Namibian Sun

Orban groet die eerste termynSkool wat volhard My Zone het onlangs Orban-laerskool besoek om te hoor hoe die jaar hulle tot dusver behandel het.

Evany van Wyk

Orban-laerskool in Windhoek is in 1975 gestig en meneer Jan Cloete is die afgelope 15 jaar die skoolhoof daar.

“Ons hier by Orban sien onsself as ons grootste mededingers en probeer deurentyd om onsself te verbeter,”sê Cloete.

Die skool motiveer leerlinge om verantwoordelike Namibiese burgers te word sodat hulle die wye wêreld kan aandurf en hul drome uitleef.

Cloete sê sy doel die afgelope 15 jaar was om te verseker ouers staan hul plek vol in hul kinders se lewe en bied die nodige ondersteuning.

“Die ouers het gesorg dat hul kinders die nodige skryfware het om die jaar mee af te skop, en ons kon sommer al die eerste dag begin lesse aan bied.”

Volgens hom is dit wat Orban uniek maak, en verdien ouers definitief applous daarvoor. Orban se kalender is propvol die jaar. Die sportseisoen skop volgende termyn af en die spelkompetisie word ook dan aangebied. Geldsinsamelings word gereeld gehou om die skool se infrustraktuur in stand te hou.

Afgesien van die skool se suksesvolle eerste termyn, erken die skool dat hulle nie perfek is nie – daar is wel ‘n paar dissiplinêre probleme. “Die persentasie van sulke tipe probleme is minder as 1% en sodra ons iets oplet, probeer ons dit dadelik aanspreek en die ouers betrek,” sê me. Theresa Damases, die departementshoof vir tale en sosiale studies.

“Onse skool het ‘n goeie stelsel in plek waar ons vir die onderwysers sowel as die leerlinge, teikens stel. Aan die einde van die termyn besin ons daaroor en kyk wat ons bereik het.”

The Zone het ook gesels met Kirsten Rittman, die hoofmeisie vir 2019. Sy sou aanvanklik na ? ander skool, maar is afgekeur.

“Ek is baie bly dat ek na hierdie skool toe gekom het, want dit het vir my baie geleenthede gebied, soos om hoofmeisie te word,” sê sy.

Kieran Lewies, die hoofseun, sê hy is baie opgewonde oor die vakansie, want hy gaan eers Swakopmund en daarna saam met die skool Suid-Afrika toe.

“Volgende termyn wil ek baie dinge aan myself verander. Ek wil harder werk, want ek weet ek kan beter doen in alles,” sê Kieran. Die twee leiers maak ‘n gedugte span. Hul stem saam dat Orban nie baie probleme het nie en die dissiplinêre probleme baie goed hanteer word.

Me. Shirley Karuhumba, die Lewensvaardighede-onderwyseres, sê die grootste probleem is die kinders wat sukkel om te sê wat hulle pla, asook minderbevoorregte kinders. “Ons sal wil die kinders motiveer om oor hul gevoelens te praat. Ons wil ook borge kry sodat al die kinders gedurende pouses kan iets eet,” sê Karuhumba.

‘Animalia’ ‘n groot sukses Vier 100 jaar se bestaan ‘n Plaaslike skool het behoorlik beïndruk met hul uitsonderlike konsert.

Evany van Wyk

Die St. George’s Diocesan-skool in Windhoek het onlangs in die Nasionale Teater van Namibië ‘n uitstekende konsert gehou.

Dit is oor drie dae aangebied en was deel van die vieringe van die skool wat op 8 Julie 100 jaar oud geword het.

Trotse ouers en familie van die toneelspelers het die teater volgepak. Musiek, die skaterlag van mense en die feestelikheid in die lug, was bewyse van die konsert se sukses.

Die leerlinge in die rolverdeling, asook hul regisseur Sven-Eric Müller en musiekregisseur Jolanda Amoraal het duidelik baie hard gewerk om dié meesterstuk op die planke te bring.

My Zone het agter die skerms ‘n draai gaan maak waar groot opgewondenheid geheers het. Die kleintjies se glimlaggies was aansteeklik en die ouers se reuse-ondersteuning duidelik.

Darlene Daniel, ‘n graad 11-leerling en een van die dansers, het vir The Zone gesê dit was een van die lekkerste leerervaringe ooit. “Ek sal dit definitief weer wil doen.”

Die geleentheid is geopen deur biskop Luke Patel wat almal in die regte gees gekry het met ‘n skriflesing en gebed. Die verrigtinge het om 18:30 begin, met die leerlinge van die primêre en preprimêre skool wat die gehoor met hulle oulike optredes bekoor het. Hulle het verskeie dierekarakters van die Franse komponis Camille Saint- Saëns se Die Karnaval van die Diere vertolk.

Die skool het vir twee maande gerepeteer. “Die grade het gereelde musiekperiodes by die skool en ons het alles in daardie periodes gedoen,” het sê Amoraal gesê. van die voorbereiding van die konsert. “Alles het baie goed uitgewerk omdat daar twee skoolkore is, een vir die laer grade en een vir die kollege.”

Die kollege het lewe gegee aan die diere wat vroeër deur die kleintjies voorgestel is in ‘n storie oor aanvaarding, vriendskap en liefde.

Die stukke is deur Müller geskryf. “Nadat ek gesien het met watter groot talente ek gaan werk, was die inspirasie groot,” het hy gesê.

Hy was veral beïndruk met die dinosourus wat die leerrlinge self gebou het.

“Dit was ongelooflik om saam met die kinders te werk. Hulle het hope talent en spangees.”

Vir Gamena Nuule,’n graad 10-leerling wat die rol van ‘n leeu vertolk het, was die danse die hoogtepunt. “Om saam met Sven-Eric te werk was baie lekker. Hy is ‘n baie goeie leermeester,” meen Gamena.

Fiona Lee, Neo Chase en Ndapanda Amadhila, wat die hoofrolle vertolk het, het die gehoor behoorlik aan hul lippe laat hang met die pragtige sangstukke. Van die Disney-flieks The Lion King en Frozen tot Katy Perry se “Roar” was treffers, met die gehoor wat almal saamgesing het.

