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Thought Leadership

April 17, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Thought LeadershipThought Leadership Financial wellbeing is part of a holistic lifestyle Ashante Mannetti



In this fast-paced world we try to juggle a million things at once. Job, family, friends, eating healthy and we know we still need to find time to exercise.

In an ideal world we would do all of these things and more. They are all part of what makes up our 'holistic wellbeing.”

This means that we take care of ourselves and every part of your life to have a better, healthier, happier and more balanced life. However, one major part that people of all walks of life overlook is financial wellbeing, it is an essential part of holistic wellbeing.

Not having your financial affairs in order, or simply having money challenges can cause stress, anxiety and lack of sleep to name but a few symptoms. So, it's imperative that financial wellbeing is approached in the same manner as every other part of life.

This means having a plan in place for insurance, saving/investment, retirement, paying monthly bills and even anticipating emergencies. An aspect of financial planning which is all too often overlooked is insurance. Insurance is like a guardian angel.

You never know when you need it, but you are very happy that you have it when you do. We don't plan to get sick, we don't plan to get burgled and we definitely believe that death is a long way away. Right up to the moment when we do get sick or death does strike.

As adults we know life takes unplanned twists and turns and chaos can erupt from one moment to the next. Whether it is an accident, a sudden illness or even worse death. They have one thing in common, dealing with them costs money. Whether it is taking time from work and needing 'severe illness coverage', health insurance to pay for doctor's visits and treatment or financial assistance for a funeral.

Anticipating that you and your loved ones will inevitably face some adversity is why you acquire insurance and is an intrinsic part of overall financial planning. Usually, one of the reasons we put off getting insurance and coverage for ourselves and our families is because of all the hoops you have to jump through.

Whether it is a complete run-trough of medical history or even having to go for medical check-ups. Paperwork, documents, getting a medical check-up from a doctor all takes time and is a huge hassle. With more and more services moving online lots of these hoops have become a thing of the past.

It is easy to forget that holistic wellbeing is made up of different building blocks; family, health, job security, exercise and definitely financial wellbeing. There are many facets to financial wellbeing, but insurance is the absolute bedrock of long-term financial planning and peace of mind.
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Chinese embassy condemns Andara killing

April 18, 2019, 10:26 am
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Chinese embassy condemns Andara killingChinese embassy condemns Andara killing
The Chinese embassy has condemned the killing of a 32-year-old man at Andara in Kavango East yesterday. The man was allegedly shot and killed by a Chinese businessman following an altercation. "The Chinese Embassy in Namibia deeply regrets at the criminal case in Divundu of Kavango East Region on April 17 during which a Namibian was killed (sic)," the brief statement reads. "We would like to express our condolence to the deceased and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families." The Chinese embassy further called upon the relevant parties to let the courts deal with the matter and not take the law into their own hands. "We call on all relevant parties to keep calm, deal with the case in legal procedure, and avoid the re-occurrence of vicious events such as beating, smashing and looting," it reads. According to preliminary police reports, the incident allegedly happened after the victim was dismissed by the suspect who was his employer and afterwards demanded his last pay cheque. A scuffle is alleged to have ensued resulting in the killing of the man. The victim was allegedly shot four times in the chest. The suspect was arrested and is due to appear in court on Tuesday next week.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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Students to write NBTs locally

April 18, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Students to write NBTs locally Students to write NBTs locally Venue available at Windhoek Gymnasium Students who wish to complete their NBTs are now able to register before 14 May to write them at Windhoek Gymnasium on 26 May. Mariselle Stofberg

Windhoek Gymnasium is now an acceptable venue as part of the national cycle for the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). Gymnasium applied to be a remote centre that allows students within Namibia to complete their NBTs.

“This means we do not have an issue with facilitating any test at any time at the venue,” says Estelle Murray, the logistics manager at the Centre for Educational Testing for Access and Placement (CETAP).

Other centres have been available in Namibia, but due to a lack of interest these centres do not operate as venues within Namibia anymore.

Gymnasium is going to facilitate a remote centre on Sunday, 26 May at the school hall. The due date for registration is 14 May.

The test times are 07:30-11:30 for Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) and 12:00-15:00 for Mathematics (MAT).

The NBTs focus on academic readiness for university study. Each test requires you to apply prior learning and what you are able to do with materials that reflect expectations for first-year students in university programmes. Many universities in South Africa require Namibian students who wish to apply to complete the NBTs to determine their academic readiness.

The NBT Project is an initiative run by Universities South Africa, formerly known as Higher Education South Africa (HESA).

Some South African universities use the NBTs in addition to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for access to higher education institutions or to determine if learners need any learning support to complete or pursue their studies.

Maretha du Plessis, the head of department counselling at Windhoek Gymnasium, confirmed they are now able to accommodate other learners from Namibia as well.

“We need at least 30 learners to ensure that the costs of the invigilators and courier costs of the tests are taken care of by the NBT. We are still responsible for the administrative costs of running the venue for the tests.”

Du Plessis said this will aid parents to have their children complete tests in Namibia, as they do not need to travel to South Africa to complete the tests. “The costs of having to send your children to other countries for the tests are a huge burden on parents and not everyone is able to afford this.”

How to register:

1. Call Lida Beukes at 061 381 459 or Maretha du Plessis at 061 223295 to register.

2. You will have to give the following information:

· Full name, as on your Namibian/South African ID document or Namibian/South African passport

· ID number or passport number.

· Are you going to write AQL only or both AQL and MAT?

· Are you going to write in English or Afrikaans?

3. Registration fees payable:

· AQL only - N$200.

· AQL and MAT - N$400.

4. Contact Beukes or Du Plessis for the necessary information for payment and the sending of proof of payment.

On Sunday, 26 May you must bring along:

· Your original ID document or passport, as well as a certified copy.

· Your proof of payment.

· A sharp HB pencil and an eraser (no calculator).

· Something to eat or drink between the AQL and MAT tests.

For any further questions, contact Maretha du Plessis at 081 246 7727.
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There’s no place like home

April 22, 2019, 4:00 pm
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There’s no place like homeThere’s no place like home Michelle Mushonga



Mable glanced at the tiny little girl softly napping against her chest. Her small lips were slightly parted and her breaths were so soft it was as if they were merely a whisper of life. Her miniature hand was tightly wound around Mable’s middle finger, as if she feared that her mother would disappear in her sleep. “This is it,” Mable thought, as she glanced at the plane tickets in her hand. She had travelled numerous times before, but this was not a two-way ticket to Zanzibar or Johannesburg. This was a one-way ticket to new beginnings and a better life. She consoled herself by remembering that she was doing this for the innocent little soul in her arms. She lovingly brushed her hands through her daughter’s hair, more for her own comfort than her daughter’s. Mable was deeply saddened. Noticing the wretched expression on her face, her husband squeezed her hand in reassurance.

“Good afternoon passengers. Ethiopian Airlines flight 216 to Kigali is now boarding at gate 3. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Thank you.”

Mable awoke the snoring five-year-old. She clutched her handbag with one hand, tightly held her daughter’s tiny hand with the other, and followed her husband along the hallways of the busy Harare International Airport. This was it, she was leaving everything she’d ever known behind in the hope of finding a better life.

