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First beef leaves for China

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First beef leaves for ChinaFirst beef leaves for China24 tons exported In what can only be described as a boon for Namibian farmers at this time, Meatco now has access to two major markets, the United States and China. The first consignment of 24 tons of Namibian beef left Windhoek for Beijing on Thursday, destined for restaurants and retailers in China.

The China-based distribution agent, Di Guangtao, was present along with the agriculture and trade ministers, Alpheus !Naruseb and Tjekero Tweya, as the consignment was loaded.

According to Jannie Breytenbach, Meatco's acting CEO, the company has received 40 others for Namibian beef from seven new clients.

Thursday's consignment consisted of vacuum-packed cuts, frozen cuts and beef with bone in. Offal products, including oxtail, may not yet be exported in terms of the agreement, Breytenbach explained.

The bilateral agreement for the export of beef to China, only the second African country to do so, was signed in 2016 but, lumpy skin disease in the northern communal areas brought the process to a halt. In February 2018, the moratorium on exports was lifted.

Yang Jun, deputy Chinese ambassador said that the Chinese market comprises of 1.4 billion consumers for Namibian beef. He added that although South Africa was the first African country permitted to export meat to China, this was halted by a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak last year.

In December last year, Namibia succeeded, following almost a decade of negotiations, to send its first test consignment to the United States. According to Tweya, this was a first for Africa.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says that beef consumption in the United States is four times that of the global average.

Per capita, Americans eat on average, 27 kilogrammes of beef per year, the OECD said in 2018. There are 328 million Americans.

The American department of agriculture's research indicates that China consumed 8.5 million tons of beef in 2018 indicating a per capita consumption of 6 kilogrammes per annum.

Rosa Thobias, corporate affairs manager at Meatco told Namibian Sun that the American consignment was a “remarkable achievement” due to the American health and customs protocols.

Goliath Tujendapi, trade manager at the Meat Board explained that the protracted negotiations with the United States relied not on Namibia but on the country that is importing.

Breytenbach added that the current throughput at Meatco's abattoir due to the protracted drought has allowed for ample supply to service these two new export markets while Tweya added that the United Arab Emirates will be the next market for Namibian beef.

Sri Lanka cricket captain arrested

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Sri Lanka cricket captain arrestedSri Lanka cricket captain arrested Sri Lankan Test cricket captain Dimuth Karunaratne has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after an accident in the capital, police said yesterday.

Karunaratne, 30, was taken into custody following the pre-dawn accident that resulted in the driver of a three-wheel taxi being taken to hospital.

“We have released him on personal bail, but he was asked to be in court on Monday for a magisterial inquiry,” a police spokesman said, adding that his vehicle was detained.

The incident comes as Sri Lankan cricket officials mull who to name as captain of the one-day squad for the World Cup hosted by England and Wales from May 30.

Karunaratne, who led Sri Lanka to a stunning Test series victory against South Africa last month, had been in the frame to lead the one-day side as well.

Sri Lanka's cricket board said it would investigate the incident.

“Sri Lanka Cricket will also follow the due process as per his 'Player Contractual Obligation' ... and conduct an inquiry in order to take necessary action,” the board said in a statement.

Brave Heart defends his title

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Brave Heart defends his titleBrave Heart defends his titleShonena wins by TKO Northern boxing fans were treated to a title fight at a tournament dubbed 'The Kavango River Fray' at Rundu's trade fair hall on Saturday. MTC Salute Boxing Academy's Jonas 'Brave Heart' Mateus won by unanimous decision against Tanzania's Nasibu Ramadhan to successfully defend his International Boxing Organisation (IBO) bantamweight title in Rundu on Saturday. It was a blood, sweat and tears encounter as both boxers gave it their all, wanting to leave the ring at the end of the fight with the title.

However, after 12 rounds of exciting boxing the fate of the two boxers lay in the hands of the judges, who scored the fight 118 – 110, 119 – 109 and 119 – 110 in favour of Mateus.

The crowd was ecstatic when Mateus was declared the winner.

The tournament was attended by dignitaries such as sport minister Erastus Uutoni, police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga, former health minister Bernard Haufiku, Kavango East regional governor Samuel Mbambo, Rundu mayor Isak Kandingu and Tsumeb mayor Mathews Hangula.

Miss Namibia 2018, Selma Kamanya, also attended the event and cheered loudly for Mateus. Besides the title fight, there were 10 undercard bouts which gave the spectators value for their money.

Shonena Paulus won by technical knockout (TKO) in the second round of his fight against Thomas Ndeitunga. An exciting fight between Bernhard Bernhard and Kristof Iipinge was declared a no-contest after Iipinge suffered an injury to his right arm. Japhet Amukwa stopped Nangolo Samuel with a TKO in the second round, while Ruben Kandimba beat Theodor Nujoma by unanimous decision.

One of the best undercard bouts was the one between John Shitilitha and Julius Sheetheni, which ended in a draw. Another memorable fight was the heavyweight bout between Kasera Sirongo and Johannes Nangolo. The two heavyweights kept the audience chanting from the first punch. Sirongo won by KO and the locals went wild with their celebrations.

The fight between Costa Frans and Lazarus Namalambo was decided on points, with Namalambo emerging victorious.

Alfeus Shilongo won in similar fashion against Chris Uketo.

Namibia's Nathanael Kakolola defeated Malawi's Robert Kachiza with a knockout in the second round of their scheduled eight-round bout.

The last undercard fight was between Vaino Nehemia and Martin Mukungu, with Mukungu winning on points.

KENYA KAMBOWE

The war game building bridges in South Sudan

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The war game building bridges in South SudanThe war game building bridges in South Sudan The scorching sun is finally beginning to dip on a late Saturday afternoon in Juba, where a small group gathers to watch a tense battle between two of their best men.

Deng Costa, a wiry, soft-spoken 28-year-old, stares at the chessboard in angst as smooth-talking Angelo Legge, 36, with a faux gold watch and mischievous glint in his eye, counters his Sicilian Defence at every move.

Next to the small courtyard where they are facing off, a deafening roar from young men crammed into a wooden structure watching a Premier League football match briefly breaks their concentration.

