Namibian Sun

Mercury City op pad na BrasiliëNeymar Juniors Five-toernooiwenners Om op te gee was nog nooit deel van dié span se plan nie.

Evany van Wyk

Mercury City, van Walvisbaai, is op 27 April in Windhoek as die Neymar Juniors Five-sokkertoernooiwenners aangekondig, met Dream Team in die tweede plek en Khuse Lions in die derde plek.

Mercury City is ’n maand gelede eers op die been gebring en bestaan uit ’n groep goeie vriende.

Die spanlede is Luciano “Luci” Fischer (23), Mariano “Marci” January (21), Colan Coleman (16), Innocent Emvula (23), Jasetes Shimpanda (24), Petrus Nangham (27) en McAllen Christ (29).

“Die toernooi het ons geleer om nooit fokus te verloor nie, om nie vir ’n sekonde te dink jy is beter as ander nie, en om nooit jou opponente te onderskat nie,” het Nangham gesê.

Volgens hom het hulle meer verantwoordelikheid vir hul aksies geneem, want dit het ’n regstreekse invloed op almal in die span.

“Die grootste les wat ons geleer het, was dat niks in die lewe maklik kom nie; jy moet werk vir alles wat jy wil bereik,” het Nangham gesê.

Richard Parkhouse, nasionale musketier by Red Bull, die toernooi se hoofborg, sê hy voel die toernooi verenig gemeenskappe.

“Die toernooi help om Namibiese talent op die wêreldkaart te plaas en gee die jeug die geleentheid om op internasionale vlak mee te ding,” het hy gesê.

Presiese syfers kan nie bekend gemaak word nie, maar volgens Parkhouse was dit die grootste Red Bull-geleentheid nog in Namibië.

Die gedugte span vriende het ook ’n paar uitdagings ervaar, soos onder meer die reis na Windhoek.

Weens werksverpligtinge kon Mercury City nie Vrydagoggend vroeg reeds vertrek nie en moes hulle noodgewonge deur die nag ry.

Hulle het omstreeks 03:00 die Saterdag in Windhoek aangekom. Toe die span eindelik by hul slaapplek aankom, was dit vol bespreek.

Die span kon eers omstreeks 04:00 slaapplek kry en het derhalwe net drie ure geslaap.

“Ons het besluit dit gaan ons nie onderkry nie, want ons het gekom vir ’n rede en dit was om na Brasilië te gaan,” het Nangham gesê.

Die spanlede se raad aan jongmense is om nooit te dink die geleentheid is te groot nie.

“Ons het teen Namibië se beste spelers gespeel en dit was nie maklik nie,” het Colan Coleman, Mercury City se jongste spanlid, oor hul mededingers gesê.

“Dankie aan die borge wat my droom en soveel ander se drome ook waar gemaak het; ons gaan ons alles in Brasilë gee en Namibië se vlag hoog hou,” het Coleman gesê.

Mercury City voel hierdie soort geleentheid is belangrik omdat dit soveel deure vir jongmense oopmaak.

Die span het ná die groot wen hul oorwinning by een van hul ondersteuners se huise in Windhoek gevier, maar die werklike vieringe het op 6 Mei plaasgevind.

“Ons het hard gewerk hiervoor, so ons het beslis ’n lekker dag op die strand verdien,” het Nangham gesê.

Enigste in sy soortOpe dag in Mei gehou Die Waldorf-skool in Windhoek is daarop gefokus om gehalte-onderrig pret te maak.

Evany van Wyk

Die Waldorf-skool, wat op ‘n ou plaas by Windhoek geleë is, laat die natuur deel van die skoolervaring word.

Vanaf preprimêr tot en met graad 13 bied Waldorf een van die mees unieke skoolervarings in Namibië.

Waldorf fokus op drie belangrike elemente, naamlik akademie, kunste en tegniese onderrig. Die skool bied verpligte beroepsopleiding vanaf graad 8 aan.

Lesse is daarop gemik om leerlinge tot hul volle potensiaal te ontwikkel.

Die skool aanvaar diegene wat by ander skole onsuksesvol in die Junior Sekondêre Sertifikaat (JSC)- of Nasionale Senior Sekondêre Sertifikaat (NSSC)-eksamens was. “Dit is iets wat ek glo almal in Namibië moet weet, sodat ons vir hierdie leerders ook ‘n tweede kans kan gee,” sê me. Retha Landsberg, die hoof van die skool se eksamensentrum.

Me. Kathleen Damon, die skoolhoof, is die afgelope 29 jaar ‘n onderwyser. Wat volgens haar die skool uniek maak, is dat die leerlinge tot in graad elf almal dieselfde vakke het. Sodoende kry hulle die geleentheid om dieselfde vaardighede aanleer.

Sy sê baie leerlinge sukkel met geletterheid en dit wil sy graag verander. “Tegnologie maak dat kinders nie meer wil lees en skryf nie, maar eerder ure op sosiale media deurbring. Dit maak dit moeilik om aan literatuur aandag te gee en dit is waarop ek wil fokus,” sê Kathleen.

Die skool bied ook Etimologie aan. Daarmee word kinders geleer om vir terapeutiese doeleindes hul fisieke bewegings met geluide te assosieer.

Duits as vak is vir Waldorf baie belangrik omdat dit die kind meer geleenthede in die toekoms bied wanneer hulle uitgaan in die wêreld, meen me. Heidrun von Koenen, een van die onderwyseresse.

In graad 13 lê die leerlinge hulle NSSC-eksamens af. Een van die uitdagings wat Veihamisa Kaenda, die hoofdogter vir 2019, genoem het, was die oorgang van die Waldorf-leerplan na die Namibiese een. “Ek dink ons moet ‘n bietjie meer daaraan aandag gee van graad 1 tot 12,” meen sy. Festus Garoëb, die hoofseun, het dit beaam.

Ope dae word gehou waartydens ouers die skool kan besoek en sien watter opleiding gebied word. Waldorf nooi belangstellendes uit op 28 en 29 Mei vanaf 07:00 tot 13:00 ‘n draai te kom maak.

Namibiese ruiters besoek ZimbabweLiefde vir sport seëvier Vier Namibiërs was onlangs in ‘n buurland om hul land by ‘n perdrykompetisie te verteenwoordig.