In contrast to her sombre mood, her daughter skipped alongside her, giggling in anticipation for what the future had in store for them.

“Yay, we’re going to another planet!” the little girl screamed in excitement. Mable’s glance moved from her daughter to the airport, as they climbed up the stairway of flight 216. She smiled, hoping that she was doing the right thing.

The above narrative paints a picture of the first time we ever moved in 2007. My parents made the decision to leave home to provide better opportunities for their daughter and two sons. It was not an easy decision, but like many Zimbabwean families, it was something that just had to happen. It was the first of many big changes in my life. At only four years old, I was clueless to the fact that this was just the beginning of a life full of migration - from Rwanda to South Africa to Swaziland, and finally to Namibia. I am no stranger to new beginnings.

A few years ago, when people heard Zimbabwe, the first thing that would come to mind was Robert Mugabe.

As a young Zimbabwean who grew up in diaspora, I knew this all too well. Revealing my nationality was usually followed by a question about Mugabe.

There was no Bob without Zimbabwe and no Zimbabwe without Bob. The two were bound in a twisted, abusive holy matrimony. Mugabe being the conniving husband, constantly sucking the life out of Zimbabwe, while convincing her that he truly does love her. And Zimbabwe being the naive wife, who constantly defends him by claiming: “He will change! With time, he will change.”

After almost four decades, Zimbabwe finally realised that a conniving dictator such as Bob would never be any different and filed for divorce in the form of a military coup. Who would have thought that Zimbabwe would exist without her Bob?

I remember the day it happened like it was yesterday. I walked into the living room, only to be greeted by my whole family hooked by Aljazeera, watching the recent turn of events unfold.

“The military has given Robert Mugabe until Friday to resign,” was all I heard. Bob? Resign? The two could never exist in the same sentence. Bob would never willingly resign. In my mind, it was all one big, sick joke.

It has been almost sixteen months since Robert Mugabe resigned, but Zimbabwe is still in a state of dire economic crisis. Some would even argue that it is currently worse than it has ever been.

Growing up, my mother would tell me tales of her childhood - tales of young children playing out in the open until late and tales of villagers that lived as one. The Zimbabwe she paints is but a distant fantasy compared to the Zimbabwe we see. The new generation of Zimbabweans will never see my country for what it truly is: A concoction of diverse, rich cultures, overflowing with beautiful green forests and captivating wildlife. Instead, the Zimbabwe they know is whittling away in suffering and thin with poverty. The Zimbabwe they know is filled with hopelessness.

At 50 years old, my mother has seen 17 different lands, six of which she’s lived in, and yet, her thick Zimbabwean accent still punctuates every syllable. Zimbabwe still flows through our veins. After all, there’s no place like home

I speak for most Zimbabweans when I ask: Will Zimbabwe ever be a better place? I guess only time will tell.
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WBO junior lightweight title is in the bag

April 22, 2019, 4:00 pm
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WBO junior lightweight title is in the bagWBO junior lightweight title is in the bagNakathila wants to step up against Ito Jeremiah Nakathila is eyeing the bigger stage after Saturday's thrilling boxing display at the Windhoek Country Club Resort. Local boxer Jeremiah 'Lowkey' Nakathila outclassed his opponent, Hungarian Zoltan Kovacs, in the eighth round of their bout at the Independence Legacy Fight Part Two tournament to win the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) junior lightweight title.

The Namibian, promoted by MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy, showed boxing fans why he should get a chance to challenge for the WBO world super lightweight title currently held by Japan's Masayuki Ito after making a practice session out of Hungary's highly ranked Kovacs.

From the word go Nakathila meant business and brought Kovacs down in the first round. But Kovacs beat the referee's count and continued with the fight.

The Namibian brought the fight to the visitor but even though he was receiving all sorts of pain through blows to his body, the Hungarian stood tall. The crowd kept asking for more and in the seventh round, Kovacs again fell but once again beat the count.

Nakathila kept the intensity going and eventually the referee had to stop the fight in the eighth round because Kovacs, despite managing to stay on his feet, had received too much punishment for one night.

The emotional Kovacs eventually accepted defeat and shook the Namibian's hand after the fight.

“I knew I was going to knock him out. It was just a matter of time because I was hurting him. I showed the world that I'm ready to challenge for the world title. This is just a signal to the world,” said Nakathila.

He said he could fight anyone in the division, which also has Ryan Garcia and Lamont Roach of the US, but that he was going after Ito.

Nakathila is not the only one smiling after Saturday night's boxing tournament. Local boxer Mike Shonena also refreshed boxing fans' minds as to why he is the man to beat. Shonena successfully defended his WBO Africa welterweight title against Shadrack Ignas of Tanzania.

Always accurate and a strong puncher, Shonena ended his fight in the fourth round of a 12-round bout. Ignas surrendered after receiving heavy blows to his body.

Young boxer Harry Simon Jr is following in the footsteps of great boxers after beating the feisty Andreas Nghinananye in the first round of their eight-round bout to be crowned the Namibian junior welterweight champion. Nghinananye came out of his corner throwing punches at Simon Jr, who let the boxer in before knocking him down.

The Namibians were in a class of their own, with Paulinus Paulus knocking out Limbani Masamba of Malawi in the first round in a middleweight fight, while Emmanuel Mungandjela knocked out Chikondi Makawa of Malawi in the fourth round of their welterweight fight.

The super bantamweight fight between Timoteus Shuulula and Niikoti Johannes was decided on points. Johannes won the fight on a split decision as the judges scored the fight 56-57, 57-56 and 56-58.

The scheduled fight between Onesmus Nekundi and Joseph Joseph did not take place.

Walter 'The Executioner' Kautondokwa's fight against Jacob Maganga of Tanzania was also cancelled because Maganga failed a medical test, much to the disappointment of his fans who were hoping to see the boxer back in the ring after his last failed fight against American Demetrius Andrade last year.

LIMBA MUPETAMI
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Chinese N$10bn loan still on the table

April 22, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Chinese N$10bn loan still on the tableChinese N$10bn loan still on the table OGONE TLHAGE



The Namibian government is under no obligation to take up any loan offered to as part of a memorandum of understanding signed during the Forum on China Africa Cooperation summit held in Beijing last year.

This was said by the Chinese embassy’s deputy mission head, Yang Jun, last week. Namibia had been offered a N$10 billion concessionary loan by the Chinese government, which Jun described as very attractive. The loan facility was still being discussed, Jun said.

It forms part of an attractive concession loan which, according to Jun, is more attractive than existing loans offered by development fund institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The loan would consist of a grant and a concessional loan offered at an interest rate of only 2%, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation reported last year during the Focac summit.

“We did make contact with the Namibian government but both sides [Namibian and Chinese governments] have not [yet] reached an agreement,” said Jun.

According to him, these offers are meant to help developing countries and are not being forced down the throats of African leaders.

“For Namibia this can provide good initiatives from which to benefit from the Belt and Road initiative. It can offer assistance to Namibia in terms of development,” said Jun.

He highlighted the construction of the Husab uranium mine, the construction of several roads and the new container terminal at the port of Walvis Bay as some examples.

