Nyambe chooses Warriors

March 10, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Nyambe chooses WarriorsStar player unavailable until August Questions regarding Ryan Nyambe's loyalty has ended, as the Namibian has chosen the Brave Warriors over England. England-based Namibian professional footballer Ryan Nyambe has committed to play for the Namibian senior men's football team, choosing the Brave Warriors over England where he plies his trade.

He will, however, be unavailable for selection until at least August.

This was revealed by Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti, as well as the player himself, in separate exclusive interviews with Nampa last week.

After announcing the Brave Warriors squad for an upcoming Afcon 2019 qualifier against Zambia, Mannetti said he has been in constant contact with the Blackburn Rovers defender over the past few months in an effort to convince him to play for the Warriors.

“After very long negotiations with him and his mother, we have hit a brick wall in terms of getting him to play in this Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign. He is only willing to play after the Afcon in the new season, meaning any time from August. His reasoning was that he just came back from a bad injury and he wants to cement his place in Blackburn's starting line-up,” he explained.

The coach added the opportunity for Nyambe to play has been available for over a year, as he has been in constant communication with him to get him on board.

On his part, the 21-year-old Nyambe confirmed to Nampa via WhatsApp that he indeed had committed his international career to Namibia.

“I have decided that I will play for my nation, Namibia, come next season I will be a Brave Warriors player. This season I will not, because I'm focused on finishing the season strong with my club, but my decision is I will play for Namibia,” he said from his base in Blackburn.

Mannetti emphasised his discussions with Nyambe were sincere.

“When I travelled to London, I made an effort to get in touch with him. From my side I have tried my best, but he is not ready to join at the moment. He has been sincere with me. He will always be welcome in the national team,” he said, adding he had been keen to include the player in his Afcon qualification plans.

Nyambe also confirmed his engagements with the national team coach, saying he explained to Mannetti what he needed to know.

The coach said he was prepared to help the player realise his international dream, as evidenced by his reaching out to him. He further explained that the door is open for any player who is eligible to represent Namibia.

“I want to work with players who are ready to play for their country. I want to work with players who are also ready to work with me. If there are any players out there who show a willingness to represent the country, I will not hesitate to call them up,” he added.

Nyambe had previously entertained the idea of representing England at international level, rather than play for his country of birth.

NAMPA

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Johannes sets new national record

March 10, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Johannes sets new national record Helalia Johannes won the Nagoya Women's Marathon on Sunday, setting a new national record.

Johannes, the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, broke away from Kenyan runners Visiline Jepkesho and Valary Jemeli after 41km and crossed the finish line at the Nagoya Dome to win in two hours, 22 minutes, 25 seconds.

Jepkesho (2:22:58) and Jemeli (2:23:01), moved to the front around the 35km mark and finished second and third, Meseret Defar of Ethiopia was fourth, followed by Reia Iwade of Japan.

The 35-year-old Defar, who has won two Olympic and world championship gold medals at 5 000 metres, clocked 2:23:33.

Before the race Aiyabei and Jepkesho were hot favourites to contend for gold, as Aiyabei had the fastest time in the field with a 2:20:53 personal best, while Jepkesho arrived with a lifetime best of 2:21:37.

Jemeli has been consistent, finishing among the top three in her last four marathons, running under two hours and 23 minutes on each occasion. She arrived in good form, on the heels of a 1:06:14 personal best run during February's RAK Half Marathon.

Jepkesho's recent record is also impressive, after winning two of her last four marathons in under 2:24. In the other two, she served as a pacesetter.

Johannes, however, once again proved why she is among the best.

Erwin Naimhwaka, president of Athletics Namibia, congratulated the local athlete, saying that her win reaffirms her qualification for the world championships which will take place from 7 September to 6 October in Doha, Qatar.

-Additional info by Nampa/AP

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No survivors in horror crash

March 11, 2019, 1:16 am

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No survivors in horror crash A head-on collision early this morning 35 kilometres from Windhoek to Okahandja killed all six occupants of the two cars involved in the crash. Witnesses say it is believed the driver of a Toyota sedan vehicle carrying four passengers swerved into an oncoming Mitsubishi to avoid a Kudu which had suddenly appeared on the road. Witnesses told Namibian Sun it appears that one of the five occupants was catapulted from the Toyota sedan vehicle and died. The remaining four occupants of the vehicle “burnt beyond recognition”, one of the witnesses said, after the sedan car caught fire. The driver of the Pajero died on impact, leaving no survivors of the accident. Emergency rescue teams are currently on site currently cleaning up the debris of the early Monday morning horror crash. The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund confirmed the accident, noting that the crash was reported at 06:19 this morning to the call centre.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Ohorongo in sale talks

March 11, 2019, 7:41 am

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Ohorongo in sale talks Singaporean company International Cement is in talks to acquire 100% of the share capital of Schwenk Namibia, the majority shareholder in Ohorongo Cement, in a deal worth US$226.9 million.
International Cement Group says it has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Schwenk Namibia for US$246.29 million, Singapore-based Strait Times reported. This equates to approximately N$3.5 billion.
Read full story in tomorrow’s Namibian Sun.

Beneficiaries rented out Mass Housing homes

March 11, 2019, 7:56 am

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Beneficiaries rented out Mass Housing homes
JEMIMA BEUKES
The High Court today heard how a relative of former Hardap regional governor Katrina Hanse-Himarwa and a beneficiary of the Mass Housing project, rented out her house for more than a year.
The corruption trial of Hanse-Himarwa resumed in the High Court today.
She stands accused of using her influence as governor to make sure two of her relatives were beneficiaries of the Mass Housing project.
Hanse-Himarwa is accused of instructing that Regina Kuhlman and Piet Fransman be removed from the beneficiary list.

