Robisch and Looser make a dash

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Robisch and Looser make a dashElectrifying cycle race sets Namibia alight The usual suspects dominated the solo categories in the Nedbank Desert Dash. Rebecca Robisch; German cyclist - “This was the hardest race ever for me due to the strong headwind that prevailed in the beginning.”

Swiss rider Konny Looser (29) once again crossed the finish line of the 14th edition of the Nedbank Desert Dash first for a fourth consecutive time.

Rebecca Robisch (30) from Germany clinched the women's solo title of the gruelling 373km mountain-bike race from Windhoek to Swakopmund for a third consecutive time.

Looser, who finished in a time of 14 hours and 22 minutes, said the third stage of the race was the toughest for him.

“Winning is nice but being on the bike was no fun at all. During the first half we raced against a strong wind and I suffered from stomach cramps. I had to fight. A win is a win and I am happy that I could achieve my goal.

“I had to be very careful not to over-pace and stayed with the Godwana team to save energy. I am lucky that it worked for me in the end.”

He added that the mood and vibe of the race served as motivation for him.

“Riding past Kupferberg is quite spectacular with all the fans watching and cheering the riders on. The whole race is simply great.”

Asked if he would do the Desert Dash again next year, Looser said he was unsure.

Robisch, who finished the race in 17 hours and 17 minutes, said she wanted to give up at one stage but her mother insisted that she continue. A turning point for her was the fact that she caught up with Irene Steyn, who was leading the race in the first half.

“This was the hardest race ever for me due to the strong headwind that prevailed in the beginning. I struggled a lot during the first half of the race and thought of giving up. My mom told me to keep going to the next stage. I started feeling better and drafted with the men to preserve some energy for the end.”

Robish complimented the organisers on presenting a spectacular race with a familiar feel.

“I enjoy returning to Namibia and this particular Desert Dash taught me not to give up and never to stop. I however think that I won't do another Desert Dash.”

Drikus Coetzee, who set the pace from the start and was caught by Looser during the second stage, finished as runner-up in the men's solo category in a time of 14 hours and 56 minutes. Jacques Tattersall was third.

Irene Steyn finished second in the women's solo category with Ciska van der Byl following in third place.

The first four-man team to cross the finish line was Gondwana Masters - Piet Swiegers, Rob Sim, Nico Pfitzenmaier and Corrie Muller - in a time of 14 hours and 22 minutes.

They surprised everybody by outpacing the favoured Nedbank Private Wealth team consisting of Tjipe Murangi, Herbert Peters, Alex Miller and Vianney Links, who finished fourth.

Hollard finished in second position and Megatech Mannies Bike Mecca in third.

R&R Importers won the four-member mixed team category followed by Indongo Toyota in second and Team Hollard third. The two-man team event was won by Team Hollard followed by NCCS and team Cycles4U.

The winning two-woman team was Swakopmund Guesthouse, followed by Paratus.

Husband and wife Christiaan and Silke Bean of Team Beauty and the Bean won the two-member mixed team event. Team FNB, consisting of Marion Schonecke and Ananias Tamati, finished second. Dalie Maritz and Willie Junius of team Pari Passu came third.

Carmen Johannes, Jenny Phal, Nicola Fester and Heide Hobohm of team Speedy Sloths clinched the four-woman team category.

Team Epieq Women, consisting of Lelane van Wyk, Lindie Loock, Charmine Grobler and Mayvonne Swart, finished as runners-up. Swart (16), a learner at Pro Ed Academy, was the youngest rider to complete this year's Desert Dash.

More than 1 000 riders from 14 different countries participated in the world's longest single-stage mountain-bike race.

Completing the Dash is an illustrious achievement all cyclists want tick off their list, commented Gernot de Klerk, the head of marketing and communications at Nedbank.

“The Desert Dash is not only a physical challenge but also a mental endurance challenge. There is no easy or quick way to conquer the Dash, and the time in the saddle before the race, as cyclists say, is what makes all the difference. After all the hard work, the rush of tackling the treacherous route is an experience that stays with you forever.”

As usual, an electrifying atmosphere prevailed at the starting line at the Grove Mall in Windhoek on Friday at 15:00. Family, friends and cycling enthusiasts welcomed home the weary, but supremely satisfied and proud cyclists at the finish line at Swakopmund's Platz am Meer mall on Saturday.

Organiser Mannie Heymans expressed satisfaction with the event and said the new finish line at the mall was warranted due to space constraints at Tiger Reef.

Four solo riders, Uwe Diekmann, Gerhard Gulewitz, Patrick Muppertz and Christoph Meier, participated in the Desert Dash to raise funds for the Pro Namibian Children's home. The home caters to 120 orphans and vulnerable children, and is based at Omomas Farm. The riders managed to raise N$750 000 for the home.

Solo cyclist Ettienne Soekoe took on the challenge to raise funds for the Insimbi Legacy Projects, a non-profit company raising funds to protect the white rhino. The funds raised are to assist the anti-poaching team in the Bosveld, Speranza and Messina areas in South Africa. The daily protection cost to protect Bosveld, Speranza and Messina is R261. For 365 days the cost is R95 286.

The Old Dogs for Wild Dogs, a four-person grandmaster men's team, took on the 373-kilometre challenge to raise funds for the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The team includes Len le Roux, one of the founders of the Desert Dash in 2005, Vincent Shaw, Andreas Brückner and Ecki Fyer. The fund aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions.

LEANDREA LOUW

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World food prices fall to lowest in more than 2 years

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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World food prices fall to lowest in more than 2 yearsOil at 12-year dip Dairy prices dropped 3.3% from October to last month, for a sixth straight monthly decline, and meat prices slipped slightly.

