Namibia’s high-flyer

January 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

≪ Previous: Climate change brings hardship

Namibia’s high-flyerTop performer shares her secrets After outperforming all the Namibian learners who registered for their NSSCH examinations in 2018, Sharzaan Putter speaks to The Zone about her achievements and future plans.

Tunohole Mungoba

After completing her Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate for Higher Level (NSSCH) examinations at Windhoek Gymnasium last year, Sharzaan Putter (18) did not imagine she would come out on top as the best performer.

“I received the news at the press conference hosted by the ministry of education in Windhoek before the results were released and was caught completely off-guard.

“I went into my final examinations with only one thing in mind, which was honouring God with what He blessed me with and to ensure a good future, so the news made me ecstatic, and having my uncle from Cape Town there made it even more special,” Putter said.

“I am truly grateful for the most part, as I know that I am truly blessed with an amazing ability to understand and apply knowledge. It also makes me feel that with God by my side, I can do absolutely anything, and that despite the struggles, hard work always pays off.”

Putter describes herself as a coffee-loving 18-year-old who has always believed that if your efforts match your dreams, you will be able to achieve anything.

Born in Bloemfontein, Putter and her family lived in Taung, a small town situated in the North West province of South Africa.

“This community was so small that it did not even have a hospital,” Putter explained.

She and her family then moved to Klerksdorp and soon after to Namibia, which is not only her parents’ home country, but has been Putter’s home for the past 10 years.

Putter tells The Zone she started studying a month before her examinations and has always been committed to her books.

“I divided all the units I had to study across each day and some days it was a challenge to stick to that timetable. I also took reasonable breaks and tried to get seven hours sleep a night,” she says.

“I then ensured that I had enough time left before an exam to work through question papers, old tests and worksheets, and to ask my teachers for assistance if I found something that I did not understand. As I studied, I also made notes of things to remember, which I read through the morning before the exam.”

According to Putter, she also made sure she was calm before every exam and spent a few minutes in prayer.

“Many times I found questions that seemed impossible, but after takings deep breaths and coming back to the question, I got an answer. The only way to get excellent results is to put in the work. I did my best and God did the rest.”

Putter will be studying actuarial science at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Western Cape province, where her father studied and her sister is currently studying.

“Mathematics has always been one of my best subjects that I also enjoyed most and after job-shadowing many people in different careers, I decided to go for an aptitude test which pointed me directly to actuarial science, and after having a look at what they do, I knew this was it,” she said.

“I was drawn by the versatility of the degree, as it would allow me to go anywhere and branch into other careers as well.”

Besides her studies, Putter also enjoys archery as a sport.

“I also enjoy hunting, shooting and even fishing, as my dad’s hobbies definitely rubbed off on me. I also enjoy writing, especially poems.”

Putter’s said the new curriculum is “good as we are starting to move past the norm, and grow and explore new curriculums”.

“I think children will be more driven to work, as more is at stake. As far as benefiting the Namibian child, I believe that the attitudes of the teachers and learners towards the curriculum will determine its success.”

Putter advises young people to always give their all in every task, assignment and test.

“Having an education might be a human right, but that does not mean that it is not a privilege. Draw inspiration from your parents; strive to exceed their expectations and allow them to dream with you.”

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New law regulates micro-loans

January 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Borrowing just enough is best

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New law regulates micro-loansNamfisa implements Micro-lending Act Cash-loan businesses to register annually as compliance with new law is enforced. Victoria Muranda, Namfisa spokesperson: “The Act imposes specific obligations on micro-lenders to ensure that they practise responsible lending.”

AUGETTO GRAIG

Micro-lenders and cash-loan providers must register with Namfisa (Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority) annually now that Micro-lending Act has come into force since 15 October 2018.

The authority says micro-lenders who do not fully comply with the new act face deregistration and possible penalties up to N$100 000.

The main purpose of the new law is to regulate and supervise micro-lending business in Namibia, to establish an effective and consistent enforcement framework relating to micro-lending and to promote responsible borrowing and lending.

It is now the principal legislation governing micro-lending transactions and the affairs of micro-lending businesses in the country.

Previously micro-lending in Namibia was regulated in terms of the provisions of the Usury Act of 1968 and the Exemption Notice issued thereunder.

According to Namfisa this legal framework was very precarious, and had fundamental shortcomings, which undermined the sustainability of the industry, negated enforcement endeavours and exposed borrowers to exploitation.

Specifically the provision for the minister of finance to issue an exemption notice detailing the duties and obligations of micro-lenders, issued in terms of section 15A, was problematic as the authority to enforce its provisions could be challenged in the courts.

The new Act is also focused on promoting and protecting the rights of borrowers, says Namfisa. It does this by, among other means, seeking to limit malpractices that have been prevalent within the micro-lending industry in Namibia, according to the regulator.

“The Act thus prohibits practices that are detrimental to borrowers. These include the retention of the bank cards and PINs of borrowers, signing of blank or incomplete documents, inclusive of acknowledgments of debt, consents to judgment, waivers of borrowers’ legal rights and agreements to consent to the attachment of borrowers’ property without a court order,” elaborates Namfisa’s Victoria Muranda.

“The Act imposes specific obligations on micro-lenders to ensure that they practise responsible lending. At the same time, it also seeks to promote responsible borrowing. In addition, the Act seeks to foster financial inclusion, which is one of the key focus areas of the Namibia Financial Sector Strategy,” she says.

Muranda stresses that consumers must always take the necessary steps to ensure that they take informed decisions. In the context of micro-lending transactions, and especially with this new law being in force, this involves awareness of their rights, she says.

“It is important for borrowers to understand that the Act not only seeks to promote responsible lending, but also responsible borrowing. This means that borrowers have a responsibility to borrow responsibly.

“Hence, the Act has placed specific obligations on borrowers. These include, among others, providing complete and accurate information to allow a micro-lender to have a complete view of the borrower’s financial position.

“Ideally, this should allow micro-lenders to make an objective assessment of the consumer’s ability to service a new loan, having regard to all of his or her current expenditure and financial obligations,” she says.

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Borrowing just enough is best

January 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Borrowing just enough is best

STAFF REPORTER

Jerome Mutumba, Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) head of marketing and corporate communication, says as the economy begins to improve entrepreneurs will find greater confidence to establish SMEs, and existing SMEs will seek finance to grow. However, he says, confidence should walk hand in hand with responsible borrowing.

Responsible borrowing, Mutumba says, takes into account the financing needs of the enterprise, but also considers the level of the expenditure and the cost of financing.

Most SME entrepreneurs, he says, set out to apply for financing with a high degree of confidence and certainty, but the results of the operation may fall short of expectations.

In light of this reality, SME entrepreneurs should follow the approach of larger enterprises and plan for financing in a conservative manner.

Talking about the level of expenditure, Mutumba uses the example of a start-up SME that purchases a delivery vehicle. He explains that although the borrower might apply for financing for a newer or more expensive vehicle, a reliable and guaranteed older vehicle may be of as much utility, and with a significant cost reduction. The older vehicle should also be less of a risk in terms of financial burden in terms of repayment of the loan.

