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Nigeria counts cost of postponed presidential poll

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Nigeria counts cost of postponed presidential pollNigeria counts cost of postponed presidential pollEconomy shuts down The population of 190 million people facing unemployment and extreme poverty took a real financial hit from the decision. The cost to the economy of the postponement of the election is horrendous. - Muda Yusuf, General Director: Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lagos - Nigerians who were surprised when the country's presidential election was postponed Saturday might suffer a second shock when they learn the cost, some economists and business leaders say.

"The cost to the economy of the postponement of the election is horrendous," said Muda Yusuf, general director of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry who advanced an estimate of US$1.5 billion.

"The economy was on partial shutdown the day before, and total shut down on Saturday for the elections" that did not take place, he explained.

The streets of Lagos were still empty early Sunday as the sprawling economic capital of 20 million people recovered from the disappointment and anger provoked by a last minute, one-week delay blamed on logistical issues.

The Independent Electoral Commission announced the delay just hours before polls to elect the head of Africa's most populous nation and members of parliament were to open.

The INEC cited problems in the distribution of ballot papers and results sheets, as well as sabotage, after three fires at its offices in two weeks.

The leading candidates, incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari and challenger Abubakar Atiku, both called for calm, but a population of 190 million people facing unemployment and extreme poverty took a real financial hit from the decision.

Investor confidence

For many, the cost of leaving cities where they work to go home and vote in their native regions is substantial.

Social media was used meanwhile to organise collections for street vendors who had bought perishable items to sell to voters that often wait in long lines.

The amount ultimately raised was unlikely to make much difference to tens of millions of people who live on less than US$1.9 a day, but it did highlight solidarity not always widespread in the country.

Many businesses, including the critical port of Lagos, had shut down Friday so staff could leave cities before an election-related curfew took effect on Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Airports and border crossing points had stopped operating as well.

For economist Bismark Rewane however, "the most important cost ... is the reputational cost.

"Investors' confidence will be eroded" and in the long term, when indirect costs were taken into account, the delay might cost the equivalent of two percentage points of national output, he said.

In currency terms, Rewane estimated the possible cost at "nine to 10 billion [US] dollars."– Nampa/AFP

RDP confirms candidates for top posts

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RDP confirms candidates for top postsRDP confirms candidates for top posts CATHERINE SASMAN



The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) has chosen candidates for its top four posts, up for election at the party’s third ordinary convention scheduled for 18 to 21 April.

The three presidential candidates are Miriam Hamutenya, Mike Kavekotora and Kandy Nehova.

Candidates for the vice-presidential post are Kennedy Shekupakela, Heiko Lucks and Eino Heelu.

The position of secretary-general will be contested by Brünhilde Cornelius, Walter Ndakondja and Hidipohamba Sheuyange.

Candidates for the position of deputy-secretary general are Anges Limbo, Phyllicia Hercules and Sibuku Malumbano.

RDP secretary of information and publicity Nghiningiluandubo Kashume yesterday said the central committee had considered the leadership capacity required for the successful implementation of the party’s socio-economic development vision, which was recently approved.

He said this “radical” transformation programme addressed youth unemployment, food insecurity, housing shortages and problems in the education and health sectors.

Standoff at Garib Ost

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Standoff at Garib OstStandoff at Garib OstLate farmworker's children camp next to gravel road after eviction An uneasy standoff has developed after the children of a late farmworker were evicted from Farm Garib Ost. The children of the late Moses Namiseb have vowed to return to Noordbron, an outpost on Farm Garib Ost in the Dordabis area, where their father had usufruct until his death in March 2017.

The High Court on 26 October 2018 ordered two Namiseb siblings to vacate the premises along with all persons purported to have occupied the outpost within five days after having being served with the order.

The court order restricted the Namiseb siblings from entering the farm without the owners' consent, which would not be “withheld unreasonably”.

They have asked for an extension until the end of January this year before the eviction order is carried out. This was done through their lawyers, Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners.

On 28 January, Amoomo asked farm owners Juljane and Sigurd Hess to postpone the eviction again until March to allow for negotiations over the proposed sale of the portion of land around Noordbron.

On 5 February, however, deputy sheriff Manfred Hennes moved in to remove their belongings and cattle, while the Namiseb siblings fiercely protested.

Since the physical removal of their belongings and cattle from Noordbron, they remained in the corridor next to the main gravel road linking other farms and lodges in the area, a location that could be dangerous because it is out of sight of oncoming traffic.

“We will go back to Noordbron,” said one of the daughters, Martha Namiseb, who has been sitting along the corridor since the eviction weeks ago.

“That is our fireplace; that is where we had weddings and parties. Our people who have died are also buried there,” said the younger sister, Wilma !Games.

Contrary to the Namiseb siblings' claim that Noordbron is the place where they belong, the Hess couple say most of them left the farm in the early 1980s.



Background

Moses Namiseb started working for Hans Joachim Lühl - Juljane's grandfather - in 1965 and with his wife and 13 children stayed on an outpost called Ende.

During a severe drought in 1981, the Ende cattle post was closed and the Namiseb family was moved to the farmstead, where they stayed in one of the employee houses.

According to Juljane, the older Namiseb children at that time, in 1981, were no longer living with their parents on the farm.

Two children - Isaak and Andreas - remained because they had started to work there.

When Juljane's father, Hans-Peter, took over the farm in 1983, Moses remained in his employment for a further three years until his retirement at 60 in 1986. Moses and his wife were then offered a house at the Noordbron outpost, where they were given right of residence for life.

This right of residence, the Hess couple said, was only extended to Moses and Elsa, but excluded their adult children. Moses was also allowed to keep livestock during his retirement.

Juljane maintains that when Moses retired the Namiseb couple moved to Noordbron, but their older children no longer lived on the farm.

The Namiseb family in 2005, however, expressed interest to buy Noordbron, but this offer was declined, and the farm owners then entered into a contract with Moses to clarify both parties' rights and obligations.

Moses' wife, Elsa, passed on in 2012 and when the Hess couple took over the farm in 2015, they entered into a new contract with Moses, which again confirmed his right of residence.

This contract stipulated that one of Moses' daughters, Leopoldina, would stay with her father to take care of him in his old age.

After Moses passed away in 2017, Leopoldina and her son, Tobias, who is also working for the farm, were offered residency. She declined and moved off the farm in February 2018.

The Namiseb siblings in June 2017 again made an offer to buy 1 500 hectares of land around Noordbron, but the farm owners again declined.

According to the Hess couple, the Namiseb siblings were allowed to visit their family graves on the farm, provided that they stick to the farm rules. It was also agreed that Lazarus Namiseb, considered by the siblings as the head of the family, could keep his 11 head of cattle on the farm, subject to a lease amount.

The Hess couple say the lease agreement with Lazarus had not been renewed since February 2018, although the cattle remained on the farm until 5 February this year.

CATHERINE SASMAN

First Russia-Africa business forum in October

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First Russia-Africa business forum in OctoberFirst Russia-Africa business forum in October In Sochi this October, the first Russia-Africa business forum will be held as part of the Russian-African Summit.

