Superhero hero no more

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Superhero hero no more JC Lee says the late co-creator of Marvel was helping her develop Dirt Man, after 'trying to get him to do a character with me my entire life'.

The late Lee's daughter has revealed that the comics legend was working on one final superhero before he died: Dirt Man.

JC Lee told TMZ that she had been “trying to get Stan Lee to do a character with me my entire life”. “We have been working on a character called Dirt Man. The last little angel we've got tucked away is called Dirt Man,” she said. “I said, 'Daddy please, no clatter, no steel, no any of that. Let's get down and dirty… Let's do Dirt Man.”

An audibly choked Lee revealed nothing else about the character, but said: “It is very interesting. It's not over yet, we still have a little trickery,” and saying that she hoped it would be made into a film.

Lee died on 12 November at the age of 95, leaving the world iconic superhero characters including Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and Spider-Man. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans around the world.

The Guardian

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Life as a sitcom actor

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Life as a sitcom actorRodelio living his best set days Talking acting, best and challenging moments on The Polanas, with Rodelio Lewis who plays the role of Luke. Being very comfortable in front of the camera, actor Rodelio Lewis recently took up an exciting challenge to be part of local sitcom The Polanas. Lewis, who plays the role of neighbour Luke who is head over heels in love with Nessa from the Polana's household, chats to tjil about getting in character and life onset.

The Polanas is a sitcom that has been airing since last month. The entire series consists of ten-minute episodes that show the humorous situations of a typical Namibian family. As the series develops, the family faces challenges and get into scraps, but they always manage to get by with some delicious Pasta Polana dishes to help them along - with the help of the Polana cookbook.



tjil (t): This is one of Namibia's first sitcoms that airs on TV and has all the episodes uploaded on YouTube too. Do you believe we need to invest in more of these?

Rodelio Lewis (RL): Yes, I do. As an industry we need more local content and allow that content when created to be exposed to the public. We should be able to switch on the TV and watch Namibian TV shows, be it on our own broadcasting networks or online platforms. There are so many powerful creatives that aren't able to grow from each project because the platforms are so limited.



t: What do you like about being part of The Polanas sitcom?

RL: While on set and even during the audition process, the team made me feel truly appreciated and they reminded me that my opinion mattered throughout the filming and production phase. We are The Polanas whether you had screen time or not, we are The Polanas and we're a family.



t: When you have a five-minute break during rehearsal, what do you spend that time doing?

RL: It's one of four things; I eat, drink an energy drink, sit with wardrobe, hair and makeup, or I sing and dance. I'm usually the distraction on set and so I'd go stand with everyone and get them to dance with me. Breaks were basically bonus bonding time.



t: What's the biggest challenge about taking on this role?

RL: Being gaga over Nessa, played by Hazel Conchata and making it believable. We've know each other for a long time and we're good friends. So whenever I walked in as Luke I had to make sure that it wasn't friendship vibes, it was attraction vibes. And personally I'm very focused on work, so to shift that and conjure up attraction was challenging for me. But working with Hazel made it so easy. She basically helped me get Luke to fall head over heels for her and Nessa. So when I'm watching those moments that they share on screen, it makes me smile because it's so genuine.



t: If you had to describe The Polanas in one sentence what would it be?

RL: The start of something amazing for everyone.



t: What type of Pasta Polana shape are you and why?

RL: Spaghetti; I'm long and slender but when I'm in a warm place I relax.

June Shimuoshili

Let's talk about GBV

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Let's talk about GBVTaylor Jaye tackles societal issues with a concert Artist and GBV survivor Taylor Jaye is a driving force for breaking silence. Here is how and why. Local artist Taylor Jaye will be hosting a First Ladies First concert in honour of celebrating the strong sisters and brothers of Africa, who are fighting against gender-based violence (GBV), and for all to break free from the violence plaguing our society.

The #FLFMovement concert is to support women, children, and men, who have experienced or have been exposed to any form of domestic violence. The aim of the event is to encourage the culture of reporting violence and to stop the vicious cycle of GBV in Namibian societies.

“We are living in a society where every other day someone is a victim of GBV. I know close friends and family who have experienced GBV. I have also gone through it. I feel it is important to create a platform that builds awareness. This will also encourage survivors to feel comfortable to speak out and seek help,” said Taylor Jaye.

According to the singer, the biggest problem preventing survivors from coming forward is the fear of society judging and tearing them down.

“With the# FLFMovement, we are educating society to be more compassionate towards survivors, we are encouraging women to be strong and stand up for themselves,” she said.

The movement started in South Africa. A variety of collaborations will take place with comedians, poets, singers, and rappers joining forces to bring awareness and also promote communication in an effort to put an end to GBV in Namibia. They include DJ Alba, Top Cheri, Janice Tobias, Lize Ehlers, Lioness and many others, for a range of eclectic performances and discussions to build a path to ending GBV.

“Entertainers have a wide reach globally with their voice and on other platforms, which people listen to and follow. Generally, our fans follow what we believe in and stand for as artists. This provides us with the perfect opportunity to use these platforms to create awareness about GBV. I think it is important that entertainers use their platforms wisely and positively to speak on social matters,” said Taylor Jaye.

The event will take place next weekend at the FNCC from 16:00 to 23:00. The programme includes a GBV panel discussion 17:30 to 18:30 and a concert from 19:30 to 23:00. The event is one close to Taylor Jaye's heart and she hopes to make it an annual event for female entertainers to uplift them.