Evany van Wyk

Die Namibiese perderuiters Nadine Flemming (18), Nicolene Grundeling (17), Ariane Wieland (16) en Jayd Bassi-Hanssen (14) het onlangs aan die Afrika-skildreeks in Zimbabwe deelgeneem.

Die driefasekompetisie is van 11 tot 20 April gehou en die ruiters het meegeding in dressuur, skouspring en veldwedlope.

The Zone het met mnr. Olaf Falk van die Namibiese Ruiterkunsfederasie (Namef) gesels. Namef is ‘n nie-winsgewende organisasie. Dit is in die 1900’s gestig met die doel om die sport te fasiliteer en ondersteun. As hoof van driefasekompetisies was Falk en sy kollegas verantwoordelik vir die kies van die span, die perde waarmee deelnemers moes ry, asook vervoer- en verblyfreëlings.

“Die doel van die kompetisie is om atlete so veel as moontlik blootstelling aan internasionale kompetisies te gee,” het Falk gesê. “Een van die grootste uitdagings was finasiering. Die ouers was grootliks van verwag om die meeste van die onkostes te betaal. Om die perde te vervoer na ‘n ander land is baie duur, maar ons is aktief besig om borge te soek en aan moontlike geldinsamelingidees te dink.”

Een van die deelnemers, Nicolene Grundeling, het met The Zone gesels. Sy het op vierjarige ouderdom begin perdry en is sedertdien versot op die sport. Een van die hoogtepunte van die kompetisie in Zimbabwe was om nuwe mense te ontmoet, sê sy. “Om met ‘n onervare perd iets reg te kry wat sy eienaar nie kon nie, was ook een van my hoogtepunte,” sê Nicolene.

Perdry is ‘n gevaarlike sport, waarsku sy. “’n Mens moet onthou dit is ‘n dier en nie ‘n masjien. Hou kop en wees wakker, veral op jonger perde wat onervare is,” is Nicolene se raad.

Fanmari Lang, die span se bestuurder en afrigter tydens die Zimbabwe-reis, sê die grootste uitdaging was dat deelnemers nie met hul eie perde kon deelneem nie en noodgedwonge geleende perde moes ry. Danksy Namef is driefase-klinieke van vroeg af in die jaar gereël om al die ruiters in topvorm te hou vir die jaar wat voorlê. Die klinieke is aangebied deur twee suksesvolle ruiters in driefase-kompetisies, Douglas Walsh en Heidi Caine.

Lang is ontsettend trots op die span. “Hul deursettingsvermoë en sportmangees het my hart ‘trotse Namibiër’ laat klop,” sê Lang. Volgens haar gee die tipe kompetisies die jeug ‘n kans om te sien dat daar wel ‘n toekoms in sport is. Die vriendskappe wat gekweek word, is ook vir haar iets besonders. “Dit is regtig goud werd,” sê Lang. As ‘n span het die ruiters fantasties saamgewerk om mekaar en ander spanne te motiveer en ondersteun. “Want dit gaan nie net oor hulle nie. Dit gaan oor die liefde wat hulle almal vir hierdie ongelooflike diere en die sport het.” Volgens haar kom die perd altyd eerste.

Aardedag gevierKlub in Februarie gestig Aardedag word jaarliks op 22 April met verskillende temas gevier.

Michelline Nawatises

Pull quote: “Om by hierdie klub aan te sluit, is een van die beste goed wat ek al gedoen het” - Priscilla Shongola

Op Aardedag vind verskeie verrigtinge ter ondersteuning van omgewingsbewaring plaas en om waardering vir Moeder Aarde te bevorder.

Vanjaar se tema was “Protect our species” en het hoofsaaklik op die beskerming van bedreigde spesies gefokus.

Op Walvisbaai is Aardedag op 18 April deur die Munisipaliteit van Walvisbaai se omgewingsbestuurafdeling gevier, in samewerking met die Walvisbaai Stem-klub (wetenskap, tegnologie, ingenieurswese en wiskunde), wat uit dinamiese graad 5- tot graad 12-leerlinge bestaan.

Die viering het op drie spesies gefokus: die Heaviside-dolfyn, die albatros en die Welwitschia-plant.

Inligting oor hierdie spesies is aan leerlinge verskaf om plakkate met verskeie kernboodskappe te ontwerp.

Anastacia de Klerk is die Stem-klub se stigter, wat leerlinge van Walvisbaai akkommodeer.

Die doel van die klub is om leerlinge aan Stem-verwante aktiwiteite bloot te stel en leiding in hul skoolloopbane en toekomsplanne te bied.

“Ons streef daarna om hulle aan Stem-verwante kompetisies bloot te stel – plaaslik sowel as internasionaal,” het De Klerk gesê.

Hoewel die klub vir beide seuns en meisies oop is, fokus die Stem-beurs slegs op meisies.

De Klerk sê sy hoop om meer kinders in die toekoms te bereik en om borge te kry sodat hulle ’n permanente tuiste vir die klub kan vind, wat ook as hulpbronsentrum vir leerlinge op Walvisbaai sal dien.

Die klub bestaan tans uit 27 lede.

Priscilla Shongola (16), ’n lid van die klub, sê: “Ek geniet die klub en wil ook ’n passie vir die wetenskap ontwikkel en ’n loopbaan hierin volg. Om meer kennis in te win en pret te hê terwyl jy dit doen, is die idee.”

‘Inatu gama kAaChina’CPBN a taalela woo ompumbwe yaaniilonga Olutu lwoCentral Procurement Board of Namibia olwa tindi kutya olwa gama ombinga komahangano gAaChina, ihe olwa zimine kutya olwa taalela omikundu sha yooloka.

CATHERINE SASMAN

Olutu lwoCentral Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) olwa tindi oolopota dhiikundaneki shoka ndhoka tadhi popi kutya olutu ndoka otalu gandja owala omauwanawa molupe lwootendela komahanano gaChina nokupatea pondje omahangano gaakwashigwana yaNamibia, uuna taku gwandjwa ootendela.

Olutu lwoCPBN omasiku ngaka olwa gandjwa ootendela mbali dhokutunga iiputudhilo yopaungomba shoValombola oshowo Nakayale kongushu yoomiliyona 27.7 oshowo 37.8.

