Owning a small business not for the faint of heart

November 14, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Owning a small business not for the faint of heartFamily business Running a small family business in Namibia is not for the faint of heart. Don't tell people your plans- Laurence Theron, Business Owner Laurence Theron, born in Swakop and living in Walvis Bay, says it's getting tougher for small and medium (SME) size businesses to survive.

Theron would know.

His family is running both Van's Supermarket in Walvis Bay's Narravile suburb and G&D Hydraulics for 10 years now.

His wife manages Van’s Supermarket in Narraville.

The shop has not been spared the economic downturn and recent developments have not been friendly to the family's shop.

Since a new mall opened in Walvis Bay, the Therons' former loyal customers buy in cash from the retailers at the mall while buying on credit from them during lean times.

Theron says family-owned businesses such as his struggle against competition, most often from large South African-owned retailers.

He says his biggest lesson in business occurred when he approached a mine to propose an idea to then only to see the mine contract a foreign company to run the very programme he suggested.

"Don't tell people your plans," he says.

The figures

Since 2000 over 15 000 SMEs have registered with the trade ministry. Although detailed statistics are unavailable, it is widely believed that SMEs employ over a third of the Namibian workforce.

Theron employs seven workers in total.

Laurence, a fitter and turner by profession, took over his father's shop when Theron senior retired. He then also started his own hydraulics business.

Asked how he got into hydraulics he says he didn't have much of a choice.

"I matriculated in 1985. Early in 1986 my father took me to his friend's workshop to start work there. Back then you did what your parents told you," he says with a grin.

But he has no regrets. He says he's been making a good living from working as a fitter and turner and then as a hydraulic technician for various mines and companies in the Erongo Region for over 20 years.

Theron's family is centre to everything he does.

It's, therefore, no surprise that the G&D in his company's name actually refers to his two sons Garven and Dylan.

Hydraulics is defined as the branch of science and technology concerned with the conveyance of liquids through pipes and channels, especially as a source of mechanical force or control.

One piece of advice Theron always repeats to anyone working in hydraulics is, “make sure your pipes are clean before you start, he says, the other day I didn’t and I got an oil shower of note.” To do hydraulics you have to make sure that every part and work that you do must be 99.9% clean.

His workers now tell him even bosses can be wrong. He agrees.

Bank support

From his very first pay cheque in 1986 to buying cars and acquiring a home loan he’s been banking with Nedbank. Theron says he is quite happy with their service and especially commends their fast personal banker service.

Theron wanted to expand into marine hydraulics in order to create more job opportunities but the market is tough. To become more nimble he cancelled his rent contract and moved G&D’s operations to his home.

The biggest challenges facing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Theron says, is big companies and a lack of opportunities for Namibian entrepreneurs. Especially in the hydraulics industry.

He faces competition from large South African companies and even some bigger Namibian companies.

Nelson Simasiku, the head of SME Business at Nedbank Namibia says access to finance or funding alone is not sufficient for the growth and development of the SME Sector. He shares that Nedbank offer small business owners tools to make their transactions faster and more efficient. “A suite of services and value-added solutions are available with Nedbank to enable SMEs to grow faster, easier and more effectively”.

Simasiku says that for entrepreneurs running their day-to-day operations and finding their next source of income can consume a considerable amount of time. Therefore, he encourages business owners to do careful research in choosing the right bank for their business and respective industry.

Theron concurs and advises that choosing the right bank is a critical decision for any business owner. A strong relationship with your bank will allow for adequate credit to support your enterprise, offer solutions to challenges and once they understand your operations, it will be easier for them to go the extra mile.

“These value-added services provided by Nedbank include practical mentorship, small business seminars, short-term insurance and financial planning” Simasiku said.

Running a small family business in Namibia is tough but Laurence Theron is showing every day that it can be done with a strong support structure.

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Heat wave sears Namibia

November 14, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Heat wave sears Namibia The scorching heat wave will persist over the weekend and into early next week in most parts of Namibia.

The Namibia Meteorological Service (NMS) issued an advisory yesterday warning that “very hot weather” is expected over most of Namibia and that heat-wave conditions are likely to continue until the middle of next week.

Nevertheless, some places can expect a few thundershowers today and on Friday, chief weather forecaster Odillo Kgobetsi said.

“Most places in Namibia will be under a high-pressure system drying the weather, except in parts of the Maize Triangle area and the Omaheke Region, where showers or light thunderstorms are expected Thursday night and during the day on Friday.”

He said “unstable weather” will be possible over Namibian interior by next Tuesday.

Farmers are warned to ensure water is readily available to livestock, as they will require double or triple their normal water intake on such hot days, a Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) official said.

Many parts of South Africa are also experiencing a heat wave, with daily fire warnings issued by weather offices and advisories suggesting strenuous work and sports be avoided during the hottest hours of the day.

The website www.reeenvalsa.com confirmed that searing high temperatures, especially in the northern, southern and interior parts of Namibia are ongoing.

Namibians have shared temperatures on social media, with many reporting consistent highs of more than 40 degrees Celsius in some places this week.

A Rundu resident said the temperature on Tuesday reached 43 degrees at the north-eastern river town.

In the //Karas Region, a resident said the temperature had reached 41 degrees at Koës on Tuesday, while residents of Keetmanshoop reported 42 degrees and at Aroab 45 degrees.

Bethanie residents reported a high of 39 degrees. Mariental experienced similar hot weather.

Windhoek residents reported temperatures ranging from 32 degrees to more than 40 degrees in some places, and Okahandja residents measured 38 degrees.

At Rosh Pinah in the south, a resident posted a reading of a low 23 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, central dam levels continue to drop, with the Swakoppoort Dam currently at 27%, compared to 44.1% last season.

The Von Bach Dam level is now at 43.8%, compared to 66.7% last season.

Overall, the capacity of the three central dams, including the Omatako Dam which has been empty for some time, is currently at 24.6%, compared to 39.7% this time last year.

In the Omaheke Region the Otjivero Dam is currently at 6.1%, compared to 14.4% last year.

The Tilda Viljoen Dam at Gobabis is 12.3% full, compared to 53% last year.

In the south, the Hardap Dam outside Mariental is at 40.5%, compared to 50.8% last year.

The Naute Dam near Keetmanshoop is 72.7% full, compared to 80% last year.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Schools are wasting water

November 14, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Schools are wasting waterLast-minute reprieve for defaulting ministry The education ministry's high utility bills are linked to weak water-management practices and lack of maintenance, an expert has said. Water and power suspensions at Windhoek schools were put on hold after the Khomas education directorate made a down payment of N$17 million on the N$32 million it owes the City of Windhoek.

