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Capricorn excels at integrated reporting

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Capricorn excels at integrated reportingCapricorn excels at integrated reportingWins regional award again The awards have become a key platform for the recognition of the high level of integrated reporting that is happening in southern Africa. As a leading financial institution listed on the NSX, Capricorn Group believes that credibility is key to value creation. Capricorn Group scooped the Best Regional Company Award at the Annual Integrated Reporting Awards 2018 hosted in Johannesburg by Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa in partnership with the JSE Limited recently.

It is the second year in a row that the group walked away with the top award in the regional company category.

As the leading awards of their kind in the southern African region, the Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa (CSSA) Integrated Reporting Awards recognise the growing number of companies and organisations regionally that are actively adopting an integrated approach to their financial and non-financial reporting to provide a clearer perspective of their business performance, prospects and impact on stakeholders.

The awards have become a key platform for the recognition of the high level of integrated reporting that is happening in southern Africa. Companies are encouraged to enter their integrated reports into one of ten categories for which awards are presented annually.

The Integrated Reporting Awards have been rewarding excellence in corporate reporting since 1956 through the Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa, an independent professional body with interest in good corporate governance and committed to promoting reporting excellence in the region.

The ceremony recognised the importance of integrated reporting and the information it provides to shareholders and stakeholders.

The judges scored entries against a score sheet that reflected the Integrated Reporting (IR) Framework.

'Bigger, ­interconnected global system'

“We are very proud and excited to have been presented with this award for the second time in a row, in recognition of our concerted effort toward reporting in line with global integrated reporting standards,” said said Marlize Horn, group executive: brand & corporate affairs and chairperson of the group's investor relations committee, who accepted the award on behalf of the group.

“Our 2018 report is our third integrated report that adheres to the International Integrated Reporting Council's IR Framework which is regarded as best practice in transparent communication with shareholders and other stakeholders.

“As a leading financial institution listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange, Capricorn Group believes that credibility is key to value creation. We believe that we are part of a bigger, interconnected global system. Our approach in being a responsible, regional and global citizen is built into the DNA of all our businesses in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia,” Horn said.

“Our 2018 Integrated Report provides a holistic view of our group and reflects the value created during the financial year which ended on 30 June 2018.

Although it is primarily aimed at providers of financial capital, it also takes a holistic and stakeholder-orientated view of the social, environmental and governance aspects that are related to the group's activities and performance,” she concluded.

Eldorado receives refurbished computers

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Eldorado receives refurbished computersEldorado receives refurbished computersImproving the provision of more interactive educational materials The donation provides learners and teachers with new tools that enable improved teaching and learning in various subjects. Justicia Shipena and Angelina Norval





The FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust of First National Bank (FNB) handed over 10 refurbished computers to Eldorado Secondary School on 9 November at the school’s premises.

Speaking on behalf of the foundation at a media conference, Leslie Pursia said they are delighted to assist the learners with the computers.

“FNB has the responsibility to contribute to the skills development of the 852 learners of the school and to support the nation for equitable prosperity and ensuring a sustainable inclusive economy,” he said.

Pursia added the donation will make a difference to the students and will not only in improve their access to information, communication and technology, but also enhance their skills in computing.

“It will enhance their understanding and appreciation of ICT and provide learners and teachers with new tools that enable improved teaching and learning in various subjects,” he said.

Pursia added the foundation aimed to provide an opportunity to teachers and also transform their educational practices by giving them improved educational content.

He said the computers must improve the learning process through the provision of more interactive educational materials that increase learner motivation and facilitate the easy achievement of basic skills.

Eldorado Secondary School principal Salwa Khedr expressed her appreciation towards the foundation.

Khedr said the computers are going to be used to increase the learner intake for the school’s ‘office practice’ subject, which is currently doing very well and sees learners achieving a 100% pass rate with good quality symbols.

Khedr said two computers will be used in the library, with one of them being used for the school’s Glob project.

The school has been selected by the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to serve as a Glob school.

“We are sincerely thankful to FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust for their support and invest in education,” she said.

Assisting those in need

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Assisting those in needAssisting those in needReschelle helps out Mount View High School pupils Miss High School finalist Reschelle Beukes has partnered with Gondwana Collection Namibia to help out Mount View High School in Okahandja Park. Tunohole Mungoba



With examinations in full swing, learners at Mount View High School in Okahandja Park are struggling in terms of the tools they need to ace their tests.

Miss High School finalist Reschelle Beukes approached Gondwana Collection Namibia to assist with their plight.

“The learners did not have any calculators during the examinations or dictionaries. I have very special place in my heart for education, so it does not sit well with me when children are denied the opportunity to perform to the best of their capabilities, because they do not have calculators,” Beukes explained.

Gondwana donated a total of 100 English/Afrikaans dictionaries and 50 scientific calculators.

Gys Joubert, managing director of Gondwana, applauded Beukes for commitment and desire to make a difference.

“It didn’t take much convincing for us to partner with Reschelle. Her project is perfectly aligned with our Gondwana Care Trust vision,” he said.

Joubert added he is grateful to be involved on a level where every learner can get a helping hand.

Mount View principal Brian Ndabeni said the efforts of Beukes and Gondwana will not go unnoticed.

“I sincerely extend my gratitude to the Reschelle, Gondwana and the principal of Windhoek High School, Hawie Engels. Although Reschelle is a learner at Windhoek High School, her principal did not stop or discourage her from assisting other schools,” said Ndabeni.