World food prices declined in November to their lowest level in more than two years, led by declines in vegetable oils, dairy and cereal, the United Nations food agency said.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) food price index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 160.8 points last month, down from a revised 162.9 in October, and its lowest level since May 2016.

The UN body's Cereal Price Index averaged almost 164 points in November, down 1.1% from October. Vegetable oil prices fell for a 10th consecutive month, by 7.6% on the month and reaching a 12-year low.

Cereal prices fell partly because new crops weighed on rice export quotations and export competition drove down maize, FAO said.

Palm oil prices fell considerably "fuelled by both persisting large inventories in leading exporting countries and the recent contraction in global mineral oil prices," it said.

Soy and sunflower oil prices weakened due to "abundant supplies across the US, the EU and several emerging markets and positive production prospects in the Black Sea region."

Dairy

Dairy prices dropped 3.3% from October, for a sixth straight monthly decline, and meat prices slipped slightly.

FAO said global cereals output in 2018/19 was seen at 2.595 billion tonnes, down marginally from the previous forecast and 2.4% below last year's record high production.

FAO's forecast for world wheat production in 2018/19 was 725.1 million tonnes, 2.8 million tonnes lower than the previous forecast, "reflecting reduced estimates for this year's harvests in Turkey and the Russian Federation," FAO said.

FAO's forecast for world cereal stocks at the close of seasons in 2019 was 762 million tonnes, unchanged from November. – Nampa/Reuters

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Kind Mbaeva gives back

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Kind Mbaeva gives backKeeper respects elders For Maximilian Mbaeva, giving is not a problem because he remembers were he came from.

Brave Warriors and Golden Arrows goalkeeper Maximilian Mbaeva has supported the Gobabis community by donating N$10 000 to the Epako old-age home.

The former Desert Rollers player says he felt the need to help the elderly and those in need.

“I seriously do not even want to be thanked for this because what I did was just out of my own will.

“It is important to support where you come from because love is the most important thing.

“I see people being successful but never looking back at their former homes and that is one of the most painful things to me,” Mbaeva says.

He was a regular starter for Golden Arrows in the South African premiership for almost two seasons, until he suffered a concussion towards the end of the 2016/17 season.

Mbaeva made his debut for Arrows in August 2014 and went on to make over 80 appearances for the club.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper's highest number of appearances for Arrows was during the 2014/15 season, when he played 30 matches in league and cup competitions.

Mbaeva has lost his first place in the Namibian national team to Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Virgil Vries.

“I am still determined to help more people out of generosity because you never know who you will need in the future.

“The most important thing is I am still happy at the club where I play and I consider myself lucky because of how I treat my elders.”

STAFF REPORTER

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Kanalelo leaves Unam for Maritzburg

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Kanalelo leaves Unam for Maritzburg

University of Namibia (Unam) Football Club head coach and Brave Warriors assistant coach Ronny Kanalelo has resigned from his club to pursue a coaching career in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) with Maritzburg United.

Speaking to Nampa on Thursday, the former national team captain and goalkeeper said he was offered a job in the Maritzburg team and he took the offer.

“I will know my role in the technical team by tomorrow. The club knows my capabilities and they also know how passionate I am about coaching. I am looking forward to this new challenge. I know the coach as we worked together before, so I know what to expect,” Kanalelo said.

He added that he will be available for the Brave Warriors until the expiry of head coach Ricardo Mannetti's contract in the middle of next year, from where he will consider his position as assistant coach.

Unam Football Club board chairperson Frednard Gideon confirmed to Nampa that they had received Kanalelo's resignation letter.

“We discussed the issue with the coach and we had no choice but to accept his resignation. Assistant coach James Britz will be in charge until January, from where we will make a new appointment. As a club we wish Kanalelo all the best,” said Gideon.

He added that they will look at local coaches first before casting their net wider.

Kanalelo leaves Unam in the relegation zone on position 13 of the 16-member log with one win, one draw and one defeat, giving them four points.

Maritzburg United are currently being coached by Fadluraghman Davids, who is assisted by Mahier Davids and Siya Mdluli.

The team is currently sitting in position 12 in the PSL.

They will play Black Leopards on 12 December at home before travelling to Supersport United in Pretoria.

They will finish off this year's programme with a home match against Baroka before breaking for the festive season.

NAMPA

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Nghiwete fights back

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Nghiwete fights backClaims victimisation The suspended NSFAF CEO says the board is not properly appointed.

Suspended CEO of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), Hilya Nghiwete, has filed an application with the High Court in which she claims that the NSFAF board was not properly appointed and has no authority to institute disciplinary steps against her.

Nghiwete says the board's appointment, composition and constitution was done in terms of the NSFAF Amendment Act of 2014, which is yet to come into force and is therefore invalid.

Higher education minister, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, in January announced the appointment of the new board chaired by Jerome Mutumba for a one-year term in terms of the NSFAF Amendment Act of 2014.

However, when Kandjii-Murangi realised that this legislation is not yet in force, board members were issued with new appointment letters - this time for a three-year term – in terms of the NSFAF Act of 2000, read together with the Public Enterprises Governance Act of 2015.

Nghiwete was then also appointed as an ex-officio member on the board.

Victimisation

Nghiwete, in her founding application, claimed to have been subjected to continuous victimisation by the previous and current NSFAF board of directors on “spurious and unfounded allegations”, saying there seems to be a determined effort to unfairly and unlawfully terminate her employment at NSFAF.

Nghiwete said as soon as the new board commenced its term, it became clear that it wanted to get rid of her and “without hesitation victimised” her.