But the directorate has slammed the municipality's threat of cutting power and lights, particularly during examinations, and says such a threat should not be used again to address outstanding debt.

Khomas regional education director Gerard Norman Vries told Namibian Sun that the economic crisis and budget cuts affect everyone in Namibia, including the education sector.

He said in an attempt to address the accumulated debt and to deal with upcoming utility bills, the directorate “will discuss with the City of Windhoek to put in place a standing protocol on payments”.

He added that the education directorate will request that the municipality not use “services and utilities payments as a threat in future, since the austerity measures impacts the entire society”.

Last week Vries said the threat to disconnect at least three schools was badly timed and could negatively affect students writing exams.

Yet an expert told Namibian Sun that the ministry's water and power bill could be significantly lowered if leaks were fixed and water management protocols properly implemented.

“If Windhoek schools in partnership with the education ministry would apply better water management they could reduce their water bill by at least 30%. In addition, if they installed water-saving equipment, they could easily save another 30% on their water use,” said a source, who declined to be named.

He said if the education ministry and schools applied available water-saving techniques, equipment and practices, water use could be halved.

The source said the majority of high utility bills are linked to weak water-management practices.

He added that some schools, including the Augustineum Secondary School which has accumulated more than N$2.8 million in unpaid water and power bills, have experienced leaks that are not being fixed.

Vries confirmed yesterday that some leaks had been identified at schools, including Augustineum.

He said repairs were “constrained by the availability of funds”.

Nevertheless, the directorate was tackling the problem and had instructed the relevant departments at the works ministry to “urgently” submit an emergency work application to the procurement unit for consideration and approval.

“A major overhaul of the entire sewage and water reticulation system is earmarked for the school through the Africa Development Bank funding that is being advertised in the media. It is anticipated that work will commence at the school in April 2019,” he said.

Vries added that the regional education directorate was “in constant conversation and consultation” with the relevant offices regarding outstanding payments, but added that “the prevailing downward revision of the budget pervades all layers of the Namibian public and society”.

Records provided by the municipality last week showed that several schools had outstanding water and electricity bills amounting to millions, with 22 secondary schools owing the City N$18.8 million and 38 primary schools owing a total of N$11 million.

Offices and special schools made up the difference of more than N$2.5 million.

Augustineum Secondary School has one of the highest arrears, owing the City more than N$2.8 million in unpaid water and electricity.

Academia Secondary School has an outstanding debt, stretching back more than four months, of more than N$1.2 million.

Windhoek High School's utility bill stands at more than N$1.6 million, and the Concordia account is in arrears by more than N$2 million.

Eros Primary School is in arrears by over N$1.1 million, A. Shipena Secondary School by over N$1 million and Jan Mohr Secondary School by more than N$1.3 million.

JANA-MARI SMITH

ID parade for Otjimbingwe suspect

November 14, 2018, 2:00 pm

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ID parade for Otjimbingwe suspect An identity parade will be held to determine whether a 27-year-old man who appeared on Tuesday in the Rundu Magistrate's Court, where he pleaded guilty to cannabis possession, is linked to an Otjimbingwe murder and kidnapping that took place this past weekend.

Nikolas Mangundu Hausiku was arrested following a police manhunt for the killer of 59-year-old farmer Hendrik Coetzee.

Coetzee's wife was also kidnapped during the incident on Saturday at a farm in Otjimbingwe.

At the time of his arrest on Monday, Hausiku was found in possession of cannabis and he pleaded guilty on Tuesday.

Hausiku appeared before Magistrate Hellen Olaiya, who denied him bail because an identity parade will be held in connection with the Otjimbingwe murder and kidnapping.

The cannabis matter was postponed until 13 December.

Prosecutor Emma Mayavero informed the court the suspect is allegedly linked to the Otjimbingwe incident, but that an identification parade will be held.

The crime was committed within an area under the jurisdiction of the Karibib Magistrate's Court.

Kavango East crime Investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, said he can confirm they arrested “the right suspect”.

Kanyetu said the suspect will be transported to Karibib.

“I can confirm that we arrested the correct suspect and that is all I can share with you,” Kanyetu said.

Erongo police crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, said earlier this week the Otjimbingwe suspect went on the run on Saturday, shortly after the murder and kidnapping that occurred at about 18:00.

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

She told the suspect that her husband does not have a firearm. The suspect then searched the house without success. He then took an axe, walked towards 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.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Swapo’s unity headache

November 14, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Swapo’s unity headache As Swapo battles to recover following a bruising 2017 elective congress, where in the run-up President Hage Geingob explicitly said he can only work with his slate, the party faces the very real possibility of going into the 2019 elections divided.

This has implications for a party that has swept all before it in previous polls since independence.

Still unfolding on various platforms is a bitter battle between so-called Team Harambee and Team Swapo supporters, and as Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa mentioned at a media conference this week, this does not augur well for the ruling party.

However, while announcing the dates for an extraordinary party congress, which will take place from 30 November to 1 December at the Ramatex complex in Windhoek, Shaningwa also bared her teeth.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila that Swapo parliamentarians critical of government policies will be dealt with, Shaningwa said the party has a right to recall those who “misbehave”.

She did, however, say that veteran leader Nahas Angula, who has written a number of critical opinion pieces, has the right to express his views, but added those who have issues with the way things are being done should perhaps rather address their concerns in the appropriate structures, such as the central committee or politburo.

It has long been a criticism of the current Swapo administration that they do not take kindly to dissent, and often move swiftly to smother it.

While the shifting sands of politics may not be enough to severely dent a sweeping Swapo victory next year, it remains to be seen whether the ongoing factionalism may impact the presidential vote, and to a lesser degree those being voted in as MPs. A sad indictment of opposition politics is that it is also wracked by a severe lack of common positions, while leaders cling to their status as so-called party presidents. This, if unresolved, will again see Swapo laughing as it passes the election finish line next year with a wide victory margin.

Standing committees ‘critical’

November 14, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Standing committees ‘critical’ ADOLF KAURE

National Council chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams says its standing committees have over the years contributed immensely to changing government policy in areas such as human-wildlife conflict and the protection of women and children from rape and other forms of gender based violence.

“It was through the public consultation work of standing committees that the National Council, for example, rejected the Regional Councils Amendment Bill, the Local Authorities Amendment Bill, the Citizenship Bill, the Public-Private Partnership Bill and two constitutional amendment bills,” said Mensah-Williams.

