Riders, horses braced for Interschool Tournament

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Riders, horses braced for Interschool Tournament A total of 27 riders and 42 horses are conducting their final preparations before competing in the Interschool Tournament, which will be hosted by Reiterverein Swakopmund this weekend.

Tomorrow is set aside for the riders' briefing and the settling in of weary horses and riders.

On Saturday, the Pony Rider Preliminaries and Novices, NAMEF Lollipop Test, Junior Preliminaries and Novices, Pony Rider Elementary, Course Walk, Time Slalom Race as well as various height competitions are set to take place. The day will end with an X-Country Fun Competition. On Sunday riders will compete in a variety of competitions including Precision and Speed, High Jump, 36 Point Accumulator and end with a final parade and prize-giving ceremony. The participating schools are Alexanders Private School, International School Walvis Bay, Wolsey Hall Oxford, Pro Ed Akademie, Privatschule Swakopmund, Windhoek Gymnasium, Deutsche Höhere Privatschule, Edugate Academy, Namib High School, Namib Primary School and The Dolphin Schools.

Sport Reporter

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Company news in brief

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Company news in brief SA's TymeBank could break even by 2022

TymeBank, one of several digital-only startups aiming to shake up South Africa's banking industry, could break even by 2022, the bank's executives said.

The lender, backed by billionaire Patrice Motsepe's investment group African Rainbow Capital (ARC), has attracted 80 000 customers since a soft launch in November and is targeting 21 million people it says are not adequately served by established rivals.

Deputy CEO Tauriq Keraan told a presentation on Tuesday that TymeBank, which officially launched this week, could break even in 2022 if it attracted 2.2 million active customers and lent to 6% of them.

TymeBank can offer much lower fees than rivals because it has no branches and has used technology to cut costs.

Shabalala said the majority of the bank's income would come from lending. TymeBank was in talks with a major bank to offer a credit card, and planned to launch a separate unsecured lending pilot in the second half of this year, he said. – Nampa/Reuters

Hyundai set for Elliott showdown

Hyundai Motor Group on Tuesday rejected demands by US activist investor Elliott Management for a combined 7 trillion won (US$6.3 billion) dividend payout and new board members, complicating efforts to revamp South Korea's second-biggest conglomerate.

Opposition from Elliott led Hyundai to drop an earlier attempt to overhaul its ownership structure last year and executive vice-chairman Euisun Chung pledged in January to complete a restructuring expected to pave the way for him to succeed his father Mong-Koo Chung as group chairman.

Elliott, which was not immediately available for comment, had proposed a 2018 dividend of 4.5 trillion won for Hyundai Motor and 2.5 trillion won for auto parts supplier Hyundai Mobis, regulatory filings show. The two had proposed payouts of nearly 1 trillion won.

Hyundai Mobis also said it would "undermine its future competitiveness" as it needs to invest more than 4 trillion won to develop new vehicles over the next three years.

Instead Hyundai Mobis announced a 2.6 trillion won shareholder return package over the next three years, less than Elliott's demand for at least 4 trillion won. – Nampa/Reuters

JPMorgan keeps key profit goal

JPMorgan Chase & Co on Tuesday maintained its key profit goal for the next three years, but its chief financial officer warned the forecast does not reflect significant risks that could speed the beginning of a US recession.

Global trade worries as well as Britain's withdrawal from the European Union, or Brexit, also presented uncertainty for 2019, CFO Marianne Lake said at the bank's annual Investor Day.

The bank may exceed its key growth targets, Lake said, but the bank's estimates take a cautious view of future risks.

JPMorgan is the biggest US bank by assets and its annual commentary is closely watched. It accounts for about 14 percent of US banking industry revenue, according to estimates by analysts at Barclays.

The bank's outlook dimmed for profits from its corporate & investment bank unit, with a turn on equity of 16%, down from a 17% target a year ago, according to the slide presentation. The investment bank provided one third of JPMorgan's revenues in 2018.

Gazprom grabs record share of Europe market

Russia's Gazprom increased its share of the European gas market last year despite a rising challenge from imports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG), company officials told investors in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Gazprom's share of the European gas market rose to a record high 36.7% last year from 34.7% in 2017, the company said.

This, despite calls from the European Commission for EU states to diversify away from Russian energy in the wake of Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The company would aim to retain a market share in Europe of no less than 35% in coming years, she said. Europe accounts for around two-thirds of Gazprom's gas sales.

The company is looking to account for 25% of China's gas imports by 2035, a management committee member told the investors in Hong Kong. – Nampa/Reuters

Thomson Reuters hunts for acquisitions

Thomson Reuters reported better-than-expected earnings on Tuesday, helping push its shares to a record high, and said it is continuing to look for acquisitions to bolster its legal and tax and accounting units, where demand is up in part because of U tax reforms.

Thomson Reuters reported fourth-quarter revenue of US$1.52 billion, compared with US$1.41 billion a year ago.

Thomson Reuters sold a 55% stake in its Financial & Risk (F&R) unit to private equity firm Blackstone Group LP last October in a deal that valued the unit, now a standalone business called Refinitiv, at about US$20 billion.

The company has set aside US$2 billion of the US$17 billion proceeds from the Blackstone deal to make purchases to help grow its legal, tax and accounting and corporates businesses.

For 2019, the company forecast adjusted earnings of US$1.4 billion to US$1.5 billion, up from US$1.4 billion in the current year. – Nampa/Reuters

Oopoloyeka mbali dhomoshilongo dha talika unene omeho komahangano gopondje

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Oopoloyeka mbali dhomoshilongo dha talika unene omeho komahangano gopondje Momusholondondo moka omu na owala omahangano gaali gomoshilongo Omahangano gokutunga ga thika po 25 oga hogololwa nokutulwa momusholondondo moka tamu ka kuthwa omahangano ngoka taga ka pewa otendela yiilonga yokutunga nokuwapaeka elila lyeshina lyoWalvis Bay-Kranzberg oshowo etungo lyondjila ompe ndjoka yuuka koHosea Kutako International Airport. OGONE TLHAGE

Ehangano lyaChina lyoChina Harbor Engineering Company, olya tulwa momusholondondo gwokulonga oopoloyeka adhihe dhoka mbali.

Ehangano ndyoka olya ningi eindilo lyiimanga kumwe nehangano lyomoshilongo lyoRoadhart CC kopoloyeka yelila lyeshina.

Ehangano limwe lyomoshilongo ndyoka lya hogogololwa olyedhina D&M, ndyoka lya ningi eindilo lyiimanga kumwe nomahangano gaChina lyedhina China Jiangxi oshowo China Henan.

