from the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), slower growth recovery, and fiscal slippages that could undermine policy credibility and debt sustainability, the Fund continued.

“Namibia’s key challenges are to continue implementing fiscal consolidation plans to contain public debt dynamics and preserve macroeconomic stability, and pursing reforms to raise productivity, long-term growth, and job creation,” the IMF said.

It described the recent commitment to deliver this year fiscal deficit target and further deficit reductions over the next years as “a welcome step”.

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Full-house at Warriors training

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Full-house at Warriors training

The Brave Warriors had a full-house at training yesterday, with all 25 available players turning up, as the team prepares for an Afcon qualifier showdown with Guinea-Bissau on Saturday.

A win would all but ensure qualification for the 2019 continental showpiece.

Warrior's mentor Ricardo Mannetti said Wangu Gome, who is suffering from a knee injury, will not be replaced after 26 players were initially called up for a training camp.

He said 25 players are available, including the doubtful Deon Hotto and the bereaved Riaan Hanamub, who lost his dad on Monday.

Namibia started their Afcon campaign poorly, losing 0-1 to Guinea-Bissau last year and then drawing 1-1 with Zambia at home in August, before taking six points home and away from Mozambique in September.

“We have to be on top of our game on Saturday against Guinea-Bissau.

“They are a strong side that like to mix up their game. They are not topping the group by fluke and they did not appear at the last Afcon tournament by surprise, they know their business and we need to respect that and try to handle them and overcome that for our own cause,” Mannetti said.

He added the opposition's aerial strength will be something they need to contain.

“They are a very psychical side, with so much aerial strength, and they will be very dangerous at deep set-pieces, and we need to be aware of that at all times. This game will be defining for so many reasons and we will prepare thoroughly to make the nation proud,” Mannetti added.

Whoever wins the match is basically guaranteed a spot at next year's Afcon finals.

After Saturday's match, the Warriors will play Zambia in March 2019.

The overall group winner and the runner-up will qualify for the 32nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations to be played in Cameroon from 15 June to 13 July next year.

Tickets for Saturday's showdown are selling for N$50 at Computicket outlets at Shoprite and Checkers stores countrywide, as well as Football House in Katutura.

NFA

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Young African ready

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Young African readyClash with Civics to kickstart their NPL season The Gobabis-based outfit are eager to kick off their NPL season tonight.

Young African is ready to kickstart their 2018/19 Namibia Premier League (NPL) season tonight at the Legare Stadium.

The match will kick off at 19:00.

The Gobabis-based outfit, who ended fifth last season, is looking to do better this time around, according to head coach and owner Maleagi 'Mali' Ngarizemo.

“We are going to face a seasoned team in the league, but we cannot wait for the match. We have lost key players but have equally replaced them with new players, so tonight we will field the best 11.

“Last season we didn't do well, but this time around things will be different. We will also be donning green for home games and blue for away matches,” said Ngarizemo.

There was welcome relief for the players recently, when the club was reinstated after being suspended from the league by the NPL executive committee.

This was for allegedly fielding a player under a false name last season, thus breaching the league's constitution.

The team's lawyers challenged the suspension, saying the alleged transgression did not give the NPL executive the constitutional right to suspend the club, and that only a congress could do so. After their successful challenge, the club is now back in business and will compete in the new season.

Young African have been doing well, in terms of developing their structures.

In October, they partnered with South African side Maritzburg United, who will have first choice when it comes to buying Young African players.

Assistant coaches will also travel to South Africa, where they will help prepare players, before ploughing back into Young African when they return.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Naris 'lucky to be alive'

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Naris 'lucky to be alive'

Brave Gladiators stalwart and V-Power football club defender, Stacy Naris, says she is lucky to be alive after being injured during an attempted hijacking in Windhoek on Saturday.

Speaking from her Katutura state hospital bed on Monday, where she is recovering, Naris said the hijackers struck as they were leaving a wedding reception.

“Everything happened so fast. There were a group of guys who attacked the driver of the car. They wanted to stab the driver, but luckily failed to do so,” she said.

Naris said the attackers pulled her out of the car and she fell to the ground. They then drove over her as they drove away.

Naris said she is in a lot of pain and cannot speak much.

The Lüderitz-born footballer, who is currently in her last year of journalism studies at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), said she is lucky to be alive.

“My foot was injured very badly. The doctors are also going to do another scan to see if I don't have internal bleeding, as they drove over my stomach,” she said.

Naris, who also serves on the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) Africa division board, said she is unable to walk properly. She was informed that a skin graft may have to be done, as stitches are not sufficient to close the wound on her foot.

NAMPA

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Let's salvage the NFA

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Let's salvage the NFANamibian football 'captured' We can't continue being 100 years behind with everything in football, the writers argue.

Please allow me space in your publication to highlight a few issues of concern regarding the recent football political fights.

There is an old African adage that says, 'when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers most'.

Similarly, Namibian football has been suffering from a leadership vacuum for decades.

I'm not surprised by the Fifa letter dated 1 November stating that it will consider Frans Mbidi as president of the Namibian Football Association (NFA), while they know very well that Mbidi failed the Fifa election integrity check following his failed bid for a seat at the Fifa Council.

This is how powerful organisations like Fifa would like to control you, because in 2019 the Fifa elective congress will take place and powerful people would like to get the Namibian vote in their hands, and Mbidi is a good guy for such a job, as he failed to refuse the same attempts when Morocco wanted to host the World Cup.

