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Record fine for steel company

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Record fine for steel companyRecord fine for steel companySouth Africa’s largest steel producer has acknowledged its part in a series of long-running steel and scrap-metal cartels. Regulator vows to crack down on price-fixing cartels South Africa’s largest steel producer has acknowledged its part in a series of long-running steel and scrap-metal cartels. South Africa’s Competition Commission on Monday slapped the country’s largest steel producer, ArcelorMittal, with a R1.5 billion fine for its involvement in the long steel and scrap metal cartels.
The settlement - the largest fine for a South African company - brings to an end various anti-competition investigations and complaints against the company.
The investigations, which have been going on for several years, include those that relate to participation in long-steel, flat-steel and scrap-metal cartels.
“(ArcelorMittal) admits that it engaged in collusion with (scrap-based steel-making company) Cisco, (steel and steel product manufacturer) Scaw and (wire and steel manufacturer) Cape Gate by fixing prices and discounts, allocating customers and sharing commercially sensitive information in the market for the manufacture of long-steel products, in contravention of the Competition Act. (It) also admits that it fixed the purchased price of scrap metal with Columbus Steel, Cape Gate and Scaw,” the commission said.
ArcelorMittal said it had admitted guilt in respect of the allegations of price-fixing, allocating customers and sharing commercially sensitive information in the long-steel market, as well as the allegations of price-fixing by the company as a consumer of scrap. “The company has made no admission regarding the excessive pricing complaint and the Competition Commission has made no finding in this regard,” ArcelorMittal said.
The commission said ArcelorMittal had undertaken that, for five years, it would limit its earnings before interest and tax margin to a cap of 10% for flat-steel products sold in South Africa. The watchdog body said the margin could rise to 15% “if certain market circumstances set out in the settlement agreement arise”.
ArcelorMittal also agreed to a R4.6 billion capital expenditure over the next five years. But the company said it was committed to the capital expenditure “subject to it being affordable and feasible in the light of the current financial circumstances”.
The commission said it had filed an application with the Competition Tribunal for confirmation of the settlement agreement as an order of the tribunal.
The minister of economic development, Ebrahim Patel, weighed in on the hefty fine yesterday and said government wanted to see competitive steel prices and would monitor steel price increases. He said the government would not hesitate to act against any further abuse of market power in the steel industry.
Patel said the government recently brought into effect provisions in the Competition Act that criminalised collusion and that could see directors and employees found guilty facing up to 10 years in jail.
“The action by the competition authorities is part of a crackdown against abuse of market power and price-fixing that undermines the performance of the economy, imposes unnecessary costs on downstream factories and damages local jobs,” Patel said.
“South Africa’s competitiveness and industrial performance require an efficient basic steel supplier industry. High levels of concentration together with collusion undermine our national goals. Companies collude because they believe they can get away with it,” he said.

BUSINESS REPORT

Zimbabwe signs biggest road project since independence

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Zimbabwe signs biggest road project since independenceZimbabwe signs biggest road project since independence

Zimbabwe signed an agreement on Monday with Chinese and Austrian firms to upgrade a busy highway, a deal that will be one of the country’s biggest road projects since independence 36 years ago.
China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Co, will partner Austria’s Geiger International to upgrade and add more lanes to the 900km highway from Beitbridge on the border with South Africa to Chirundu on the Zambian border.
The highway is economically significant as it links landlocked Zimbabwe and Zambia to the Indian Ocean ports of Durban and Richards Bay in South Africa.
Transport Minister Joram Gumbo said the cost of the project, which the minister had estimated at US$2.7 billion (N$36.7 billion) in March, was yet to be determined.
CHEC joins several Chinese firms that have been given contracts in Zimbabwe, for projects such as building power stations or revamping water plants, since President Robert Mugabe’s government fell out with Western financiers in 2000.
The road project is split in two phases, with the Chinese-Austrian venture building and getting a 20-year concession to operate part of the road, while the other part will be financed by a loan from an unnamed party and investment from CHEC.

NAMPA/REUTERS

SS Nujoma makes final stop in Cape Town

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SS Nujoma makes final stop in Cape TownSS Nujoma makes final stop in Cape Town Debmarine Namibia’s latest diamond exploration and sampling vessel, the mv SS Nujoma, has reached another crucial milestone in its journey to being commissioned locally.
The marine diamond company reported this week that the ship had arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, on Saturday, having sailed from the Kleven Verft shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway, where it was built, three months ago.
The ship is being fitted with mission equipment during its stop-over in Cape Town, comprising a sampling system and treatment plant to a combined mass of 2 000 tons.
“Debmarine Namibia is satisfied with the progress of the project to date,” the company’s CEO, Otto Shikongo, said on Sunday.
“It is a good position to be in on this large investment, with the project currently being two months ahead of schedule and cost forecasts looking favourable,” he said.
Once commissioned, Debmarine Namibia said the SS Nujoma was expected to create up to 141 new jobs, and the 90% Namibian crew have already benefited from significant investment in training and skills development.
That training involved getting acquainted with the latest modern dynamic positioning vessel technology and with the latest marine engines.
The crew will receive further training on the operation and maintenance of mission equipment.
Shikongo said acquisition of the new vessel was motivated by the company’s need to maintain sustainable production levels by sampling more areas, at higher rates and at reduced costs.
“The mv SS Nujoma is not required for the purpose of production but to broadly assess and identify the potential mineralisation, for the purpose of sampling,” Shikongo said.
“The new vessel addition will expand Debmarine Namibia operations bringing additional sampling capacity and future capability. This will significantly enhance future added benefits, such as increased operational efficiencies and employment creation, to the benefit of our shareholders, stakeholders and Namibian people.”
The SS Nujoma is Debmarine Namibia’s sixth vessel, and represents approximately N$2.3 billion in terms of investment
Its construction was made possible by funding from two local banks, namely Standard Bank Namibia and RMB Namibia. Debmarine covered 25% of the project cost.