According to the Roskongress Foundation, it is expected that the heads of African states, representatives of Russian, African and international business and government structures, as well as integration associations on the African continent, will attend the forum.

According to Denis Manturov, Russia’s industry and trade minister, whose office will be one of the main organisers of the forum, the potential of Russian-African military, technical and industrial cooperation is quite large. "Properly using their advantages, Russian companies are able to strengthen their positions in the African market. We hope that over time, the interest of Russian industrialists in this region will increase. In any case, we will do everything we can for this," Manturov stressed.

Russia has always paid priority attention to the development of relations with African states. So, in 2018, during the Russian energy week, the first Russian-African energy roundtable was held. As part of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2019, which will be held June 6-8, the Russia-Africa business dialogue will traditionally take place.

In 2017, the volume of trade between Russia and African countries increased by more than a quarter compared with 2016 and amounted to US$17.4 billion. Most of the turnover is Russian exports (US$14.8 billion), which increased by 29.8%. Imports of African goods to Russia grew by 8.3% to US$2.6 billion. In the first half of 2018, the trade turnover amounted to approximately US$10.5 billion, with imports almost reaching indicators for the entire 2017. Russian investments in Africa from 2003 to 2017 amounted to about US$17 billion.

Africa Briefs

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Africa BriefsAfrica Briefs SA seeks to reopen costly renewables deals

South Africa wants to talk to independent power producers (IPPs) about lowering the price Eskom pays for electricity from older renewable energy projects, a senior minister told Reuters, as the state utility struggles to emerge from a financial crisis.

Eskom supplies more than 90% of South Africa's power but is drowning in debt after a decade of decline. It implemented power cuts for five consecutive days last week because of breakdowns at its creaking fleet of mainly coal-fired power stations.

The power prices Eskom pays for later renewables projects are considerably lower because technology and finance costs in the renewable energy sector fell by the time they were agreed.

"The simple assurance is that this is not about scrapping a contract. This is about exploring possibilities that are created by the rapid fall in costs in the renewable sector, whether that's solar or wind," public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan said.

"There are players in the renewables industry who are saying let's talk." Gordhan said he wanted to reassure IPPs that the South African government would be careful about how it handled any negotiations over power prices. "We are a law-abiding country ... We need to look after the interests of everyone concerned," he said. – Nampa/Reuters

Somalia denies Kenya claims in maritime border spat

Somalia on Sunday rejected accusations by Kenya that it had auctioned off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area.

Nairobi on Saturday recalled its ambassador from Mogadishu for "urgent consultations" over the maritime border dispute that involves lucrative offshore oil and gas deposits.

The International Court of Justice in The Hague, which rules in disputes between countries, has been hearing a case brought by Somalia against Kenya over the dispute.

Mogadishu's case against Nairobi focuses on an attempt to redraw the sea border which would affect at least three of Kenya's 20 offshore oil blocks.

The disputed triangle of water, which stretches over an area of more than 100 000 square kilometres, is believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas in a part of Africa only recently found to be sitting on significant reserves. – Nampa/Reuters

Uganda calls on mobile money to cultivate new debt investors

Ugandans will be able to buy government securities through a mobile money platform in a move by the east African country to become less dependent on commercial banks and institutional investors for its funding.

The government said the measure would boost savings and investment among ordinary Ugandans as well as driving economic growth.

Ugandans with mobile money accounts, many of whom had limited access to banks, will now be able to directly buy government debt. The move follows a similar move by Kenya in 2017 and will also open the market up to Uganda's Diaspora.

Of Uganda's population of 41 million, about 23.6 million are mobile phone subscribers.

Uganda has traditionally auctioned its debt – mainly Treasury bills and bonds - via bids submitted through commercial banks who act as primary dealers and the government expects the mobile money plan to cut its cost of borrowing.

Ethiopia, Djibouti sign deal to build gas pipeline

Ethiopia and Djibouti have signed a deal to build a pipeline to transport Ethiopian gas to an export terminal in the Red Sea state, officials said.

Ethiopia found extensive gas deposits in its eastern Ogaden Basin in the 1970s. China's POLY-GCL Petroleum Investments has been developing the Calub and Hilala fields there since signing a production sharing deal with Ethiopia in 2013.

The agreement between Djibouti and Ethiopia comes more than a year after POLY-GCL signed a memorandum of understanding with Djibouti to invest US$4 billion to build the natural gas pipeline, a liquefaction plant and an export terminal to be located in Damerjog, near the country's border with Somalia.

It was envisaged that production would start last year, but the Ethiopian government said that was now likely to happen in 2020.

POLY-GCL is a joint venture between state-owned China POLY Group Corporation and privately owned Hong Kong-based Golden Concord Group. – Nampa/Reuters

The lack of sexual ideology today

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The lack of sexual ideology today  The lack of sexual ideology today It has been said that an intellectual is someone who has found something better to think about than sex, so call me a proud Philistine. Justicia Shipena



Not only does thinking about sex matter, it matters more to humanity than sex in itself. There are many instances of the damage wrought by bad thinking about sex.

Rape culture, homophobia, slut-shaming and, in my opinion, anti-contraceptive religious beliefs, trigger warnings and extreme political correctness, are all examples of bad thinking about sex.

Questions about how we think about things are often referred to as hermeneutic, so here is my horny hermeneutic. The question of how to approach sex in the 21st century is really a question of how we think about sex.

To interrogate our sexual ideology we must start at the most basic level and ask: What does sex mean today? This question may seem ridiculous at first; sex is a resolutely physical act and is not traditionally an apparent symbolic one. But the truth of the matter is that sex is fraught with social and cultural significance, even if it is at its core, meaningless.

Wait, you might be thinking, how can sex be fraught with symbolism, but actually be meaningless? It is because sex must be made to mean something. There are so many different interpretations of sex.

I once came across quotes, from Oscar Wilde’s “Sex is about power” to Woody Allen’s “Sex is the most fun you can have without laughing”.

But what is sex about? Power, love, fun, pleasure, pain, health, religion or reproduction? Is it political, is it moral or is it art? Is it for money, partnership or community? Is it freeing or oppressing? What does it mean? Sex is, at its base, a physical act. But what does this signify? What are these acts to us? Is it all about interpretation?

When you performed oral sex, was it an act of love or just a drunk hook-up? Was it because he’s your teaching assistant and promised to raise your grade, or because he was Laurel’s boyfriend and Laurel’s been such a pain lately?

When you lost your virginity, was that a sin, or the pleasurable beginning of a new and exciting dimension to your social life? When you decided to have sex without a condom, was the sex intended for procreation, or did this choice stem from a lack of education about safe sex?

This is how sex is made to mean. In some ways, thinking about the ideology of sex is a relatively new phenomenon. Modern relationships, during the period between 1900 and 1950, were much simpler.

Religiosity and firm moral and national standards such as the nuclear family, made clear the purpose and meaning of sex. Sex was intended to be with someone you loved, to whom you were committed, for the purpose of having kids.