She allegedly instructed that the names of Justine Josephine Gowases and Christiana Lorraine Hansen be added in their place. Gowases is her niece and Hansen is her sister-in-law.
During the proceedings Sara Louisa Gaseb testified that the she had rented the home from Hansen for at least a year before she was asked to vacate it.
“I rented the house at erf 612, Aimablaagte in Mariental from Lorraine Hansen. I paid N$2 000 per month plus water and electricity. There was no signing on paper, we did the agreement orally,” she said.
According to Gaseb she was told to deposit the rent into the FNB account of a certain David J. Hansen.
“In January 2016 she told me that she has found someone else who has children and that I can move out and move in with her mother-in-law where I could rent a room. I refused,” said Gaseb.
Hanse-Himarwa’s lawyer Sisa Namandje yesterday said they had no objection to this witness because they have no knowledge of Gaseb.
Gaseb also confirmed that she never met Hanse-Himarwa personally and only “saw” her in the media.
Before Gaseb took the stand, the court heard the testimony of Domingo Matheus who works for the Mariental municipality as a community development officer.
He also testified that Hansen only moved into the house allocated to her after about two years while Gowases moved in after about six months.
However according to him both still live in the houses.
This is a complete contradiction of what the first witness the ministry of urban and rural development permanent secretary Nghidinua Daniel testified to.
According to him when she asked that the names be added to the list, she had said that she was aware of people that were in dire need of houses.
According to Daniel, Hanse-Himarwa had also indicated that the new beneficiaries were disabled and desperately in need of homes.
Hanse-Himarwa who is now the minister of basic education, arts and culture pleaded not guilty corruption charges in terms of the Anti-Corruption Act when the case started in October last year.
The project, which faltered before being rejuvenated, aims to see 185 000 houses built by 2030 across the country.
The official handover took place on 17 December 2014.
Irregularities
Meanwhile, Namandje yesterday insisted that his client is being framed and accused the witness of covering up facts.
According to him the witness statements are almost identical.
To prove his point he pointed out how at least three of the witnesses had 42 listed as their ages despite having different birthdates.
Even Matheus’ statement was signed at Windhoek while he confirmed that he was at Mariental when he gave the statement.
Namandje also pointed out that all three statements coincidently started with the sentence, “During December 2014…”.
Matheus could not explain these similarities and simply stated that it must have been “a typing error” by the investigating officer or the person who had typed up the statement.
“[But] what is written in the statement is what I have told the officer. I do not have any reason to incriminate the accused person,” he said.
Namandje is representing Hanse-Himarwa, while the state is represented by Salomon Kanyemba and Constance Moyo.
JOVIAL: Former Hardap regional governor Katrina Hanse-Himarwa. Photo: Jemima beukes

National Fistball League resumes

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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National Fistball League resumes The first round of fixtures in the Bank Windhoek National Fistball League will officially commence this coming weekend at the Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) fields in Windhoek.

The matches are scheduled from 08:30 on Saturday.

Current champions Cohen Fistball Club 1 (CFC 1), who did not lose a game in the past 10 months, have been identified as the tournament favourites going into this weekend's fixtures.

A total of eight teams, divided into two groups, will compete for top honours.

Group A will consist of CFC 1, 2 and 4, as well as the hosts SKW 2. It remains to be seen which team will challenge the reigning champions in Group A and fireworks are expected. As a result, this group will be one to watch.

SKW 1, CFC 3, Swakopmund Fistball Club (SFC) and Deutscher Turn- und Sportverein (DTS) will contest for the bragging rights in Group B. SKW 1 is expected to finish top of the group after the preliminary round.

CFC 3, who won the opening tournament last month after displaying top-class fist ball, hope to take that momentum along to qualify for the semi-finals.

After the semis and finals fixtures, the first round of the Bank Windhoek National Fistball League will conclude with an announcement of the selected list of players who have made it into the Namibian national squad.

The team will represent Namibia at the upcoming world champs, set to take place in Winterthur, Switzerland in August.

The Namibian team will face Denmark, Netherlands, Japan and Australia in the preliminary round.

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Injury gamble for Warriors

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Injury gamble for WarriorsMannetti keeps fingers crosses ahead of weekend clashes Brave Warriors coach Riccardo Mannetti is keeping his fingers crossed in the hope that none of his players will pick up injuries this coming weekend. Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti says he will not prohibit national team players from playing in the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup this weekend, despite the possibility of them picking up injuries.

Some of Mannetti's trusted players are expected to represent their local clubs in the semi-finals of the Top 8 competition, which involves Tura Magic, African Stars, Tigers and Black Africa.

They will be required to regroup and return to the national camp on Sunday.

The worry for many in football circles is that the players could be injured ahead of Namibia's last Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier slated for 23 March against Zambia.

Treasure Kauapirura, Ivan Kamberipa, Ronald Ketjijere from African Stars are all likely to play in the cup competition at the weekend.

Vitapi Ngaruka, Immanuel Heita and Dynamo Fredericks (Black Africa), Charles Hambira (Tura Magic), and Absalom Iimbondi and Muna Katupose (Tigers), are also expected to play for their respective clubs.

“The clubs have cooperated thus far and we do have all the players, but this is obviously a big weekend for local football.

“The fact that this weekend is not a Fifa date means that I cannot decide on the players.

“We will make provision for the players that are part of the Top 8 in order for them to have a session or two with us and also with their clubs,” Mannetti said.

He admitted he is worried about the players, given the few days they will have to recover if they pick up any niggles during the Top 8 eight clashes.

Mannetti added those who ply their trade outside the country will also be in action this coming weekend.

“There is obviously a risk of injuries for the local players, but we should also know that the outside players are also still playing and we will only get them from Sunday.

“So it is an all-round risk, which is part of football and there is not much I can do about it.

“I just have to hope and pray that no one gets injured and that we have a full squad on Sunday when we regroup,” Mannetti added.

The Brave Warriors' road to Egypt, where the 2019 Afcon finals will be hosted, started with a match against Guinea-Bissau early last year, which they lost 0-1 away. They went on to host Zambia's national team, Chipolopolo, holding them to a 1-1 draw, and moved on to defeat Mozambique at home and away before drawing 0-0 with Guinea-Bissau.