Anna Erastus, een van die gehoorlede, het gesê dit was ‘n uitstekende konsert.

Cahrmonix Coetzee, nog ‘n konsertganger, het gesê: “Ek het nog nooit so baie talent op een verhoog gesien nie.”

Dit was die eerste keer dat die leerlinge van die laer en hoër grade op die verhoog saamgespan het.

Met soveel talent en harde werk sal daar sekerlik menigte kunstenaars gekweek word by St Georges.

Ondonga ya ulike aakwaniilwa yaaliOndonga ya topolwa kekondjelo lyuuleli Onkalo yeuliko lyomuleli gwaNdonga oya dhigupala ngashiingeyi nokuhalutha oyendji, sho oshitunda shoka sha langeleke aakwaniilwa yaali mOsoondaha.

Oshitunda shoka osha kala kashi na omuleli sha landula sho Omukwaniilwa Immanuel Kauluma Elifas, ngoka a lela oshilongo shoka uule woomvula odhindji a hulitha momasiku 26 gaMaalitsa. Elifas okwa fumbikwa mOlukonda mOlyomakaya.

Ongula yOsoondaha Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo okwa langekwa onga omukwaniilwa omupe gwoshitunda shoka,sha ningilwa pegumbo lye mOnambango omanga ofamili yaakwaniikwa ya holola kutya Eino Konis Kalenga oye omukwaniilwa gwawo sha ningilwa ponkulumbala mOnamungundo.

Shoka inashi yela natango ngele ondjokonona yoshitunda shoka otayi endululwa ngaashi sha ningwa nale monakuziwa, sho oshilongo shoka sha Ii shi na aakwaniilwa yali, pokati komvula yo 1884-1908.

Ayehe Nangolo oshowo Kalenga aaniilonga yetanga lyegameno lyaNamibia.

Nangolo okwa hogololwa kOmukwanilwa Elifas momvula yo 2002, ihe oshitopolwa shimwe shAawa osha kala inashi nyanyukilwa etokolo ndyoka uule woomvula dha piti.

Mwaashoka tashi halutha, Konis Kalenga okwa ulikwa onga omukwaniilwa kongundu yaamboka taya longele pamwe nofamili yopopepi nomukwaaniilwa Elifas.

Kalenga, ngoka ina tseyika naana koyendji okwa ndopa pamwe namwene gwomukunda, Oscar Sheehama, mOmpangu yoPombanda oshiwike sha piti, moka yali taya pula opo ompangu yi indike Nangolo a pewe oshipundi shuukwaniilwa.

Eindilo ndyoka olya kuthwa mo momusholondondo gwompangu netompelo kutya inali endelela.

Pahapu dhagumwe gwomaakuluntu mezimo lyAakwaniilwa yaNdonga, Selma Gwanandjokwe Sheyavali, okwa popi kutya Kalenga okwa ulikwa kwa landula omidhigululwakalo noompango dhaNdonga.

Ngoka ta longo pehala lyomunashipundi gwelelo lyaNdonga, kombinga yaNangolo, Vilho Kamanya okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya sha landula etokolo lyompangu kape na shoka tashi ya yi moshipala opo ya ulike Nangolo onga omukwaniilwa gwawo.

“Kape na shoka tashi tu indike opo tu langeke Nangolo onga omukwaniilwa omupe gwaNdonga. Otwa nyanyukwa nokuli kutya opwa li oonkambadhala dhokuya moshipala elangeko lye sho ya yi kompangu. Oonkambadhala dhawo odha yelitha kutya Nangolo oye omuulikwa,” Kamanya a popi.

Kamanya okwa popi kutya oya manitha niinyangadhalwa yopamuthigululwakalo naashoka sha thigalako iinyaangadhalwa owala yopailonga na otaya ka tseyithilwa oshigwana kombinga yeganithilo lyoshipundi omukwaniilwa. Okwa popi kutya Nangolo oye mu pewa kOmukwaniilwa Elifas.

Sheyavali okwa popi kutya iilyo yezimo lyaakwaniilwa ngaashi tashi hololwa moompango dhoshilongo shoka oya gongala nokuulika omulanduli gwOmukwaniilwa Kauluma Immanuel Elifas.

Sha landula omitumba ndhoka ezimo olya tsukumwe opo li ulike Kalenga omunamimvo 55, onga omulanduli gwomukwaniilwa kwiikwatelelwa komilandu dhelelo lyaNdonga oshowo kwiikwatelelwa kontopolwa onti 5.1A yOmpango dhOmalelo goPamuthigululwakalo, ompango onti 25 yomomvula yo 2002.

Sheyavali okwa popi kutya Kalenga omutekulu gwomukwaiilwa Elifas, nopampango yopamuthigulwakalo oye omuulikwa e li mondjila.

Nangolo okwa hogololwa komukwaniilwa elifas momvula yo 2012 onga omulanduli gwe, na okwa shangele kominista yomalelo giitopolwa pethimbo ndyoka. Okwa koleke natango ehogololo lye momvula yo 2012.

ILENI NANJDATO

A Ukrainian journey Namibian national Taimi Kashilula had the following to share with The Zone regarding her experience as a first-year foreign student at Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University.

Taimi Kashilula

I am a first-year medical student at Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University in Ukraine.

I am still trying to get used to the education system here, as I feel like it is stricter compared to our education system back home.

Being a foreign student, a first-year for that matter, has been challenging yet fascinating. The ‘missing home fever’ kicked in the moment I arrived in Ukraine, a challenge that I still struggle to cope with because being far from home is not as easy as I thought. Talk about avoiding the market, yapp! That was definitely me; for the past few months I avoided going to the market due to my zero knowledge of the Ukrainian language. I wouldn’t know how to communicate, in case I needed assistance in finding something. I also found it weird that I had to walk approximately 30 minutes just to get to the next class; I expected lecture halls to be closer to each other.

Despite all the challenges, Ukraine is actually a very nice country with an interesting people and culture. I have also made new friends. These friends are from different countries and have rich multicultural backgrounds. Making friends made me adapt to my new environment quicker than I expected. Even though adjusting to the Ukrainian weather was a challenge, I truly enjoyed my first encounter with snow. It was actually fascinating even though I do not really enjoy the coldness that comes with it.