The NFA fight for leadership is far from over and I blame John Muinjo, Barry Rukoro and Petrus Damaseb for the mess we find ourselves in. They are the people who gave birth to the cartel we find in our football.

It all started with Erf 339 which up until today it is not on the NFA's name but on the City of Windhoek's. If you want to have a short life in football just mention that erf, and then you will see how the most powerful will label you.

It is a pity that we fail to manage feelings in football. Also, the exco of Namibian football failed to give us a blueprint on how they want to have football transformed.

James Pallotta president of Roma football club said: “Italian football is dead and a change is needed and our first challenge is to manage a good business.”

I'm also making a similar statement, by saying Namibian football is in the grave and Mbidi and Rukoro are not the answer to resuscitate it, as their egoistical actions are not helping at all.

Enough with the carrot-and-stick approach, it can't be business as usual, and the 28 voting members in this great nation must no longer be commoditised with a click, turning them into voting machines to keep the wrong people in power.

The only solution for Namibian football is to amend the constitution and have a separation of powers. We must change the voting system and give more powers to regional chairpersons, the Namibian Premier League (NPL), first division streams, women's football, the Namibia Football Players Union (Nafpu) and referees and coaches.

We can't be held hostage by the secretariat; these are people working for us.

Article 15(e) of Fifa statutes states that “member associations statues must comply with the principles of good governance, and shall in particular contain, as a minimum, provisions relating to all relevant stakeholders and must agree to respect the laws of the game, the principles of loyalty, integrity, sportsmanship and fair play as well as the statutes, regulations and decisions of Fifa and of the respective confederations”.

The NFA constitution lacks principles, that is why we have an erratic president leading us. This is pure codswallop to say the least. The secretariat must run football, not hold it hostage as they have been doing for years.

As a matter of urgency, I call on prioritisation of the review of the Sports Act, revisiting the recommendations of the national sports conference and a review of the statutes/constitution of all sport codes.

Even if it takes us two to five years, we can still play sanctioned league competitions, while we establish a sustainable professional structure and standards of administration. Botswana's case may serve as an example; they took that route and today everyone can see the difference.

We can complain, but for the next 10 years, nothing will change if we do not have proposals, solutions and actions plans. It is of no use for all of us to complain, without standing up, united in solidarity to effect the change we all desire.

We can't continue being 100 years behind with everything in football. Yes, some will claim to have been in football for more than 20 years. Yes, we know you have been in football for a long time and that is why everything is falling apart, and what you achieved in the past 28 years can be done in three years, so just step aside because football does not belong to you.

I would like to appeal to the minister of sport, the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), the NFA executive committee, regional chairpersons and Nafpu to come together and pave a way forward.

We don't need Fifa; we are the co-authors of our own football misfortunes. We need a serious football indaba, which will solve this fracas.

*Olsen Kahiriri has a masters in sports management. This opinion piece was edited by Mathew Kamuja Kalimbo, who is a sports consultant.

Olsen Kahiriri and Mathew Kamuja Kalimbo

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New era for enhanced Isuzu bakkie range

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Inaku monika natango mpoka pwa tulwa omutse gwaMandume

≪ Previous: Let's salvage the NFA

New era for enhanced Isuzu bakkie rangeSix-speed manual and auto on all LX models A new 2.5-Litre HO Base model joins the popular Isuzu double-cab range as an entry-level commercial proposition. Craig Uren, executive officer: sales, service and marketing - “We are proud to announce the introduction of the enhanced Isuzu bakkie along with the adoption of the D-MAX name for the Isuzu bakkie portfolio. This aligns us to the brand identity of the broader company and ensures that our product naming conventions are consistent with the global approach.” Isuzu has refreshed its bakkie range, giving it a new name along with higher levels of specification, quality and efficiency to make its popular light commercial vehicle (LCV) more appealing than ever.

Over the past 40 years of local production spanning six generations, the Isuzu bakkie has been a key player in creating and fostering Southern Africa’s love affair with the versatile bakkie – both as a workhorse and, increasingly, as an all-encompassing everyday leisure and lifestyle vehicle.

Now known as the Isuzu D-MAX, in line with international markets, the Isuzu bakkie range spans an extensive portfolio comprising of 30 models for Southern Africa and 13 models for export markets, with the top-spec derivatives gaining a more luxurious execution that reflects the more sophisticated requirements of top-end buyers in this segment.

The D-MAX name originated in Thailand, with the ‘D’ originally referring to the 2000 model year Isuzu bakkie which boasted the flush “Dragon Eyes” headlamp design. It also represents Isuzu’s proud legacy in the production of diesel engines, the use of industry-defining direct injection, as well as ground-breaking design and durability. ‘Max’ signifies Isuzu’s maximum approach to design, size, comfort, technology, performance, safety, durability and line-up.

“We are proud to announce the introduction of the enhanced Isuzu bakkie along with the adoption of the D-MAX name for the Isuzu bakkie portfolio. This aligns us to the brand identity of the broader company and ensures that our product naming conventions are consistent with the global approach.” says Craig Uren, executive officer for sales, service and marketing.

The line-up has been revised and enhanced to make the D-MAX more appealing and competitive than ever, and the high-spec models raise the bar for Isuzu in terms of luxury and quality.