She was speaking at the official opening of a monitoring and evaluation workshop for the National Council audit standing committee on Tuesday at the Seaside Hotel and Spa in Swakopmund.

Mensah-Williams encouraged National Council standing committee chairpersons to continue driving the implementation of various activities.

The National Council currently has seven standing committees on auditing; public accounts and the economy; security, constitutional and legal affairs; urban and rural development; gender, youth and information communication technology; habitat and on the women caucus.

Acting audit committee chairperson Libbeus Tobias said monitoring and evaluation is a valuable tool to support the work of the various National Council committees.

“It helps the audit committee and the National Council as an institution to understand what works, what does not work and why. It is of vital importance that progress and results are documented, lessons shared amongst us and future work methods and interventions be agreed upon that will be derived from the recommendations of the monitoring and evaluation of the work of our committees,” Tobias said.

The aim of the workshop was to evaluate progress in terms of the various committees executing their activities the first two quarters of the 2018/19 financial year.

As per the activity plan of the audit committee, this exercise is to be carried out twice during the current financial year.

“In order for the audit committee to have an appreciation of the performance of the various committees’ work, there is a need to review the achievements as well as the challenges experienced.

“As representatives of the people, we as members of the parliament and by extension the committees established to carry out functions the house cannot perform, should also account for what they do with the money allocated to them.

“This will enhance transparency, the same as we want others to be transparent and account for funds appropriated... It is taxpayers’ money and thus carries accountability with it, and furthermore must be prudently used,” Tobias said.

Tweya bows to rent control pressure

November 14, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Tweya bows to rent control pressure Trade minister Tjekero Tweya has succumbed to pressure from the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement by finally announcing the appointment of rent control boards in four regions.

According to Tweya, boards have been appointed in the Oshana, Kavango East, Erongo and Khomas regions and will serve for a period of three years.

He added nominations for board members were received much earlier, but the process stalled at some point due to unforeseen circumstances. The appointments have now been finalised.





“On the 25 October 2018, the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development verified whether all nominees were still available by approaching local authorities, the shack dwellers association, the Magistrate's Commission (judiciary), the National Youth Council and the Affirmative Repositioning group.

“It is against this background that I would like to announce the appointment of the members to the rent control boards,” he said.

In February last year, AR threatened legal action against government, which had put the appointment of these boards on hold until the tabling of a new bill.

At the time, Tweya, then information minister, announced a sudden turnabout on appointing rent control boards by saying the Rents Ordinance 13 of 1977 had become obsolete and would render the work of rent boards of no force or effect.

He announced that a new bill was on the cards, which would replace the current legislation, adding it would be impractical to implement rent control boards.

Yesterday he emphasised they are currently reviewing the old law

“I want to believe that where there is a will there will also be a way; it is an old law, but up until it is replaced with a new one… we can still use that law… it is for us to allow them (the boards) to do what they have to do,” he said.

He urged Namibians to contribute to the new revised law and not only criticise.

Tweya added he wants to give the boards a chance to familiarise themselves with the ordinance and allow them to do what they must. In October this year Amupanda finally dragged Tweya to court over a 2016 agreement to establish rent control boards. AR has for the past two years repeatedly hammered on the fact that the pre-independence Rents Ordinance 13 of 1977 is still in place and government can, if it chooses, revive old-era rent boards. Tweya announced yesterday the rent control boards will be chaired by local magistrates and have a vice-chairperson and three ordinary board members.

The 1977 ordinance stipulates that these board chairs have the power to summon landlords to answer why they are charging exorbitant monthly rental fees for properties.

Tweya said the process to have the boards gazetted is currently with the legal drafters.

For Oshana region Tweya appointed Magistrate Mikka Namwya as chairperson, Werner Iita as deputy chair and Immanuel Nuuyoma, Martha Kaulwa and Lukas Matati Josua as ordinary members. The Kavango East board consists of Magistrate Hellen Panduleni Olaiya as chair, Sikongo Gideon Haihambo as her deputy and Anselm Marunga, Katrina Kamina and Kristian Shinderere as ordinary members. The Swakopmund board consists of Magistrate Conchita Olivier, Marco Swarts as her deputy, Sara-Leigh Elago, and Knowledge Iipinge and J. Nembungu.

In Walvis Bay the board chair is Magistrate Vicky Nicolaidis, Muronga Haingura as her deputy and Manfred Likoro, Moses Weyulu and AR firebrand Andre Gunter Von Broen as ordinary members.

In Khomas, Magistrate Ingrid Unengu is the board chairperson, while Fillemon Hambuda is her deputy and Brown Mutrifa, Otilie Nalulu and AR activist Dimbulukeni Nauyoma are the ordinary members.

JEMIMA BEUKES

2019 Namibia Tourism Expo is launched

November 14, 2018, 2:00 pm

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2019 Namibia Tourism Expo is launched The 2019 Namibia Tourism Expo will take place from 5 to 8 June 2019 in Windhoek at the Windhoek showgrounds.

The dates were announced at the official launch in Windhoek yesterday. The Expo, which continues to be the biggest tourism event in Namibia, brings together tourism stakeholders from Namibia and neighbouring countries.

The Expo, which is turning 21 years next year, will also be celebrating its last sub-theme of the five years of ecotourism and will focus on recycling.

“Namibia needs to emphasise on the approach of improving practices and standards at waste disposal sites, as well as improving overall waste management so that Namibia maintains being a sought-after tourism destination in Africa,” said Albe Botha, CEO of Namibia Media Holdings.





For 21 years, the Namibia Tourism Expo has received full support from the Namibian government through the environment ministry, the Namibia Tourism Board and the City of Windhoek.

FirstRand Namibia Group chief marketing officer Tracy Eagles reiterated FNB and WesBank's continued support to the Namibia Tourism Expo.

“The NTE is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate Namibia, its majestic natural skylines, its infinite wildlife detail, and the collaborative diversity of our people. How we rally together in the small things, provides impetus for improved economic results in the industry and in its supporting sectors, for reviving countrywide goodwill, and for encouraging local and international investment. We are looking forward to meeting new visitors and old friends, with both WesBank and FNB ready to make the 2019 NTE and Motor Show the best ever.”

Maureen Posthuma, head of marketing of the Namibia Tourism Board said: “The Namibia Tourism Expo is an exciting multi-channel platform for the Namibian tourism industry to showcase their product offering to the Namibian travellers. The Namibia Tourism Board therefore welcomes the initiative by the NMH management to dedicate an entire hall towards the promotion of domestic tourism. Domestic tourism in Namibia has a lot of growth potential and can become a major revenue earner if more Namibians travel around their own country. Tourism indeed begins at home.”