But of course you would be sorely mistaken to reminisce about this period when LGBTQ relationships were forbidden, interracial relationships shunned, black and minority love devalued and negative cultural practices like slut-shaming and emphasising abstinence were prominent.

Postmodern sex, conceptions of sexuality starting roughly in the late 1960s and continuing through today, is very different. We have all heard the oft-used liberal-feminist refrain of “Gender is a social construct, sex is a biological one”, but sex is in fact a social construct.

Now, of course I know that sex here is referring to the genital distinction between men, women and intersex persons, but the point stands.

Sex no longer means one thing and no longer holds the same weight for many Namibians; in fact for many people globally.

Postmodern sex leaves everything kind of… well, grey. Here, I am decidedly not referring to lines between consensual sex and rape, a clear and increasingly well-defined boundary, nor am I referring to any EL James book, Fifty Shades of Grey.

I am referring to the fact that the obligation of interpreting sex and understanding what sex means, has rapidly shifted from society to the individual, or individuals, having sex.

The sexual revolution from the 1960s to 1980s that brought us remarkable benefits like third-wave feminism, more nuanced sexual education, wider contraceptive care, greater STD prevention and opened the door to gay rights, has also left our sex lives with a new emptiness, one that we are ill-prepared to fill without proper thought.

The recalibration of our sexualities has created a new self-indulgence, which has culminated in the so-called hook-up culture. Again, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as many an undergraduate can tell you: Having a fling with no attachments can be really fun. It just means we have to give a substantially greater amount of thought to sex. And we’re doing it, no pun intended.

Our generation is more open to discussions of things like female masturbation and orgasm, friends with benefits, social constructs and sexual identities. Going forward we need to consider how we reify, that is, create concrete meaning for our sexual norms, practices and culture.

This is the first column of a series I will be writing on the contemporary culture war. The columns will cover issues from contraception as a ‘social good’ to using Wikipedia as a source.

Thinking about cultural issues, such as sexual ideology, in the 21st century can be more fruitful than ever before, if we don’t refrain from shutting out alternative narratives on sexuality. And better thinking now will mean better sex later.

The weight of expectation

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The weight of expectationThe weight of expectation A huge weight of expectation will undoubtedly rest on political leaders vying for office later this year.

While there is a sense that the current political dispensation has perpetuated disillusionment among the youth, the country will nevertheless be abuzz with election fever when the right time comes. For years now the youth, who constitute over 60% of eligible voters, have persistently complained about being left out, especially when it involves decision-making roles.

Most of these eligible voters are without jobs at the moment and are languishing in abject poverty.

The government of the day is also facing increasing criticism and challenges over high levels of inequality, corruption and unemployment, even though our country is blessed with enormous resources and great wealth. According to statistics, the country's unemployment rate is estimated at around 38% by the Namibia Labour Force Survey (NLFS) of the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), while almost 44% of the youth population remain without jobs.

The high jobless rate, which has now reached a crisis of epic proportions, is just one of many social issues that Namibians grapple with on a daily basis.

Thousands are still without places to call home and have to put up with problematic healthcare and education systems. Voters also feel betrayed by their current leaders, who are clearly failing to deliver social justice, tackle poverty and combat corruption. The sad reality is more and more people are wallowing in need and this backlash has the potential to threaten our collective sense of humanity.

The glaring inequality between the rich and poor is there for all to see. In fact, it is a gap that continues to widen, with many previously disadvantaged Namibians still living in squalor compared to the minority.

There is without doubt a massive weight of expectation for political leaders to deliver on electoral promises, while reinventing themselves to be relevant in the eyes of the voters. Namibia deserves leaders who will put the nation's interests first.

No limits for Doeseb

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No limits for DoesebNo limits for DoesebIce hockey passion fuels success Axali Doeseb is a talent of note in Namibian ice hockey and is making huge waves in the sport. Pull Quote: “I love hockey, it is my life; there’s nothing shooting pucks can’t fix.” - Axali DoesebPull Quote: “I need to coach him, he will be something great one day.” - Coach Roman Michelline Nawatises





Axali Doeseb has been playing ice hockey since 2003.

Every day after school he would jump the Tagesheim aftercare centre’s fence to watch other kids skate.

In 2003 coach Roman approached Doeseb and asked him if he wanted to try skating, which he agreed to do.

Doeseb is an attacking player (forward) in inline hockey. What he likes most about his position is the constant battle.

“You work hard to try and generate scoring chances for the team. You have to put the puck in the back of the net,” he said.

Winning games is very important as the league requires teams to score points, so they can rise to the top of the table and make the playoffs, so they can compete for the title.

Doeseb’s mindset during a match is pretty simple: “Outplay my opponents.”

His biggest highlight was when he received an invitation to travel to Bad Nauheim in Germany to try out for the German Development League.

Another highlight was when he got a transfer in 2017 to play for the Rhein-Main Patriots in Assenheim, Germany.

Another highlight was the World Cup held in 2014 in Toulouse, France, which was the biggest event in his life.

“I had really awesome coaches and teammates; it was best tournament ever, as well the yearly awards in the local league, that’s definitely a highlight that will never fade,” he said.

Doeseb as well signed a partnership with the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

“We are working together on several stuff and have lots of exciting things coming,” he said.

“To be a good hockey player you need great discipline, you need to be willing to learn at all times. You need to be keen to get better and better at whatever level you play at.”

Doeseb said safety said is the last thing on his mind when he is in the heat of the battle.

His main focus is on winning games, “whether you risk being injured or not”. “You can take a hard shot for the team that could block a shot from going in at an important time during a match,” he said.

Doeseb enjoys the physicality of ice hockey, the hard hits against the boards and the fights too. “Seeing a couple guys throw fists is quite exciting during a game, the adrenaline is really amazing,” he said.

Doeseb’s strengths are his speed, control of the puck, shooting and individual skill. You can keep track of what’s happening on his official page @axali_doeseb28 and announcements are to be made soon



FACTS ABOUT DOESEB

- He is a brave person and a go-getter.

- He is a crazy sneaker head and belt enthusiast.

- He is a really good swimmer.

- He cannot read Damara or say a prayer in the language.

- He loves hamsters, although he doesn’t own any anymore.

Two in court after record dagga bust

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Two in court after record dagga bustTwo in court after record dagga bust ILENI NANDJATO



Northern businessmen Paavo Hatutale (47) and co-accused Nicodemus Shekunyenge (21) appeared before the Ohangwena Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a truckload of dagga worth more than N$1 million.

The two are charged with possession and dealing in drugs.

Magistrate Letta Simon denied them bail and postponed the matter until 8 March for a formal bail application.

Hatutale, who owns Hatutale Transport, was arrested at Onhuno in the Ohangwena Region last week, driving a truck carrying one of the biggest consignments of cannabis ever recovered in the country.

Hatutale was arrested after the police were tipped off by a member of the public.

Shekunyenge was arrested the following day after it was established that they had driven together all the way.

Hatutale and Shekunyenge reportedly drove from South Africa through Botswana and entered Namibia using the Rundu-Nkurenkuru route.

Police reported that the truck been contracted to transport poles for a building material shop in the north.