Okondalaka yelongelo kumwe lyomuhanga ndyoka olya pewa ehangano lyoAfrica Civil Engineering CC oshowo China State Construction Engineering Corporation.

Shoka osha e ta omanyenyeto okuza komahangano gaatungi moshilongo, ngoka taga popi kutya oge wete okondalaka ndjoka ya li ya pumbwa okupewa omahangano gomoshilongo.

CPBN oya popi kutya oya gandja ootendela ndhoka, sha landula omagwedhelepo ga ningwa kookomitiye dhopaali dhiithikamena.

Olutu ndoka olwa ekelehi woo omapopyo kutya olu na ompumbwe yaanongo nelelo lyankundipala.

Oya popi kutya otaya manitha ekuto miilonga lyaatseyinawa yopautekinika, nokuzimina kutya oya taalela omashongo ogendji unene sho Ompango yoPublic Procurement natango ompe ku kehe gumwe.

Kombinga yomanyano gelelo lyawo, CPBN okwa popi kutya kaye shi olutu ndoka halu tsakanene owala iikando ine nenge ihamano komvula ihe ohaya tsakanene konyala iikando ine nenge yi vule po kehe omwedhi.

CPBN okwa tindi woo oolopota kutya endopo lyawo otali etitha eshunitho monima nemanitho lyegandjo lyootendela.

Oya yamukula kutya ekateko ndyoka otali etithwa komaupyakadhi galwe mwakwatelwa ompumbwe yaaniilonga ya gwana.

Iikumungu yaaniilonga

CPBN okwa popi kutya oya yakula elombwelo okuza kOminista yEmona, Calle Schlettwein muJuli gwomvula ya zi ko kutya omukalo gwetongololo lyaaniilonga ogwa pumbwa okuningilwa omuniilonga kehe ngoka ta pewa ompito yiilonga tayi kalelele.

Sigo okunena, oompito dhiilonga molutu moka odha tseyithwa, uukonaakono wopamapulaapulo owa ningwa na okwa tegelelwa owala iizemo yomakonaakono getongololo opo ku manithwe omakuto miilonga ngoka.

Natango elelepeko lyookondalaka dhiilonga dhaaniilonga yopakathimbo ndhoka dha hulu muMaalista nuumvo, inali talika.

Olutu ndoka natango olwa elekehi omapopyo gomananathano nomakondjo mokati kaakomeho yolutu ndoka, tali popi kutya nonando aaleli molutu oye na omayele ga yooloka pailonga shoka itashi ti kutya otaya kondjithathana.

Nuumvo olutu ndoka olwa zimina ootendela dhi li po 43.

Punguleni melongo - Shilima

KENYA KAMBOWE

Oshikondo shElongo moshitopolwa shaKavango East, osha pula aakuthimbinga ya yambidhidhe uuministeli moprograma yawo yokwiilonga okulesha nokushanga nokugandja elongo lyopetameko, tashi popi kutya oprograma ndjoka oyo yimwe yomomikalo tadhi kondjitha omaupyakadhi ga taalela oshigwana ngaashi oluhepo nokwaahena iilonga.

Ndhoka odha popiwa komupeha Omukomeho moshikondo shoka, Christine Shilima mEtitano lya piti. Shilima okwa topola noshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun kutya, oprograma yelongo lyaakuluntu otayi kwathele mokuyambulapo oshigwana.

Shilima okwa gandja omaiyuvo ge kutya uuna aantu ya longwa, otaya vulu okuyambidhidha kekoko lyeliko lyoshilongo molwaashoka oya mangululwa okuza muupika womikalo dhawo dhopamithugululwakalo, nokweendela pamwe nuuyuni moshikako shoomvula dho 21.

Okwa yelitha kutya aantu moshigwana shawo oye na omaukengeli ngaashi iimuna oyindji oshowo evi ewanawa ihe omolwa ompumbwe yuunongo welongo, itaya vulu okweeta po omikaalo omiwanawa ndhoka tadhi vulu oku ya hupitha okuza mondjoko yoluhepo oshowo yokwaahena iilonga.

Okwa tsikile kutya uuministeli otawu longo kehe shoka tawu vulu, opo wu kalekepo oprograma ndjoka moshigwana pakuulika aalongi yoprograma ndjoka opo ya kwashilipaleke kutya oshigwana osha mona elongo lyopetameko.

Okwa popi kutya nonando ongaaka, aailongi yamwe po itaya vulu okumona iikwaniilongitho mbyoka tayi vulu oku ya yambidhidha momailongo gawo, sho a popi kutya oshi li omukundu omunene mokwaadha omalalakano ngoka ga nuninwa oprograma ndjoka.

Shilima okwa popi kutya muule woomvula dha piti, oprograma ndjoka oya kala yiikolelela momayambidhidho gaagandji yooshali, ihe omayambidhidho ngoka ngaashiingeyi otaga shongola omolwa onkalo yopaliko ndjoka ya taalela oshilongo.

Okwa tsikile kutya moshitopolwa shawo, oye na aailongi mboka ye na ohokwe onene yokwiilonga ihe oya nongele kutya ope na aailongi mboka ya taalela woo ompumbwe yiikwathitho melongo lyawo.

Omolwa ompumbwe ndjoka, Shilima ota pula aakuthimbinga unene aanangeshefa opo ya kwathele oprograma ndjoka moshitopolwa shawo.

“Itandi pula aantu ye tu kwathele iiyemo ihe iilongitho moprograma ndjoka, mbyoka tayi vulu okupewa mboka ye li mompumbwe.”

Okwa popi kutya eishangitho moprograma ndjoka, olya thikama poopresenda 80, moshitopolwa shawo.

Shilima okwa popi kutya oshitopolwa shaKavango East oshi na omandiki geli po 191 ngoka geli miilonga, ta popi kutya ootundi ndhoka ohadhi ningilwa pooskola, poongeleka, pomatungo gopakathimbo ga tungwa po kaakwashigwana omanga yamwe haya longelwa kohi yomiti.