Omahangano owala gaali gomoshilongo ga tulwa momusholondondo ngoka tamu ka hogololwa omahangano yokulonga opoloyeka yokapale koodhila.

Omahangano ngoka oga tumbulwa kutya NCR oshowo Top International Engineering Namibia. Omahangano galwe ga hogololwa oga za miilongo ngaashi Portugal , Spain oshowo India omanga omahangano ge li 12 gaChina.

Mokati komahangano 16 ngoka ga tulwa momusholondondo gwopoloyeka yondjila yokapalek koodhila oshowo 9 gondjila yeshina, omwa kwatelwa omahangano gaChina ge li 17, ngoka taga longo giithikamena nenge taga longele kumwe nomahangano galwe.

Ehangano lyoD&M Rail Construction wa olya li lyuulikwa momvula yo 2014 kehangano lyaTransNamib opo li longe ondjila yelila lyeshina yaKranzberg - Tsumeb koshimaliwa shoomiliyona 200, palopota yoshifokundaneki shoThe Namibian.

Ombaanga yoAfrican Development Bank (AfDB) oya tula po iipumbiwa opo omahangano ngoka taga longo opoloyeka ndhoka ga kale ge na iiyemo yokomvula ya thika poomiliyona 63. Omahangano ga pulwa woo ga kale ge na einyengo lyiimaliwa yomwaalu gwa thika poomiliyona 53 komwedhi.

Iipumbiwa mbyoka oya hwepopalekwa konima sho Ominista yEmona, Calle Schlettwein yiidhopo mo.

Omunambelewa Omukuluntu gwoRoads Authority, Conrad Lutombi ina vula okutya sha sho a ningilwa omapulo.

Omunambelelwa Omukomeho mUuministeli wIilonga, Willem Goeiemann okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya ehogololo lyaalongi yoopoloyeka ndhoka otali tsikile.

Okwa popi kutya inaya mana natango na inaya kuthila ko natango oominista.

Oopoloyeka ndhoka adhihe otadhi pewa eyambidhidho lyiimaliwa okuza koAfrican Development Bank okupitila momukuli gwoobiliyona 2 ngoka gwa gandjwa muDesember gwo 2017.

Omvula ya piti oConstruction Industry Federation (CIF) oya pula epangelo opo li pule oAFDB yi yululeko kiipumbiwa mbyoka ya tula po kombinga yoopoloyeka ndhoka mbali.

Amushanga-ndjai gwoCIF Bärbel Kirchner, okwa li a popi kutya iipumbiwa mbyoka otayi ulike ya tulwa po nelalakano lyokupatela pondje omahangano gokutunga gomoshilongo.

Ondjila yokuya kokapale koodhila yomalila gaali guuka kombinga yimwe na otaku tengenekwa tayi ka tulwa omalila gatatu monakuyiwa, otayi ka tungwa muule woomwedhi 42.

Epangelo lyaChina olya gandja ompito kuNamibia opo a taambe eyambidhidho lyoshimaliwa shoobiliyona 10 sha nuninwa okuyambulapo iikwaniipangitho yomakwatathano moshilongo, okupitila moBelt and Road initiative. Ngele Namibia okwa taamba ompito ndjoka nena oshitopolwa shimwe po shoshimaliwa shoka otashi ka longithwa mopoloyeka yondjila yoHosea Kutako International Airport.

Egumbo lya hanagulwapo koosuwala

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Egumbo lya hanagulwapo koosuwala ILENI NANDJATO

Aakokele yatatu oye li mongundu yaantu yahamano mboka ya holoka komeho yOmpangu yaMangestrata mOshakati, konima sho ya hanagulapo egumbo lyaantu momukunda Omagongati mOshitopolwa shaShana.

Jacobine Shivolo, 68, Aina Petrus, 78, Naoh Shikeyengo, 63, Helena Shikongo, 44, Kahamba Mwanyangapo, 23 oshowo Nauyoma Erastus oya pewa omboloha yoshimaliwa shooN$ 800 kehe gumwe.

Mboka otaya pangulilwa oshipotha sheyonagulo lyomaliko kwiikwatelelwa kOmpango yOmiyonena dhOmomagumbo.

Otaku lopotwa kutya mboka oya tulwa miipandeko mOlyomakaya konima sho ya hanagulapo egumbo lyomuselekadhi Victoria Shikeyengo moonkambadhala dhoku mu tidha mo megumbo.

Oonakutulwa miipandeko aakwanezimo yanakusa Sackaria Shikeyengo ngoka a hulitha kuyele omwedhi nguka.

Victoria okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya ya hokana nomusamane ge momvula yo2006 na oya kala megumbo moka na oye na uunona uuwali. Okwa popi kutya omusamane gwe okwa hulitha momasiku 14 na okwa fumbikwa momasiku 17 momwedhi Februali.

“Konima yefumbiko mOshoondaha oya lombwelendje kutya otaya pendje owala sigo omasiku Etiyali lyomasiku 19 opo ndi kale nda za mo megmbo moka, ngele hasho otaya tidha ndje. Otaya popi kutya pevi mpoka pe na egumbo lyetu evi lyofamili onkene ondi na okuza po pevi mpoka opo ye li kuthe ko,” Victoria a popi.

“Inandi ninga shoka ya lombwelendje nOlyomakaya ya piti lwopotundi onti 4 yongula oye ya nokutameka taya hanagula po egumbo lyetu. Egumbo olya li lya dhikwa niipeleki na oya kutha po iipeleki yimwe nokuya nayo.”



Victoria okwa popi kutya omanga ya li yiipyakidhila nokuhanagula po egumbo okwa ithana opolisi oshowo kansela gwawo mboka ya yamukula pethimbo, nonando sho ya thiki oya adha egumbo lya hanagulwa po nale

Sho oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun sha thiki pethimbo mpoka omutenya gwOlyomakaya osha a dha egumbo lya hanagulwapo nale nuunona woomvula 12 no 10 otawu kambadhala okuli dhika.

Meme gwawo okwa yi nopolisi opo a ka gandje ehokololo lye.

Opolisi oya tula miipandeko aantu mboka yahamano sho ya hanagulapo egumbo lyaantu, Noah naPetrus aamwayinakadhona aakuluntu yanakusa omanga yalwe aakwanezimo.

Kansela gwoshikandjohogololo Ondangwa Rural, Kaushiweni Abraham okwa popi kutya oya haluthwa kwaashoka sha ningwa na otaya ka tala kutya otaya kwathele ngiini omukiintu ngoka pamwe naanona ye.