“We are also delighted to introduce the all-new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions on the 3.0-Litre LX models that improve overall performance, efficiency and refinement when compared to the previous five-speed units, while building on Isuzu’s proven reputation for reliability and durability,” says Dominic Rimmer, executive for technical services.

Exclusive and upmarket LX range

Visually, the biggest styling changes for the refreshed Isuzu D-MAX make their debut on the range-topping 3.0-Litre LX models, available in single-, extended- and double-cab body styles. Central to the new look is a muscular new chromed radiator grille that dominates the front facia, along with new tapered chromed accents extending across the full length of the sleeker L-shaped headlight clusters.

In combination with the new projector-type Bi-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights introduced on the extended and double cab models, there are restyled fog lamp bezels framed by chromed vertical accents that give the LX a distinctive and aggressive character.

Climb into the cabin and the more upmarket look and feel of the LX models becomes immediately apparent, courtesy of the new soft-touch panels for the instrument cluster binnacle. The utility box lid is now embellished with the Isuzu D-MAX logo. This is complemented by a new, more attractive high-quality grain for the dashboard and door trims, along with a piano black finish on the air vent grilles and window switches. In contrast, the door handles, locking knob, and air vent knobs are picked out in chrome.

The occupants also benefit from the fitment of the latest-generation infotainment system, incorporating an eight-inch full colour touch screen that replaces the 6.5-inch version used in the previous model. The fully featured system incorporates the display for the rear-view camera, and facilitates Bluetooth hands-free cellphone use and audio streaming.

Isuzu customers are also now able to select as an option the all-new premium Alpine infotainment system that first debuted on the Isuzu mu-X sport utility vehicle (SUV). The Alpine infotainment system boasts a high-mounted nine-inch screen that is Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) ready, and additionally provides access to built-in navigation, as well as USB, Aux and HDMI video inputs.

Passengers will undoubtedly appreciate the new USB ports which have a higher 2.1A rating (up from 1A) to charge smartphones and multimedia devices. It also links Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto, once it is made available in Southern Africa. This allows phone functions and apps to be accessed on the display, or via a paired smartphone’s voice recognition software.

All-new six-speed transmissions

One of the most significant new features of the 2018 Isuzu D-MAX range is the introduction of an all-new six-speed gearbox on the high-spec 3.0-Litre LX derivatives, replacing the five-speed versions used on the outgoing models.

The six-speed manual benefits from optimised gear ratios and an improved shift action, and makes the most of the strong torque delivery and superb fuel economy of Isuzu’s dependable 3.0-Litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine, which produces 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.

For fans of smooth-shifting automatics, the D-MAX offers the same six-speed transmission that recently debuted in the Isuzu mu-X SUV. This sophisticated gearbox delivers the ideal combination between refinement and responsive performance.

The six-speed automatic incorporates a sequential sport mode that enables the driver to select a specific gear manually, which is helpful when towing as the engine speed can be maintained in the ideal torque range for maximum pulling power.

This mode is also ideally suited to off-road driving, allowing the driver to engage the appropriate gear ratio for the specific terrain. Combined with Hill Descent Control (HDC), manually selecting the lowest gear on downhills ensures optimal control of the vehicle as it maintains the vehicle at the set speed on steep descents.

Enhanced driving safety

On the safety front, the ABS brakes on all D-MAX LX models are now equipped with Isuzu’s Brake Override System (BOS) for the first time. The system restricts accelerator input if the brake pedal is applied simultaneously, thereby reducing stopping distances in an emergency.

The standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control has also been bolstered with the addition of Trailer Sway Control (TSC) that detects and minimises the effect of a trailer or caravan beginning to sway from side-to-side. The Hi-Rider and LE models can be equipped with an optional towbar package rated to tow a braked trailer up to a maximum load of 2.1 tons, while the standard heavy-duty unit on the 3.0-Litre 4X4 LX derivatives comes standard and is capable of hauling 3.5 tons.

As before, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are included to assist the driver in all types of driving situations. These active safety features are available as a standard feature from the Fleetside Safety to the LX trim.

Extensive, tailor-made line-up

The Isuzu one-ton bakkie range has been revised to reflect the modern requirements of the crucial LCV market, and now comprises 30 models for Southern Africa and 13 models for export markets covering the needs of commercial and leisure-oriented customers.

A total of 16 single cab derivatives are available, including the addition of the new Dropside Base models which can be specified with either a factory-fitted flat load deck or in Dropside configuration.

The Dropside Base models can be ordered in 2.5-Litre LEED Base or Fleetside specification, powered by the trusty 2.5-Litre turbodiesel engine that produces 58 kW and 176 Nm. There is also the high-spec 2.5-Litre HO Fleetside Safety model that employs the high-output common rail turbodiesel engine with 100 kW and 320 Nm on tap, along with a raft of safety features including ABS, ESC, HSA, and driver and passenger airbags.

The practical extended cab models include the 2.5-Litre Hi-Rider, two 3.0 LX models with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, as well as a 3.0-Litre 4X4 LX manual.

A new 2.5-Litre HO Base model joins the popular double cab range as an entry-level proposition that is perfectly suited to hard-working commercial applications. It is complemented by the existing Hi-Rider and striking X-Rider models in 4X2 or 4X4, as well as the LE version that offers exceptional value for money.