The food here is also cheap compared to back home. Due to the affordability of food in Ukraine I am able to spoil myself with the best cuisine on offer. Due to my love for food travel around town and bought myself a variety, as I was curious to know what type of food the Ukrainians enjoy. Ever since I never thought there would be any type of food that would outshine my favorite meals back home, until I tasted borsh, vereniki and kvasola - mouthwatering indeed

Studying and obtaining my qualification is my number one priority, but obviously it does not hurt to have some relaxation, especially during school breaks. Besides having friends over at my place for a get-together, I am also an adventurous person who enjoys visiting different places. I have visited great places such as the Bukovel and Odessa beach. I am blessed to have my big sister here with me, who has been a student here for five years now; so exploring the best of what Ukraine can offer has not been a challenge, as shows me around. In a nutshell my experience in Ukraine is amazing and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Prepaid water for BlikkiesdorpInformal residents can install their own toilets Residents who want their own taps in their yards should open municipal accounts and apply for water meters.

KENYA KAMBOWE

The Grootfontein municipality plans to install prepaid water meters in one of the town’s largest informal settlements, known as Blikkiesdorp.

This is after some Blikkiesdorp residents demanded their own water and sewerage connections on their plots.

At the moment the council provides the thousands of residents of Blikkiesdorp with free water from communal standpipes.

The residents make use of public toilets that serve thousands of people. It is not safe for girls and women to use these toilets after dark, and some attempted rapes have been reported.

Some residents have made illegal water connections from the communal pipes to their plots.

Municipal spokesperson Luke Salomo says the council plans to provide Blikkiesdorp residents with prepaid water meters soon.

“The council is not a charity institution. The best we can do is to strive to recover the cost the council will be investing to bring clean drinking water to the community of Blikkiesdorp,” he said.

Salomo said providing free water to residents was becoming a burden to the council although Grootfontein has its own boreholes.

“Since Blikkiesdorp is an informal area, the council will have to formalise the area in order to issue private water taps to individuals,” Salomo said.

“Currently the water supply within Blikkiesdorp is free, something that the council can no longer afford.”

He said residents who wanted their own taps in their yards should open municipal accounts and apply for water meters.

Salomo added that the council had decided to allow Blikkiesdorp residents to install their own toilets as a safety precaution.

“Regarding the sanitation within Blikkiesdorp, the members of the community need to visit our offices to apply to build their own toilets within their yards,” Salomo said.

“The council takes the issue of sanitation very seriously, which is why the council took the bold decision to allow the community of Blikkiesdorp to construct their own toilets.”

Elections not transparent enough

The latest Action Namibia Coalition research has found that the level of transparency and accountability in publishing election information is unsatisfactory.

Role players such as the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) still do not disclose even the most basic information, says John Nakuta, the author of the report 'Access to Information and Elections: The Case of Namibia'.

His research found that data delivery is generally done reactively except for a few instances where the law requires proactive disclosure.

The paper was discussed at an event in Windhoek on Friday morning.

Political analyst Graham Hopwood said the verification of Namibian elections has always been a grey area.

“We are not just talking about the ECN; access to information has many stakeholders and it also includes the political parties. A political party must, for example, make available its candidates and its manifesto,” he said.

Political activist Carola Engelbrecht shared that she found it extremely difficult to obtain information from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). They only concentrated on political parties and neglected the rest of the nation, she said. She admitted, though, that things had changed at the ECN in the last few years.

“It was as if you were entering the central intelligence centre and you were looked at as if they wanted to know who was behind you coming there, who had sent you, whose agenda was this and why you wanted the information.

“I remember in 2004 I wanted a training manual for election officials from the ECN. That was state secret. There was one person who was willing to help me and I had to meet him at night behind a bush, but I got it,” she said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Platonic Academy elevates educationTutoring for Mathematics and Science learners When a learner is struggling at Platonic Academy, the teachers go the extra mile by giving individual attention, and learners are also encouraged to work in groups.

Michelline Nawatises

Platonic Academy strongly empowers and inspires critical thinking by its learners.

Their services solely focus on the new Namibian junior and senior secondary phase curriculum, which was initially implemented in 2017.

At present the academy accommodates a total of 100 learners, which comprises of grade 8, 9 and 10 Mathematics, Physical Science, Physics and Chemistry secondary school learners.

However, their vision is to develop together with the new curriculum and provide academic solutions.

The learners are from Concordia College, Windhoek High School, Centaurus High School, Delta Secondary School, Jan Möhr Secondary School, Academia Secondary School and Windhoek Technical High School.

There are two tutors. Frank Mungunda has classroom experience of more than five years and is a committed Physical Science and Chemistry teacher who has experience in both the state and private educational sectors.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science (Chemistry and Geology) and is now in his final year of his Masters of Science (Chemistry) degree at the University of Namibia (Unam).

Amanda Mungunda is a dedicated Mathematics teacher with more than five years of secondary school experience.

She is skilled at communicating complex information in a simple and entertaining manner. She earned a Bachelor of Education (Mathematics and Physical Science) degree from (Unam).

When asked by The Zone what the academy does to prepare students for advancement, Frank mentioned they start every lesson with a prayer and a welcome to create a conductive and interactive environment.

Secondly, they provide summarised notes and work through past exam papers, in order to enhance understanding, and answer questions. Additionally, learners are given worksheets as well as mock exams and feedback, in order to fully prepare them for tests and examinations.

When a learner is struggling the teachers go the extra mile by giving individual attention, and learners are also encouraged to work in groups at the academy, which has proven to be very fruitful. In addition, a teacher-learner WhatsApp group also provides a great platform for the learners to post questions they are struggling with, and the teachers respond accordingly.

When asked what makes the academy different from others, Frank mentioned that they create a conducive environment that brings joy to their teaching.

“We strive to connect the soul to the mind, in order to empower and inspire young minds,” he said.

The academy strives to develop learners' intellectual and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner, by inspiring life-long learning and enabling learners to fully develop their unique capacities.

All in all, the cultivation of imagination and creativity is the central focus.