Finance minister Calle Schlettwein did not respond to a query about the loan arrangement. Schlettwein had been quoted as saying last year that the funding proposal had been included in Namibia’s debt strategy.

“This funding proposal was included in our debt strategy covering the next two medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) periods,” Schlettwein told The Namibian last September.

“Each project still needs to be considered by Cabinet once they are ready. It is only then that the government will be entering binding agreements,” he said.

Part of the loan is earmarked for the upgrading of Hosea Kutako International Airport and the construction of four rural schools and 400 houses.

The summit, which attracted many African leaders, saw US$60 billion being put on the table for infrastructure development on the continent as part of China’s Belt and Road initiative.
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Shooting triggers looting

April 22, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Shooting triggers lootingShooting triggers lootingPolice maintain order in tense Kavango East Two Chinese shop owners are expected to appear in court today in connection with the shooting of an employee, while officials have urged local communities to stay calm. KENYA KAMBOWE



The family of a man who was shot at Andara village in the Kavango East Region, allegedly by his employers, say they were shocked by the manner of his death.

Muyevu Haushiku (32) died last week Wednesday after he was shot several times outside the Chinese supermarket at Andara where he worked.

He was declared dead upon arrival at the Andara Roman Catholic Hospital, which is about 300 metres from the shop.

The two suspects - both Chinese nationals - are expected to appear before the Rundu Magistrate’s Court today.

Haushiku’s uncle, Ndhango Thiteketa, who lives at the nearby Bagani village, described his nephew as “a joker” who rarely got angry.

Thiteketa said he last saw his nephew alive on 8 April when he left for Andara to work at the Chinese-owned shop.

“It’s really bad how my nephew died. He was not an animal to be shot and left to die the way he did,” Thiteketa said.

“I raised him and he was a person who did not get angry very easily or start a fight. He liked making jokes most of the time and that’s how I remember him.”

Thiteketa said Haushiku had been a casual worker at several Chinese shops at Divundu and started working at the shop at Andara this month.

Preliminary police reports indicate that the shooting happened after one of the suspects decided to fire Haushiku without compensation.

Haushiku allegedly demanded severance pay and this led to an argument.

The second suspect, who allegedly had two guns in his possession, arrived from Divundu minutes later.

Community members said after the shooting the two shop owners went back into the shop and waited there until the police arrived and arrested them.

Haushiku will be buried at Bagani village on Thursday.

Thiteketa said the family had been in contact with Chinese officials who are assisting with the funeral arrangements.

He said although the family appreciated the assistance, the pain of losing a loved one was too much to bear and they expected justice from the courts.

CHINESE SHOPS LOOTED

On Wednesday evening, just hours after the killing, reports surfaced that people were looting the shop at Andara, as well as Chinese-owned shops at Kangongo and at Mayara village in Mukwe constituency.

The police deployed officers to these communities to contain the situation and recovered some of the looted items.

The incident prompted the Chinese embassy in Windhoek to issue a statement expressing condolences to the bereaved family and urging people to remain calm and allow justice to prevail in the courts of law.

“The Chinese embassy in Namibia deeply regrets the criminal case at Divundu in the Kavango East Region on 17 April during which a Namibian was killed,” the statement read.

“We would like to express our condolences ... and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families. We call on all relevant parties to keep calm, deal with the case in legal procedure, and avoid the re-occurrence of vicious events such as beating, smashing and looting (sic).”

However, angry community members in Mukwe constituency demanded that all Chinese-owned shops in their area be closed indefinitely.

A protest march planned for Saturday did not go ahead because the organisers had not obtained permission from the police.

FOREIGNERS OWNING FIREARMS

The Andara shooting also sparked debate about whether foreigners are allowed to own firearms in Namibia.

Mukwe constituency councillor John Thiguru was one of those who questioned whether foreign citizens were issued gun licences.

When contacted for comment, police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga said foreigners who have work permits or permanent residence permits have the right to register guns in Namibia.

“There are not many restrictions on the ownership of small firearms by foreign nationals living in Namibia,” Ndeitunga said.

He could not immediately say what the legal status of the two suspects was, or whether their guns had been legally obtained.
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Space-bound

April 22, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Space-boundSpace-boundNamibia to be represented at United Space School Christo Boshoff, a grade 11 learner at Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool, will represent Namibia at the annual United Space School, presented by NASA in Houston, America. Mariselle Stofberg



Namibia will participate independently at the United Space School (USS) for the first time this year, which takes place from 21 July until 5 August.

Christo Boshoff, a grade 11 learner at Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool (WAP) will be representing the country.

“I feel very privileged and honoured to be a part of this incredible opportunity. This was only made possibly by the will of Our Father in heaven.”

Wida du Plessis, the official representative of the USS in southern Africa and Africa, marks this as an incredible opportunity for Namibia as a whole. “This is an incredible milestone for Namibia. The significance of Namibia’s official participation status at the USS is that Namibia is now listed in its own right on the official documents of the USS at NASA and the Namibian flag will be displayed amongst the flags of the other participation countries for the duration of each USS.”

Boshoff was born in Otjiwarongo on 25 March 2002, but his family was staying in Tsumeb at the time. They stayed in Tsumeb until 2006 whereafter they immigrated to Angola. They returned to Namibia in 2008 and then stayed in Windhoek, where he is currently at WAP.

He is one of three children and his parents have always supported their passions and encouraged them to do what they love. Since a young age he was encouraged to live a balanced life, and not only did he participate in sports, specifically rugby, but enjoys music as well and playing the cello and flute.

Boshoff’s enthusiasm for science and space has its roots in his curious nature and love for science in general.

“My love for space developed due to my interest in science. Initially I was interested in biology and maths and further research into both sparked my interest in physics. The more I learned, the more my interests grew,” says Boshoff.

He is planning on studying medicine after he matriculates and he hopes to use this knowledge to better the circumstances of those around him. “I don’t want to become a doctor, but I rather want to design medical equipment that can be used in areas without conventional medical services, such as warzones, or design equipment that can be used in space.”

Namibia can from 2019 onwards annually send one student to the USS and to the culture fair, which is a part of the USS programme. Namibia will for the first time have its own spot to display typical Namibian food and other national symbols.

Du Plessis believes this opportunity will not only be of great value to Boshoff, but has the potential to open up doors for Namibia as well.

“Most of the students, host families and some keynote speakers attending the USS did not see or meet anyone from Namibia before, and now they could take note of the country, its flag, its heritage, culture and its people. They are the future in their respective countries and their newfound knowledge of Namibia could prove to be valuable to Namibia in future.”

Boshoff encourages learners to not only have a dream, but to actually take measures to make that dream a reality.

“To have a dream is great, but you need to start working now to realise that dream. Nothing is impossible and the more you do things that might appear impossible, the more possible they become.”

Christo fact box:

· He loves to cook and bake.

· He sings and has been a part of a choir before

· He is a ‘Voortrekker’.

· His family has two boerboels.

· In his free time he likes to watch videos on maths and science.

USS fact box:

· Up to 50 students from 25 countries across the globe take part on an invitation basis only.