“There is always a way out. No one deserves to be mistreated by anyone. So do not to be afraid and seek help. I want to create a platform to empower the females in the creative arts, as the entertainment industry is male-dominated and women often find ourselves discriminated against in our efforts to advance our careers and businesses,” she said.

June Shimuoshili

Wine festival a paradise for local fundis

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Wine festival a paradise for local fundis The eighth Annual Windhoek Wine Festival leaves revellers whining for more.

Housed in the proverbial home of exquisite wine and great food, the Stellenbosch Wine Bar, this year's eighth Annual Windhoek Wine Festival played host to various wine enthusiasts, 350 to be exact, who got the opportunity to explore new vintages being showcased by different wine merchants from the Cape and Stellenbosch wineries. A trademark annual event hosted by the Namibian Wine Merchants, the show is undoubtedly growing with more and more people showing interest in the highly exclusive event.

With tickets sold out in only two days, this year's event was bound to be rather special. Although rather cramped in parts, especially along the 'wine route' with layers upon layers of people all jostling to get their glasses filled, albeit only less than halfway, the turnout always seems to add to the 'ambience'.

The highlights? Numerous. Diermesdal Wines, which boasts one of the best Sauvignon Blancs in the region, which is bold and fruity with notes of passion fruit and citrus among others, also showcased their red varieties, of which among them was the award-winning Diemersdal Private Collection 2016, a truly exceptional wine. Ernie Els continues to showcase bold wines that remain a solid favourite, with their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend of five different Cab Savs, ensuring that Cab is indeed King. Tokara Wines' 2014 Director's Reserve and the Stellenbosch Reserve 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon seemed to be the stand-out wines, with the latter mainly because of its warm but dark fruity nature and lightness on the pocket.

The Stellenbosch Wine Bar and the Stellenbosch Tasting Room both provided a bevy of amazing canapés that were enough to form an entire meal on their own. Delectable duck-filled philo, crunchy and moist fish balls and amazing beef Carpaccio complemented the various vintages on offer for the night.

“The annual Namibia Wine Merchants wine show allows us not only an opportunity to showcase our wine portfolio's new vintages and releases, but also provides an opportunity for us to mingle with colleagues, friends and guests in a unique and exciting manner. Over and above this, it also affords all present the opportunity to meet with and exchange anecdotes with some of the premium wine producers of South Africa,” Michael Smith of the Stellenbosch Group said. *@1humblepalate is a Namibian food and drink blog and review platform showcasing the best of Namibian cuisine. Visit @1hublepalate on Instagram.





Humble Palate

#savekatuturahall on a roll

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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#savekatuturahall on a rollMatongo Family hosts charity event Local acts will be performing next weekend at the Katutura Community Hall, all in an effort to save it. Matongo Family members have taken the initiative of hosting a concert to raise money to save the Katutura Community Hall. The dilapidated building has been wasting away. The group and other local entertainers want to raise N$400 000 to help renovate the hall that used to have meaning for the residents of Katutura.

“This hall used to host rally meetings, examinations used to be written here and it used to be a centre where the youth would meet after school to stay out of trouble and off the streets. The building also has a gym facility but now it is all wasting away,” Mr Makoya said.

Matongo Family and the City of Windhoek are the main organisers of the community day. They believe the building is of significance and have called on members of the public and corporate companies to help renovate it.

“The building is 54 years old and it is part of our history. It needs to be saved for our children and their children. Our grandparents used this hall. It's part of our heritage,” Mr Makoya said.

The Matongo Family duo also caught everybody by surprise when they dropped their new album last week titled Encore with a new video featuring Maszanga. The 16-track album consists of seven new songs and other hits from their previous albums which the public has been demanding. This time around they teamed up with other producers such as Glo, Araffath and Damara Dik Ding.

They drummed up some interesting features including Tswazis, Sunny Boy, Brumeldha, Max-T and Melissa, and their latest single titled Let's Go with Maszanga.

The wait is over as Mr Makoya expressed his gratitude to the fans who have been waiting in anticipation for the album.

“The wait is definitely worth it. As you know we stay true to our style with a little bit of every spice out there Namibia has to offer to make a great Matongo album,” he said.























June Shimuoshili

Stylish Toyota Rush arrives in SA

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Stylish Toyota Rush arrives in SADaihatsu Terios 'returned' The new Rush hopes to grab its share of the SUV market with its aggressive pricing, stylish design and practicality. Sergio Davids

Remember Daihatsu? The unassuming Japanese automaker and maker of the popular Sirion and Terios? Well despite officially leaving South Africa in 2015 the brand is still going strong globally, especially in its home market of Asia.

What does this have to do with Toyota SA? Well, the two Japanese automakers entered into an "emerging market agreement" and the first model from that partnership has arrived in South Africa - the new Toyota Rush.

Globally, the Rush is, in fact, the Daihatsu Terios "returned", the previous generation of which was available in locally in 2015. The new SUV will be sold globally.

The new Rush hopes to grab its share of the SUV market with its aggressive pricing, stylish design and practicality.

In SA however, the new Rush SUV, sourced from Indonesia, has more in common with its Avanza sibling and with which it shares a platform and its 1.5-litre petrol engine

The range

A single petrol engine variant is available though can be ordered in either manual or auto guise. And the price? The manual is priced at R299 900 while the four-speed auto model retails for R313 500.

Engine

Power is provided by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with outputs of 77kW/136Nm. The engine can be mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed auto, driving power to the rear wheels.

Fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 litres/100km for the manual variant while the auto version has a claimed 6.7l/100km with CO2 figures of 156g/km and 158 g/km respectively.

Driving it

The engine is sprightly largely due to the transmission’s short ratios which poses its own problems on the road; the manual gearbox is in dire need of a 6th gear, as you’ll soon hit peak rpms, doing little to promote fuel consumption and reducing engine noise.

The Rush is designed to handle the rigours of city life and feels rather nippy, with a composed ride and capable suspension. It’s surprisingly good off the beaten track too, capable of tackling on gravel roads with its 220mm ride height but it is by no means an off-roader. There’s loads of feedback from its electric steering, making parking a breeze despite its dimensions.

Ride quality was fair even traversing the rutted sections of the Ado Elephant park near Port Elizabeth.

Overall, it’s a pleasant enough vehicle at moderate speeds and will see its occupants arrive at their destination in relative comfort.

Inside

The design of the Rush borrows heavily from its Fortuner sibling, with its large horizontal grille slats, LED headlights and a body-colour spoiler. Inside, it borrows elements from the Fortuner and current Avanza. The centre stack carries a six-speaker audio system compatible with Bluetooth, Android Auto Plus Show and Apple CarPlay, controlled via an 18cm infotainment touchscreen, auto aircon, a USB port a 12V socket.

It's fitted with rear-parking sensors, a rear camera, satnav, hill hold, stability control and six airbags are standard. Compared to the larger Fortuner, the plastic bits are coloured in black (as opossed to beige) and the upholstery is black fabric.

The Rush is well packaged, offering loads of head- and legroom for all passengers and a family-pleasing huge cargo bay; boot space is rated at a stupendous 609-litres (in Indonesia it boasts a third-row of seats) and the SUV seats 5.

A big gripe is a lack of a parcel shelf, essential in South Africa for keeping the contents of your boot hidden. The SUV also lacks privacy glass. The fit and finish of the cabin is adequate for its price point even with faux-stitching along the dashboard and door panels.

What about the Avanza?

The Rush measures 4.4m long, 1.6m wide, 1.7m tall and has a wheelbase of 2.6m and a ride height of 220mm. Interestingly, it has a maximum wading depth of 600mm.

The Rush is larger than the Avanza; It is 35mm wider, 10mm taller, 295mm longer and has 30mm longer wheelbase.

Overall

Toyota has set its sights on dominating the compact SUV market with the addition of a second Avanza-based vehicle into the segment. The target market? South African motorists seeking a family-friendly 5-seater in need of more boot space than car seats.

The boot is by far one of the biggest you’ll encounter in its segemnt. Should you require more space than its voluminous confines can offer, the seat can be folded down. I wish it came with a sixth gear as the noise level while cruising at highway speeds is very high. A minor gripe is that those seeking an extra row of seats are unable to do so.

Overall, with a price-tag below the psychological R300 000 mark, it’s a well-specced and capable family SUV that should give direct rivals (read: Honda BR-V) and more expensive crossovers a run for their money – Toyota predicts 200 units a month. – Wheels24

Think before you act... or type

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Think before you act... or type It is so important to have the right information before you share your opinions. I am talking about this because social media has kind of taken away what was common sense back then, and now people can just speak their minds. The usual excuse is because people are now woke and lit. In the end they look like children. It doesn't make sense that you just write or say what you want just because you want to be part of the conversation. I saw this during the Windhoek Fashion Week. There were literally people waiting for it to flop. And when it didn't, they still looked for negative things to post about.

We must learn to accept that when something is right, whether we like it or not, it is right. And when it is something that will benefit the majority, let us not try to break it down.

It's not a secret that we use social media for different reasons. Some want to gain fame whilst others like looking at people's pictures. Many simply want to reconnect with old friends and at the same time make new ones. This is where the trick comes in because we are raised differently, and our personalities are, of course, not the same.

Do not be influenced to suddenly want to do things differently because you see certain people doing it online. Don't lose yourself to social media. It's okay not to fit in. I have seen how this leads to people doing nasty things to please a following, or get attention.

Stick to what you know. Remember that doing something the way certain people do it online doesn't make it right. Again I say, always think before you act.

Be authentic.



june@namibiansun.com

Nascam royalty payments underway

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Nascam royalty payments underway2017 royalties ranging between N$6.40 and N$32k As the year ends, John Max, Nascam CEO, says member artists will be getting their royalty payments for last year as of now until the first week of December. Just like last year, 4 000 Nascam members will be reaping what they sowed from their talents. According to John Max, Nascam CEO, all the figures are not yet in place but in total, Namibian artists will receive N$1.2 million in royalties payments, collected from NBC TV and radio stations, from jukeboxes and other music users.

Of royalties being paid out now, over 1 874 members will receive between N$6.40 to N$400 while about 500 members will receive between N$500 to N$15 000.

“The highest paid member for the year will get N$32 000 and the lowest N$6.40. Artists get N$6.40 for each song that receives airplay. If the members form a band, the N$6.40 will be split between the members by us and each member will get their share deposited in their account. If the song has a different producer, composer or author, the same N$6.40 will be shared amongst the same people,” said Max.

Namscam urges all their members to update their banking details at their offices as some transactions are bouncing which results in money not being paid into member accounts.

“For every bounce, we are indebted with charges and we want to avoid this. Please ensure that all your details are verified with us and are correct. Nascam will be making payments until the first week of December and should any members not update their information with us by then, they will receive their royalties next year,” said Max.