A learner-centred teaching approach is mainly used at the academy, as they want the learners to understand and not only memorise what is being taught. The only way learners understand a concept is if they are fully involved in the process at all times. For science subjects, Platonic does experiment-based teaching in which the learners conduct a practical experiment in groups with the teacher’s guidance, to learn concepts through sensory perception.

The academy’s teachers are in constant communication with school teachers. Therefore, lessons are prepared based on the syllabus.

Platonic Academy instils the value of responsibility by informing the learners of the importance of taking charge of they own future, as it all depends on the choices they make every day.

You can take a horse to the water, but you cannot force it to drink. However, you can put salt in its hay to make is thirsty.

The teachers strongly believe in the learners’ ability to do well and be the best they can.

The academy uses multiple communication methods for their parent-teacher interactions. This allows parents to hear from the teachers in ways that work for them. Moreover, the parent WhatsApp group is by far the most effective communication tool.

Platonic has a basic set of rules and expectations for the learners. These regulations and a positive mindset help to maintain classroom management and discipline. This enables the academy to engage learners, keeping them prepared and boosting their confidence in terms of meaningful learning.

The learners took the initiative to host an ‘appreciate and gratitude ceremony’ with the help of the academy’s teachers, during which parents were thanked for their devoted support. Each learner also receives an appreciation certificate from the academy.

Fransina Amunyela, a grade 10 learner from Jan Möhr, said that apart from effective learning material, the academy offers efficient teaching methods to help them absorb knowledge better.

“I have seen great progress in my work at school and am proud of the way my grades have improved with the help of Mr and Mrs Mungunda,” she said.

Tashwin Husselmann, another grade 10 learner from Windhoek Technical High School, said: “I get more time to understand my work and the teachers explain everything much better, because they have time to explain the work.”

A parent, Shirley Tibinyane, said she would recommend the academy to anyone.

“They give attention to our kids, not only academically, but spiritually also. They involve all aspects into their curriculum, where they invite motivational speakers to talk to our kids,” she said.

There is a compulsory annual registration fee of N$200. The monthly fee for Grade 8 and 9 learners is N$550 for two subjects (Mathematics and Physical Science) and for Grade 10 learners it is N$650 for three subjects (Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry). Each grade group is seen twice a week from 14:30 until 17:00, at Paulinum, Pioneers Park Extension 1 in Erasmus Street.

For more information, parents can visit their website at www.platonicacademy.edu.na or simply reach them via their Facebook page, PLATONIC ACADEMY NAMIBIA or call +264 81 122 5578 (Mr Mungunda).

Irimari to focus on youth enterprises

The newly appointed governor of the Oshana Region, Elia Irimari, says he will strive for socio-economic development, environmental governance, regional environmental planning, and youth development.

Irimari called for support from his regional councillors in order to transform the regional economy into an industrialised economy guaranteeing economic freedom and prosperity for all inhabitants. At his first meeting with regional councillors and administrators, Irimari said he would focus on building public-private partnerships (PPPs) to support local small and medium enterprises. The former regional councillor for the Ondangwa Urban constituency said he had earmarked N$550 000 for youth enterprise development.

“We have a daunting task before us and we need to build a PPP arrangement in order to improve the livelihood of our people. We need to have confidence in the local SMEs.

“All we need to do is to always put them first and empower them to do better, otherwise they will never get the opportunity to grow,” said Irimari.

“It is with this conviction that the office of the governor has put aside N$550 000 toward youth enterprises development in the region, which is N$50 000 per constituency among all our 11 constituencies.”

Last month President Hage Geingob appointed Irimari, a teacher by profession, as the governor for Oshana to replace the newly appointed Namibian ambassador to the Russian Federation, Clemens Kashuupulwa.

Irimari told the regional councillors that he would not be a spectator but would play an active role in initiating development projects.

He said as leaders of the region, they had a task to lead the people towards sustainable prosperity.

He said the region faced the challenges of youth unemployment, poverty, income inequality, gender inequality, and slow economic growth.

“I need your support to transform the regional economy into an industrialised economy that will guarantee us economic freedom and prosperity.

“I would like us to focus on our competitive and comparative advantages at local [and] national [level] and beyond the borders of our country and capitalise on those local opportunities,” said Irimari.

ILENI NANDJATO

We will die here - SwartbooiLPM leader warns City of Windhoek The LPM leader says future generations will be trapped in the same cycle of poverty, if the current injustices are not addressed.

Landless People's Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi this weekend told Windhoek residents that they could no longer vote for governments that disrespected them.

He said future generations would be trapped in the same cycle of poverty and landlessness if these injustices were not addressed with urgency.

He also warned the City of Windhoek that people would defend their property with their lives.

The City last week published a notice inviting bids for the removal of illegal shacks on municipal land.

Swartbooi addressed the residents of the Agtste Laan informal settlement on the outskirts of Windhoek, saying people could no longer accept living an undignified life without basic services and houses.

“It can no longer go on like this. If it must go like this then we will continue to fight for what is due to us. We, in particular black Namibians, have suffered for so long, so much brutality, so much poverty, so much deprivation. More than 200 years and still today we are the ones in Agtste, Sewende Laan, Kabila, Kilimanjaro,” he said.

He reminded people that they were living in abject poverty and landlessness despite voting the government into power.

“Those Namibians living in Hochland Park, Ludwigsdorf and Windhoek, they do not feel the pain that you feel. They are not as hungry as you are here, they are not homeless and landless as we are here. But we, the ones living under extreme poverty, we are the ones putting others in power. Even their own children have kapundas because we have put them there,” he said.

Swartbooi warned the City of Windhoek to “buy coffins” for the officials and contractors tasked to demolish the homes of people in informal settlements.

“We will defend out properties with our lives. We are not threatening anyone, but the little property that we have, we zula'd it on our own. And we zula every day, so who has the right to remove that which we have zula'd for us and our children,” he said.

He questioned why the City cannot use the N$10 million to improve the lives of those living in informal settlements instead if destroying and trampling on the poor.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Ueitele embroiled in land saga

A man who was resettled on a farm near Gobabis claims to be on the brink of losing his land after allegedly refusing to surrender a portion to Omaheke governor Festus Ueitele as “compensation”.

Obed Hamutenja claims he has faced constant “harassment and intimidation” from Ueitele and a regional land reform official who say they went out of their way to ensure he was resettled for 99 years on portion 13 of Farm Kranz No. 169, situated about seven kilometres outside Gobabis.