But this is not enough to help Costa.

Legge, who says some call him 'Angelo the Great', traps him in checkmate. Costa walks off in a huff.

Nevertheless, after more than five years of war, pitting different ethnic groups in the fledgling nation against one other, the Munuki Chess Club is a haven of peaceful coexistence.

It is a typical weekend at the chess club, one of several in war-torn South Sudan, where a growing enthusiasm for the game saw the nation win its first ever gold medal in an international competition last year.

Legge was introduced to club chess during his civil engineering studies in Khartoum during the South's war for independence from Sudan.

In South Sudan's first ever chess tournament in 2014, he came third.

For the young man struggling to forge a life in a country where war has left millions like him in limbo, chess is a panacea.

“When I feel traumatised about my plans as an engineer... I go to chess, I find solutions,” he said.

“It's a matter of passing time but also to refresh my mind and give me the vision of what will be my next move in life.”

“As you can see, most of the different ethnicities, different tribes, are here playing chess, we become a brotherhood and we establish respect between ourselves,” Legge said.

His opponent Costa, who learned to play as a teenager, is a student of Applied Sciences at the University of Juba and dreams of making it to the Chess Olympiad one day.

“Chess brings people together and that is why I love it. If things go well, chess will be... the second most popular game in South Sudan after football.”

South Sudan's chess association was co-founded by Jada Albert Modi in 2009, two years before independence.

It became a fully-fledged member of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in 2016 in Baku, Azerbaijan, which hosted the first Olympiad attended by the country's players.

“It was quite a shock to some of our players, it was the first time some of them were travelling out of the country,” Modi told AFP.

The South Sudanese came second in their group, but two years later they came first, beating 45 other countries.

“That was the first gold medal for South Sudan in any sport,” said Modi.

FIDE ranks South Sudan 126th out of 185 countries. The top-ranking African nation is Egypt at number 47.

Modi says that the popularity of the game is hard to pinpoint.

“During the liberation struggle, when officers and soldiers were not fighting, they would be playing chess, a lot of our senior government officials do play chess.”

Modi is proud of the cohesion among chess players at the Munuki club, named after a district in Juba, which also sees doctors or ambassadors playing against students.

“There is really great diversity. This unity was shown when we had the conflict in 2013, we looked after each other here. In 2016, the same it didn't create rifts,” he said of the two major battles in Juba.

“I think sport really brings people together... and South Sudan really needs people to know each other. Not through the tribal lens or ethnic lens, but through capacities, capabilities, hobbies and mutual interests,” Modi added.

The chess association president dreams of a day when South Sudan has a dedicated space free of rowdy football fans to play chess in peace and quiet, and programmes introducing the game in schools, especially to girls.

And, who knows, he adds, maybe it will also have a “number of grandmasters” the highest title a chess player can attain. “The challenge we face is in order to rise up in the ranks, you need to have your players playing competitively... and financially most of our players cannot afford it,” Modi said.

Juba was rocked by violent bloodshed when war broke out between supporters of President Salva Kiir and his former vice-president Riek Machar in December 2013, and again in July 2016 when a peace deal collapsed. The last agreement to end the war was signed in September 2018, and fighting has largely stopped in much of the country, with residents of Juba remarking on the absence of evening gunfire.

For young people like Legge, peace makes a stable future a real possibility. “We need our leaders to stick to the agreement to bring peace because we, as a generation I, as an engineer want to participate.

“I want to have the role of putting something on the ground.”

NAMPA/AFP

Harry Jr in first title fight

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Harry Jr in first title fightHarry Jr in first title fightIn his father's footsteps Harry Simon Junior is about 20 days away from fighting his first national title fight. JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA



Upcoming boxing sensation and fan favourite Harry Simon Junior is set to write his own history this month when he steps into the ring for a national title fight.

Simon Junior has big shoes to fill – those of his father, former world champion Harry Simon.

The boxer will be in action at an event organised by the MTC Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy, slated for 20 April at the Windhoek Country Club.

It will be Simon’s first professional title fight after seven pro fights.

Simon will challenge Andreas Nghinananye for the national junior welterweight title.

“It is indeed a great opportunity for me and I am eager to prove that I am a top boxer,” Simon said.

“I have been working hard in the gym to ensure that I am fit for the fight.

“It will not be an easy fight because I am sure that my opponent is also working hard for this one.

“But I will give it my best, like I have done in all the previous fights I have fought.”

Promoter Nestor Tobias believes in the ability of his boxer.

He believes Simon could reach the top of his career if he remains focused and disciplined.

“It is always good to give these young boxers a chance to show what they are capable of.

“Simon Junior has been doing great since turning professional and I believe that the future is bright for him.

“All he has to do is work hard and make the most of the opportunities he gets,” Tobias said.

WBO Africa junior lightweight champion Jeremiah ‘Low-key’ Nakathila will headline the event in a 12-round fight against Zoltan Kovacs of Hungary. The two boxers will fight for the WBO global junior lightweight title.

The event will also see the return of the 2018 WBO Africa fighter of the year, Walter ‘Executioner’ Kautondokwa.

In another fight, WBO Africa welterweight champion Mike Shonena will defend his title against Shadrack Ignas of Tanzania.

Tickets are available at Computicket at all Shoprite and Checkers outlets countrywide. VIP tables cost N$10 000 and standard tickets cost N$200.

The other fights on the card are as follows:

1. Welterweight six rounds - Emmanuel Mungandjela (Namibia) vs TBA

2. Featherweight six rounds - Onesmus Nekundi (Namibia) vs Lazarus Namalambo (Namibia)

3. Super bantamweight six rounds - Timoteus ‘Remember’ Shuulula (Namibia) vs Niikoti Johannes (Namibia)

4. Middleweight eight rounds - Paulinus Paulus (Namibia) vs Limbani Masamba (Malawi)

Potent anti-trafficking tools introduced

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Potent anti-trafficking tools introduced Potent anti-trafficking tools introduced JANA-MARI SMITH



Namibian authorities have taken a major step towards boosting their ability to combat human trafficking and to ensure victims are given robust after-care services in Namibia.