The savings made on the purchase of the older vehicle may enable the SME to pay the salary of a productive employee for a number of months, or pay for the purchase another productive asset.

The spin-off from reducing the level of expenditure is a lower cost of financing, Mutumba continues.

The repayment will consist of two elements, repayment of the principal and repayment of the interest. If the level of expenditure is lower, the monthly amount and the monthly interest may be lower. Alternatively, the duration of the loan may be shorter.

Both of these approaches have significant benefits for the enterprise, as greater profits are a result of the lower expense of repayment of loans, either immediately if the lower amount is repaid for a longer duration or in the medium term when the repayment ceases earlier.

Opening an SME or expanding one is a proud moment for the entrepreneur, but financing should be applied to provide a higher degree of potential profit and savings, Mutumba says. Ultimately this increases the value and security of the enterprise.

The Development Bank of Namibia has a mandate to finance SMEs, Mutumba says, and so it is a responsible lender. This not only includes providing finance, but also counselling against unnecessary risks adopted by borrowers.

If financing decisions eliminate luxury and seek productivity instead, Mutumba concludes, just enough can definitely be more.

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Stop education blame game – Namwandi

January 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Ngurare takes on SADC

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Stop education blame game – Namwandi

Former education minister David Namwandi feels that no single stakeholder should be blamed for the recent grade 12 results.

Rather, everyone involved should take some responsibility for the academic performance of the class of 2018.

He shared these sentiments when he was asked for his view on the examination results.

“We can do better. It is a welcome result but we can do better and also stop the blame game. I welcome the slight improvement, it's better than nothing,” said Namwandi.

According to him, education is a shared responsibility and teachers, parents and education ministry officials should all take the blame for where children have not done well.

“Education is a shared responsibility. It is not only the responsibility of teachers or of the education ministry; it is a concerted effort. If the children fail, parents fail,” Namwandi said.

“The blame always falls on educators but truly speaking it is a shared responsibility,” he added.

Namwandi felt that English was a problem subject.

The director of the Namibia College of Open Learning (Namcol), Heroldt Murangi, was pleased with the grade 12 ordinary level results released last week.

“I am a happy man; the results are good. The part-time learners performed well. I am also happy with the improvement in the higher grades. This is an indication that the learners did well,” said Murangi.

The results of part-time, ordinary level candidates showed a remarkable improvement in all the grades.

Most importantly, the part-time candidates improved on the intermediate grades with more than 5% and at the higher grades with an average of 0.8%, according to a ministerial statement.

Murangi encouraged those who did not fare well to go to Namcol at the earliest opportunity to improve their marks.

“Please come and register early,” he said.

The Namibia University of Science and Technology's vice-chancellor for academic affairs and research, Andrew Nikondo, welcomed the results but warned that universities would struggle to accommodate the successful learners who qualified for admission.

“What I see is that it is a large number of learners that have qualified for university. Where will we place all these learners?” he asked. “I don't think we have capacity because there is no money.”

He urged learners to also consider vocational training and institutions of higher learning in neighbouring countries.

A total of 56 534 candidates - 23 594 full-time and 32 940 part-time - registered for last year's Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) examinations.

OGONE TLHAGE

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Ngurare takes on SADC

January 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Ngurare takes on SADCClaims regional body is 'singing France, Belgium hymn' on DRC SADC's unexpected move of calling for a recount in the DRC underlines growing worries that the 30 December vote may lead to a further slide into anarchy and violence.

Former Swapo Party Youth League secretary Elijah Ngurare has described SADC's about-turn on the Democratic Republic of Congo's election result as confusing, while claiming the regional body was “singing the hymn” of France and Belgium.

He was reacting to the news this week that SADC has called for a recount in the DRC.

The regional body has also called on a unity government to be formed.

The unexpected move underlines growing worries that instead of marking a turning point for the troubled country, the 30 December vote and the deepening political crisis it has triggered will instead lead to a slide into anarchy and violence.

International relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated the DRC earlier this week on the peaceful election.

Asked for comment yesterday about calls for a recount, Nandi-Ndaitwah, said: “There is nothing like that.” She did not want to comment further as she was out of town.

Ngurare told Namibian Sun that the move by SADC to demand a recount was confusing, to say the least.

The surprise victor of the DRC election was Félix Tshisekedi, leader of the country's main opposition party. Tshisekedi beat Martin Fayulu by a narrow margin.

“Initially SADC countries were congratulating DRC on the election, but now suddenly they are demanding a recount of the results,” Ngurare said.

He said the DRC election was a historic moment, as it was the first peaceful transfer of power the country had witnessed.

“From this perspective, you would therefore expect that SADC would congratulate DRC.”

Fayulu has approached the courts with regard to the outcome of the election and Ngurare said that SADC should have waited on the court's pronouncement before expressing an opinion.

Fayulu claims that he won by a landslide and that Tshisekedi struck a deal with outgoing DRC president Joseph Kabila to be declared the victor.

'Jumping the gun'

“Demanding a recount is jumping the gun. It seems that SADC is just singing the hymn of Belgium and France. SADC should have respected the rule of law in DRC and waited for the court to pronounce itself.”

Ngurare said the manner in which SADC pronounced itself beforehand sets a bad president.

He further elaborated on the West's influence in African politics, saying the reason why Western countries are so involved is because of the mineral wealth in the DRC.

“Western countries would like to ensure that someone stays in power that will not threaten the supply of minerals to their countries. With peace, it also becomes harder to control this.”

Zambian president Edgar Lungu, in his capacity as the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, on Sunday issued a statement saying SADC had called for a recount of DRC election result.

He also urged the political parties in the DRC to consider forming an all-inclusive government.

“SADC has taken note of the strong doubts cast on the poll outcome by Roman Catholic Church in the DRC which had deployed more than 40 000 monitors, the opposition Lamuka coalition and other observers, and therefore feels a recount would provide the necessary reassurance to both winners and losers,” said Lungu.

He said SADC encouraged all stakeholders in the DRC elections to pursue a negotiated political settlement for a government of national unity.

Lungu said he had spoken to leaders of SADC and the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

He also spoke with the provisionally proclaimed winner, Tshisekedi, and other stakeholders within and outside the DRC.

“SADC draws the attention of Congolese politicians to similar arrangements that were very successful in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya where governments of national unity created the necessary stability for durable peace.”

Lungu said SADC therefore encouraged all parties to enter into a political process towards a government of national unity in order to enhance public confidence, build bridges and reinforce democratic institutions of government and the electoral process, for a better Congo.

“SADC has urged DRC authorities to swiftly resolve all elements of doubt that could undermine the fairly successful general election and pose a danger to the peace and stability of the country,” Lungu said.

He said it is therefore imperative that at this very crucial moment, all DRC politicians commit to actions and processes that do not escalate tensions any further.

“SADC expresses solidarity with the government and the people of the DRC for organising a relatively successful election that inspires hope that the country was on a path towards democratic consolidation.”

South Africa has already thrown its support behind the SADC call for a recount of the votes.

Chequered past

Regional African bodies, including SADC, have often been criticised for their ineffectiveness during political crises.