STAFF REPORTER

Enviro fund marks three-year milestone

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Enviro fund marks three-year milestoneEnviro fund marks three-year milestoneThe Environmental Investment Fund was praised this week for its efforts to boost sustainable enterprise over the past three years. New EIF board takes office The Environmental Investment Fund was praised this week for its efforts to boost sustainable enterprise over the past three years. The minister of environment and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, on Monday announced the appointment of a new board of directors for the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).
Officially launched by the government in 2012, the EIF aims to secure and mobilise funds for investment in projects that protect and encourage wise management of the environment, as well as of Namibia’s natural resources for economic development.
The new board consists of chairperson Teofilus Nghitila, who was re-elected, vice-chairperson Karen Nott and members Israel Hasheela, Johanna Andowa and Titus Ndove.
Their term is effective from 1 September 2016 until 31 August 2019.
Also announced on Monday was the re-election by the new board of Benedict Libanda as chief executive officer (CEO).
Speaking at the media event in Windhoek, Shifeta congratulated those at the helm of the previous board term, listing a host of milestones reached during the period.
Among those was the EIF’s accreditation as a national implementing institution by the international Green Climate Fund.
That achievement, Shifeta said, would enable the fund to secure even more funding, to help fund bigger and more significant projects.
The fund’s latest annual report for 2014 to 2015 shows it received 40 business plans for consideration under its green concessional loans portfolio, approving five to the value of N$13.9 million.
The fund also finances ‘green soft loans’, where 105 applications were received and 84 were approved.
In terms of grants, the fund approved 23 such submissions to the value of N$7.5 million.


DENVER ISAACS

DA’s Masha heads Joburg

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DA’s Masha heads JoburgDA’s Masha heads JoburgAfter a tense council meeting held on Monday, DA councillor Herman Mashaba is the new mayor of Johannesburg, defeating Parks Tau. New mayor says corruption is public enemy number one After a tense council meeting held on Monday, DA councillor Herman Mashaba is the new mayor of Johannesburg, defeating Parks Tau. DA councillor Herman Mashaba was voted in as mayor of Johannesburg during a council meeting on Monday night.
He defeated the ANC’s candidate and previous mayor Parks Tau with 144 votes to 125. The DA also claimed positions of speaker of council and chief whip.
After the announcement of his victory, Mashaba said a few words on what first order of business would be creating jobs.
“Our government needs to create an enabling environment. Small businesses, you will be my biggest friends,” Mashaba said.
He also said corruption will be “public enemy number one”.
He later told eNCA that he looked forward to working with the EFF, who helped Mashaba to win the Joburg ticket.
He also said council workers in the city needn’t worry about their jobs, as long as they worked well.
Voting for both mayor and chief whip took place well into the night, following a day of drama and tragedy. ANC councillor, Nonhlanhla Mthembu, 50, collapsed and died just before voting for mayor was due to start.
Mashaba expressed his condolences to the ANC. Out of respect for Mthembu, he said he would postpone his inaugural speech to the council’s next sitting on September 13.
During a brief speech, he acknowledged the presence of EFF MP Floyd Shivambu and party spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. Last week, EFF leader Julius Malema said the party would vote with the DA in the major metros of Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Nelson Mandela Bay.
The DA’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg Herman Mashaba promised to keep the city’s clinics open 24/7.
“I intend throwing away the keys to city-run clinics and they will be open 24 hours a day to cater for the needs of Joburg’s residents,” he said in a speech prepared for delivery at the Princess informal settlement in Roodepoort.
He lamented shortages at the clinics and claimed the needs of the community were being ignored.
Mashaba said the Princess Clinic was severely under-resourced and under-staffed and was battling to cope with the numbers of people who come for care from the surrounding areas.
The Princess informal settlement grew from a settlement on old plots between Roodepoort and Krugersdorp. Built close to the railway line and the main roads that once connected the towns, the community has grown rapidly over the years.
The city has been arranging electrical connections and water access, and is providing some housing.
Job creation is also a number-one priority for Mashaba.
He intended creating “thousands” of jobs in his first year in office by investing in infrastructure and supporting entrepreneurs.
Mashaba, himself an entrepreneur behind a line of haircare products, said he would provide free transport to allow people to get to work and job interviews.
Mashaba said Tau spent millions on billboards and advertisements, but did nothing about unemployment in the city.
“He must be held accountable,” Mashaba said.
“Thank you very much, for what you have done for this country,” he told them.
He pledged to develop Johannesburg and vowed to end corruption. Government should not be an employer, but create an enabling environment for the private sector to employ people, he said.
NEWS24

CEO nabbed for wife’s killing

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CEO nabbed for wife’s killingCEO nabbed for wife’s killing