“The governor approached me in 2016 and explained how he fought tooth and nail to ensure that I get this plot, and that in return, someone would come and stay with me,” Hamutenja said.

He said he was also approached around the same time by an official from the land reform ministry who allegedly demanded a heifer for his efforts.

“How did you go out of your way to help someone you don't know? And if I was helped, and was not deserving, does this mean there were other, more deserving Namibians who were overlooked?” Hamutenja asked.

On 15 June 2018, Hamutenja petitioned land reform executive director Peter Amutenya.

His letter was confirmed by the ministry's deputy director in Omaheke, Mclesia Mbaisa. She also confirmed Ueitele's visits to the farm but indicated these were done in his official capacity.

Repeated efforts to reach Amutenya on his cellphone failed. He also did not respond to text messages.

Ueitele did not shy away from the role he played in the resettlement, as he held the view that if given the opportunity, Hamutenja could succeed as a crop farmer.

Ueitele said after the committee received complaints that Hamutenja was using the plot for purposes other than it was allocated for, which was crop farming, he took on the issue in his capacity as regional resettlement committee chairperson. He vehemently denied asking Hamutenja to surrender a portion of the farm.

“What am I going to do with 26 hectares?” Ueitele asked.

“This man is just trying to cover his back, because when we went there, we found out from his neighbour that he bought solar systems, submersible water pumps and pressure pumps from this man (Hamutenja). The neighbour said this man sold these things to him, but then he asked the neighbour to supply him with water. That's why we asked the ministry to go there.”

Hamutenja said the governor can submit his evidence to the police, so the law can take its course.

NAMPA

Blaauw makes a difference

Mariselle Stofberg and Michelline Nawatises

Tylo Blaauw has raised funds to have an air conditioner installed at an old-age home and also handed over a cheque to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Blaauw, a grade 12 learner at Windhoek Gymnasium and a Miss High finalist, visited the SPCA on 8 April to hand over a cheque of N$6 700. The SPCA is a charitable organisation founded in 1949.

Its main aim is to protect and prevent cruelty to animals. There has been about 70 adoptions in January and the organisation takes in about 3 500 animals a year.

Blaauw is also part of the volunteer programme and they will be having an educational tour.

She collected the money with the help of her fellow school learners at Windhoek Gymnasium. She had a discussion with the rector and came up with the brilliant.

They held a civics day and collected N$10 from each learner.

Windhoek Gymnasium rector Abrie Myburgh said he is happy that Blaauw came up with the initiative, as animals are very important and need the same treatment and care as humans.

SPCA general manager Hanna Rhodin thanked Blaauw.

“It’s fantastic when the youth come out and say ‘I want to help animals’, because animals in Windhoek and beyond need proper care and we cannot do it without the support of the members of the public,” she said.

On the 9 April the reigning Miss Windhoek Gymnasium made another great stride by visiting the Senior Park old-age home in Pioneers Park. With the help of her parents they arranged for cake and tea to be given to the elderly.

This served as a celebration for the new air conditioner Blaauw was able to have installed, due to donations and funds raised.

“In the past we had to sit in this hall without any air-conditioning. To say we built up a bit of a sweat is an understatement. Thanks to Tylo we were able to enjoy a cool breeze today,” said Joseph Frodeman, one of the elderly.

“I want thank Tylo in every language I know, and tears are close, because we appreciate everything she does. The example her parents set for her has played a big role in the wonderful girl we see here today,” said Erika Meyer, another Senior Park resident.

Hats off to Unam graduates!The beginning of a new chapter Over 800 University of Namibia (Unam) students graduated at the institution’s first graduation ceremony for the year among all 12 campuses.

Ester Kamati

The graduation ceremony took place at the Safari Court Hotel in Windhoek. The ceremony was hosted by Dr Maggy Beukes-Amis, director of Unam’s Centre for Open, Distance & eLearning and took place on 11 April.

The master of ceremonies congratulated the new doctors and honours, masters and diploma holders, with the management sciences faculty leading the way.

The education and human sciences faculties’ graduates received their qualifications on 12 April at the same venue and the northern campuses ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

The ceremony was led with the conferment of an honorary doctorate handed over to Prof Heinrich Semar by acting chancellor Kenneth Kamwi Matengu.

He was also the keynote speaker.

Matengu said Unam is carrying through with its plan to prepare Namibians and take charge of human resource production in the country.

Matengu shared that he too is a product of the university, adding that the institution has grown tremendously and is showing significant improvement in the research culture, with an increase in research productivity.

He acclaimed the dedication of academics and researchers from the institution, who have published 300 internationally refereed journal articles and had 395 other publications in 2018, despite financial hardships.

The graduates were reminded that the responsibility to develop Namibia to what it should be is about the actions that individuals so daily. Matengu further advised them to be deliberate on their actions and occupy themselves with continuous professional development.

“The secret to successful life is effective time management,” he said.

He said they should not aim to change the world on their own, but rather create a ripple effect as alumni of the university.

“Take the lead and create your ripple effect!” he said

One of the graduates, Atanasius Shaningwa, advised struggling students not give up on their education and said they will eventually succeed.

Shaningwa was driven by the fact that he is from a previously disadvantaged background and wants to make an improvement in his life. He is adamant about going out into the world and giving back to the community.

Another graduate, Kamary Mupupa, said time management is very important, and at the end of the day, you should retain your focus on the things that truly matter. She holds a diploma in paralegal studies and is now pursuing her law degree at the university.

A partnership for change

On 9 April, Hollard reached out once again and this time made a very generous donation towards the Pupkewitz Foundation.

Hollard is an insurance company that reaches out to local communities, adding value to the aspirations and dreams of the most vulnerable in society.

An amount of N$440 000 was handed over to the Pupkewitz Foundation, which shares the same ideology with Hollard, in terms of investing back into the community through identifying issues that desperately need attention.

Deputy gender minister Lucia Witbooi, as well as education ministry executive director Sanet Steenkamp.

The money will be distributed in four regions and will go towards the development and education of children.