Topping the D-MAX line-up is the updated, more capable and more luxurious 3.0-Litre LX, available in 4X2 or 4X4, and the choice of the all-new six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

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Inaku monika natango mpoka pwa tulwa omutse gwaMandume

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Valombola a holoka mompangu

≪ Previous: New era for enhanced Isuzu bakkie range

Inaku monika natango mpoka pwa tulwa omutse gwaMandume

Natango elelo lyUukwanyama kali na ontseyo kutya openi pwa tulwa omutse gwomukwaniilwa gwawo, Mandume yaNdemufayo sha landula sho a dhipagwa momvula yo 1917.

Pethimbo kwa li kwa ningwa edhimbuluko lyoomvula 100 omukwaniilwa ngoka a hulitha muFebruali gwonuumvo, Omukwaniiwa gUukwanyama, Martha Mwadinombo Kristian Nelumbu okwa pula opo omutse gwaMandume gu shunithwe.

Nelumbu okwa pula mboka ye shi kutya omutse gwaMandume ogu li pevi, opo ya kwathele elelo ndyoka, go gu shunithwe.

Omunashipundi gwelelo ndyoka, George Nelulu okwa lombwele oshifokundnaeki shoNamibian Sun oshiwike shika kutya, okwa totwa okomitiye ndjoka tayi ya mbidhidha mokumona kutya omutse gwomukwaniilwa gwawo nale, ogu li peni.

Nonando ongaaka, inaya vula okumona kutya omutse ngoka ogu li peni, naamboka taya pewa uusama omolwa eso lye oya tindi kutya kaye na omutse ngoka.

Nelulu okwa popi kutya konima yeindilo lya ningwa kOmukwaniilwa, okwa ulikwa okomitiye yi ye molukongo pamwe naakalelipo yaPortugal oshowo Britain, ihe oya lopota kutya iilongo mbyoka iyali oya tindi kutya kayi na omutse gwaMandume.

“Natango otatu ningi eindilo kutya kehe ngoka e na uuyelele kutya openi pe na omutse gwOmukwaniilwa Mandume opo e ye polweela.”

Omugandjimayele komukwaniilwa gwUukwanyama, Hadino Hishongwa, okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun omvula ya piti kutya oye na omukumo kutya omalelo gaSouth Afrika oge na ontseyo kutya openi pe na omutse gwomukwaniilwa gawo.

Okwa popi kutya opena omathano gathanekwa gookomanda dhi na omutse gwaMandume, naashoka osho sha etitha ya pule omalelo gaSouth Afrika, ge ya yambidhidhe.

Omaiyuvo gaHishongwa inaga yooloka kwaangoka gaanongononi mboka ya popi kutya aakwiita yaSouth Afrika mboka ya ponokele Mandume pamwe naalumentu ye mOihole moAngola momasiku ga 6 gaFebruali mo-1917, konima oya teteko omutse gwe nokugweenditha mombala ye. Olutu we kalu na mutse olwa fumbikwa mOihole.

Omathano gaakwiita yaSouth Afrika ya humbata omutse gwaMandume ogeeta omaiyuvo kutya omalelo gaSouth Afrika oge shi mpoka pe na omutse gwomukwaniilwa ngoka. Yamwe oyiitala kutya omutse gwaMandume ogwa fumbikwa moPalm Tree Memorial Park popepi nosasiyona yomashina gokolutenda mOvenduka mpoka pwa fumbikwa woo aakwiita 12 mboka ya hulithile molugodhi ndoka omanga yamwe ya popi kutya omutse gwaMandume ogwa falwa koGermany.

Omupresidende nale Hifikepunye Pohamba, naye okwali a pula egalulo lyomutse gwaMandume oomvula dha piti.

caption

ILENI NANDJATO

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Valombola a holoka mompangu

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Ya hala ondando dhotaxi dhi gwedhelwe

≪ Previous: Inaku monika natango mpoka pwa tulwa omutse gwaMandume

Valombola a holoka mompangu

Oshipotha shedhipago shoka tashi tamanekelwa kOmufala gwOontauki mUuministeli wIikwameni nOmatembu, Likius Valombola (53), ngoka e li pondje yodholongo koshimaliwa shomboloha yooN$15 000, omolwa edhipago lyaHelao Ndjaba, osha undulilwa komeho mEtine lyoshiwike sha piti, omolwa epeko lye ndoka lya li kali po.

Aanambelewa yompangu oya koleke mOmaandaha kutya nonando oombaapila dhompangu otadhi ulike kutya oshipotha shoka otashi shuna mompangu momasiku ga 8 epeko lyomutamanekwa olya shangwa omasiku 18 ngoka ge li Osoondaha.

Momaandaha, oshipotha shoka osha tameke ngaashi sha li sha pangelwa nepeko olya li mompangu.

Mangestrata Atutala Shikalep okwa undulile oshipotha shoka komasiku 21 gaJanuari omvula twa taalela opo ku ningwe omakonaakono ihe aayambidhidhi nofamili oya holola kutya ekateko lyoshiwike sha piti otali limbilike.

Omumwayinamati omushona gwaNdjaba, Lamek Ndjaba okwa popi kutya: “Sho twa yi kompangu mEtine lya piti otwa lombwelwa kutya epeko kali po, otwa yi kopolisi tu ka pule kutya omolwashike na otwa lombwelwa komukonaakoni moshipotha shoka Detective Sergeant Moses Shivolo, kutya epeko inali vula okuya kompangu molwaashoka omasiku oga ngoka ga shangwako ga puka, sho ga shangwa 18 gaNovemba.” Esiku ndyoka Osoondaha, Ndjaba a popi.