“We are deeply honoured and we appreciate this donation. It is going to make a huge difference and be assured that your contribution will not go to waste.”

The crowning of Miss High and the Chamber Choirs competition is scheduled to take place on 30 May 2019.

Aviation security audit under way

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Aviation security audit under wayAviation security audit under wayTeam must not hide anything - Mutorwa An international team of aviation experts yesterday started with their security audit of Namibia's airspace. A four-member team from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) was yesterday urged to not shy away from identifying gaps in Namibia's aviation security.

Works and transport minister John Mutorwa told the team of experts that they must not “hide” anything, because if Namibia is found wanting in any aspect the ultimate goal is to improve.

Mutorwa made these remarks shortly before the team officially started with their security audit of Namibia's airspace, which will identify any shortcomings and deficiencies in the aviation industry.

The report on the ten-day audit will then recommend to Namibia how improvements can be made.

Among the areas that the team will focus on are the regulatory framework and the national civil aviation security system, training of aviation security personnel, quality control functions and airport operations.

They will also examine aircraft and in-flight security, passenger and luggage security, cargo, catering and mail security. The country's response to acts of unlawful interference will also be assessed.

The audit, known as Namibia's Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA), will run until 28 November.

The team is led by Aurelien Lavayssiere from Montreal. The other members are Anne Egbadon from Nigeria, Mario Jenni from Switzerland and Jabulani Khuluse from South Africa.

Namibia is the first country to be audited against new standards introduced by ICAO under amendment 16 to Annex 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The new standards became applicable on 16 November.

Briefing the government and the aviation industry on the audit yesterday, Lavayssiere said the objective was to promote global aviation security through continuous auditing and monitoring of the aviation security performance of member states.

“We can see Namibia understands the aim of the audit and that we are not here to point out the good or bad, but where there are areas that need improvements in security.”

He also made it clear that the team was not here to audit Hosea Kutako International Airport only, but all airports in Namibia.

Until tomorrow the team will be reviewing national and airport-level documents and from Thursday to Saturday they will visit the aviation industry to observe security measures, said Lavayssiere

From Sunday until next Tuesday follow-up activities will be conducted as necessary and the preliminary report will be prepared.

On 28 November a post-audit debriefing will be held.

Lavayssiere explained that the ten-day audit used to be only nine days, but because of the new standards it was decided to extend it.

A total of 497 questions have to be answered during the audit, compared to 480 questions previously.

He further explained that should the team identify a significant security concern, this would first be brought to the attention of the national coordinator to see whether Namibia is willing to take action immediately.

“Afterwards we will then again assess whether proper action has been taken.”

Mutorwa said the government hoped that the audit would help to improve civil aviation in Namibia.

According to him all stakeholders are under instruction to render their utmost cooperation and support if and when it is required during the audit.

Mutorwa said Namibia was aware that the audit would help to identify and rectify the deficiencies in the country's aviation security.

“We take this audit as a learning curve, as an exercise to build and not to destroy. We remain positive that the audit will and must help us to improve our aviation systems in the best interest of our nation and the world at large.

“If certain aspects are found wanting we are certain that they will still help us to address these issues. If we are found wanting our ultimate goal is to improve.”

He said the audit was part and parcel of ICAO's global strategy to prevent acts of terrorism in civil aviation.

“We are delighted to be contributing to the global fight against all kinds of evils such as terrorism. Therefore Namibia is not hesitant to participate in this international programme of regular, mandatory, systematic and harmonised audits, which are aimed at evaluating the aviation security systems of all ICAO member states, clearly demonstrating the country's commitment.”

The deputy chairperson of the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, Reinhard Gärtner, said the industry had been preparing for the audit for a number of years.

“All stakeholders have prepared to the best of their ability,” he said.

ELLANIE SMIT

Shack fires bring death, misery

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Shack fires bring death, miseryShack fires bring death, misery Katrina Immanuel (9) and her brother Thomas (8) were burned beyond recognition after their shack caught fire during the early hours of Sunday morning at Henties Bay's Omdel location.

According to Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Gurirab of the Erongo police, their father apparently padlocked the door of the shack before leaving and there was a candle burning inside.

“The fire was reported at around 03:20. Investigations continue, as the exact cause of the fire cannot be ascertained at this stage,” Gurirab said.

The fire brigade and police were on the scene within minutes, but could not save the two children.

In another incident, six shacks burnt to the ground on Friday night at around 23:00 at Oletweni location in Swakopmund.

No injuries were reported, but the belongings of the occupants were reduced to ashes.

“The fire apparently started inside a shack in the yard of the house next door and spread to the six other shacks. The cause of the fire could not be ascertained at this stage,” Gurirab said.

On Friday afternoon, several shacks burnt down in the Tutaleni area of Kuisebmond in Walvis Bay. No injuries were reported.

On Sunday afternoon, a fire destroyed a flat at the Union Court complex in Walvis Bay.

The fire was quickly extinguished before it could spread to the other flats.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be a faulty electrical outlet.

LEANDRA LOUW

Good Business

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Good BusinessGood Business The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) held its annual Good Business Awards and Innovation Award ceremony in Windhoek on Thursday evening. The black-tie event saw the innovative start-up VNA Native Food walking away with N$1 million to take their business to the next level. For the Good Business Awards, winners were selected from established businesses in the SME and large enterprise categories. Here are some images from the event.

