Cheaper fuel brings inflation relief

February 14, 2019, 5:52 am

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Cheaper fuel brings inflation relief Overall annual inflation in January was 4.7%, down from 5.1% the previous month.
The decrease was due to a huge drop in overall transport inflation – from 10.9% in December to 7.3% last month. Inflation for the operation of personal transport equipment – which includes the fuel price – fell from 10.5% to 4.8%.
Figures released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) today show overall food inflation rose from 5.4% in December to 6.1% last month.

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Rukoro spits venom

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Rukoro spits venomFifa normalisation committee's challenges just beginning The Fifa normalisation committee's challenges have begun in earnest at the NFA, with a possible legal battle with Barry Rukoro on the horizon. The Fifa normalisation committee headed by Hilda Basson-Namundjebo on Wednesday managed to remove long-serving Namibia Football Association (NFA) secretary-general Barry Rukoro his office, but the drama is only beginning.

The 'Teflon Don' was accompanied by a number of police officers as he left the NFA in what premises.

The normalisation committee has also demanded that Rukoro hand over all property and assets belonging to the NFA, such as the Toyota Fortuner he uses on a daily basis.

Rukoro has threatened to take legal action, citing that proper channels where not used to remove him.

Rukoro, who has held on to the position for almost two decades, said he will react in accordance with how the newly appointed committee treats him.

“What they do will influence what I do. This is a matter of respecting procedures and being aware of ways of how to deal with issues and treating one as a human being.

“I waited for a meeting which was scheduled between myself and the committee, but no one came. I will allow the law to take its course. We don't live in the wild west, for us to play cowboys and crooks,” said Rukoro.

A few weeks ago Rukoro spoke about how he relishes stepping down, in order for someone else to occupy his seat.



Elections and other challenges

The mandate of the normalisation committee will end no later than 31 May 2019 and includes the following tasks:

To run the NFA's daily affairs;

To ensure that the members of the NFA, whose executive committees are out of mandate, organise and conduct the relevant elections; and

Once elections have been held at member level, to organise and conduct the election of a new NFA executive committee.

The committee will also act as an electoral committee and none of its members will be eligible for any of the open positions in the elections.

The immediate challenge the committee is likely to face is executing proper elections, using the current NFA constitution.

Ensuring election opportunities for new members from the regions, especially those not part of the former NFA regime, will be a huge task for the committee.

The current NFA constitution states that the executive committee will consist of 11 members who comprise of the president, first vice-president, second vice-president and six members, with at least one being a woman.

It must also consist of the chairperson of the Namibia Premier League (NPL) executive committee and one representative from the nationwide first division streams, selected from the chairpersons of the these streams.

Article 33.2 of the constitution states: “The president, vice-presidents and members of the executive committee shall be elected by the congress.”

The president, vice-presidents and six other members are normally proposed by at least one delegate.

The representative of the NPL on the NFA exco is normally the chairman of the league.

The representative chairpersons of the nationwide first division streams is a chairperson, unless there is a deadlock, in which case the congress will election the representative.

All members of the NFA executive committee shall be no older than 70 or younger than 23.

The members of the executive committee, except the NPL chairperson, should already been active for years, serving as executive members or a member of the NFA.

The members of the executive committee must not of have been previously found guilty a criminal offence incompatible with the position and must have residency within Namibia.

A list of candidates must be sent to the general secretariat of the NFA. The official list of candidates must be passed on to the members of the NFA, along with the agenda for the congress at which the executive committee will be elected.

LIMBA MUPETAMI AND JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Pirates, Stars derby to headline weekend action

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Pirates, Stars derby to headline weekend action The 2018/19 Namibia Premier League (NPL) will showcase the Orlando Pirates and African Stars derby at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

The black-and-white outfit, coached by Peter 'Oubaas' Mokwena, are currently the bottom-feeders of the league with only six points.

Pirates have a mountain of work to do when they take on defending champions Stars, who have been playing incredibly well and collecting points. The Samba Boys, mentored by Bobby Samaria, have 19 points, occupy third place on the log and are chasing the log leaders.

With the season progressing, fans are urged to make a turn at the stadium to cheer on their favourite players in the derby. The match will kick off at 18:00. Tickets cost N$30.

In today's match, Otjiwarongo-based Mighty Gunners, will take on highflying log leaders Black Africa (BA) tonight on the artificial turf at Katutura.

Gunners are in second spot with 21 points, while BA are hoping extend their lead at the top. They are currently on 29 points.

In other fixtures tomorrow, Rundu outfit Julinho Sporting will face Life Fighters, while Okahandja United and Citizens will cross swords at the Okahandja Stadium and Unam will travel to Karasburg to face Young Brazilians.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

A World Cup trial

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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A World Cup trialBrutal Super Rugby derbies beckon The 15-team, three-conference southern hemisphere club championship kicks off today when the Waikato Chiefs host the Otago Highlanders. Springbok lock Lood de Jager expects “more brutal than usual” clashes to be at the core of the 2019 Super Rugby season, as it becomes a 21-week trial for this year's Japan World Cup.

As the competition plays out through to the final on 6 July, bubbling beneath the surface is an intriguing sub-plot.

Coaches must weigh the pressure to manage the workload of likely World Cup players, and the 2018 leading players cannot assume they will still be in demand when the World Cup starts in September. “Reputations count for little in this context,” Northern Bulls lock De Jager told sarugbymag.co.za.

“How many times have we seen a young guy forcing his way into the national set-up and playing a big role at the World Cup? You just can't take anything for granted.”

The local derbies in each conference are typically ferocious affairs but De Jager is relishing the fact they will be tougher than ever this year.

“They will be more brutal than usual in the lead-up to the World Cup. It will be like World Cup trials this season. I'm looking forward to it.”

The Canterbury Crusaders, who play the Auckland Blues on Saturday, are bidding for a third successive title under coach Scott 'Razor' Robertson, who has an impressive 34-3 record from two years with the All Blacks-laden side.

In 23 years of Super Rugby, the Crusaders have been victorious nine times and they are aiming for 10 with most of last year's squad, with the notable absentee being the retired Wyatt Crockett.