Forty-one bags of dagga were found hidden under the poles.

Magistrate Simon said that the drugs weighed more than 100 kg and had a street value of N$1 094 000.

They were not asked to plead. They were represented by Maruschka January. The prosecutors were Sakaria Mupuma and Elphins Maloboka.

Drought fear looms large

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Drought fear looms largeDrought fear looms large150 000-tonne grain shortfall predicted The latest report on agriculture and food security makes for grim reading. ELLANIE SMIT



Namibia faces a 150 000-tonne grain shortfall by the end of April this year, as drought conditions continue to worsen across the country.

Extremely poor rainfall since the start of the rainy season has caused a considerable delay in the cultivation of crops, exacerbated by a lack of fertiliser in some regions.

This is according to the latest Agricultural Inputs and Household Food Security Situation Report.

The report, released by the agriculture ministry, is an assessment done in the seven northern communal crop-producing regions for the period from 18 November to 18 December last year.

The main purpose was to assess the overall agricultural inputs situation and to find out the extent to which farmers were prepared for the 2018/2019 cropping season in terms of land preparation.

In addition, the mission assessed changes in household food security, the marketing of the 2017/2018 harvest, as well as water supply, livestock and grazing conditions.

According to the report, the total supply of grain in Namibia for the 2018/19 marketing season (May 2018 to 2019) stood at 200 500 tonnes, while the country was expected to consume 351 200 tonnes. That left a shortfall of 150 800 tonnes that would be covered by commercial imports, the report said.

By the end of December the country had imported 93 300 tonnes of cereals. That consisted of 69 900 tonnes of wheat, 22 000 tonnes of white maize and 1 000 tonnes of pearl millet. The imports resulted in a surplus of 2 500 tonnes of wheat.

“Although there were some imports of pearl millet/sorghum, there were over 2 600 tonnes of pearl millet/sorghum in the market. However, there are still about 62 600 tonnes of uncovered shortfalls for maize which under normal circumstances can be covered through further commercial imports,” said the report.

Household food security remained satisfactory in most regions following improvements in agricultural production over the last two seasons.

Households interviewed in the communal crop-producing regions said their harvest last year was enough to sustain them until the next harvest in May.

However, pockets of food insecurity were also reported in areas that suffered prolonged dry spells or floods during the 2017/2018 rainy season.

Many pearl millet and maize producers were able to sell their surplus to commercial millers, particularly to Namib Mills.

“However, due to limited demand from the millers, much of the grain is still in the market unsold, especially pearl millet,” the report said.

The problem of unsold grain was caused by the inability of the Agricultural Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) to buy grain due to a lack of funds.

Grazing continued to deteriorate in many parts of the country because of poor rainfall in the first half of the season.

The situation was more severe in the southern regions, where poor rainfall had been experienced last season too.

There was a significant delay in the start of the rainy season across Namibia.

Since the first rains received at the end of October, there were no follow up rains in November and most of December.

Some parts of the country received productive rainfall at the end of December and early January and many farmers started with their agricultural activities.

“Be that as it may, poor rainfall conditions continue dominating the season and farmers should brace themselves for an imminent drought,” the report warned.

The report recommended that the agriculture ministry should advise farmers to prepare for drought by de-stocking.

It said timely provision of sufficient basic inputs and services should be ensured and crop farmers must be advised to plant drought-resistant crop varieties.

For the pocket areas affected by food insecurity, regional councils, with the assistance of traditional leaders, were advised to continue monitoring the situation and respond accordingly.

No retrenchments at ODC, NDC

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No retrenchments at ODC, NDCNo retrenchments at ODC, NDC The head of the newly established Namibia Industrialisation Development Agency (NIDA), Uparura Kuvare, says no staff members of the former Offshore Development Company (ODC) and Namibia Development Corporation (NDC) will be retrenched.

The two entities become redundant when NIDA became operational last year. NIDA has taken over their functions, assets, liabilities and obligations, Kuvare briefly explained.

The Namibian recently reported that retrenchments were a possibility after the new board - which consists of Kuvare, board chairperson Frans Kwala, Marcelina !Gaoses, Diana van Schalkwyk, Anita /Naris, Job Muniaro and Hans Jochelson - triggered panic and uncertainty over jobs and salaries that remained unpaid at the end of January due to a dispute about who has bank signing powers.

“The [old] staff members [of ODC and NDC] were brought on board. What will happen now is that procedures are in place to bring or put in place an organogram. Where we are now is putting in controls before transfers, the transfer steps are clearly defined in the NIDA Act,” Kuvare said.

“Our approach as the board was to do it with all due diligence, with all sensitivity and to conform to what the law tells us to do.





“The NIDA Act tells us what to do and we cannot compromise.”

According to Kuvare, the new board was simply establishing “a framework of governance”.

“There are internal things that need to be sorted out, it's very sensitive,” he said.

There are 294 former staff members that will be affected by the transfer. Kuvare, however, gave his assurance that all staff members would be treated equally.

He added that industrialisation minister Tjekero Tweya had determined that by 15 November 2018, the activities and responsibilities of the now defunct ODC and NDC would be taken over by NIDA.

“A gazette was issued that from that date NIDA takes over all assets, liabilities and obligations of the NDC and ODC,” said Kuvare.

He explained it was odd that being bank account signatories still had to remain outside the responsibility of NIDA.

“We gave notice; we are changing names and signatories. At no point have funds been withdrawn, processes are being strengthened,” Kuvare said. “We are empowered to take those assets.”

NIDA's assets reportedly stand at N$2 billion, according to Kuvare. These include various farms, business parks, incubation centres and tourism establishments, Kuvare said.

Industrialisation ministry acting executive director Bernadette Menyah-Artivor is said to have rejected calls by other state officials to transfer assets and investments worth N$120 million from the ODC, it was reported recently.

Touching on other matters, Kuvare said the NIDA board was moving speedily to appoint an executive committee.

“We want to accelerate this process and have a blueprint finalised, so that when the new team comes, there is a foundation. I am only here for a short period of time; it's a secondment,” he said.

Cabinet in 2015 approved the establishment of NIDA, which will incorporate the NDC and the ODC, as well as their two boards of directors, and will include representation from government ministries and agencies and the private sector.

The agency will generate operating revenue from project management and implementation on behalf of government; develop business infrastructure; be responsible for production operations in agriculture; the sourcing of loan financing through development financing institutions and the co-investment in key projects by other public or private sector partners.

The NDC was established by the Namibia Development Corporation Act of 1993, while the ODC was established in terms of article 26 of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Act.

The ODC's mandate was to promote and market investment opportunities in Namibia's export processing zones and to monitor and coordinate all EPZ-related activities.

STAFF REPORTER

Noordoewer seeking status as a town

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Noordoewer seeking status as a townNoordoewer seeking status as a townPopulation increasing The settlement’s population is increasing due to the fast pace at which the local farming industry is growing. Some 3 980 people have applied for erven. - Paulus Ephraim, Councillor: Karasburg West Constituency NOORDOEWER – The councillor of the Karasburg West Constituency, Paulus Ephraim, has urged government to consider proclaiming the settlement of Noordoewer a town as the population is increasing rapidly.