Okwa popi kutya okwa pewa olopota kaashiinda kutya ofamili oya thigulula po iinima ayihe mwakwatelwa niilya oshowo iikulya yilwe.

Oshipotha shika osha undulilwa komasiku 16 gaApilili.

A race against time

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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A race against timePrivate airstrips have until New Year to comply with new regulations Fenata has warned that the new regulations could affect 60 000 air passengers who make use of private airstrips. Owners and operators of private airstrips are racing against time to ensure that their facilities comply with new civil aviation regulations that will bar commercial aircraft from landing at unlicensed airfields.

The regulations, which will become effective on 1 January 2020, are expected to affect 100 airfields. The regulations were supposed to be enforced from 1 January 2019 but the deadline was extended.

The Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (Fenata) says it is necessary to allow commercial aircraft to land at private airfields.

Fenata had warned last year that the new regulations could affect 60 000 air passengers who make use of private airstrips.

According to the association, flights with light aircraft have become an increasingly important mode of transport for the tourism industry. Its chairman, Bernd Schneider, voiced concern that despite the extension of the deadline, it would still be difficult to comply with the new regulations.

“The process of licensing and registration is quite cumbersome and detailed and usually takes a few months. So even with the new date of implementation, we believe we are heading into some difficulties at the end of this year, as it seems to be virtually impossible to get all private airfields licensed and registered by the time the regulations come into effect on 1 January 2020,” said Schneider. Schneider had said in the past that these regulations would force most light-aircraft operators out of business, resulting in substantial job losses.

He also said that fly-in safaris formed a vital part of the Namibian tourism industry. Schneider pointed out that many lodges, especially those in remote areas, relied heavily on private landing strips to bring in customers.

According to him, the tourism industry had not been consulted. “We could have avoided the near-crisis situation at the end of last year due to the published regulations.”

Schneider added that despite problems being experienced in complying, the tourism industry was in full support of the new regulations.

“In general, I fully support a safer aviation environment in Namibia. I also fully support that there needs to be some form of registration. As such, we do not have a major concern with the actual regulations. The major concern that we did have last year was the implementation date,” he said.

The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is not budging on the implementation of the new regulations. The acting executive director of civil aviation, Gordon Elliott, explained that the regulations were required to ensure a safer operating environment.

“The Civil Aviation Act of 2016 requires participants in the Namibian civil aviation system to hold aviation documents such as licences, certificates, approvals or permits to ensure that the airstrips and aerodromes under the jurisdiction of Namibia offer a safe operational environment in in line with Article 37 of the Chicago Convention on Civil Aviation, to which Namibia is signatory,” said Elliott.

“At minimum, commercial operators together with airstrip owners should conduct an aeronautical study, risk assessment and safety assessment to identify potential risks... and mitigation measures should be put in place to ensure a safe operational environment,” he added.

The president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Namibia, Hans Wiehahn, did not want to comment on the matter.

“We are presently in the process of consulting with the NCAA about the new regulations. As such, we prefer to refrain from public comment until matters have been resolved one way or the other,” he said.

“At this stage it would be unwise for us to jeopardise this process in any manner, as matters are at a sensitive stage,” Wiehahn added.



OGONE TLHAGE

With 5G hype high, consumers risk disappointment

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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With 5G hype high, consumers risk disappointment‘Early stages’ According to forecasts 4G will still account for 45% of worldwide mobile subscriptions in 2025, while 5G would only be at 15%. You first need a network which will cost a fortune to deploy and has an uncertain return on investment. - Stephane Teral, Analyst: IHS Markit Erwan Lucas - The telecoms industry is gearing up for 5G, the next generation wireless networks which could enable new technologies such self-driving cars and robot surgeons. But it may be raising expectations too early.

As industry leaders gather at the Mobile World Congress trade fair in Barcelona this week, some warn consumers risk disappointment because the benefits 5G's much faster speeds and vast data capacity can provide are still a long way from becoming reality.

For example while 5G will bring near-instantaneous connectivity for smartphones and can virtually eliminate latency - the lag-time when data is sent or received - this "will only be a reality in 2023-2025", said Yannick Sadowy, the director for telecoms and media and consulting firm Accenture.

"We are still in the early stages," he added.

Transitions

Before 5G becomes a reality for consumers, two transitions need to take place.

Mobile operators have to upgrade their networks with 5G gear made by companies such as China's Huawei and Finland's Nokia, and phone makers need to make handsets with built-in 5G radios that can hook up to these networks.

But analysts don't expect 5G compatible smartphones to be become widely available until the second half of 2019 and the first models will be expensive.

And it will take even longer for the geographical reach of the 5G networks which are starting to be rolled out this year to be extensive enough to let you use your 5G phone without having to rely on current 4G wireless standards for most of the time.

Forecasts

Mobile communications industry body GSMA, which represents nearly 800 operators, forecasts 4G will still account for 45% of worldwide mobile subscriptions in 2025, while 5G would only be at 15%.

"5G will still be a reasonably small technology in 2025 but it will have a good pickup," GSMA director general Mats Granryd told AFP. "One needs to be patient," he added.

GSMA estimates capital expenditure on mobile networks worldwide would be US$500 billion over the three years between 2018 to 2020.

To get the new technologies which 5G promises to unlock "you first need a network which will cost a fortune to deploy and has an uncertain return on investment," said IHS Markit analyst Stephane Teral.

"The risk of disappointment exists," he added.

Expectations

Expectations are high. More than half of consumers in developed countries, 54%, expect 5G networks to deliver faster speeds, and one in four expect it to deliver "innovative new services", according to a survery carried out by the GSMA last year.

5G "will be a revolutionary technology but in the long term, it will take time to see everything which it will allow one to do with a smartphone but it will surprise us," said Dexter Thilien, an analyst at Fitch Solutions.

Telecoms operators in Europe appear to have learned from the mistake of overpromising when 3G networks were first introduced in the continent in the early 2000s and have not played up 5G, although the same cannot be said for operators in the United States, he added.

At the time there was much hype around 3G but the first iPhone, compatible with the third-generation cellular network, only came out in 2008.

The main benefit for telecom operators in the short term will come from the surge in data consumption on the part of their consumers which 5G netowrks will spark, said Thomas Coudry, a telecoms analyst at Bryan, Garnier & Co.

As wireless speeds have increased over the past decade, consumers' data usage has soared. And 5G could usher in a world of ultra-high definition video on smartphones and a host of apps which will lead to even higher data usage. – Nampa/Reuters

GIPF opens Eenhana office

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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GIPF opens Eenhana office The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has officially opened its satellite office at Eenhana to serve members in the Ohangwena Region.