Critics have long called for them to play a more active role during elections to ensure credibility and the rule of law. For instance, in addition to sending observers, regional bodies such as SADC have been urged to have a firmer voice in pronouncing on the credibility - or lack thereof - of elections. The SADC has previously been criticised for inaccurate reporting of the 2013 Zimbabwe elections.

Several thousand soldiers from the region were deployed in the DRC following the ousting of former dictator Mobutu Sese Seko in the late 1990s. The SADC intervention by Namibian, Angolan and Zimbabwean troops in 1998 was to protect the regime in Kinshasa against Rwandan and Ugandan rebels.

More recently South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi deployed soldiers as part of the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade in the eastern DRC. SADC's role getting Joseph Kabila, who had ruled the DRC since his father Laurent Kabila's death 2001, she also be underscored.

According to the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, the organisation has played a major role in ensuring that the December 2016 agreement leading up to elections in the DRC had been respected.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Derbies are tricky - Hipundjua

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Derbies are tricky - HipundjuaCoastal clash to separate the men from the boys Eleven Arrows coach Dankie Hipundjua says his club will not underestimate their coastal rivals, when they clash in a mouth-watering derby tonight at the Kuisebmond Stadium.

Coastal football lovers are braced for a huge derby clash tonight, when Eleven Arrows take on Blue Waters at Walvis Bay's Kuisebmund Stadium at 20:00.

Eleven Arrows mentor Dankie Hipundjua said his club will put up a great performance and certainly won't be underestimating Blue Waters.

The Namibia Premier league (NPL) derby is expected to go the way of Eleven Arrows, as they look to extend their dominance over their coastal rivals.

However, Hipundjua said such matches are tricky and can go either way, which called for “careful execution” by his side.

“There is always mixed results when it comes to derbies. We beat Orlando Pirates 4-2 on Sunday, but we cannot be riding on that match; we need to focus on putting up a great performance once again.”

Hipundjua added they want to improve their current log position, after finishing eighth last season.

Arrows have 10 points so far this season and sit sixth on the log, whereas Blue Waters have six points and are 12th on the log.

Bottom-feeders Okahandja United and Orlando Pirates clashed last night and the result was not available at the time of going to print.

Blue Waters stand-in coach Sheya Andima said the match against Arrows will be one for the books, and they are ready to rumble.

“The players are ready to show what they trained for. They are ready to prove to their supporters that they can bring back the glory days,” he said.

Tomorrow's NPL clash will once again allow football fans the chance to enjoy tantalising football, when log leaders Black Africa take on Tura Magic at the Sam Nujoma Stadium at 20:00. On Friday, Tigers will cross swords with Gobabis outfit Young African at the same venue.

On Saturday, Julinho Sporting and Pirates will face each other at the Rundu Sport Stadium, with the match expected to start at 16:00.

On the same day, Mighty Gunners and Eleven Arrows are scheduled to entertain the crowd at the Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo. At the same time Citizens will play Life Fighters at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, with both matches slated to kick off at 16:00. Civics and Young Brazilians will bring the curtain down on this weekend's matches.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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GIZ equips NFA Girls Centre

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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GIZ equips NFA Girls Centre

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) Girls Centre last week received a major boost from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), which presented it with beds and bedding to the value of N$75 000.

The NFA Girls Centre, which opened its doors in 2016, received 18 single beds and bedding from the long-term benefactors of women's football.

The donation will enhance the centre's capacity to provide a safe and secure space for the football-playing girls.

The centre's manager Jacky Gertze explained this latest support will also increase the possibility of generating income for sustainability, through the renting out of some bedrooms to other sport teams.

“GIZ continues to be a key partner of women's football development and we forever remain alert to maintaining this partnership. This gesture has helped us to furnish the second floor of the centre and the girl child and player remains protected and taken care of. We take care of girls from as far as Karasburg and Katima Mulilo,” Gertze said.

The centre hosts 15 full-time top players and offers education tutoring, vocational training and healthy lifestyle activities to them.

The centre is part of a German development cooperation project and takes place in close cooperation with the NFA, the ministry of sport, the German Football Association, the Football and Athletics Association of Westphalia and GIZ, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

NAMPA/ANA

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Harris takes heavy beating

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Harris takes heavy beatingTough lesson for South African South Africa's Lloyd Harris suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Lloyd Harris was handed a tennis lesson by the Russian number 15 seed Daniil Medvedev, who needed just two hours to post a one-sided 6-1, 6-2, and 6-1 win in their Australian Open first-round clash in Melbourne.

The in-form Medvedev, who enjoys a career-high world ranking of 16, did his number 15 seeding proud as he held serve throughout the match and reeled off a succession of 27 winners.

Last week he served notice of his form when he reached the Brisbane International final which he lost to Japanese ace Kei Nishikori.

Harris managed six aces against seven by Medvedev and squandered no less than 17 breakpoints. In all, he dropped service seven times as the Russian secured a second-round berth.

South Africa's great Aussie Open hope Kevin Anderson, the fifth seed, plays his second match against unseeded American Frances Tiafoe today on the Margaret Court Arena (Show Court One).

On Monday Anderson saw off the tricky Frenchman 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 and 6-1 in two hours and 53 minutes in the first round to progress at Melbourne Park.

Last year Anderson suffered a shock first-round defeat to Johannesburg-born Brit Kyle Edmund in five sets.

Anderson's big serve and aggressive play from the baseline will be the key to his success and he is one of the favourites at this year's event.

South Africa's doubles ace Raven Klaasen is seeded sixth with his New Zealand partner Michael Venus.

Their first-round match will be on Thursday against unseeded Mikhail Kukushkin (Kazakhstan) and Bradley Klahn (USA).

NAMPA/ANA

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Uutile wiikolokosha

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Uutile wiikolokoshaSADC a hala omawi Etokolo lya ningwa koSADC moka ta pula opo ku yalululwe iizemo yomawi gaahogololi moDRC sha landula omahogololo ga ningwa moshilongo moka momasiku 30 gaDesemba, olya etitha omalimbililo.

Amushanga nale gwewawa lyaanyasha mongundu tayi pangele moNamibia, okwa holola omaiyuvo ge omolwa etokolo ndyoka lya ningwa kuSADC kombinga yiizemo yomahogololo gaDemocratic Republic of Congo, ta popi kutya etokolo ndyoka otali limbililike, naSADC ota imbi eimbilo lyaFrance na Belgium.

Elijah Ngurare okwa popi ngaaka sha landula onkundana ya piti oshiwike shika kutya SADC okwa pula opo ku yalululwe omawi gomahogololo moshilongo shoka shaAfrika ko otaku tulwa miilonga epangelo lyomuhanga nuukumwe.

Etokolo ndyoka olya e ta omalimbililo kutya pehala ku kalekwe po ombili moshilongo shoka sha kala niikolokosha uule woomvula odhindji ngashiingeyi omahogololo ngoka otaga keetitha natango omiyonena nomakuyunguto.

Ominista yomakwatathano gopondje, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah okwa halele DRC omayambeko omolwa omahogololo ngoka ga ningwa pambili omwedhi gwa piti.