This victimisation, she said, particularly came from Mutumba, who among others, made “disparaging and defamatory allegations” against her on NBC's One-on-One television programme without her having been given an opportunity to be heard.

Kandjii-Murangi in her answering affidavit said she is not aware of any ulterior motive by the current board to get rid of Nghiwete.

Acting CEO of NSFAF, Kennedy Kandume in court papers filed on behalf of the fund, denied the claims of victimisation, saying the board is trying to resolve allegations of maladministration and misconduct levelled against Nghiwete.

He said if the board had preferred not to deal with these matters, there is the potential of eroded public trust and dissatisfaction. He also said the former board at no stage took any action to unfairly and unlawfully terminate Nghiwete's contract.

Kandume further stated that Nghiwete knew all along that the NSFAF Amendment Act had not yet come into force because she – as the CEO of the fund – had at all times operated as if the Amendment Act had come into operation.

Disciplinary action

Nghiwete was suspended on 14 April pending the institution of a disciplinary hearing. She registered her objection at receiving the charges formulated against her later than the requisite 14 days.

She received an electronic unsigned version of the charges on 30 April after it was communicated to her that a forensic investigation of the charges by KPMG would take longer than two weeks.

A disciplinary hearing was convened for 7 May, but Nghiwete requested an adjournment to secure legal representation.

She was again served with additional charges on 20 September, and the disciplinary hearing was scheduled for 3 October.

Despite Nghiwete's argument that the board was illegally appointed and therefore cannot suspend or press charges against her, the chairperson of the disciplinary hearing, Clement Daniels, directed on 9 October that the hearing must proceed.

Nghiwete said this decision is “unsound and bad in law” for a number of reasons.

The disciplinary process is stayed until the finalisation of her High Court application.

CATHERINE SASMAN

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Swapo reinstates recalled councillors

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Swapo reinstates recalled councillors

The Swapo Party has resolved to reinstate all six Oshakati town councillors who were recalled last month for not following instructions from the party headquarters.

The party's Oshana regional coordinator, Samuel Nelongo, said yesterday that the decision was taken on Thursday during an extraordinary regional executive committee meeting.

The recommendation was then forwarded to the Swapo secretary-general and was endorsed by her on Friday.

The councillors were recalled because they had defied a directive by secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa regarding the election of office-bearers.

Their reinstatement was on the condition that they stick to the directive.

Shaningwa's directive was that Gabriel Kamwanka, who had served as chairperson of the Oshakati town council management committee for seven years, was to be replaced by Onesmus Shilunga, who recently rejoined the council.

Instead, former mayor Katrina Shimbulu was chosen as the new chairperson instead.

This resulted in Shaningwa recalling the six councillors.

“The reinstatement comes with a condition that the councillors adhere to the directive,” Nelongo said.

This means that Shilunga will serve as the chairperson of the management committee, with Shimbulu and Loise Shivolo as additional members.

Angelus Iyambo will retain his position as mayor of Oshakati, deputised by Ndamonghenda Hamunyela. Kamwanka and Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) representative Linus Tobias will serve as ordinary council members.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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The joy and love in Christmas carols

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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The joy and love in Christmas carols Justicia Shipena

Some people dislike December because they hate hearing Christmas music everywhere they go, or because standing in those long lines to purchase your favourite snack is unbearable. I don’t think I am one of those people. Christmas music is one of the few things that bridges the gap between different genres and brings many people together.

There are the classics, the ones that our parents and grandparents grew up with, singing along to. Nat King Cole’s rendition of Silent Night, Bing Crosby and David Bowie singing Little Drummer Boy and Barenaked Ladies’ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, are all near the top of my ideal Christmas playlist.

Then there are the pop carols by NSYNC which is a boy band that broke up in 2002 but their carols such as Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays still continue to bring up cheer to many. Other pop carols include Justin Bieber’s Mistletoe, Band Aid’s oddly racist Do They Know It’s Christmas.

Most are forgettable. But one of these newer attempts is, in fact, a near perfect Christmas song. Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You is that song which was released 24 years ago and it’s pretty trendy to complain about this song, so I think it’s necessary to defend its honour this and every holiday season.

Other declarations of love are more subtle, quiet and safe, but Mariah doesn’t want subtle or quiet or safe. In her song All I Want For Christmas Is You, the love Mariah feels is bursting at the seams and there’s nothing she can do but belt a high A about it.

There’s something liberating about how happy this song is. Mariah’s affections may be unrequited, but she’s not going to let that stop her. Her earnest devotion is probably part of the reason why people think they don’t like it. Her openness and unabashed emotion make them uncomfortable in a culture where we are supposed to hide our feelings all the time. Mariah’s not hiding anything.

So here is the truth during the Christmas season, no one wants to be alone. Christmas, more than any other holiday, including Valentine’s Day, is about love. From a theological perspective, it’s John 3:16: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who so believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life.” That’s the greatest love of all.

However secularly, gifts are bought, cards are exchanged and families and friends gather round all because of love and we come together to remember what’s really important: each other and the love we share.

Yes, this is a little schmaltzy, but Christmas is the one time of the year when it’s okay to be schmaltzy. Have you seen Love Actually? The theme of that movie is that love actually is all around, but it’s especially all around at Christmas. That’s a theme I can get behind.

But when you’re surrounded by so much schmaltz and the love is not present, it’s a little less merry and bright. This brings me back to Mariah’s song. I had a conversation with mid-20s woman and she told me that almost every Christmas, she has earnestly sung along because her words resonate. She does not care about the gifts she receives but she just wants love for her own, more than the other person could ever know. All she wants for Christmas is you.