But a need to ease the workload on their galaxy of stars - Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock will miss the first month - is one reason why the Crusaders have only once won the championship in a World Cup year, and that was back in 1999.

The Chiefs, with X-factor players Damian McKenzie and Brodie Retallick, will be without the inspirational Sam Cane for at least 12 weeks, as he recovers from a serious neck injury, while the Wellington Hurricanes need to plug the gaps left by Brad Shields and Julian Savea.

The Auckland Blues have long been under-achievers and have pinned their hopes this year on replacing coach Tana Umaga with former long-serving Crusader Leon MacDonald, and uniting blockbuster midfield pair Sonny Bill Williams and 36-year-old Ma'a Nonu - who has returned after three years in France.

The Highlanders, who have relied on heroic defence to compensate for a lack of ball-winning ability, have beefed up their pack with the inclusion of the 2.04-metre, 128-kilogram giant lock Pari Pari Parkinson.

The Golden Lions, runners-up in the last three seasons, are again seen as the biggest threat from South Africa despite tight forwards Jacques van Rooyen, Ruan Dreyer and Franco Mostert heading to Europe.

But Coastal Sharks coach Robert du Preez summed up his frustrations after several modest seasons by saying that with the talent at his disposal “we are running out of excuses. We have to succeed this year”.

The Bulls have signed two old hands - 32-year-old back-row forward Duane Vermeulen and hooker Schalk Brits, 37.

The Waratahs rate as Australia's brightest hope with Ashley Adam-Cooper and Karmichael Hunt joining Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau in a first-class backline.

The enigmatic Quade Cooper adds punch to the Melbourne Rebels, after moving from the Queensland Reds, where he was frozen out last season by coach Brad Thorne.

The Jaguares, the Argentina Pumas under another name, have Gonzalo Quesada as their new coach and a new captain in Jeronimo de la Fuente, but have lost backline general Nicolas Sanches to Stade Francais.

SA Rugbymag

CANA champs to kick off this weekend

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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CANA champs to kick off this weekend The Confédération Africaine de Natation (CANA) Zone IV swimming champs will kick off in Windhoek this weekend.

The events will take place from Saturday to Wednesday and will feature some of the continent's top aquatics talents.

The 12 Zone IV countries participating are Angola, Botswana, Comoros, eSwatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, but the federation has also invited Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from Zone III, which means a total of 450 athletes will be competing.

The championships will begin with the swimming section on Saturday at the Olympia swimming pool, followed by the open water events at Oanob Dam on Sunday, while the water polo will start on Monday at the Katutura/Western Suburbs swimming pools.

The CANA Zone IV champs began in 2000 and was originally called the Sub-Saharan Competition.

In 2009, the event was renamed the CANA Zone III and IV Invitational Swimming Competition, and in 2013, in accordance with the African Union Sports Council Region V Strategy and Directives, it became the CANA Zone IV Swimming Championships.

The competition is open to athletes aged 11 years and over, and this year it will also double as an official qualification event for the 18th FINA World Championships, which will be held in Gwangju, South Korea from 12 to July 2019.

Sport Reporter

Otuntila omolwa omukithi gwendambi

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Otuntila omolwa omukithi gwendambi Omulumentu gwoomvula 22 a za momukunda Omayuuda momudhingoloko Ogongo moshitopolwa shaMusati okuli ta mono uunamiti konima sho a lumatwa kondoongi.

Oshikondo shuundjolowele wiimuna shoDirectorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) osha tokola okugandja otuntila kiimuna niitekulwa namwenyo momudhingoloko moka onga oonkambadhala okuya moshipala etaandelo lyomukithi gwendambi miinamwenyo momudhingoloko ngoka.

Oshikondo sho DVS osha tuntile oondoongi dhi li 246 oongombe , 412 oombwa dhili 68 oshowo uumbishi wuli 35 mOmayuuda mEtiyali.

Omupya omunene oondoongi dhi li 18 okuza moshigunda shoka sha gumwa, inadhi falwa kumwene opo dhika tuntilwe.

Josef Kamati okwa lumatwa kondoongi ongulohi yomasiku 22 gaJanuari omanga a li ta ende okuya kegumbo okuza kuundingosho wopomudhingoloko wawo.

Kamati okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya,osha li lwopotundi onti 20:00 sho a adha ondoongi tai li omwiidhi na oye mu ponokele nokumulumata.

“Sho owala nda piti po, ondoongi ndjoka oya landulandje nokulumatandje mokugulu kolulyo. Onda gupo na oye ya ya hala okulumatandje mepunda. Onda kutha mo ombele yandje mondjato na onde yi tsu iikando yontumba opo yi ethendje ihe oya tsikile nokuponokelandje. Onda tameke tandi kugu naantu oye ya kungame okuza puundingosho nokuhupithandje. Inandi ninga oshilalo mpoka ya lumatandje ihe okugulu kwandje okwa zinda sigo onena. Onda yi koshipangelo esiku lya landula ihe sigo onena ondili metonatelo lyandohotola,” Kamati a hokolola.

Omundohotola gwiimuna okuza mOutapi, Dr Laina Hango, okwa popi kutya oshiningwanima shoka osha lopotwa momasiku 23 gaJanuari, na oya talelepo omudhingoloko ngoka na oya pula opo ondoongi ndjoka yi dhipagwe molwaashoka oya li tayi gandja omadhidhiliko gomukithi gwendambi.

Okwa popi kutya oya tumu opo ku kaningwe omakonaakono kolabora kOvenduka, na oya mono omayamukulo esiku lya landula kutya ondoongi ndjoka oya li yi na endambi shili.

Otwa ningi ekwatathano namwene gwondoongi ndjoka opo a lande omiti dhokutuntila omolwa omukithi ngoka, opo a yambidhidhe a vule okutuntila iimuna ye ihe ineshi ninga.

“Sho mwene gwondoongi ndjoka ina iyutha komalombwelo getu otwa tokola okuninga oshikonga shokutuntila oongombe, iikombo, uumbishi noombwwa momukunda ngoka. Oshigwana osha yamukula nawa kehiyo lyetu ihe mwene gwondoongi ndjoka okwa ndopa okweeta oondoongi dhe.”