On Friday, the gender equality and child welfare ministry launched the national referral mechanism (NRM) and standard operating procedures for the identification, protection, referral and safe return of victims of trafficking in Namibia.

Moreover, a multi-pronged awareness raising campaign was launched to strengthen public vigilance.

At the same time, the police issued a pocket manual for police officers and prosecutors to provide practical information to officers working in the field.

“Trafficking in persons is a human rights violation which increasingly has become a global issue of particular concern and Namibia is not an exception,” Charles Kwenin, regional director of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), said at the launch.

The IOM had helped Namibia to create three shelters for victims of trafficking in the Oshikoto, Khomas and Zambezi regions, he said.

In 2018, an international report evaluating the efforts by governments to combat human trafficking noted that during the year under review, 21 trafficking victims had been identified in Namibia, but only five were referred to non-governmental shelters.

The 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) found that 15 of the Namibian trafficking victims were exploited for forced labour and six were victims of sex trafficking.

The mechanisms launched last week will help define the roles and responsibilities of officers and service providers working with victims of trafficking.

US ambassador Lisa Johnson said by formalising these procedures, the Namibian government had made a commitment “to a victim-centred approach to combating trafficking.”

She said the national awareness campaign would help communities to assist the authorities in tackling trafficking cases.

Step by step

Speaking on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, youth and sport minister Erastus Uutoni said the plight of the trafficking victim did not end with the termination of the trafficking situation.

Once safely removed from the situation, trafficking victims are faced with a number of difficulties which “seriously limit their chances for survival and further development.”

In this regard, the NRM and SoP guide stakeholders in ensuring they promote the rights of the victims even after they have been removed from the trafficking situation.

Namibia has successfully prosecuted three cases of human trafficking, with sentences that ranged from eight to 30 years behind bars, Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa said on Friday.

Currently, seven cases were pending: three in regional courts and four in the Windhoek High Court. Imalwa stressed that in trafficking cases, prosecutors guide the investigation from start to finish.

Imalwa said although much had been done to train officers in order to improve detection, investigation and prosecution, the role of the public was vital.

She said Namibia’s current Tier 2 rating in the annual United States TIP report was worrying, but the country was now ready to improve this rating.

Efforts

The 2018 TIP report designated Namibia as a Tier 2 country for failing to meet the minimum standards in eliminating trafficking.

These failures included the fact that no traffickers had been convicted for a second consecutive year and that the country lacked formal procedures for victim identification and referral.

The report did note Namibia’s significant efforts to combat trafficking, including trafficking investigations and prosecutions, training more than 1 000 front-line responders, and the introduction of legislation and policies.

Ambassador Johnson praised the Namibian government for finalising the national referral mechanism, a vital component of the Combatting Trafficking in Persons Act, which she said would help ensure that victims of trafficking received the services they needed.

She said globally there were an estimated 25 million victims of human trafficking, trapped in a multibillion-dollar industry that weakened the rule of law and strengthened criminal networks.

Geingob hits back at detractors

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Geingob hits back at detractorsGeingob hits back at detractorsLashes 'loyalists', sycophants in Nujoma house saga The presidency has accused a “third force” of trying to drive a wedge between President Geingob and founding president Sam Nujoma. STAFF REPORTER



The presidency last week claimed that a third force consisting of so-called “loyalists and sycophants” is trying to build a wedge between former president Sam Nujoma and head of state Hage Geingob.

This follows media reports indicating that the government has spent over N$40 million on renovations to Nujoma’s private house on the outskirts of Windhoek.

The Namibian newspaper earlier reported that the cost of upgrades to Nujoma's house had increased from N$11 million in 2013 to N$34 million in 2014, while some claimed the costs had shot up to N$64 million in 2015.

According to the newspaper, some government officials are questioning the transaction and calling for an investigation into how the cost of the project had increased over two years.

There were also reports claiming that Nujoma’s allies were accusing Geingob’s followers of using the founding president’s name when it suited them, The Namibian reported.

However, the presidency rejected claims that it had forgotten about Nujoma by not providing him with accommodation while his private house was being upgraded.

Nujoma temporarily lived in a posh house belonging to business couple Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun and her husband, Haddis.

“When President Geingob was informed that the founding president was without a place of residency in Windhoek, he went to the founding president and offered him one of the fully equipped presidential guesthouses at State House.

“This was conceded to; however, another offer had already been made, free of charge, by Mrs Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, which the founding father and former First Lady Kovambo Nujoma had accepted,” said the presidency.

Geingob added that the renovations to Nujoma’s house were already at an advanced stage when he took over as prime minister in December 2012.

“On 14 February 2014, the Cabinet Committee on Defence, Security and International Relations, of which President Geingob was not a member when he was prime minister, took the decision to conduct a feasibility study for major renovations, upgrading of the entire residence for the founding president,” State House said.

“The cost of the upgrades and renovations amounts to N$42 790 565.18. On 16 February 2015, a provisional security clearance was provided to the construction companies that were to execute the work.

“It should be stated that this transpired before President Geingob assumed duty as head of state on 21 March 2015.”

The presidency added that Nujoma was entitled to special benefits, including a house, as provided by the Former Presidents Pension and Other Benefits Act.

“The founding president, by virtue of the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation Act, is accorded special status as an extraordinary personality, and the benefits accrued are considered in that light.

“Premised on this explanation, the matter of the upgrades and renovations of the house of the founding president should be considered as closed,” Geingob’s office said.

‘Loyalists’ blasted

The presidency also attacked so-called “loyalists and sycophants” undermining his relationship with Nujoma, including claims that Geingob did not have the founding president’s support at the last Swapo elective congress.

“President Geingob has always been with the founding father, in the first line of defence, as a ‘bodyguard’. This was at a time when the founding father did not have a coterie of bodyguards.

“What we have is a situation where a matter that should have been easily solved through the attainment of readily available facts has descended into political hearsay and gossip,” the presidency said.

“The president has been aware for a long time that certain individuals have been insistent and resolute in their determination to use each and every contentious issue as a springboard to try to build a wedge between the founding president and President Geingob.”