He was speaking during a briefing with the minister of urban and rural development, Peya Mushelenga, at the settlement on Friday.

Ephraim said the settlement’s population is increasing due to the fast pace at which the local farming industry is growing. He said the current population is nearly 5 000.

“Some 3 980 people have applied for erven. There is a clinic and police station and with grape companies increasing, the population is increasing,” he added.

The councillor said government must also consider plans like opening an airport that can be used for the exporting of produce.

“It would help farmers here export their produce directly as currently they export through South Africa, which is very costly,” Ephraim stated.

Mushelenga said the //Kharas Regional Council should do a feasibility study on why the settlement should be proclaimed a town.

“You must get reason to support why the settlement should become a town through the feasibility study, with the relevant documents, then submit it to my ministry,” the minister said.

Farming

Also speaking during the briefing, the director of Sonop Farm, Albert van der Merwe, said the South has great potential for farming because of the weather conditions and abundant water sources. He said farming can provide employment to many.

“With such components, we can create jobs and develop this place as it is the eye of the country. When people come from South Africa, this is what they see,” said Van der Merwe.

He said there is huge demand for raisins worldwide and Namibia can tap into this market, especially in the South. - Nampa

Gold at two-week high on trade deal hope

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Gold at two-week high on trade deal hopeGold at two-week high on trade deal hope Gold prices rose to their strongest level in more than two weeks yesterday as the US dollar weakened on hopes the United States and China are nearing a trade deal, while palladium hit a record high. Spot gold had gained 0.1% to US$1 322.41 per ounce as of 0747 GMT. The metal touched US$1 325.30 earlier, just below a 9-month peak of US$1 326.30 an ounce marked on January 31. US gold futures rose 0.3% to US$1 326.1 an ounce. The United States and China will resume trade talks this week in Washington with time running short to ease their bruising trade war, but US president Donald Trump repeated on Friday that he may extend a March 1 deadline for a deal and keep tariffs on Chinese goods from rising. Spot gold prices have risen about 3.3% so far this year on hopes that the world's two largest economies will hammer out a truce and on expectations the US Federal Reserve will pause its cycle of interest rate hikes. Photo Nampa/Reuters

Ondangwa creates 'home' for illegal settlers

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Ondangwa creates 'home' for illegal settlersOndangwa creates 'home' for illegal settlers ONDANGWA – The Ondangwa Town Council plans to relocate over 100 illegal settlers from Uutala to the Onantsi area, where it recently serviced 120 plots.

Uutala is situated next to the head office of the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored).

The council’s spokesperson, Petrina Shitalangaho, told Nampa over the weekend the area is zoned for business. “It only has community water points and is without electricity supply at the moment,” she said.

Shitalangaho said the council realised there was an increase of illegal settlers at Uutala in 2016 and has in the meantime decided to address the situation by moving them to the new site at its own cost.

The settlers will be relocated to Onantsi, situated behind Gwashamba Mall, by April this year.

“Their relocation will start after the registration of Onantsi as a new township is completed. Each of the settlers will be issued with a title deed for a plot to be given once all the basic services are in place,” Shitalangaho said.

The erven range in size from 300 to 400 square metres.

The council will provide the settlers with free transport during the relocation and they will not be expected to pay for the registration process.

Shitalangaho said the new township will be provided with electricity, water and septic tanks for each household while the sewerage system is being constructed as a long-term remedy.

“The mayor [Paavo Amwele] on Saturday held a meeting with the illegal settlers to inform them of the process,” she added. - Nampa

Rosier January for construction

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Rosier January for constructionRosier January for construction Building plans approved by the Windhoek municipality last month showed a slight uptick compared to a year ago.
Analysing the latest figures, IJG Securities said a total of 162 building plans got the green light in January, nearly 5.9% more than the same month in 2018.
The total value of the plans was N$272.7 million, an increase of around 1.3% compared to January 2018.
Read the full report tomorrow in Business7.

Records tumble at CANA champs

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Records tumble at CANA champsRecords tumble at CANA champs An impressive six new championship records were set during the third day of the Confédération Africaine de Natation (CANA) Zone IV champs in Windhoek on Monday.

South Africa remained top of the medals table, followed by Namibia and Mauritius in third.

In the girls' under-12 200m breaststroke, Zimbabwe's Vhenekai Dhemba (12) claimed the gold in a time of 3:12.94, ahead of Namibia's Arian Naukosho (11) in 3:13.20 and Mozambique's Melyssa Rocha (12) in 3:14.20.

Rocha and Dhemba also went on to win the gold and bronze in the 50m backstroke, clocking 35.68 and 36.92, respectively. Zambia's Jade Phiri (12) scooped the silver in a time of 35.97.

Dhemba won her second and third gold in the 200m freestyle in 2:29.83 and 50m butterfly in 32.77.

She was followed home in the 200m freestyle by Phiri in 2:31.95 and Botswana's Amaru Ditlhogo (12) in 2:32.19 and in the butterfly race by Namibia's Danielle Mostert (33.09) and Rocha (33.12).

The boys' u-12 200m breaststroke podium consisted of Namibia's Oliver Durand (11), who finished the race in a time of 2:59.00, Namibia's Quinn Ellis (12) in 3:07.10 and Mauritius' Hugo L'Arrogant (12) in 3:08.49. L'Arrogant went two better to bag gold in the 50m backstroke with a new championship record time of 32.69, ahead of Kenya's Ivan Hart in 33.01 and Ellis in 33.28.

In the u-12 200m freestyle, Hart won gold in a new championship record time of 2:17.54 ahead of Mozambique's Kaio Faftine (12) in 2:24.17, while Ellis bagged his third medal of the day, a bronze in 2:24.92.

Hart continued to showcase his talent, as he also went on to win the 50m butterfly with a new championship record time of 30.04, followed by L'Arrogant in 30.97 and Faftine in 32.09.

The South African duo of Lise Coetzee (14) and Emma Kuhn (14) scooped the gold and bronze in their 50m backstroke race in 32.36 and 33.07, respectively, while Uganda's Kirabo Namutebi (14) walked away with the silver in 32.87.

Coetzee made it two gold medals by winning the 200m freestyle in a new championship record time of 2:10.21, ahead of teammate Kelly-Ann Brown (14) in 2:11.22 and Botswana's Maxine Egner (14) in 2:20.34.

Namutebi also won the bronze in the 200m breaststroke in a time of 3:07.30, behind Mauritius' Alicia Kok Shun (14) in 2:51.29 and Mauritius' Ines Gebert (14) in 2:58.87.

She bettered her performance by winning gold in the 50m butterfly in 30.50, ahead of South Africa's Kuhn (30.53) and Brown (31.41).

South Africa's Cameron Casali (16) made his way to the medal podium on three occasions, winning gold in the 200m breaststroke in 2:33.32, the 200m freestyle in 2:00.13 and the 50m backstroke in 29.08, while teammate Jakobus Terblanche (16) won silver in the breaststroke in 2:33.38 and bronze in the backstroke in 29.19.