· This year’s theme is ‘A Manned Mission to Mars’.

· The students are divided into five teams: Yellow, red, blue, green and maroon, and compete against each during the two-week programme.

· Students are exposed to the mentorship of engineers, scientists and leaders in the aerospace industry.

· Topics covered include the physiological effects on the human body in a weightlessness environment, plasma propulsion rocketry, life support and environmental systems, psychological factors in long duration spaceflight, medical care during spaceflights and long endurance spaceflights.
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Hengari suspended

April 23, 2019, 6:48 am
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Hengari suspended Hengari suspended The Namibia Wildlife Resorts board has suspended the company’s managing director Zelna Hengari. The news follows after the board chairman Leonard Iipumbu, early in April laid the blame for the cancellation of a joint-venture agreement with Sun Karros Safaris at Hengari’s door.
At the time Iipumbu said the agreement, which was signed by the managing director of Sun Karros, Bertus Struwig, on 30 May last year and then by Hengari on 11 June 2018, was cancelled by the current board because it had been approved by Hengari “without the knowledge and authorisation of the board of directors of NWR and the minister of environment and tourism”.
The joint venture has in the meantime been restored between NWR and Sun Karros but it appears that the board was still gunning for Hengari and suspended her today.
No official statement has been released on Hengari’s suspension and who will be appointed to act in her position.
This is a developing story.
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Omaruru Spar Cycle challenge

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Omaruru Spar Cycle challengeOmaruru Spar Cycle challenge The 18th edition of the Omaruru Spar Cycle Challenge will take place at the town this weekend.

The annual cycling event is expected to attract over 300 cyclists from all corners of the country to compete for medals and cash prizes.

The organisers of the challenge say that all logistics are in place for the races to start on Saturday morning.

Organiser Berthold Karumendu, who is the Erongo sports officer, emphasised the importance of the race, stating that many top cyclists are given an opportunity to test their abilities. “These races are very important as they are there to identify talent and help other elite riders to prepare them for continental and global competitions.

“I would like to thank Omaruru Spar for remaining with us and Coca-Cola for providing us with drinks and extra funds. “FNB Namibia has also played a big role in making sure that they are part of this sponsorship,” Karumendu said. Spar Namibia this year sponsored the event to the tune of N$40 000, with Coca-Cola providing cooldrinks and an additional N$6 000, while FNB Namibia contributed N$20 000.

Last year, the race was won by Fanie Steenkamp and Michelle Doman in the elite men and women's sections.

Francois Lötter of Spar Namibia has invited people from other regions to visit Omaruru and support the event. Speaking at the launch, Lötter said: “It is an honour to support this race and to have been part of it for 18 years. “We are looking forward for this race and we hope to see everybody in our town.”

Registration can be done online at Raceday and will close tonight. Those who miss the deadline will have to register at the Omaruru Hotel on Friday morning.

Cyclists are required to pay N$100 for online registration and N$300 for late registration.

The winners of the elite men's and women's races over 106 km will walk away with N$3 000 each, while the runners-up will take home N$2000 and the prize for third place is N$1 000.

The winners of the 60 km race will receive N$750, the runners-up N$500 and the third-placed finishers N$250. There will also be a category for veteran athletes, and a fun ride of 25 km. The elite race begins at 08:00, followed by the other races which are scheduled for 08:20.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
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Marathon challenges for Tokyo 2020

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Marathon challenges for Tokyo 2020Marathon challenges for Tokyo 2020 Namibian athletes are struggling to qualify for the Olympics because the country does not host any Olympic qualifying marathon.

This has forced most local athletes to seek qualification races outside Namibia, which is costly.

Most of the local marathons, such as the Rössing Marathon and Sanlam Marathon, do not provide qualification standards even though they are measured and accredited by the IAAF.

Erongo sports officer Berthold Karumendu is therefore calling on all stakeholders, the Namibia Sports Commission and the Ministry of Sport to assist the athletes willing to compete in events outside Namibia in order for them to qualify.

“The problem is that you need at least N$250 000 for the winning prizes if you want your races to act as qualification races to the Olympics.

“It is unfortunate that there is no money for Namibia to host marathons at such cost and that is why our athletes have to compete outside in order to seek qualification.

“That is why I call upon Namibians to support these athletes in order for them to travel to competitions where they can qualify,” Karumendu said.

He believes it is best if the athletes qualify early in order for them to start preparing for the Olympics.

So far, there are about 14 athletes who are ready to compete in these events.

Commonwealth medallist and Namibia's road-running queen Helalia Johannes, who won the 2019 Two Oceans Half Marathon race in a time of 1:10: 29 seconds in Cape Town on Saturday, has already qualified for the Olympics.

There are still races like the Gaborone Marathon on 15 May and the Cape Town Sanlam Marathon on 15 September where athletes can secure qualification to the Olympics.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
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The chase is on

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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The chase is onThe chase is onBA, Stars in the lead Two points separate log leaders Black Africa and African Stars in the MTC Namibia Premier League after the weekend's matches. The race to the top of the local football league is well under way with title defenders African Stars eyeing the top position which Black Africa (BA) currently occupy.

Stars over the weekend closed the point gap on their rivals after beating Young Brazilians 3-0 on Friday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.

BA, aware of the threat posed by Stars, drew with the Clever Boys of Unam 2-2 on Sunday at the same venue.

As it stands BA have 44 points in total and Stars have 42 points. Unam are in third spot with 32 points, with Tura Magic in fourth position, also with 32 points. The fifth spot is occupied by Otjiwarongo outfit Life Fighters with 31 points.

The sixth position till the 12 position is also a tied affair with one or two goal differences and an expected shift of positions as matches proceed. Mighty Gunners occupy the sixth spot (30), Citizens are in seventh (28), Eleven Arrows are four points behind (24), and occupying the ninth slot are Julinho Sporting (24). The tenth position is occupied by Shandumbala outfit Tigers (23), and Young Brazilians, with the same tally, occupy the 11th slot.

Okahandja United are treading close to the relegation line with 22 points. Warming the relegation zone are Civics (17), Blue Waters (16) and Orlando Pirates (13).

With few matches remaining before the season ends, the teams are wary of dropping any points and from here onwards it's do or die.

The league is expected to end around 26 May if there are no postponements or unforeseen circumstances, according to Lorraine Gowases of the NPL.

Today's match will be between Citizens and Orlando Pirates at 19:00 at Sam Nujoma Stadium. On Friday Eleven Arrows will cross paths with Unam in Walvis Bay. The match will kick off at 19:00.

Blue Waters and Pirates will soon after compete at the same venue.

On the same night in Windhoek, Tura Magic and Tigers will play at 19:00.

LIMBA MUPETAMI
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Sterling wants harsher punishment to tackle racism

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Sterling wants harsher punishment to tackle racismSterling wants harsher punishment to tackle racismPlayer calls for strict measures on discrimination Raheem Sterling calls for strict measures to be imposed against those who continue to make racist attacks on footballers. Clubs should be slapped with automatic nine-point deductions and ordered to play three games behind closed doors if their supporters indulge in racist behaviour, Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling has said. Soccer authorities must adopt radical changes to tackle the menace, Sterling said, after signing a manifesto that calls for consistent and suitable punishment for racist and discriminatory behaviour.