Namibia can qualify for the 2019 Afcon finals if they avoid defeat to Zambia or they lose to Zambia and Mozambique loses to Guinea-Bissau or they lose to Zambia and Mozambique draw against Guinea-Bissau, as the Warriors have better head-to-head record against Mozambique.

Guinea-Bissau and Namibia are at the top of Group K on eight points each, with Mozambique in third place on seven points. Zambia, on four points, are out of the race for Egypt 2019. The group winners and the runners-up will qualify for the 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations, to be played in Egypt from 21 June to 19 July.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Young African case struck off the roll again

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Young African case struck off the roll again The High Court yesterday struck an application launched by Gobabis-based Young African from the roll with costs due to technicalities.

This was the second time as the matter was struck for lack of urgency less than a month ago.

Young African boss Marley Ngarizemo said he will from now on deal with the NFA normalisation committee.

“There is no way I will say I am happy with the judge; she said yesterday she went through the document and she said the motion was not updated, but yet today she struck the case.

“As a club we had a meeting and we took the decision that we will draft a motion to withdraw.

“We are not hurt by it and we welcome the decision and we hope that justice will still prevail in this matter,” Ngarizemo said.

Young African were found guilty by the Namibia Premier League's disciplinary committee of registering Zimbabwean player Tapiwa Simon Musekiwa with a fake identity document last season.

This resulted in the club being demoted from the league, and additionally receiving a N$50 000 fine, after Ngarizemo pleaded guilty in front of the disciplinary committee.

The club is, however, asking that they be granted full NPL status and rights, while the Namibia Football Association (NFA) re-establishes its judicial structures.

On 30 January, Young African lodged an appeal with the NFA appeals committee.

Their appeal, however, fell on deaf ears after former NFA secretary-general Barry Rukoro wrote a letter to Young African indicating that the NFA has no structures, and suggested that the club skip the internal remedy and lodge a direct appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

It was for this reason that Young African decided to take the matter to the High Court, given the absence of judicial structures in the country's football governing body.

“I can also confirm that we have received positive news from the normalisation committee and we will take the matter up with them.

“All I can say is that we are not hurt by the (court) decision,” Ngarizemo added.



Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

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Tigers, Unam set the pace

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Tigers, Unam set the pace After weekend matches played at the Wanderers netball courts, Tigers 1 and Unam Jaguars lead the Khomas Netball League log with six points each.

Both clubs have played two matches each so far in the league, both of which they won. In third and fourth position are Namibia Correctional Services and Afrocat Lions on three points each.

Nampol and Wanderers 1 are in fifth and sixth spot and have one point each.

Clubs that follow on the log haven't secured any wins and sit with no points. Seventh place is occupied by Tigers 2, eighth is Nust, ninth place is United and Wanderers 2 is at the bottom.



The full weekend results were as follows:

Khomas Netball League -

Unam Jaguars 37-27 Wanderers 1

Nust 13-36 Unam Jaguars

Nampol 33-33 Wanderers

Namibia Correctional Service 60-18 United

Afrocat Lions 53-20

Wanderers 2

Tigers 1 48-30 Tigers 2

First division -

Afrocat Lions 1A 55-10 Wanderers

Afrocat Lions 1B 42-12 United

Afrocat Lions 1C 14-52 Unam

Second division -

Unam 24-25 Tura Magic 2B

Lingua Blue Eagles 15-0 NDF

Tigers 47-30 Tura Magic 2A

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Basketball clinic trains 20 coaches

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Basketball clinic trains 20 coaches The Namibia Basketball School League (NBSL) trained 20 coaches at the Basketball Artists School (BAS) Foundation in Katutura over the weekend.

The participants for the basic course came from different Khomas schools, among others from Amazing Kids, DHPS, Windhoek International School (WIS), Sunshine Private School and Immanuel Shifidi.

Other participants also came from Concordia, Gammams, Khomas High, Van Rijn, Elim Primary School, David Bezuidenhout, Jakob Marengo, as well as from basketball clubs like BAS and the Technical Basketball Academy.

The introductory level 1 Basketball4Life coaching clinic is an initiative created by the NBSL through the Namibian Basketball Federation (NBF) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

“We are very pleased with the outcome and are optimistic about the basketball league this year becoming more organised and professional.

“We will have more teams this year than before and we are excited about what the league will look like; with this training, the coaches will be able to implement their knowledge in the NBSL and we will see how life skills will play a major role in youth basketball and schools.

“The league will kick off this month in partnership with OTB,” said Ramah Mumba, BAS director and secretary-general of the NBF.

Mumba conducted the course together with BAS coordinator and NBF development officer Malakia Matias.

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Gunners humble Red Devils

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Gunners humble Red DevilsArsenal steal a march in top four race Arsenal beat Man United 2-0 to inflict a first league defeat for caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Arsenal manager Unai Emery praised his team after finding the winning formula against visitors Manchester United on Sunday, boosting the Gunners' Premier League top four chances and hopes of catching third-placed rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

For most games this season when Arsenal forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have started together the latter has been played out of position on the flank.

Such a ploy has been successful, with Aubameyang's 17 league goals bettered only by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah this term, but usually it has been one or the other playing as a lone striker.

The last time both forwards started a league game together, Arsenal slipped to a 0-1 defeat at West Ham United in mid-January, with Aubameyang deployed out wide once more. Against United, though, with Aubameyang and Lacazette both central, the former scored and the latter got an assist in a 2-0 win, while causing a normally resolute United lots of problems.

Along with playmaker Mesut Ozil, who is back in favour and creating chances - five against United - more than anyone else on the pitch, Emery may have found the recipe to maintain Arsenal's push for a Champions League qualifying spot.

“It is important to play a different system, different players and keep the same performance,” he told reporters.

“I think we're improving, we're feeling better with big confidence.

“I don't know if it is the best performance this season, we are improving. We are being competitive in different matches.

“We are being consistent and that is very important.”

On another day, United would have extended their fine record against Arsenal - three defeats in their previous 17 games in all competitions - having hit the bar and post in the first half, while having more shots on target than the hosts.