“Old Mutual's commitment as co-sponsor of the Namibia Tourism Expo the past four years is driven by our passion to advance an inclusive positive future as a responsible business not only to the environment but in everything we do,” said Kosmas Egumbo, CEO of Old Mutual Namibia.

The Namibia Tourism Expo has seen a sustained growth in the number of exhibitors and visitors since its inception. As organisers, its success is measured by the quality of the exhibitors and consequently the number of visitors that enters the showground gates each year. We are excited to have been part of the Namibia Tourism Expo for the past 21 years and we are fortunate to have been part of the growth of tourism in Namibia through the Expo, said Maggy Mbako, public relations executive at Namibia Media Holdings.

The Namibia Tourism Expo is supported by Namibia Media Holdings, First National Bank as well as Old Mutual.

STAFF REPORTER

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Lock, stock and barrel

November 14, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Lock, stock and barrelChina 'dictated' N$3.1bn airport loan facility conditions Leaked documents and a Twitter spat involving finance minister Calle Schlettwein, economic planning minister Obeth Kandjoze and Job Amupanda have lifted the veil how Namibia accepted lock, stock and barrel Chinese conditions for a N$3.1 billion airport upgrading deal. Leaked documentation surrounding a Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) upgrading deal has lifted the veil on how the Namibian government allegedly pandered to the whims of its Chinese counterpart, while accepting wholesale the Asian country's conditions for a US$215.5 million (N$3.1 billion) loan and grant package.

Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda is now leading the charge against the loan, questioning on social media how the agreement - “terms and everything” - were reached, while suggesting Namibian citizens are being “fed lies” because the two governments have already concluded the loan agreement.

He said while Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhang Yiming, had devised the terms of the loan agreement, the Namibian government accepted the terms “unchanged and with no suggestion, as dictated by the Chinese”.

Amupanda, who gained access to correspondence between Zhang, finance minister Calle Schlettwein and economic planning minister and National Planning Commission director-general Obeth Kandjoze, challenged anyone in government to dispute the existence and content of the letters.

Interestingly, the exchange of the letters happened before the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting that took place on 3 and 4 September, where the Chinese government offered loans worth US$60 billion to Africa and N$10 billion to Namibia.

It now appears that details of the Chinese airport loan facility may have been worked out during a state visit by President Hage Geingob in March to the Asian country, when he took along a massive delegation that included Namibia Airports Company (NAC) bigwigs and a host of businesspeople, among others.

It also appears that far from China offering the airport loan, it was Namibia who had asked.

On 2 July, Zhang wrote to Kandjoze in response to a financing proposal the minister had written to him about on 9 May for the airport.





wZhang “assures” Kandjoze that the Chinese government “attaches great importance” to the HKIA upgrade project.

He said the Chinese government would be “willing to provide assistance” that it can “afford to this project”.

“Since HKIA is a landmark project which draws attention from top leaders of our two countries, and considering the economic benefit that might accrue to the airport itself, and the significant social impact that the upgrading may bring about, we are proposing a modality of a combination of 'grants plus loans' to be provided by the Chinese government,” Zhang said.

His proposed modality was that the Chinese government fund the project by a not more than 90% concessional loan at an interest rate of 2% annually over a 20-year period, inclusive of a five-year grace period with a 0.25% management fee and commitment fee respectively; as well as a 10% of grant, while the discount on the loan would be up to 35%.

Schlettwein wrote to Zhang on 20 August, referring to a response from Kandjoze, which had been sent on 9 July.

Schlettwein said the offer by the Chinese government was “in accord with the high-level intent to implement [the] impactful project”, and confirmed the intention of the Namibian government to “utilise the proposed funding”, and accepted wholesale the proposed terms as set out by Zhang.

He also provided a breakdown of the estimated costs as assessed by the World Bank Group for the project, which amounted to about US$215.5 million.

Schlettwein, however, proposed that the loan be granted not in US dollars but in Renminbi (RMB), which is the Chinese currency, due to Namibia's current foreign debt, which is largely dominated by US dollars.

Kandjoze's correspondence with Zhang followed shortly after Geingob went on a state visit to China from 28 March to 2 April.

Schlettwein wrote on Twitter on Tuesday that Amupanda got it “wrong” with his allegations.

“Firstly, we have as yet not negotiated loans. We have received an offer under the FOCAC frame from China and indicated which infrastructure development needs Namibia prioritised. Secondly, it is the exclusive mandate of MOF [finance ministry] to negotiate loans binding the State,” Schlettwein wrote.

He continued: “[Namibia] HAS NOT signed any loan of 10 billion with China. We have agreed with China in terms of the FOCAC cooperation agreement that Namibia may access a loan facility of up to N$10 billion. We have not yet made use of it.”

Kandjoze then wrote: “I surely am deployed by the Swapo Party and government to serve our republic the best way our constitution and laws allow me to do. I solemnly stand by my confirmation that Namibia is engaged with the world's emerging power on the basis of a win-win and respectful engagement.”

At the time of going to print, Schlettwein had not responded to questions sent to him because he had travelled to Ethiopia.



CATHERINE SASMAN

Price monster fiercest this year

November 15, 2018, 12:33 am

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Price monster fiercest this year Annual overall inflation in Namibia in October was 5.1%, up from 4.8% the previous month and the highest so far this year.
As expected, the spike in fuel prices drove the increase with overall transport inflation registering 13.6%. In September, the rate was 12.9%.
Overall food inflation edged up to 3.0% compared to 2.6% in September.

Taming Spain

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Taming SpainNamibia face tricky test Namibia's senior men's rugby side continue their European tour with a match against tricky opponents tomorrow. Namibia's senior national rugby team have their sights set on redeeming themselves when they face Spain tomorrow at 14:45.

The team will be eager to bounce back from a 20-47 defeat at the hands of Russia a week ago, which kicked off their end-of-year European tour.

Namibia failed to display any flair and fighting spirit against the Russians in Krasnodar.

Phil Davies men will, however, be comforted by the fact that they managed to beat Spain 34-22 in the Nations Cup in Bucharest in 2016.

The Spanish will also be oozing with confidence, given that they defeated Namibia 15-13 at the same tournament last year

The odds favour the home side, who have gotten the better of Namibia on two occasions in the last three years.

The Namibian coaching staff said in a statement this week they are ready to battle the Spanish in their own backyard.

The tour matches are serving as crucial preparations for Namibia's Japan World Cup onslaught next year.