The husband of Susan Rohde, whose body was found in a bathroom of an upmarket Stellenbosch hotel, has reportedly been arrested in connection with her murder.
Western Cape police would only confirm to News24 that a 47-year-old man had been arrested in Johannesburg around 06:50 on Tuesday, but the man’s lawyer confirmed his arrest to Netwerk24.
Jason Rohde, 47, is the chief executive officer of Sotheby International Realty.
He was expected to appear on a charge of murder in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court soon, said Captain FC van Wyk.
Netwerk24 reported that Rohde, who was arrested at his home in Bryanston, would initially appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. He faces an additional charge of obstruction of justice.
Susan Rohde, 47, was found dead at the Spier Wine Estate on July 24. Sotheby’s had hosted its annual conference at the venue for the weekend.
Her husband’s lawyers previously told News24 they had commissioned pathological and forensic reports after his wife’s death was ruled as murder.
The reports would include toxicology and histology analyses - the study of the anatomy of cells and tissues - and more thorough examination of the X-rays, Rohde’s lawyer Daniel Witz said at the time.
Following the initial registration of an inquest docket, the results of the State pathologist’s post mortem led to the cause of her death being changed to murder.
Witz said that according to his client, he and his wife had woken up together that Sunday morning.
“She went into the bathroom to get ready and he fell asleep. When he awoke to get ready for a breakfast talk, he was unable to open the door,” he said.
Hotel maintenance was called to assist. Once opened, he found his wife hung behind the door, he told News24.
Allegations of the couple being involved in an argument at the hotel’s bar on Saturday night, where Susan apparently “stood in public and said she knew he was having an affair” were irrelevant, Witz argued.
The couple have three daughters - an 18-year-old and twins who are 16.
NEWS24

Ring the changes in sport

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Ring the changes in sportRing the changes in sport Namibian football sailed further into the doldrums this week.
The announcement made on Monday in which MTC ditched the Namibia Premier League (NPL) after failing to secure an additional sponsor for the new season, is depressing news and heaven only knows what the future holds for Namibian football. Now that MTC has made its feelings known, questions abound as to what should happen next considering that the new football season is due to kick off in a few weeks’ time.
Players, coaches, support staff and NPL officials all face a bleak future if no sponsor comes on board at least with a N$24-million commitment. Enough has been said about the governing of sport, including football in this country, which has been mismanaged, coupled with financial difficulties. We are nowhere close to getting the basics right and we should stop pretending to be a sporting nation. We are not there yet! If you look elsewhere across the world, the governance of sport is autonomous and there is added pressure to be accountable.
But back home every Tom, Dick and Harry is allowed to run things and are largely not accountable to their actions when they mess up.
As much as we want to chart a positive way forward, we must be honest with ourselves and call a spade a spade.
We will not achieve anything with the status quo. Leadership is lacking from the side of all role players, including the lack of political will to improve matters. The dynamic of sport transcends all social, political and ethnic barriers and not to forget its magnificent ability to unite people. It remains a powerful communication tool. No doubt.
The reason why our athletes’ participation in sports is awfully low is because we really don’t care about this important sector.
We must make sweeping changes in sport and replace all those occupying top positions with those who have the interests of sportswomen and -men at heart. Our attention should be geared towards coming up with a proper sport programme and developing our sport systems, which can appeal to potential sponsors.

Shot of the day

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Shot of the dayShot of the day SPECTACULAR FINISH: A photo shows the cauldron with the Olympic flame extinguished during the closing ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on 21 August 2016. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

Whk roads construction no cause for concern yet

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Whk roads construction no cause for concern yetWhk roads construction no cause for concern yetSpeculation about traffic jams and closed roads has Windhoek motorists in a flurry about the construction of the Southern Bypass but this is still some time away. Southern Bypass build will only obstruct traffic in a few months Speculation about traffic jams and closed roads has Windhoek motorists in a flurry about the construction of the Southern Bypass but this is still some time away. With the current construction of the new Southern Bypass road in Windhoek there has been much speculation about routes that will be closed or narrowed, affecting traffic in the capital.
Windhoek motorists and those commuting into the capital from the south need not be concerned, as the traffic accommodation plan will be submitted to the City’s traffic engineer and when approved the public will be duly informed.
The construction of the Southern Bypass started in earnest in January. The road will be upgraded to a dual-carriageway freeway from Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue up to the Sam Nujoma Road extension.
The existing Auas Road circle will be replaced by an interchange. The total project will take between 38 to 40 months and cost approximately N$900 million.
According to VKE Consulting Engineers the first construction that will have a real impact on motorists will only be within six to ten months and will affect Frank Fredericks Drive.
The consulting engineers say the two bridges across Frank Fredericks Drive are scheduled to be constructed within the next two months depending on the resources and progress of other bridges during the project.
Little impact is foreseen during the construction of the abutments and piers of the bridges, but when the decks are constructed within the next six months traffic on the two carriageways of Frank Fredericks will be channelled into one carriageway. This will impact the capacity of Frank Fredericks Drive.
“Traffic flow will be severely affected during peak hours and motorists are encouraged to make use of the Auas Road or Robert Mugabe Avenue,” according to VKE Consulting Engineers.
Meanwhile the engineers say that with regard to the construction on Robert Mugabe Avenue the impact and possible detours still need to be confirmed.
However the indication is that construction will likely commence after completing the bridges along Frank Fredericks Drive.
Motorists will therefore be encouraged to make use of Frank Fredericks Drive as an alternative route during this time.
Auas Road is scheduled for construction after the two bridges across Frankie Fredericks have been completed. The consultants say unless this is rescheduled construction will not be possible within the next 18 months to two years.
“It is too early to speculate about exact details but a temporary three-stop junction and detour aviation to the west of the existing roundabout in Auas Road will likely be the best temporary solution, which still needs to be agreed.”
According to the company traffic flow will be severely affected during peak hours and motorists are encouraged to make use of Frank Fredericks Drive during this time.
The consultants also said that with regard to access to the Windhoek Country Club, Academia Extension One and Prosperita traffic will remain on the existing road with at-level accesses secured until completion of the new southern carriageway.
This will take around 18 months and will include six new bridges, most of which will be at the planned interchange leading to Rehoboth.
Once traffic is redirected to the new southern carriageway the entrances to Prosperita, the Country Cub and Academia Extension One will remain available with detours. The exact details of such detours still need clarity.
VKE Consulting Engineers stressed that stakeholder meetings will be arranged in the near future as soon as more final details of exact scheduling of the works are available.
It will also consider distributing information brochures at the various access points or to key stakeholders for improved dissemination of information.
Superintendent Abraham Eiseb of the Windhoek City Police also confirmed that they have not yet been informed of any road closures or detours and said that a traffic accommodation plan first has to be approved at city level and they can come in as a control mechanism and the public will be properly informed.