Sho a ningilwa omapulo oshiwike shika kombinga yetokolo lyokuyalululula omawi ngoka, Nandi-Ndaitwah, okwa popi kutya kape na oshinima shili ngaaka. Ina gwedha po we sha, molwaashoka ke mo aniwa mondoolopa.

Ngurare okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya etokolo lyaSADC otali limbililike.

Ongundu yompilameno moshilongo shoka oyo ya sindana po omahogololo opamwe nomuleli gwongundu ndjoka, Félix Tshisekedi, ngoka a dhengemo momahogololo omuulikwa gwongundu ya kala tayi pangele moshilongo Martin Fayulu.

“Iilongo yoSADC oya halele omayambeko DRC omolwa omahogololo ngoka, ihe ngashiingeyi SADC okwa hala iizemo yomawi yi yalululwe,” Ngurare ta popi.

Okwa tsikile kutya omahogololo ngoka ga nigwa moDRC ogo gotango mondjokonona sho kwa taambathwanwa iipundi yuuleli pwaahena iikolokosha nenge omakuyunguto.

Fayulu okwa yi kompangu ta patanene iizemo yomahogololo ngoka, naNgurare okwa popi kutya SADC okwa li e na okutegelela eyamukulo lyompangu.

Fayulu okwa popi kutya oye a sindanapo omahogololo ngoka, ta gwedha po kutya Tshisekedi okwa ningi etsokumwe nomupresidende nale gwaDRC Joseph Kabila, opo a tseyithwe onga omusindani.

Ngurare okwa popi kutya osha puka sho SADC ta pula eyalulo lyiizemo omanga oshikumungu shoka shi li kompangu. Okwa popi kutya olutu ndoka otali landula owala omapopyo ga Belgium naFrance ihe olwa pumbwa andola okusimaneka ompangu yaDRC nokutegelela ompangu yi ninge etokolo.

Okwa popi kombinga yonkalo moka iilongo yomuuzilo tayi ongaonga nopolotika yaAfrika omolwa eliko ndyoka li li moDRC.

Okwa popi kutya iilongo mbyoka oya hala aaleli mboka itayi yi moshipala ompito yawo, yokumona oonzo okuza muAfrika, nongele nena ope na ombili otashi kala oshidhigu ya vule okukala taya kondolola oonzo ndhoka.

Omupresidende gwaZambia, Edgar Lungu, pankondo dhe onga omunashipundi gwoSADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, mOsoondaha okwa pititha omukanda moka a pula eyalululo lyiizemo yomahogololo moDRC.

Okwa pula oongundu dhopolotika moshilongo shoka opo dhi tunge po elelo lyomuhanga.

“SADC okwa tala konkalo yomalimbililo kombinga yiizemo yomahogololo ngoka okuza kongeleka yoRoman Catholic Church ndjoka ya li ta topolele DRC aataleli yomahogololo yathika po 40 000, Lamuka coalition oshowo aataaleli yamwe natango oya holola omaiyuvo gawo onkene otu wete shi li mondjila opo ku yalululwe omawi ngoka ko kugandjwe ekwashilipaleko komusindani naangoka ina sindana.”

SADC okwa tsu omuthindo opo aakuthimbinga ayehe momahogololo gaDRC ya kwatele komeho oonkundathana dhelelo lyomuhanga, ta gwedha po kutya okwa popya naaleli yaSADC oshowo oInternational Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

Lungu okwa popi kutya omalelo gaDRC naga kwashilipaleke ekalekepo lyombili lyo tali yanda iinima mbyoka tayi vulu okuya moshipala omahogololo ngoka ga ningwa pauyuuki moshilongo shoka sha kala niikolokosha, onkene ethimbo olya thikana opo aaleli ayehe moshilongo shoka ya ninge omatokolo geli mondjila yo yiitulemo mekalekepo lyombili.

“SADC ota holola uukumwe we nepangelo oshowo aakwashigwana yaDRC sho yuunganeke omahogololo gopambili ngoka taga etitha omukumo gwombili unene sho oshilongo shoka sha kala niikolokosha oshowo omakuyunguto.”

South Africa okwa holola kutya ota yambidhidha SADC opo ku yalululwe omawi gaahogololi moDRC.

Monakuziwa omalutu giilonga yaAfrika oga kala nokupewa uusama sho ihaga kutha ombinga miikumungu yi na sha nopolotika miilongo yawo.

Okwa ningwa omanyano, nomaindilo ngoka ga pula aaleli mboka opo ya kala taya kutha ombinga onene pethimbo lyomahogololo miilongo menenevi opo ku kwashilipalwek kutya okwa ningwa omahogololo geli pambili oshowo pauyuuki.

Aakwiita omayovi ya za menenevi oya li ya tumwa moDRC sha landula ekuthoko koshipundi koonkondo lyomukayamukulwa Mobutu Sese Seko moomvula dho1990.

Momvula yo 1998 iilongo ngaashi Namibia, Angola oshowo Zimbabwe oya li ya tumu omatanga gaakwiita opo ga ka gamene Kinshasa okuza koolebele dhaRwandan oshowo Ugandan.

Natango South Africa, Tanzania oshowo Malawi oya tumu aakwiita koshilongo shoka onga oshitopolwa sho United Nations Force Intervention Brigade muuninginino waDRC.

Pahapu dhoSADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, olutu ndoka aniwa olwa dhana onkandangala onene mokukwashilipaleka etsokumwe lya ningwa muDesemba gwomvula yo 2016, ndyoka lyuutha omahogololo ngoka ga ningwa omvula ya piti moshilongo shoka.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Hulitheni po okupaatha uusama – Namwandi

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Hulitheni po okupaatha uusama – Namwandi

OGONE TLHAGE

Omundungiki, David Namwandi okwa holola kutya kape na omukuthimbinga melongo gumwe ngoka e na okukala ta pewa uusama omolwa iizemo yondondo 12 mbyoka ya piti omasiku ngaka, ihe kehe gumwe okwa pumbwa okukala ta dhana onkandangala opo ku kwashilipalekwe iizemo tayi shambula.

Namwandi okwa popi ngaaka sho a li a pulwa omaiyuvo ge kombinga yiizemo yekonaakono lyopashigwana lyondondo onti 12.

“Otatu vulu okuninga nawa. Iizemo oyi li hwepo ihe tatu vulu okuninga shi vule po mpoka na otwa pumbwa woo okuhulitha po omukalo gwe gandjo lyuusama. Onda taambulapo elunduluko eshona ndyoka li li po, oli vule owala,” Namwandi a popi.

Pahapu dhaNamwandi elongo oli li oshinakugwanithwa shaantu oyendji mwakwatelwa aalongi, aanaskola, aavali uuministeli welongo oshowo aakuthimbinga moshikondo shelongo, nongele iizemo itayi nyanyudha nena ayehe oya pumbwa okuyelwa ombedhi.

“Elongo oshinakugwanithwa shaayehe. Kashi shi owala oshinakugwanithwa shaalongi nuuministeli welongo. Ngele aanona oya ndopa naavali oya ndopa,” Namwandi a yelitha.

Namwandi okwa holola kutya okuuvite kutya oshiingilisa oshowo oshilongwa shi na uupyakadhi.