This ensures that GIPF members in the region will no longer have to travel long distances to Ondangwa and Oshakati.

Ohangwena regional governor Usko Nghaamwa welcomed the new office. The Eenhana office is equipped to deal with pension enquiries, pension advice, biometric registration and verifications, benefit and income statements, as well as the submission of supporting documents.

“Our people had to endure long hours on the road, traveling at unconventional hours of the day and even sleeping at unsafe places, just to ensure they are quickly assisted in the queue the following day. I gladly welcome the move to extend your services closer our 24 193 residents, who comprise of civil servants and employees participating in GIPF,” Nghaamwa said.

This is the third satellite office to be opened in three years.

In 2017, GIPF opened a satellite office in Windhoek, while another was opened in Outapi last year. GIPF board of trustees chairperson Goms Menettè said the fund caters for a growing membership base, which currently stands at over 135 000, and is comprised of active members and annuitants.

“These members demand nothing less than the highest level of service delivery. Hence, you will appreciate that no region, town or village is without GIPF members. In response to the large and growing population of the Ohangwena Region, GIPF decided to increase its footprint to bring its services closer to its valued members, who are gathered here today,” Menettè said.

Through its operations system, the fund aims to “drive digital transformation and innovation”.

“The Eenhana office has been integrated into PepLink POC, a solution which will enhance network connectivity, resulting in increased productivity, and file-sharing editing opportunities for documents amongst GIPF colleagues from all over the country, at the touch of a button.”

Menettè added GIPF has also embarked on an ambitious business process improvement project, with the aim of securing significant operational efficiencies across the fund's entire service supply chain.

“The fund has also invested in various initiatives aimed at improving our information system capabilities and processes, and enhancing our information technology governance practices,” he said. Menettè said the Eenhana branch has been operational since 22 January and operates under Gustav Kalimbo, supported by Veronica Ashipala.

ILENI NANDJATO

Namibia under guinea-worm surveillance

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Namibia under guinea-worm surveillance The Omusati Region is under surveillance by the World Health Organisation (WHO) following two confirmed human cases of dracunculiasis (guinea-worm disease) in the Angolan province of Cunene, which borders Namibia.

The WHO reported that an eight-year-old girl from Cunene Province in Angola was the first to test positive for the disease.

The case was detected during a national measles immunisation campaign in June last year. A specimen was sent to the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, where it was confirmed to be guinea worm. It was the first confirmed case of human guinea-worm infection in Angola in many years. This was announced by a WHO technical advisor, Dr Joe Nakinpak Bariki-Laar, at Outapi on Monday.

Bariki-Laar said after the case was confirmed in Angola, the WHO sent a team to Namibia to investigate whether there were any cases here. Guinea-worm disease is a crippling parasitic disease caused by Dracunculus medinensis - a long, thread-like worm. It is transmitted exclusively when people drink stagnant water contaminated with parasite-infected water fleas.

Dracunculiasis is rarely fatal, but infected people become non-functional for weeks. It affects people in rural, deprived and isolated communities who depend mainly on open surface-water sources such as ponds for drinking water.

“The worm... is very common in poor communities who have no access to clean drinking water,” Bariki-Laar said.

“Once the worm enters your body it takes up to a year before it attacks your body tissues. We are therefore urging people who do not have clean drinking water to boil their water before drinking it.”

The regional health director for Omusati, Alfons Amoomo, confirmed that the WHO representatives were authorised by the government to conduct the investigation.

He said Namibia had no reported cases of guinea-worm disease, but since people in Omusati regularly interacted with Angolans from Cunene, vigilance was necessary.

“No guinea-worm cases have been confirmed in Namibia but there have been some cases reported in Angola. Angolans are our family and they come to use our facilities in Namibia. The WHO is here to assess whether we have any cases that we have missed,” Amoomo said.

He appealed to people to cooperate with the investigators.

“These people will be operating in local communities and they need assistance from communities to obtain the information they need to determine whether we have the guinea-worm disease or not,” he said.

ILENI NANDJATO

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On the road to recovery

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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On the road to recoveryNew DRC president has prioritised peace and stability DRC president Felix Tshisekedi has promised to tackle entrenched corruption head-on. The newly elected president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, says his government's first priority is to bring peace and stability to the mineral-rich country ravaged by decades of violence and corruption.

Tshisekedi was in Windhoek this week for a two-day working visit to President Hage Geingob.

Tshisekedi, who was declared the winner of the country's first democratic elections in 20 years, has promised to tackle entrenched corruption head-on.

Tshisekedi denied that he had struck a deal with former long-serving president Joseph Kabila, saying he planned to get rid of Kabila's system of government to make way for his own system.

“Before, oppositions were not given a platform on our national television and radio, but now, even the opposition [candidate] who is still claiming to have won the elections is given a platform, and not only that, he is also free to circulate [in] the country without being threatened,” he said.

His agenda for the DRC was rooted in their quest for peace and stability, he emphasised.

“As you know, for many years my country has been facing trouble brought in by armed groups who killed people and illegally exported our precious resources.

“With such conditions, it is very difficult to develop the country and that is the reason why we came to see President Geingob,” he stated.

Geingob, who doubles as SADC chairman, reminded reporters that granting immunity to former leaders was a normal practice and should even be regarded as an incentive for peaceful transitions.

Responding to questions about the controversial DRC elections early this year, Geingob said no one but the people of DRC could question these elections.

“When Kabila was here [for the SADC Summit in Windhoek] he said he was not going to stand. We all welcomed that. There were elections that were peaceful and smooth.

“Somebody was elected and announced by the people of DRC and the person who did not win appealed to the institutions of that country and the court ruled. So, who are you, who am I, to question that?” Geingob said.

Tshisekedi admitted that his country's administration systems had been destroyed to the extent that corruption took over.

“We need to restore the administration to give place to a state of law and justice. We need to ensure good social conditions for the women and men of DRC. We want to restore the dignity of our people. People are the foundation of good government,” he said.

He added that his government was determined to ensure good living conditions and, in particular, to provide education to improve people's lives.

He also emphasised that his takeover as head of state signalled a “new dawn of peaceful transitions of power that must be appreciated as a new beginning for the people of DRC”.