Date nights with yourself

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Date nights with yourselfDate nights with yourself Elizabeth Joseph

I know it sounds crazy; like who in their right mind would sit in a restaurant, order a three-course meal and eat it all by themselves? This girl.

Tuesdays are date nights for me. I have not always been this person, and as a matter of fact I only picked up this hobby two months ago, when I travelled out of the country alone. Ever since that eye-opening experience, I absolutely love spending time with myself.

Back in September, I travelled down to Cape Town for a week, because I needed a break and a breath of fresh air.

I did everything alone. From dinner, to going to the cinema and even being my own photographer, because I saw so many places that made for great candid pictures. I had to improvise.

The first few days were incredibly difficult for me because I was never really comfortable with my own company, and I always surrounded myself with people.

There were instances where I felt so uncomfortable that I had anxiety attacks and I had to convince myself that it was good for me. I needed to get to know myself and pursue myself again.

I did things that I love doing for a change. I went sightseeing and had the most amazing cinnabons; until then I never knew what the hype was about, by the way. It is heavenly. I spent close to five hours in a bookstore, hunting for novels and drinking chai tea, while reading a book.

This to me was the moment where I fell in love with myself again. I realised that being quiet is not such a bad thing. Doing some introspection goes a long way, especially when you want to have healthy relationships with others, as well as with yourself.

I discovered so much about myself. I am not afraid of heights, at all. I really thought I was until I spent half an hour on the Cape Wheel, admiring the scenery.

This is where Tuesday date nights started for me. Although I have been slacking, I still try to make time for myself. Sometimes you need to just clear your schedule and give the world the finger - even just for a few hours.

I felt healthier and more liberated than I had ever thought I could feel. Once you get used to being at peace with yourself and your inner-most thoughts, this is truly the pinnacle of life.

Until a few months back I was so afraid of change of any magnitude. I always replaced my own thoughts and opinions with that of the people I chose to surround myself with, now I don’t do that anymore.

I have been losing people I thought would be sticking around for the longest, but I can’t bring myself to fully see it as a loss.

If I am going to lose people because I am finally sticking up for myself, and standing my ground, then I am fine with that. I have myself to worry about.

Tuesday nights are more than just about dinner and going to see a movie, it is about allowing myself to laugh at my own silly thoughts, not sharing my droëwors and not having to eat popcorn, because it is a ritual. To be quite honest, I hate popcorn.

I appreciate not being rushed or not listening to someone else ramble on about God knows what.

I just want to watch my movie in silence, drink my cocktail in silence and go home when I feel like going home.

Every day is special because there lies so much wisdom in each day, but Tuesdays are extra special for me, because I get to spend time with my significant other, myself.

Be good to yourself and others.

elizabeth@myzone.com.na

Huge wage bill unsustainable

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Huge wage bill unsustainableHuge wage bill unsustainable Bank of Namibia governor Iipumbu Shiimi has become the latest official to speak out against the rampant state wage bill, which currently stands at almost N$30 billion. This has surely become unsustainable, as it swallows about 50% of government’s revenue. Government had earlier undertaken to massively cut its wage bill by introducing mandatory annual leave, as well as well as asking civil servants to consider going on early retirement, while another target was to reduce the use of private consultants in order to maintain expenditure and austerity measures.

“The aim is to provide an opportunity for staff members who wish to retire before the age of 60 to do so. Each case will be treated differently, based on the human resources plan of offices, ministries and agencies,” government stated at the time. However, it remains to be seen whether this plan is really yielding the necessary results, given the lack of reporting in this regard. The N$30 billion wage bill spells disaster because it has crowded out other spending and limited government’s ability to stimulate the economy and create much-needed jobs. With almost half of our young people languishing in poverty and unemployment, the onus is on government to initiate a stimulus package to alleviate the status quo, by addressing bread-and-butter issues, including speeding up the delivery of housing and sanitation, as well as ensuring greater transparency to curb wastage and corruption. The ballooning public service wage bill is also unsustainable, as it not only compromises economic growth, but also increases inflationary risks. It is now up to treasury to wield the axe and curb spending on luxury cars, entertainment, accommodation and travel, among others, of senior government officials. It cannot be business as usual when ordinary taxpayers have to bear the brunt of budget cuts on a daily basis, while those who are quick to claim they are public servants continue to demand more perks on top of their high-paying jobs.

A toast to success

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A toast to successA toast to successShuuya introduces Michelle Wines At the age of 24, Anna Shuuya decided to turn her love for entrepreneurship into fully-fledged wine business. Tunohole Mungoba

After completing her entrepreneurship and new venture management studies at the University of Namibia (Unam), 24-year-old Anna Shuuya started pondering different business ideas.

I am firm believer that no amount of growth occurs whenever one is in your comfort zone. So during my graduation this year, myself and a cousin of mine, Martin Mbambus, introduced the first bottles of Michelle Wines,” she said.

According to her, the response has been overwhelming and the rest, as they say, is history.

Initially, the wines were sourced from South Africa, but with recommendations from her team, they decided to source them locally.

“In fact, they are produced at a vineyard in Aussenkehr, in the southern part of Namibia,” said Shuuya.

“Firstly, the grapes are handpicked and after removing the stems they are crushed before they are fermented with their skins on since they are red wines. After fermentation, they are aged and this process can take a few months or even years. This process is followed by the bottling process and then the branding. The wines are branded in Windhoek,” she explained.