Omukomeho gwoNamibia College of Open Learning (Namcol), Heroldt Murangi, okwa nyanyukwa kiizemo yondondo 12 mbyoka ya pitithwa.

“Ngame onda nyanyukwa. Iizemo oyi li nawa. Aalongwa yopaumwene oye shi enditha nawa. Onda nyanyukwa woo kiizemo yondondo yopombanda, na otashi ulike kutya aanaskola oya ninga nawa.”

Iizemo yaanaskola yopaumwene oya ulike eyambukepo eshona noopresenda 5.

Murangi okwa ndungike mboka inaya mona iizemo yi li nawa opo ya ka yambulepo iizemo yawo noshiputudhilo shoNamcol, opo ya kiishangithe mbala.

Omupeha chancellor gwoNamibia University of Science and Technology, for academic affairs and research, Andrew Nikondo, okwa taambako iizemo ihe okwa kunkilile kutya iiputudhilo yopombanda otayi ka longa nuudhigu moonkambadhala okutaamba aailongi mboka ya piti.

“Shoka ndi wete omwaalu omunene gwaanaskola mboka ya piti na otaya vulu okutaambwa moouniversiti. Otatu ya tula peni ayehe mboka?, kandi wete tu na ehala molwaashoka kape na iimaliwa.”

Okwa pula aailongi ya tale woo nokomadheulo gopaungomba oshowo miiputudhilo yopombanda miilongo yopuushiinda.

Kumwe aanaskola 56 534 mwakwatelwa yomiipundi yeli 23 594 oshowo yopaumwene yeli po 32 940, oyiishangitha nekonaakono lyoSenior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) examinations.

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Windhoek empties pockets

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Windhoek empties pocketsSixth most expensive city in Africa Windhoek is now ranked the sixth most expensive city to live in Africa, with only Port Luis in Mauritius, Accra in Ghana, Harare in Zimbabwe and Pretoria and Johannesburg in South Africa more expensive.

Only five African cities are more expensive to live in than Windhoek.

Windhoek is now ranked the sixth most expensive city to live in Africa in Numbeo's latest Cost of Living Index, ranking the most expensive cities in the world.

The index looks at the relative cost of various categories including rent, groceries, restaurants and local purchasing power and draws a grim picture of the Namibian capital.

The index indicates that the most expensive cities in Africa are Port Luis in Mauritius, Accra in Ghana, Harare in Zimbabwe, Pretoria and Johannesburg in South Africa, followed by Windhoek. Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban make up the rest of the top ten.

According to the global study ranking the world's most expensive cities, the monthly costs of a single person living in Windhoek amount to about N$8 027, excluding rent.

The study indicates that consumer prices in Windhoek are 1.5% lower than in Johannesburg; rent prices in Windhoek are 14.43% higher than in Johannesburg; grocery prices in Windhoek are 17.42% higher than in Johannesburg, and purchasing power in Windhoek is 32.09% lower than in Johannesburg.

According to the study the average take-home salary per month in Johannesburg is N$18 125, in Windhoek it is N$12 619 and in Harare it is N$5 899.

The study indicates that a person would need at least N$36 274 per month in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that they can have with US$2 700 (N$37 290) in Harare, assuming they rent accommodation in both cities.

In Johannesburg a person can have the same standard of living with N$35 000 that they can have with N$35 882 in Windhoek.

The Cost of Living Survey indicates that renting a one-bedroom flat in central Windhoek costs on average N$7 761 per month, and in the suburbs about N$6 000.

In Johannesburg it costs N$6 260 to rent in the CBD and N$5 333 in the suburbs, while in Harare the costs are N$4 833 and N$3 785 respectively.

Besides rent, the monthly cost of utilities for an apartment of 85 square metres in Windhoek is about N$1 017 per month.

Johannesburg's utilities cost N$1 388 per month and Harare's N$1 125.

Buying a new Volkswagen Golf or an equivalent car costs about N$300 000 in Johannesburg, N$309 733 in Harare, and N$290 000 in Windhoek.

A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Windhoek costs about N$489, while an average bottle of wine costs N$80 and a plain loaf of bread N$10.83.

In Johannesburg a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs N$500, an average bottle of wine N$60 and a loaf of bread N$12.61.

In Harare a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs N$495, an average bottle of wine N$144.54 and a loaf of bread N$13.42.

In Windhoek local beer is comparatively cheap at N$22 for a 500 ml draught, in comparison to N$29.50 in Johannesburg and N$20.65 in Harare.

Eggs, milk, rice, fruit and vegetables are much more expensive in Windhoek than in Johannesburg.

For example, apples cost N$31.98 per kilogram in Windhoek and N$20.56/kg in Johannesburg; potatoes cost N$16.38/kg in Johannesburg and N$34.22/kg in Windhoek.

Milk costs N$18.48/litre in Windhoek and N$14.75/litre in Johannesburg, while rice costs N$26.98 per kg in Windhoek compared to N$20.34 in Johannesburg.

In Cairo, Egypt, which is one of the cheapest African cities to live in, a person needs only N$18 870 per month to maintain the same standard of living that they have with N$36 000 in Windhoek.

Basel, Zurich and Lausanne, all located in Switzerland, are ranked as the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of living in Windhoek ranks 273th out of 439 cities in the world. Windhoek has a cost of living index of 45.54.

Last year Windhoek was ranked as the fifth most expensive city in Africa.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Company news in brief

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: SA allays FMD fears

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Company news in brief

Lindt posts on-target sales despite US slowdown

Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Spruengli yesterday said its organic sales rose 5.1% in 2018, in line with its "around 5%" goal despite being hit by a slowdown in North America. Reported sales, which include currency swings, rose 5.5% to 4.31 billion Swiss francs (US$4.39 billion), as "strong increases" in its Europe and the Rest of the World regions compensated for problems in the United States, Lindt said. The maker of Lindor chocolate balls and gold-foil wrapped Easter bunnies said its sales growth in North America slowed to 2.8% for 2018, down from 4% in the first half of the year. The market environment "remained very challenging" with saturated chocolate markets in Europe and the United States, and retailers also faced rising price competition, Lindt said. Chocolate makers have been grappling with slowing demand for their sweet treats, particularly in the US market where Lindt has needed more time to bring the Russell Stover brand up to speed. – Nampa/Reuters

Volkswagen, Ford to announce automotive alliance

Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co were expected to unveil an alliance yesterday that combines forces on commercial vehicles and is likely to expand into joint development of electric and self-driving technology, moves meant to save them billions of dollars. Ford and VW would announce their partnership against the backdrop of the Detroit car show, VW chief executive Herbert Diess told reporters on Monday. The companies in recent months have discussed cooperating in vans and other commercial vehicles, and have said that any expanded alliance would not involve a merger or equity stakes. The two companies have been exploring closer cooperation as trade frictions force carmakers to rethink where they build vehicles for Europe, the United States and China. The expanding alliance highlights the growing pressure on all global car manufacturers to manage the costs of developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as technology required to meet tougher emissions standards for millions of internal combustion vehicles they will sell in the years to come. Slowdowns in the world's largest car markets - China and the United States - have ratcheted up the pressure to cut costs. – Nampa/Reuters

Airbus steps up pressure on suppliers over Canadian jet

Europe's Airbus is ratcheting up pressure on suppliers like United Technologies to cut costs for its Canadian-developed A220 jetliner as it expands factory facilities to cope with anticipated demand for the former Bombardier model. Long seen as low on the list of priorities for top suppliers as Canada struggled to break into the main airliner market, the A220 now has the clout of the world's second largest planemaker behind it after Airbus bought the loss-making project last year.