ELLANIE SMIT

Otjiwarongo clears up Dan-Boy land debacle

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Otjiwarongo clears up Dan-Boy land debacleOtjiwarongo clears up Dan-Boy land debacle The Otjiwarongo Municipality on Monday apologised to a local businessman, Dan-Boy Shonena Ndjadila for the confusion surrounding the land deal it entered with him in August 2015.
The Municipality CEO Ismael /Howoseb on Monday called a media conference where a statement of apology to Ndjadila was issued.
Present at the conference was Otjiwarongo mayor Bennes Haimbondi, Ndjadila and senior managers of the municipality.
“The Municipality of Otjiwarongo undertakes to rectify and set the record straight around the matter surrounding the intention to sell a portion of Otjitazu No. 19’s 20 hectares to Mr Dan-Boy Ndjadila for the establishment of a truck port,” reads the statement.
A 20 ha portion of land is equivalent to 200 000 square metres.
The statement further said Ndjadila in 2013 applied for the land to lease or purchase, and the municipality opted to sell it to him for N$50 per square metre which is N$10 million in total.
However, during the compilation of the deed of sale, a calculation error occurred as the document erroneously stated, in both figures and words, that the 20 hectares of land would be purchased at N$1 million, instead of N$10 million.
The municipality admits to have made the error.
Initially, it was not known who compiled the deed of sale for Ndjadila, and on Monday /Howoseb said he was told by Ndjadila that the manager for economic development, Petros Kuteeue had compiled this specific deed of sale.
Contacted for comment the same Monday afternoon, Kuteeue said: “Let me not comment on that. Let me reserve my comment on that.”
According to /Howoseb, the transactions between the municipality and Ndjadila were indeed authentic, official, and devoid of any dubious actions as the Otjiwarongo Town Council and Ndjadila are well aware of this deal.
“Therefore, we acknowledge as a true reflection of sale of 20 ha (200 000 m2) of portion Otjitazu No. 19 at an amount of N$10 million.”
Ndjadila has so far paid N$1 million to the council, and when /Howoseb was questioned about what will happen to the remaining N$9 million, he said the council will discuss the matter with the businessman to figure out how he will pay it.
/Howoseb also said the municipality regrets the turn of the events and media reports that circulated at the beginning of this year on the issue.
Ndjadila received the deed of sale from the Otjiwarongo Municipality before paying for the land, which is contrary to the internal policies of the Otjiwarongo Town Council.
The businessman opted not to comment on the matter at the media conference on Monday.
The Otjiwarongo CEO also on Monday refused to produce the letter which Ndjadila had written to the municipality in 2013 to ask for the portion of land for his intended business.
NAMPA

We don’t have money - PM

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We don’t have money - PMWe don’t have money - PMTeachers’ unions are not buying government’s reasons for the 5% increment offered for the teachers for this financial year saying government spends recklessly. Nantu says they will consider a countrywide strike Teachers’ unions are not buying government’s reasons for the 5% increment offered for the teachers for this financial year saying government spends recklessly. The Office of the Prime Minister this week pleaded with teachers to accept the salary increments offered by government, following threats by the Namibian National Teachers Union (Nantu) to stage a countrywide strike, as they are demanding an 8% rejecting government’s proposed 5%. A certificate of unresolved dispute after salary talks between Nantu and government had reached a deadlock, was issued on Monday.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the growth projections for Namibia’s economy have been revised downward due to negative developments in the global economy and its less favourable outlook.
She explained that this also impacted the outlook of our economy, resulting in the downward revision of public revenue under the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) and this deteriorated government’s fiscal position.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also reminded teachers of the severe drought faced by the country, a factor both the teachers’ unions, TUN and Nantu recently rejected, saying government continues to spend recklessly despite these challenges.
“We are at the same time facing severe drought. This drought has taken its toll in terms food security, massive crop failures and poor livestock conditions, as well as a critical scarcity in the water supply, threatening supply for both industrial use and human consumption. Under these circumstances, our president in June declared a state of emergency in the country,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
She said as a result of the drought, government will have to provide water and livestock support to these communities.
“Faced with these difficult circumstances, the government was compelled to make significant fiscal adjustments under the MTEF in a bid to raise funds needed for drought relief aid,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
She said government also has to cater for other challenges which include poverty, unemployment, and the improvement of social safety nets to reach out to the old, the disabled and orphans and vulnerable children.
“The water shortage does not only affect communal households, but it also has an impact on the economy through a shortage in water supply to industries which create jobs. In this regard, significant water infrastructure upgrades are also pressing priorities in order to secure supply to industries and avert disruption of economic activities with the consequences attendant thereto,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.