The Namibian side will attempt to win their first-ever World Cup match at the 2019 edition of the tournament, where they will be in the same group as the Springboks and world champions New Zealand.

They will, however, have to improve their performances considerably in their next matches, in order to build momentum ahead of the global showpiece.

After the Spain match, Namibia will travel to Portugal, where they will conclude their tour against the Portuguese on 24 November.

The management team consists of eight members: Phil Davies (head coach), Irvin Newman (team manager), JP Nel (assistant coach), Dominic le Roux (player monitoring), Sam Pickford (analyst), Vernon Morkel (team doctor), Innis Erasmus (head of physiotherapy) and Sergio de la Harpe (strength and conditioning).

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Moment of truth

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Moment of truthWarriors seek to realise Afcon dream against Guinea-Bissau The 2019 Afcon qualifier between Namibia and Guinea-Bissau will take centre stage in many, many Namibian hearts tomorrow, with the nation praying that the Brave Warriors can pull off an epic win. The Brave Warriors are standing on the cusp of Afcon 2019 qualification, and will in all probability be heading to Cameroon next year, should they beat Guinea-Bissau and at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow.

Brave Warriors mentor Ricardo Mannetti implored his charges to do the unexpected when they meet Guinea-Bissau in a crucial Afcon Group K encounter in Windhoek.

Both sides are seeking a win in order to qualify for Afcon 2019.

In their first group encounter in June last year, Guinea-Bissau beat Namibia 1-0 away, but now the Warriors have set their eyes on turning the tables on the visitors.

“Guinea will come to intimidate you. Just because you are smaller than them does not mean you should not fight back. Show them that you are at home.

“Do the unexpected. If you are not good in the air, make sure you take up the challenge. If you are not good at tackling your opponent, make sure you do so,” Mannetti told the players during training yesterday.

There will not be major changes to the team that defeated Mozambique home and away in October.

Mannetti explained he has called up tried and tested players who are the core of the team, because it is an important match for the Warriors.

Deon Hotto, who is nursing a hamstring injury, trained yesterday and looked in great form.

Defender Chris Katjiukua has been roped in to replace Denzil Haoseb who is serving a one-match suspension after he was sent off against Mozambique last month.

Also, making a return to the team is Immanuel Heita, who has been absent due to injury.

Dynamic wingback Riaan Hanamub will miss the match, as his father passed away this week, while midfielder Wangu Gome will also miss the crucial tie, as he is nursing a knee injury.

“The team will play for Hanamub,” Mannetti said.

Namibia is second in the group, but level on seven points with Guinea-Bissau. Mozambique and Zambia are on four points each.

Namibia is hoping to appear for the third time at the Afcon finals, and will play their last qualifier away to Zambia in March 2019.

The home side is ranked 28th in Africa and 109th in the world, while Guinea-Bissau is ranked 30th in Africa and 119th in the world. The odds currently favour the Namibians.

The group winner will qualify for the 32nd edition of the Afcon tourney scheduled for 15 June to 13 July 2019.



The Warriors squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers - Maximillian Mbaeva, Virgil Vries and Lloyd Kazapua.

Defenders - Chris Katjiukua, Larry Horaeb, Teberius Lombard, Emilio Martin, Vitapi Ngaruka, Ananias Gebhardt and Immanuel Heita.

Midfielders - Dynamo Fredricks, Petrus Shitembi, Ronald Ketjijere (captain), Absalom Iimbondi, Deon Hotto, Willy Stephanus and Marcel Papama.

Strikers - Hendrik Somaeb, Muna Katupose, Sadney Urikhob, Benson Shilongo, Itamunua Keimuine and Peter Shalulile.

Ooskola otashi hepeke omeya

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Ooskola otashi hepeke omeya Eteteko lyomeya nolusheno mooskola dhomOvenduka, olya kalekwa sho oshikondo shelongo mOshitopolwa shaKhomas sha futuko oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 17 dhoshimaliwa shoomiliyona 32 shElelo lyoshilando shaVenduka, dhoka dhiniwe oongunga koshikondo shoka.

Oshikondo osha nyana omatilitho gokutetako omeya nolusheno pethimbo lyomakonaaakono, tashi popi kutya omatilitho goludhi ndoka inaga pumbwa okuningwa uuna taku kambadhalwa okwaadha omatsokumwe omolwa oongunga.

Omukomeho gwelongo moshitopolwa shaKhomas, Gerard Norman Vries okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya onkalo yeliko ndjoka ya nayipala moshilongo oya guma kehe gumwe mwa kwatelwa oshikondo shelongo.

Okwa popi kutya otaya ka tula miilonga omatsokumwe nelelo lyoshilando opo ku vule okuungaungiwa nonkalo yoongunga ndhoka, ta popi kutya omatilitho gokutetako omayakulo ngoka unene pethimbo lyomakonaaakono kashi shi oshinima shi li mondjila molwaashoka otashi gumu oshilongo ashihe.

Vries oshiwike sha popi okwa popi kutya etokolo lyomatilitho gokutetako omeya nolusheno mooskola dha thika pundatu moshilando kali li mondjila pethimbo aanona yiipyakidhila nomakonaakono.

Aatseyinawa yamwe oya popi kutya iifuta yi li pombanda yomayakulo ngoka otayi vulu okuyandwa ngele oopomba dhomeya ndhoka tadhi ziya odha li hadhi pangelwa.

Omutseyinawa ngoka a tindi okutumbulwa kedhina, okwa popi kutya andola okupitila melongelo kumwe pokati kuuministeli nomalelo gooskola, ngele oopomba ndhoka dhomeya odha li hadhi pangelwa andola otaku hupitha oopresenda 30.

Okwa tsikile kutya ngele okwa tulwa miilonga omilandu dhelongitho nawa lyomeya mooskola nena oondando niifuta yomeya otayi vulu okushuna pevi.

Okwa tsikile kutya ooskola dhimwe ngaashi osekundoskola ya Augustineum Secondary School ndjoka yi na oongunga dholusheno nomeya dha thika pooiliyona 2.8, oyi na omeya taga hepa uule wethimbo ngashiingeyi.

Vries okwa koleke kutya onkalo ndjoka oya dhidhilikwa shili mooskola dhimwe po ngaashi Augustineum, ta popi kutya epangelo lyoopomba ndhoka otali kondololwa konkalo yompumbwe yiiyemo.