Nonetheless, Arsenal ensured a defence that has conceded just three goals in their last eight away games in all competitions had an uncomfortable afternoon and they can start to aim higher after leapfrogging United in the table.

The celebrating Arsenal fans were keen at full-time to warn Tottenham, “We are coming for you”, given their team now trail Spurs by one point, having been 10 points adrift last month.

Since Arsenal have none of the top six left to play this season, while two of Tottenham's next four league opponents are second-placed Liverpool and leaders Manchester City, both away from home, their supporters' confidence is not without foundation.

NAMPA/REUTERS

Staan saam vir Afrikaans-taalonderrig

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Staan saam vir Afrikaans-taalonderrig19de jaarlikse kongres bemagtig onderwysers n Vereniging beywer hom onder meer vir die behoud van Afrikaans-taalonderrig. Mariselle Stofberg

Die Professionele Vereniging vir Afrikaans-taalonderrig in Namibië (PVATN) het Donderdag en Vrydag sy 19de jaarlikse, nasionale kongres in Windhoek aangebied.

Prof. Herman Beyer, president van die PVATN, asook taal- en letterkundeprofessor aan Unam, het die belangrike rol van hierdie kongres in die behaal van die organisasie se algehele doelwitte beklemtoon.

“Een van die hoofdoelstellings van die PVATN is om Afrikaans as skoolvak in Namibiese skole te ondersteun. Een van die die wyses waarop ons dit kan bereik, is deur hierdie kongres.”

Beyers sê die organisasie se aktiwiteite is alles gefokus op Afrikaans as vak op skool, om eindelik onderwysers toe te rus met die nodige inligting en vaardighede om die vak tot die beste van hul vermoë aan te bied. “Die doel van hierdie kongres is om onderwysers by te staan, inligting aan hulle te bied en indiensopleding in die onderrig van Afrikaans aan onderwysers te voorsien. Daardeur glo ons dat ons die taal as sodanig ook ondersteun,” sê Beyers.

Ongeveer 260 mense, van wie 222 onderwysers, het die kongres bygewoon. Die bekende Suid-Afrikaanse rymkletser, digter en motiveringspreker Simon Witbooi, beter bekend as Hemelbesem, het tydens die kongres ’n praatjie gelewer.

Me. Helena Vilonel, die senior onderwys-beampte vir Afrikaans van die Nasionale Instituut vir Opvoedkundige Ontwikkeling (NIED) is van mening die kongres en die werkinge van die PVATN is van onskatbare waarde vir die behoud van Afrikaans. “Elkeen wat hierdie kongres bywoon, het uit hul eie sak betaal om hier te wees. Ons het hande geneem en saamgewerk om dit moontlik te maak. Ons maak staat op almal se bydrae en die borge wat betrokke is om ons by te staan in die behoud van Afrikaans.”

Wat betref hoërskoolonderwys, is veranderinge aan die kurrikulum bespreek, asook hoe onderwysers hulself kan voorberei om dit te implementeer.

Verder het onderwerpe soos disleksie, leesagterstand, begeleide skryfwerk en uiteensetting van die poësiesillabus ook aandag geniet.

Mnr. Gerdus Feris, die visepresident van die PVATN, het gesê die kongres speel ’n groot rol in die bemagtiging van onderwysers “aangesien hulle beter in staat sal wees om te doen wat hulle moet doen en suksesvol op te voed”.

Volgens Vilonel het onderwysers wat die kongres bywoon, weer nuwe energie en moed as hulle na hul onderskeie skole terugkeer.

“Dit voel kompleet soos ’n battery wat weer gelaai is, en ek dink die ander vakgroepe kan maar jaloers wees op dit wat Afrikaans hier kon vermag.”

Stricter emissions limits jolt Europe's auto industry

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Stricter emissions limits jolt Europe's auto industryE-cars the rage Electric cars are quickly becoming the norm in China, the world's biggest market for new cars, amid a major push by authorities. In Europe, automakers are investing everything in electric, even if they don't believe in it, even if it is to sell them at a loss. - Tommaso Pardi, Head: Gerpisa. Daniel Aronssohn - Electric vehicles took centre stage at this year's Geneva Motor Show, as automakers scramble to bring their fleets in line with strict CO2 emissions standards set to kick in next year.

Europe's biggest annual car show has long been synonymous with new lines of powerful and prestigious racing cars and shiny petrol-guzzling SUVs.

But even before the 2019 show got under way, it was clear that electric would be all the rage.

The annual European Car of the Year prize went to Jaguar's new electric I-Pace model, marking only the second time in the 45-year history of the award that it has gone to a fully electric vehicle, after Nissan Leaf won in 2011.

And the show itself was set to be little more than a showcase for new electric concept cars, from small city cars by the likes of Citroen and Honda, to SUVs by Aston Martin, Audi and Mercedes, and even a new electric Volkswagen buggy.

Other carmakers unveiled brand new models, like Peugeot with an electric version of its popular 208, and Kia with a new compact crossover called e-Soul.

"Electric vehicle breakthroughs at Geneva have been predicted several times before in recent years, but this time it is credible," Ferdinand Dudenhoffer, head of the Centre Automotive Research in Germany, told AFP.

Reasons

The first explanation is the introduction of far stricter CO2 emissions limits that will kick in next year in Europe, he said.

A second, equally important incentive stems from Volkswagen's pollution-cheating "dieselgate" scandal, which has hit demand for diesel-powered vehicles since 2015.

Until recently, carmakers turned primarily to diesel to bring down their emissions averages, but "there is no going back to diesel, so they have no other choice but to speed into the electrical era", Dudenhoffer said.

At the same time, electric cars are quickly becoming the norm in China, the world's biggest market for new cars, amid a major push by authorities.

And Californian carmaker Tesla has shaken up the high-end market by unleashing its fully electric luxury Model 3 sedan, which in recent months has become the number one premium brand in the United States.