Philippe Balducchi, head of an Airbus-led venture which took over production last July, said the planemaker was looking for a "significant double-digit" percentage reduction in costs but played down suggestions that it could slash costs by half. Speaking at the Mirabel airplane plant outside Montreal which Bombardier now shares with Airbus, Balducchi indicated the bulk of the reduction in costs would come from the supply chain as Airbus uses its greater clout in negotiations for parts.

Cutting costs is key to lifting the programme out of the red while avoiding a repeat of reportedly low prices that fanned trade tensions between the United States and Canada in 2017.

Airbus rival Boeing claimed Bombardier sold airplanes to Delta at unfairly low prices but later lost its complaint. – Nampa/Reuters

HSBC settles FX deals worth billions on blockchain

HSBC has settled US$250 billion worth of forex trades using blockchain in the last year, it said on Monday, suggesting the heavily hyped technology is gaining traction in a sector until now hesitant to embrace it. The bank has settled over three million forex trades and made over 150 000 payments since February using blockchain, it said in a statement. HSBC would not give data on forex trades settled by traditional processes, saying only that those settled by blockchain represented a "small" proportion. Still, the data marks a significant milestone in the use of blockchain by mainstream finance, which has until now been reluctant to start using the technology at any scale.

Blockchain is a shared database that can process and settle transactions in minutes. Originally conceived to underpin the cryptocurrency bitcoin, the technology does not require third-parties for checks and its entries cannot be changed, making it highly secure.

Banks and other financial firms have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the technology, hoping it will simplify and slash costs in processes from settlements to payments. – Nampa/Reuters

Shell teams up with pension fund to bid for Eneco

Royal Dutch Shell and Dutch pension fund manager PGGM are considering a joint bid for Dutch energy company Eneco, which analysts estimate to be worth around 3 billion euro (US$3.4 billion).

The 53 municipalities that own Eneco, which is heavily invested in sustainable energy projects, said in December they will sell it via an auction later this year.

Shell and PGGM, who gave no financial details, said they were looking for "a long term commitment" with Eneco, which is expected to appeal to energy companies that want to increase their exposure to renewable energy production.

The decision to sell Eneco in an auction ended a heated battle between its board and shareholders, who wanted to cash in on their stakes. The board had said it would prefer a stock market listing or partial sale that would ensure continuity as a renewables-oriented company. – Nampa/Reuters

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SA allays FMD fears

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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SA allays FMD fearsOnly a small amount of cattle infected Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and eSwatini have banned imports of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from South Africa.

The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa has had a devastating effect on trade, with neighbouring countries like Namibia suspending imports and the in-transit movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from the country.

However, South Africa's agricultural ministry has allayed some fears concerning the disease, saying that only a small amount of cattle have been infected.

South Africa's agriculture minister Senzeni Zokana met with farmers on Monday to discuss measures that have been implemented to control the FMD outbreak in the Vhembe district of Limpopo.

The disease was reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on 7 January.

“As a result of this development, the official OIE recognised FMD-free status of South Africa has been suspended. Consequently, any exports where FMD-free zone attestation is required cannot be certified,” said Zokana.

According to him this temporary suspension caused several neighbouring trading countries to ban imports from South Africa.

“These bans have caused serious loss to the industry,” he said.

Namibia suspended the import and in-transit movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from South Africa on 8 January, due to the FMD outbreak.

Botswana, Zambia and eSwatini have also banned imports from South Africa.

According to Zokana the affected areas have been demarcated and fenced off, and task teams have been set up to deal with the outbreak.

He said they will also let trade partners know that they can still import meat products.

Zokana said a trade committee will therefore engage with foreign markets.

He added that infected livestock will be treated and vaccinated, while a team of veterinary services experts is on the ground conducting further investigations to check the extent of the spread of the disease.

“Vaccination in the 20km radius around the affected village commenced in the week starting on 14 January 2019.”

The estimated number of cattle in the 20km radius around the affected village is 15 000.

This does not mean that all 15 000 animals are infected with the disease, but there is a risk that they may become infected through contact with sick cattle.

“Culling of affected or in-contact animals in the area is at the moment not advocated due to a number of factors, and the situation is constantly monitored by my veterinary team,” said Zokana.

Furthermore, a disease management area was declared; the exact boundaries of this area will still be announced.

Zokana said regaining South Africa's OIE FMD-free status will be a long process.

“First we have to successfully contain the outbreak through movement control and vaccination, while at the same time investigating the extent of the outbreak, which is what we are currently doing. Then we must prove that it was a limited incident, through active surveillance outside of the vaccinated area.”

He said considering that animals in the formerly FMD-free zone will be vaccinated, these have to be clearly marked and removed from the area once the situation calms down, if they intend including the same area in the free zone again.

South Africa will also have to review its FMD control strategy to ensure that it still complies with the OIE guidelines.

“Thereafter, we must implement all these measures and conduct audits to confirm that they are adhered to.”

Severe

FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease which affects livestock and has a significant economic impact.

The disease affects cattle, pigs (domestic and wild), sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals. Signs of the disease may include depression, sores in the mouth of animals causing a reluctance to eat and lameness.

Any suspected case of the disease in animals must be reported to the local state veterinarian immediately. The disease does not affect human beings and it is safe to consume products of cloven-hoofed animals, such as meat and milk.

Certain animals and products can still be imported into Namibia, provided they are accompanied by a valid Namibian veterinary import permit and veterinary health certificate.

This includes non-cloven-hoofed animals such as horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs and crocodiles, as well as the products of non-cloven-hoofed animals.

Under the abovementioned conditions, cooked processed meat products of cloven-hoofed animals may also be imported, as well as break-dry biltong, heat-treated milk and milk products of cloven-hooved animals.

Furthermore, dry, salted and blue hides and skins, as well as fully processed karakul pelts and fully processed trophies are also allowed to be imported into Namibia.

The importing of fresh, uncooked products of cloven-hoofed animals from other countries via South Africa are still permitted and semen and embryos of cloven-hoofed animals from countries via South Africa is also allowed.

Commercially processed feed may be imported under the conditions mentioned and hay from approved commercial facilities, certified by the South African veterinary authority, is also allowed.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Ghana's biggest oilfield yet discovered off western coast

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: China and Canada in 'hostage politics'

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Ghana's biggest oilfield yet discovered off western coast

NAMPA/ANA

Norwegian oil exploration company Aker Energy has announced the discovery of what appears to be the biggest oil find in the Ghana's history to date off the country’s west coast.

The discovery occurred in the oil-rich Deepwater Tano area, which has already given rise to Ghana's three oilfields already in production - the Jubilee, TEN, and Sankofa Gyename fields - Ghana Web reported on Monday.

The positive news will serve as a major boost to the country's economy at the beginning of 2019.