Global competitions here we come

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Global competitions here we comeGlobal competitions here we comeNPC athletes meet qualifying standard Namibian athletes with disabilities have reached the qualifying standards for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Athletics Championships as well as the 2020 Paralympic Games. NAMPA



Out of 21 athletes who represented Namibia at the South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD) national championships in Stellenbosch this month, 13 reached the qualifying standard for the world championships and 2020 Paralympic Games to be held in Tokyo, Japan.

Speaking to Nampa recently, Namibia Paralympic Committee secretary-general Michael Hamukwaya said the fact that a number of athletes met the qualifying standard showed that they were growing as a federation, but that more work lay ahead.

“We have in the past taken few athletes to the IPC athletics world championships as well as the Paralympic Games. Having them qualify is a great feeling but we must now work hard ahead of these competitions,” he said.

Hamukwaya added that having a group of athletes at a competition meant nothing if they were not well prepared.

“We want to continue putting our name of the world map and that can only happen if we get these athletes into camp and prepare them for the world stage, which is not an easy one,” said Hamukwaya.

He said in order to win medals at the world championships, the athletes needed training and the NPC didn’t have the money for that.

The athletes who met the 2020 Paralympic Games qualifying standards are: Johannes Nambala (T13, 100 m and 400 m) Lahja Ishitile (T11, 100 m, 200 m, 400 m and long jump), Ananias Shikongo (T11, 100 m and 400 m), Reginald Benade (F36, shot put), Johanna Benson (T37, 100 m and 400 m), Petrus Karuli (T37, 1500 m) and Sylvia Shivolo (F40, shot put).

Other athletes who reached the IPC Athletic World Championships qualifying standards are: Immanuel Bernardo (T11, 100 m), Bradley Murere (T46, 100 m), Eino Mushila (T13, 400 m), Fillemon Amos (T12, 400 m), Christoph Marungu (T12, 400 m) and Denzel Namene (T44, 200 m).

Athletes who qualified for the IPC Athletics World Championships slated for 07-15 November this year in Dubai still had a chance of improving their times and qualifying for the 2020 Paralympic Games, Hamukwaya added.

Sport still on losing side

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Sport still on losing sideSport still on losing side The latest slap in the face for the sport ministry in the national budget is proof that our government does not attach high priority to sport.

The sports ministry was allocated N$286 million, which is N$2 million less than in the 2018/19 financial year.

In 2017/18 the ministry received an allocation of N$385 million, which was N$106 million less than in the 2016/17 budget, when it was allocated N$491 million for its three directorates - sport, youth and national youth service.

For many years, it has been argued that sport is not a priority sector, especially given the continuing recession.

However, I have always been against this concept because I view sport as one of the elements that can contribute towards nation-building.

We all know that the health and education sectors are among the biggest contributors towards development, and therefore receive a large portion of the available funds.

I believe that funding and developing sport could directly contribute to health and education.

It has been proven that physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Some athletes have benefited from sport by receiving scholarships to study at universities outside the country.

Right now, many sport programmes are on hold, while football remains on life support.

This has contributed to the high youth unemployment rate, I believe.

Two years ago, Namibia pulled out of the Cosafa under-20 football tournament due to a lack of funds.

This tournament could have created a platform for the young players to land contracts with clubs in South Africa and elsewhere.

At the moment, Namibia's senior football and rugby teams have qualified for large tournaments and will need large sums for preparation.

How do we expect the players to participate in international tournaments with pride if the government treats the sector like this?

The government continues to preach about eradicating poverty and it goes without saying that by decreasing sport funding, their aim and vision does not mean anything.

I believe that the minister of sport, Erastus Uutoni, has shown us how passionate he is about improving the sector.

But it will be difficult for him to achieve anything with what he has at his disposal.

The government should realise that the dreams of many young athletes have been shattered because sport is not a funding priority.

The government should realise that sport creates jobs. The MTC Namibia Premier League feeds over 400 players and their families.

Professional boxing has been the most lucrative sport for Namibians, with large purses for winning title fights.

I can assure you that sport is a big contributor towards promoting a healthy nation.

That is why I find it heart-breaking that sports is so low on the government's priority list.

jesse@namibiansun.com

The pipeline is critical

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The pipeline is criticalThe pipeline is critical While we recognise that government has many priorities not the least of which are healthcare, education and coping with the crippling drought that has our country in its firm grip, there is one priority that must not fall by the wayside and that is the pipeline which connects the dams in Namibia.

This forms part of the master plan of the agriculture ministry and has, no pun intended, been in the pipeline for quite some time.

Now that the Neckartal Dam is complete, there is no excuse.

The central area is a critical area for the country and there is no way to undo Windhoek's growth and development. We know that water is the limiting factor for the city but, there is no other place to go, except possibly the coast, to try and find a job. Our sprawling informal settlements are proof of this and the urbanisation rate, set to stand around 4% per annum, will continue to grow as the economic activity in the regions declines.

Windhoek is in trouble. Again. It is not our first and not our last. We have been told that we are using our savings fund, our emergency fund and it is the second year in a row that the city must rely on the aquifer. And without rain, there is not sufficient recharge.

The latest NamWater dam bulletin, issued on 25 March, indicated that Swakoppoort Dam is currently at 16.9% of its capacity, compared to 36.8% capacity last year this time.

Following transfers from Swakoppoort and Omatako dams, the Von Bach Dam is currently at 45.7% while Omatako is essentially empty, at 0.2%. In total, the three central dams are at 21.1% of their total capacity, compared to last year's 34.1%.

And we were in trouble last year.

What happens if the water runs out? What happens if there is no rain next year but Naute Dam is full and Neckartal has water? What is the point of that?

State funeral for Ondonga king

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State funeral for Ondonga kingState funeral for Ondonga kingFamily agrees to funeral date The late Ondonga king, Immanuel Kauluma Elifas, will be buried at Olukonda on 13 April. The eighteenth king of Ondonga, Omukwaniilwa Immanuel Kauluma Elifas, who died on 26 March at the age of 86, will be buried near the Nakambale Museum at Olukonda on 13 April.

On Friday, President Hage Geingob and a delegation of cabinet ministers consulted the Elifas family about a state funeral.

A family elder, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Namibian Sun that the family had considered the government offer and agreed on 13 April as the funeral date.