Hango okwa popi kutya endambi omukithi ngoka hagu vulu okukeelelwa ihe ogwa nika oshiponga molwaashoka ohagu vulu okutaandela maantu nokweetitha eso.

Okwa popi kutya nale omukithi ngoka ogwa li hagu kala unene moombwa ihe ngashiingeyi ohagu adhika nomoongombe niikombo.

Okwa popi kutya shito epangelo ihali gandja otuntila yoshali kiimuna, ohali gandja owala kuumbishi noombwa ihe molwaashoka onkalo yomOgongo oya etitha omalimbililo, oya tokola okuyamukula.

“Katushi kutya ondoongi ndjoka oya kwatwa komukithi ngoka okuza peni, na ka tushi kutya oya lumata oondoongi ngapi, otu na okugamena omudhingoloko ngoka. Mwene gwondoongi ndjoka oku na oondoongi 18 ihe inedhi fala dhi tuntilwe. Otwe mu lombwele esimano opo oondoongi dhe dhituntilwe na otu na okukwashilipaleka kutya oondoongi dhe odha tuntilwa,”Omundohotola Hango a popi.

Pehimbo lyooprograma dhelongo ndhoka dha ningwa pethimbo lyoshikonga shoka, Hango okwa lombwele aakwashigwana kutya uuna omuntu a lika koshinamwenyo tashi felekelwa shina endambi okwa pumbwa okufalwa meendelelo koshipangelo.

Okwa popi kutya omadhidhiliko gomukithi ngoka, uululume uunene oshowo omuntu ta ehama a fa ta pi pehala mpoka pwa lumatwa. Ombuto ndjoka ohayi yi sigo okuuluwi nokweetitha uupyakadhi uunene.

ILENI NANDJATO

Okansela moRundu taya ka konga ekwatho kompangu

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Okansela moRundu taya ka konga ekwatho kompanguYa dhini aniwa omalombwelo gongundu Ongundu yookansela melelo lyaRundu ndjoka ya tindi okutula miilonga elombwelo lyamushanga gwongundu yoSwapo, oya tidhwa miilonga na oya holoka kutya otaya ka konga ekwatho lyompangu metidho dhawo. Swapo okwa tokola okukutha miilonga ookansela ye yatatu moRundu, mwakwatelwa mayola omupe ngoka opo a hogololwa, Isack Kandingu, shoka ya tindi okwiiyutha kelombwelo kutya elelo lyondoolopa ndjoka inali lundululwa.

Yamwe mboka ya kuthwa miilonga omupeha mayola gwondoolopa ndjoka, Toini Hausiku, ngoka e li omukulukadhi gwomupeha amushanga gwoSwapo, Marco Hausiku oshowo Anastacia Shinduvi-Foya. Mboka yatatu oya popi mEtitatu kutya oya tokola okukakonga ekwatho kompangu omolwa ekutho lyawo miilonga.

Oya lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya oya ninga nale ekwatathano naakalelipo yawo yopaveta.

“Otwa yakula ombaapila okuza kongundu na otatu fala oshikumungu shoka kompangu. Otwa pewa omayele kaakalelipo yetu yopaveta opo katu tye sha oshindji kombinga yoshikumungu shika, molwaashoka otashi vulu okuya moshipala oshipotha shetu.”

Pambaapila ndjoka ya shangwa momasiku 12 gaFebruali na oya shainwa kuShaningwa, mboka oya kuthwa kiilonga molwaashoka oya dhini nokwaaha landula omalombwelo gongundu mEtine lya piti, pethimbo lyomahogololo gelelo lyondoolopa yaRundu ngoka ga ningwa Etine lyoshiwike sha piti.

Shaningwa okwa li a gandja elombwelo opo Verna Sinimbo a kale mayola gwondoolopa nomupeha gwe ta kala Ralph Ihemba.

Natango momukanda ngoka a shangele omukwatakanithi gwoSwapo moshitopolwa shaKavango East, Ottilie Shinduvi , Shaningwa okwa popi kutya okwa holola kutya ongundu oyuuvithwa nayi kutya ookansela mboka yatatu inaya dhina owala elombwelo lye ihe oya ulike nokuhogolola kansela gwongundu yompilameno opo a kale oshilyo shokomitiye yelelo lyondoolopa.

Shaningwa okwa popi kutya, Johanna Kakondo, Ngondo Johannes oshowo Sarafina Kandere otaya pingenepo ookansela mboka ya kuthwa miilonga,nombaapila inayi holola kutya eganithilo lyawo miilonga otali ningwa uunake.

Lwopokati mpoka aakalimo yomoRundu mboka ya popi noshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun inaya hala uukwatya wawo wu tumbulwe, oya pula kutya omolwashike Swapo ina kutha miilonga ookansela ayehe yatano yelelo ndyoka.

Oya popi kutya muNovemba gwomvula yo 2018, ookansela ayehe yahamano yelelo lyondoolopa yaShakati oya kuthwa miilonga konima sho ya tindi okutula miilonga elombwelo lyongundu , na oya hogolola Katrina Shimbulu onga omunashipundi gwokomitiye yelelo pehala lya Onesmus Shilunga.

“Shika okatongo taka ningilwa aantu yomoKavango. Sho sha ningwa mOshakati aantu ayehe oya kuthwa miilonga nokuningilwa omutumba gwomautho ihe moRundu omwa kuthwa owala aantu yatatu na oya pingenwa po inaku ningwa omutumba gwomautho. Swapo oku na omilandu ndhoka hadhi landula ngele tashi ya kiikumungu yi li ngaaka.”

Sho a ningilwa omapulo, Shaningwa okwa tindi okuyamukula.

Oshiwike sha piti, hahende Silas-Kishi Shakumu okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya oongundu dhopolotika kadhi na oonkondo okuthiminika ookanselayomalelo goondoolopa ya kale ngaashi yakala nenge ya lunduluke uuna tashi ya komahogololo gaaleli yoondoolopa.