“Otwe mu lombwele kutya ye onga omunambelewa omukonaakoni okwa li a pumbwa okukala eshi shi, na okwe tu uvaneke kutya ota kwashilipaleke kutya epeko ndyoka olya holoka mompangu mOmaandaha.”

Aayambidhidhi mboka taya uilke uukwawo wanankali omolwa edhipago lyomunyasha ngoka na oya hala uuyuuki moshipotha shoka, oya holoka mompangu, mwa kwatelwa ofamili, yina, aamwayina, kuume ke oshowo iilyo yoNamibia National Students Organisation (Nanso).

Yamwe oya zala uumbindja wa shangwa #JusticeForHelao oshowo #BreakFreeFromViolence.

Kuume keJason Shivute, okwa popi kutya epeko ndyoka lya kana olya tsu omukumo aayambidhidhi opo ya kwashilipaleke kutya oshipotha shoka osha kala mompangu na itashi kana nenge shi katekwe komaupyakadhi.

Ndjaba okwa hulitha muMei gwonuumvo, konima yomasiku omugoyi sho a yahwa momutse.

Valombola okwa popi mompangu kutya ka li e na elalakano lyokuyaha Ndjaba ihe okwa umbu iikuti mombanda onga ekunkililo omolwashoka okwa li e wete egameno lye li li moshiponga.

Oshiningwanima shoka osha ningwa ongulohi yEtitano.

Valombola okwa kalelwapo kuNdeli Ndeitwah, omanga epangelo tali kalelwa po kuPieter Smit.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Ya hala ondando dhotaxi dhi gwedhelwe

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Company news in brief

≪ Previous: Valombola a holoka mompangu

Ya hala ondando dhotaxi dhi gwedhelweOndando yomahooli ya londo pombanda kehe omwedhi okutameka muAguste Sha landula sho ondando yomahooli ya londo pombanda mEtitatu lyoshiwike sha piti, ehangano ekalelipo lyaahingi yootaxi lyoNTTU otali pula opo ondando yotaxi yi gwedhelwe natango.

Omukomeho gwehangano ndyoka, Werner January okwa popi kutya ehangano lyawo olya hala oondando dhootaxi noombesa dhiinano iile dhi gwedhwelwe noopreseda 10, omolwa omahooli ngoka ga londo pombanda.

Konima owala yoomwedhi mbali sho ondando yotaxi ya londo pombanda noopresenda 20, ehangano lyoNamibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) natango otali pula omagwedhelo noopresenda 10 okuya momasiku gatatu gaDesemba.

Okutameka omwedhi Aguste ondando yomahooli oya kala nokulonda pombanda kehe omwedhi. Momwedhi Aguste, omahooli gopetrol naangoka godiesel oga londo pombanda noocenda 25, nomwedhi gwa landula oga londo noocenda 40. MuKotomba omahooli noocenda 50.

Oshiwike sha piti omahooli gopetrol oga londo pombanda noocenda 50 omanga odiesel ya londo pombanda noocenda 70.

January okwa popi kutya omagwedhelo goondando otaga ka kwathela okuthitika omwaka mokati kaahingi yootaxi, omolwa oondando dhiipumbiwa ya kehe esiku ndhoka tadhi londo woo pombanda.

Konima sho ya kala nokukondjitha opo ondando yomahooli yi gwedhelwe noopresenda dhi li po 50 kuyele nuumvo, ehangano ndyoka olya dhengwa pomutima sho muAguste kwa ningwa omagwedhelo goopresenda 20.

Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) oya popi momwedhi Novemba kutya iinima ya yooloka otayi dhana onkandangala megwedhelo lyomahooli. Ehangano ndyoka olya popi kutya ondando yomaholi mOvenduka oyi li pombanda shoo petrol ya li ya kala pombanda noopresenda 19.6, odiesel oyi li pombanda noopresenda 23.5 kuyele nuumvo omanga okuya momwedhi Novemba gwo 2017, oondando dha yi pombanda sigo opoopresenda 24.7%oshowo 28.9.

Oondando otadhi tsikile nokuya pombanda okutameka muMei gwonuumvo noondando dhomahooli dhi li pombanda oshowo iimaliwa yaNamibia mbyoka ongushu tayi shongola oyo yimwe yomiinima tayi tulitha pombanda oondando.

Oondando dhiilandomwa mwa kwatelwa omahooli odha londo pombanda noopresenda 7.4 muJanuari nomomwedhi Sepetemba nuumvo odha londa sigo oopoopresneda 13.3.

Okuyeleka nomwedhi Sepetemba gwomvula yo 2017 oondando odha li dha londo sigo oopresenda 5.0.

JANA-MARI SMITH

↧

Company news in brief

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: 'Speed' hits coast

≪ Previous: Ya hala ondando dhotaxi dhi gwedhelwe

Company news in brief

Apple finds quality problems in some iPhone X and MacBook models

Apple Inc said on Friday it had found some issues affecting some of its iPhone X and 13-inch MacBook Pro products and said the company would fix them free of charge.