“The decision by the State House was welcomed and both sides agreed to leave enough time for preparations, and that is why it was agreed to have the burial on 13 April,” the source said.

President Geingob said Elifas deserved a state funeral because of his role as chairman of the Council of Traditional Leaders since its inception in 1997.

“He will be accorded a state burial and that is why we are here to consult his family. As a leader of the traditional leaders, he was a national leader and that is why he deserves a state funeral. The date will be announced by the family, but it cannot be next week (this week),” Geingob said.

Geingob added that Elifas had fought a good fight to unite all the people of Namibia. He therefore urged the community of Ondonga and the royal family to be united.

“Let us now be united. It is painful that we put him into a painful situation when he was alive. All of us, Ondonga group and his family, let us come close, let us unite you to start with and then the whole Namibia,” urged Geingob.

The prime minister's office has set up a national preparatory committee for the state funeral. It consists of the executive directors of different government ministries and agencies, chaired by cabinet secretary George Simata. The committee held its first meeting on Friday.

Ondonga senior headman Naeman Amalwa told Namibian Sun that the executive director in the office of the prime minister, I-Ben Nashandi, was appointed as the funeral director.

The Olukonda cemetery near the Nakambale Museum is where many kings of the Ondonga kingdom are buried. It's also where Finnish missionary Martti Rautanen (Nakambale) was buried in 1926. Olukonda was the site of one of the first Finnish mission stations in Ovamboland, founded in 1871.





ILENI NANDJATO

Battle for Sesriem is on

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Battle for Sesriem is onBattle for Sesriem is onNWR cancels JV at eleventh hour With 90 days before the opening of the Sesriem facility by Sun Karros and with bookings confirmed, NWR has cancelled the joint-venture agreement. Sun Karros Lifestyle Safaris is bringing an urgent application before the High Court on 24 April after Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) on 7 March “irrationally and capriciously” terminated a joint-venture (JV) agreement between the two companies.

Sun Karros had papers delivered to NWR and environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, as second respondent, last week.

In his founding affidavit, Jacobus Marthinus Struwig, managing director of Sun Karros, says they have invested more than N$43.4 million in the construction of a glamour camping (glamping) resort at Sesriem, one of five to be constructed in terms of the JV that was signed on 11 June last year. Construction at the site is continuing as the facility is set to open on 1 July this year.





Struwig mentions the successful Daan Viljoen and Mile 14 public-private partnerships, saying that the two companies had a long-standing relationship dating back to mid-2008 and that Sun Karros had brought great benefit to NWR with the creation of improved facilities.

The JV signed in 2018 was to last for 30 years with either party having the option of terminating or renewing the agreement and moreover, that “Sun Karros would contribute all the money need to develop and build” the camping facilities.







PA signed letter







According to Struwig, he received the cancellation notice on 7 March, “instructing Sun Karros to cease all works in connection with the agreement with immediate effect. The cancellation notice was addressed following a resolution taken by the board of directors … but did not provide any reasons as why the board had come to such a decision”.



The letter was signed by the personal assistant of NWR managing director Zelna Hengari.



“I point out that Sun Karros has never been in breach of the JV and up until the receipt of the cancellation notice, the parties had been working in complete harmony,” Struwig writes.



The decision was made one week before the end of the board's tenure, although it was extended for two months by Shifeta.



“Having being caught completely off guard by the content of the letter, I telephoned Zelna Hengari to discuss the matter and obtain clarity.”



Struwig says Hengari informed him that she was at the ITB in Berlin and “that she had been informed by her personal assistant that a cancellation letter had been signed on her behalf by her PA at the request of the board”.



“From the gist of the conversation and the inference I drew, Ms Hengari sought to create the impression that she did not actually know about the letter or that it would be sent. As it is, I found her response evasive.”



He says he found it strange that a document of such significance and with such consequences would have been signed by anyone other than a board member.



“By any yardstick, the matter was not time sensitive and if it had waited a few days longer for Ms Hengari's return or for any other board member to sign same, it would not have compromised or prejudiced NWR's position – whatever that position may be.”







NWR mum







Struwig wrote a letter to NWR on 12 March asking, among other things, that the cancellation notice be withdrawn by Friday 22 March. It also addressed a letter to the environment ministry to intervene “in an attempt to avoid further ramifications and a major tourist embarrassment” for the country.



To date, NWR has not responded to that letter and the ministry advised Sun Karros to approach the NWR board to solve the problem.



Sun Karros had started investing in the Sesriem project as far back as August 2017. Construction is under way and reservations by international tour operators have already been confirmed and paid for.



“Should construction not continue, the Sesriem camps will not be ready by July 2019 and the current bookings will not be honoured,” Struwig writes in his affidavit.



As at 15 March, the total value of reservations stood at just under N$4.8 million.



Struwig says the reputational damage to Sun Karros, should the facility not open, will have a direct impact on all its other business ventures as it is almost entirely dependent on foreign tour operators.



“Sun Karros, which has pre-existing and current relationships with all of the tour operators who concluded bookings, also stands to suffer severe reputational harm if these bookings have to be cancelled.” He added they would not bring bookings to any Sun Karros facility again.







Losses to be massive







“The long-term financial loss for Sun Karros would be enormous. The total forecast profit on the Sesriem camps over the 30 years of the JV were calculated to be in excess of N$480 million, of which half would have gone to NWR and half to Sun Karros. This is not factoring in the profits that could be lost in respect of the remainder of the camps which are still to be constructed in terms of the JV which cumulatively will run into hundreds of millions of dollars,” Struwig says.



He estimates that about 150 jobs will be lost.



“The only explanation I can give for such conduct is that NWR acted irrationally and capriciously with no regard for the broader Namibian economy and the damage to the brand 'Namibia' in a highly competitive tourism market,” Struwig says, adding that the “motive or agenda” is highly prejudicial to NWR.



Struwig also says that Sun Karros reserves its right to look to all NWR board members involved in the decision to cancel the JV.



“The Sesriem camps are building sites at this time. If construction has to cease there are huge standing costs involved and those will be damages running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.”



Sun Karros will ask for an order to set aside the cancellation agreement along with various alternatives, including permission to sue NWR.