While Renault and Nissan, followed by Korean carmakers Hyundai and Kia, saw the electric writing on the wall early on, others are now being forced to follow.

"In Europe, automakers are investing everything in electric, even if they don't believe in it, even if it is to sell them at a loss," said Tommaso Pardi, head of automobile research group Gerpisa.

High risk

Automakers are at high risk of being hit with heavy fines of up to one billion euros (US$1.13 billion) if they do not follow the looming European limits that require a company's entire fleet to emit no more than 95 grammes of CO2 per kilometre on average per vehicle, according to a recent study by the BCG consultancy.

Over time, "if the carmakers do not sell enough electric vehicles, they will be ruined by fines", PSA chief Carlos Tavares warned in an interview with the French daily Le Figaro, comparing the new emissions targets to "a threat that will lead to a Darwinian reaction".

The problem is that the market is still in the embryonic stage. Even if a wider supply in 2019 and especially in 2020 may prove stimulating, demand may too weak to support so many new electric models.

"More than 300 electric vehicles have been announced through 2025, that's a lot," said Thomas Morel of McKinsey.

Sales

Sales of electric cars in Europe jumped 50% from 2017 to 2018, but last year there were still just 25 models jousting for the continent's electric market, representing barely 1.3% of all new car registrations, according to the Jato Dynamics consultancy.

"This will grow exponentially, but we will still be talking about small volumes" in the short term, said Flavien Neuvy, head of the Observatoire Cetelem, which conducts economic surveys in the global automotive industry.

Nissan's Leaf and Renault's Zoe registered the strongest sales in Europe last year, while Tesla held the global lead.

While small city cars and high-end luxury vehicles have successfully veered towards electric, "medium-sized and -priced cars are missing", said Guillaume Crunelle of Deloitte.

The problem, he said, is that the pricey batteries make electric cars expensive. But over time, the prices should drop below that of their petrol-fuelled counterparts, which Crunelle said should happen around 2022-23.

"That will mark the shift from a niche to the mass market," he said. – Nampa/AFP

Aakiintu oya pumbwa okulalakanena uupresidende - Geingos

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Aakiintu oya pumbwa okulalakanena uupresidende - Geingos Omunyekadhi gwaNamibia, Monica Geingos okwa lombwele aakiintu kutya oya pumbwa okulalakanena okuninga omupresidende pehala lyuunyekadhi.

Geingos okwa popi ngaaka pethimbo lyoonkundathana ndhoka a ningwa nale koBritish Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) medhimbuluko lyEsiku lyAakiintu mUuyuni, momasiku ga 8 gaMaalitsa.

Nuumvo esiku ndyoka olya dhimbulukiwa kohi yoshipalanyolo '#BalanceforBetter', na olya tala unene kuuthikepamwe, omahwahwameko kombinga yokatongo oshowo okutyapula shoka sha pondolwa kaakiintu.

“Oya pumbwa okutsuwa omukumo opo kaya ninge aantu yontumba okupitila mondjokana ihe naya tsuwe omukumo opo ya ninge aantu yontumba okupitila momatokolo ngoka taya ningi,” Geingos a gandja omayele kaakiintu aanyasha.

Geingos okwa popi kutya aakiintu oya pumbwa okutsuwa omukumo ya ninge sha monkalamwenyo okupitila momailongo gawo nomiilonga yawo.

Omunyekadhi okwa popi kutya aakiintu naya ye moondjokana naantu mboka taye ya ningi nawa ihe inaya ya moondjokana omolwa onkalo yopashimaliwa yomuntu ngoka nenge oonkondo dhoka e na.

“Ndhoka oonkundathana ndhoka handi ningi naakiintu oyendji aanyasha nolundji otaya pendje omukumo molwaashoka oye na omahogololo ogendji.”

Geingos okwa popi kutya olundji oha nyanwa komapandja gomakwatathano gopainternet omolwa iikundathana yoludhi ndyoka mbyoka ha popi, ihe okwa ti shoka itashi mu limbililike.

Ondjila yaNamibia mokwaadha uuthikepamwe oya popiwa kOmupresidende Hage Geingob mesiku International Women's Day.

Okwa pula oshigwana shi longe oshindji natango mokwaadha uuthipamwe, omanga a holola omaiyuvo ge gonayi omolwa omiyonena dhomomagumbo ndhoka dha vuka moshilongo.

Okwa popi kutya nonando ongaaka oshilongo osha longa nuudhidginini mokukalekapo uuthikepamwe pamwe oshowo oompango dhaakiintu. Okwa popi kutya onkalo ndjoka otayi kwatelwa woo komeho kekotampango lyaNamibia montopolwa onti 10 moka , kehe gumwe a pewa uuthemba wokukala ethikepamwe namukwawo komeho yoveta, pwahena okatongo kopaukashikekoonkatu, omuhoko, eitaalo oshowo onkalo yopaliko.

Okwa popi kutya natango shoka otashi hwahwamekwa kompango yoMarried Persons Equality Act, ndjoka tayi kwashilipaleke kutya oondjokana tadhi endele pamwe noompango kutya oondjokana ndhoka dhopaveta nenge dhoka dhopamuthigululwakalo.

Omuleli gwaNamibia okwa popi kutya okwa tulwa miilonga omilandu dhoka dha nuninwa okuyambulapo aakiintu moshilongo, nonando okwa popi kutya oshindji osha pumbwa natango okuningwa, okwa nyanyukwa molwaashoka aakiintu otaya tsikile nokuninga omitse ominene moongeshefa, momaudhano, oshowo mopolotika.

Geingob okwa popi kutya oye shi pondola okutula pombanda ekuthombinga lyaakiintu melelo sho ongundu yoSwapo ya ningi etokolo momvula yo 1997 mokongresa yawo opo ya pitithe okatokolitho hoka taka utha ekuthombinga lyaakiintu mokongresa ndjoka, ya kalela po oopresenda 50.

Okwa popi kutya oonkambadhala nadhi tsikile natango mokuyambulapo aakiintu oshowo aanona yaakadhona mooskola

Geingob okwa popi kutya elongo otali dhana onkandangala onene meyambulepo nehwahwameko lyuuthikepamwe.