Oomiliyona 137 dha pumbiwa moprograma yoshikukuta

ELLANIE SMIT

Nonando epangelo olya tseyitha tali ka gandja omayambidhidho koshigwana omolwa onkalo yoshikukuta ndjoka ya taalela oshilongo, olya tseyithwa kutya olya pumbwa oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 137.8 dha gwedhwapo, opo li vule okukwathela aakwashigwana omolwa onkalo yoshikukuta ndjoka tayi dhenge oshilongo.

Shika osha hololwa oshiwike sha piti kutya epangelo oli na owala oomiliyona 304.9 dhomoomiliyona 442.7 dhoka dha pumbiwa moprograma ndjoka ya nuninwa okuyambidhidha omolwa oshikukuta.

Omukomeho muuministeli wuunamapya, Percy Misika okwa popi kutya okabinete oka zimine omakwathelo omolwa onkalo ndjoka gongushu yoomiliyona 442.7, opo ku vule okuyambidhidha aakwashigwana mboka ya gumwa.

Okwa popi kutya oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 304.9 opo shi li ihe ope na omwaka gwoomiliyona 137.8.

Omayambidhidho omolwa oshikukuta oga tamekele mesiku lyotango lyaApilili nuumvo na otaga hulu muMaalitsa gwomvula yo 2020, nenge sigo uuna iimaliwa mbyoka ya nuninwa oprograma ndjoka yapu po.

Misika okwa popi kutya oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 90 osha pumbiwa mokugandja omayambidhidho goondya okupitila moNational Emergency Disaster Fund.

Omiliyona 36 odha pumbiwa mefalo lyiikulya mbyoka koshigwana na ngashiingeyi ope na ompumbwe yoomiliyona 3.8. iimaliwa mbyoka yi li po, oya gandjwa koshiketha shoNational Emergency Disaster Fund.

Okwa tsikile kutya uuministeli wuunaamapya otawu gandja oomiliyona 10 ndhoka dha pumbiwa omolwa ootenga dhomeya oshowo oomiliyona 11.4 dha nuninwa okulongulula nokutunga oomboola dhomeya.

Oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 31.3 osha nunimwa okugandja omayambidhidho guulithilo kaaniimuna, ihe nonando ongaaka koshikondo shoka okwa pumbwa oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 5.

Iifuta yoshimongwa shiimuna oyi li poomiliyona 150 na ope na ompumbwe yoomiliyona 75.

Oondya dhiimuna otadhi koho oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 104 na ope na ompumbwe yoomiliyona 52. Iimaliwa mbyoka yi li po oya gandjwa koFood and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) oshowo National Emergency Disaster Fund.

Misika okwa tsikile kutya oshiketha shoka otashi ka gandja oombuto dhongushu yoomiliyona 8, ndhoka dha nuninwa oshikakomvula tashi landula.

Nonando ongaaka poshimaliwa shoka opwa kolota oomiliyona 2.

Misika okwa popi kutya omolwa onkalo yoshikukuta ndjoka tayi dhenge oshilongo nuumvo, ota kunkilile aaniimuna mboka kaye na uulithilo wa gwana opo ya shunithe pevi omwaalu gwiimuna yawo omanga yi li natango monkalo ombwaanawa ko kuyandwe ekanitho enene uuna oshikukutha sha dhiginine.

Okwa popi kutya okulanditha iimuna yi li monkalo ombwaananwa otashi gandja ompito yokwiimonena iiyemo yi li nawa sho aaniimuna taya kanditha kondando yi li hwepo.

Okwa pula woo aanafaama ya longithe omayambidhidho gesilishisho lyiimuna yawo, pethimbo lyoshikukuta ngoka taga gandjwa kepangelo.

Okwa tsikile kutya aanafaalama mboka taya longitha omayele gepangelo gokulanditha po iimuna yawo otaya ka mona omauwanawa okupitila moprograma yolivestock marketing incentive scheme.

Opo omunafaalama a mone omauwanawa okuza moprograma ndjoka okwa pumbwa okugandja omusholondondo gwelanditho lyiimuna ye , ookopi dha kwashilipalekwa kopolisi dhomikandapitiko dhomainyengitho giimuna oshowo olopota yeyinyengo lyiimuna ye opamwe nuukalata woFAN Meat nuumutse woshilongo.

Oondokumende ndhoka aanafaalamaa ye na okugandja opo ya vule okumona omauwanawa okupitila moprograma yiikulya yiimuna, oya kwatelamo omusholondondo gwomwaalu gwiimuna, uumbangi womalandelo okuza komulandithi eshiwike oshowo uukalata wawo woFAN Meat nuumutse.

Mokumona omauwanawa okuza moprograma yuulithilo, omunafaalama okwa pumbwa okugandja etsokumwe lye lyohiila lyuule wethimbo efupi lyehala lyuulithilo, uumbangi womafutilo guulihilo mboka, uumbangi womafutilo wondalaspota yiimuna, ookopi dha kwashilipalekwa kopolisi dhomukandapitiko gweinyengo lyiimuna opamwe nolopota yomainyengo, uukalata woFAN Meat, okamutse oshowo omusholondondo gwiimuna.

Ombelewa yOmuprima minista okupitila moshikondo shoDirectorate of Disaster Risk Management (DDRM), otashi ka kwatela komeho etulo miilonga lyomayambidhidho goondya oshowo omalweendo.

Uuministeli wuunamapya otawu ka tula miilonga oprograma yolivestock marketing incentive scheme, omauwanawa gohiila yomahala gomaulithilo, omalweendo giimuna okuya nokuza omahala ngoka guulithilo, ootenga dhomeya, elongululo netungo lyoomboola, egandjo lyomauwanawa goshimongwa shiimuna, olusiyana oshowo oombuto kaanamapya dhoka dha nuninwa oshikako tashi landula.

Experiencing the diversity at UCT Ipangelwa is keen to help out wherever she goes Elizabeth Ipangelwa is a final-year student at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, pursing a master’s in marine and environment law. She shares her varsity experience as a foreign student in South Africa.

Elizabeth Ipangelwa

I consider the University of Cape Town (UCT) to be one of the most prestigious universities to study at, because it is ranked as the best university in Africa and 156th in of the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in the categories of teaching and research, citations, international outlook and industry income, which basically measures innovation, as per the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Furthermore, it has been ranked in the top 100 in the world for three subjects, namely law, social sciences and education.