The oil and gas operator said exploratory drilling indicated an "estimated 450-550 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe)" in the Pecan field, 166 kilometres off Takoradi.

"The reserves already identified easily eclipse the finds behind the three existing oilfields. Jubilee has reserves of 370 million barrels, TEN has 240 million barrels and Sankofa has 204 million barrels. This means that the new find could conceivably have reserves that exceed the estimated reserves of the three existing fields put together," said Ghana Web.

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China and Canada in 'hostage politics'

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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China and Canada in 'hostage politics'Death sentence heightens tensions A Canadian drug smuggler may die, depending on the fate of a Chinese technology executive. Ottawa, CanadaAdvice to citizens:"Exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws."

NAMPA/AFP

A Chinese court's decision to impose the death penalty on a convicted Canadian drug smuggler has escalated a diplomatic row that experts say has descended into a high-stakes game of "hostage politics".

Beijing and Ottawa have been squabbling since last month, when Canada arrested the chief financial officer of top Chinese telecom company Huawei on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations.

In a move observers see as retaliation, Chinese authorities detained two Canadian citizens - a former diplomat and a business consultant - on suspicion of endangering national security.

Then the previously little known case of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was detained in December 2014, suddenly came to the fore. He had been sentenced to 15 years in prison in November. But a month later, a higher court took up his appeal and ordered a retrial after ruling that the punishment was too lenient.

A new trial was hastily convened in the north-eastern city of Dalian where prosecutors presented new evidence and a new witness showing that Schellenberg was connected to an international syndicate that planned to ship 222 kilograms of methamphetamine to Australia. He claimed he chose the port city for his first China visit as a tourist.

The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence, and the inclusion of new evidence presenting him as a key player in the drug deal, raised suspicion among observers.

"Playing hostage politics, China rushes the retrial of a Canadian suspect and sentences him to death in a fairly transparent attempt to pressure Canada to free the Huawei CFO," Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said in a tweet.

Donald Clarke, a George Washington University professor specialising in Chinese law, had an even grimmer term for the situation: "death threat diplomacy".

"The Chinese government is not even trying to pretend that there was a fair trial here," Clarke said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed "extreme concern" that China had "chosen to arbitrarily" apply the death penalty. Ottawa then issued a new travel advisory urging citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws."

The Chinese foreign ministry has vehemently denied that the case was politicised.

China executes one or two foreigners every year - nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group. Experts said retrials are rare in China, especially ones calling for a harsher sentence, but rights groups noted that courts are not independent and can be influenced by the ruling Communist Party.

"What's unusual is how this case shifted from extremely slow handling to suddenly rapid fire movement through the courts," said Margaret Lewis, a law professor at Seton Hall University.

The rare decision to allow three foreign journalists, including one from AFP, to attend the hearing makes it "clear that the Chinese government wants (the) international spotlight on this case.""The timing is suspect and certainly his nationality makes it all the more glaring," she said.

Schellenberg, who said he was innocent and framed by an acquaintance, has 10 days to appeal to the same high court that rejected his first appeal. Lewis said the court was likely to confirm the sentence and the case would move up to the Supreme People's Court.

The top court could confirm the death penalty, give him a two-year suspended death sentence that would be converted into a long prison term or reduce his punishment, she said.

Clarke said: "My prediction is that the Supreme People's Court will sit on the review decision for as long as Meng's fate remains undetermined." The fate of the other two Canadians, who have been held in undisclosed locations, remains a mystery.

Last week, Trudeau accused China of "arbitrarily and unfairly" detaining former diplomat Michael Kovrig and business consultant Michael Spavor, who were rounded up nine days after Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. The Chinese foreign ministry rejected Trudeau's assertion that Kovrig, who now works for the International Crisis Group, still enjoyed diplomatic immunity.

Meng, meanwhile, was granted bail by a Canadian court, allowing her to wait for the US extradition hearing in a Vancouver house.

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SADC urged to speak with one voice

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Nambundunga inspired us - Shalli

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SADC urged to speak with one voiceConflicting statements on DRC elections It is unclear whether SADC supports a ballot recount in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been urged to speak with one voice on the current crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This comes amid contradictory statements flying thick and fast about whether or not SADC actually supports a recount of the DRC presidential election, with its organ on politics and security calling for such a recount while SADC chairman Hage Geingob yesterday tweeted that the regional body was following the situation with interest.

“A double troika will jointly convene, preceding a consultative meeting with the African Union on the same issue, on 17 January 2019, Addis Ababa,” Geingob said.

Political commentator Graham Hopwood told Namibian Sun it is important that SADC does not pretend that the DRC election was somehow legitimate. “A recount of both the presidential and parliamentary votes would be necessary, although it may be that the rigging has been so extensive that the result has to be annulled and new elections held,” Hopwood said. He further stressed that SADC needs to make it clear that it has a unified position on the recount and that it is not just its organ on politics and security, chaired by Zambia president Edgar Lungu, that is speaking on behalf of the entire body.

Lungu on Sunday issued a statement saying SADC had called for a recount of the DRC election results.

He also urged the political parties in the DRC to consider forming a government of national unity.

In another statement issued on Monday by Zambia's foreign ministry on behalf of Lungu, he said that SADC's efforts should be focused on reaching a negotiated political settlement through dialogue and inclusiveness. “An inclusive government could be the outcome of such negotiations.”

Lungu called on all parties to engage in dialogue, while recognising that there are legal processes, as provided for in the constitution.

“Therefore, any consideration for a recount or proposal on perceived irregularities should be left to the sovereign internal procedures of the DRC, as may be provided for in the law in the country,” Lungu said on Monday. Namibia is yet to officially pronounce itself on whether it supports a recount.

However, when asked on Monday about a possible recount, minister of international relations Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said: “There is nothing like that.”

While it was initially reported that South Africa had thrown its support behind the recount call, an official statement issued by the country's foreign ministry indicated otherwise.

The statement said that any outside interference in DRC processes might provoke violence and risked undermining the generally peaceful climate following the elections.

“Any outcome of the election process remains the sovereign right of the DRC. South Africa thus calls on all parties in the DRC, as well as the international community, to allow the internal constitutional mechanisms and legal processes to follow due course.” South Africa's foreign ministry said it would not pre-empt the internal DRC process by calling for a recount or prescribing what form of government should be installed.

The runner-up in the DRC presidential poll, Martin Fayulu, filed a fraud complaint with the DRC's highest court on Saturday, asking for a recount of the result which gave victory to another opposition leader, Felix Tshisekedi. Hearings into Fayulu's fraud complaint are due to open at the Constitutional Court today.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Nambundunga inspired us - Shalli

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Nambundunga inspired us - Shalli

Former Namibian Defence Force (NDF) chief Martin Shalli says his successor, the late Peter Nambundunga, played a significant role during the liberation struggle as a political commissar.

He said it was Nambundunga who inspired many Namibians to remain steadfast after joining the liberation struggle in exile.

The former army commander and acting NDF chief died on Monday in a northern hospital. Nambundunga was until his death the advisor to Ohangwena regional governor Usko Nghaamwa.

Shalli said the role of a political commissar was not an easy one.