The repair offers are the latest in a string of product quality problems over the past year even as Apple has raised prices for most of its laptops, tablets and phones to new heights. Its top-end iPhones now sell for as much as US$1 449 and its best iPad goes for as much as US$1 899.

Apple said displays on iPhone X, which came out in 2017 with a starting price of US$999, may experience touch issues due to a component failure, adding it would replace those parts for free. The company said it only affects the original iPhone X, which has been superseded by the iPhone XS and XR released this autumn.

-Nampa/Reuters

Tsogo Sun calls off casino and hotel sale

Tsogo Sun has called off its planned sale of seven casino and hotel businesses to Hospitality Property Fund due to a lack of support from shareholders, the South African company said on Monday.

“The sale of shares and subscription agreement has been terminated by agreement between Tsogo, Hospitality and the remaining parties to that agreement,” Tsogo said in a statement.

Hospitality said in July it would acquire the businesses in a shares and subscription agreement worth 23 billion rand (US$1.72 billion).

Tsogo said at the time the sale was part of plans to split into three separately listed divisions focused on property, gaming and hotel management.

-Nampa/Reuters

Vodacom H1 profit down

South African mobile phone group Vodacom reported a 13.5% fall in half-year profit on Monday, weighed down by the issuance of new shares to meet the black ownership target under domestic affirmative action rules.

Headline EPS, the main profit measure in South Africa, came in at 385 cents in the six months through the end of September, compared with 445 cents a year earlier.

Vodacom, a unit of Britain’s Vodafone, issued more than 114 million shares to black investors in July in a 16.4 billion rand deal to meet the ownership target under South African black economic empowerment rules.

The company, which competes with MTN Group, added 373 000 new users during the period, taking its subscriber base to 109 million, it said in results filing.

Vodacom raised dividend payout by 1.3% to 395 per share.

-Nampa/Reuters

Eskom warns of power cuts

South Africa’s cash-strapped power utility Eskom said on Monday the risk of nation-wide electricity outages had increased significantly due to a sharp fall in coal stockpiles at five of its power stations.

“The risk of load-shedding is there and its rising,” said Eskom spokesman Khulu Phasiwe.

“In total, we have 11 coal-fired power stations that have less than the required minimum amount of 20 days stockpile. Out of the 11, five of them have less than 10 days of coal stock and that is the challenge.”

-Nampa/Reuters

De Beers is said to make big cuts in low-end diamond prices

De Beers made steep cuts in the prices of low-quality stones at its sale this week, according to people familiar with the situation.

The world’s biggest producer reduced prices as much as 10% for low-quality stones, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the sales are private. It’s the latest sign that the bottom end of the market is in turmoil.

De Beers sells rough diamonds to trade buyers who cut, polish and manufacture them into the polished stones sold in jewelry stores. While there is some correlation between rough and polished prices, lower prices at a De Beers sale is unlikely to make a difference at the consumer level.

Even so, US retail jeweler shares moved on the news. Tiffany & Co declined as much as 3.6% and Signet Jewelers shares fell as much as 6.1%.

The business of low-end diamonds, which tend to be small and flawed, is struggling because of too much supply. Major cutting centers, such as Surat in India, have been squeezed by lower profit margins and the depreciation of the rupee.

There’s also concern that De Beers’s launch of man-made gems will add competition, especially at the bottom end of the market. But there’s no indication this has hurt demand so far.

De Beers is famous for its tight control over the diamond market. It sells gems at 10 sales a year in Botswana to a select group of customers. The buyers are expected to specify the number and type of diamonds they want, and then carry out the purchases at a price set by De Beers.

-Fin24

Court papers show Transnet executives 'colluded fraudulently'

Court papers filed by Transnet to recover R189 million in inflated payments from Gupta-linked Regiments Capital have revealed collusion by senior executives of the state-owned firm, in allowing the transaction.

Former Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama, ex-chief financial officer Anoj Singh, Robert Ramosebudi who resigned in October as group treasurer and Garry Pita who vacated his chief financial officer position in April, are said to have “colluded fraudulently to cause Transnet to transfer to Regiments an over-payment of R151 million”.

-Fin24

↧

'Speed' hits coast

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: New demand for fares hikes

≪ Previous: Company news in brief

'Speed' hits coast

A Walvis Bay businessman, who was arrested on Friday for alleged drug possession, was hospitalised over the weekend after he fell ill in police custody.

The 58-year-old businessman was allegedly found in possession of 98 sachets of 'smoke' and 70 sachets of 'wiz', forms or what is common known as 'speed', with an estimated value of N$18 760.

He was expected to make his first court appearance on Monday, but was transferred to Windhoek where he is currently recuperating in a private hospital. He faces charges of dealing in drugs and his first appearance was postponed to a later date.

During an operation spearheaded by the police, a substance was purchased, which was then tested at a laboratory.

Once confirmation was received that it contained amphetamines, the police raided a business premises and allegedly discovered more sachets locked in a safe.

It is suspected the businessman sold the sachets for N$100 each over-the-counter inside his shop.

'Wiz' commonly known as 'speed', is a synthetic drug which keeps users awake for extended periods and also quickens the heartbeat and breathing rate.

After using 'speed' the user feels more confident, outgoing and has a greater responsiveness to the outside world.

Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and obesity.

Amphetamine can cause allergic reactions, hallucinations, confusion, abnormal behaviour and high blood pressure.