Michelle Wines currently comes in two blends - Michelle sweet red and Michelle dry red.

Currently, Namibians are among the heaviest alcohol drinkers on the continent per capita, and 18th in the world, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). When asked how she will promote her wines without promoting drinking, Shuuya said Michelle Wines “does not condone irresponsible drinking, but advocates for responsible moderate drinking”.

“Studies conducted by researchers are opining that there are endless benefits of consuming wines in moderation, such as preserving one’s memory, the maintenance of lower body mass, the strengthening of one’s immune system and the prevention of ovarian cancer in women,” she explained.

“So, alcohol is not a problem, but our attitude towards alcohol is a problem. Michelle Wines is ready to work with different stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health and Social Services to promote responsible drinking, especially among the youth.”

Born and raised in a small village in northern Namibia called Oshigambo, Shuuya has always been fascinated by entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs, and this prompted her to study a related course.

Although she says the production of wine is an expensive exercise, which involves picking grapes, crushing them, fermenting them, as well as bottling and branding, she is grateful that with her savings and subsidies from her parents, she was able to break into the market.

“As an entrepreneur, my entrepreneurial skills are partly driven by the needs of my customers. It’s still early days to tell whether I will branch out to different beverages, but all I can guarantee is that I will continue to be innovative and evolve as a businesswoman. For now, let me enjoy the success of Michelle Wines,” she said.

“More than anything else, together with my team, I would like to grow Michelle Wines to become an affordable household brand nationally. I would like it to be available in every corner of Namibia, as I believe that would also boost our domestic economy and equally contribute to employment.”

Bitcoin sinks to new 13-month low

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Bitcoin sinks to new 13-month lowBitcoin sinks to new 13-month low Bitcoin slumped to a new 13-month low on Monday, with the biggest cryptocurrency touching US$5 173.23 on the Bitstamp platform. Bitcoin was last down 5.2% at US$5 270. The cryptocurrency, and other lesser coins including ethereum and XRP, endured a sell-off last week, with some blaming fears that a "hard fork" in bitcoin cash, where the smaller coin that split into two separate currencies, could destabilise others. – Nampa/Reuters

China: ‘No developing country will fall into debt trap’

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China: ‘No developing country will fall into debt trap’China: ‘No developing country will fall into debt trap’ BEIJING - China's foreign ministry said on Sunday that no developing country would fall into a debt trap simply because of its cooperation with Beijing.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the comment in an online statement responding to remarks made by US vice president Mike Pence.

"No developing country will fall into debt difficulties because of cooperation with China," Hua said.

"On the contrary, cooperating with China helps these countries raise independent development capabilities and levels, and improves the lives of the local people."

Speaking at the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, Pence took aim at China's Belt and Road initiative, saying countries should not accept debt that compromised their sovereignty.

Tonga has signed up to China's Belt and Road initiative and has received a reprieve from Beijing on the timing of debt payments shortly before an onerous schedule to repay loans was due to start.

Tonga is one of eight island nations in the South Pacific that owe significant debt to China. The deferment came just as Tonga was set to commence principal repayments on the debt, which is expected to put severe strain on its finances.

Tonga's financial reliance on China dates back just over a decade after deadly riots in the capital of Tonga, Nuku'alofa, destroyed much of the small Pacific nation's central business and government districts.

The government rebuilt the city with Chinese financing, and the roughly US$65 million in China's initial loans to the island now exceeds US$115 million, due to interest and additional borrowings. This represents almost one-third of Tonga's annual gross domestic product, budget papers show. – Nampa/Reuters

Kahimise, City showdown today

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Kahimise, City showdown todayKahimise, City showdown today The Windhoek High Court is today set to hear arguments from twice-suspended Windhoek CEO Robert Kahimise, who is battling to be reinstated.

Kahimise, who was suspended without pay on 5 November, is under fire from some at the municipality for a number of alleged abuses of his position.

He, in turn, has blamed ulterior motives for attempts to boot him from his post. He also claims that there have been attempts to smear the names of, among others, mayor Muesee Kazapua and management committee (MC) chairperson Mathew Amadhila ahead of the office-bearer elections later this month.

In an affidavit filed two weeks ago, Kahimise claims that those who are accusing him of a number of transgressions are “hell-bent to create a vacuum of leadership in an unlawful manner. In doing this, it creates a public impression that I am incompetent and unworthy of the office I occupy.”

He will argue in court today that the actions against him over the past two months are creating a “permanent stigma, as if I am guilty of theft or fraud, which are dismissible offences.”





The alleged transgressions listed in previous council minutes include a dubious study loan, unprocedural appointments, the suspension of City Police chief Abraham Kanime, and misuse of City property and funds.

But Kahimise and his supporters argue that his suspension was unlawful and based on the “malice and ulterior motives” of some in the city council and its management committee.

In his founding affidavit, Kahimise claims that Kanime's suspension was a major factor in efforts to get rid of him in order to have Kanime reinstated.

He alleges that in September, councillor and MC member Moses Shikwa demanded that Kahimise provide information on Kanime's suspension.

In response, Kahimise wrote a letter on 13 September indicating to Shikwa that “the allegations against Chief Kanime were confirmed by a forensic audit conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and that he has since been charged and has pleaded to the charges, and that the disciplinary hearing is still pending.”

Nevertheless, Shikwa tabled the matter in a council meeting, but his motion was rejected.

Less than a week later, Kahimise argues, the investigation into his alleged transgressions started.