“I'd call for an automatic nine-point deduction for racist abuse,” he wrote in a column for the Times newspaper. It sounds harsh but which fan will risk racist behaviour if it might relegate their team or ruin their title bid? “The club should have to play three games behind closed doors. That way, they lose revenue as a direct consequence of racist behaviour.” Sterling joined a number of professionals and clubs in endorsing the manifesto which also seeks more black and minority ethnic people in senior positions in soccer and no sanctions for players walking off the pitch if they encounter racism.

Framed with the guidance of anti-discriminatory bodies Kick It Out and FARE and the Black Collective of Media in Sport, key points of the manifesto also include the need for media and social media to take more responsibility in tackling abuse.

“Up and down the game, across the world, black and Asian players, fans and coaches are subjected to racism. Every day, from park football to the Champions League,” Sterling said.

“In my opinion the people who run the game are doing nothing near enough to solve the problem. And that's not good enough.”

Earlier this season, Sterling had accused sections of the British media of fuelling racism with a negative portrayal of young black players. The 24-year-old encountered racist abuse during England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro in March, while there have been many other cases in European soccer in recent months. Sterling, who is in the running for the Professional Footballers' Association Players' Player of the Year award, said that he did not want young black players to endure what he had.

“I don't know how long it'll take for things to change but we have to start now. I don't want the next generation of black players to have to put up with this evil,” he said.

NAMPA / REUTERS
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Good to be World Cup underdogs, says Pakistan captain Sarfraz

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Good to be World Cup underdogs, says Pakistan captain SarfrazGood to be World Cup underdogs, says Pakistan captain Sarfraz Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said on Monday that being underdogs in next month's World Cup eases the pressure on his young team, who leave for the tournament this week.

Pakistan will play three warm-up matches before taking on joint-hosts England in a five-match one-day series and a Twenty20.

The 1992 World Cup winners start their campaign against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31.

Sarfraz he would prefer his side to go into the tournament under the radar.

“Look, when we go as favourites, then it's a problem, but if we go as underdogs then other teams feel the danger, so I think being underdogs is good for us and eases the pressure,” Sarfraz told a press conference in Lahore before they departed for England and Wales on Tuesday.

Sarfraz, 31, was among five key players rested for the whitewash ODI series defeat by Australia last month to freshen up the squad before the competition.

He was handed a four-match suspension in January by the International Cricket Council after he made a racist comment about South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo during an ODI.

All 10 teams will play each other in the tournament starting on May 30 with England taking on South Africa in the opening fixture. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.

The high-voltage clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India scheduled for Manchester on June 16 promises to be one of the most tense of the tournament.

Pakistan and India, who both possess nuclear weapons, came to the brink of all-out war recently after fresh sparring over the disputed region of Kashmir, adding to the intensity of the match.

But Sarfraz played down the hype, saying all games are important.

“For us all nine matches are important so we will take every match as a match against India,” he said of Pakistan's bitter rivals who have won all six of their previous World Cup clashes.

But Pakistan took the Champions Trophy against India in 2017 with a stunning 180-run victory in the final.

“We have beaten India in a bigger event recently so we will have that advantage,” said Sarfraz.

He said the theme of Pakistan's World Cup mission is “we have, we will”, citing the team's previous glories.

Along with the Champions Trophy two years ago, Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup and the 2009 World Twenty20.

“I think these are exciting times for Pakistan cricket and for the team,” said Mickey Arthur, who took over as head coach in May 2016.

“We leave on a journey for which we have worked really hard,” he said, adding that they have “a good team, both in talent and attitude”

“The initial thing is to qualify for the last four and take it from there, so I think we have the potential to certainly go all the way but before that we have to play very well,” South African Arthur added.

Pakistan has named two extra players in their squad for the five-match one-day series against England, with pace man Mohammad Amir and batsman Asif Ali in addition to the 15 for the World Cup. But they have until May 23 to finalise their squad for the tournament.

NAMPA / AFP
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Our hard work paid off: //Karas captain

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Our hard work paid off: //Karas captainOur hard work paid off: //Karas captain The //Karas Region football team's hard work over the past two years paid off, team captain Llewelyn Both said on Monday after they won the 19th edition of the Namibian Newspaper Cup against Otjozondjupa.

//Karas won 2-1 through goals by Heinrich Plaatjies and Simeon Nambondi.

Both said the Governor's Cup held last year to select players for the team had an impact on them winning their first-ever Namibian Newspaper Cup.

“We came here to repay the faith shown in us by the technical team and our governor, Lucia Basson. We only had one aim - to win the cup for our region,” an elated Both said.

He said the coaches encouraged the team to play to their strength and follow instructions.

“We stuck to what the coaches wanted from us and we were disciplined in our approach. The team fought for each other and at the end we came out victorious,” he said.

Meanwhile, Otjozondjupa coach Robba Gurirab said no one expected them to go all the way.

“We were written off even before we touched a ball, but the boys showed that they have the fight in them. Our opponents came out guns blazing and were just hungrier than us,” he said.

He added that the second goal should not have stood as it was offside.

“The second goal was a clear offside and the assistant referee who was in a better position did not even flag for offside. We don't need such officiating at junior tournaments as it kills the morale of the players,” Gurirab said.

He nevertheless congratulated //Karas for the win and said should he be offered the job again, he would like to win the cup for the region.
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Namibia e li potango miilongo yi na iikundaneki yamanguluka muAfrika

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Namibia e li potango miilongo yi na iikundaneki yamanguluka muAfrikaNamibia e li potango miilongo yi na iikundaneki yamanguluka muAfrika Epangelo olya tsuwa omukumo opo li ninge oonkambadhala dhokuyambulapo omukalo gwokumona omauyelele ngele Namibia ota kalekepo onkatu ye, mpoka oshilongo shili ngashiingeyi momusholondondo gwiilongo yi na iikundaneki yamanguluka muAfrika.

Namibia ngoka sigo omvula ya piti a kala ponomola yotango , omvula ya piti okwa kanitha ompito yuutango kuGhana onga oshilongo shi na iikundaneki yamanguluka na okwa shuna ishewe pompito ye ndjoka omathimbo ngaka kwiikwatelelwa koWorld Press Freedom Index.

Namibia muuyuni okuli ponomola onti 23, na okwa dhengemo iilongo ngaashi England, France oshowo United States of America.

Aapopi kombinga yiikumungu yiikundaneki mboka ya yi moonkundathana noshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun, oya pandula onkatu ndjoka yi Ii Namibia ihe oya kunkilile opo oshilongo kashi kale sha mwena shi wete kutya osha pondola na epangelo lya pumbwa okuyambulapo omukalo gwokumona omauyelele.

Omudhindi gwoonkundana moshifokundaneki shoThe Namibian newspaper, Tangeni Amupadhi, okwa popi kutya omanga a pandula oshilongo omolwa onkatu mpoka shi li okwa popi kutya shoka kashi shi oonkambadhala dha ningwa kepangelo, ihe omolwashoka owala onkalo yiikundaneki yamanguluka ya shuna pevi moGhana, ngoka a li a tulwa ponomola yotango muAfrika.