Heavy users of the drug may be prone to sudden, violent and irrational acts.

In the short-term, memory and concentration are affected.

Tolerance for amphetamines can build quickly, so bigger doses are required for the same high.

Long-term users may become dependent on the buzz it gives them.

Heavy abuse over long periods can also place a serious strain on the heart and has been linked to mental illness. Amphetamine users have died from overdoses.

In addition, various videos have surfaced on social media, showing people rolling around uncontrollably, shouting and 'freaking out' or 'going crazy', after using synthetic marijuana, more commonly known as 'K2' or 'spice', which are also names for 'speed'. The psychotic effects of using K2 include extreme anxiety, confusion, paranoia and hallucinations.

Last month a video surfaced of two South African boys vomiting and writhing on the floor, after using the synthetic herbal blend. As previously reported by South African media, people have received medical treatment after smoking the same drug. These people exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, seizures and hyperactivity.

Otis Finck and Leandrea Louw

↧

New demand for fares hikes

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: After conquering the world, smartphone faces uncertain future

≪ Previous: 'Speed' hits coast

New demand for fares hikesFuel price increases spur calls by taxi union Werner January says his union is requesting a 10% increase, effective from 3 December, in view of the latest fuel price hikes last week.

A little more than two months after taxi prices were hiked by 20% the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) has asked for a further 10% increase to address continuous fuel price increases.

NTTU president Werner January says the union is requesting a 10% increase effective Monday, 3 December in view of the latest fuel price hike last week.

Since August, petrol and diesel prices have increased every month.

In August, the energy ministry increased the prices of petrol and all grades of diesel by 25 cents a litre.

That was followed by another increase of 40 cents per litre for all petroleum products in early September.

In October, fuel prices increased by 50 cents per litre and last week, another price hike of 50 cents per litre for petrol and 70 cents per litre for diesel came into effect.

January said a corresponding taxi fare hike would help allay the rising costs of doing business and “enable taxi drivers and owners to recover their increased fuel expenditure”.

After repeatedly demanding that taxi fares be increased by 50% earlier this year, the NTTU was disappointed in late August when the transportation board endorsed a 20% fare increase.

The Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) stated in November that a number of factors had influenced the cost of fuel over the past year.

The association confirmed that petrol prices in Windhoek were now 19.6% higher, and diesel prices 23.5% higher, than at the beginning of the year and 24.7% and 28.9% higher than in November 2017.

“Pump prices for diesel have been increased since May 2018 and for petrol since June 2018. Higher oil prices and a weaker Namibia dollar have been the main reasons, but adjustments in the transport costs from Walvis Bay to inland destinations as well as the increase in the fuel tax added to price rises in previous months,” EAN said.

The annual inflation rate for the subcategory 'operation of personal transport equipment', which includes the fuel price, rose from 7.4% in January to 13.3% in September this year.

By comparison, the inflation rate for that subcategory in September 2017 was 5.0%.

The annual inflation rate in the subcategory 'public transport services', which includes taxis, saw a rise from 1.5% in January to 18% in September this year.

The rise from 1.7% in August to 18% in September was the result of the taxi fare increase.

By comparison, the inflation rate for public transport services in September 2017 stood at -0.1%.

JANA-MARI SMITH

↧

After conquering the world, smartphone faces uncertain future

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

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After conquering the world, smartphone faces uncertain futureMarkets saturated, sales flatten Global smartphone sales are expected to decline 0.7% in 2018 to 1.455 billion units. The smartphone is not going away, but it might change its shape and form factor. - David McQueen, Analyst: ABI Research

Rob Lever - What is next for the smartphone, which has become the hottest-selling consumer device around the world in just over a decade?

Even as top makers like Apple and Samsung unveil new handsets with new features and improved performance, smartphone sales have flattened with most major markets largely saturated.

The next catalyst for smartphones could be the possibilities offered by the forthcoming 5G, or fifth generation wireless networks, new form factors or advances in virtual and augmented reality.

But some analysts contend that something entirely different may supplant the smartphone.

Future Today Institute founder Amy Webb said in her annual report on technology trends that 2018 "marks the beginning of the end of traditional smartphones" and sees a transition to a new era of computing and connected devices based on voice, gesture and touch.

"The transition from smartphones to smart wearables and invisible interfaces - earbuds that have biometric sensors and speakers; rings and bracelets that sense motion; smart glasses that record and display information - will forever change how we experience the physical world," Webb writes.

Other analysts say the smartphone is not disappearing anytime soon, even if the market is pausing.

"The smartphone is not going away, but it might change its shape and form factor," said David McQueen, an analyst on connected devices for ABI Research. "The smartphone market still has legs for many years to come."

Evolving

McQueen said in a recent report that the mobile industry is evolving to devices with more immersive touch-less experiences, fuelled by artificial intelligence, mixed reality and gesture control. New devices may also see improved biometrics such as face recognition, and changes such as foldable screens.

ABI Research says "Google and Amazon will lead and drive innovation around smartphones and related ecosystems over the next five to six years" because of their strength in these emerging technologies.

Global smartphone sales are expected to decline 0.7% in 2018 to 1.455 billion units, according to research firm IDC. But IDC sees the overall smartphone market to slowly pick up again and reach 1.646 billion units by 2022.

"We still believe the smartphone market has some healthy growth in the years to come, although finding and competing in those markets and segments is increasingly more challenging," said IDC analyst Ryan Reith.