Botswana's Ethan Fischer (16) finished third in the breaststroke with a time of 2:38.35. The silver in the 50m backstroke went to Seychelles' Tyler Fred (16) in 29.18, while the silver and bronze in the 200m freestyle were claimed by Mauritius' Ryan Kok Shun (16) in 2:02.13 and Botswana's Andile Bekker (15) in 2:02.32, respectively.

Fred finished off the day with a gold medal in the 50m butterfly, touching the wall in 27.16, with Namibia's Corne Le Roux (16) coming in second in 27.38 and Angola's Salvador Gordo (16) third in 27.50.

The host nation's Ronan Wantenaar (18) was over the moon after he was victorious in both the 200m breaststroke (2:28.51) and 50m backstroke (28.10), with Malawi's Filipe Gomes (21) in 2:29.75 and Botswana's Adrian Robinson (18) in 2:31.43 finishing off the medal podium in the breaststroke race, while the silver and bronze in the backstroke went to the Seychelles' Mathieu Bachmann (22) in 28.32 and Mauritius' Gregory Anodin (19) in 29.33.

Gomes won two more silver medals - this time in the 200m freestyle in 2:00.67 and the 50m butterfly in 26.29. Namibia's Ju-Ane Oberholzer (17) was more than happy with her two silver medals, finishing in 3:07.24 in the 200m breaststroke and 33.84 in the 50m backstroke, while teammate Zune Weber (17) claimed the gold in the backstroke in 32.61 and Zimbabwe's Claire Melrose (17) the bronze in 34.61, with the breaststroke gold going to Mauritius' Tessa Hen Cheung (17) in 2:51.26 and the bronze to Zimbabwe's Amy Doorman (17) in 3:07.91. Weber won her second medal, a bronze in the 50m butterfly in 32.23, behind Angola's Lia Ana Lime (17) in 29.47 and Uganda's Avice Meya (24) in 31.40. Zimbabwe's Paige van der Westhuizen (15) bagged gold in the 200m freestyle in a new championship record time of 2:10.60, ahead of Namibia's Heleni Stergiadis (16) in 2:13.21 and SA's Megan Shepherd (15) in 2:14.14.

Shepherd and Stergiadis also won gold and silver in the 200m breaststroke in 2:49.91 and 2:52.72, respectively, while the bronze went to SA's Ashton Volkwyn (16) in 2:54.26. Shepherd won bronze in the 50m butterfly in 30.93, behind SA's Kelsea Munro (16) in 30.10 and Zambia's Mia Phiri (15) in 29.59.

Munro was victorious in the 50m backstroke earlier in the day, winning the race in a new championship record time of 31.94, ahead of Phiri's 32.05 and teammate Lwethu Mbatha's 32.06.

In the 13 to 14 age group's 50m backstroke, Namibia's Mikah Burger (14) won the gold in 29.98, followed by Mozambique's Manuel Antonio Junior (14) in 30.52 and Mauritius' Victor AH Yong (14) in 30.56, while Burger won bronze in the 200m freestyle, clocking 2:10.66 behind compatriot Jose Canjulo (13) in 2:03.37 and SA's Leshen Pillay (14) in 2:03.67.

Yong returned to the water in the 50m butterfly, winning gold in a time of 27.78, ahead of Canjulo in 27.80 and Burger in 27.91, while the 13 to 14 age group's 200m breaststroke title went to SA's Kian Keylock (13) in 2:32.82, followed by the Seychelles' Joshua Miller (14) in 2:36.80 and Zimbabwe's Cory Werrett (14) in 2:38.55. In the girls' u-14 4x100m freestyle relay, South Africa claimed gold in 4:14.62, ahead of Botswana in 4:26.90 and Namibia in 4:32.16, while the South African girls also won the over-15 age group relay race in 4:11.71, followed by Mauritius in 4:14.72 and Namibia in 4:16.21.

Namibia's u-14 boys' team won gold in their relay race, clocking 4:00.25 ahead of South Africa in 4:08.09 and Mozambique in 4:11.18, while the winner in the over-15 section was Mauritius in 3:39.06, followed by Botswana in 3:40.27 and South Africa in 3:45.14.

In the masters' section of the competition, the 200m women's breaststroke gold medals went to Namibia's Sunel Badenhorst (36) in 3:41.88 and Mozambique's Ana Rosa Araujo (50) in 4:02.56, while the men's title was claimed by Botswana's Lesego Mabote (32) in 5:42.21.

Araujo went on to win the 200m freestyle with a time of 3:29.79 and also claimed a silver medal in the 50m butterfly in 41.24, behind Namibia's Jane Samson (52) in 37.18. The 25 to 44 age group's 50m butterfly gold was claimed by Botswana's Duduetsang Nnyenyiwa (29) in 59.51.

Angola's Carlos Alberto (26), Zambia's Mulenga Kangololo (29) and Namibia's Dentie Louw (35) were on the podium for the 50m backstroke, after clocking times of 30.63, 32.40 and 35.12, respectively, while Zambia's Guy Phiri (49) and Angola's Jorge Lima (50) won gold and silver in their masters' race in 33.94 and 45.05. Louw also took to the water in the 200m freestyle event, winning the race in 2:45.06. Namibia's Gabor Salamon (62) won his masters' freestyle event in 2:47.86, while Alberto, Zambia's Mmbalo Sililo (29) and Louw rounded off the medal podium in the 50m butterfly in 28.33, 31.80 and 33.18, respectively.

Phiri also won gold in the 50m butterfly in 32.74, ahead of Salamon in 34.16.

The ladies' backstroke gold was claimed by Namibia's Anel van der Vyver (27) in 40.16 and the silver by Botswana's Lesego Nkoketsang (37) in 2:06.96, with Van der Vyver also winning the 200m freestyle in 3:04.59, ahead of Badenhorst in 3:05.03

During the first day of the water polo championships, South Africa's boys' u-16 team won their game against newcomers Namibia by 19 goals to 1, while the Zimbabwe's u-18 team also defeated Namibia 19-7.

In the ladies' championship match, the Zimbabwe u-18 team edged South Africa's u-16 team 7-4.

Sport Reporter

Stopping Stars

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Stopping StarsStopping StarsCitizens face real test of character tonight African Stars are chasing the top spot on the NPL log and will take another step toward that tonight if they beat Civics. Citizens Football Club need something special to break African Stars momentum tonight at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

Citizens, who are currently in sixth position on the 2018/19 Namibia Premier League (NPL) log, will cross swords with second-placed African Stars, who are also the defending champions.

Most probably expect a one-sided affair when the two sides meet tonight at 20:00.

Citizens lost 0-1 to Okahandja United last weekend, and now has 17 points.

They will be hoping to redeem themselves, but this will be a difficult task tonight as the Samba Boys have been enjoying a steady climb to the top of the log over the past few weeks.

Stars have 22 points, and trail log leaders Black Africa (BA) by only 10 points, with two games in hand.

The gap is closing rapidly between the top two teams, after Stars beating Orlando Pirates 1-0 in a Katutura derby last Saturday.