If this column was part of one of the vignettes in Love Actually, this paragraph would identify who that “you” is, but that’s sort of irrelevant at the moment. The magic of the song is that everyone has a “you”. After all, if the song only resonated with a few people, it wouldn’t be so popular. But many singers have recorded their own, inferior versions because it speaks to all of us.

Maybe it’s someone you have a crush on, maybe it’s your long-distance girlfriend or maybe it’s your family who you won’t see on Christmas Day. It might be a little needy or selfish, but we all just want love for Christmas. Mariah’s right… no amount of gifts could ever change this human desire.

In general, I think the many different cultures in Namibia place too strong of an emphasis on romantic love as the most important or only relationship we can have, and that we don’t value our platonic bonds enough. So I don’t mean to suggest that the platonic friendships I will celebrate all month long aren’t as important as a hypothetical relationship with a hypothetical boyfriend.

After all, my favourite plot in Love Actually is about the friendship between an aging rock star and his manager. The love I have for my family and friends is important and life-sustaining and wonderful. But sometimes, when the mistletoe comes out, and the couples cuddle and I’m left with visions of unrequited love dancing in my head, it’s good to know Mariah’s got my back with the song I’ll be singing in the shower all month long.

I end by saying, we are all hyped by what we can do and enjoy in the holiday hence I urge you all to do it responsibly. Remember to sing along and happy festive season!

justicia@myzone.com.na

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Africa Briefs

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Africa Briefs

Fitch keeps SA's rating unchanged

Ratings firm Fitch on Thursday kept South Africa sub-investment grade credit rating steady at subinvestment and maintained its stable outlook, but warned that low growth and the rising debt of state-owned firms posed a risk.

Africa's most industrialised economy has barely grown in the past decade with fiscal missteps and government corruption contributing to weak business and consumer confidence.

Fitch rates both Pretoria's foreign and local currency debt at 'BB+', one notch below investment grade.

"South Africa's ratings are weighed down by low growth potential, sizeable government debt and contingent liabilities," Fitch said in a statement.

Of the top three ratings firms only Moody's has the country's sovereign rating in investment grade. – Nampa/Reuters

Deadly ranch invasion shows land-use conflicts in Kenya

Renewed invasions of private ranches by herders in Kenya's northern Laikipia region a year after similar invasions led to deadly conflicts is a sign of cracks in the country's land use system, experts said.

A herder was shot dead when police tried to confiscate his cattle after they invaded one of the ranches last week, police and ranchers said.

Increased droughts due to climate change, as well as population growth and the enclosure of public lands, have pushed many traditional nomads to move onto grazing land on private ranches.

"This is really putting pressure on normal pastoralists in terms of where they are going to access pasture and water," said Nyangori Ohenjo, programme manager at Centre for Minority Rights Development.

The conflict in Laikipia highlights the struggle for land between indigenous communities and conservationists across the world, Ohenjo said, and is partly a legacy of Kenya's colonial past. – Nampa/Reuters

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Clash of the keyboard warriors

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Clash of the keyboard warriorsNamLAN brings together best electronic gamers Not every sport is about kicking or hitting a ball - some prefer more sedentary pursuits such as computer games.

For the eleventh year in a row, the Namibian Electronic Sports Association (NESA) hosted its annual LAN event at the Unam gym hall last week.

Namibian gamers competed for cash prizes totalling N$30 000.

The games included FIFA18 and Tekken 7 on PlayStation4, and League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on PC.

NESA thanked the sponsors - KIA Motors, Monster Energy, Rocomamas, BDO, Radio Energy 100FM, Future CC, MikelJes Music Productions and Link Media - for being part of the initiative.

“Without their contributions, NamLAN would not be possible. NESA would also like to thank all the volunteers who assisted in making sure that the event ran as smoothly as possible,” the organisers said.

The winners were:

FIFA 18

• Mapenzi Chimana

• Eugene Morkal

• Tristan Meyer

Tekken7

• Freddy Mazila

• Flip de Bruyn

• Shosho Chiinda

League of Legends

• Braai Time Gaming

• Poro Squad

• RayODT

Counter Strike: Global Offensive

• EZK 25:17

• Braai Time Gaming

• RayODT

Assetto Corsa

• Louis van der Merwe (with a lap time of 01:43:556)

• Edan Farmer (with a lap time of 01:46:954)

• David Beukes (with a lap time of 01:46:556)

Best overall placements for clans

• Braai Time Gaming

• EZK 25:17 & RayODT

• Poro Squad

Best overall placements for players

• Jonathan Calitz

• Flip de Bruyn

•Tristan Meyer, Freddy Mazila, David Adams, Andries Steyn, Henry Page

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

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My top picks for 2018

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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My top picks for 2018 I was struggling to pick my best columns of the year because they all made an impact but I had to choose just two to remind my lovely readers of what my 2018 has been like. I was struggling to pick my top columns of the year because they all made an impact but I had to choose just two to remind my readers what my 2018 has been like.

Let's avoid a football disaster

I am worried about the stampedes that have been occurring at the Sam Nujoma Stadium whenever the national football team plays a big match.

I am writing this with the tragedy that happened in South Africa in 2013 in mind, where 43 people were crushed to death during a stampede at a game between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Ellis Park Stadium.

I have observed that many times whenever the Sam Nujoma Stadium is packed to capacity, officials often end up opening the entry gates because people start pressing towards the entry points in large numbers, which creates havoc.

Just about a week ago when Namibia played Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the same thing happened even though the gates were not damaged this time around.

In 2016, the same thing happened, where people damaged one of the gates after forcing themselves into the stadium during a Cosafa Cup match against Botswana.