In the United States, 91% of adults under 50 use a smartphone and 95% of teens have access to one, according to the Pew Research Centre.

Europe had some 465 million mobile subscriptions at the end of 2017, representing 85% of the population, with more than two-thirds of the devices smartphones, according to the mobile operators association GMSA.

Bob O'Donnell, founder of Technalysis Research, said smartphone sales have slowed in the US and some other developed markets as a result of the end of carrier subsidies.

"Because people are paying full price for their phones they are holding on to them longer," O'Donnell said.

Market

The market may get a boost in 2019 from 5G and a likely appearance of the first devices with foldable or bendable displays, according to O'Donnell.

"People have been talking about [foldable screens] for some time and I think we may finally see the first ones next year," he said.

"It will be interesting because it opens up the possibility of a larger screen in a smaller device."

O'Donnell contends that smartphones are still preferred by consumers despite the arrival of new devices like smart speakers from Amazon and Google.

But he said the next innovations are likely to be devices that are even "smarter" than the current generation of handsets, with artificial intelligence that is built in.

"If you have AI chips that are embedded in the device, you will be able to do a lot of things without a network connection," O'Donnell said.

The analyst said the competition among tech firms is now centring around the smart digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple's Siri and others.

This is becoming a "battle of power over platforms that could influence the smartphone market," according to O'Donnell, who noted that some things may change if the dominant player becomes Amazon, which makes a range of devices but not smartphones.

He said it remains unclear what kind of device consumers will want, but that "at the end of the day is it going to look a lot like a smartphone". – Nampa/AFP

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Angola fence 'not an option'

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Angola fence 'not an option' A private veterinary consultant says the erection of a fence between Angola and Namibia to prevent foot-and mouth (FMD) disease is not an option.

Dr Alex Toto, who has a background in animal health status and trade, said in his opinion a fence is not viable because of historical commitments.

Toto was speaking at the annual planning session of the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) held in Windhoek, during which producers brainstormed on how to increase domestic production in order to achieve economic growth in the country.

Discussions, amongst others, included on how to improve animal health status in Northern Communal Areas to enable these animals to join mainstream marketing south of the veterinary cordon fence (VCF).

Toto highlighted the best approach to achieving this. He recommend that zones be created that are declared free of FMD.

The LPO is looking at strategies to support this process.

Given that 60 to 70% of weaners that are marketed come from the communal sector, strategies were discussed to add more value in these areas.

According to the LPO, mechanisms must be in place to keep weaners inland and this can only happen if the price ratio between weaners and slaughter animals is more favourable. Therefore, abattoirs have to pay competitive prices, and instead of considering restrictions, should rather look at incentives to keep weaners inland.

Furthermore, the LPO says it appears that communal producers feel there is not enough access to marketing channels, and this aspect should be addressed by the Meat Board of Namibia, together with the rest of the industry, including the LPO. It is also necessary to investigate how to improve the quality of weaners in communal areas, it said.

Meanwhile, Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) board executive council also held a planning session last week for next year.

According to NAU, the main priorities will be to actively get involved, in order to change the agricultural policy, so that growth can take place at farm level. An important part hereof is the development of a joint vision between all roleplayers as well the establishment of a chamber of agriculture at national level.

The union will also actively take part in a successful and sustainable land reform process in Namibia.

Other priorities are to make a difference in the socio-economic situation of farmworkers, to fully implement the national rural safety plan in all regions and improve the image of commercial agriculture in Namibia, through an effective marketing campaign.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Poultry prices to increase

November 13, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Poultry prices to increaseRun-up to festive season to see hikes Consumption has spiked in the country due to increases in the price of red meat, making poultry a cheaper source of protein.

Poultry products are expected to increase leading up to the December holiday season.

This is according to the Meat Board of Namibia, which said the country produces 62.7% of the 3 012 tons of poultry consumed each monthly.

The average monthly production of poultry by Namibia Poultry Industries (NPI) from October 2017 to September 2018 was 1 889 tons, while the average imports during the period was 948 tons per month.

From October 2016 to September 2017, production stood at 1 810 tons and imports at 764 tons, on average, per month.

The consumption therefore stood at an average of 2 837 tons per month for October 2017 to September 2018, up from 2 589 tons, the Meat Board.

This is an increase in consumption of 16.3% during the reporting period.

According to the Meat Board, an increase in the consumption of poultry was seen since October last year. Consumption has spiked due to increases in the price of red meat, making poultry a cheaper source of protein.

However, there was a strong downward trend observed in September this year, due to challenges experienced in chicken production.

Currently, the country's poultry scheme has 60 registered poultry importers, with an average of 36 companies applying for import quotas on a monthly basis. There is only one major local producer in the market, NPI, while more than 30 small producers are in existence.

However a large poultry farm is planned in the Otavi district by Hangana, the Meat Board said.

The poultry scheme initially made provision for the importing of a maximum of 600 tons of poultry products per month, which was increased to a maximum of 900 tons per month on 1 November 2013 and 1 500 tons on 15 May 2015. The available quota is determined bi-monthly, by evaluating supply and demand up to a maximum of 1 500 tons, as determined by the Government Gazette. The determination of the quota for August and June 2018 was 1 000 tons per month each, based on the expected supply and demand.

ELLANIE SMIT

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