Pirates' performance left a bad taste in the mouths of their diehard supporters, who are not sure if the club will survive the relegation battle. Stars now has two games in hand and are desperate to continue their rich vein of form.

They will be hoping to chip away at Black Africa's lead, but this will depend on whether they can stay focused.

“It was not a difficult match playing against Pirates but I'm happy with the result.

“We still have ground to cover if we are to reach BA and I remain confident that the players can do that for us,” Stars coach Bobby Samaria said last week after the Pirates clash.

Citizens boss Dawid Goagoseb said their defeat against Okahandja United was not what the team had planned, but the players were ready to bounce back.

“It is never easy playing away from home and that cost us three points over the weekend.

“We are, however, still confident that we can dust ourselves off and look ahead to the next match.

“The situation at the club is now stable and all the players are happy,” Goagoseb said.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Semenya in the dock

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Semenya in the dockSemenya in the dockASA shocked by IAAF disclosing expert witnesses The IAAF has proposed eligibility rules for athletes with hyperandrogenism, while Semenya wants these rules overturned, so she can compete without having her testosterone levels lowered. Athletics South Africa (ASA) has expressed its disappointment with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) after it released the names and backgrounds of expert witnesses and their views on the topics to be covered by them in the current proceedings at Caster Semenya's Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) case.

ASA said on Monday it believes the IAAF has violated the confidentiality agreement between it and the court.

“Athletics South Africa notes with great dismay and disappointment that despite the parties having been bound to confidentiality undertakings and ASA consistently adhering to them, the IAAF has during the course of the proceedings this morning released the names and backgrounds of their expert witnesses and provided a brief exposé of their views of the topics to be covered by them in the current proceedings at the CAS,” ASA said in a statement.

This is in clear violation of the confidentiality undertaking made to CAS and in ASA's view, these amount to underhand tactics to try and win support for their views in the court of public opinion, ASA added.

Both ASA and Semenya raised their objections before the CAS panel and the panel directed that ASA and Semenya may issue a press statement similar to the one issued by the IAAF.

“ASA will, in due course, be making a more comprehensive disclosure of its experts' views on the issues at hand, to enable the public to be made aware of our various roleplayers in this case and their fields of expertise, who will counter the expert evidence to be tendered by the IAAF.

“The arbitration proceedings are subject to strict confidentiality provisions and this information should not have been released,” ASA said.

ASA and Semenya believe the IAAF breach of the confidentiality provisions was orchestrated while keeping in mind that ASA and Semenya would not be prepared to respond, because they were complying with the confidentiality obligations.

“We are grateful to the CAS for the opportunity to present our case and for granting us permission to choose whether to disclose our list of experts publicly in response to the IAAF or not.

“Going forward the CAS has reiterated that the arbitration proceedings are confidential and information about the case should not be disclosed publicly.

We trust the IAAF will now respect the process and comply accordingly,” the ASA added.

The IAAF has proposed eligibility rules for athletes with hyperandrogenism, a medical condition in which women may have excessive levels of male hormones such as testosterone. Semenya wants to overturn those rules.

The scheduled five-day appeal case is among the longest ever heard by the sports court.



NAMPA/ANA

Omunyekadhi a nongonona uupyakadhi woombashu

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Omunyekadhi a nongonona uupyakadhi woombashuOmunyekadhi a nongonona uupyakadhi woombashuKwa pumbwa okutalika komikalo ndhoka tadhi longo shili Omunyekadhi gwaNamibia, Monica Geingos okwa pula aatseyinawa opo ya ete omadhilaadhilo gawo komeho yaatotiveta, nkene ku na okukandulwa po ompumbwe yomagumbo mokati koshigwana. Etalelepo kolukanda hoka taku yambulwapo opoloyeka yomagumbo moFreedom Square moGobabis, lya landula koonkundathana naGeingos odha etitha omukumo kutya epangelo olyiitulamo mokweendelelitha onkalo yekandulepo lyompumbwe yomagumbo , ngaashi omuleli Hage Geingob a popi kutya onkalo yoombashu kayi shi onkalo yopauntu.

Aanambelelwa ya za kehangano lyoShack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN), Slum Dwellers International (SDI) oshowo aanambelewa yelelo lyOshilando shaVenduka oya tsakanene nomupresidende omanga omutumba ngoka inagu ningwa.

Momukanda ngoka gwa pitithwa komunyekadhi gwoshilongo mEtitano lya piti, ogwa holola kutya ope na eyooloko kombinga yaashoka aathigona yahala naashoka aanapolotika yahala.

Okwa gandja oshiholelwa ngaashi shoomilandu dhoompangela dhomatungo dhomoondoolopa ndhoka olundji inadhi pumbiwa na otadhi yi moshipala aakwashigwana naaakuthimbinga ya vule okugandja omagumbo gondando yopevi.

Oshiimbi shimwe ondando yili pombanda oshowo okwaahauvako oompumbwe dhoshigwana.

Omathimbo ga piti, Martin Mendelsohn gwoResearch and Information Services of Namibia (RASION) okwa li a popi kutya omukalo omuwanawa opo epangelo li ulike kutya oliitula mo shili mokuya moshipala onkalo ndjoka, ongee tali endelelitha owala omukalo gwegandjo lyomavi oshowo okushunitha pevi iipumbiwa kombinga yonkalo ndjoka. Jane Weru, Omunambelewa omukomeho gwoAkiba Mashinani Trust moKenya, okwa popi kutya uupyakadhi womalukanda otawu vulu owala okukandulwa po ngele kwa uvika onkalo ndjoka.

Heinrich Amushila, gwoNamibia Housing Action Group (NHAG), ngoka e li kuume koSDFN, okwa popi kutya eidhopomo lyombelewa yomunyekadhi otali ka kwathela opo ooprograma nomilandu ndhoka dhi vule okukala dha yamukula onkalo yoshili ndjoka yi li po.

Okwa tsikile kutya okwiidhimbika omayele goshigwana otashi keetitha ku tulwe po omakandulepo gomaupyakadhi ngoka taga longo kwaamboka ye li hwepo moondjato ihe itaga ka longa kaathigona.

Oyendji ya popi kutya elelo lyOshilando shaVenduka otali shi ningitha oshidhigu okulongela kumwe nomahangano ngaashi SDFN, unene ngele tashi ya keyambulepo lyomalukanda.

Amushila okwa popi kutya ekalo lyaanambelewa yoshilando shaVenduka moonkundathana ndhoka oshinima oshiwanawa na oye na omukumo kutya otashi etitha ekatuko lyookantu dhondjila ombwaanawa yelongelokumwe.

Rose Molokoane, omunashipundi gwoShack Dwellers International, okwa tsu omuthindo opo ehangano li ninge athigona ookuume kawo miilonga. Omapekaapeko ngoka ga ningwa oga holola kutya oombashu dha thika po 12 000 ohadhi tungwa kehe omvula moNamibia.