He alleges further that some councillors were “determined to have the forensic report issued by PWC served before council and quash it, thereby prejudicing his [Kanime's] ongoing disciplinary hearing.”



Flawed suspension

He further argues that the procedures followed with his own suspension were unlawful and unfair and have damaged his good name.

Kahimise argues that the allegations against him are a ruse to get rid of him for different, and also to “cast aspersions on the characters of chairpersons of council and the management committee, Muesee Kazapua and Mathew Amadhila, who approved my application for private study aid.”

“Their aim is no doubt to stand for election for positions of mayor and as management committee members. This self-serving and selfish conduct contravenes their code of conduct,” Kahimise claims.

The other respondents listed in his urgent application include deputy mayor Teckla Uwanga, Shikwa, Hileni Ulumbu, Ian Subasubani, Ananias Niizimba, Fransina Kahungu, Mathilde Ukeva, Loide Kaiyamo and Agatha Ashilelo.

Kahimise's court application also sheds light on the consequences of suspension without pay.

He states that he has a number of financial commitments, including monthly instalments in respect to four motor vehicles, including a Volvo S40, Toyota Legend 45, Mercedes Benz ML350 and a Land Cruiser.

His estimated total expenses each month amount to over N$80 000, including a mortgage bond of nearly N$38 000.

He says without his salary he is unable to meet his financial obligations and is likely to be declared insolvent.

Patrick Kauta of Dr Weder, Kauta and Hoveka is representing Kahimise in the court application.



JANA-MARI SMITH

Everyone is struggling

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Everyone is strugglingEveryone is strugglingKameeta says even those earning good salaries are battling The poverty eradication minister says when President Hage Geingob talks about the war against poverty, he means every citizen should have access to basic human rights, and not luxury living. Poverty eradication minister Zephania Kameeta has slammed those who criticise the government's food bank initiative, saying even those critics with so-called good salaries are finding it hard to make ends meet.





“Even those with so-called good salaries are struggling to make ends meet and make it through the month, but then put yourself in the shoes of those that are unemployed,” Kameeta said at the official launch of the Rundu food bank at the weekend.

Kameeta said the dry food distributed to food bank beneficiaries only lasts about two weeks, but the bottom line is that it makes a difference in their lives.

“The food bank does not cover everything, it maybe just covers two weeks of the month, but the most important thing is that it makes a difference to people who have nothing,” Kameeta said.

He said when President Hage Geingob talks about the war against poverty, he means every citizen should have access to basic human rights, and not luxury living.

“When the president decided that we should fight the war against poverty, he did not mean that we have to buy everyone luxury houses or cars, but ensure that everyone has access to the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, clothing, clean drinking water and health services.”

Kameeta said the food bank is just another programme the government uses to take care of its citizens, while citing free education, drought relief and school feeding programmes as similar initiatives.

“The establishment of food banks is one such way of addressing hunger, especially in the urban and peri-urban areas.”

Regarding the concerns that food banks are not sustainable, given the financial situation the country is faced with, Kameeta said they had been budgeted for over the next three years, while taking into account an envisioned 10% increase in inflation.

About 949 residents from Rundu's urban and peri-urban areas have been registered as food bank beneficiaries, but thus far only 811 have been approved and received their parcels on Saturday.

Kameeta used the opportunity to urge the beneficiaries to not only depend on the handouts, but to seize the opportunity to empower themselves.

He explained that even though the food bank is sustainable for the next three years, he expects the beneficiaries to empower themselves.

“We are giving you the food to get the energy to work and for you to one day, for example, open a supermarket and be empowered. People must say that the owner of that shop was once a recipient of the food bank and now she is on her own. That's the idea behind the establishment of the food banks,” Kameeta said.

He said an assessment of the Khomas food bank pilot programme revealed that about 90% of the beneficiaries were food insecure before the intervention.

However, after the introduction of the food bank, 62% of them are now food secure.

Kameeta said his ministry, in consultation with key stakeholders, came up with more stringent criteria to ensure that only those confronted by extreme hunger and poverty, benefit from the food bank initiative.

He said the process of re-registering food bank beneficiaries in the Khomas Region has been completed.

KENYA KAMBOWE

No mechanical failure in Dippenaar crash

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No mechanical failure in Dippenaar crashNo mechanical failure in Dippenaar crash Mechanical failure cannot be blamed for the horrific accident that killed six people between Henties Bay and Swakopmund on 29 December 2014.

This statement was made in the Regional Court in Swakopmund yesterday when the murder trial against Jandré Dippenaar resumed.

“Taking the age and service history of both vehicles involved in this accident into consideration, mechanical problem or premature failure was not the cause of this accident,” testified State witness Martin Graham, who made it clear that human error was responsible for the horrific accident.

The murder case resumed yesterday after a break of little over a month.

Dippenaar is charged with six counts of murder. He is accused of having driven a white Toyota FJ Cruiser without a driving licence, having overtaken on a blind rise and thereafter colliding head-on with an oncoming Ford Ranger.

Dippenaar was the only survivor among the four occupants of the FJ Cruiser. JC Horn, Dinah Pretorius and Charlene Schoombee were killed. Of the four German tourists travelling in the Ford Ranger, only teenager Antonia Joschko survived. She lost her mother, father and sister. Yesterday, mechanical expert Martin Graham testified that he had investigated the cause of the accident together with accident reconstruction expert Johan Joubert. Joubert has already testified in the matter. Graham, who examined the wreckage of both vehicles, described the FJ Cruiser as “brand new”, as it had less than 10 000 kilometres on the clock at the time of the accident.