Namibia okwa tula miilonga oNational Gender Policy oshowoe National Gender Plan of Action oshowo National Gender-kwiikwatelelwa koViolence Plan of Action , niinyangadhalwa mbyoka otayi endele pamwe noSADC Protocol on Gender and Development, Maputo Protocol oshowo Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa.



ELLANIE SMIT

Eehamekelwa poskola koshitenda shoshipundi shateka

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Eehamekelwa poskola koshitenda shoshipundi shatekaEehamekwa omanga a li ta kambadhala okuya moshipala oontamanana mongulu yawo Oshiponga shinyanyaleka shoka sha ningilwa poskola yOshakati West Primary pehulilo lyomvula ya piti, osha tula okanona koomvula o 15 mombete yuuvu, nokukala itaya ka vulu manga okuya kootundi. Ofamili yaFortune Akawa (15) oshowo oshikondo shelongo moshitopolwa shaShana oye na omukumo kutya etando ndyoka tali ka ningilwa Akawa tali ka pitika a galukile ishewe kootundi.

Akawa omunaskola gwomondondo onti 8 pOngwediva Control Combined School, okwa kala ta lesha okusilile megumbo lyaandjawo sha landula oshiponga oshinyanyalithi shoka sha ningilwa poskola Oshakati West Primary School muKotomba gwomvula ya piti.

Akawa, ngoka a li omukomeho mongundu yawo okwa ehamekwa koshitenda shoshipundi sha teka, pethimbo a li ta kambadhala okuya moshipala omananathano ngoka ga li mongundu yawo.

Pahapu dhaSara Johannes, okamona oka etwa megumbo komulongi momasiku ga8 gaKotomba omvula ya piti, nomulongi okwe mu lombwele kutya okiitsu koshitenda shoshipundi shateka, hoka a gwile. Akawa aniwa okwa li iithanwa opo a ninge omupokati gwoontamanana pokati kaalongwa yakwawo mongundu yawo na okwa li uundulwa kuyamwe yomaamati nokugwila koshitenda shoka.

Oshitenda shoka aniwa osha tsu okanona hoka kuzilila konima na osha piti mepunda nokweehameka omandjandja ge.

Yina okwa popi kutya okanona okwe ka fala kokaklinika na okwa li a falwa meendelelo koshipangelo shaShakati.

“Okwa li a ningilwa etando meendelelo esiku ndyoka, nokonima yepango ina vula okukala tayi kondje yemwene na oye mu tula okapaipi kokupitila onyata.”

Konima okwa kala nokuya nokuza moshipangelo na ita vulu okuya kootundi

Johannnes okwa popi kutya Akawa okwa li a yi koskola muNovemba opo a ka shange omakonaaakono na okwa undulilwa kondondo onti 8.

Okwa li a tambulwa mOngwediva Control Combined School muJanuari ihe konima yomasiku omashona, omukuluntuskola okwa li a ningi omutumba naJohannes, noku mu tseyithila kutya oshihwepo a tsikile nelongo lye okuzilila kegumbo.

Ohaka tala iilongadhalwa ye koskola kehe esiku noku yi shuna koskola yi ka talwe kaalongi. Omukonaakoni gwelongo moshikandjo shaMpundja, Hofni Kapolo, okwa popi kutya oku shi onkalo ya Akawa.

“Ndjika onkalo ya dhigupala na inatu yi mona nale. Okanona oke na okandjato konyata hoka haka pumbwa okuwapalekwa ethimbo nethimbo.” Okwa popi kutya uupyakadhi owu li mpoka kutya kaye na uundjuwo womalambo na itaaya vulu okweekelahi onyata ndjoka muundjugo mboka hawu pombwa.

Kapolo okwa popi kutya okwa tseyithilwa konima yomutumba ngoka gwa ningwa nomukuluntu gwokanona hoka kutya oya adha etsokumwe opo okanona ka kale taka lesha okuzilila kegumbo, ta gwedha po kutya omulandu dhelongo odha yela kutya ngele okanona oke na onkalo yopaunamiti ya dhigupala otaka vulu okukala taka ilongo okuzilila kegumbo.

Okwa popi kutya okwa tseyithila kutya Akawa taka ningilwa etando omwedhi ngika, na oku na omukumo kutya otaka vula ishewe okugalukila koskola.

Johannes okwa popi kutya ke na ilonga na ota kondjo nuudhigu okunyangela okanona ke iikulya mbyoka taka pumbwa okulya, molwaashoka oka pumbwa owala okulya iikulya iipu.

Kuyele nuumvo, Esser Shilimela gwoESBA Pendukeni Foundation okwa talelepo ofamili Akawa pamwe nofamili ye na okwa gandja omagano giikulya oshowo oshimaliwa koomuna shooN$3 000.







ILENI NANDJATO

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Company news in brief

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Company news in brief Safran's shares fall after Ethiopian Airlines crash

Shares in French aerospace group Safran fell on Monday, which traders attributed to fallout from Sunday's crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX 8 plane.

Safran is the plane's engine maker.

The plane was en route from Addis Ababa to Nairobi when it crashed minutes after take-off, killing all 157 people on board and prompting the carrier to ground the rest of its fleet of the jets.

Safran shares fell 1.6%. – Nampa/Reuters

Shares in Aspen plunge on debt

Shares in Aspen Pharmacare lost almost a third of their value on Friday on concerns about ballooning debt at Africa's biggest drugmaker and delays in the sale of an infant formula business that would help bring borrowing down.

The South African firm, which lost about R19.5 billion of its market value, built up debt as it shifted from being a mainly generics business in a few countries into a multinational with specialist therapies, including for thrombosis.

Aspen's debt stood at R54 billion at the end of 2018, over six times more than in 2013 when it began buying everything from blood-clot treatment brands and a sterile plant from GlaxoSmithKline to anaesthetics rights from AstraZeneca and a factory in the Netherlands.