He cautioned public users to stop pirating music as it is a violation of copyright and there will be consequences. He further said that should artists find their pirated work being used, they can confiscate the material and take it to the nearest police station or they should call the police.

“We need to work together so we avoid terrible incidents should an artist get frustrated and cause injury to someone who pirated their music.

“These artists spend time and money in studios to produce quality work and it is unfair for someone to take bread out of their mouth just like that,” said Max.

June Shimuoshili

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Company news in brief

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Company news in brief Uber posts US$1 bln loss

Uber Technologies Inc said on Wednesday that growth in bookings for its ride-hailing and delivery services rose 6% in the latest quarter, the third quarter in a row that growth has remained in the single digits after double-digit growth for all of last year.

The San Francisco-based firm lost US$1.07 billion for the three months ending Sept. 30, a 20% increase from the previous quarter but down 27% from a year ago, when the company posted its biggest publicly reported quarterly loss on the heels of the departure of Uber co-founder and former chief executive Travis Kalanick.

Uber is seeking to expand in freight hauling, food delivery and electric bikes and scooters as growth in its now decade-old ride-hailing business dwindles. The company, valued at US$76 billion, faces pressure to show it can still grow enough to become profitable and satisfy investors in an initial public offering planned for some time next year.

Broader economic conditions and sustained losses could push Uber to merge with rivals in India and the Middle East, particularly as Uber and India-based Ola share an investor in SoftBank Group Corp.

Revenue for the quarter was US$2.95 billion, a 5% boost from the previous quarter and up 38% from a year ago. That trailed the second-quarter year-over-year revenue increase of 63%.

Uber is considering moving its public debut up from the second half of 2019 to the first half, given concerns about a market downturn and an expected IPO from its chief US rival, Lyft Inc, according to sources familiar with the matter. – Nampa/Reuters

Levi Strauss planning to go public

Levi Strauss & Co, the 145-year-old company that made the first pair of blue jeans, is planning an initial public offering, CNBC reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The company, which plans to raise about US$600 million to US$800 million, is likely to go public in the first quarter of 2019, sources told CNBC.

The maker of Levi's jeans is aiming to debut with a valuation of about US$5 billion, the report said. Levi Strauss said it does not comment on marketplace rumours or speculation.

This could be the company's return to the public markets, nearly five decades after going private.

The company first went public in 1971, but descendants of Levi Strauss, the creator of the blue jeans, took the company private shortly after. – Nampa/Reuters

KPMG suspended from new auditing work in Oman

Oman's securities regulator said on Wednesday it has suspended audit firm KPMG from doing new work for a year after finding major financial and accounting irregularities at some listed companies.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) took corrective steps at those companies to protect investors, it said in a statement without naming the firms or giving other details.

It is another setback for KPMG, which is under scrutiny after losing clients in South Africa following its role in a high-profile corruption scandal there and has faced investigations in Britain over its auditing of some clients.

In Oman, KPMG is banned for one year from doing new auditing work for companies regulated by the CMA, including listed companies, securities firms and insurers.

The penalty does not affect projects where KPMG has already been appointed, and KPMG has a right to appeal against the penalty before an independent authority, the CMA said. – Nampa/Reuters

Aston Martin's profits rise as sales double

Aston Martin posted a 900% increase in third-quarter profit before tax to 3.1 million pounds (US$4 million) as the newly listed carmaker continues a growth plan which saw its volumes double in the period.

The luxury brand, which last month became the first British carmaker in decades to float on the London Stock Exchange, said it expected full-year sales to come in at the top end of expectations at up to 6 400 vehicles.

Total volumes rose 99% to 1 776 vehicles, helped by a 185% increase in the Americas and a 133% increase in Asia Pacific. – Nampa/Reuters

Tencent profit beats on investment gain

Tencent beat third-quarter profit forecasts on Wednesday but gave no update on a regulatory block in China, the world's largest gaming market, that has damaged its core business.

China has imposed tougher rules on the gaming industry, including a halt to new game approvals as part of a regulatory overhaul and calls to tackle addiction among young people.

Tencent, China's biggest gaming and social media group, said profit in the July-September quarter rose by 30% to 23.3 billion yuan, beating an average analyst estimate of 19.32 billion yuan, thanks largely to investment gains.

Although Tencent's revenue rose by 24% to 80.6 billion yuan (US$11.6 billion), this represented its slowest quarterly growth in more than three years.

Analysts said Tencent's mobile gaming growth was better than expected, but the fact that its president Martin Lau had no news on China's gaming regulation raised margin pressure concerns. – Nampa/Reuters

The power of being passionate

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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The power of being passionateFashion chose me Designing garments for a living to make people to boost people's confidence, Olivia Shishando, founder of Olivia Fashions, talks about her career with tjil. Choosing a career does not have to come from reading about it or seeing something that interests you on TV. Sometimes it can be born from being shy or even, frustration. One person who agrees with this is fashion designer Olivia Shishando, founder of Olivia Fashions, whose career started off way out of the ordinary. When she was 14 and going through puberty, Olivia was embarrassed to tell her stepmother that she wanted a bra because her breasts were developing. She decided to cut out an old red skirt and some underwear to make a bra for herself. Fast forward to today and she is a full-time designer who wants to break barriers and make her brand go international.

Olivia officially started her career in 2010. Without a sewing machine, she insisted on designing a few outfits for her friend and using someone else's sewing machine. During these days she managed to get a full-time job but she hated it, and later quit.