The Ford Ranger had 31 265 kilometres on the odometer and could also be described as a new car.

Although the FJ Cruiser had gone up in flames after the collision Graham examined the remaining parts, including the suspension and brakes, and could not find any defect or failure.

He testified that he was particularly interested in why the FJ Cruiser had burst into flames immediately after the collision. He came to the conclusion that the fuel-injection system had been damaged on impact.

“The pressure of the fuel leak at 147 kilopascals (kPa) is considered sufficient to ignite on contact with an almost red-hot exhaust manifold,” he testified, adding that “this process is an instant explosive combustion”.

The exhaust manifold was “very hot” due to the “very high speed” the car had been doing.

“An electrical short due to the location of the fuel filter in relation to the main electrical fuse box as an ignition source cannot be ruled out either,” he added.

Graham further found that at least one person sitting in the back of the FJ Cruiser had put on his seatbelt because the buckle of a safety belt was still found in the lock.

“It is therefore a possibility that the person occupying that particular seat could have survived the initial impact, as indications are that the seatbelt was engaged,” he concluded.

The trial before Magistrate Gaynor Poulton is set to continue today. Dippenaar is represented by advocate Louis Botes and lawyer Petrie Theron. State Advocate Ethel Ndlovu and prosecutor Faith Tjipepera represent the State.

ERWIN LEUSCHNER

No experiments - Mannetti

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No experiments - MannettiNo experiments - MannettiWarriors braced for Ghana clash Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti has ruled out dramatic changes, as they prepare to face the Black Stars of Ghana at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday. The much-anticipated Dr Hage Geingob Cup will take centre stage on Saturday, when the Brave Warriors clash with Ghana.

Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti said he is taking the competition seriously and that there won't be experimentation with the team's formation.

“I value the cup and take it seriously. I will also not take our opponents lightly and therefore I have once again called up players who played a significant role in the Africa Nations Cup preparations like Petrus Shitembi, Larry Horaeb, Willy Stephanus and Muna Katupose, amongst others,” said Mannetti.

He added he has also called up Gregory Auchumeb and the likes of newbie Elmo Kambinda, who is being touted to be the next big thing for the Warriors.

“Kambinda has great height and is a great prospect to have in the strike force in the long run. I brought him in to prepare him for the future.”

As the match approaches, it has also come to light that Ghana will not send some of their best players to face Namibia.

Five players who were supposed to be released from Asante Kotoko FC, namely Felix Annan, Amos Frimpong, Abass Mohamed, Richard Senanu and Emmanuel Gyanfi, will not feature in the match, as they are preparing to compete in the CAF Confederations Cup.

Mannetti, however, shut down questions about whether this will affect the competitiveness of the match.

“Ghana has quality in abundance; there is really no difference in their premier league and first division. They export players directly to Europe, so I'm not convinced that they will send a weak or second-fiddle team for the match.”

He added the Warriors want to retain the cup they won against Zambia last year.

In addition, Mannetti also fielded questions about Shitembi and Sadney Uri-Khob currently being clubless.

“The team policy of not including players who are not active with clubs still stands. Both of these players are aware of this. But they had a grace period, because of issues around the league. They still have time from now until March (next year) to sign with clubs.

“There is no way that they will be clubless for long with the skill and talent they have. They know the expectations of the nation,” Mannetti said.

The tickets for the match cost N$30 and gates will open at 10:00. The curtain-raiser is between the women's under-20 and under-23 national teams and will start at 13:00, while the main match kicks off at 16:00.



The Namibian squad is as follows:

Ratanda Mbazuvara (African Stars), Lloyd Kazapua (Maccabi FC - SA), Abel Amenenge (Life Fighters), Larry Horaeb (Tura Magic), Vitapi Ngaruka, Emilio Martin, Donovan Kandjaa and Dynamo Fredericks (Black Africa), Kennedy Eib (Mighty Gunners), Charles Hambira (Tura Magic), Gregory Auchumeb (Blue Waters), Aprocious Petrus (Eleven Arrows), Willy Stephanus (AC Kajaani - Finland), Benyamin Nengavu (Buildcon FC - Zambia), Ronald Ketjijere (African Stars), Marcel Papama, (Unam), Petrus Shitembi (unattached), Absalom Iimbondi (Tigers), Lucky Heita (Black Africa) Muna Katupose (Tigers), Sadney Uri-Khob (unattached) and Elmo Kambinda (Mighty Gunners).

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Uutoni gets sport expo ball rolling

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Uutoni gets sport expo ball rollingUutoni gets sport expo ball rolling Sports minister Erastus Uutoni has donated N$2 000 from his own wallet to get the ball rolling in terms of funding the first-ever Namibia Annual Sports Expo, which is slated for September next year.

Uutoni said he wants to encourage the rest of the nation to come on board, so that the expo materialises.

The minister said the expo will unite sport lovers and become a birthplace for ideas.

“For years we have relied on the ideas of others, but it is now time for locals to bring forth their own ideas to make the expo a success,” he said.

Uutoni also appointed a preparatory committee laden with expertise and knowledge.

“I appointed 15 members for the preparatory committee, which will deal with the planning of the highly-anticipated expo.

“We want to target sport and youth development, as well as to give a chance to exhibitors to show us their products. We also want to expose athletes to various materials and equipment they can use when competing.