Okwa tsikile kutya oya tokola okukandula po omukundu ngoka, na oya gandja elombwelo kiikondo yomondjila muuministeli wiilonga opo ku vule okulongwa oopomba ndhoka. Vries okwa popi kutya otaku ka tulwa miilonga omulandu omunene gwelongululo lyomeya mooskola, okupitila mopoloyeka tayi kwatelwa komeho nokupewa ekwatho lyiiyemo koAfrica Development Bank niilonga okwa tegelelwa yi tameke momvula yo 2019 muApilili.

Omiyalu ndhoka dha gandjwa kelelo lyoshilando shaVenduka oshiwike sha piti, osha ulike kutya ooskola dhoosekundoskola dhili po 22 odhi na oongunga sha dhika poomiliyona 18.8, omanga ooskola dhopevi dhi li 38 dhi na oongunga dhi I poomiliyona 11.

Oombelewa dhooskola dhowina oshi na oongunga dhi li poomiliyona 2.5. Oskola yaAugustineum Secondary School oyo yi na oongunga dhi li pombanda dha thika poomiliyona 2.8. Academia Secondary School oku naoogunga dhoomiliyona 1.2.

Windhoek High School okuna oongunga dhoomiliyona 1.6.

Concordia okuna oomiliyona 2.

Eros Primary School oku na oomiliyona 1.1, A. Shipena Secondary School omiliyona 1 million oshowo Jan Mohr Secondary School ngoka e na omiliyona 1.3.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Namibia a zimine komilandu dhomukuli gwaChina monanguwi

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Namibia a zimine komilandu dhomukuli gwaChina monanguwiUuyelele uupe mboka wa hololwa polweela komukomeho gwehwahwameko lyoAR, owa holola kutya Namibia okwa zimina nale komilandu noompango dha dhingilila omukuli gwoomiliyona odhindji okuza koChina. Nonando ongaaka epangelo onkene tali ipatana kutya olya zimina omilandu ndhoka Oondokumende dhahololwa polweela oshowo oonkundathana dhopamakwatathano gomalungula kepandja lyoTwitter pokati kominista yemona Calle Schlettwein, ominista yoompangela dhopaliko Obeth Kandjoze oshowo Job Amupanda odha holola nkene Namibia a zimine omilandu dhaChina dha piyagana, dhomukuli gwoobiliyona 3.2, opo ku vule ku yambulwe po okapale koodhila komatuko gopashigwana kaNamibia.

Oondokumende dhoka odha holola polweela oshikumungu shomukuli gwokulongulula okapale kaHosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) gwongushu yooUS$215.5 (miimaliwa yaNamibia oomiliyona 3.1).

Omuleli gwehwahwameko lyoAffirmative Repositioning (AR) Job Amupanda ngashiingeyi ota pula kutya osha ende ngiini omilandu noompango dhomukuli ngoka dhi tulwe poo omanga aakwashigwana taya lombwelwa iifundja nokudhengwa iihwa komeho molwaashoka iilongo mbyoka iyali oya manitha nale omatsokumwe noomilandu dhomukuli ngoka.

Omukalelipo gwaChina moNamibia, Zhang Yiming, okwa tula po omilandu noompango dhomukuli ngoka, nepangelo lyaNamibia olya zimine oomilandu ndhoka pwaahena omapulo nenge omagwedhelepo gasha, tashi hololwa oonkundathana dhopamishangwa pokati kaamboka yatatu.Amupanda ngoka e shi pondola okumona oonkundathana pokati ka Zhang, Schlettwein oshowo Kandjoze, okwa pula gumwe gwomaakwanepangelo a pataneke ekalepo lyoondokumende ndhoka tadhi holola etsokumwe lyomukuli ngoka, kutya olya manithwa nale noshilongo osha zimina omilandu ndhoka dha tulwa po kuChina.

Shoka tashi hokitha okuuva oshoka kutya, oonkundathana pokati kaamboka yatatu odha ningwa omanga inaku ningwa omutumba gwoForum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ngoka gwa ningwa momasiku 3 na 4 gaSepetemba moka epangelo lyaChina lya holola okugandja omikuli dhongushu yoobiliyona dhaUS60 kuAfrika oshowo oobiliyona 10 kuNamibia. Ngaashiingeyi otashi ulike kutya uuyelele kombinga yomukuli ngoka gwaChina owa kundathanwa pethimbo lyetalelepo lyOmupresidende Hage Geingob koChina muMaalitsa gwonuumvo, sho a li a yi pamwe nosheendo shaanambelewa yoNamibia Airports Company (NAC) naanangeshefa yalwe koshilongo shoka shaAsia. Otashi ulike kutya China haye a pula okugandja omukuli kuNamibia ihe Namibia oye a pula a pewe omukuli. Momasiku 2 Juli, Zhang okwa shangele Kandjoze eyamukulo kombinga yeindilo lyomukuli ngoka minista a li a shanga meindilo ndyoka a ningi momasiku 9 gaMei.

Zhang “okwa mbilipaleke” Kandjoze kutya epangelo lyaChina otali simaneke noonkondo opoloyeka ndjoka yiilonga yokapale kaHKIA.

Okwa tsikile kutya epangelo lyaChina olya pyakudhukwa okugandja ekwatho lyomukuli sigo oompaka tali vulu kopoloyeka ndjoka.

Zhang okwa tsikile kutya omolwa esimano enene lyopaliko kombinga yopoloyeka ndjoka China okwa gandja omagwedhelepo gegandjo lyomukuli mumwe neyambidhidho kopoloyeka ndjoka.

China okwa pula opo epangelo lye li gandje omukuli gwoopresenda 90 kopoloyeka ndjoka gu na iishoshela yokomvula yoopresenda 2 muule woomvula 20, mwakutha oomvula ntano dhoshikako shesilohenda moka mu na iishoshela 0.25 yiifuta yelelo oshowo iifuta yeitulemo mopoloyeka ndjoka. Komukuli ngoka otaku gwedhwa nduno eyambidhidho lyoopresenda 10 omanga Namibia takuthilwa ko komukuli ngoka oporesenda 35.

Schlettwein okwa shangele Zhang momasiku 20 Auguste, omolwa eyammukulo lyaKandjoze, ndyoka lya shangwa momasiku 9 gaJuli.

Momukanda ngoka, Schlettwein okwa popi kutya epangelo lyaNamibia oli na ehalo okulongitha omukuli neyambidhidho ndyoka tali gandjwa kuChina, okupitila mopoloyeka ndjoka. Okwa gandja woo paufupi omiyalu kutya elongo lyokapale hoka otali ka pula ingapi, ngaashi sha tengenekwa ko World Bank Group, omuyalu ngoka gu li poomiliyona US$215.5.