“I asked my father to buy me a sewing machine because I really hated that job and I was sort of getting an idea of what I wanted to do - make clothing. He agreed on condition that I pay him every cent he used and that's how I officially started off my career,” she said.

Olivia who was based in Otjiwarongo decided to move to Windhoek as her brand was growing slowly. She packed her bags last year and risked it all in the name of fashion and believing in her abilities. According to her it is because being a fashion designer means so much to her and seeing her clients happy wearing the clothes she made is worth more than living comfortably.

“I had clients in Windhoek and making garments for them would take time, as the outfits would need to be delivered. It made the whole process long. Making someone feel and look good matters. My brand is for people who want to look great and they can do it at a very affordable price. Many people spend so much on the outfit that they don't even enjoy wearing it because of all the money spent,” she said.

Olivia Fashions has made its name and is well-known for pulling off literally anything with African print material. This includes dresses mixed with softer fabrics for matric farewells to something to look great in at a meeting. With the just-ended third edition of the Windhoek Fashion Week, Olivia says the rate at which the fashion and design industry is growing is worth applauding.















The designer says she was not ready to take part in fashion week but she looks forward to soon. To date, she has dressed personalities such as radio presenter Raiza Kweyo, singer Tunakie and all-rounder Uejaa Kazondunge.

“Back in the day, clients only came to designers if they had a function to attend like a wedding. Today people come to us just because they want to look good at work. This shows that we are getting somewhere. Designers and models are one and the same and both are having such a great platform and more opportunities too, and it is worth recognising and praising,” she said.















Nothing great comes easy and Olivia says that up-and-coming models need to grow a thick skin for survival in the industry. She recalls wanting to give up as she was unable to sustain her expenses and had to live with her friend as she could not pay her rent.

“If I have to be honest, design is about passion. I never studied fashion and nobody taught me anything, I taught myself. School will help, yes, but with the economic situation in the country I would not advise anyone to study fashion. Rather study something that will sustain you and while you do that, you design on the side. It is really hard,” she said.

In 2019, she will be challenging herself and will start making bridal garments and also menswear, including blazers. She also said she is looking to working on collaboration designs should the opportunity present itself.

“Men really struggle to get African-themed blazers and this is a market I am aware of. I will start off there and see how far I can go. It will be very Namibian too, meaning traditional styles like Odelela infused with a western style,” she said.

Olivia Fashions is currently working on a collection for a beauty pageant fashion show, Beauty with Brains, which will take place in December.

June Shimuoshili

Green exhibits at AfricaCom

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Green exhibits at AfricaComICT and innovation showcased Green Enterprise Solutions once again attended Africa’s largest telecom conference in Cape Town this week. Green Enterprise Solutions was the only Namibian company to exhibit at AfricaCom 2018 in Cape Town this week.

This was a significant step, as it shows that Namibian companies are becoming regional and continental players in pan-African markets.

Green Enterprise Solutions is a Namibian company that provides information and communication technology (ICT) solutions for the Namibian market, as well as internationally across Africa.

The AfricaCom conference is the perfect event to be present at, and with a nine-member team, Green Enterprise Solutions certainly made an impact.

The conference allowed the ICT solutions company the opportunity to engage, as well as demonstrate and present its offerings and past successes.

Engaging and meeting with present and potential clients from across Africa allows the Namibian company to develop its markets on the continent.

Business and markets are no longer constricted or restricted by physical borders and companies with the right offerings can grow their footprint internationally.

There’s great growth in the African ICT space, as companies, governments and populations embrace technology and innovation. Green Enterprise Solutions is perfectly positioned at the forefront of this digital revolution and the conference was the perfect space to showcase this, which was the reason why they exhibited at the event, which ended on Wednesday. It gave the company the opportunity forge new partnerships and alliances and create new opportunities that will drive the ICT agenda and innovation forward.

Kehad Snydewel, managing director of Green Enterprise Solutions, said: “Previously our presence at AfricaCom was a great success and this year once again. Sharing ideas and best practises during interactive sessions at the conference gave us an excellent opportunity to show how advanced we are as Green.

“Being present at a forum like this and partnering up internationally allows us to innovate and compete on a global scale. Green is right at the forefront of this drive to compete internationally, and AfricaCom provides the perfect setting.”

‘Snakes won’t chase you’

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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‘Snakes won’t chase you’ Conflict between snakes and people in urban areas is a problem Windhoek shares with many cities around the world. Surrounded by farms and nature, the capital has a high prevalence of snakes in and around residences and industrial sites. But, says Namibia’s snake whisperer and catcher, a snake will never... Henriette Lamprecht - “On the contrary, snakes are shy animals that will only attack in self-defence,” says Francois Theart. He has made it his mission to educate and bust myths on his slithery friends.

Francois is the man behind Snakes of Namibia and has been removing snakes from urban areas in Windhoek since 2012. In 2015 a partnership was formed with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) to better understand the conflict between snakes and humans in Namibia.

Part of this research project involved obtaining a research permit to guide protocol for the capturing and relocation of snakes in Namibia, as well as determining the root cause of human-snake conflict.

According to data collected between August 2015 and August 2018, 500 snakes of 23 different species were removed from homes, gardens and industrial sites in Windhoek.

“Snakes don’t chase people and normally don’t move in pairs,” Francois explains.

“If a snake is killed, his mate won’t come looking for him. Snake ‘repellents’ like Jeyes Fluid and garlic and geraniums will not keep them away!”

It is also “highly unlikely” that a person will die within seconds or minutes after a snake bite.