Energy crisis too
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said government is also embarking on the energy-supply infrastructure development in order to secure supplies of energy and to avert the crisis of an energy shortage, which is looming across the whole of SADC.
“All these interventions are competing for public resources which have dwindled significantly on account of a low economic outturn and outlook than initially projected,” she explained.

Remember the unemployed
She said the country is facing serious socioeconomic challenges and the measures adopted by government to deal with them require undivided attention and sufficient resources to make a measureable impact. “Those who have employment have an income through wage and non-wage benefits - benefits that those who are unemployed do not have,” she said.
She said the unemployed require most urgent attention as they are not only more vulnerable, having no income at all, but they also represent an underutilised resource which could otherwise spur the growth of Namibia’s economy and raise the country’s ability to deal with challenges faced.
She said government employees, including teachers, have received significant consideration through annual increments in salaries and benefits over the years, which have resulted in personnel expenditure taking up a significant portion of public revenue.
Government appealed to Nantu and the teaching fraternity to accept the remuneration increase that is offered by government.
Meanwhile, Nantu yesterday announced that when the schools reopen at the end of this month, teachers countrywide will vote on whether to strike
Nantu secretary-general Basilius Haingura said the union was not adjusting its demand for 8%, because it is reasonable and informed by the inflation and continual price increases in commodities as shown by the Namibia consumer price index.
GORDON JOSEPH

Caprivi separatists to be tried

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Caprivi separatists to be triedCaprivi separatists to be tried The Supreme Court has dismissed seven applications in the case of eight men appealing the dismissal of their application challenging the Windhoek High Court's jurisdiction to try them on high treason charges.
The dismissed appeal applications are those brought before court by Progress Kenyoka Munuma, 46; Manuel Manepelo Makendano, 55; Shine Samulandela Samulandela, 41; Alex Sinjabata Mushakwa, 45; Diamond Samunzala Salufu, 57; Hoster Simasiku Ntombo, 44; and the 40-year-old John Mazila Ntambwe.
The seven men's appeal applications were dismissed in a judgement handed down by Deputy Chief Justice Petrus Damaseb on Monday morning, with Chief Justice Peter Shivute, Judges of Appeals Fred Chomba and David Smuts as well as Acting Judge of Appeals Yvonne Mokgoro concurring with the ruling.
However, an appeal application by appellant Boster Mubuyaeta Samuele was successful.
“We come to the conclusion that the appeal application brought before the Supreme Court by appellant Boster Mubuyaeta Samuele must succeed. But in respect of the applications of the remaining appellants, the State had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the Windhoek High Court has jurisdiction to try them on charges of high treason,” reads the judgement.
As per the Supreme Court's ruling, the case of the seven men is now to be sent back to the Windhoek High Court in which the accused persons will stand trial on high treason and other related charges against them.
On 20 July 2015, the Supreme Court granted the eight men leave to appeal the dismissal of their application challenging the High Court's jurisdiction to try them on high treason charges, shortly after the group sent a successful petition to the Supreme Court.
All seven men will now face charges of high treason in connection with their alleged involvement in a failed attempt to secede the then Caprivi Region (now Zambezi Region) from the rest of Namibia on 2 August 1999.
After the attacks on government installations in August 1999, the eight fled from Namibia to the Dukwe refugee camp in Botswana and were later handed over back to the Namibian authorities.
The seven men remain in police custody at the Windhoek Central Correctional Facility.
Windhoek-based human rights defence lawyer Norman Tjombe appeared for the appellants on the instructions of the Justice Ministry's Directorate of Legal Aid.
State Advocate Neville Wamambo represented the prosecution.
NAMPA

Hanse-Himarwa hits back at Boois

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Hanse-Himarwa hits back at BooisHanse-Himarwa hits back at Boois The minister of education, arts and culture has rubbished claims by Kalkrand village council CEO Seth Boois that she had instigated a residents’ demonstration last week because of her public fall-out with his wife, Yvonne Boois.
Boois asserted that Hanse-Himarwa is the sister of James Hansen, the organiser of the demonstration and known for his regular crusades to Windhoek to register complaints about poor service from the village council.
“Those are allegations of a mad and obsessed man,” snapped Hanse-Himarwa back.
“Does he really think that he occupies the slightest space in my brain? I don’t know him and I did a favour to him and his family to become inhabitants of Hardap by employing his wife then even though she came out fourth in the interview because she is a woman,” Hanse-Himarwa, former governor of the Hardap Region, said of Yvonne Boois’s employment as the chief regional officer in the regional council.
Hanse-Himarwa said she further assisted the Boois family by requesting her husband, Andreas ‘Ghenno’ Himarwa, to give Yvonne Boois a 17.5% shareholding “for free in his fishing company”, Hotago Fishing CC, “simply to empower her as a woman employed under my leadership”.
Yvonne Boois eventually took Himarwa to court for alleged fraud after dividends were not paid out to her.
“I do not have a reason furthermore to fight with people I only had a professional relationship with. Furthermore, I will consult my lawyer to restrain him and his obsession from me as I am tired of his smear campaigns and pathological lies against my person,” Hanse-Himarwa said on Monday.
She said she had only heard about the demonstration at Kalkrand after it had happened.
CATHERINE SASMAN