The stock dropped 29% to close at R100.66, bringing losses since September to 63%. Friday's fall was the stock's biggest daily slide in more two than decades.

Investors worried that a deal to sell Aspen's infant formula business, announced in September and worth 635 million euros (US$713 million), had yet to close. Aspen had said it would be completed in the first quarter. It is due to close in May. – Nampa/Reuters

BMW biggest US automotive exporter by value

Germany's automaker BMW AG said on Friday it was the biggest U.S. automotive exporter by value for the fifth consecutive year, with exports totalling over US$8.4 billion in 2018.

The company said it exported 234 689 units of its X model sport utility vehicles and coupes from its Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant during 2018.

BMW's US export report comes at a time when US president Donald Trump has threatened to saddle imported cars and auto parts with steep tariffs of up to 25%.

Automakers, however, warn that such tariff on imported cars and parts would add thousands of US dollars to vehicle costs and potentially devastate the US economy as auto companies cut jobs to maintain profits. – Nampa/Reuters

Rio Tinto talking to Apple on project

Rio Tinto is in talks to move into the next phase of an agreement with Apple, chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques said on Friday, as the miner looks to transition its aluminium business to tap a low-carbon economy.

Last May, Rio and Alcoa announced a joint venture, backed by Apple, to commercialise by 2024 a process that emits oxygen and replaces all direct greenhouse gas emissions from the traditional smelting process for aluminium.

Bauxite is the raw material for aluminium, which is used in everything from beer cans to aeroplanes and is expected to gain greater use in a decarbonising economy as a lightweight alternative to steel. However, it is still one of the most carbon-intensive metals to produce.

Rio, which has pledged substantial decarbonisation by 2050, is reshaping its aluminium division longer term to focus on supply chain transparency and lowering emissions, Jacques said.

In a climate report last month, Rio said it produced 28.6 million tonnes of such emissions last year but that it was on track to beat a target of reducing its emissions intensity by 24% from 2008 levels by 2020. – Nampa/Reuters

Deutsche, Commerzbank rise on merger speculation

Markets welcomed the prospect of a merger between Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank on Monday with shares in both lenders trading higher following reports that Germany's largest banks are exploring the feasibility of a merger.

Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper was the first to report on the early stage merger talks, and said Berlin politicians expect a decision in the coming weeks.

Deutsche Bank agreed to hold tentative talks with Commerzbank, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Saturday.

Deutsche and Commerzbank declined to comment on the prospects of a merger.

Proponents of a merger say that a tie-up would give a combined entity - which would have an equity market value of more than 24 billion euros (US$27 billion) based on Friday's closing share prices - a 20% share of the German retail banking market. – Nampa/Reuters

Teaching in hazardous huts banned

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Teaching in hazardous huts bannedSchool instructed to do multi-grade teaching Bitto Primary School may no longer teach their learners in huts but, there are no classrooms to replace them. The Zambezi education directorate has issued a directive that bans Bitto Primary School from making use of dilapidated huts as classrooms.

Community members have expressed concern over some learners at the primary school in the Sibbinda constituency receiving lessons in the dilapidated huts, which are a health hazard for both the learners and teachers.

A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that teachers and learners are exposed to too much dust, as the huts do not have concrete floors, adding the only ventilation point is the door.

“The situation in the classrooms is very bad, because learners and teachers can come clean to school, but they will leave looking white, as if the classroom was a playground,” the source said.

“These classrooms are without windows, meaning that the only air in the classroom comes through the door, which is not good at all for the learners and teachers.

“Too much dust can be very dangerous for the health of the learners. How does one expect learners to do well if they are exposed to such inhumane conditions?” the source added.

Namibian Sun understands that the traditional huts were built by the community in the 1990s.

Zambezi education director Joy Mamili told Namibian Sun that in order to address the issue at Bitto Primary School, her office issued a directive which stopped the school from making use of the traditional huts as classrooms.

Mamili said due to the increased enrolment at the school, it has opted to make use of the classrooms.

Mamili said her office has been aware of the issue for many years, saying this resulted in the construction of two classroom blocks, which were completed and handed over in 2016.

“Yes my office is aware of the situation. It is because of this awareness that two additional classrooms were constructed and handed over to the school in 2016, but due to the increased enrolment, the school resorted to using the dilapidated buildings,” Mamili said.

She added the directive was that the school remove the learners from the classroom and consider multi-grade teaching while it waits for tents.

Mamili said her office will liaise with the constituency councillor's office about the possible construction of classrooms through a food or cash project.

She said they will also mobilise the business community to assist with the construction of classrooms through the Friends of Education in Namibia Special Initiative (FENSI).

Mamili said the classrooms in the region will never be enough, because of the increase in number of learners at schools.

“Classrooms will always not be enough due to the fluctuating and increase in the learner population. What my office has done is to request education inspectors to submit their schools' needs in terms of infrastructure,” Mamili said.

“We are still appealing to the business community countrywide to come on board and assist the ministry with the construction of classrooms.”

Mamili said for the 2018/19 financial year, the Zambezi education directorate received a budget of about N$3.8 million for renovations and N$6.9 million for basic education facilities, adding that to date the directorate has constructed 22 classrooms in 11 schools, benefiting a total of 770 learners.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Airline in talks over N$350m debt

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Airline in talks over N$350m debtPossibility to make payment Facing the seizure of its assets, Air Namibia is negotiating with the bankrupt Challenge Air SA to make payments in the millions of dollars. Air Namibia says it is negotiating with Belgian aviation firm Challenge Air SA over the possible payment of over N$350 million for an aircraft it had leased in 1998.

The Munich Regional Appeal Court in July 2015 ruled on several payments Air Namibia had to make in respect of monies owed to Challenge Air, totalling, at today's exchange rate, in the region of N$350 million, with an added daily payment of US$1 335 in respect of unpaid maintenance.

“During recent weeks, Air Namibia has been in direct engagement with Challenge Air through their legally appointed and recognised European receiver to determine viable options to resolve the situation as rapidly and effectively as possible,” the Air Namibia board said in a statement.