“Antivenom is the only medium and way to successfully treat a poisonous snake bite. To cut or suck a snake bite won’t help,” he warns.

With “snake season” in full swing, Francois advises to steer clear of building rubble.

“Things like rock gardens, compost heaps and bird cages serve as food sources and hideouts, and should therefore be avoided if possible.”

Also steer clear of using dense bushes and creepers around the house – especially against walls and close to open windows.

Keep any grass around the house short and areas under low-hanging bushes and shrubs clean to eliminate suitable hiding places for snakes.”

If you’re living on a plot or farm, Francois warns against keeping small livestock, especially chickens, close to home.

As many snakes are active after sundown, rather wear closed shoes and take a torch with on your walkabout after dark.

“Look where you’re going and make sure you’re walking on rocks and logs, rather than around it. “Picking up wood for your braai at sundown or at night is never a good idea!”

Don’t get your hands into places, holes and hideouts where a snake may have found a home.

Even the tiniest scratch of a dead snake’s tooth can still inject venom.

“Some snakes, like the Anchieta’s cobra, play dead when they feel threatened, and will bite the moment it gets the chance.”

Francois warns never to try and catch or kill a snake.

“You will without a doubt get bitten if you try!”

If you love the outdoors, rather wear a jean made of thick material, as well as hiking boots covering your ankles. Protect your eyes against spitting cobras by wearing sunglasses. (Facebook: Snakes of Namibia; snakebitedoc@gmail.com; francois.theart@gmail.com)

An estimated 50,000 people are killed every year by snakes. The most venomous snake in the world is the Inland Taipan.. It can kill a human being in under 45 minutes. More than 80% of those bitten by the Inland Taipan die.

Did you know?

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Did you know? Prostate cancer has been the most diagnosed form of cancer accounting to 23,6 percent of cancers prevalent in Namibian men. According to the Cancer Association of Namibia an average of 321 cases are diagnosed per annum.

Reho Spa transfer in high gear

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Reho Spa transfer in high gear The ministry of environment and tourism has requested Treasury approval for returning the Reho Spa resort to the Rehoboth town council.

According to the environment ministry's deputy permanent secretary, Seimy Christoph-Shidute, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) had requested the ministry to approve the transfer.

NWR is still the legal owner of the hot-springs resort. It signed a 12-year lease agreement with the Rehoboth Community Trust in 2014, but since then the facility has deteriorated.

At the time the Trust promised that renovations would start in November that year and that the facility would be opened to the public by May 2015. Nothing has materialised, though, and the resort continues to deteriorate.

Plans to renovate the facility have been postponed time and again while the Rehoboth Community Trust has been looking for investors. Yesterday the trust's chairperson, Ronald Kubas, said he knew nothing of the latest developments.

“I have noticed in the papers. Unfortunately I don't have any detailed comment at this stage as I have not received any official correspondence in this regard from NWR, nor any official notice to either transfer or [terminate] the current lease agreement to a third party,” said Kubas.

He added that numerous requests to extend the lease period to a minimum of 30 years had fallen on deaf ears. According to him, a longer lease is needed to make the project viable, considering the extent of renovations required.

“Large-scale financial investments in the project will be [at] substantial risk without proper arrangements on security of tenure or ability to register notarial bonds,” he said.

Nathalia /Goagoses, the ministerial representative in the Rehoboth town council, instructed her staff last week to begin cleaning and renovating the resort.

At a community meeting on Sunday she informed residents that she was only waiting for the paperwork to be finalised to have the Reho Spa handed over to the council.

She was scheduled to meet with potential investors this week with the aim of getting the resort up and running by December.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Namibia 'captured'

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Namibia 'captured'Geingob's allies blamed The opposition movement believes that a commission of enquiry is need to investigate state capture in the country. The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) is convinced that government has been hijacked by close allies of President Hage Geingob, with his knowledge and support, and has called for a commission of inquiry into “state capture”.

The official opposition said this commission should be similar to South Africa's Zondo commission, which is holding public hearings into the alleged capture of the neighbouring state by the Gupta/Jacob Zuma looting machine.

PDM treasurer and parliamentarian Nico Smit said the Namibian government is “clearly rotten at its core” and challenged Geingob to sooth the nation's fears by appointing a state capture commission of inquiry.

South Africa's Zondo commission is a judicial body with the power to subpoena witnesses and those implicated in state capture in the neighbouring state. It is chaired by that country's Deputy Chief Justice Ray Zondo, who has already heard shocking evidence of how the Gupta/Zuma axis allegedly stole billions from state-owned enterprises, while running a shadow state, which usurped the ANC and government's power.

The Zondo commission's mandate is to inquire, investigate and make recommendations regarding any and all allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector. According to Smit, there is no point in asking the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) or Ombudsman John Walters to investigate Namibian state capture, because over the years it has become clear that both have neither the will nor the inclination or funds to pursue people in high places accused of ruining the country.

“The president has promised to eradicate corruption, but this is clearly a joke as these secret companies are obviously a breeding ground for this very corruption, which is why they are kept so secret. This is happening with the president's knowledge and obviously his support.”

Smit asserts it is impossible not to suspect that those in control of government, such as some ministers, might be part of the major theft of state assets, and this is reason why nothing is ever done to rein in the “blatant money-making schemes for which most state-owned-enterprises are being used”.

The PDM is particularly concerned about mines minister Tom Alweendo's admission recently that he did not know Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) was a government entity.

Namdia has hit the headlines repeatedly over hefty sitting fees being paid out to board members.