The gates later had to be opened and people who had not bought tickets entered for free.

Now that was a loss for the NFA which could have made more money from gate takings.

This kind of pushing and shoving can lead to a disaster and leaves people afraid to go the stadium.

Some parents want to take their children to watch the national team's games, but they fear that their children could end up trapped in a stampede.

I understand that MTC recently held a music show at the stadium that was packed to capacity but there was no stampede, unlike at football matches.

It was said that MTC used more entry points and that made it easy for people to enter the stadium.

At football matches, only two entry points are used.

The other problem is caused by football fans who buy tickets just minutes before kickoff.

Others arrive just before kickoff, which creates long queues at the entry points.

These habits could result in injury and death because a large number of people force their way into the stadium at the last moment.

My advice is that the NFA must use all possible entry points to the stadium, especially when Namibia is playing important matches.

More security guards must be deployed to control spectators who push towards the entry points.

Education is important for sport stars

Many sports personalities suffer hardship after they end their careers because they do not have the necessary education to find other jobs.

We have seen so many sports personalities whose lives have been shattered after retiring even if they had lived a lavish life before.

It is sad that most of these individuals end up looking as if they never had anything at all.

The most important cause of all this is because these sports personalities never invested in education.

It becomes hard for them to find a job because they do not have the necessary qualifications required for a specific job.

Back in the day at several schools, a person needed a high grading in his/her subjects in order to be part of the school sport team.

This was a practice which ensured that those who had a passion for sport had to work harder academically in order to be part of the team.

It is a practice I hope returns in several schools in order to help the talented sports people progress in their studies.

The benefits of sport are far beyond the impact on physical well-being and the value of the educational benefits of sport should not be underestimated.

I must also note that it is worrisome that most of these people that fail to have a proper life after their sport careers end are those that played football.

I have observed that our premier league clubs turn a blind eye to helping their players in terms of advising them to get a proper education.

That is why we see most of our footballers on the streets after ending their sport careers.

We also can't shy away from the fact that there is a huge gap between the educational standards of most rugby players compared to football players.

If one has to take a look at most of the players playing rugby at the moment, we can see that many of them are either studying or have a decent job.

A different story can however be told about most of our footballers because they only focus on playing football and settling for a sub-standard life.

I know there are those that would say they do not have the funds in order to pursue their academics.

However, I must say that there are those that can afford to study, but they still prefer to stay away from academic-related activities.

One cannot also just say that not all football players are shying away from studying.

Romario Ndjavera, Ronald Ketjijere and Brian Bantam are a few examples of the footballers who focused on their studies while playing the beautiful game.

These guys are very talented in football, but they saw that they had to invest into education because they will not play the beautiful game forever.

jesse@namibiansun.com

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Suitable for the Namibian context

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Suitable for the Namibian context

We were pleased to see that the justice minister, Sacky Shangala, has held consultations with regards to sales in execution of homes. He met with stakeholders in the industry on Thursday of last week. Of late, there have been several media reports of homes being taken from their owners, in most cases those most vulnerable, due to unpaid municipal accounts or bond instalments overdue.

According to Shangala, the matter of educating the public on their responsibilities for home loans is very important. However, one of his suggestions is that banks develop some sort of system where, if a bond holder loses his or her job, a 'payment holiday' can kick in.

Shangala suggested six months where the bank expects no instalments and the homeowner has some time to either secure new employment or, can put the home on the market.

According to the Bank of Namibia's regulations, commercial banks have the responsibility to litigate if a bond has not received payment after 90 days. On the 91st day, the bank must litigate.

While we agree that it is ultimately up to the homeowner to contact the bank should they not be able to make payments, Namibia has special circumstances where bond holders may not understand the gravity of not making any payments.

Banks are not in the business of owning houses but as the system stands, they can auction that property off and if the outstanding loan is not settled by that sale, they simply move again after the homeowner to fully settle the loan.

The banks have more protection than the people. A payment holiday would be a great window of relief for many in this country.

Namibians are struggling to get by in these trying times and home ownership is often the result of years of battling to qualify for a loan and then pay it off. To provide some relief, especially to those most vulnerable would, in our view, be very suitable for Namibian conditions.

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Nam remains in junk grip

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Nam remains in junk gripMoody’s keeps negative outlook Moody’s estimates that, in the absence of shocks, government’s fiscal consolidation path is achievable. Renewed and persistent downward pressure on the South African rand, and the Namibian dollar which is pegged to it, would raise the burden of US dollar-denominated debt which Moody's currently estimates to be around 11.4% of GDP as of 2017. – Moody’s

Moody’s on Friday keep Namibia’s credit rating at junk and maintained its negative outlook for the sovereign.

“The negative outlook reflects Namibia's persistent vulnerability to a range of shocks that would weigh on revenue, increase financing costs and, as a result, weaken fiscal strength and raise liquidity and external vulnerability risks,” Moody’s said.

It added that the affirmation of the Ba1 rating reflects Namibia's gradually improving medium-term growth prospects and moderate wealth levels that support the economy's shock absorption capacity.

Moody’s estimates that, in the absence of shocks, government’s fiscal consolidation path is achievable. Government plans a gradual fiscal consolidation, with the deficit narrowing to 4.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the current fiscal year ending March 2019 and 4.0% for 2019/20, from 5.0% of GDP in 2017/18 and a peak at 8.3% in 2015/16.

Combined with improving but still moderate nominal GDP growth, it would slow but not halt the increase in the debt burden, to around 46.7% of GDP in 2019/20 from 42% in 2017/18, Moody’s said.