“Ngele owa tala kolopota ndjoka itashi ti Namibia okwa ninga sha opo a ye ponkatu yotango. Otwa pumbwa okutala unene konkalo yegandjo lyomauyelele. Otwa pumbwa okumona epangelo lyetu tali manguluka mokugandja omauyelele kaku shi owala kaatooli yoonkundana ihe nokoshigwana woo,” Amupadhi a popi.

Omukwatakanithi gwoNamibia Media Trust, Zoe Titus, naye okweendulula momapopyo gaAmupadhi, kutya ope na ompumbwe onene yokuyambulapo egandjo lyomauyelele na okuwete kutya shoka tashi vulu okuyambulapo onkatu ndjoka yili Namibia ngashiingeyi.

Okwa popi kutya nonando Namibia okwa tothwa mo kutya oshimwe shomiilongo mbyoka yi na iikundaneki yamanguluka, ope na ethimbo mpoka a li a tulwa ponomola onti 17 muuyuni, ta popi kutya ope na ompito yomayambukepo gonkatu ndjoka yi li oshilongo.

Frederico Links, omupekaapeki moshiputudhilo shoInstitute of Public Policy Research, okwa pandula onkundana ndjoka ta popi kutya Namibia okwa pumbwa okukwatela po onkatu ye opo ka shune we monima.

Okwa popi kutya Namibia oku natango ondjila onde okuya monkalo yokuyambuapo egandjo lyemanguluko kiikundaneki.

“Afrika ke li oshiholelwa oshiwanawa kombinga yemanguluko lyiikundaneki, otwa pumbwa okutsikila nokukala omukumo gwiilongo yilwe menenevi,” Links a popi.

Omupresiende Hage Geingob okwa popi kutya epangelo lye otali tsikile nokugamenena po emanguluko lyiikundaneki.

Okwa tegelelwa woo ontotwaveta yoAccess to Information Bill yi ka tulwe miilonga mOmutumba gwoPashigwana nuumvo.

OGONE TLHAGE
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China ta longitha Namibia

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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China ta longitha NamibiaChina ta longitha NamibiaOmayambidhidho ngaa shili nenge ope na sha shilwe sha holekwa? Omukalo gwaChina ta gandja omayambidhidho kiilongo okupitila mooprograma dhe dhomayambulepo aniwa, ogwa konenenwa nokweetitha omaipulo kutya China ota longitha iilongo mokwiimonena omauwanawa gopaliko. Ominista yOmakwatathano gopaigwana oshowo elongelokumwe, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, okwa li omathimbo ga piti a gandja omayele kaanyasha AaNamibia opo yiimonene uunongo neuveko kombinga yomutumba gwoForum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), ngoka opo gwa li gwa ningwa, molwaashoka okwe shi tula po kutya otashi ka guma oonkalamwenyo dhawo.

Shoka otashi ulike sha fa ekunkililo.

China ota ulike e na elalakano lya sha moNamibia ngaashi iilongo yilwe okukala e li konima yekwatathano ndyoka tiithana kutya Africa-China relationship naakwashigwana kaye shi ehala lyawo mekwatathano ndika tali endelele noonkondo.

Omunongononi gwopolotika, Dr Henning Melber okwe shi tula kutya omanga China e na omulandu gwaAfrika, iilongo ya Afrika kayi na omulandu gwaChina.

Okwa popi kutya China ota longitha ompito yekwatathano ndyoka mokwiimonena omauwanawa nokuya momakwatathano gesindano koombinga adhihe ngoka taga ningwa komapepe gaakwashigwana.

Okwa popi kutya nonando ongaaka China ita pewa uusama mokulongitha omukalo ngoka mokwiimona uuwanawa, ta popi kutya aaleli yaAfrika oya pumbwa okukala taya kundathana nokuya momatsokumwe ngoka ge li muuwanawa waakwashigwana yawo ihe kamu shi muuwanawa wawoyene.

Epangelo lyaSwapo oshowo China oya kala nekwatathano lyuukume ndyoka aniwa lya zi nale sho China a yambidhidha epangelo pethimbo lyekondjelomanguluko niilwitho oshowo omadheulo guukwaita.

China okwa popiwa a kala metsokumwe lyelanditho lyiilitho nepangelo lyokatongotongo lyaSouth Afrika okuza momvula yo 1980 nonando China okwa kala oshilyo tashi kalele shoUnited Nations Security Council, moka momvula yo 1977 a tulile mo oondjindikila South Afrika, uule woomvula o 17 sigo omo 1994. Etsokumwe ndyoka lyomeholamo olya hololwa omathimbo ngaka membo lyaHennie van Vuuren' tali ithanwa 'Apartheid Guns and Money'.

“Moshigwana okwa li kuume koongundu dhekondjelo lyomamanguluko mUumbugantu waAfrika, ihe China oye a li ta gandja oomboma, oondjembo niikuti mbyoka tayi longithwa komapangelo gaakolonyeki,” Van Vuuren shanga.

Nonando ongaaka shoka tashi sitha ohoni, China ota pula komeho noompangela dhe dhokukwatako Afrika, okupitila mooprograma dhe dhoka hiithana kutya odhomasindano okuza koombinga adhihe, okupitia moshiyetwapo she shomilando dhopondje.



Omikuli dhoFOCAC

Sho kwa manithwa omutumba gwoFOCAC gwomvula ya piti, China okwa tseyitha kutya otaka gandja omakwatho giiyemo gongushu yoobiliyona dha US dha thika po 60 kuAfrika. Oobiliyona 50 otadhi zi kepangelo lyaChina omanga oobiliyona 10 tadhi zi komahangano gopaumwene gaapunguli AaChina.

Momayambidhidho ngoka omwa kwatelwa oobiliyona 20 dhomikuli omipe omanga oobiliyona 15 tadhi ka gandjwa momayambidhidho omanga oobiliyona 5 tadhi gandjwa aniwa miiyemo yowina.

Nonando omikuli dhoka dha tseyithwa pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka gwa ningwa, odhi li pevi noobiliyona 10 okuyeleka naadhoka dha li dha tseyithwa omvula yo 2015 pethimbo lyomutumba gwa faathana. Omukuli ndhoka odha tulwa iishoshela yi li pevi, omanga omayambidhidho giiyemo nomukuli dhoshali dha tulwa po kutya otadhi kala oobiliyona 5 momvula kehe otadhi ka pewa Afrika, kwiikwatelelwa komauyelele ga gandjwa kuDeborah Brautigam gwoChina-Africa Research Initiative Blog. Melber okwa popi kutya oku na omaiyuvo kutya omulandu gwaChina gwomikuli dhoshali otagu gandja omauwanawa owala koshilongo shoka, nelalakano lyawo okukonga oonzo okuza miilongo mbyoka nokwiiyambapaleka yoyene.

Okwa popi kutya oshiholelwa ngashiingeyi ohokwe yaChina moshikondo shongopolo yaNamibia.