Hollard believes that children’s issues in Namibia should outweigh all other issues, because they are the future. The two organisations have partnered up to build kitchens and equip them with cooking facilities. They will be able to assist nine schools in the Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Oshana regions. The initiative serves to improve the quality, hygiene and the overall well-being of disadvantaged children.

A fully-equipped kitchen facility will be built in the Oshikoto Region, while kitchen facilities will also be set up in Oshana. In Ohangwena, they will be drilling a borehole to provide clean water to a community in need. In the Hardap Region, an early childhood development centre will be renovated and upgraded to ensure that any child that attends will get the best possible assistance and guidance.

At Pupkewitz they believe that by caring for fellow Namibians, they develop a deeper appreciation of people, which in turn allows them to better understand and serve their customers.

Witbooi expressed her deepest thanks to these two companies.

“Let us not allow any Namibian child to go to school hungry, knowing that we had the power to make a difference and didn’t do so,” she said.

She also congratulated the private sector for their efforts.

Hollard believes that by working together, the biggest difference can be made, thus the partnership with the Pupkewitz Foundation.

True success is shared success and if you are in a position to help people, you should do so without restraint.

Fishing company to the rescue

A local fishing company has come to the rescue of a destitute couple at Gcigco village in Kavango West, and three other needy families, by donating items worth N$23 000 to them.

Namibian Sun recently reported on Hilarius Hausiku (63) and his 54-year-old partner Beata Nepembe, who do not have a bed and are exposed to snakes in their traditional hut. They are also struggling to put food on the table.

On Saturday, Ombaye Fishing Company donated items to the couple as well as to three other destitute families identified by the office of Ncuncuni constituency councillor Ritha Sindjanga.

Ombaye chairman Libolly Haufiku and managing director Lukas Uutoni said they were moved by the Namibian Sun article.

They donated steel beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, fresh and tinned fish, maize meal, sugar and cooking oil, as well as cosmetics, to the four families.

“After the story broke in Namibian Sun, Ombaye Fishing - a company that takes its corporate social responsibility very seriously -decided it was something to look at and we took action immediately,” Haufiku said. He explained that after consultations with Sindjanga, they decided to assist there other destitute families.

“As a fishing company, we have a corporate social responsibility. The fish belongs to all Namibians, so whatever we get is for all of us to share. Ombaye has been at the forefront of that,” Haufiku said. He also used the opportunity to call on other companies to give back, especially to people in need. Hausiku, who could not contain his joy, said they are thankful to Ombaye.

“Thank you very much to Ombaye and all those who were involved. Continue to assist other people in need. May God bless you,” he added.

KENYA KAMBOWE

State House official commits suicide A State House official allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with a pistol in his vehicle at the Midgard Country Estate yesterday.

He was identified as Reinhold Namupala, who was employed as a deputy director at State House.

The spokesperson of the Namibian Police, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi, confirmed the incident to Namibian Sun.

He said Namupala's body was discovered in his vehicle at Midgard early yesterday morning. It is suspected that he had committed suicide during the night.

Kanguatjivi said no suicide note was found and investigations were continuing. In other crime news, a 25-year-old man allegedly tried to kill his baby at Keetmanshoop, three teenage girls were raped at Aranos, and a man in Windhoek's Okuryangava residential area allegedly murdered his wife by disembowelling her.

According to the police a 38-year-old teacher from People's Primary School was arrested for the woman's murder after he handed himself over to the police.

The incident occurred on Friday in Okuryangava, after the couple had an argument.

The police say the man stabbed his wife in the abdomen. She was rushed to Katutura State Hospital and later transferred to Windhoek Central Hospital, where she died on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Merentha Geingos, a teacher at A.I. Steenkamp Primary School.

At Keetmanshoop, a 25-year-old former police officer allegedly tried to kill his four-month-old baby at the Ileni location on Friday.

The man allegedly put the baby between his legs and squeezed the baby after the mother had told him that the baby was not his.

The baby receiving treatment in hospital and police investigations are continuing.

At Aranos, a 15-year-old girl was raped at Nuwerus location on Friday night. An 18-year-boy has been arrested.

Another girl, 14, was raped in the same area on Friday. A 15-year-old boy was arrested.

On Saturday, a third teenage girl, aged 15, was raped at the Saamstaan location at Aranos. No suspect has been arrested.

In the north, a man's body was discovered in the NamWater canal at Oshiputusheendjamba village in the Outapi constituency on Friday. The body was wrapped in clothing and weighted down with a brick. Police have not yet identified the man.

Two people were killed in an accident on the gravel road between Okahandja and Ovitoto on Saturday. According to the police a double-cab bakkie left the road and overturned. The deceased were identified as Hennie van Heerden, 48, and Bernice Kotze, 11. Two other passengers were admitted to the Okahandja hospital.

In another accident early yesterday morning, a 36-year-old man was killed in a collision on Monte Christo Road in Windhoek's Hakahana area. The deceased was identified as Jona Tuyoleni Muulila. The driver of one of the cars was arrested on a charge of drunk driving.

ELLANIE SMIT

Appeal backfiresChinese smugglers get longer sentence The High Court has added money laundering to the list of convictions of four Chinese men who had appealed against their sentences for wildlife crimes.

Four Chinese men, who were originally handed 14-year sentences for wildlife crimes, including rhino horn smuggling, had the shock of their lives when their appeal ended with the High Court also convicting and sentencing them for money laundering.

Li Xiaoling, Li Zhibing, Pu Xuexin and Wang Hui were originally convicted and sentenced in 2016 in the Windhoek Regional Court for trying to smuggle 14 rhino horns and a leopard skin out of the country. Portions of their 14-year sentences were suspended. They have now been slapped with 20-year jail terms, of which five years were suspended, on condition they are not convicted of money-laundering or the export, possession or dealing in wildlife products. The court ordered that their sentences be backdated to their regional court sentencing date - 30 September 2016.

Xiaoling, Zhibing and Xuexin were caught with 14 rhino horns worth N$2.3 million as well as a leopard skin worth about N$50 000 in their luggage on 23 March 2014 at Hosea Kutako International Airport, while Hui, who is believed to be the kingpin, was arrested in May that year at the Windhoek Country Club Resort.