“At these levels, the debt burden is higher than the median level for Ba1-rated sovereigns (32.9% in 2017). A relatively broad revenue base and moderate overall cost of debt supports debt affordability.

“Moody's estimates that interest payments absorbed around 8.9% of revenue in 2017, comparable to the median level of 9.3% for Ba1-rated sovereigns. However, consolidation at the projected pace would not quickly remove the sovereign's vulnerability to a range of potential negative developments that would weigh on revenue and/or raise financing costs,” the agency said.

SACU

Moody’s warned that “Namibia is and will, in the absence of faster consolidation, remain vulnerable to lower SACU revenue (about one third of total revenue) than currently assumed by the government and Moody's”.

Related to SACU revenue, with about 20% of exports shipped to South Africa, Namibia's economic environment remains closely tied to that of its main trading partner, Moody’s said.

“Moody's expects a gradual increase in GDP growth in South Africa but the significant challenges it faces in achieving sustained robust growth point to downside risks that would spill over and dampen Namibia's government revenue,” it said.

Government revenue is also partly linked to commodity prices, Moody’s continued. “The royalties and income from the diamond sector and from other mineral ores provide a source of revenue for the government that is vulnerable to production or price shortfalls.”

While the government plans several measures to improve revenue generation capacity and tax administration, including establishing a new revenue agency planned for 2019, the effectiveness of these measures in raising revenue in a stable growth and commodity price environment and in improving the resilience of revenue to weaker growth and prices developments is untested, according to the rating agency.

It added that a large wage bill which accounts for around 50% of government expenditure constrains the government's capacity to cut spending and restore fiscal consolidation should revenue collection be lower than currently expected.

Turbulence

Namibia's fiscal outlook is vulnerable to a tightening in financing conditions, in particular external financing conditions, potentially resulting from turbulent global financial markets, Moody’s said.

“Renewed and persistent downward pressure on the South African rand, and the Namibian dollar which is pegged to it, would raise the burden of US dollar-denominated debt which Moody's currently estimates to be around 11.4% of GDP as of 2017.

“Should prospects of slower fiscal consolidation dent the confidence of domestic banks in macroeconomic stability, the cost of financing domestic debt, including a large stock of T-bills (11.6% of GDP in October, 2018) would rise and rapidly weaken debt affordability,” Moody’s said.

Namibia also has a sub-investment rating at Fitch Ratings.

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Street kids want to zula

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Street kids want to zulaMost street kids have homes A study on Windhoek street children shows that most of them have homes to return to but they enjoy living without adult supervision and earning money by illicit means.

A Unam study has found that street children return to the streets where they engage in prostitution, mainly because they get used to being their own bosses and making their own money.

The study found that the majority of Windhoek street children were born in Windhoek, with a few who hail from Zimbabwe and South Africa, while those from outside Windhoek are predominantly from Rehoboth and Keetmanshoop. There are a handful from Gobabis and Oshikango as well as Lüderitz and Swakopmund.

The Demographic Profile of Street Children: A study of Windhoek, 2015, was commissioned by the gender equality and child welfare ministry to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of street children in Windhoek, as the population remains unknown.

The study compiled by Unam social work students found that the majority of the street children are boys between the ages 11 and 18 who are able to return to a family home, and that the majority of them are Damara-speaking with the smallest number speaking Shona as home language.

The study also found that the majority of these street children have only attended school to grade 8.

The study also made two important distinctions, namely 'children on the streets', which refers to children who have homes to return to but are on the street to earn money, and 'children of the streets', which refers to homeless children who have no families. The former group is the majority.

The study also showed that most of these children grew up with single mothers and grandparents.

Those who grew up with other relatives or a stepparent are at risk of living on and off the streets.

The study also indicated that the overwhelming majority of street children are boys (84%), and girls or young women at 16%.

“The lesser reasons why the children are pushed onto the streets are hostile home environments such as alcohol abuse and divorce, as well as their own defiant behaviour such as the use of illicit drugs and non-adherence to a structured environment. Primarily, poverty drives these children to the streets,” the report states.

It adds that a sense of belonging has considerable influence over street children's decision to stay on or off the streets.

Means of income

According to the study, street children's primary source income is begging and stealing (58%), followed by prostitution and selling illicit drugs.

The majority of street children were born in the capital while some hail from southern Namibia and surrounding towns.

The border and coastal towns of Namibia are prone to the presence of street children as the highest percentage outside Windhoek first lived on the streets in these towns, the study found.

Street children also confirmed that they had been approached by drug dealers who wanted them to sell illicit drugs.

The majority of the children are often rounded up by the police, their own parents or caregivers, ministry officials and staff from the government after-school centre.

The study also found that while most of the street children indicated money in their pockets will keep them off the street, about half of them have no parents to return to who can support them financially.

Recommendations

The study recommended the development of targeted risk programmes for boys.

It also recommended a strengthened monitoring and reporting system of foster placements beyond the superficial provision of basic needs by the social welfare sector to identify children at risk of maltreatment, defiant behaviour and assessing if caregivers still wish to foster or care for a child.

The study also suggested that there is a need to strengthen the legal framework to identify child prostitution and to address the reasons why minors are taken and held at police stations.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Hambukushu chief gets support

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Hambukushu chief gets support

Supporters of Hambukushu chief Erwin Munika Mbambo believe that certain top government officials are behind a committee trying to overthrow the chief.

This allegation was made on Saturday at Mukwe in the Kavango East Region, where hundreds of people came together to show their support for Chief Mbambo.

Talking to Namibian Sun on the sidelines, some supporters claimed that the committee trying to overthrow the chief was not doing it in the interest of the tribe but to serve the interest of certain individuals in government who want easy access to land in the Hambukushu area.