Iiyandwa

Oshiwike sha piti, Kandingu okwa hogololwa onga mayola gwaRundu na okwa pingenepo Sinimbo, omanga Hausiku hogololwa onga omupeha mayola na okwa pingenepo Ihemba.

Shinduvi-Foya oshowo Matheus Wakudumo ayehe ya za kongundu yoAll People's Party (APP) oya hogololwa onga iilyo yokomitiye yelelo lyongundu, omanga oshilyo oshititatu shelelo sha li natango tashi ka hogololwa.

Sinimbo, Ihemba naReginald Ndara oya li ye na okukala iilyo ya gwedhwa po yelelo lyondoolopa, omanga Shaningwa ina shanga omukanda ngoka gwa kuthwa miilonga aahogololwa.

Shaningwa okwa gandja omalombwelo muNovemba gwomvula ya piti, kutya naku ningwe omalunduluko mOkahandja opo mayola gwaKahandja, Johannes 'Congo' Hindjou a kuthwe oshinakugwanithwa shoka nokuningwa oshilyo shelelo lyondoolopa omanga inaku ningwa omalunduluko gasha moRundu.

Eganithilo miilonga lyookansela mboka olya li lya pumbwa okuningwa omanga omasiku ga 7 gaFebruali inaga thika, palombwelo ndyoka lya li lya zi kmbelewa yamushanga gwoSwapo.

Ondoolopa yaRundu oyo owala ya pula komeho nomahogololo ngoka oshiwike sha piti omanga moKahandja omahogololo ga kala taga undululwa komeho molwaashoka kape na mangestrata.

moRundu oshiwike sha piti, mangestrata Sonia Sampofu okwa pula okafudhepo kuule woominute ntano konima sho Sinimbo ina mona omawi momahogololo gamayola, naashoka osha halutha oonakukala momahogololo ngoka. Kandingu okwa ulikwa nokuhogololwa a kale mayola na okwa zimine.

Sinimbo okwa li uulikwa a ninge omupeha gwe ihe okwa tindi, na okwa ulikwa nduno Hausiku, ngoka a zimine.

Shinduvi-Foya okwa hogololwa onga oshilyo shotango shokomitiye yelelo na okwa zimine.

Ponkatu ndjoka osha ulike kutya Sinimbo naIhemba kaya li ye na ohokwe okukutha ombinga omahogololo onkene Wakadumo okwa hogololwa a ninge oshilyo shokomitiye yelelo.

Konima aahogololwa oya ganithilwa miilonga omanga aakwashigwana yamwe ya thigipo ehala na oya kala pondje taya imbi omaimbilo gekondjelomanguluko. Iilyo yimwe yoSwapo oya ningile ookansela omatilitho, nokuyadhimbulukitha kutya inaya dhana noSwapo.

Drug dealer sentenced to 12 years

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Drug dealer sentenced to 12 years The Oshakati Regional Court has sentenced an Angolan man to an effective 12 years imprisonment for dealing in cannabis, illegally entering Namibia through an undesignated point and money-laundering.

Magistrate Leopoldt Hangalo on Wednesday sentenced Kanu Santos Miguel to 10 years in prison for dealing in cannabis, two years for illegally entering Namibia and five years for money-laundering. However, the dagga dealing and money-laundering sentences will run concurrently, which means an effective 12-year sentence.

Miguel was arrested on 23 August 2014 at Ongwediva and he has been in custody ever since.

His lawyer Mukaya Nyambe asked the court to give his client a fine in respect of the dealing in cannabis charge, and a suspended sentence for the other two charges, while arguing it must also be considered that he has spent a considerable amount of time behind bars after his arrest.

Hangalo, however, said State prosecutor Nelao Ya France had argued that Miguel does not respect the laws of the country and that he should have learnt his lesson from a first conviction some years ago.

“The court has a duty to protect members of society. Drugs paralyse societies. You are not a first-time offender and seemingly have not learnt any lesson from your previous conviction,” Hangalo said.

According to evidence presented in court, Miguel hid the key of the toilet where the cannabis was found and pretended not to know where it was when the police approached him.

Miguel told the court he would never again attempt to bring cannabis into Namibia.

He also informed the court he was having nightmares about his children, as he feared his absence and a lack of monetary support would lead them to end up in prison like him.

He said he has eight children, six of whom are in Angola, while two are in Namibia. He told the court that one of the mothers is mentally ill, while the others are unemployed.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Airport workers arrested for killing wild dogs

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Airport workers arrested for killing wild dogs Six security and maintenance workers at Hosea Kutako International Airport have been arrested for illegally trespassing onto a private animal reserve and killing two African wild dogs.

African wild dogs are Africa's most endangered carnivore species.

The incident happened on Tuesday at Zannier Reserve, located near the airport and the N/a'an ku sê Lodge and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Zannier Reserve partnered with the N/a'an ku sê Foundation to create a nature reserve of 9 000 hectares. According to the N/a'an ku sê Foundation the reserve acts as a haven for wildlife.

“A haven that instead became a scene of brutality this week,” the foundation said in a statement.

Two wild dogs were killed and a third was severely injured and is fighting for his life at the N/a'an ku sê Veterinary Clinic.

According to the foundation a neighbouring farmer became aware of suspicious activity on Tuesday morning and immediately alerted N/a'an ku sê staff.

“The African wild dogs in question remained on the reserve side, with no evidence of them having left the property and straying onto airport ground,” the foundation said.

The remains of a hunt were clearly evident, a kudu having been chased and caught on the reserve side by the wild dogs, next to the fence dividing the reserve and the airport grounds.

“Numerous studies have shown that African wild dogs make use of man-made structures and perimeter fences when bringing down prey, and the pack of five regularly made use of the fence line when hunting,” according to the foundation.

It said upon further inspection, shotgun shell casings and tracks were discovered, indicating illegal trespassing onto the reserve.

The manager of the Zannier Reserve called the police and members of the Protected Resources Unit (PRU) investigated the crime scene.

The foundation said the airport maintenance manager was informed of the suspected involvement of airport personnel and the manager made immediate enquiries.