“There were a great number of young people (at the stadium) when Namibia played Guinea-Bissau last Saturday. It just goes to show the significance of sport. These are the people whom we are targeting,” the minister said.

Uutoni urged sponsors to come on board. The preparatory committee members are as follows: Freddy Mwiya, Tracy Eagles, Reginald Hinda, Annalisa Jeremia, John Kangowa, Gaby Diana Ahrens, Walter Don, Tangeni Kambangula, Hamuntumwa Ndwulipulwa, Jessica Jacobs, Goldon Pokolo, Lettu Hamholo, Llegellyn Koopman, Nico Mwiya and Armas Shivute. The co-opted members are Sackie Shikufa, Manuel Samuel Carballo and Asser Haradoeb.

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Company news in brief

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Company news in briefCompany news in brief Steinhoff promotes commercial director to CEO

Steinhoff has appointed commercial director Louis du Preez, a key figure in its attempts to recover from a financial crisis, as its permanent chief executive, sending shares in the South African retailer as much as 15% higher on Monday.

Du Preez will replace acting CEO Danie van der Merwe, who will step down at the end of December, a year after the retailer revealed a multibillion-dollar hole in its finances.

“It is not too surprising who they have gone for given his role in driving the restructuring and this would be seen as a positive,” said Mark Hodgson, equities trader at Avoir Capital Markets.

At 1355 GMT, Steinhoff’s shares were up 8.7% at 1.99 rand, after earlier trading a higher as 2.14 rand.

Du Preez joined the Steinhoff group in mid-2017 and was nominated as commercial director and member of the management board on Dec. 19. He has jointly led negotiations in the restructuring of the group, the retailer said.

Steinhoff’s former permanent CEO Markus Jooste, who resigned after the scandal broke, is being investigated by South African authorities over the crisis that wiped more than 90 percent off the company’s market value and forced it to sell assets.

Creditors agreed in July to hold off on their debt claims for three years, throwing the company a lifeline and giving it three months to start restructuring its debt.

Steinhoff in October asked creditors for a one-month extension while it negotiates documents required for the restructuring.

“He is the ideal candidate to lead the company through the final stages of the restructuring and into the next phase of its development,” Chairperson Heather Sonn said of du Preez.

-Nampa/Reuters

Naspers sees higher first-half core headline profit

South African media and e-commerce giant Naspers Ltd said on Monday it expects first-half core headline earnings per share to be between 35% and 43% higher than a year earlier.

Cape Town-based Naspers, which owns the largest stake in China’s Tencent Holdings, said core headline earnings per share are expected to be between 98 cents to US$1.18 higher for the six months ended Sept. 30, from US$2.77 a year earlier.

Core headline earnings per share is Naspers’ main profit measure that strips out non-operational and one-off items.

Naspers said first-half earnings per share were significantly boosted by the once-off gain after it sold its entire 11.18% stake in Indian e-commerce firm Flipkart to Walmart Inc for US$2.2 billion.

-Nampa/Reuters

Disney's Fox deal gets China's approval

Walt Disney Co on Monday received unconditional approval from China for its deal to buy Twenty-First Century Fox’s entertainment assets, clearing one of the last major hurdles for the deal to go through.

Disney agreed to purchase Fox’s film and television assets for US$71.3 billion and received approval from European Commission earlier this month, subject to certain conditions.

Other major US-centric merger deals in the past year have run into trouble with Chinese regulators, against the backdrop of growing trade tensions.

The Fox assets being acquired include a cable group with FX Networks, National Geographic and 300-plus international channels, plus Fox’s stake in Hulu.

The deal would expand Disney’s unrivalled portfolio of some of the world’s most popular characters, uniting Mickey Mouse, Luke Skywalker and Marvel superheroes with Fox’s X-Men, “Avatar” and “The Simpsons” franchises.

Disney owns ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel Studios and “Star Wars” producer Lucasfilm, plus an array of theme parks.

-Nampa/Reuters

Rwanda's Bralirwa to start brewing Heineken beer locally

Rwanda’s biggest brewer, Bralirwa Ltd, will start making Heineken beer locally next month in a move that will allow it to cut retail prices by a fifth, it said on Monday.

Bralirwa, which produces local beers like Primus, has been importing Heineken made in the Netherlands. The company said the switch to brewing Heineken locally was made possible by investments in its plant.

The beer will also be exported to neighbouring countries. These include Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The price per bottle of Heineken will drop to 800 francs (US$0.9231) from 1 000 francs, once local production kicks in.

Rwanda will join Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Ethiopia as local producers of Heineken in Africa.

-Nampa/Reuters

Google to invest US$690 million in Danish data center

Alphabet Inc’s Google will invest 4.5 billion Danish crowns (US$690 million) in building a new data center in Fredericia, Denmark, its Danish unit announced on Tuesday.

Besides its plot in Fredericia, last year Google bought another plot in Denmark, in Aabenraa, next to a planned Apple Inc data center.

-Nampa/Reuters

Team Namibia geared up for games

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Team Namibia geared up for gamesTeam Namibia geared up for games Team Namibia's chef de mission for the 2018 African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Games, Anton Langerman, says their goal is to deliver better performances this year.

The under-20 games will be held in Gaborone, Botswana from 6 to 18 December, with Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe competing.

Langerman said it has been a tough year for teams preparing for the games, but he is hopeful they will do better with the little resources they have at their disposal.