The law firm Fisher, Quarmby and Pfeifer acts as counsel for Sun Karros.

YANNA SMITH

Mystery surrounds Windhoek woman's death

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Mystery surrounds Windhoek woman's deathMystery surrounds Windhoek woman's death The Namibian police are pursuing two lines of investigation into the death of 29-year-old Elna-Marie Abbot in Windhoek.

This was confirmed by a police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Kauna Shikwambi.

“There were letters found, and medication was found. We need to be sure – we cannot say it is murder while letters were found; we cannot say it was suicide while medication was found,” she said.

Abbot's mutilated body was found on Friday morning on the railway line near the Game shopping centre, a short distance from the Marigold Hotel where she had worked as catering manager.

Abbot, who was last seen driving a silver VW Golf 5 with registration number N27434WB, was reported missing on Wednesday.

Family members turned to social media to ask the public's help in tracing her.

Abbot's car, containing letters to her family, was found in the parking lot of a block of flats about six hours after her body had been found. The police would not comment on the contents of the letters.

The police also found bags containing clothes, make-up, shoes and medication in the car.

Deputy Commissioner Silvanus Nghishidimbwa said the findings of the post-mortem would likely be available today.

“It is a bit too early to say exactly what happened. There were some notes… like suicide notes… but one cannot confirm, it needs to be investigated further,” he said.





Final moments

Clemence Kambonde, 29, employed as a security guard at the Merensky Tower apartment building, told Namibian Sun's sister newspaper Republikein that Abbott had asked him and a colleague to buy her a cooldrink and a recharge voucher on Thursday afternoon.

Kambonde said he agreed to go to a café not far from there.

“She gave me the money and said I should buy a two-litre Coke for us as well. When I came back, I gave her the Coke, the N$30 recharge voucher and her change.

“She sat in her car until about six o'clock. She then got out and went into the building, where she left the keys of her vehicle, together with handwritten notes with the woman at the reception desk,” he said.



According to Kambonde Abbott did not live in the building.



Apparently Abbot left her car keys and notes addressed to her sister, Windy Engelbrecht, at the building's security desk at about 18:00. That was the last time she was seen alive.



Her handbag, wallet and cellphone were left in the vehicle.

Near-victory for Kudus

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Near-victory for KudusNear-victory for Kudus The Namibian rugby season is in full swing, with the University of Namibia (Unam) and Kudus Rugby Club meeting in the first reserve and premier league games at Walvis Bay on Saturday.

In the premier league game, Unam were victorious with a score of 24-22 against Kudus. Despite the loss, Kudus dominated the game until the final whistle.

Ulriato Lawrence opened the scoreboard for Kudus by scoring a penalty. Former Kudus player Chad Plato scored the first try for Unam, which was converted by Lorenso Lius.

Unam's Camlo Martin scored the second try for his team after finding a gap in the Kudus defence line. Lius did not manage to convert the try, but retaliated by scoring a try for his team and converting it too.

Kudus fought back, with Lloyd Jacobs scoring the first try for his team and Ulriato Lawrence successfully converting the try.

During the final moments of the first half, quick thinking and handling skills in the backline saw Unam's Sunday Haitembu scoring the final try for his team. Lius missed the conversion. The halftime score was 19 – 10.

Kudus came back with a vengeance after the break and Joshua Jacobs scored the second try for his team. Replacement Rayton Paulse converted the try.

Lloyd Jacobs scored another try for his team, but Paulse missed the conversion kick. The score stood at 22–24. During the final minutes of the game, Paulse had two chances to score penalties for his team, but was unsuccessful.

Kudus 2 pocketed the reserve league game against Unam with a score of 24–22. Try scorers for the home team were Irwin Damants, Aston Makwiilongo and Sidney Nalape.

This was Makwiilongo's debut match for Kudus. Leroy Stevens successfully converted two tries, including a penalty, while Haroen Gordon converted one try.

The try scorers for Unam were Venomuinjo Mberiua, Buruxa Geiseb and Lee-Anzo Losper. Rodney Coetzee and Bjorn Kazondunge converted two of the tries. Unam coach Johan Diergaardt described the premier league match as a nail-biter.

“We played very good rugby but all credit goes to Kudus, as they showed immense character. It was a game of two halves, and if the ball bounced correctly they could have won, but thank God we won that game.”

Diergaardt said the reserve league match had a few bumps, but overall he was satisfied with the game.

“Things fell apart during the second half. We had numerous injuries which hampered our play but we are not using that as an excuse. Kudus made us work hard for that game.”

He also said that about 14 of his players were not present at this game, but would be working harder to make up for it.

Kudus coach Collin Stevens said it was a tight game against Unam.

“We came late into the match and the two previous tries we lost against Unam cost us the game. At the end of the day rugby triumphed,” Stevens said.

“We were also playing away from our home field, and maybe if we did play at the House of Pain in Narraville, the outcome might have been different.

“With this score, I can see we are growing. With the addition of the Erongo Rugby Academy team under the wing of Kudus, we are taking rugby in Narraville to greater heights. As for the next game, we will take it as it comes.”

Kudus will meet Wanderers in Windhoek on Saturday, while Unam will play against Reho Falcon.

In the first division, the Erongo Rugby Academy (ERA) played against Swakopmund's Dolphins. The Dolphins trashed ERA with a score of 200. The try scorers were Randy Cowan, Elmo Gamiseb, Lorenco Klaase and Ashley van Wyk.

In another first-division match, the SFC Vikings won 31–24 against Sparta United, formerly known as the Walvis Bay Rugby Club.

This Saturday, Vikings will play against Dolphins at Swakopmund, while ERA will meet Sparta United in Walvis Bay.

LEANDREA LOUW

Shipanga accepts cup exit

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Shipanga accepts cup exitShipanga accepts cup exitGoalless action at Sam Nujoma Stadium There was a goal drought despite the rainy weather at the Sam Nujoma Stadium as Black Africa, Tigers, Tura Magic and African Stars all failed to find the back of the net in the allotted 90 minutes. Black Africa coach Paulus Shipanga says he has no one to blame for his team's semi-final exit in the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup on Saturday.