“It is no secret that in other parts of the country, access to land is a challenge and now they are targeting our land through this committee.

“Unfortunately our chief is a straight talker and values the land he administers and that is a characteristic that others don't like. That is why they will only have their way if they remove him,” one supporter said.

The committee chaired by Casius Mukenah last month held a referendum to determine whether Mbambo should remain the chief of the Hambukushu people.

Mukenah said out of 2 931 votes only 222 voted in favour of Mbambo and, therefore, he should step down immediately.

However at Saturday's meeting Mbambo's supporters said the referendum was illegal.

They argue that the committee's claims that the chief is blocking development are baseless.

They say it is the government's obligation to steer development and not that of the chief, as he does not receive a budget for developmental projects.

“How is the chief blocking development? The chief is just against the sale of land like it is happening in other traditional authorities who receive N$20 000 one-off payments from those so-called investors who put up lodges and then make millions from our land,” another supporter said.

“In fact people in other traditional authorities along the Okavango River who sold their land to investors today do not have access to the river anymore, which is something our chief does not support and now he is declared an enemy of the people.”

Alfons Dikuua, a member of the Hambukushu Traditional Authority, explained how a chief can be replaced.

That can only happen if a chief dies, or cannot fulfil his duties and appoints a capable person to rule on his behalf, Dikuua said.

Another way in which a chief can be removed is if he is convicted of a serious crime. In such case, the royal family would get together and nominate a successor.

“If the reigning chief passes on, he leaves a message which is vested with the elders within the royal family. The elders will then discuss the matter with the senior councillors, who announce the name of the incoming chief,” Dikuua explained.

When asked why the traditional authority did not accept the committee's referendum, given that Mbambo had succeeded Alfons Majavero in the same way, Dikuua said the correct procedures were not followed.

At Saturday's gathering Mbambo did not talk to his people. He merely observed how they danced and praised him for being a good chief.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Stars aim to fight back

December 10, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Stars aim to fight backA weekend of draws The weekend saw only two Namibia Premier League teams getting maximum points, with the other matches ended in a draw.

African Stars coach Robert Nauseb has vowed to fix the team after a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Black Africa on Sunday.

The Reds were humbled by their rivals who displayed some magical football throughout the match.

“It was a difficult time for us but we will bounce back no matter what.

“We have a very big game ahead of us and that is why we need to go back to the drawing board and fix everything.

“I believe that the players we have are capable of picking themselves up,” Nauseb said.

In other league action, Unam FC were held by Julinho Sporting at the Rundu Sport Stadium.

Tura Magic dropped two points following a 1-1 draw against Life Fighters.

Tigers FC were successful and beat Civics by a single goal.

Okahandja United and Young African played to a 1-1 draw, while Eleven Arrows were held by Young Brazilians.

Black Africa are leading the log with 13 points from five matches followed by Mighty Gunners on 12 points.

Citizens FC also started the season well and are in third position with nine points.

Newly promoted Young Brazilians have already shown glimpses of survival and are fourth in the premier league with eight points.

Civics, Orlando Pirates and Okahandja United are rooted at the bottom of the table.

The Civilians are yet to register a win during the 2018/19 Namibia Premier League season.

Citizens boss David Goagoseb said he was happy with his team's performance so far.

“We started the season off well and I just hope that we can continue like this throughout the entire season.

“I believe that the spirit in the team is very high and I hope we can carry on the momentum.”

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

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Stars part ways with Nauseb, recall Samaria

December 11, 2018, 2:00 am

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Stars part ways with Nauseb, recall Samaria

African Stars have parted ways with their coach Robert ‘Baggio’ Nauseb for having performed badly in the four matches played in the MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) so far this season.
This was confirmed by the club’s chairperson Patrick Kauta to Nampa yesterday.
He said the club has thus recalled Bobby Samaria until the end of the season.
“We have agreed that we part ways with coach Nauseb and we have also called back Samaria to prepare the team with immediate effect. He already took charge of the training session this morning,” he added.
The decision to release the coach from his contract, the chairperson explained, has been forthcoming.
“We have been conceding a lot in the four matches we played. We currently have a negative two when it comes to our goal difference, and that is not a good record for the defending champions. Also if amateurs score five goals past you, how many will the professionals score?” Kauta asked referring to Stars’ next opponents, Orlando Pirates of South Africa.
He further pointed out that they had decided to recall Samaria because he is the one who assembled the current team, hence he can quickly put to an end, what he termed as “the current rot.”
“Save for a few players, Bobby (Samaria) assembled this team. He knows the players so he can easily rally the boys and make sure we play well against Pirates,” Kauta concluded.
Under Nauseb, Stars played six matches, four in the NPL and two in the African Champions League.
They won two and lost two in NPL while conceding seven and scoring five.
They drew one and won one in the Champions League.
Efforts to get comments from Nauseb proved fruitless as his phone was unreachable.
NAMPA

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Tensions mount at Okahandja

December 11, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Tensions mount at Okahandja

The Okahandja community has demanded that a moratorium on land sales be lifted and that a presidential commission of inquiry into the affairs of the town be instituted.

During a community meeting held on Sunday, the community also accused Okahandja constituency councillor Steve Biko Booys of being the mastermind behind the so-called Community Concern group, which they claim was engineered to cause chaos and havoc at the town.

Community activist Petrus Gariseb also took on Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa for imposing leaders on the town's residents without consulting them.

“You, Madam Shaningwa, have total disregard for the wishes and aspirations of the people of Okahandja hence you turned this town into your playing field, by dictating to the people of Okahandja who must lead this town.” You deliberately forget that not everyone in the town is a Swapo member,” he said.