Tura boy turns heads

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Tura boy turns headsTura boy turns headsA young boy who aims to become president one day has formed a group of like-minded children who do good deeds in their community. Young poverty fighter takes the lead A young boy who aims to become president one day has formed a group of like-minded children who do good deeds in their community. Since meeting the first family this week, a group of Katutura children, who are all friends and live in the same neighborhood, have crept into the hearts of Namibians after it became known that they do selfless work cleaning up areas in their neighbourhood during their free time.
The Poverty Eradication Warriors founder, 12-year-old Armando Pieters, became an overnight sensation after telling President Hage Geingob that he is the country’s future president. Namibian Sun visited his home on Independence Avenue in Katutura yesterday.
His mother, Anna Roman, said Armando had left for the shops with an elderly street vendor, who trades nearby.
“That child is very active, he always has something to do or somewhere to go,” says Roman. She recalled how some time ago two American women arrived at her home with gifts, looking for their friend Armando.
“They were volunteers who came to Namibia and were leaving so they came to say goodbye. I always see him getting letters from people in other countries, friends that he met somewhere.”
Armando is one of five children, and a grade six learner at People’s Primary School. A few years ago, he started a vegetable garden with the aim of providing food for children.
Asked whether she fears raising her bright boy in a city riddled with crime and filled with distractions, his mother smiled and said Armando has always known what he wants from life.
“He’s very active, but also very focused. Since grade one, he joined a centre and spends after school there till 18:00 in the evening. He is always busy with something,” she said.
Soon a friend arrived, looking for Armando. Nabot Tomas introduced himself as the deputy director of Poverty Eradication Warriors, saying he joined the group after Armando had told him about his plans.
“Since we were very small Armando always had ideas of little things he wanted us to do, and then he said we are starting a clean-up crew and maybe a soup kitchen group,” Tomas said.
“We want to help the government in eradicating these problems; we want to make our community better.”
Tomas, a grade ten learner at Windhoek Technical High School, said they want to expand their programme to start a soup kitchen in order to help the needy in their community.
“And maybe someday we would have raised enough money to send everyone in our community to university. Many of them are just here in the country, not studying for different reasons, but mostly because there is no money.”
Tomas, who can’t wait to be in grade 11 next year, said he hopes to go to medical school because he wants to become a pediatrician so that he can work with children.
According to Ludyckie Vlees, who assists the young leaders, more and more young people are eager to join the group since their highly publicised meeting with Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos.
This Friday, the group plans on cleaning the Katutura Old Age Home, where they also plan on cooking a delicious meal for the elderly. The group says September and October will be reserved for cleanup operations around Katutura. In November, they will be writing examinations.
Namibians who would like to support the group can provide them with cleaning materials and protective clothing, and can join them this Friday at the Katutura Old Age Home.


GORDON JOSEPH

Hail the North!

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Hail the North!Hail the North! The Namibia Town of the Year team travelled to the North for activations and their first stop was Omuthiya. They were met by an excited crowd that almost unanimously voted for their town. The team at the Shell service station at Omuthiya was the last to vote in the town. The NTY activations group made their way to Onyaanya after that.
Look out for the team from Namibia Media Holdings over the next ten days and remember to vote for your town. You stand a chance to win N$1 000.
While the towns in the North are open, you can take part for your town and a possible cash prize, vote for your town in the region by sending an SMS to 51500 with your town of choice. Each SMS costs N$1. PHOTO: MAGGY MBAKO