“How much more evidence do Namibians need that the company was started in great secrecy to hide its nefarious theft from taxpayers?” Smit asked.

According to him, a clear pattern seems to be emerging of government hijacking the private sector via these burgeoning companies that are started with taxpayers' money to compete with private sector businesses.

“It looks suspiciously as if the government is trying to deliberately collapse the economy in order to realise the pre-independence dream of creating a socialist state in Namibia. Perhaps this is why Swapo insists on keeping the old guard in government to support this plan.”

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Joining forces

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Joining forces Great changes ahead for Otavi Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) was appointed by Noric Otavi Steel Processing (Pty) Ltd this week as the lead arranger for the Otavi steel manufacturing plant project at Otavi. This was confirmed by Andre Neethling, director of Noric Otavi.

Nedbank will assist with the financial structuring of the project and the raising of both quasi-equity and debt capital for the N$2.7 billion initiative.

The two shareholders of Noric Otavi are Namibian company Otavi Rebar Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd (ORM) and Swiss-based company NORIC Swiss GmbH (NORIC).

NORIC will also be the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, as well as the plant operator, and take full responsibility for the planning, design, provision of technology, construction and operation of the plant.

Namibian contractors will be appointed sub-contractors for the construction that can be done locally, according to Neethling and Adriaan Grobler, director of Lithon Project Consultants, who are consultants on the project.

The project entails the development of a 300 000-ton per annum long product mini-mill steel manufacturing plant, where scrap steel is used as primary input and basic steel products (rebar and steel sections) are produced for the construction industry.

It involves receiving scrap and sorting it. It is then fed into an electrical arc furnace that melts the scrap, from which billets are casted and fed to a rolling mill that produces the different steel profiles and products. The target markets are Namibia, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

The socio-economic impact of the project on Otavi will be significant, according the town’s mayor Martha Shipanga. It will create 350 permanent jobs, and with an eventual annual estimated revenue of N$2 billion, it will further stimulate other economic activities and development.

The population of Otavi will most likely double over the next two years when the construction is completed and operations begin. The Otavi town council has already made provision for additional industrial plots for supporting industries, as well as 1 500 new residential and other plots next to the new industrial area.

Shipanga said the town council has provided 77 hectares of land, through a public-private partnership for the project, and is also a shareholder. The project will substantially increase the town council’s revenue stream from the dividends, which will be used to develop Otavi even further.

Africa Briefs

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Africa Briefs SA's land expropriation unnerves investors

Plans by South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) to change the constitution to allow the expropriation of land without compensation have unnerved investors, a senior World Bank group executive said on Wednesday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's party has made the acceleration of land redistribution a key issue ahead of 2019 elections, while pledging to carry out land reform in a way that does not threaten food security.

"If you create uncertainty of some aspects of your environment, and land tenure is one of them, that is one aspect that investors will be looking at," Sérgio Pimenta, the vice president for the Middle East and Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank's private investment arm, told Reuters.

"What investors are looking for is certainty," he said on the sidelines of a meeting between the World Bank and member countries in Zambia.

"The land issue is a complex issue," he said. "Whatever the solution the government is looking at, creating an environment that is reliable, that is certain, is important."– Nampa/Reuters

Nigeria’s probe into NNPC deepens

A probe by the Nigerian Senate into whether state oil firm NNPC improperly withdrew money has expanded with the amount under investigation doubling to over US$2.2 billion, a committee said on Wednesday.

The Senate last week voted to probe withdrawals of US$1.05 billion by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), from NLNG, a venture owned by the state oil firm and foreign energy companies, without approval.

The committee led by senator Bassey Akpan, chairman of the senate committee on gas, said it had found more withdrawals in excess of what it set out to investigate.

Akpan asked NNPC and central bank officials to provide documents to back up the withdrawals, carried out at various periods between 2016 to 2018.

NNPC officials said documents were being assembled ahead of next hearing due on Nov 22 and declined to comment further. – Nampa/Reuters

Anthrax outbreak in Sesfontein area

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Anthrax outbreak in Sesfontein area Thirteen people have been infected with anthrax after consuming infected meat in the Sesfontein area.

The anthrax outbreak in the Kunene and Kavango-East regions has killed 98 head of livestock in the Sesfontein area and 23 buffalo in the Bwabwata National Park.

The agriculture, water and forestry ministry announced on 7 November that the disease had been detected in the Sesfontein area of the Kunene Region and the Bwabwata National Park in the Kavango East Region at the beginning of the month.

A total of 92 sheep and goats, three cattle and three donkeys died from anthrax in the Sesfontein area.

In the Bwabwata National Park, 23 buffalo have died but so far no suspected cases of human or livestock infection have been reported there.

The health ministry has provided post-exposure prophylaxis to 44 people exposed to anthrax-infected meat at Omiriu and Okamba yOzonogombo in the Sesfontein area.

Spores of the bacterium that causes anthrax are commonly found in soil and the disease can affect domestic and wild animals which ingest spores from contaminated soil, plants or water. People can catch the disease through contact with anthrax-infected animals or animal products. Anthrax is not generally transmissible from person to person. Anthrax in humans can take three forms and symptoms usually develop within seven days after exposure to the bacteria. The health and agricultural ministries are cooperating to address the outbreak and a number of actions have been taken, including a restriction on animal movements from, within and into the affected areas of Sesfontein and the Bwabwata National Park. Veterinary staff have been deployed to establish the extent of the outbreaks and susceptible cattle, sheep and goats in and around the affected areas have been vaccinated.