The league leaders lost 4-2 on penalties to Tigers after their second-leg match ended 0-0.

The two teams went into the game level at 0-0 after a first the first leg ended in a goalless draw about two weeks ago. Black Africa showed character despite being a man down after their goalkeeper was sent off in the first half for a ruthless tackle.

BA had most of the goal-scoring chances while Tigers also missed an opportunity to win the match in open play. Tigers goalkeeper Immanuel Immanuel was the hero of the day after saving two penalty kicks, which earned him the man of the match award.

“I can't really say much because the tactics from our opponents worked and ours did not,” Shipanga said.

“To be honest, it was end-to-end football since our first leg in Walvis Bay.

“It was difficult for us in Walvis Bay and I am sure it was difficult for them too.

“Coming to Windhoek also proved difficult for us because we had to play the match with ten men,” Shipanga added.

Tigers coach Oubaas Mokwena lauded his team for beating Black Africa but also praised Black Africa for showing heart with 10 men.

“I must compliment my boys because they fought a really good fight against a strong Black Africa.

“For me, the most important thing in this match was the quality of football and it was evident over both legs of the tie.

“I am happy to be in the final and now it is up to us to be ready,” Mokwena said.

In the other match, African Stars advanced to the final of the competition following a 0-0 draw against Tura Magic on Saturday night.

Stars won the first-leg match 1-0, which meant that they just needed a goalless draw this weekend.

Tura Magic showed character with a solid performance from centre back Charles Hambira that earned him the man of the match award.

But the team was disappointed when Junius Theophilus hit the crossbar in the first few minutes of the match.

All in all, it was a match of minimal chances with both sets of defenders doing most of the job for their goalkeepers.

African Stars will now meet Tigers in the final of the competition.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Cosafa Cup in doubt - reports

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 Cosafa Cup in doubt - reports Cosafa Cup in doubt - reports The Zimbabwean football authorities have reportedly thrown in the towel in their bid to stage the 2019 edition of the Cosafa Cup from May 25 - June 8. According to media reports, the regional tournament is in danger of not being hosted after Zimbabwe made a dramatic U-turn on an agreement to host the competition this year. The BBC reports that Cosafa boss Phillip Chiyangwa has accused the Zimbabwean association of breaching their hosting agreement and threatened disciplinary proceedings. "The venue for the 2019 edition of the Cosafa senior tournament, scheduled from May 25 - June 8, remains undecided," the statement said.
STAFF REPORTER



Zuma hunts for SADC back-up dancers, musicians

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 Zuma hunts for SADC back-up dancers, musicians Zuma hunts for SADC back-up dancers, musicians
Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma, who is set to record a full-length album of struggle songs this year, is on the hunt for musicians and back-up dancers and will cast his net throughout SADC, including in the Land of the Brave.
The album, which has caused massive controversy after it was confirmed by the eThekwini municipality in Durban last year, will also feature Ladysmith Black Mambazo, but according to project leader Sifiso Dlamini, Zuma is looking to expand the album’s reach by roping in regional musicians and dancers.
Dlamini spoke exclusively to Namibian Sun, after he hinted on social media that Zuma was looking to get the attention of SADC artists and especially female dancers.
The Durban municipality’s parks, recreation and culture head Thembinkosi Ngcobo told News24 last year that the idea was conceptualised two to three years ago in Durban.
Zuma, who is well-known for his rendition of the struggle classic Umshini Wami, will be travelling personally to the various SADC countries to attend the auditions at venues to be announced later this month
"We were looking at artists and trying to revive these types of songs. It was very difficult. We tried to find any archived material that had video clips or any voice clips. But we could not find anything in the museums," Dlamini said of their unsuccessful hunt in South Africa for the right mix of dancers and musicians to make the project a reality.
Asked explicitly about when Namibia’s auditions would be held, he was tight-lipped, saying an announcement was expected towards the middle of the month.
“The ladies should just be ready. Umsholozi is coming personally.
"He wants people with real talent in everything. He will also be serenading a few of the lucky ladies, and will be spending time with them personally to make sure they have the right chemistry."

Patriotic send-off

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Patriotic send-offPatriotic send-offUnder-20s gun for World Rugby Trophy spot It was a patriotic and iconic occasion at the NSC, as Namibia's under-20 rugby team received their national colours. Namibia's under-20 rugby national team yesterday received blessings and well-wishes from the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) ahead of their trip to Kenya.

A team of 25 players and four delegates have set off for Kenya where they will compete in Rugby Africa's Barthés Trophy.

The team will seek to defend the trophy they won last year, with a victory ensuring them a spot at the U-20 World Rugby Trophy to be staged in Brazil in July.

NSC chief administrator Simataa Mwiya offered his support towards the team.

“Rugby in Namibia has undergone very difficult times but you did not waver, where others wavered.

“Today we have got our u-20 team and it is all because the administration remained firm.

“We are very happy the defending champions of this trophy are going to defend it as champions in Kenya,” Mwiya said during the awarding of national colours to the team.

Namibia are in Pool A alongside Senegal, Tunisia and host nation Kenya. The U-20 Barthés Trophy is the only Rugby Africa junior tournament on the continent.

The overall tournament will see 12 teams battling it out for better rankings and qualification for bigger tournaments outside Africa.

There are three ranking-based groups in which each team will play two matches.

Namibia will play Senegal on 4 April in their first match, while Kenya play Tunisia in the other pool match on the same day.

The winner of the match between Namibia and Senegal will then battle the winner of the match between Tunisia and Kenya, with the two losers also facing off on 7 April. The winner of the Pool A qualifies for U-20 World Rugby Trophy.

Under-20 coach Johan Diergaardt said his team is ready after going through thorough preparations for the tournament.

“We want to assure the sport commission and the rugby fraternity that we will go out and do our best.

“Something less than our best will not be satisfying for us, because we have challenged ourselves to go out and qualify for Brazil,” Diergaardt said. Team captain Gilad Plaatjies also expressed satisfaction with their level of readiness.

Gilad said the team spirit in the camp is at a high level, making it easy for them to play good rugby in Kenya.