PS tackles illegal fishing

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PS tackles illegal fishingPS tackles illegal fishingLax enforcement of fisheries regulations in the Okavango River may soon be something of the past. Okavango fish stocks in dire straits Lax enforcement of fisheries regulations in the Okavango River may soon be something of the past. A senior fisheries official met with a group of Kavango East lodge owners last week to discuss the critical state of fish stocks in the Okavango River owing in large part to a lack of law enforcement despite escalating overfishing and illegal fishing practices.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Moses Maurihungirire, described the meeting as “very healthy”, adding that a number of priority areas were identified that would receive immediate attention.
“We are going to talk to our people and see how we can solve these problems. They are very important issues from our point of view,” he told Namibian Sun.
Among several other areas of concern, the PS said the three top priorities include addressing the existing capacity of fisheries inspectors so that they carry out their jobs effectively, amending existing fisheries legislation and entering talks with Angolan law enforcement officials to ensure that issues are addressed mutually and simultaneously on both sides of the river.
Maurihungirire met with a small group of representatives last Friday after he had received a letter in late July containing 62 signatures from local lodge owners, conservancies and businesses who supported the request for urgent action on the matters raised.
At Friday’s meeting, which was attended by a handful of the signatories, he was handed a list of the current challenges plus a number of suggestions, including proposed changes in the Fisheries Act that would make it “more fair and appropriate”.
Critical to the group is ensuring effective law enforcement by fisheries officials in the region, as well as improving control measures within the existing Fisheries Act to address the unique conditions of the Okavango River and the communities that depend on the river for a livelihood. In July, the signatories wrote that the absence of law enforcement by fisheries inspectors had allowed overfishing and illegal fishing practices to flourish, with devastating consequences for the river environment and fish populations.
The letter accused the inaction of fisheries inspectors of worsening the crisis, and negatively affecting the local tourism industry as well as local communities who derive a livelihood from the river.
The signatories said serious changes were needed to halt and reverse the impact of these activities, and suggested that new fisheries inspectors should replace the current officials. Among many other concrete suggestions shared with the PS, the group noted that more than four fisheries inspectors are needed to patrol the large area in addition to appointing honorary fisheries inspectors.
Maurihungirire told Namibian Sun that the meeting was productive. “I think they had some good points. They are really responsible people and they want the right things to happen on the river, in order to ensure the sustainable use of river resources.”
He said from the point of view of the ministry, all fisheries officials “have to do our work. We serve the nation and that is our calling.”
Mark Paxton, owner of Shamvura Camp and a key local figure in addressing illegal fishing and overfishing in the area, said he was “impressed by Dr Maurihungirire’s humble approach and willingness to listen to our concerns”.
Paxton praised his “decisive promises to solve this issue with the fisheries inspectors and the commercial fishing operations.”
JANA-MARI SMITH

Surgical breakthrough

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Surgical breakthroughSurgical breakthroughA less invasive type of lung surgery was performed in Namibia for the first time yesterday. Spanish surgeon teaches new technique A less invasive type of lung surgery was performed in Namibia for the first time yesterday. Namibia made medical history yesterday when world-renowned Spanish surgeon Dr Diego Gonzalez Rivas performed a new type of lung surgery in the revamped Windhoek Central Hospital theatre.
The technique, known as uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, had so far only been used in South Africa, making Namibia the second African country to employ this method.
Rivas made his breakthrough in 2010 with this technique, which not only cuts down on operating time but also significantly reduces the patient’s recovery period.
According to Rivas, who was here on the invitation of the health ministry, this technique leaves the patient with only a single scar as opposed to the conventional large wound.
“The aim of this operation is to not spread the ribs. The most painful thing of a surgery is spreading the ribs. And it is also about the quality of life that you give to the patient. The immunology system of the patient is also preserved,” explained Rivas.
He pointed out that state-of-the-art equipment used for this technique is expensive, but that it would definitely be an investment and eventually be a cheaper alternative in future. “It is like an investment, you save money on intensive care units because there are fewer complications, a reduced rate of pneumonia, pain and bleeding,” he said.

Operation
A group of local medical experts led by Dr Jones Nghaamwa and Dr Nico Feris joined Rivas yesterday to remove the right lung of a patient who had suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis in the past.
According to Nghaamwa the lung had to be removed because it had holes and the patient was coughing up blood. What sets this method apart from the conventional approaches is the fact that there is only a single incision with no rib spreading. According to the Namibian team leader this is an encouraging venture for the country’s young doctors who want to think outside the box.
“We plan to do many. This is the beginning of a journey. We need to switch our minds and our techniques.”


“I am watching young doctors who are the new generation and who want to do this kind of thing. So we have to adapt in order to improve ourselves,” said Nghaamwa.
The surgical team consisted of Willem Tak, Louis du Toit, Dr Nico Feris, Dr Florian Fleermuys, Dr Jones Nghaamwa, Steffie Blom, Petrina Mungunda and Ndapewa Shilongo, while Launa Bennett and Armas Shifotoka represented the Lady Pohamba Private Hospital.
Nghaamwa said uniportal thoracoscopic surgery is definitely the future for Namibian medicine.
Yesterday’s operation took about three hours and was preceded by a public lecture at the School of Medicine on Monday.
“This would not have been possible without this brilliant team. And it was an honour to have worked with Rivas, who has travelled the world. It was amazing watching him in action, the doctors and especially the students were inspired and now realise that they can specialise in the future and become the best in what they do,” Nghaamwa said.
Nghaamwa added that the procedure was a great achievement for the health ministry and a privilege for him as a doctor.

Lung cancer

Most of Rivas’s procedures using this technique have been done on lung cancer patients although the technique can be used for any kind of lung surgery.
“Most of my procedures are lung cancer, because most of our research in Europe is on cancer,” Rivas explained.