Schlettwein, okwa pula opo omukuli ngoka kagu gandjwe miimaliwa yaUS ihe gu gandjwe moRenminbi (RMB), ano miimaliwa yaChina omolwa onkalo yaNamibia yomikuli dhopondje ndjoka tayi kondololwa unene kiimaliwa yaUS.

Oonkundathana dhopamishangwa pokati kaKandjoze naZhang odha landula paufupi sha landula etalelepo lyaGeingob koChina, momasiku 28 gaMaalitsa sigo 2 gaApilili.

Schlettwein okwa shanga koTwitter mEtiyali kutya Amupanda okwa mona uuyelele wa puka molwaashoka inaya kundathana natango oompango nomilandu dhomukuli ngoka, molwaashoka oya mono ompito yokuninga eindilo lyomukuli ngoka kohi yoFOCAC. Okwa popi natango kutya Namibia ina shaina omukuli gwoobiliyona 10 naChina. Okwa tsikie kutya oya tsu owala kumwe noompango nomilandu dhelongelokumwe kutya Namibia otashi vulika a ka mone omukuli gwoobiliyona 10 okuza kuChina okupitila melongelokumwe lyoFOCAC.

Kandjoze okwa shanga kutya oku na oshinakugwanithwa eshiinekelelwa kongundu yoSwapo oshowo epangelo opo a longele oshilongo muuwanawa wekotampango naashoka ta pitikwa okuninga kompango yoshilongo. Okwa popi kutya Namibia okuli moonkundathana nashimwe shomiilongo iinankondo muuyuni opo ya tule po etsokumwe tali gandja esindano koombinga adhihe mbali.

Pethimbo onkundana ndjika yanyanyangithwa, Schlettwein ina yamukula komapulo ngoka a tuminwa molwaashoka oku li molweendo koEthiopia.



CATHERINE SASMAN

Earthquakes increase in north-western Namibia

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Earthquakes increase in north-western Namibia An earthquake measuring 3.7 on the Richter Scale, and lasting 10 seconds, happened 100 kilometres north-west of Kamanjab early on Wednesday.

Although Namibia is generally not prone to earthquakes, geologists say a significant number of events have occurred in that particular area this year, worrying the local community.

As a result, a study was done to better understand the increase of tremors in that area.

A statement from the ministry of mines and energy says three seismic stations of the Namibian Seismological Network recorded the event on Wednesday at 04:51.

Preliminary calculations show that the epicentre was located 38 kilometres beneath the surface in the Kaoko Orogenic belt, which is a tectonic structure on the northern coast of Namibia.

The location is one of the known seismic zones in the country and these events are expected to occur more frequently in the area, the statement says.

The statement notes that Namibia has low seismic activity, mostly with low-intensity events.

“However, the fact that we feel these tremors should always remind us that the crust of the earth is dynamic and evolves continuously,” it says.

Tremors and earthquakes are unpredictable, it warns.

Because of the increased frequency of tremors in the Anker area of north-western Namibia, the Geological Survey of Namibia embarked on a focused research project to understand the processes causing the increase.

A network of ten temporary seismic stations was deployed in the area for three months to locate small earthquakes in the Anker area.

The results of the study have been evaluated and the final report will be released in due course, the ministry says.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Water woes cripple Rundu

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Water woes cripple RunduPile of waste by the road an eyesore The Rundu town council has decided to prioritise its water debt while other services are being sacrificed. The streets and pavements of Rundu have been transformed into unsightly and foul-smelling dumpsites because the town council has had to cut back on essential services while it is paying back its crippling N$60 million debt to NamWater.

Residents say refuse removal has all but ground to a halt, while heaps of rubbish are piling up along the streets, in riverbeds and in front of government offices, business premises and homes.

Lodge owners claim that tour operators have decided to bypass Rundu because of the increasing stench at the town, robbing the town of valuable tourism income.

The acting CEO of the town council, Sikongo Haihambo, acknowledges that the rubbish is “an eyesore”, and blames the situation on the town's financial position.

The town is currently paying about N$4 million per month to NamWater, 30% of which is to service its water debt and 70% for new water consumption.

Haihambo says the council has made the town's continued water provision its priority, and other essential services have had to be downscaled because there is simply not enough money for much else.

“We had to ask ourselves, how much money can we use for other services and how much money can we take for water; water is our first priority,” Haihambo says.

He acknowledges that residents are still paying for refuse removal, but this money has to be used to pay the water bill. The town council has two trucks collecting refuse piled up along the streets, but Haimhambo says although the trucks are running non-stop this is not sufficient.

“We cannot do [refuse removal] adequately at the moment,” Haihambo admits.

“The Rundu town council is down at the moment; we should not repeat mistakes.”

Rundu's water woes started about ten years ago because of sluggish payments of its NamWater bill, which Haihambo ascribes to insufficient planning and implementation.

However, he says the council's services are also stretched to the limit because of rapid population growth.

Rundu has a population growth rate of 5.4%, which is higher than the national average growth rate of 4.2% and only second only to Windhoek.

It population has increased from 63 000 in 2011 to 85 700 in 2017 and by the end of this year it is projected to reach 90 000.

“Service provision does not match up. Maybe we could have planned better, cried for more resources, or generated more money,” says Haihambo, who took over as acting CEO on 1 September.

Only 14 400 residents have municipal accounts, and 28% of those are defaulting on their payments. The rest of the residents live in shacks in informal settlements and do not pay municipal rates and tariffs.

Road maintenance has also fallen by the wayside and even the main thoroughfares have fallen into disrepair, with gaping potholes growing bigger by the day.



Things 'on the up'

Haihambo says despite this bleak picture, things are “on the up” at the council and staff morale has improved since they were paid in September and October.

He says the council is considering ways to make do without money, for example by asking volunteers to help with clean-ups and temporary road repairs.

The local business community will be asked to sponsor skips and provide trucks to remove refuse.

“We have to do whatever we can do and we have started to do whatever we can do,” Haihambo says.

CATHERINE SASMAN

A chance to showcase your talent

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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A chance to showcase your talentCreations exhibition criteria and call for entry Here is how you can prepare your artwork to be able to take part in the Creations exhibition. The National Art Gallery of Namibia (NAGN) is calling on local artists to submit works for consideration for a unique project titled Creations. This exhibition, according to Annapaula Vakamuena from NAGN, is an opportunity for artists of all kinds across Namibia to submit work for the Creations exhibition. Artists are encouraged to create work that is inspired by material from their surrounding environment. Vakamuena says the exhibition also aims to create a space in which budding artists gain exposure.