“Three airport security and three airport maintenance personnel were identified with a kudu carcass in the back of a vehicle. The suspects were taken to the scene, where the police searched the vehicle for evidence.”

The six suspects, believed to have trespassed and shot the wild dogs in order to obtain their kudu prey, were charged and remain in police custody.

The N/a'an ku sê veterinarian, Dr Kobus Hoffman, performed autopsies on the two dead dogs and found that they had been shot with a 12-gauge shotgun. The third dog was wounded in the neck and head.

The dogs were part of a pack of five African wild dogs that had been brought to the N/a'an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary as pups.



ELLANIE SMIT

Anele Mdoda is heading to the Oscars!

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Anele Mdoda is heading to the Oscars!Hosting an M-Net red carpet special Anele from The Voice will be doing red-carpet interviews at this year's Oscars. The countdown to Hollywood's most prestigious ceremony, the 91st Annual Academy Awards has begun, and this year, Hollywood will be graced by Host of DStv's reality show The Voice South Africa: Anele Mdoda.

No stranger to awards shows, the beloved radio and television personality will be flying the African flag high as she represents M-Net with a Red Carpet Special - a pre-show which will broadcast on M-Net Movies Premiere, DStv channel 104 at 20:30 CAT on Monday, 25 February.

The awards show itself will air live on M-Net Movies Premiere at 03:00 CAT on Monday 25 February, with a delayed broadcast in the evening of the same day at 21:00 CAT on M-Net 102.

With the who's who of La-La Land prepping their acceptance speeches and perfecting their potential losing faces, this year's hotly competitive Oscars are bound to be entertaining - and who better to get up close and personal with the stars than Anele Mdoda the hostess with the mostess?

“Hosting the red carpet for M-Net for one of the biggest awards shows in the world is an absolute highlight for me,” Anele said. “I have watched the Oscars every year and the most memorable moments for me were when Denzel Washington and Sandra Bullock won, and when Charlize won.”

“This year I look forward to celebrating with the Black Panther cast as they head in with seven Oscar nods,” the host of DStv's The Voice SA enthused. “We have to speak to Bradley Cooper and salute his directing for A Star Is Born, as well as his performance in it.

We must also get Spike Lee - who has an honorary Oscar but has his first ever nomination as director for BlackKklansman, which you can currently watch on Box Office.

And then we hope to chat to Mahershala Ali who was nominated for Green Book and of course Glenn Close for The Wife. We also can't forget about Rami Malek and Bohemian Rhapsody! And then of course, there's the fashion!”

Anele made her debut as host on M-Net's hit local reality singing competition The Voice South Africa on Sunday, 3 February, and wowed viewers with her passion, charm and energy.

A favourite among her fans, the radio and television personality has scooped up several awards, including a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Television Talk Show, Best Radio Presenter in the Best of Joburg 2018 annual survey and a Style Award. Anele also has an adoring social media following, and is a keen fan of movies and series.



Below is a list of the key 91st Annual Academy Awards nominees:

Best Actor

Christian Bale, Vice

Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born

Willem Dafoe, At Eternity's Gate

Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody

Viggo Mortensen, Green Book

Best Supporting Actor

Mahershala Ali, Green Book

Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman

Sam Elliott, A Star Is Born

Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Sam Rockwell, Vice

Best Actress

Yalitza Aparicio, Roma

Glenn Close, The Wife

Olivia Colman, The Favourite

Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born

Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams, Vice

Marina de Tavira, Roma

Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk

Emma Stone, The Favourite

Rachel Weisz, The Favourite

Best Picture

Black Panther

BlacKkKlansman

Bohemian Rhapsody

The Favourite

Green Book

Roma

A Star Is Born

Vice

Best Director

BlacKkKlansman, Spike Lee

Cold War, Pawel Pawlikowski

The Favourite, Yorgos Lanthimos

Roma, Alfonso Cuarón

Vice, Adam McKay



STAFF REPORTER

On the rise to stardom

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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On the rise to stardomMax Jnr speaks on making it big Still a newbie to the music scene, Max Jnr is going to make it big, very soon. Max Moalusi, better known as Max Jnr, has been on the scene for two-and-a-half years but has the style and agility of someone who has been on the block a lot longer.

Having started doing music officially in 2016 in his hometown Arandis, Max Jnr still has many ambitions and just like any other artist in Namibia, he hopes to bring a fresh taste to the people.

The music industry requires blood, sweat and tears, especially in Namibia where there is not much authenticity and opportunities are not exactly around every corner. Max Jnr recently dropped his first mix tape of many more to come. The project is titled Juice Drops which was produced by friends of the young star.

He also has a music video out for his well circulated single, SQUAD which was shot and directed by Neshv!lle.

Max credits his success as a rap artist to his passion for music. He mentions that he remembers being a musically inquisitive toddler who wanted nothing else than to play the drums and make music.

“I remember my siblings leaving for school, and I would take empty cans and take some pencils and make music. There is where it started for me and I knew that music was a given,” he says.After running away from home in 2014, to chase a dream, which was frowned upon where Jnr is from, he met people who were 'cut of the same cloth' as he was.

He found and nurtured his passion for hip-hop music and has not looked back since.

Five singles, one music video and a 13-track mix tape later, Max Jnr is the only other artist since KP Illest to receive US recognition, which is huge for a growing artist. As if he wasn't bringing the fire enough, Max Jnr will be doing his first tour this year, which will include countries like the United Kingdom and South Africa.

“What I want more than anything is growth in the trap genre. I also want this year to be a year of recognition for me as well as every other 'underground' artist,” Jnr further added. His goal is to work with artists like Jericho, Stella and Sally Bossmadam. Jnr also dreams of working with Nigerian Afro-fusion singer and songwriter Burna Boy in the future.

There's more to this young artist than what meets the eye so don't sleep on him.





Elizabeth Joseph

Lexus most dependable car brand

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Lexus most dependable car brandFiat takes hammering The study is based on responses from 32 952 original owners of 2016 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. Vehicles are more reliable than ever, but automakers are wrestling with problems such as voice recognition, transmission shifts and battery failures. Dave Sargent, VP: J.D. Power. Toyota Motor's Lexus brand of luxury vehicles was the most dependable name for the eighth consecutive year, while Fiat Chrysler's Fiat brand dropped to the bottom in an annual auto industry reliability survey published Wednesday.