They were found guilty of dealing in controlled wildlife products, the unlawful possession of such products and their unlawful exportation. They were found not guilty of money laundering. Acting Judge Alfred Siboleka, in concurrence with Judge Dinnah Usiku and Judge Siboleka, not only dismissed their appeal last Friday, but also ruled they should have been found guilty of unlawfully acquiring, possessing, using or taking the proceeds of their unlawful activities out of Namibia.

Siboleka said the ultimate purpose of being found in possession of or dealing in rhino horns is to launder, and bring the local tourism industry to its knees.

“If this subtle onslaught is not tackled with an iron fist, irreparable damage to our wildlife is inevitable and certain,” Siboleka said.

He said the four men booked into the Windhoek Country Club Resort for one day.

“The finer substantial details of their movements between the two rooms in which they were booked show that they were jointly and severally in association with each other.”

According to Siboleka they were in full control of their luggage, which included the two suitcases in which the 14 rhino horns and the leopard skin were found.

“The group's joint and full control over their luggage continued to manifest itself, even up to the time when the officer informed them about the detection and removal from the conveyor belt of the two suitcases at the departure luggage point.”

Siboleka said the four Chinese men used the proceeds of unlawful activities, which is what money laundering is, materially, all about.

“The fact that these products were detected at the departure luggage conveyor belt at Hosea Kutako International Airport, and were destined to be flown out of the country, shows that all the preparations required had gone past consummation, in that they had been finalised.”

Siboleka also referred to the fact that Xiaoling pleaded guilty to the charges, while taking all the blame on his shoulders and exonerating his co-accused.

“This conduct is a proof beyond reasonable doubt that they indeed were jointly and severally operating in common purpose as a group. This is an unassailable, credible acknowledgment that they all were aware of the presence of the 14 rhino horns and the leopard skin in the two suitcases.”

The Chinese men were represented by Nambili Mhata, while advocate Simba Nduna was the prosecutor.

ELLANIE SMIT

Never have I ever Evany van Wyk

I have I ever voted, been to America or committed a crime.

Never have I ever wanted to die or pretended to be someone I’m not. This is usually where young people start taking shots, but I’m playing by myself and there is no alcohol involved. These topics probably have nothing in common, except that each young person has thought about it or will one day. So can you guess which of those statements is not quite true?

Firstly, I am very excited to be able to vote for the first time ever this year. It gives me a sense of importance and self-worth. Yes, it may sound weird, but being able to vote is such a privilege and honour. Especially after the incredible journey that has brought us 29 years of independence. So I can’t wait to check that one off my list. People usually love to criticise the results of elections, but whether they actually vote is a question better left unanswered. Being the change you want to see in the world may start with you casting your vote. So get informed and vote wisely, because there is no turning back.

Going to new places and discovering new things has always been my dream. Well no, that is a lie. I am not a big fan of change, but all the things I see on television tells me that America is quite a cool place to visit. Apart from the natural disasters, war threats, shootings and Donald Trump, what could possibly go wrong? There is probably not a young person out there that hasn’t dreamed of visiting America. I will definitely encourage young people to go and see the world. There are so many diverse cultures and people out there and they are all waiting to be discovered. I still definitely want to go, even with everything happening there. As young people we have so much to learn and this would be the perfect opportunity. If you have the means, do not hesitate.

The crime thing is probably what I’m most proud of. In the world we live it in is very easy to get involved in shady dealings along the way. I may not have been an adult for long, but as far as crime goes, please count me out. I am a self-proclaimed goody two-shoes and the mere thought of making a mistake sends shivers down my spine. If I ever did decide to be a criminal, I’d probably be a really bad one, like the character called Jeff in Henry Danger. The fact that I watch that show testifies that my emotional capacity is not what it needs to be in order for a crime to be successfully committed. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for everyone. We live in a crime-filled society and it is really terrifying. Be brave, be vigilant, and if you’re considering committing a crime, please don’t. Find an alternative or do a deep dive into your innermost self and find the morals God placed within you.

Wanting to die is probably something that everyone has said they wanted to do. But here’s the thing: You may say it, but meaning it is a different story. Once you start thinking about death, you should be very scared of yourself. Never allow yourself to be alone for a second, because that is when those thoughts start filling your head. Just live a life that will make you a happy chappy; no matter what happens, your life is always worth living. You can make a difference, and you will, just keep breathing. So, as you may have gathered, my previous statement about death was false. I indeed wanted to not exist anymore. Somehow I got out of that ditch, and now I have hopes of also making a difference and perhaps encouraging someone to value their life.

Acceptance is very difficult for today’s youth, mainly because being yourself should be what makes you happy. Trying to be someone else just to gain acceptance is quite exhausting and never rewarding. People will always judge you, it doesn’t matter if you’re being the real you or the fake you. You just have to find a way to see the good in every situation and draw strength from the ones who love and care for you. People will never get tired of trying to make you feel as though you are not good enough. I find that listening to my favourite song, ‘You say’ by Lauren Daigle, reassures me that God is the only person whose opinion really matters.

Personal experiences often make great testimonies and I hope that sharing what I went through and am going through lights a spark in someone out there. I am young, with little life experience and absolutely no idea of where I’m headed, but sometimes I have these random moments of wisdom. My grey hair can attest to that. So as far as wisdom goes, you better believe that I will share more of these random thoughts with you.

evany@myzone.com.na

Elections must be credible

There is no iota of doubt that voter education and effective registration campaigns remain a core issue if the Electoral Commission of Namibia is to deliver a credible poll at the end of this year.

All eyes will once again be on the ECN as November approaches, and it is our sincere hope that the electoral body has conducted some sort of audit of its election processes, in order to ensure that it delivers more effectively this time around. During 2014, the ECN was roundly criticised by all and sundry following logistical hiccups at voting centres, as well as for its failure to announce National Assembly and presidential election results on time. Earlier this year, PDM leader McHenry Venaani highlighted some misgivings, while calling into question the ECN's ability to run a credible poll in November, especially if electronic voting machines (EVMs) are once again to be used without a voter-verified paper audit trail. “It becomes a fundamental issue - do we want to have free, fair and credible elections or do we want a frivolous election where the 'victors' can declare themselves winners through frivolous manners,” Venaani was quoted as saying in the Windhoek Observer. While it is almost certain that the ECN will not revert to the use of traditional ballot papers for this year's general election, the expectation is that it should at least build trust and instil confidence, by promoting transparency in its dealings. The run-up to the November vote will definitely be characterised by mudslinging and trash-talk among candidates and their party loyalists. However, the ECN must adopt a neutral position and engage its stakeholders on critical matters, such as the running of effective voter education campaigns, with the aim of sensitising potential first-time voters and others. Voter education must also be rolled out in rural areas, where access to mainstream information is not necessarily the order of the day. Elections are critical accountability mechanisms, and without an element of transparency, there can be no credible vote.