He said Nambundunga instilled discipline in his fellow combatants, as well as dedication and commitment.

Immediately after joining the liberation struggle Nambundunga went to Kongwa in Tanzania, where he received basic military training.

He later completed many other courses and became a political commissar, Shalli said.

“That role, you cannot take it away from him.”

Shalli said Nambundunga's role was to transform people's mindsets from negative to positive.

Nambundunga rose through the ranks of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and after independence he occupied various posts. Nambundunga was given the rank of colonel after independence. In 2000, he was appointed to the rank of major-general. Between 2009 and January 2011, Nambundunga was appointed as the acting NDF chief.

Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa said Nambundunga would be remembered as a dedicated PLAN cadre and as a player in the country's national development after independence.

“All that the government and Swapo have done to acknowledge his participation in exile and back home is an indication that he was a comrade who could be trusted with national duties.

The family has also lost a cadre and a revolutionary,” Shaningwa said.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Cross-border buses to Zim suspend service

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: SA regulator weighs Eskom price hike

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Cross-border buses to Zim suspend service

Nampa/ANA

The International Cross-Border Traders Association (ICTA) on Monday said it had withdrawn all buses travelling to different parts of Zimbabwe from neighbouring countries as protests spread in the country.

"As the International Cross-Border Traders Association we have withdrawn all buses. There will be no loading of buses till further notice," ICTA president Denis Juru told African News Agency (ANA) in Pretoria.

On Monday, the military and police were engaged in running battles with protesters in different parts of Zimbabwe. The country's main cities - Harare and Bulawayo - were the worst affected, as angry protesters reacted to the weekend more than doubling of fuel prices by looting several businesses, burning tyres and barricading major roads.

Over the weekend, Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a more than 100% rise in the price of petrol and diesel, a move he said would improve supplies, but a decision which attracted harsh criticism from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), civil society and rights groups.

Earlier, ICTA issued a warning, advising its members and travellers in and around Zimbabwe "to avoid Zimbabwean borders and unnecessary movements".

"There's a stay away underway in Zimbabwe that we need to assess as an association if it is safe for travellers to embark on to their cross-border trips," said Juru.

"Stay away and be safe. Further information is available at our website."

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SA regulator weighs Eskom price hike

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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SA regulator weighs Eskom price hikeCivil society bemoans supply trajectory South Africa’s electricity supplier wants increases of at least 15% for each of the next three years. Ronald Chauke, Organisation for Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) energy spokesman: "The public should not have to pay the price for Eskom's corruption and poor leadership."

NAMPA/ANA

As the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) on Monday began public hearings on Eskom's tariff increase application, pressure group SAFCEI suggested that the utility was not playing open cards on its costs in order to perpetuate its reliance on coal-fired plants.

The South African Faith Communities Environment Institute's (SAFCEI) Liz McDaid said she believed Eskom was under selling the cost of generating coal-based power, by not fully declaring all cost factors involved in its plants in its motivation for an annual 15% price hike.

In contrast, it was stating all costs involved in renewable energy, creating a slant towards the status quo of coal reliance. McDaid said amid concerns that the company could fail, with disastrous consequences for the economy, it should be noted that Eskom had already failed the majority of South Africans.

"I know of households where the stove is now an ornament," she told the hearings in Cape Town.

McDaid said it would be disingenuous to ask South Africans to make further sacrifices to keep Eskom continuing in its current fashion, on the basis that corrupt management had been replaced and this would resolve the company's woes. Instead she called for a rethink of how Eskom operates and said coal plants should be shut down, and replaced by a network of smaller, renewable plants.

The Organisation for Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) also submitted that Eskom's operations were unsustainable, accusing the company of effectively using open cycle gas turbines for baseload supply, at huge cost to the consumer.

Ronald Chauke, Outa's spokesman on energy, argued that Eskom did not deserve tariff increases and said it would be charitable of Nersa to grant the utility inflation-related increases.

He said Eskom should find ways of saving costs, including cutting its staff and actively exploring ending ruinous coal deals entered into during the administration of former president Jacob Zuma.

"The public should not have to pay the price for Eskom's corruption and poor leadership."

Carl Opperman from Agri Western Cape told Nersa that the requested increases would prove debilitating to the province's farming community as "a price-taker" sector and put at risk food security.

Eskom is demanding a 15% a year increase for 2019 through to 2021. The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry said last week it was false to assume that this amounted to a 45% tariff hike over three years.

"Nersa has already granted an increase of 4.41% and when we add this to 15% we are already looking at an increase of nearly 20% in year one.

“The next 15% increase will be applied to a tariff that has already been increased and the third 15% increase will apply to a tariff that has already been increased twice so the total increase over three years will be nearly 59% and not the 45% that has been reported," the chamber said.

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Infighting rocks Grootfontein

January 15, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Infighting rocks GrootfonteinSuspended finance executive cries foul Suspended Grootfontein municipality finance executive Ileni Hainghumbi claims there is a plot to remove him, so others can “eat”.

Acting Grootfontein municipality CEO Arnold Ameb says he will in due course explain why he decided to suspend the town council's finance executive Ileni Hainghumbi.

Hainghumbi was suspended on Monday, but the reasons for his suspension are unclear at this stage.

In a letter to Hainghumbi, Ameb did not raise any reasons for his suspension.

“I will respond to Hainghumbi, I will say it in a memo. I think I have answered you, I am in a meeting,” he said when approached for comment.

Hainghumbi was ordered to vacate the municipal offices by Monday at 16:00. He was further instructed not to leave the magisterial district of Grootfontein without informing Ameb, and was ordered to surrender all municipal assets in his possession.

Grootfontein councillor and management committee chairperson, Jack Tsanigab, refused to comment on the suspension.

“I do not want to comment on things that are under investigation; I do not know anything,” he said. Hainghumbi has in the past raised allegations of corruption against Ameb and Tsanigab.

Tsanigab was also further accused of tribalism.

“I have concluded and [am] well-informed that you are convening with the chairperson of the management committee to make sure that you get me out of your way, since I'm blocking your way to eat,” Hainghumbi said in a memo dated 9 January.

The suspended executive further reiterated that there was a bid by Ameb and Tsanigab to have him removed.

“I [have] came to the conclusion that the three memos written by your office is a way to shut me down, since I have questioned the misuse of council resources by the chairperson of the management committee [Tsanigab],” Hainghumbi said.

“In one of the council meeting, in the presence of the entire councillors and staff members, the chairperson of the management committee vented and said words toward me that, I came to Grootfontein very poor, and now I'm filthy rich, and I must go back to my village. There is a sense of tribalism, envious and fit of jealous in that (sic),” Hainghumbi wrote.

Grootfontein mayor Abisai Haimene said he was in a meeting when contacted for comment.

Urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga said he does not comment on administrative issues in local authorities.

Mushelenga last year castigated the Grootfontein municipality's leaders for ignoring his directives, and questioned why a junior official was the town's acting CEO, The Namibian reported.

He also directed the municipality to fill four vacant strategic executive positions in human resources and corporate affairs, health, properties and technical services, warning that the municipality was not functioning optimally.

OGONE TLHAGE

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