Industry consultant J.D. Power's closely watched study measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles during the past 12 months by original owners of 2016 model-year vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality and dependability.

Lexus had a score of 106 problems per hundred, the 2019 US vehicle dependability study showed. Porsche and Toyota ranked second, with a score of 108 each.

Overall, the study showed a 4% improvement in vehicle dependability from 2018.

"Vehicles are more reliable than ever, but automakers are wrestling with problems such as voice recognition, transmission shifts and battery failures," said Dave Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power.

Chrysler, which was at the bottom of the survey that covered 31 brands in 2018, improved its ranking in 2019 to 16, but Fiat slipped by two ranks to the last position.

General Motors Co topped in five of the 20 categories, while Toyota Motor Corp got the top rank in four.

The study is based on responses from 32 952 original owners of 2016 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. – Nampa/Reuters

Nama festival set for end May

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Nama festival set for end MayTheme is 'we will come together' Keetmanshoop will again be the venue for the second annual Nama festival this year at the end of May. The second edition of the annual Nama Cultural Festival will take place from 30 May until 2 June 2019 at the Westdene Stadium in Keetmanshoop.

This is according to a statement availed to the media by the festival committee spokesperson, Antonio Stuurmann on Wednesday.

Stuurmann said this year's festival will be held under the theme '/Hao da ni', which means 'we will come together'.

Ahead of the festival, the committee will have a gala dinner beginning of March as a way to raise funds for the festival.

“We will host the fundraising event at the Mariental High School hall in Mariental on 2 March, where we will elaborate more on the theme, outlook for this year's festival and we will also reflect on the 2018 inaugural festival,” he said.

He said the key objective of the festival is to strive for unity, development and social cohesion within the Nama community as well as the broader Khoisan community.

“Ultimately, the platform further aims to uphold and inculcate cultural values, norms and principles building social and interpersonal skills in the pursuit of national building through better contribution and collaboration,” said Stuurmann.

The spokesperson said the Namibian public should expect a bigger, better and more rejuvenating festival this year.

“We implore all Nama people including in neighbouring countries, to join this call for unity and stand together for the purpose of celebrating our culture as one, indivisible, united and harmonious people,” he added.

The event also provides an opportunity for small and medium business to sell and showcase products.

The festival was inaugurated last year by the late Chief of the #Aonin (Topnaar) Traditional Authority, Gaob Seth Madawa Kooitjie - who died on 24 January and will be laid to rest on Saturday.

NAMPA

#TeamRiky takes an early lead

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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#TeamRiky takes an early lead By the end of this week's exciting second episode of The Voice South Africa Season 3, coach Riky Rick had eked out a lead for himself with a total of five singers on #TeamRiky. #TeamLIRA and #TeamRiana swelled their numbers to a total of four talented singers each, and poor Coach Francois van Coke was lagging behind with still only one singer on his team.

First up for their consideration was 26-year-old Amy Tjasink from Cape Town, who has travelled the world entertaining guests on cruise ships, and returned to South Africa from her new home in London especially to audition on The Voice SA. Accompanying herself on the acoustic guitar, Amy performed Bebe Rexha's Meant To Be, and immediately Lira noted that this was “a very different voice” and got up in her chair to dance along. But it was the two men who turned their chairs for Amy. “Riky is a rapper, he doesn't know that much about voices,” coach Francois campaigned, but Amy confessed that she really wanted to be on #TeamRiky all along.

The 27-year-old Verona Goslett from Meyerton had better luck with Avril Lavigne's Head above Water. Riana got so emotionally carried away that she never even noticed that Francois had also turned his chair. “I turned first!” he pointed out to Verona. But Riana claimed the blonde singer for #TeamRiana, because, “I worshipped in that chair, you took me to another place,” she insisted.

Krista Jonas (29) from Cape Town had the crowd on their feet and boogieing with her heartfelt performance of the disco classic I Will Survive, and she was reduced to happy tears when Francois, Riky, and her idol LIRA turned for her. “I want you more than they want you,” Francois said, but after a passionate debate between the three Coaches, Krista became the fourth member of #TeamLIRA. Riky Rick listened intently as Joshua Parker performed the Ed Sheeran love song Perfect and didn't just turn his chair, but spontaneously ran onto the stage to hug the 19-year-old performing arts coach from Fourways, Johannesburg. “I know I'm the only one who turned around, but I really, really, really, really want you on #TeamRiky!” he exclaimed.

Felicia Seoehle (21) from Sasolburg opened up on camera about her struggles with depression and bullying, and explained how music saved her life. Her rendition of Andra Dey's Rise Up' gave LIRA goosebumps, and Felicia got to choose between #TeamLIRA and #TeamRiana. Riana promised to support her regardless of her choice, and so Felicia became Riana's second talent grab of the night.

Jason Ferreira (30), an Eastern Cape boy from Pretoria, failed to get one turned chair for his performance of The Script's Breakeven, but Johannesburg musician and property developer Sabelo Mthembu (35), singing Van Morrison's Crazy Love, set off another fierce battle between the rapper coach and the rocker coach, finally choosing to become the fifth member of #TeamRiky.

The 25-year-old actress and singer Siki Jo-Ann Owazi from Port Elizabeth inspired a unanimous chair-turn with her spirited rendition of MamMiriam Makeba's iconic Click Song. “Ucula kamnandi!” Francois complimented her in flawless isiZulu, but after a hard battle among the Coaches, she signed on to #TeamRiana.



STAFF REPORTER

Character is key

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Character is key Allison Triegaardt, one of Africa's leading storytelling and creative consultants, was in Namibia last week to meet with local producers to educate on them how to develop their technical skills and transform the way they tell their stories.

Triegaardt was invited by MultiChoice Namibia to participate in the MultiChoice Talent Factory Master classes in Windhoek.