Dial a VrrphaSlinger is your go-to-guy The 19-year-old Junior Slinger is the CEO of Dial a Vrrpha.

Pull quote: “It was difficult for me to rely on the transportation services here in town.” -Junior Slinger

Junior Slinger started and finished primary schooling in Windhoek at Orban Primary School.

Slinger completed his high school at St George’s and is studying law (LLB) at the University of Namibia (Unam).

The reason why he started with this brilliant Vrrpha initiative is because as a young person going out, the biggest problem he constantly faced was transport.

It was either that the services were busy or they took too long. He explained how one day he called one of the services, and waited for about one and a half hours. He then took it upon himself to start a transportation business, with the sole emphasis on quality.

The company is still fresh and young. He runs Dial a Vrrpha with his family, as he explains that running a business like this requires trust, therefore he feels the need to keep the business in the family, as far as he can.

When asked by The Zone what the challenges and victories the business has experienced so far, Slinger said there are a lot of challenges, but the best thing to do is to brace yourself and keep your cool.

“Different people have different personalities. I do get clients that might be disrespectful, but one has to understand that people go through things,” he said.

He said clients also have challenges they face, which they of course they should not be judged for.

One of the challenges are clients that book the service but do not pitch up. By far, the best part of this service, Slinger said, is getting to meet new people and getting to know how to deal with different personalities.

One of the weirdest reasons people have used Dial a Vrrpha was simply to see a ‘hot’ driver.

They have various services.

Airport trips cost N$350, while trips in town only cost N$70.

The more the merrier,” Slinger said, adding that the more people use the service at the same time, the cheaper the price is per person. They also offer rentals for special events such as weddings and matric farewells for which hourly rates are charged.

Dial a Vrrpha also has something new up its sleeves, as it plans to introduce party busses in Windhoek if all goes well within the next few years. The ultimate goal is to be the dominant transportation company in Namibia.

Facts about Junior Slinger:

· He is business-orientated.

· He has good people skills.

· He is at a point in his life where if he is given a N$200, he’ll think of ways to turn it into N$2 000.

· He is a very humble person.

· He is selfless and caring.

Kombat residents protest against Katti

Kombat residents staged a demonstration at the settlement on Saturday to protest against new rentals introduced by a property management company, Kombat Village Properties, on behalf of the new owner, businessman Knowledge Katti.

Katti bought the entire village of Kombat about three years ago.

Residents say they are now forced to pay rent to Kombat Village Properties even though some of them have been paying off houses since the early 2000s with the understanding that they were buying these properties.

Some were in Windhoek last week to consult lawyers over these houses, which they claim they had bought from the previous owner, Ongopolo Mining and Processing.

Kombat Village Properties informed the residents in October last year that new rental agreements would be implemented “in line with transforming Kombat into a self-sustaining town”.

The new rental agreement came into effect in November with monthly rentals now set at N$2 750, excluding water and electricity. Many residents are refusing to sign the new agreements, saying the increase is “massive”.

Kombat Village Properties said those unable to pay the new rentals would have to find “alternative accommodation”.

“They are threatening and insulting us. They are grabbing our houses. We are not happy; we are voicing our anger,” said one resident, Magdalena Petrus.

She said many incidents of intimidation had been reported to the police at Kombat, but nothing was done.

Another resident, Johanna Shilongo, said she – alongside about 50 others – had been paying off her house since 2002.

Shilongo said she started working at Tsumeb Corporation Limited (TCL) in 1995 and later worked for Ongopolo, which bought the town's copper mine in 1999.

She said at the time mine employees only paid electricity and rent; water was free.

In 2001 Ongopolo sent out a notice informing workers that it was selling the Kombat houses and that employees would be given first option to buy.

Shilongo said the purchases did not go ahead because former Otjozondjupa governor Theophelus Eiseb and Otavi councillor Bartholomeus Shagheta advised that Kombat first had to be proclaimed as a town.

Kombat was eventually declared a township in May 2006, comprising 279 erven of which some were reserved as state property. In August that year it was again declared a settlement under the control of the Otjozondjupa regional council.

Weatherly International Plc took over Kombat that same year, in 2006.

Things have changed in the meantime.

“We are now paying those people working for Katti. We are not happy because Katti came in during 2015 or 2016 claiming he had bought the town, which is what we are disputing,” Shilongo said.

Katti's lawyer, Elia Shikongo, last week said the deed transferring ownership to Katti was issued some three or four years ago.

He would not say exactly how much Katti had paid for Kombat, except to say that it was a “back-to-back transaction where the value was exchanged in kind”.

Resident Shilongo feels these “rumours” of Katti having bought Kombat are “confusing”, saying the community demand documentary proof of this sale.

“We fail to understand how Kombat was sold to a private person while other people are staying there. We want to know from the government how this could have happened,” said the elderly Ernst Mburuu.

Mburuu said the residents have been sending letters to current Otjozondjupa governor Otto Iipinge and other councillors seeking their intervention, but to no avail.

“Why is this not a concern for the government? Why is the government not getting involved in this matter? They hear what is happening in Kombat but do not give a damn. No one is coming to listen to us,” Mburuu said.

Paying leases

Lawyer Shikongo says only two or three people have sales agreements for the houses they live in while the others have been paying rent all along.

He says many refuse to pay the rent and are encouraging others to do the same.

Shikongo says the residents have in fact been presented with the new ownership of Kombat, adding: “The issue of ownership came up as an excuse not to pay rent.”

He says 15 eviction summonses are being processed, while others have been given notice to pay or face eviction.

CATHERINE SASMAN