“We wanted to host training sessions for all the selected teams in August and November, but due to financial constraints that could not happen. The teams will be in camp before we travel to Botswana on 3 December,” he said.

Despite the limited resources, Langerman said volleyball, basketball, boxing and football have already started preparing for the youth games.

“It would have been good if we had enough time for the teams to prepare, because most of these athletes are coming from different regions, and team sports need to train together for their composure.”

Langerman, however, said this year's teams have more athletes and they are hoping to bring more medals home and end among the top three at the games.

A group of 152 athletes were selected during the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) Youth Games held in the capital earlier this year. They will compete in athletics, para-athletics, boxing, judo, netball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, football (male and female) and basketball (male).

Team Namibia ended sixth overall with 40 medals at the 2016 edition held in Luanda, Angola.

A team of 125 athletes competed in women's football, track and field, boxing, basketball, netball, swimming, and tennis against nine other southern African countries.

Namibia collected five gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze medals.

NAMPA

NPL resumes on Sunday

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NPL resumes on SundayNPL resumes on SundayStars kick off CAF battle Mighty Gunners and Black Africa are the early MTC NPL pacesetters and are currently at the summit of the league. The MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) will continue on Sunday, a day after the Brave Warriors clash with Ghana in this year's Dr Hage Geingob Cup.

This is a repetition of what happened last weekend, when the Brave Warriors played Guinea-Bissau in an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier, given that the league matches also continued a day later, even though that specific clash was on the Fifa calendar.

Some players will have to miss league matches this weekend because of national team duty.

Okahandja United will host Civics FC at the Okahandja Stadium on Sunday at 16:00.

The two sides will be eager to register their first three points of the season, given that they have drawn one match each and have also endured a defeat.

Citizens FC travel to the south to play newly promoted Karasburg United at the Karasburg Stadium at 16:00.

Young Brazilians will be eager to redeem themselves at home, given that they are just one point above visitors Citizens who are eighth on the log. Eleven Arrows will look to continue with their early unbeaten run when they host Young African FC at the Kuisebmond Stadium at 16:00.

Unam FC who started off slowly with a defeat and a draw in their first two league encounters will battle it out against Life Fighters at the SKW stadium at 16:00.

Tura Magic FC has a mammoth task ahead of them as they will be hosting log leaders Mighty Gunners at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 16:00.

Gunners began the season in fine form after back-to-back NPL victories. Orlando Pirates will close off the weekend with a match against Blue Waters at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Sunday at 16:00.

“Yes I can confirm that the league games will take place as forwarded, given the time we have between now and the Christmas break.

“Football fans must continue supporting their respective teams, even if we also have to support the national team,” NPL administrator Tovey //Hoebeb said.

African Stars will not be in action over the weekend, as they will be travelling to the Comoros where they will play Volcano Club De Moroni FC on 27 November in their Confederations of African Football (CAF) Champions League preliminary first leg match.

Mighty Gunners are currently leading the log with six points, followed by Black Africa - also on six points - while Tura Magic occupies the third spot with four points.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Khairabeb a dhigi po oSwapo

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Khairabeb a dhigi po oSwapoKhairabeb a dhigi po oSwapo Omunambelewa nale omudhiginini gwiiniwe melelo lyoSwapo Party Elders Council, mOtjiwarongo, Benjamin Khairabeb, ngoka a kala a kuthwa manga miilonga okuza muMaalitsa gwomvula yo 2015, okwa thigi po ongundu tayi pangele.

Khairabeb okwa li ta pangulilwa okwiihumbata konayi, sho aniwa a ningi iigongi inayi pitikwa nokuheka iilyo yongundu opo yi mu hogolole a vule okuninga kansela melelo lyondoolopa ndjoka, pethimbo lyomahogololo ngoka ga ningwa muNovemba gwomvula yo 2014.

Okwa tindi iipotha mbyoka ta tamanekelwa ta popi kutya ngoka omalundilo ta ningilwa kiilyo yongundu mbyoka yi li ompinge naye mOtjiwarongo.

Okwa lombwele oNampa mOmaandaha kutya okwa gandja omukanda gwe gwethigepo lyongundu moombelewa mOtjiwarongo oshiwike sha piti, mEtine.

Momukanda ngoka a gandja, Khairabeb okwa popi kutya okwa tokola okuthiga po ongundu omolwa oshipotha she shoka osha kala uule wethimbo ngashiingeyi, omanga ina ningilwa omutumba gweutho nenge ku katukwe oonkatu dhimwe. Okwa popi kutya ina ihumbatelwa pauyuuki.

“Onda thigwa kandi na we shoka tandi vulu okuninga, kakele kokuthiga po ongundu.”

Khairabeb okwa popi kutya okwa hala okuya mefudho manga, nokufudha po okuza kopolotika nokutala kiinima ye yopaumwene.

Omukwatakanithi gwoSwapo, moshitopolwa shaOtjozondjupa, Susan Hikopua mOmaandaha okwa popi kutya okwa uvu kombinga yethige po lyoSwapo lyaKhairabeb, moombelewa dhongundu moshitopolwa, ihe ina yakula natango omukanda.

Okwa popi kutya uuna a galukile mombelewa nena andola, otaka ninga omutumba naKhairabeb opo ya kundathane kombinga yeikutho lye mongundu ndjoka.

Khairabeb okwa wayimine oSwapo momvula yo 1978.

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