The master class is part of an incubation programme launched by the MultiChoice Talent Factory which is a two-day experience for advanced filmmakers and television practitioners concentrating specifically on character development and TV dramas.

Triegaardt concurred that while many shows attract viewers, the thing that holds the viewers' attention until the very last moment is the character.

“I just think as African filmmakers we don't spend enough time on developing our characters. We are far more focussed on plot. And one of the global trends is a character-driven drama so I think it is important that we focus on that more,” she said.

Triegaardt who interacted with local producers and was exposed to their productions was pleasantly surprised with local content saying standard is “quite high”.

“I think the real frustration at the moment is the lack of opportunity. I think filmmakers and TV producers are starved for opportunity. We also spoke at length about finding a way. So even if there are no formal opportunities available, we live in a digital age. So, if you are not winning at home, try other ways,” said.

Speaking about the 'Zeitgeist' in Namibia Triegaardt observed that Namibians are tired and frustrated but hopeful at the same time.

“And these things are to be portrayed in our stories, so that we don't only unpack the reality but also unpack how to change it for the better. I would say those are two areas we need to develop as well as funding and distribution,” she said.

She highlighted that the South African art industry which is deemed most successful on the continent, too struggles with opportunities.

However, according to Triegaardt the SA arts industry found innovative ways to find ways around their challenges.

“There is a move towards advertiser funded productions. The advertisers themselves are realising that traditional advertising is no longer pulling the response that it used to. Why? We have got PVR now, we are fast-forwarding through ads. So advertiser funded productions are a really good way to both benefit the practitioner and the advertiser,” she said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

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Company news in brief

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Company news in brief Vodacom, Telkom welcome ECA bill withdrawal

South African mobile network operators Vodacom and Telkom on Wednesday welcomed a government decision to withdraw a bill, which proposed taking back licensed spectrum from operators and forcing them to share a national network.

On Tuesday the minister of communications, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, withdrew the Electronic Communications Amendment (ECA) Bill, which was put before parliament in October 2018, to allow for further consultations and to align it with a drive towards a more digital economy.

The move ends uncertainty over a policy which has been criticised by industry, with the proposed Wireless Open Access Network (WOAN) seen to have negative consequences after the government suggested mobile operators would not get new frequencies and needed to hand back what they had.

Vodacom has proposed an alternative hybrid model- comprising a competitive WOAN with the opportunity for current operators to access spectrum.

Telkom also welcomed the withdrawal, saying by email: "We think this is an opportunity for government to engage with the sector and agree on a set of priorities to inspire investments that will promote growth and effective competition."– Nampa/Reuters

Nissan agrees JV to build Algerian car assembly plant

Japan's second-largest automaker Nissan Motor Co has signed a joint venture agreement with an Algerian private partner to build a car assembly plant at a cost of US$160 million, the company said on Wednesday.

The plant, near the western city of Oran, is due to start production in the first half of 2020 with a capacity of 63 500 vehicles per year, Peyman Kargar, Nissan's senior vice president and chairman of operations in Africa, Middle East and India, said at a signing ceremony in Algiers.

Nissan's partner, Hasnaoui Group, will hold a majority stake in the project, which is expected to create 1 800 jobs.

Algeria has banned car imports as part of an attempt to cut spending due to lower oil and gas earnings, the main source of state finances.

The North African country, an OPEC member, has been trying to attract foreign investment and develop the non-energy sector, which accounts for just 6% of total export revenues. – Nampa/Reuters

Egypt plugs hub status as Shell, Eni, Exxon win energy concessions

Royal Dutch Shell, Eni, BP and Exxon Mobil were among the winners in one of Egypt's largest ever oil and gas exploration tenders on Tuesday, as the country looks to sustain an investment upswing spurred by major discoveries.

The awards marked Exxon Mobil's entry into gas exploration in Egypt, while Shell was handed the most concessions, three for oil and two for gas, at an annual petroleum show that Egypt has used to promote itself as a hub for gas production and trading in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Egypt expects investments of at least US$750 million to US$800 million in the first stage of exploration in the total of 12 concessions announced, petroleum minister Tarek El Molla said.

Executives at the forum, which was attended by the CEOs of companies including BP and Shell, said Egypt's advantages as a hub include well-developed infrastructure, established industry expertise, strong local demand, and the country's strategic location between Europe and Asia, allowing it to send gas west or east depending on markets.

They are also encouraged by Europe's desire to diversify gas supplies and find alternative suppliers to Russia, and to reduce carbon emissions. – Nampa/Reuters

Barclays has spent up to 200 mln pounds on Brexit

Barclays has spent 100 to 200 million pounds (US$129-258 million) moving operations and staff out of Britain to prepare for Brexit, its UK chairman Gerry Grimstone said on Wednesday as bank bosses detailed the costs involved.

International banks have been setting up subsidiaries across the European Union since Britain voted to leave the bloc in 2016 to ensure they can continue to serve clients if their operations in London lose the rights to do so from March 29.

Barclays has moved its European headquarters and almost 200 billion euros in assets to Dublin and last year began shifting 40 to 50 investment banking jobs to Frankfurt from London.

Grimstone detailed Barclays' costs after Bank of America vice chairman Anne Finucane told a banking conference in Dublin that her bank had spent US$400 million on its Brexit preparations.

Morgan Stanley's head of EMEA, Clare Woodman, declined to say how much the bank had spent on its moves to Paris and Frankfurt. – Nampa/Reuters

Barrick exceeds adjusted profit estimates

Gold Corp, the world's largest publicly traded bullion producer, reported a better-than-expected adjusted quarterly profit on Wednesday due in part to cost cuts that helped offset a dip in gold prices and production.

Barrick has been moving to cut costs and said it was able to reduce administration expenses to US$212 million in 2018, far below the level forecast.

Still, the company, which closed on its US$6.1 billion buyout of rival Randgold Resources in early January, lost a net US$1.2 billion in the fourth quarter, or US$1.02 per share, compared to a net loss of US$314 million, or 27 cents, a year earlier.

Gold production fell about 6% to 1.3 million ounces during the fourth quarter through December 31. Copper output rose about 10% to 109 million ounces. Production costs for both metals rose during the quarter from a year earlier.