The community demanded that Shaningwa withdraw her directive for the swearing-in of new councillors at the town. They want the immediate swearing-in of the current Okahandja town councillors, without any change, within three days.

When called for comment, Shaningwa said she was not prepared to have a discussion with the media about these allegations.

The community further demanded that Shaningwa present the findings of an investigation initiated by her, as former urban and rural development minister, in 2015.

They also want her successor, Peya Mushelenga, to present to them with the report in which he ordered Shaningwa to change the political leadership at Okahandja.

Furthermore, the community demanded that Mushelenga lift the ban on land sales at the town, adding Okahandja cannot grow without being able to sell land.

The community also demanded answers from the town's CEO Martha Mutilifa.

According to Gariseb and the community members, they are aware that cleaning machines are broken and the town cannot be cleaned.

The community also say they know there is no money to repair these machines.

As a result, they have also demanded comprehensive financial statements from the municipality, in order to determine its financial strength.

When contacted for comment Mutilifa said she was not at the meeting, before adding “I do not expect your call now”.

Mushelenga also declined to talk to the media.

“I do not want to communicate with the Okahandja community through the media. If they want to communicate with me, then they know where my offices are,” he added.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Horror 3-car crash

December 11, 2018, 11:31 pm

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Horror 3-car crash

A gruesome crash occurred this morning between 06:00 and 07:00 this morning, some 10 km south of Otjiwarongo on the B1 highway. While reports are still sketchy and injuries cannot be confirmed, the scene has been described by authorities as deadly so there are presumed to be fatalities.
Photographs courtesy of Accidents in Namibia on Facebook.

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'He will dance to Malwedhe'

December 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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'He will dance to Malwedhe'Nakathila promises thrilling clash in Cape Town Jeremiah 'Low-Key' Nakathila has promised to pull a King Monada on his South African opponent later this month.

World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa lightweight champion Jeremiah 'Low-Key' Nakathila promises a thrilling clash when he steps into the ring with Prince 'The Demon' Dlomo to defend his title on 28 December inside the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, South Africa.

Nakathila said his South African opponent will dance to King Monada's smash hit Malwedhe. The song is popular with listeners, who fall to the ground in a state of euphoria, when dancing to the track.

Nakathila, ranked third in the world by the WBO, was initially to have fought Toto Helebe, who was supposed to have made his debut in the super featherweight division.

However, the fight could not take place due to unforeseen circumstances, and Dlomo has stepped in as Nakathila's new opponent.

“Well it is a pity that I cannot fight Helebe anymore but I'm ready to fight anyone and I know how important this fight is for me, in terms of getting me closer to my world title dream.

“I will therefore go out there and do my best and defend my title successfully for the fifth consecutive time,” said Nakathila.

“I'm ready for him. My plan is to make him dizzy and to knock him out. This is my birthday month and I'm just full of energy.”

Nakathila is the hot favourite to retain his title, as he boasts an impressive record of 17 fights, 16 wins and only one controversial loss against Evgeny Chuprakov from Russia. Dlomo has a record of 18 fights, 10 wins, seven losses and a draw.

“This fight is important for Nakathila because he is now rated number three in the world, and two days after his title defence the world champion in this division will defend his title against the highest-rated opponent Evgeny Chuprakov from Russia.

“This means that Nakathila has to keep on fighting and winning in order to take either the mandatory or number-two ranking. Anything can happen when you enjoy such a rating. This boy is definitely our next world champion and one of our objectives is to get him in the ring for a world title shot in 2019,” said promoter Nestor Tobias from the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Mixed feelings over new MTC sponsorship deal

December 12, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Mixed feelings over new MTC sponsorship deal

Local boxing promoters have expressed mixed feelings over the new sponsorship package unveiled by MTC on Tuesday.

The new sponsorship deal for the Nestor Tobias Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy and Salute Boxing Academy will run from December 2018 until December 2021. Each stable gets N$4.9 million.

Nestor Tobias, the chairperson and owner of the Nestor Tobias Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy, said while he is surprised that the new deal cuts his previous benefit by half, he will continue to work hard and produce more quality boxers.

“I'm excited and happy but at the same time shocked, because when you perform, you expect more. We expected our budget to be doubled, but we congratulate Salute Boxing; we welcome them into the family. Boxing is the winner today,” he said. Tobias added he submitted reports for the past three years and presented their budget, based on their achievements over the previous years.

New beneficiary, chairperson of Salute Boxing Academy, Kiriata Kamanya, was excited over the sponsorship, saying he is glad MTC finally saw his hard work.

“I have approached MTC several times, and finally my hard work has paid off. I will obey the rules of the contract and will make sure I do not soil MTC's name. I look forward to working with MTC,” he said. Anita Tjombe of Iron Lady Promotions, was unforgiving in her assessment, claiming that the whole deal smells of corruption.

She questioned why Tobias continues to benefit, when he has proven that he cannot develop the sport.

“Nestor has failed to upgrade his gymnasium; he still owes a lot of boxers their purses for fights from over two or three years ago and despite this he continues to benefit from an MTC sponsorship. This is unfair,” she said.

Tjombe added that the sponsor could have spread the money across all stables, in order to help in the sport to grow.

Tjombe said only AC Boxing Gym currently has a world champion, which shows that they are serious about the sport and deserve to be supported.

She further questioned what role the relationship between MTC board chairperson Elvis Nashilongo and Kamanya played in the latter getting support, saying the two are “brothers”.

MTC has been involved with boxing for the past six years. It first partnered with Tobias' academy, investing N$7.5 million in 2013, before raising it to N$10.37 million in 2016.

NAMPA

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