“If, after this term, people decide to vote for someone else, then I will respect that. We are very careful, that is why we are in discussions. Soon a cabinet will be formed, but I will ensure there is a good code of conduct to have a coalition to run the country,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Shoprite fortune hit by currency devaluation

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Shoprite fortune hit by currency devaluationSales: Nam up, Angola plummets Currency devaluations in markets such as Angola and Nigeria have made it difficult for Shoprite to operate profitably in its past half-year. We're not in any form or fashion about to run away. – Christo Wiese, Chairman: Shoprite Holdings Africa's largest supermarket group Shoprite reported its first half-year earnings decline in over a decade, hit by a currency devaluation in Angola, highlighting the challenges of doing business in frontier African markets.

Releasing its latest results on Tuesday, Shoprite Holdings said sales in Namibia for the 26 weeks to 30 December 2018 were up 1.1% on an annual basis. Figures for Angola dropped by 45%, while sales in Nigeria were down 1.4%. Zambia recorded growth of 0.7%.

Measured in constant currency Angola dropped by 9.9%, while Zambia and Nigeria recorded growth of 11% and 8.4% respectively. Namibia's growth figure remained at 1.1%

Devaluation

The supermarket and furniture retailer has expanded aggressively in Africa, surpassing rivals such as Pick n Pay and Massmart to become the continent's leading retailer with more than 2 800 stores in 15 countries.

But currency devaluations in markets such as Angola, its biggest operation outside South Africa, and Nigeria have made it difficult to operate profitably elsewhere on the continent touted as the next bright growth spot for retailers. A number of African countries are short of US dollars, especially Angola and Nigeria, where weak oil prices have devalued their currencies, and Zimbabwe. Angola has devalued its currency by about 85% since the beginning of 2018. Shoprite said diluted headline earnings per share, the main profit measure, for the 26 weeks to 30 December 2018, came in at 398.5 cents, down from 525.6 cents a year earlier and falling short of a forecast of 419 cents in a poll of analysts by Refinitiv.

That was after the retailer suffered a R61.8 million loss from its outlets elsewhere in Africa mainly due to the weak trading in Angola. It reported a R552.7 million profit for the same period a year earlier.



Peers

Shoprite hasn't been the only South African company facing challenges in frontier markets, with packaging firm Nampak blaming limited liquidity in Angola for a weak second half performance and telecoms group MTN facing constant regulatory problems. However, Shoprite chairman and largest shareholder Christo Wiese assured investors that the retailer is still committed to Africa and will continue to invest in the “downturns as well as the upstream”.

“We're not in any form or fashion about to run away,” he said at the firm's half-year result presentation. Shoprite chief executive Pieter Engelbrecht said the outlook for Angola had improved.

“Our view on Angola, I'm very optimistic about it,” he told the results presentation. “The structural changes currently in the economy and by the president is all healthy and is indicative of the long term view on the country.”

Sanlam Private Wealth's senior portfolio manager, Greg Katzenellenbogen, however, said he did not share that optimism.

“In terms of Angola, it's difficult to see the currency recovering in the short term so that will have an ongoing effect on all companies that operate there,” Katzenellenbogen told Reuters. “It would be very difficult for a company to say look we made a mistake and we're getting out [of] there, but I don't quite share the same optimism because it will take a long time for them to recover.”

SA market struggling

At home things were just as bad, as Shoprite was hit by deflation in basic food categories and supply constraints stemming from strikes at its largest distribution centre and the roll out of a new group-wide IT system that hit product availability.

South African consumers have also been held back by elevated household debt, higher fuel prices and an increase in value-added tax to 15%, from 14%, and the country's retail sales slumped in December to their lowest in over a year.

Shoprite's core local supermarket operation increased sales by 2.6% with a decline in trading profit of 15.1%. In a separate statement, the group also said it aimed to simplify its share structure and was in talks with Thibault Square Financial Services Proprietary Limited to buy, redeem or cancel deferred shares held by Thibault, which owns 32.3% of voting rights.

Shoprite's capital structure currently consists of two share classes - Shoprite Holdings ordinary shares and Shoprite Holdings deferred shares - which carry about 32.3% of the voting rights of Shoprite, it said.

Furthermore, the deal will ensure that all remaining shares in the company have equal economic and voting rights, it added.

Thibault is an investment vehicle of Christo Wiese, who is Shoprite's majority shareholder.

– Own report and Nampa/Reuters

No salaries for NIMT staff

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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No salaries for NIMT staff Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) employees were informed on Monday that they would not receive their February salaries.

NIMT executive director Eckhart Mueller said in an internal memo, signed by him and NIMT financial manager Mark Templin, that the institution did not have the money to pay the salaries that were due yesterday.

Mueller, who could not be reached for further comment, advised the employees that they should make arrangements with their banks to ensure that deductions were not returned as unpaid.

He promised that the NIMT management was doing everything in its power to pay the salaries as soon as possible.

An NIMT Arandis staff member explained that the institution does not receive a fixed budget allocation from the government, unlike the University of Namibia (Unam) and Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).

“Government subsidises over 95% of NIMT trainees via the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and the Namibia Training Authority (NTA).

“The remaining 5% are private candidates supported by their parents and businesses. The NIMT is thus totally dependent on government funding per trainee.”

He added that there had been delays in treasury funds being released to the higher education ministry, which in turn has to channel the funds to NSFAF and the NTA.

“NIMT therefore suggested and implemented retrenchments in 2018 as a cost-cutting measure. Minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi, however, ordered the reinstatement of the retrenched employees and deputy executive director Raimo Naanda gave a guarantee that the funds would be provided on time.

“We were paid late in January and received only 75% of our salaries during the first week of February. A week later we received the remainder (25%).”

The staff member said the late payment of salaries had a snowball effect and affected the creditworthiness of employees.

“We constantly have to approach the bank for extensions due to the irregular salary payments we receive. Our creditworthiness is already down the drain.”

The staff member said classes were continuing despite a delay in the supply of materials caused by a shortage of funds.

NIMT was established at Arandis in 1991 and also has campuses at Keetmanshoop and Tsumeb.

The institution has approximately 3 800 students and 270 staff members.

It offers full-time apprenticeship/vocational skills upgrading and special/artisan assistant training. Courses focus on mining, manufacturing and engineering.

NIMT produces about 250 graduates per year. Most of them are employed by the mining sector.

OTIS FINCK

Unsafe water, no ATM

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Unsafe water, no ATMKatwitwi residents plead for development Katwitwi, which once bustled with Angolan cash, is now a shadow of its former self and in desperate need of development. Katwitwi settlement residents in Kavango West are calling on the regional council to develop the area, including by providing them with potable water.

The nearest ATM is at Nkurenkuru, which is situated about 45 km away from the settlement, meaning Katwitwi residents have to fork out N$100 per trip to draw money.