TB in Namibia

Namibia is the fourth worst TB-affected country in the world, with 9 882 patients diagnosed with the disease in 2014.
This was said by Health Minister Bernard Haufiku during the National TB Day commemoration last year.
During a recent stakeholder meeting the minister expressed concern that Namibia is missing about 30% of TB cases, which has contributed to the high rate of the disease.
“Especially in the mining sector, I think that is where we are missing the point,” he said.
JEMIMA BEUKES

Governor fights for Opuwo CEO

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Governor fights for Opuwo CEOGovernor fights for Opuwo CEO

Kunene Governor Angelika Muharukua has reportedly tried to lobby councillors at Opuwo to renew the contract of the town council’s chief executive officer, Alfons Tjitombo.
The CEO has come under fire from a pressure group at the town, which accused him of holding back the development of the town for the past decade.
The group alleges that there has been no development at Opuwo since 2006, when the town council appointed Tjitombo as CEO. According to sources within the council, the town councillors are divided over the renewal of the CEO’s contract, with only the mayor and deputy mayor supporting calls to have Tjitombo’s contract renewed.
There are seven local authority councillors at Opuwo, four representing Swapo and three representing the DTA.
It is reported that efforts by Muharukua to influence the reappointment of Tjitombo failed recently. The governor reportedly telephoned councillors and begged them to extend the term of office of the CEO. Tjitombo’s contract expires at the end of October.
“We are wondering why the governor is so interested in the CEO’s contract extension. She held a meeting with all of us Swapo town councillors ordering us to support the CEO contract extension,” said a councillor who requested anonymity.


“Those from the opposition also told us that she even called them, begging them to vote for the CEO’s term extension. Her effort failed because we all want development in our town and it is high time we get a competent CEO with the interests of Opuwo development at heart.”

Land dealings

Some council sources allege that Muharukua has benefitted greatly from land acquisitions through Tjitombo over the years. Muharukua confirmed to Namibian Sun that she owns a number of undeveloped prime plots, including some acquired before independence. She added that all her land acquisitions were above board.
Muharukua is believed to have two residential plots at the town, while three years ago, she acquired a prime plot near the Opuwo airport, which is still undeveloped. In fact, when she was gender deputy minister, Muharukua had written to Tjitombo asking him to approve her application for more land.
“My son, as you are aware that I have applied for the plot that I would like to develop some time ago. I know I have allocated a plot which I see to it that is not big enough for me to establish the appropriate development I prefer. Therefore, through you my son once again I am requesting your office to allocate the whole plot to me from no. 9, 10, 11 and 12 as according to land surveyor [sic],” she wrote.
In 2013, the town councillors approved her request and the piece of land was given to her through her company Opuwo Duplex Development. There has been no development on the land.
Muharukua admitted that she obtained such a piece of land.
“Why are they only concerned with that land I acquired during Tjitombo’s term of office while I have been getting land for a long time? My first land I got in Opuwo is in Otuzemba and I will not sell it as many want me to do. About the plot near the airport, there is nothing wrong with me having such a plot because I pay for it,” she said.
Opuwo mayor Albert Tjiuma would neither confirm nor deny that the council voted not to renew the CEO’s term of office, saying that it is an internal matter. He also refused to comment on all allegations against the governor, saying he was not aware of anything.
“Let those who gave you information confirm everything to you,” Tjiuma said.

ILENI NANDJATO

NEEEF slaughters milk cow, says CCN

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NEEEF slaughters milk cow, says CCNNEEEF slaughters milk cow, says CCN

The Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) says the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework (NEEEF) could undermine the roots of the Namibian economy.
The umbrella body called on President Hage Geingob to instead consider other avenues to bridge the inequality gap and not disturb the progress, peace and stability that have so far been maintained.
“The only voices that we Namibians are hearing on a daily basis are the claiming of rights, political egos and violence. We all need to fight for the common good while observing peace, hard work, respect and dignity for all,” the CCN said, adding that the country should not “throw away” the peace and love that makes the country a shining example in Africa.
NEEEF is a policy framework already adopted by Cabinet aimed at correcting economic inequalities created by past discriminatory laws and practices. It is the forerunner of the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Bill, which is meant to give the government the authority to put NEEEF’s policies into place. CCN, one of a handful of civil society organisations to comment on the policy so far, said the new empowerment framework and proposed law in the long run could deprive many people of their rights to take charge and maintain their hard-earned property.
“NEEEF has the potential of ‘slaughtering the cow’ that provides milk and other food just to have meat that is a one-off to enjoy. What will happen next?” the church federation questioned. It concluded that NEEEF would not help those already living in poverty, saying that it would instead benefit the middle class and those in charge of the administration of the proposed law. “Many people who are providing this country with needed resources will sell businesses or migrate to other countries,” it warned and said the private sector would not be eager to take in unskilled labour.
CATHERINE SASMAN

Welwitschias to tackle Bulldogs

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Welwitschias to tackle BulldogsWelwitschias to tackle Bulldogs

Fresh from playing one of their best matches in the Currie Cup, the Windhoek Draught Welwitschias will be travelling to South Africa to take on Border Bulldogs in East London on Saturday.
Although the Namibian side lost their first two matches in the First Division of the Currie Cup, last weekend’s clash against Leopards showed glimpses of their potential.
The Welwitschias were competitive and managed to score six tries. That earned them a bonus point, boosting confidence that they can add to their points tally this weekend.
The Bulldogs are only two places above the Namibians and have two points after narrowly losing 24-26 to Leopards in Potchefstroom.
Welwitschias coach John Williams believes that victory is not far from becoming an attainable goal.
“We are getting used to playing at this level and the win is not far off,” he told reporters after last week’s match at the Hage Geingob Stadium.
This will be the Welwitschias’ second away match.
They have one more fixture in South Africa - against Griffons in Welkom on September 10. Their last game in the tournament will be at home, against Valke at the Hage Geingob Stadium on September 17.
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