“This project wants to bring artists from various backgrounds, from the more traditional forms of creations to the more contemporary. The exhibition's aim is to provide a platform to a wider variety of Namibian artists, from all disciplines, to come into contact with each other through their art,” she said.

The artworks are due early next year for submission. The guidelines all artists must follow are:

Artists are encouraged to hand in work from any artistic medium/discipline.

Artists can submit a total of three works that are subject to a selection by a panel.

If an installation is submitted, images of the work installed should be submitted with the artwork along with instructions for installation.

All works submitted will be judged by quality, craftsmanship and creativity

Artists will submit work to the office of their respective councillors; contact information will be released closer to the collection date.

NAGN will be collecting work from the regions but artists that are able to submit in Windhoek are encouraged to do so.

Artists outside Windhoek need to make sure their work is fit to travel as NAGN will not be held liable for any damage that could occur during transportation.

Staff Reporter

Namibia to be represented at Mrs Globe 2018

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Namibia to be represented at Mrs Globe 2018 Like the Mrs Globe slogan, Estrolita Peterson is ready to promote social harmony and world peace.

A woman with a purpose, this is how Petersen, current representative for Namibia at the Mrs Globe Pageant 2018, describes herself. The previous holder of the Mrs Universal 2016 title is positive that she'll bring this crown home.

“My whole life I loved to look pretty not because I'm vain but because I value my body and myself. Since childhood I participated in beauty pageants, and while I did not always take the crown, the experiences added value to my life in so many ways,” said Petersen.

She recently held a Ladies Champagne Brunch in Walvis Bay to raise funds and to celebrate women, which is her first priority now that she's a mother of two small girls. Petersen says that unlike the popular belief that beauty pageants are a waste of time and money and only show off bodies and pretty clothes, her experiences thus far have taught her self-confidence and self-care.

As a married woman, she won her first beauty pageant as Winelands Winter Queen in 2013 and that led to an automatic entry into the Mrs South Africa competition the following year.

Petersen was thereafter the first African woman in the history of the pageant to win the title of Mrs Universal in 2016. However the lack of support from businesses and even the government forced the director of the pageant to change the venue from Namibia to the UK. What would have been a huge opportunity for Namibia to host more than 56 participants from all over the world, ended in Petersen going to London to hand over her crown.

That disappointment didn't keep her from focusing on her contractual obligations as Mrs Universe and she kept on with her charity work.

Although hesitant in the beginning, due to the criticism she received from her town in particular, and the rest of the country, she accepted the opportunity to represent Namibia - this time at Mrs Globe 2018 - which takes place in China from 20 November to 4 December.

“Even though I did not receive support from my community, I decided to keep on making a difference. My biggest passion is empowering women and winning the crown as Mrs Globe will definitely help me in my endeavours. Hopefully this time my government will be convinced about my motives and support me, just like they support a soccer star or an accomplished athlete.”

The Mrs Globe organisation aims to assist married women to pursue their dreams and live a fulfilled life. The objective is beauty, wisdom, love and success. Its ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of women and promote social harmony and world peace.

Staff Reporter

WFW, a spectacular cabaret

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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WFW, a spectacular cabaretThe fashion, and the models who slayed it From ready-to-wear looks to boss looks, the 2018 Windhoek Fashion Week gave everyone something to wear for every occasion. And just like that, the biggest fashion week and event of the year came and went. This week is very prominent in the fashion industry as it sets the trends for the coming season. The organisers too seem to be upping their game and deliver bigger and better each year.

The annual Windhoek Fashion Week (WFW) saw designers and models from as far as Nigeria who came to share a few tricks, making WFW more than just a fashion show but also a platform for cultural exchange.

Another highlight of the event was how local corporates are starting to invest in the arts industry. This year saw more sponsors coming to the party including the Namibia Diamond Trading Company and Air Namibia. These are undeniably big steps that need a standing ovation and should serve as a wakeup call to others to join and grow the WFW brand.

Besides the little things like time mismanagement, the WFW brand has really improved since its inception three years ago.

The fashion talks were well-attended and some shows sold out. The week kicked off with House of Poulton by Melissa Poulton on the runway with her intriguing and colourful collection Fiesta Fashion. Maria Nepembe closed off the fashion week with her Boss collection under her label RIA and two performances by rapper KP Illest and Maszanga.



It's more than just fashion

The fashion forward trio consisting of Jay Aeron, Rumano and Reinhard Mahalie were a highlight throughout the fashion week.

From throwing a fashion soiree to killing it on the red carpet consistently, they say that fashion for Namibians should be an everyday thing. “It must be a lifestyle and it shouldn't be something done at events only. We want to make a statement that anyone, from celebrities to the person walking on the street, can look good and feel good every day. Our style is about pushing boundaries and everyone, once in a while, should push them. It's one way of getting Namibia taken seriously by the outside world,” they said.



The best runway looks

Windhoek Fashion Week literally passed by in a blur. tjil took some time to recall some designs from the week.

From walking down the aisle on your wedding day kind of looks to outfits to rock-up with at a party, here is WFW, in pictures.

JUNE SHIMUOSHILI

Uniting gospel artists across Namibia

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Uniting gospel artists across Namibia One Worship Movement recently hosted their first-ever gospel festival in Windhoek.

They created a platform for 17 local artists to showcase their talents.

Amongst the artists was award-winning gospel musician Pride Mafukidze.

The One Worship Movement aims to see a generation of people worship God with one voice.

“Gospel artists in Namibia do not get enough exposure and that is when we saw the need to unite them and break all invisible barriers based on language differences, cultures and backgrounds, and to elevate our commonalities as a generation,” Martin Nankela, co-founder of the One Worship Movement said.

The initiative was originally co-founded by November Mangundu and Nankela. The idea was sparked by the constant need for artists to unite in their quest to expose their talent and also to worship God with one voice.

“The idea was to intentionally find a way to remove denominational barriers from the gospel music industry and to unite ministers to worship God through music,” Nankela said.

He said Namibian gospel artists do not get sufficient exposure to showcase their talents, because there are not enough platforms.

The One Worship Movement aims to create one such platform in an environment that is conducive to growth.

“We provide the artists with the platform to expose their talents. We also encourage them to develop themselves in their career,” Nankela said.

The movement doesn't have a fixed amount of artists.

“We would like to invite more artists to join us as performers, as we do not sign any artists,” Nankela said. This was the first-ever gospel festival they organised and they want to make it an annual event.

“It was challenging to put everything together and to make sure everyone is happy and satisfied, and the hard work paid off,” Nankela added.

Octavia Tsibes