UCT has a variety of professional and academic courses, ranging from leadership courses, accounting and law to health sciences that one can choose from. Being a natural resources enthusiast and having completed my bachelor of laws at the University of Namibia (Unam), I was fortunate to have been presented with a variety of courses to choose from in the area of law, such as mineral and petroleum extraction and use, commercial law, international trade, shipping law and marine and environmental law. Because my interest has always been in natural resources law, I opted to specialise in marine and environment law as my two majors.

My experience at UCT so far has been amazing. Diversity lives here and every day I get to learn something new from my peers.

Like all other Namibians studying abroad, I must say that I am indeed honored to have the opportunity of studying away from home, as this gives me an opportunity to be exposed to various academic and social aspects in life, as a define my career in the legal fraternity.

As an international student, I must say that ever since I arrived in South Africa I could relate easy, because I did not experience any difficulties in adjusting to the lifestyle or environment. I sometimes forget that I am an international student and I am only reminded when I am asked to show my identification documents.

Having lived in South Africa for the past four months, I see many opportunities for young people to engage in academically. There’s always something to do, something to see and somebody to learn from. Through my networks, I meet people from different countries at all times, which gave me an opportunity to also interact with non-South African friends.

I have visited places in Cape Town and Johannesburg. In Cape Town I have visited Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront mall, Camps Bay, Lions Head, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Canal Walk. In Johannesburg I have visited Vilakazi Street, museums and Mandela House.

Did you know?

The University of Cape Town began as a college for boys known as the South African College, which provided secondary and tertiary education.

Facts about Elizabeth

· She is the faculty of law mentor for 2019;

· She holds a masters of laws (LLM) degree and has made a contribution to a book on leadership, which is still to be published;

· She is a Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE) bursary beneficiary for 2019;

· She met Bill Gates last year at an international conference;

· She appreciates nature and derives pleasure from meeting new people through networking;

· She is all about making a meaningful contribution in the lives of others;

· She wants to unleash the potential of her friends and see them prosper; and

· She mentors two young girls from Namibia and five students from the University of Cape Town.

Wild fruit their only hope'If not for this tree we would starve' A couple from Sihepera village, reliant on mahangu farming, have been crippled by the drought.

Land standing idle due to the current drought and being jobless are among the challenges faced by a couple from Sihepera village in Kavango West, who are struggling to put food on the table.

Sihepera is situated about 50 kilometres west of Rundu in the Ncamagoro constituency.

Selestinus Sintango (43) and Josephine Clemens (36) said they are forced to survive by selling wild fruit from Mangongo trees.

The fruit is commonly used in the Kavango regions to brew a traditional drink known as kashipembe.

The couple said their customers are villagers from areas where the tree is not commonly found.

A 50-kilogram bag filled with the Mangongo fruit sells for between N$15 and N$25.

The couple further explained they also extract the wild nut oil and trade it for mahangu seeds.

The edible oil is served with meat.

“This is how we are surviving here my brother. If it was not for this tree (pointing to one of the Mangongo trees) we would be finding it more difficult to survive,” Sintango said.

He said he was last employed as a security guard in 1999 when he was based in Windhoek. However, he had to quit his job after he was called back to the village by his father so he could get married and settle down.

Explaining how he managed to take care of his family over the years, Sintango said he cultivated his mahangu field and also did odd jobs in the community, such as making poles from tree branches.

However, Sintango and his family will not harvest anything from their land this year, as the country continues to be ravaged by drought.

He said they remain hopeful that the next rainy season will deliver good rains, so they will be able to work their land.

“This year is going to be tougher than the previous years because of the drought situation. We depend on the rain in order to work our land, but this was not the case this year, due to the lack of rainfall. We will wait and see what happens next season,” Sintango said.

He said the community gets water from a solar-operated borehole.

However, due to financial problems, the couple could not pay their N$40 monthly contribution for April.

All adults - 18 and above - in the village, are expected to contribute N$20 per month.

Sintango said the debt increases on a monthly basis, and at a later stage, one will be compelled to pay or face the consequences.

He also shared some of the challenges faced by the community, saying they do not have access to electricity and the nearest police station is about 50 kilometres away at Mururani.

He also said Sihepera is in dire need of feeder roads, saying it was for this reason that most of the people have settled along the main road.

The nearest clinic is situated at Ncamagoro village, which is about 10 kilometres away.

Sintango called on government to address their issues.

“Since independence we have had community meetings, and in some instances we had ministers visiting us, promising us development, but up until today nothing much has changed,” Sintango said.

He said issues like unemployment in their village and the region will only be eradicated once job opportunities are created.

“We are young; establish the projects and we will work,” he said.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Unam students put best foot forward

The third-year business administration students at Unam came up with the initiative to donate shoes to community members of the Havana informal settlement and the handover was done on Thursday, 2 May.

Initially starting off as a school project with the aim of obtaining good marks, the initiative sparked an interest in the Unam students to fulfil a greater need in society. Not only did some of them let go of shoes they loved, they gained a deeper greater understanding of how rewarding charity can be by observing the smiles they put on the faces of the underprivileged.

The class group was led by their lecturer Dr Wilfred April, who was present at the handover. April identified the area in which the handover, was done as well as setting everything up with community leaders.

The 600 pairs of shoes were received by Filipus Shambwangala, a community leader who thanked the students for their kind and selfless gesture. He explained to the recipients of the donation that the students have the community at heart and want to help as much as they can. He applauded them for their endurance after hearing some of the challenges that they faced during the collection of the shoes.

A citizen of the Havana community and a Unam student herself, Paulina Ekandjo received a gift from the students, handed over by Petrus Kuwamwene. Ekandjo expressed gratitude and picked out a nice pair of high heels for herself from the footwear donated.

“These business students are laying the foundation for us so that we can also help others one day,” she articulated.

Mirriam Maluwaya, a student in her third year at Unam mentioned that they have identified a need as business people and despite not gaining a profit, have decided to fulfil that need. “We have to lift others while we are rising,” she said. She described the gesture as a manner of teaching especially for the younger children that when they grow and become influential they should make a difference in society.