Joint awareness campaigns are under way and the Sesfontein health centre and Opuwo district hospital are submitting daily reports on any suspected human cases in the area.

Regional and district health emergency committees have been activated and a technical team, including epidemiologists from the Namibian field epidemiology and laboratory training programme, has been dispatched. The ministries are urging communities in the affected areas not to touch any animal that dies of natural causes, unless they wear protective clothing. All animal deaths should be immediately reported to the nearest state veterinarian. Farmers elsewhere are advised to vaccinate their livestock against anthrax annually.

The agriculture, health and safety and security ministries, together with regional, local and traditional authorities and local farmers, are working together to safely dispose of anthrax-infected carcasses and decontaminate the places where carcasses are discovered. Signs and symptoms of cutaneous anthrax include a raised, itchy bump resembling an insect bite that develops into a painless sore with a black centre, swelling in the sore and nearby lymph glands. Gastrointestinal anthrax signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, fever, severe, bloody diarrhoea in the later stage, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and a swollen neck. Pulmonary anthrax develops when a person breathes in anthrax spores. It's the deadliest way to contract the disease, and even with treatment, is often fatal. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, including sore throat, mild fever, fatigue and muscle aches, mild chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, coughing up blood and painful swallowing. As the disease progresses, patients may develop a high fever, shock and meningitis.





JANA-MARI SMITH

We're not captured - Tweya

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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We're not captured - Tweya Trade minister Tjekero Tweya says people should not believe talk that Namibia has been “captured” by Chinese interests.

He added there was also nothing wrong with local companies entering into joint ventures with Chinese firms, and that the Chinese cannot take the infrastructure built back to China.

Tweya made these remarks at the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Nored office in Rundu yesterday.

Tweya said the N$31 million facility was constructed through a joint venture between Kempton Investments and Chinese state-owned firm Qingdao Construction Namibia. He also made reference to a conversation he had with a friend regarding a certain airport in Zambia, which was allegedly taken over by the Chinese.

Tweya said he reminded his friend, firstly, that there is no such state-of-the-art airport in Zambia, and secondly, that the Chinese would not take the airport with them back to China. Tweya said in the Namibian context, people criticise Namibia/China deals, but the infrastructure will remain the property of Namibia. “Will this building be taken by the Chinese company to China? No, it is ours… these people have finished their job and they can return to China. We paid for it,” Tweya said. “I am saying this because I am on a crusade; as you have learnt from the media I am more out than inside the country. I go and invite investors for exactly what we are witnessing today, because those that were here neglected their duty.” Tweya's sentiments follow the leaking of documents which purportedly indicate how Namibia accepted lock, stock and barrel Chinese conditions for a N$3.1 billion Hosea Kutako International airport upgrading loan and grant package.

In July, Schlettwein rubbished claims that Chinese interests had captured the Namibian government.































KENYA KAMBOWE

Leave us alone - sand miners

November 15, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Leave us alone - sand minersBusiness chamber complains about environmental law Northern businesses want the Environmental Management Act to be scrapped because it requires sand miners to obtain environmental clearance. The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (NCCI) Ongwediva branch is unhappy with the way the environment ministry is meddling in the lucrative sand-mining industry and has called for the Environmental Management Act of 2007 to be scrapped.

Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, however, says the law will be enforced and no one will be favoured. Speaking at a consultative meeting yesterday, NCCI Ongwediva branch chairperson Veiko Haimbodi said before the ministry started enforcing the environmental law, sand mining was a good business, but now businesspeople are on the verge of losing their property obtained through bank loans. He said the sand-mining industry created job opportunities for many people, but now these people are jobless. “As the business community we are urging the government to reconsider its decision to implement the Environmental Management Act. Let the traditional authorities continue managing the land and we can continue mining sand as usual, while the government is reviewing this law,” Haimbodi said. “This law needs to be well scrutinised because it is not in favour of the business community. The ministry failed to conduct proper consultations with the affected parties before enforcing this law.” Haimbodi acknowledged sand mining pits need to be properly controlled. “We have lost many people in these pits and I am therefore requesting for them to be fenced off,” he said. Sand miner Reverend Ndalius Kamanya opened the consultative meeting with a prayer. He said he started mining sand in 1992 and he is not happy that they are being labelled “illegal sand miners”. The Environmental Management Act states that a person cannot undertake sand mining without obtaining an environmental clearance certificate (ECC). NCCI northern branch chairperson Tomas Koneka Iindji said he is dismayed about the extent to which illegal sand mining has skyrocketed. He was therefore delighted that the ministry had taken a bold step to address what he called an “environmental cancer”. “In all honesty and good faith, the management of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry's northern region is doing all it can to respond to the calls by various stakeholders regarding sand-mining operations,” Indji said. “The NCCI would like to request the authorities, the businesspeople, the traditional authorities and other critical stakeholders to strike a constructive balance on this issue, with a win-win situation, which both acknowledges the need for service delivery in the construction sector and the uncompromising necessity to preserve the environment.” Shifeta refuted claims that the ministry had failed to conduct public education before it enforced the Environmental Management Act. “This law was introduced in 2007 and when I came to this ministry I found it already in place. The regulation was put in place in 2012 and we have been conducting public consultations. We cannot allow sand-mining activities to carry on because it is not safe for us all,” Shifeta said. “When the law was enforced it had some criminal sanctions for the offender or those who fail to properly enforce it, just like any other law. Let us not hide behind talk that we are not aware.”