Oompangela dhoFOCAC

Omutumba gwomomvula yo 2018 ogwa tula po oondokumende dhopaali yimwe otayi ithanwa 'Beijing Declaration – Towards an Even Stronger China-Africa Community with a Shared Future'; omanga onkwawo tayi ithanwa 'FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2019 to 2021).

Oondokumende moka omu na omilandu dha thika pe 100 dhoka dha nuninwa okuhwahwameka nokuyambulapo iipindi oshowo omatsokumwe gelongelokumwe ngoka ga tulwa miilonga. Omatsokumwe ngoka oga tumbulwa kutya ehwahwameko lyiipindi, ekwatathano lyiikwaniipangitho momayambulepo, elongelokumwe miipindi, uundjolowele, uunamapya, epingakanitho lyoonzo dhopauntu, ombili negameno.

“Otatu yambidhidha omahangano gaChina ngoka taga kutha ombinga meyambulepo lyiikwaniipangitho yomayambuepo muAfrika pamukalo gwomapungulo, okupitila momikalo adhihe. Tatu tala unene kiikwankondo, omalweendo, omauyelele, omakwatathano nonzo dhomeya,” omukalelipo gwaChina moNamibia, Yang Jun, a li a popi.

Iilongo 28 yaAfrika, moka mwa kwatelwa Namibia oya zimine koshiyetwapo shaChina shoBelt and Road Initiative. Omiyalu tadhi limbilike dha gandjwa kombaanga yoBank of Namibia (BoN), oodhoka kutya omvula yo 2014 sigo 2017 iimaliwa ya thika poobiliyona dhaNamibia 12 oya yi koChina okuza moNamibia, pethimbo lyafaathana moshilongo omwe ya owala oobiliyona 5.5 dha za koChina.

BoN natango okwa tegelelwa ka gandje omiyalu dhoomvula dha piti.

Nonando ongaaka Jun okwa popi kutya elongelokumwe pokati kaChina naNamibia olya nuninwa okugandja emanguluko lyopaliko koshilongo.

Konima yomutumba gwoFOCAC ngoka gwa ningwa momvula yo 2015 moJohannesburg, Jun okwa popi kutya oopoloyeka tadhi yambidhidha kuChina dha thika po 20 odha manithwa moNamibia na otaya tsikile neyambidhidho lyoopoloyeka noshimaliwa shongushu yoobiliyona 2.8.

Jun okwa popi kutya omahangano gaChina oga tota po oompito dhiilonga dhi li po 11 000 moNamibia na oya landa omapungulo guukilila ga za pondje yoshilongo gongushu yoomiliyona dhaUS 34.

Okwa popi kutya omahangano gaChina oga futu iishoshela yepangelo ya thika poomiliyona 250 okuza momvula yo 2016.

Jun okwa popi kutya momvula yo 2018 opwa li ekoko lyongeshefa lya thika ooiliyona 800 dhaUS.

Okwa popi kutya moNamibia, China okwa hala okukwathela moshikondo ngaashi shuutekinika, etumo lyaatseyinawa muunamapya, eyambidhidho moshikondo shomatungo moopoloyeka oonene, elongelokumwe pamidhingoloko, egameno lyiiyamakuti oshowo eyambidhidho lyomadheulo gopaungomba.

Namibia oku na aailongi ya thika po 40 taya ilongo miiputudhilo yaChina, nomakwatho gepangelo lyoshilongo shoka. Jun okwa popi kutya AaNamibia ya thika po 300 oya kutha ombinga moopoloyeka dhomadheulo moChina, omanga aanaskola ye li po 400 ya za pooskola dhopevi oshowo ndhoka dhopokati ya mono omayambidhidho gokwiilonga okuza kepangelo lyaChina. Oofamili ndhoka tadhi lumbu moluhepo, dha thika po 10 000 moNamibia odha mono omayambidhidha giikwathitho yelongo okuza kopoloyeka yaChina tayi ithanwa 'Panda Packs'.

Osheendo shaanambelewa yuunamiti yaChina moshipangelo shaKatutura, okwa lopotwa sha panga AaNamibia ya thika po100 000 muule woomvula 22 dha piti.

China okwa hala okutota po oConfucius institutes moNamibia nokuyambidhidha etungo lyopoloyeka yo'safe city' ya faathana naandjoka ya ningi moPakistan oshowo pamwe.

Omulandu gwo 'safe city' ogu li oshiyetwapo shoHuawei shakwatelwamo omathano goCCTV ngoka taga ka kala taga kondolola omapandanda nokuyambidhidha aakalekipo yooveta.
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Rundu has a livestock problem

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Rundu has a livestock problemRundu has a livestock problemLivestock owners use townlands to graze animals For years, Rundu's town council has struggled to control the grazing of farm animals within the town's boundaries. The Rundu town council has urged residents keeping livestock within the town boundaries to remove them.

The council also warned farmers from surrounding villages that their livestock would be impounded if they were allowed to enter the town.

Mayor Isak Kandingu said the keeping of livestock in town, particularly in the informal areas, would no longer be tolerated.

He said the practice had been going on for years, even though the owners knew it was illegal.

“I can assure you that if people do not listen to our call, we will be left with no option but to impound their livestock and the owners will have to pay a fine to get them back.

“Keeping livestock such as cattle, goats, pigs, donkeys and chickens on town land is not allowed,” Kandingu said. The mayor said similar resolutions had been taken by the previous council but were never enforced.

“This is not a new order, we are just reiterating what has been said all along and hopefully address the situation amicably,” he said.

Kandingu said some residents had complained about the livestock kept in their neighbourhoods.

“Just imagine the smell in the air that people living close to a house which has chickens and pigs have to endure, especially during the rainy season. It is not good and people have complained to our offices about such cases,” Kandingu said.

Besides hygiene concerns, livestock sometimes roam into the streets and can cause car accidents in areas where there are no streetlights.

The mayor added that animals roaming around the town centre create a bad perception of the town. Kandingu said the council had identified an area where a municipal pound would be established. Construction would start as soon as funds were available.

He also warned dog owners to keep their dogs off the streets or face penalties.

KENYA KAMBOWE
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Renewed calls to report, end GBV cases

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Renewed calls to report, end GBV casesRenewed calls to report, end GBV cases Renewed calls have been made for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) to be empowered to report it, and for coordinated action to stop the crime, which Namibia's attorney-general Albert Kawana says has reached “embarrassing” proportions.

Kawana was speaking in Windhoek last week at the premiere of a documentary that seeks to embolden victims of GBV to report the crime and to encourage criminal justice system officials to handle reported cases with due sensitivity.

Speaking at the same occasion, prosecutor-general Martha Imalwa said one in three women in Namibia was in a violent relationship, but tended to remain quiet about it.

“They don't report the violence,” she said and attributed the phenomenon to lack of faith in the system and fear of reprisals should they be sent back into the same abusive environment.

The documentary was produced with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the office of the prosecutor-general, the justice ministry, the police and social workers within the gender ministry.

The inspector-general of the police, Lieutenant-General Sebastian Ndeitunga, called for all hands on deck in the war against GBV.

“(GBV) leaves many families mourning - robbed of their loved ones who in most cases are in their prime,” Ndeitunga said.