The collection process was chaotic because people did not understand the cause and were unwilling to donate but after a thorough explanation and persuasion from the students, they were convinced as alluded to by Maluwaya. She concluded by saying that she would like to continue the project.

Ester Kamati

Too much freedom? Social media monitoring at schools

Michelline Nawatises

Pull quote: “Why should we take our phones along to school in the first place?” – Armando Garobeb

Today’s social media obsessed youth are facing a unique set of problems, which are amplified by technological advancements.

Issues that students face today are not necessarily caused by social media, but are quickly exacerbated by easy access to the internet, and can certainly be detected online.

Some of these issues include cyberbullying, acts of violence in the classroom and increasing depression and suicide rates.

Social media is becoming a problem within high schools, as learners do as they please with their mobile devices, although they are prohibited from bringing phones to schools. Recently, a lap dance video, purportedly emanating from Dawid Bezuidenhout High School, went viral.

Khomas education director Gerard Vries said such cases are serious and should be dealt with accordingly and should not be taken lightly. It is a well-known fact that there is a lack of gatekeeping when it comes to the use of mobile devices in schools.

Several schools are seeking out new and innovative ways of preventing online violence or even cyberbullying amongst learners. It is a fact that many high school learners and tertiary institution students today are active on social media.

Additionally, The Zone spoke to Johanna Iipumbu, a student from the International University of Management (IUM), about whether the ministry of education should invest more in purchasing technology to monitor what learners and students are busy with on their devices during school hours, without invading their privacy.

She mentioned that it would be of tremendous help.

“It would be great if we can hold hands and come up with different suggestions to put a stop to unnecessary issues; we would all like our institutions to be our safe haven,” she said.

A student from the University of Namibia (Unam), who chose to remain anonymous, also gave his two cents.

“It is inappropriate for administrators within schools to assert their authority over us on what we do on the internet; they should just find a way to deal with this problem without invading our privacy,” he stressed.

Armando Garobeb, a grade 8 learner from Khomas High School, added that schools that attempt to monitor what learners are doing on their phones are of great help.

“I have seen cases where my fellow learners share silly jokes in class, while they should be focusing; this is the true reason why we perform poorly academically,” he said.

Social media platforms can be an advantage and disadvantage, simultaneously. What an individual puts on their social media is of importance, as it can hurt their standing in their school, as many people have suffered because of posts.

Suggestions to monitor the use of social media:

1.Develop a culture of awareness and support

It is vital that schools discuss these challenges openly. Students and learners should be encouraged to talk about their concerns.

2.Parental education

Educating parents is a component of being active to try and control social media problems.

3.Parents should know their children’s usernames and passwords

This might sound very harsh! Parents do not need to be on their kids’ necks whenever they use social media, but they should have a hold on it, now and then.

4.Provide a more effective way for students to report issues

Students need to know who they can turn to when they feel vulnerable, or are victims.

5.Define consequences

They should be aware of the trouble they’ll face if they violate the rules, including the loss of privileges.

25% of agri budget for waterUrban and rural focus The agriculture ministry will allocate a quarter of its budget to water infrastructure and potable water provision.

A quarter of the agriculture ministry's N$1.95 billion budget for the current financial year is devoted to developing the water sector and the supply of water to communities in communal areas.

Minister of agriculture Alpheus !Naruseb said in his budget motivation this amounts to N$494.8 million (25%).

Of this amount, N$242 million is earmarked for the construction of water supply security infrastructure which includes the pilot plant for the waste water reclamation plant at Gammams in Windhoek by the City of Windhoek and the expansion of the Oshakati and Rundu water purification plants by NamWater.

“This leaves an amount of N$252.8 million for other water-related development activities in rural areas,” said !Naruseb.

Other activities under the water programme of the ministry will, amongst others, include the construction of the Ondangwa- Omuntele pipeline extension and the construction of the King Lauluma-Omutsegwonime Water Supply Scheme in the Oshikoto Region, as well as the construction of the water supply scheme for the displaced communities of the Kavango East Region (Shamvhura to Shamangorwa pipeline).

!Naruseb further said that the Neckartal Dam will also be completed this year, with the expected date for the commissioning of the dam being in August as per the tentative work programme of the project.

The completion date for monitoring and reporting on the project is expected to be in October this year.

“With regards to sanitation coordination, the ministry is continuing with the construction of the remaining 200 improved latrines in the Erongo, Kunene and Omusati regions,” said !Naruseb.

He said the ministry through the Technical Committee of Experts for the Cabinet Committee on Water Supply Security will undertake activities such as the upgrading of the Gammams direct potable reclamation, the Kombat-Berg Aukas power supply and the refurbishment of the Von Bach pump stations to enhance water supply to the central areas of Namibia.

It will also undertake the refurbishment of the Kuiseb collector 2 and the replacement of the Schwarzekuppe-Swakopmund and the Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken pipelines to improve supply at the central coastal areas.

According to !Naruseb N$427.7 million (21.8%) of the budget is earmarked for the development of the agriculture sector.

Of this amount N$98.9 million is allocated to the Namibia Agricultural Mechanisation and Seed Improvement Project (Namsip).

A further N$293.8 million is allocated to the implementation of agricultural activities such as the green scheme programme. It also includes the development of Neckartal Dam phase 2 irrigation project, the processing and marketing of horticultural produce, as well as the implementation of climate mitigation measures through the conservation programme.

An amount of N$35 million is allocated for the completion of the on-going construction of veterinary clinics and staff accommodation infrastructure countrywide, while N$22.5 million will be allocated towards the development of the forestry sector and N$66 million to supervision and support services.

!Naruseb pointed out that the allocations to the agriculture sector have been continuously declining having dropped from an average of 4.6% over the past 11 years to 2.9% of the total national budget. He said this is despite the significance of agriculture, water and forestry to the nation's livelihood.

He said that agriculture remains a strategic sector as it continues to support about 70% of the Namibian population and employs about 167 242 people, which represents 15.3% of the total workforce in the country.

ELLANIE SMIT

NSFAF loans to stay loans

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has ruled out the possibility of converting the loans it has awarded to students since its inception, into grants.

NSFAF's interim CEO Kennedy Kandume, in an interview with Nampa, explained that the fund's current funding model is not sustainable, especially at a time when it is on the verge of becoming a full-fledged revolving fund. This means NSFAF has to recuperate monies it paid to students upon completion of their studies.