Barrick said it expects to produce 5.1 million to 5.6 million ounces of gold in 2019, in what would be an increase of at least 13% from 2018 levels. – Nampa/Reuters

Poignant, local

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Poignant, localBig screen to be set alight Hairareb's trailer will premier tonight in Ster Kinekor theatres. Local Film and Media Production Company Ndapunikwa Investments has partnered with Ster Kinekor to premier the official trailer for Hairareb, a locally produced romantic drama adapted from a play written by August Bikeur already in the late 70s.

The trailer premiers today.

This makes it the second Namibian-produced film to make it to a cinema, although it is only the trailer that made it to the big screen after the movie Katutura which was premiered full-length in 2015. Hairareb is a unique and beautiful depiction of a truly Namibian story underwritten with an intimate portrayal of the Damara people's culture.

The story deals about a worried ageing and lonely well-off farmer facing a devastating drought. He marries and start a new life with his neighbour's young, beautiful and materialistic daughter in order to save his livestock from the devastating drought.

The film is shot on farmlands located in the Okarundu and Karibib districts and some parts of the Otjimbingwe settlement in the Erongo Region.





The story, which is told through the eyes of Khoekoegowab speaking people, was initially aired as a radio soap opera, and was eventually translated into English to include all Namibians as well as the international audience.

The team behind the film are Dantagos Jimmy-Melani the executive producer and Ppoducer Ellen Ernst, who has produced multiple local films and television projects, with socially responsible themes.

Hairareb is directed by award-winning director, Oshoveli Shipoh and will star veteran actor David Ndjavera, newcomer Claudine de Groot, as well as Hazel Hinda who has done professional acting in South Africa.

The cast will also include local musician Maximillion Kaoseb in a supporting role.

Today's trailer premier will include the pre-screening of the American movie, What Men Want.

Long road

The executive producer Dantagos Jimmy-Melani said they were overwhelmed by the massive support and response from Namibians.

The movie was made possible with funding of N$250 000 by the Namibia Film Commission (NFC).

“We have to be really resourceful and the shooting on locations was difficult but we really received remarkable support from locals and local authorities in the regions,” she said.





JEMIMA BEUKES

Nations must boost adult training in face of automation

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Nations must boost adult training in face of automation‘Urgent,’ says OECD Only 40% of workers in the jobs most at risk receive training. Paris - Developed countries need to "urgently" boost adult training and education programmes to deal with future mass job upheaval brought on by automation, the OECD said Wednesday.

The OECD's latest analysis found that one in seven jobs are at risk of being fully automated while another 30% would likely be overhauled.

But only 40% of workers in the jobs most at risk receive training, far less than the 59% of those with jobs at low risk, it found.

"Many OECD countries need to urgently scale-up and upgrade their adult learning systems to help people adapt to the future world of work," the Paris-based group of major economies said in a new report.

The report said lack of motivation was a problem, with half of adults not wanting training, while 11% want to train but lack time, money, or support from their employer.

The report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development assessed the "future-readiness" of each of its member countries' adult learning systems.

It found Greece, Japan and Slovakia performed poorly in most areas, but there was still plenty of room for improvement in better-performing countries such as Norway and Denmark.

The report recommended that countries promote "the benefits of adult learning and providing targeted support for the low skilled, the unemployed, migrants and older people".

It also suggested targeting training in areas were jobs were most likely to become obsolete in the future.

Finally, it said nations should "ensure adequate public financing and incentivising employers to contribute through training levies and tax incentives, as well as encouraging individuals through subsidies and paid training leave". – Nampa/AFP

Disconnect at Desert Rhino Camp

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Disconnect at Desert Rhino Camp The Desert Rhino Camp is a Wilderness Safaris camp that lies among the rolling, rocky hills of the 450 000-hectare Palmwag Concession.

This region is known for its tranquil, minimalist beauty, surprising wealth of desert-adapted wildlife and the largest free-roaming black rhino population in Africa.

Activities at Desert Rhino Camp include rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle and guided game drives in the Palmwag Concession, which is popular for good game viewing opportunities.

During a recent sustainability assessment by Eco Awards Namibia, Desert Rhino Camp scored well – achieving top marks in 7 out of 10 criteria sections.

These included; Conservation, Water, Energy, Management and Guiding.

The outstanding assessment score enabled Desert Rhino Camp to qualify for entering the 2019 Responsible Tourism Awards, hosted by Namibia Media Holdings.

The finalists for these awards will be announced during March, and the winners will be announced at the official opening of the 2019 Namibia Tourism Expo in June.

Community health workers squat for jobs

February 14, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Community health workers squat for jobs A small group of trained community health extension workers are squatting indefinitely at the entrance of the health ministry's head office in Windhoek in a desperate attempt for jobs.

The group, who are part of more than 640 trainees who completed the community health worker programme in 2017, insist they will remain camped at the health ministry, without shelter or access to sanitary facilities, “until the matter is resolved”.

The group claim they quit their previous jobs before attending the 2017 health worker programme with because they were promised jobs subsequent to successfully completing the training.

The ministry however this week again buckled down to say that “the reality on the ground is that we do not have the resources to employ community health workers, though the ministry needs them in the community”.

Ministry executive director Ben Nangombe told Namibian Sun that to date, a total of 2 337 community health extension workers were trained since the inception of the programme six years ago.

He confirmed that the 649 trainees who completed the programme in 2017 have not been deployed “due to the economic situation”.

Nangombe emphasised that “being trained by the ministry does not mean they are to be employed by the ministry. The probability of employing them was there, but by the time they finished their training, the economic situation of the country had changed.”

He added that the ministry can offer no new positions “and this does not only apply to the ministry of health and social services”.

The group told Namibian Sun they met with Nangombe on Tuesday afternoon, and that he had been by to see them, but the message has not changed: “It's the same story. Be patient.”

This week, Willem Kayongo (34), a spokesperson for the 640 trainees, says the broken promise of jobs has taken a heavy toll on their personal lives, with many plunged into poverty and “worse off” than before they began the training.

JANA-MARI SMITH