The board said the airline was right when it refused to engage with local Challenge Air representative Wilhelm Shali.

“The Namibian courts have not officially recognised any local liquidator for Challenge Air and the question as to the validity of the arbitral award remains sub judice. Therefore, Air Namibia will not acknowledge, engage or negotiate with any Namibian individuals or companies purporting to be official representatives of Challenge Air in Namibia,” the board said.

It is unfortunate that certain individuals have chosen to create incorrect perceptions about the facts in this matter, thereby attempting to unduly influence Air Namibia for their personal gain, and to engage underhandedly to pre-empt the outcome before the Namibian High Court has pronounced itself on the matter.”

Challenge Air's lawyers, Clerens Legal Partners, which instructed Belgian attorney Anicet Baum to act on its behalf, warned Air Namibia's management that it would not be engaging any of the airline's legal representatives if Shali or law firm Sisa Namandje Incorporated were not part of the process.

“To be even more clear and explicit, at the risk of overly repeating ourselves, Mr Anicet Baum, sole challenger of Challenge Air SA, is formal that he nor any lawyer representing him as sole receiver, does not want to negotiate with Mr (Johan) Durnez who has been given power of attorney by Air Namibia and that negotiations have never started with Mr Durnez (sic),” Clerens Legal Partners said in a letter.

The lawyers warned Air Namibia that its refusal to engage Shali or Sisa Namandje Incorporated would see it “execute” (lay claim to monies and property).

“We want to make it very clear that, as already indicated and confirmed to you by our previous letters, all negotiations with respect to this matter must be conducted through Mr Wilhelm Shali and Sisa Namandje Incorporated who have full authority thereto.

“If you prefer not to negotiate under the aforementioned conditions, we will just continue to execute in Germany, Europe and the whole world if necessary, so as to enforce the rights of our client, Mr Baum, pursuant to the final and binding arbitral awards and court orders,” Clerens Legal Partners added.

Shali, has described the situation as unfortunate.

“Air Namibia is fully aware that the judgment in Munich is valid and is being executed. I do not understand why they are quiet as if it is business as usual, when even Challenge Air informs them that we have the mandate to resolve the issues,” Shali said.

Air Namibia had, according to him, been asked to amicably solve the matter.

“We are willing to come to the table, as we have always been. Let them come and we see ways and means to resolve the issues. Of course, if they choose not to engage in discussions then they are the ones responsible for the mess they are putting our national airline in; it's sad,” he said.





OGONE TLHAGE

Taxi drivers want Geingob

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Taxi drivers want Geingob The Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) has urged President Hage Geingob to address taxi drivers personally in order to restore their faith in the government.

NTTU president Werner Januarie said in a statement that the union had engaged Geingob's office several times to arrange for him to address taxi drivers at Evelyne Court on 19 March.

According to him taxi drivers plan to stage a protest march to State House on that day.

Januarie said the issues that they wanted Geingob to address included what they perceived as unfairly high traffic fines.

They want outstanding traffic fines to be written off.

Other demands are that a new transport policy be implemented, and that all taxi drivers jailed for traffic offences be pardoned and released.

Furthermore they are asking for the implementation of new policies to address taxi permits, social security benefits for taxi drivers and membership of a national medical aid fund and pension fund that still have to be implemented.

“On behalf of taxi drivers I make this clarion call on the president to come address his people, thereby to restore hope in his people, as taxi drivers as well as many other citizens of our country who have totally lost hope, faith, trust and confidence in government and him in particular as at first he seemed like the messiah all have been waiting for (sic),” said January.

He said taxi drivers wanted Geingob to personally address them because they felt left out and ignored.

ELLANIE SMIT

Ann Pads makes waves nationally

March 11, 2019, 3:00 pm

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Ann Pads makes waves nationallyAims to make sure that girls stay in school The Zone recently met up with Hermine Bertolini, who is the mastermind behind the initiative. Ester Kamati



Bertolini said the project started after she had a discussion with a friend in South Africa about reusable pads.

She then decided to realise her dream with the passion to give underprivileged young girls their dignity back, by providing them with pads that can be used for up to four years. This saves them from the financial stress of continuously buy pads.

For as long as they continue to take care of the girl child and are well maintained, these pads can be washed and last up to four years. They come in a pack that contains two thin, two medium and two thick pads, as well as an instruction manual written in English, Oshiwambo, Otjiherero and Portuguese.

Ann Pads pays close attention to moisture management and absorbency to avoid any leakages.

These pads, produced in Namibia, are also environmentally friendly as they bring plastic usage to a minimum and are the ideal packaging for environmentalists.

The elderly can also use them, especially those who have urinary incontinence (bladder control problems).

In August 2018, the initiative was started in Bertolini's home in Khomasdal with her own funds that she had accumulated.

Anschen Kisting, a student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) is one of her partners, and says the best part is changing the lives of multiple schoolgirls and seeing how thankful they are for these pads. Ann Pads has a total of three partners, one of which is a fully committed to the project.

The pads can be ordered for N$200 per pack of six, and since they do not have an outlet, Bertolini personally delivers them.

Sponsors have shown interest in the project and have placed orders that were donated to several schools such as the Maasdorp Combined School and afterschool centres. Pupkewitz is one of the donors, as well as the Physically Active Youth Centre, which made a purchase they donated to girls who are part of their afterschool centre.

Ann Pads takes pride in engaging young girls and educating them about menstrual cycles, how to track their cycles, as well as on the rights of children. Boys also have a role to play, says Bertolini, by fulfilling their duty to protect their mothers, sisters, girlfriends and other female counterparts.

Kisting adds that boys can contribute to the project by speaking about the issue and supporting woman in this cause, to make them more comfortable when they're on their periods.

Girls are the main priority when it comes to this project and Ann Pads says it is not a fly-by-night project, but are here to stay and defend the interests of the girl child. Not only do they intend to expand to the rest of Namibia, but also want to become a known brand all over Africa.