He was optimistic that the documentary, which depicts the good and the ugly of GBV victims' interaction with the criminal justice system, would offer lessons on good practice.

He announced that the police had finalised a Draft National Integrated Crime Combating Strategy and called for a formalised coordinated effort to combat crime.

“It is high time that we as a nation adopt such a strategy. The government alone cannot deal with crime and the ongoing law enforcement and criminal justice responses are inadequate.”

Ndeitunga advocated for more public education on crime.

“Our society is experiencing a higher intensity in violence and brutal crimes with women being subjected to rape, murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.”

He said the police would deploy all of its resources to deal with GBV. Kawana said he was criticised for “interfering in the bedrooms of our citizens” when he motivated a law against GBV in 2003 when he was justice minister but still hoped that judicial intervention would end GBV.

“On the contrary, it is increasing on a daily basis. Following events in our country which are also linked to GBV, I feel embarrassed as a man but I am proud to be part of a collective initiative by our government to address this scourge,” he said.

Noting that the Namibian constitution guarantees equality of all persons and their dignity, Kawana said GBV must be eradicated because it violates victims' fundamental rights.

He said the government had taken steps to address GBV. He gave the example of national conferences, the national days of prayer against GBV, awareness campaigns and capacity building initiatives for stakeholders.

Additionally, President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos had spoken against GBV.

“Lately, the judiciary has taken steps to ensure that GBV is addressed and addressed speedily. Stiff sentences are being meted out to discourage would-be perpetrators,” the AG said.

He said giving up was not an option.

He called for victim-friendly courts so that victims can testify in a safe environment.

Turning to the documentary, he said: “It should help us improve services to victims of GBV and to educate members of the public on the dangers of forcing victims to withdraw serious cases. Victims should be educated on the protection available for them within the justice system so that they could not fear to give their testimonies, particularly during trials.”

The UNODC regional representative for southern Africa, Zhuleyz Akisheva, flagged cultural practices such as polygamy and patriarchy that continue to keep women in subordinate social positions while making them vulnerable to GBV.

She cited a survey conducted in 2012 by the Legal Assistance Centre indicating high incidence of inter-personal violence against many women and children in Namibia.

“It seems the situation has not yet improved,” Akisheva said.

She said the documentary highlights many contextual challenges experienced by most victims of GBV. These include structural violence, stigma, harmful patriarchal gender norms, lack of power and a plethora of detrimental customs.

“Some people don't report abuse due to stereotypes, cultural and religious beliefs that say they should not report their husbands for abuse.”

The mock trial depicted in the documentary is a first for Namibia. The actors and actresses are real criminal justice officials who include a magistrate, a prosecutor, police officers and social workers who deal with GBV cases in Namibia.



- Moses Magadza is a communications officer at the UNODC regional office for southern Africa.

MOSES MAGADZA
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Inflation nightmare returns to haunt Zimbabwe

April 23, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Inflation nightmare returns to haunt ZimbabweInflation nightmare returns to haunt ZimbabweNot even producing basics The disparity between the official and parallel market exchange rates has been rapidly widening, triggering price hikes of up to 300%. I asked him how he managed to meet the rest of his monthly expenses and he broke down weeping. – Japhet Moyo, Chief: Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions Fanuel Jongwe - The price of bread almost doubled for Zimbabweans last week, as the inflation nightmare that marked the rule of long-time authoritarian leader Robert Mugabe returns to haunt his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa.

There have been warnings of the mental and physical toll the rampant price increases will have on Zimbabweans after the cost of a loaf of bread rose from US$1.80 to US$3.50, and a tub of butter shot up to US$17 from US$8.50.

Mnangagwa pledged to revive his country's moribund economy when Mugabe was toppled in 2017 after 37 years in power.

But after the central bank unveiled a new monetary policy in February, introducing a new local currency, prices of goods and services have skyrocketed at rates unseen in a decade.

The disparity between the official and parallel market exchange rates has been rapidly widening, triggering price hikes of up to 300%.

The chief of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, Japhet Moyo, recalls meeting a man who saw the price of medicine for his chronic illness rise so much in two months that it now costs almost his entire salary.

In February, the man bought a month's supply of the drugs for US$95. This month he forked out US$300. His monthly salary is US$320.

"I asked him how he managed to meet the rest of his monthly expenses and he broke down weeping," Moyo told AFP.

‘Back to 2008’

Moyo is angry at the government for "putting on a brave face and giving the impression that the economy is on a rebound but on the ground things are going in the opposite direction".

The crisis has brought back memories of a decade ago when hyperinflation peaked at a grotesque 500 billion percent, wiping out the Zimbabwean dollar.

"We are back to 2008," said Tonderai Chitsvari, a resident in the Kuwadzana township of the capital Harare. "It's a miracle how people are surviving".

A shortage of raw materials has caused huge difficulties for the country's manufacturing sector.

"Last year, we spent US$2.3 billion importing things like fruits and vegetables, soya beans, wheat ... toothpaste and pharmaceuticals," said Harare economist Gift Mugano.

"This is a sign that we are not producing even the basics," he added.

"We are not talking about manufacturing an aeroplane here. We are talking about saving scarce foreign currency by growing wheat to bake our bread and soya beans to produce our own cooking oil."

Distressed manufacturers

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries leader Sifelani Jabangwe said the government needs to channel scarce foreign currency to shore up distressed manufacturers.

"We need to reduce ... imports and promote local production," he added.

Formerly a regional breadbasket, Zimbabwe's economy has been in a dire state for more than a decade, with the unemployment level soaring to more than 90%.

Many local companies have been forced to move abroad or shut up shop, while those that remained are operating below capacity due to the lack of foreign currency to import raw materials or upgrade machinery.

Economic turmoil

Public anger over the economy contributed to the military intervention in November 2017 that finally brought down Mugabe, then 93.

Mnangagwa took over and went on to win disputed elections in July last year, vowing to turn Zimbabwe into a middle income economy by 2030.

But less than three months after the vote, the economic turmoil of the Mugabe-era returned when a new two-percent tax on electronic transactions in October spawned shock price increases and fuel shortages.

In January of this year the president imposed a more than 100% fuel price hike - purportedly to ease the shortages - but that sparked countrywide demonstrations that left at least 17 people dead when soldiers opened fire on the protesters.

Mnangagwa marked the country's 39th independence anniversary last Thursday by slamming the new round of price hikes.

"Government is alarmed by the recent, wanton and indiscriminate increases of prices which has brought about untold suffering to the people," he said.

It "is inhumane, unethical, unpatriotic and goes against the grain of economic dialogue which the second republic has espoused," he told the crowd at a sports stadium in Harare.

Toll

Veteran independent economist John Robertson warned of the toll that the economic chaos was having on Zimbabweans.

"Standards of living are going down" Robertson told AFP. "It's going to affect their health, both mentally and physically, and reduce productivity."

Moyo said people "are giving into stress. That's why we are having so many cases of people said to have died after a short illness."

And the main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa warned in his independence day message on Twitter that "the stark reality is that most are reeling from abject poverty and frustrations. State decay, corruption & violence have shuttered the 1980 uhuru dream & ruined livelihoods". – Nampa/AFP
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