On a recent visit to Katwitwi, Namibian Sun observed how stagnation has crept in, apart from the shebeens operating along the main road.

Some shebeens and shops have closed down at the settlement, situated near the Angolan border.

Katwitwi, like Oshikango, had been booming when Angolans frequently visited and spent wads of cash.

However, due to ongoing economic challenges both locally and in the Angolan economy, business activities at Katwitwi have plummeted.

Some residents said socio-economic development at the settlement was not being addressed by government.

The residents pointed out that most of them depend on water from the Okavango River, while a few individuals have managed to drill boreholes on their land.

They said this was unacceptable after nearly 29 years of independence.

Another concern is that no infrastructure development leads to youth unemployment. The residents argued that every town in Namibia was once a settlement that had been developed.

They called on the Kavango West regional council to address the needs of the people living at Katwitwi.

“Katwitwi seriously needs development. We depend on the river for water, which is not hygienic. Why are other parts of the country being developed and we are left to live in this old-fashioned type of way?” a concerned resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

Another resident said there was only one shop in the community that sells basic necessities and therefore goods are very expensive.

“If there was an ATM in Katwitwi, life would be so great. That travelling to Nkurenkuru to withdraw money does not make sense and sometimes the ATMs over there are not in a working condition, which means that you have wasted your time and money,” the resident said. Residents said further that most of the youth employed at Katwitwi are working in bars because there are no other types of businesses.

They demanded that services be brought closer to them.

Mpungu constituency councillor Kandjimi Shiudifonya acknowledged there is dire need for development at Katwitwi.

Shiudifonya said they have started to fence off a pond, which would be used to provide potable water to residents.

However, due to the unavailability of funds the project could not be completed. Shiudifonya said his constituency had expected to receive a budget of N$5 million that was later cut to N$500 000, which they used to fence off part of the water pond.

“I think it is best you contact our regional head office because they are the ones with the money. I know the challenges the people are experiencing and can only submit proposals, as I do not have the money,” Shiudifonya said.

Several attempts, since last week, to get comment from Kavango West chief regional officer Mpasi Katewa proved futile.

KENYA KAMBOWE

GIPF pumps millions into housing at Eenhana

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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GIPF pumps millions into housing at EenhanaUnlisted investment programme The GIPF aims to construct 30% of the 20 000 housing units envisaged under the Harambee Prosperity Plan. The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has invested N$17.4 million in housing aimed at low- and medium- income groups at Eenhana in the Ohangwena region.

According to the regional governor, Usko Nghaamwa, the housing development in Extension 6 will consist of 271 houses and will greatly contribute towards the housing shortage in the region.

“The GIPF through its unlisted investments has been implementing some of the Harambee Prosperity Plan [HPP] pillars such as social progress and infrastructure development by delivering housing and servicing land for their members,” Nghaamwa in a speech read on his behalf at the official opening ceremony of the new GIPF office at the town on Tuesday.

Speaking at the same event, the chairperson of the GIPF board of trustees, Goms Menette, said Formosa Island Investment is the developer of the project.

A total of 124 erven have also been serviced, while 85 houses in phase one and 97 houses in phase two have been sold to date.

“This development came as a requirement to provide low-cost and decent housing to accommodate low-, middle- and high-income earners in a bid to ease land and housing shortages within the town of Eenhana,” Menette said.

The GIPF aims to construct 30% of the 20 000 housing units envisaged under the HPP before its period ends.

Office

The opening of a GIPF office at the town means fund members in Eenhana, Helao Nafidi and Okongo no longer have to travel to Ondangwa and Oshakati.

Clients will, amongst others, be able to get advice on their pensions, do biometric registration and verification, receive benefit and income statements and submit supporting documents at the new office.

Menette said the growing population of the region necessitated the GIPF increasing its footprint.

The branch has been operational since January this year and has so far aided over 500 members.

“As we continuously strive to build lasting confidence in our members and stakeholders, we need to address the challenges they face, such as access to services at their convenience, as well as poor internet connection in some parts of the country, which makes it difficult to connect to GIPF systems,” Menette said.

The GIPF’s membership currently stands at over 135 000 in the form of active members and annuitants. - Nampa

Eat your words, Mr Governor

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Eat your words, Mr Governor So former general secretary of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), Cleophas Mutjavikua, sees nothing wrong with his comments to a Chinese mine manager in leaked audio recordings that have gone viral.

In one of the audio recordings, Mutjavikua, who now serves as Erongo governor and by extension is the representative of the head of state in the region, was purportedly suggesting the “re-organisation” of Husab mine. He also suggested ways to undermine the very same union he once headed. In addition, the governor can be heard stating that President Hage Geingob is unlikely to support the “re-organisation” plan as it is an election year. Of course the governor did not use the word retrenchments, but his intent was obviously to curry favour with the Chinese and give them strategic advice. Sadly, this advice was to the detriment of the very same workers he had committed to represent, not only as a unionist, but as a politician who serves the region and its interests. As a leader who used the unions as a springboard to be where he is today, Mutjavikua should have handled this issue differently by putting the interests of the workers first, considering the ongoing retrenchments across all sectors of the economy, which has further worsened our already astronomically high unemployment rate. And regarding the reference to the head of state, the governor is clearly feeding the perception that politicians only take the workers and electorate seriously when elections are looming. Workers should be given the respect they deserve, if we are indeed serious about seeing a stable and sustainable democracy. The recording, in the final analysis, raises serious questions about whether the ruling party, which was built on the backs of workers, still truly represents them through their affiliated unions. Instead of defending himself, the governor should take stock of his utterances and publicly apologise for compromising the struggle of the workers and himself. You should eat your words, Mr Governor, and admit you were wrong.

Nurse back in court for rape

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Nurse back in court for rapeStill behind bars A Rundu nurse, accused of raping a hospital patient, is still trying to obtain legal counsel. The case against a 35-year-old Rundu state hospital nurse, who was arrested in December last year for allegedly drugging and raping a 56-year-old patient, has been postponed until April.

Shintango Mbambi, who is employed by the health ministry, made his second appearance before Magistrate Barry Mufana in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Mufana postponed the matter until 25 April in order for the suspect to secure legal representation. The incident happened on 6 December last year in the state hospital's tuberculosis ward, where the complainant was receiving treatment.

The complainant told other hospital staff members what had allegedly taken place. Mbambi was arrested on 14 December 2018, eight days after the alleged rape, following an internal investigation by the hospital's management, which took place prior to the matter being referred to the police.

A case was opened by the police on behalf of the complainant.