“I don't foresee us converting loans into grants. It is clear that we have to be a revolving fund,” Kandume said. In 2015, President Hage Geingob called on government to move away from the study loan system, saying it should instead be converted into a system of grants.

This, the president said, would enable students to immediately build up wealth portfolios instead of graduating into debt upon completing their studies. Kandume further noted that the student fund has deployed a robust approach to recover money disbursed to students, which will then be used to aid future loan recipients.

This will make NSFAF self-reliant, unlike the current situation where it finds itself depending on government. “We will soon send out electronic statements to debtors and subsequently blacklist non-responding debtors in accordance with the debt management process,” he cautioned.

Confident in their new approach, he added that they anticipate an increased recovery from the current N$4 million to N$10 million in the current financial year.

Over the next five years, NSFAF wants to recover at least N$120 million. Over the past eight years, the student fund disbursed N$5.8 billion in the form of loans, grants and scholarships.

Kandume also said NSFAF is exploring other means to sustain itself such as the introduction of a special levy, something similar to that of the Namibia Training Authority that will be targeted at bankrolling the fund.

NAMPA

Invest in literacy

The Kavango East education directorate has appealed for help with its adult literacy programme, saying it is one of the ways societal issues such as poverty and unemployment can be addressed.

The region's deputy director of education, Christine Shilima, believes that literacy can empower people to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country.

She says many rural people have herds of cattle and access to ample land, but because they lack knowledge they are unable to create wealth and jobs.

Shilima says the ministry is doing what it can to keep the adult literacy programme running by appointing literacy promoters in communities.

But some learners are unable to acquire learning materials, which makes the programme less effective.

A sharp drop in donor funding in recent years has also hampered the programme.

“The literacy programme within the region is a success as the learners are committed and willing to learn. However, we have observed that there are learners, especially from deep in the inland, who are struggling to acquire basic stationery such as a pen and a book,” she says.

She appeals to the business community in the region for help.

“I am not calling on people to assist us with funds but what we are simply asking for is the basics, such as a variety of stationery which will be given to those in need.”

She says the literacy level among those who have enrolled so far stands at over 80%.

Kavango East Region currently has 191 adult literacy centres. Classes are offered at schools, churches, and temporary buildings erected by community members. Some classes are even taught under shade trees.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Making room for innovationYouth take a swing at business pitches Launch Magazine held its first-ever pitch night at the Confab Bistro on 1 May.

Ester Kamati

Youth took centre stage at Launch Magazine’s first-ever pitch night.

They were able to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in the hopes of winning Namibia Business Innovation Centre (NBII) mentorship and a N$5 000 start-up package from Launch Magazine.

The event was hosted by Tanyaradzwa Daringo and Hilkka Nakawa from Zeronine Media. Zulu Boy, the founder of the Gweri Vintage Socks brand, was the guest speaker. The ex-musician shared he wanted a look that was different from everybody else and that is how he became drawn to vintage wear.

He highlighted that his brand was aimed at uniting everybody, regardless of whether they are from a town or village, so they can identify with his Gweri wear.

“Focus on what you are working on,” he said, while advising entrepreneurs not to be too focused on looking for investors.

He reminded the crowed that their dreams are attainable and that anybody can make it. “Always think of how you can make yourself bigger and better.”

He concluded by advising entrepreneurs to experiment and challenge themselves, in order to become powerful.

The pitchers included Reino Kambango, a resident from Kavango West who has seen the impact of road accidents caused by cattle in his region.

He has come up with an innovative idea to curb the problem called the Vizitag, which is a reflective ear tag placed on livestock to enable drivers to easily spot them during the night.

Another pitcher, Loide Amukwa, said pitch night was a learning experience that gave her pointers on how to tackle her next pitch.

Her business idea is Beryl’s ice cream, which she came up with while having an annual cultural festival in mind.

“This is ice cream that is infused with flavours found mainly in Africa,” she explained. She is a student and nail technician who also sells vintage clothes and is evidently business-minded.

With the event drawing to a close, Rauha Uuwanga, a student at the University of Namibia (Unam) School of Medicine took the winning pitch title with her integrated vital signs monitor, aimed at reducing the mortality rate in the country. With plans to assemble the device in the Land of the Brave, Uuwanga evidently impressed the judges with her presentation.

Kennedy Liswani commended her on her presentation and said she showed an understanding of her product.

A surprise for the pitch night attendees was Vivicia Negumbo and Selma Shaanika, two 15-year-old girls from the north who described themselves as “the next big thing”.

They pitched their idea of a music app called Jive, which they aim to use as a tool to uplift local artists. The technologically-savvy duo aim to prove to people that two ordinary kids from the north can make it big. Negumbo said if a local song is rated highly on their Jive app, listeners can rest assured that the song is a hit.

Tom Shilongo, the founder of Launch Magazine, awarded the teens, who were the youngest pitchers, a cash prize at the end of the night for their efforts and mind-blowing presentation. He, however, did not disclose the amount.

The teens hope that potential investors will show interest in their app and help them realise their dream.

Uuwanga said the feeling of winning pitch night was “beyond cloud nine”.

She said the experience had boosted her courage to innovate and change the business world. The 20-year-old added that listening to people’s opinions is what holds entrepreneurs back.

“Just do it,” she said, adding she will fully utilise the opportunity.

She said the other pitchers had proven themselves and should now work towards building strong networks.

Young engineers spark hopeThe NASE is part of a non-profit organisation called Engineers Without Borders, which aims to conduct community projects around Namibia. On 27 April, the Namibia Society of Engineers (NASE) held a community service day at the Pionier Boys' School in Windhoek.

Elizabeth Joseph

The NASE approached the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, offering to help them in identifying a project that they can assist with.

The ministry uses Pionier Boys' School as an interim storage facility for desk and chair frames, and learners from this school fix the furniture, it seemed a good project to embark on.

Khomas education director Gerard Vries said the NAS offer came in handy, because it would mean that the tasks would be finished at a faster rate.

“Our biggest concern at this moment is with primary schools, so that is where the first desks and chairs will go to,” he said.