Only ten players from last year's winning side remain in the squad and the team will field only three premier league players, given that many others are not available for selection, with the rugby season having kicked off at the weekend.

There will also be Pool B and C matches later this month.

The winner of the Pool C will be promoted to Pool B and the winner of Pool B will be promoted to Pool A.

The last-placed team in Pool A will be relegated to Pool B, while the last-placed loser in Pool B will be relegated to Pool C, and the last-placed team in Pool C will make way for a new team in 2020.

The Pool B matches will be held between the 17 and 20 April 2019 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The pool includes Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Morocco and Madagascar.

The Pool C matches will be held between 8 and 11 May in Kampala, Uganda and will feature Uganda, Algeria, Zambia and Ghana.

Jesse Kauraisa

Gladiators ready for Zebras

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Gladiators ready for ZebrasGladiators ready for Zebras The Brave Gladiators of Namibia have called up a squad of 20 players to take on the Zebras of Botswana in the first leg of their 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifier clash on Friday.

The Gladiators will leave the country today for Botswana, where they will be joined by Spain-based Zenatha Coleman and German-based Veweziwa Kotjipati.

Sports minister Erastus Uutoni urged the Gladiators to play as a unit and maintain discipline at all times.

“Don't go show off, but play for the team as the purpose is to qualify. Play to promote and brand your country,” he said.

Uutoni emphasised that sport has the means to change one's life, as it is powerful.

“Jamaica is known all over the world because of their athletes. You are good players, but whatever you do, don't hold the ball too long and let the ball move forward,” he advised the players.

Uutoni emphasised that the ministry doesn't have money, but they will make do with what they have to promote the country's athletes.

He also encouraged the NFA Women's Desk to continue grooming young players in order to develop the game further.

The Women's Desk announced that Tura Magic's Millicent Hikuam and Beverly Uueziua of Goals & Gals have secured contracts to play football in Taiwan and the United States, respectively.

Hikuam has signed a four-year contract with Corbin Warriors, where Gladiators midfielder Annouscka Kordom is also based. Kordom is currently out of action because of an injury.

Uueziua has signed a year contract with Fu Jen Catholic University.

Both players are 20 years of age and thanked Skorpion Zinc for sponsoring the league, which keeps them active.

The second leg of the Botswana clash will take place on 12 April at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

The winner of the two matches will play South Africa in the next round in August, with the dates to be announced in due course.

The players selected for the Gladiators squad are as follows:

Goalkeepers - Mellissa Matheus and Lydia Eixas.

Defenders - Uerikondjera Kasaona, Lina Katuta, Ester Hamukwaya, Julia Rutjindo, Eddelsisingh Naris (vice-captain), Lorraine Jossop, Veweziwa Kotjipati and Lovisa Mulunga.

Midfielders - Twelikondjela Amukoto, Asteria Angula, Julia Blou, Millicent Hikuam, Beverly Uueziua and Memory Ngonda.

Strikers - Zenatha Coleman (captain), Kylie van Wyk, Thomalina Adams and Anna-Marie Shikusho.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Laat die kinders lees

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Laat die kinders leesLaat die kinders leesSkenking van bykans 5 000 boeke Gemeenskapslede van Epukiro het saamgespan om die regering by te staan deur boeke vir vier skole in die Omahekestreek te skenk. Mariselle Stofberg

Die komitee van die Omahongero mEpukiro- inisiatief het Donderdag altesaam 4 971 boeke aan die ministerie van onderwys, kuns en kultuur by die nasionale biblioteek in Windhoek oorhandig.

Die boeke, ter waarde van N$702 179, sal vir vier skole in die Omahekestreek gegee word, naamlik die Junior Sekondêre Skool Epukiro Post 3, Primêre Skool Goeie Hoop, Primêre skool Omuhaturua en Primêre Skool Morukutu.

Die gemeenskap van Epukiro het saamgestaan en die inisiatief van stapel stuur om die slaagsyfer en leeskultuur onder leerlinge in die Epukiro-kiesafdeling te bevorder.

Dr. Ngungaa Hangara, die voorsitter van die Omahongero mEpukiro-inisiatief, sê die inwoners van Epukiro wou ? verskil in hul gemeenskap maak, veral met betrekking tot die skoolkinders. “In stede daarvan om net die regering te blameer, het ons as gemeenskap besluit om die regering eerder by te staan en te kyk waar ons hulle tegemoet kan kom.”

Aanvanklik was die komitee se doelwit om N$25 000 in te samel om ten minste 500 boeke aan te koop, maar danksy borge en donasies is hierdie doelwit ver oorskry. Mnr. Hiskia Tjatjitua, die stigter van Namibia Pulp Paper, het ook 576 rolle toiletpapier, ter waarde van N$3 212 aan die vier skole geskenk.

Me. Veno Kauaria, die adjunk- uitvoerende direkteur van onderwys, kuns en kultuur wat onder meer verantwoordelik is vir voortgesette onderrig, sê die skenking gaan nie net help met die vestiging en uitbreiding van biblioteke by skole nie, maar ondersteun ook die nasionale kurrikulum vir basies onderrig. “Vir ons om die doelwitte te bereik wat uiteengesit is, moet daar in skolebiblioteke belê word en seker gemaak word hulle is behoorlik toegerus. Dit bied aan ons leerlinge bykomende leesmateriaal wat die kurrikulum en persoonlike groei van hierdie leerlinge ondersteun.”

Die skenking bestaan uit handboeke en leesboeke.

“Dié is ? suksesstorie en ? oorwinning, want dit is ? gebaar wat ongelooflik baie vir hierdie kinders gaan beteken,” sê mnr. Pecka Semba, die Omaheke-streeksdirekteur van onderwys.

Volgens Kauaria is die waarde van die skenking vir kinders van onskatbare waarde. “Wanneer jy aan kinders boeke gee, dra jy by tot die kennis van daardie kind. Dit wat kinders inneem as hulle lees, is iets wat nooit van hulle af weggeneem kan word nie.”

Namibia Publishing House, die Waldorf-skool, die Catherine Bullen-stigting, Komeho Namibia Development Agency, Mech Repair Centre en verskeie individue het bygedra tot die skenking.
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