During his first court appearance on 18 December last year, Mbambi was denied bail.

He indicated that he would apply for legal aid.

The State opposed bail on the grounds that Mbambi was charged with a serious offence.

Godfrey Shivolo is the prosecutor.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Ministry finally settles negligence claim

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Ministry finally settles negligence claim The health ministry yesterday paid compensation of half a million dollars to a woman who had sued the Katutura state hospital for the death of her child.

The N$500 000 payment formed part of a settlement agreement reached with the ministry in April 2018, more than a year after Laimi Iipinge (40) had sued the ministry for N$6 million. She later reduced her claim to N$2 million.

The claim stemmed from the death of Iipinge's 15-month-old son, Panduleni Pejavelli Nangolo.

The ministry's payment came several months after it had been due.

In January, attorney-general Albert Kawana was informed of the delay in payment by the government attorney handling the case on behalf of the ministry.

“Numerous court orders have been issued by the court to the client to explain in person to the court why the payment has not been made, but to the dismay of the court the client has not complied,” Kawana was informed.







The ministry's executive director, Ben Nangombe, appeared before court on Monday to explain the delay. The payment was made yesterday, Namibian Sun was informed.

The agreement had been reached following a successful mediation process before the case went to trial in February 2018.

Initially, the health ministry had indicated it would defend the action and deny any wrongdoing.



Too late

Iipinge initially sued the ministry for N$6 million in late 2016, but reduced the claim to N$2 million nine months later, when her son died.

Her baby had sustained brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen during labour and was experiencing serious developmental issues, which she claimed was the direct result of medical negligence.

An official report by the ministry of health and social services, compiled by a consultant neurologist at the Windhoek central hospital, stated that Nangolo Panduleni was delivered after a prolonged labour and that the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck.

The document stated that the baby had to be repeatedly resuscitated for about an hour after delivery. He was diagnosed with severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, which caused developmental problems, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

During his short life, he was unable to sit, crawl or turn without assistance, and suffered from speech, sight and hearing defects.

Many, if not all, of these health conditions would likely have persisted for the rest of his life.

Iipinge's legal team, headed by lawyer Happie Ntelamo-Matswetu, argued that the claim of N$2 million was based on the medical negligence and incompetence that caused the baby's injuries.

Shortly after Iipinge was admitted to the maternity ward at the Katutura state hospital in December 2015, she was informed that it was “a very slow labour”.

She claimed that she was put on an intravenous drip to help with the contractions, but after that very little attention was paid to her.

“This tragic state of neglect persisted through to the time Iipinge began pushing and was thus giving birth,” her particulars of claim stated. Although she screamed and shouted for assistance, none of the medical staff on duty assisted her, she claimed.

Two hours later, a doctor who happened to pass by heard her cries and rushed to assist her.

After the birth of her son, she immediately noticed he was unwell. She was informed that he had suffered brain damage due to a lack of oxygen and would suffer from severe disability.

Iipinge submitted a doctor's review of the delivery as part of her lawsuit, which supported her claim that no specialists had been called to assist and that she and her baby had not been sufficiently monitored.

The doctor's opinion was that if the baby had been delivered promptly by caesarean section, he would have been healthy.

JANA-MARI SMITH

'Fire him, Hage'

February 27, 2019, 2:00 pm

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'Fire him, Hage'NUNW calls for governor's head The Swapo-affiliated umbrella union has demanded Cleophas Mutjavikua's resignation or his dismissal, but the Erongo governor says his comments were edited. The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) has accused Erongo governor Cleophas Mutjavikua of instigating mass retrenchments in the mining sector, after recordings were leaked of the politician giving advice to a Chinese mine manager about how to 'reorganise' the Husab uranium mine workforce.

The union has called on the governor to resign. They said if he failed to do so, President Hage Geingob should fire him.

Mutjavikua was adamant yesterday that he had never used the word “retrenchment”.

“The circulating audio recording has been edited and is only a fraction of the total conversation,” he said at a press briefing.

According to Mutjavikua the audio recording was made last week after he was called in to mediate in salary negotiations.

“We negotiated for two days,” he said, describing this as an annual event.

He admitted that he had used the word “reorganising”, but insisted that was in the context of “systems and processes” at Husab.

“The reason is that they want to link the annual salary increases to the performance of the company, which will then be a completely different ballgame,” he said.

“But I made it abundantly clear that no job must be lost. On the contrary, we are constantly negotiating with Swakop Uranium ... to create even more jobs.”

In the leaked audio recording Mutjavikua and a Chinese mine manager allegedly discuss the “reorganisation” of Husab mine. The governor can be heard stating that President Geingob was unlikely to support the “reorganisation” plan since it was an election year.

NUNW secretary-general Job Muniaro yesterday accused Mutjavikua of instigating public violence in the Erongo Region. As Muniaro was speaking, NUNW members shouted slogans such as, “Down Mutjavikua, down!”.

Muniaro said the NUNW was “peacefully requesting” Mutjavikua to resign and join the ranks of the unemployed.

“If he does not resign, President Hage Geingob must fire him with immediate effect ... We will fight until he is unemployed like the mineworkers who lost their jobs in the region.

“The rights of workers in the mining sector of Erongo have been tampered with by the governor and his so-called good friends, the Chinese, at the Husab mine.”

Muniaro said the NUNW condemned the reorganisation suggested by the governor.





Muniaro stressed that Mutjavikua was supposed to be fighting for workers but instead he was calling “secret meetings” to make sure that workers lost their jobs.

“We thought Erongo had a leader. It is so painful that people entrusted with our votes betray us like this,” the union leader said.

Muniaro said the governor was advising the company how workers could be retrenched.

He alleged that the governor suggested using a clause in the Labour Act to reorganise Husab by “lying to the labour commissioner”.

According to Muniaro, the governor wanted to make sure that the mine's recognition agreement with the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) was cancelled.

“He also told them that the unions would be upset when they heard what he was advising the managers [to do]. If this advice was truthful, why was it leaked? You trapped yourself with lies.”

Muniaro further claimed that Mutjavikua had instigated the recent closure of mines in the region, which led to thousands of workers being laid off.

“It is clear it was instigated by him. The price of workers losing their jobs must be paid by him. He must join the unemployed.”

Muniaro also wanted to know what Mutjavikua was referring to in the recording when he said it was an election year and that Geingob would be angry with him.

“Does this mean you do not need workers at all, but they are only needed by the president, because you are just appointed? Does it mean workers must not vote for your appointing authority?” he wanted to know.