Omwaalu gwoombashu oshowo aakwashigwana mboka haya zi moombashu ndhoka itagu tsukumwe nonando Elelo lyaVenduka olya popi omasiku ga piti kutya omayalulo ngoka lya ningi oga ulike kutya aakwashigwana ye li po 131 000 otaya lumbu momalukanda ga thika pe 87.

Membo lya shangwa momvula yo 2017 tali ithanwa 'Informal Settlements in Namibia: Their Nature and Growth', ndyoka lya shangwa kutya John Mendelsohn oshowo Beat Weber, olya kunkilile kutya ngele onkalo yomalukanda inayi talika mbala nena oombashu dha thika po 500 000 otadhi ka kala moshilongo okuya momvula yo 2030 naantu ya thika poomiliyona 2 otaya ka kala taya lumbu moombashu ndhoka.

Aashangi yembo ndyoka oya kunkilile kutya onkalo yiifuta yopaliko, onkalo yopauntu nomidhingoloko oshowo omayambulepo ngoka inaga pangelwa oyi li onene noonkondo kuNamibia onga oshilongo oshowo oshigwana she.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Geingob a nyanwa omolwa onkalo yaZimbabwe

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Geingob a nyanwa omolwa onkalo yaZimbabweGeingob a nyanwa omolwa onkalo yaZimbabwe Ongundu tayi iyithana 'Concerned group of Zimbabwe' oshiwike sha piti oya nyana omuleli gwaNamibia, Hage Geingob omolwa omapopyo ge ngoka a ningi oshiwike sha piti kombinga yonkalo yopapolotika moZimbabwe.

Pethimbo lyomutumba gwaaleli yiilongo yoSouthern African Development Community (SADC) ngoka gwa ningwa momasiku 9 gaFebruali moAddis Ababa, Ethiopia, Geingob ngoka e li omunashipundi gwoSADC okwa pititha omukanda ta gandja uusama komahangano gaashi gopapangelo, oshowo oongundu dhimwe ndhoka e wete tadhi hwahwamekitha onkalo yopapolotika yoshilongo shoka. Shoka osha landula edhipago lyaahololimadhilaadhilo ye li 12, mboka ya dhipagwa kopolisi oshowo ketanga lyegameno moshilongo shoka omwedhi gwa piti. Ehololomadhilaadhilo ndyoka lyuule womasiku gatatu lya unganewa koZimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) olya shituka iikolokosha. Mboka oya ningi ehololomadhilaadhilo oye li ompinge neyo pombanda lyondando yomahooli.

Uuyuni mwakwatelwa Iigwana yaHangana oya nyana nokukondema noonkondo onkalo ndjoka yi li moZimbabwe na oya pula omalelo moshilongo shoka kaga longithe oonkondo uuna taga yamukula kaahololiyomadhilaadhilo.

“SADC oya holola uukumwe we nepangelo oshowo naantu yoReplika yaZimbabwe na otatu pula iilongo muuyuni yi ku thepo oondjindikila ndhoka dha tulilwa mo oshilongo shoka,” Geingob a popi.

Okwa popi kutya omahangano gaashi gopapagelo ngoka haga pewa iiyemo kiilongo yomUuzilo ogo taga hwahwameke onkalo ndjoka yopapolotika, yopaliko oshowo omaupyakadhi gopauntu ga taalela aakwashigwana yoshilongo shoka sha Afrika. Nonando ongaaka ongundu yo 'Concerned group of Zimbabwe' oya nyana omukanda gwaGeingob tayi popi kutya otagu holola okwaahatsakumwe nonkalo ndjoka ya talela shili Zimbabwe.

Oya popi kutya inashi yela ngele SADC okwa ninga tuu omakonaaakono gonkalo ndjoka yi li moshilongo nongele oya tsakanena tuu noonakuninga iihakanwa nokuuva ombinga yehokololo lyoonakuninga iihakanwa kakele kokutsakanena nepangelo lyoshilongo.

Ongundu otayi gandja uusama kuGeingob kutya onga omunashipundi gwoSADC ota gandja oshipopiwa shi li pankatu ndjoka, nokugwedha po kutya oshipopiwa shoka otashi idhimbike onkalo yoshili ndjoka ya taalela Zimbabwe, na oshi li etukano kaakwashigwana yoshilongo shoka.

“Tse AaZambabwe otuuvuteko onkalo yetu na inatu pumbwa aantu yopondje taye ya moshilongo opo yetu lombwele. Tse itatu vulu okulanda omahooli koshimaliwa shooUS$3.31 omanga oopresenda 95 dhetu ihadhi longo, na otatu hupu koshimaliwa inashi thika podola yimwe mesiku. Okuningitha natango onkalo ondhigu epangelo otali hanagulapo iinima yetu mbyoka hatu nduluka nokulanditha kutseyene.”

Ongundu oya popi kutya AaZimbabwe oyuuviteko oshindji shoka ya kanitha na oya kanitha nale oshindji onga oshigwana ngaashi oya kanitha oopenzela dhawo niimaliwa moombaanga, oshowo ngashiingeyi sho taya futu oondando dhi li pombanda opo ya vule okufutila omalweendo gOmupresidende Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Uuna Geingob naSADC taya gandja uusama kutse omolwa oondjindikila ndhoka, SADC ota gandja tuu uusama kuEmmerson Mnangagwa omolwa omayamukulo ge giikolokosha ngoka ta yamukula kaakwashigwana mboka taya ningi omahololomadhilaadhilo, okudhipaga aakwashigwana oshowo okuya kwata koonkondo? Shoka osha hala kutya SADC ota popile iikolokosha mbyoka tayi ningilwa aakwashigwana kepangelo ? Geingob oku li uumbangi kutya shoka shi na oshilonga kuSADC edhina owala Emmerson Mnangagwa nepangelo lyoZanu-PF, nongele tamu holola uukwawo wanankali, SADC na yelithe kutya uukwawo wanankali we okwewuukitha kepangelo ihe ha kaakwashigwana. Inatu ningwa oonkundathana natse nenge omapulaapulo omanga omukanda ngoka inagu pitithwa.”

Omukanda ngoka gwa pitithwa kongundu ndjoka yaZimbambwe ogwa tsikile kutya oshi li kuyo onga aakwashigwana yaZimbabwe opo yiikuthe ko nokutopoka nolutu ndoka lu lilepo owala uuwanawa walyo mokumona iishoshela okuzilila kiiyemo yaakwashigwana mboka haya futu iishoshela mbyoka ihe olutu ndoka kalu nako nashianonkalo nemono lyiihuna lyaakwashigwana mboka.

Ongundu oya tsikile kutya ethimbo olya thikana kaaleli yaSADC mboka ye lilepo owala okwiiyambapalekela moondjato dhaakwashigwana opo yamone kutya ethimbo lyawo olya pwako, naakwashigwana oye na uuthemba oku ya kutha kiipundi molwaashoka oyo ya li ye ya tula miipundi.

Namibian Sun ina mona uuyelele ngele Omupresidende Geingob okwa yakula nokulesha omukanda ngoka, sho omupopiliko gwe Alfredo Hengari ina yamukula komatumwalaka ngoka a tuminwa kongodhi ye.

ELIASER NDEYANALE
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