“Mutjavikua is in fact embarrassing the president, who is tirelessly fighting for employment,” said Muniaro.

“He is betraying the president. The governor of Erongo is a liar. All the liars that have been appointed must go. They are destroying lives.”

Muniaro said Namibians should stop trusting Mutjavikua because he was not worthy of their trust.

“You failed and betrayed all workers and must live with that failure until the day we bury you.”

Muniaro said NUNW would fight for the protection of the workers.

“This country is for Namibians and not those fighting to become Namibians and who are passive robbers.”

He further threatened that if “the Chinese did not behave” in Namibia, the unions would take the law into their own hands.

After the leaked recording spread like wildfire, the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) also called a media conference where they condemned the governor's statements.

“We demand a public apology,” said regional MUN chairman Abiud Kapere.

According to him the term “reorganising” was just a “nice word” for retrenchments.

He expressed shock that “those who have been elected or appointed to advocate for the interests of Namibian citizens are in fact in bed with the enemy, under the pretence of advancing foreign investments”.

ELLANIE SMIT & ERWIN LEUSCHNER

Wanted: Sport officers

February 28, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Wanted: Sport officersLüderitz, Okakarara, Tsumkwe, Otjinene and Nkurenkuru rudderless The recruitment process for vacant sport officer posts in different towns is at a very early stage. Sport director Shivute Katamba has acknowledged there is a need for the ministry to employ sport officers in many towns in the country.

Many towns in Namibia have been operating without sport officers for several years, while other sport officers have seemingly been neglecting their duties.

It is understood that several towns did have sport officers in the past, but their lack of commitment towards their jobs left the government with no option but to remove them.

Notable towns like Lüderitz, Okakarara, Tsumkwe, Otjinene and Nkurenkuru have been operating without sport officers.

This has hampered the development of sport in these specific towns, given the few sporting activities that have taken place.

“It is true that many of these towns are operating without sport officers.

“The ministry is, however, working hard in order to recruit people for the vacant positions.

“Some towns did have sport officers, but they did not do a good job and that is why they had to be removed,” Katamba said.

In an attempt to recruit sport officers in these towns, the government recently advertised positions in Lüderitz, Okakarara, Tsumkwe and Nkurenkuru.

The closing date for applications is scheduled for 17 March.

In the meantime, Katamba revealed plans to appoint a temporary sport officer at Okakarara.

“The thing is that Otjiwarongo has two sport officers and we were planning on taking one of them to operate in Okakarara until the position is filled.

“The recruitment process for the sport officers in the towns for which posts were advertised is still at an early stage.

“We are, however, optimistic that the process will be completed and treated as a matter of urgency,” Katamba added.

Sport officers are required to be involved at operational level with the identification and training of persons in a specific sport code and the upgrading of the expertise of physical education teachers in towns.

The officers are normally involved in the training of national school teams and the organising and supervision of regional and international tournaments.

Sport officers are required to act as the secretary to the regional boards of the Namibian National School Sport Union (NSSU) and/or the national executive committee of the NSSU.

Sport officers are also responsible for the management of communal sport facilities and liaison with the coordinator of each school.

Katamba also hinted at more vacancies to come for various towns in the country, but only if cabinet approves the sports ministry's request.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Stars look to redeem themselves

February 28, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Stars look to redeem themselves African Stars, the Samba Boys of Namibian football, will clash with Blue Waters tonight at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

The 2018/19 Namibia Premier League (NPL) match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00, with Stars looking to redeem themselves after going down 1-2 to Citizens on Tuesday.

This was the fourth defeat of the season for the Stars, who are battling tooth-and-nail to close the gap created by Black Africa (BA) at the top of the league table.

“The loss was a setback because our ambition is to keep up with BA. We go into tonight's match hoping to redeem ourselves, even though it will be a difficult task. We want the fans to come back to the stadium and support the team; when chips are down, that's when we need them the most,” said Bobby Samaria, head coach of Stars. He added they have a few niggling injuries in camp.

“Attacker Panduleni Nekundi is injured, so is Ambrosius Amseb. Besides that all is well so far.”

Their rivals tonight, Blue Waters are also looking to secure a win.

The coastal side have already lost seven matches out of the 12 they have played so far in the league.

The club also only managed to record two wins and three draws, while conceding 20 goals in the process. Blue Waters coach Christie //Guruseb said they need to work hard because things are not looking good at the moment.

“I, however, believe that the team will avoid relegation if they apply their minds in the right manner,” he said. Other matches in the league will see Citizens facing Julinho Sporting at 17:00 at Sam Nujoma Stadium, and Life Fighters meeting Eleven Arrows at the Mokati Stadium in Otjiwarongo at 16:00. Both matches take place tomorrow. On Sunday Blue Waters will cross swords with the Clever Boys of Unam at 16:00. The match will take place at the Unam Stadium.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Netball season kicks off

February 28, 2019, 2:00 pm

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Netball season kicks off The Khomas netball season kicks off today and tomorrow, with close to 30 teams competing for top honours.

The season-opening tournament will take place at the Patrick Iiyambo Police Training College netball courts in Kleine Kuppe, Windhoek.

The tournament is split into three divisions, namely the premier league, first division and second division. It will be played using a round-robin format, and the two top teams in each group will qualify to play in the semi-finals. The winners of those semi-final encounters will compete in the respective finals.

“The tournament provides a platform to teams to try out new players and combinations in anticipation of what the Khomas Netball Region executive committee hopes to be a very exciting and competitive netball season,” said Isack Hamata the newly elected spokesperson for Khomas Netball.

The tournament is made possible in part by the assistance of First National Bank (FNB) of Namibia, which sponsored the trophies and medals for all three divisions for the second successive year.

In addition, an umpire workshop will take place on the sidelines of the season-opening tournament, facilitated by Netball Namibia.

The workshop is mandatory for all clubs to attend, as it will serve to improve the quality of umpiring and ultimately the quality of netball in the region throughout the 2019 season and beyond.

The teams which will take part are: Premier league - Afrocats Lions, Khomas Nampol, NCS, Nust, Tigers P1, Tigers P2, Unam Jaguars and Trustco United.

First division - Afrocats Lions 1A, Afrocats Lions 1B, Afrocats Lions 1C, Black Africa, Khomas Nampol, Nust, Unam Jaguars, Trustco United and Wanderers 1A.

Second division - Afrocats Lions 2A, Afrocats Lions 2B, Black Africa, Gomonate Fela, Lingua College, NDF 2A, NDF 2B, Rehoboth, Tura Magic, Trustco United and Unam Jaguars.



LIMBA MUPETAMI