The beneficiaries

In the first round, Okekas Primary School, where classrooms have been built but not yet inaugurated, will benefit.

Second will be the Martti Ahtisaari Primary School, where classrooms are currently under construction.

In the next round, the ministry will be focusing on pre-primary schools.

The principal of Pionier Boys' School, Orgill van Wyk, said the school has always been proud of being a part of great initiatives and looks forward to seeing the end result.

All in all, the day was filled with laughter and a room full of people who are making a difference in the life of the Namibian child.

Empowering women through Elle Cups Alexander Forbes donates to Lidar Foundation Alexander Forbes has donated 200 Elle Cups and pledged to donate N$60 000 over 12 months to the Lidar Foundation in Windhoek.

Mariselle Stofberg

Alexander Forbes donated 200 Elle Cups to the value of N$80 000 and pledged to donate N$5 000 a month over the next 12 months to the Lidar Foundation in Windhoek.

The Lidar Foundation is a centre in Katutura that was created by Serley Khaxas in August 2017. The foundation works with three different groups of girls in the community, which includes primary and high school girls and young mothers and their babies.

Khaxas is the executive director of Lidar Foundation and is extremely grateful for the assistance and help they have received thus far.

“We received something special today and this is something we need to cherish every day. This will help us to keep girls in school and will help girls to be more hygienic.”

Khaxas further believes the monetary donation will enable the centre to continue with their projects and programmes. “Companies like Alexander Forbes provide us with the means necessary to continue our good work in the community to empower girls. We are able to continue with our skills development and provide a platform for girls and young mothers to enter the workforce.”

Alexander Forbes believes that by supporting and partnering with foundations like Lidar they can help to educate and empower young women in Namibia. “Without access to sustainable menstrual hygiene supplies, facilities and support, girls are vulnerable to all sorts of health issues, which further contributes to girls being prone to school absenteeism. Many young girls don’t go to school while they are menstruating, because they feel ashamed and embarrassed. This cup is reusable and can help not only to save money, but to assist those who are not able to afford pads or tampons,” said Erika Reissner, the marketing manager at Alexander Forbs.

Florence Gases (18) is one of the girls at the centre who received an Elle Cup at the handover ceremony.

“I have never seen something like this before and this product will enable me to save so much money I would have spent on pads and tampons. I can use this cup for years to come and that is simply amazing,” she said.

Reissner believes the donation will play an important role in helping to keep girls in school, enabling them to receive an education. “We believe young women should remember they have value and they should start to believe themselves. We are looking for young, educated leaders in all industries and we believe by providing this we are able to keep girls in school.”

Reissner advises girls that are a part of the Lidar Foundation to use the opportunities provided to become independent and empowered.

“Don’t miss classes, be punctual and disciplined, be hungry for information and read up on matters; inform yourself, make the best person out of yourself with the resources that this foundation offers to you, until you are self-sufficient. Skills are so important and empower yourself to be one of the up-and-coming leaders of Namibia.”

Northern water woes deepen

The Oshana and Omusati regional councils are set to approach the water ministry, in a bid to get NamWater to pump water to Uuvudhiya in order to recharge and rehabilitate Lake Oponona, which has become too salty for animals to drink from.

The two regions held a consultative meeting with NamWater officials last week to deliberate on pumping water from the Olushandja Dam to Uuvudhiya to recharge Lake Oponona.

During a meeting with the Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) and the Oshana regional council at Oshakati last week, Uuvudhiya constituency councillor Amutenya Ndahafa said cattle are refusing to drink from the lake as the water has become too salty and farmers have started driving their cattle long distances to places where there is piped water.

Lake Oponona gets its water from the Cuvelai drainage system - a network of oshanas that run from southern Angola to the Etosha salt pan, but due to poor rainfall this year, no water has reached the lake this year.

“Following better rainfall last year, the lake received good inflows of water and it was filled up. This year the area did not receive any rainfall and no water flow from the Cuvelai drainage system reached the lake.

The water has now turned too salty and the animals do not want to drink it anymore,” Ndahafa said. “Farmers in Uuvudhiya depend on Lake Oponona and Lake Yinakulu yomadhiya for water. Oponona's water is naturally salty, but once it is mixed with rainwater it becomes usable for animal consumption. We are therefore calling on NamWater to pump water to Uuvudhiya to recharge Lake Oponona.”

The Uuvudhiya area has good grazing and is home to a number of animal posts for farmers from Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati and Oshana, but there is no proper water supply.

Farmers are now relying on the Oshakati-Omapale pipeline which has several water points.

Ndahafa said many farmers frustrated by the slow water flow in the pipeline have approached his office.

He said due to the high water demand in the area, the pipeline does not have the capacity to provide water to all the livestock in Uuvudhiya.

NamWater is also owed N$3.4 million by those using water from the pipeline.

Oshana governor Elia Irimari said during the meeting with NamWater officials at Outapi, NamWater updated the two governors on the current water supply situation in the north, including the rehabilitation of the damaged Calueque-Oshakati canal. “The plan to pump water to Oponona is on the cards. NamWater is currently fixing the broken canal before they consider pumping the water. We are informed that water at Oponona has turned salty and is causing animal deaths,” said Irimari.

NamWater spokesperson Johannes Shigwedha all the stakeholders involved had to agree to certain conditions before water is pumped from Olushandja to Uuvudhiya. “At the moment we have closed the pumps at the Calueque Dam in Angola and we are now drawing water from Olushandja Dam to supply its purification plants at Outapi, Ogongo and Oshakati. We had a meeting with the two governors where we addressed the water situation. The Olushandja-Uuvudhiya stream affects the Omusati and Oshana regions, so there is a need for all the stakeholders involved to come together before water is pumped,” Shigwedha said.

In July 2016, NamWater started pumping water from the Olushandja Dam, making use of a 130-kilometre-long disused canal, but until January 2017 the water did not reach Oponona.

Local farmers assisted in cleaning the canal to make the water flow faster, but the soil was too dry and simply sunk away.

ILENI NANDJATO

Endgame for rape culture in Namibia

With more than 200 accounts of rape and other forms of sexual abuse reported on social media over the last few days the #MeToo movement in Namibia has taken hold and a new alliance of organisations is keen to tap into the momentum and help end the pervasive culture of rape and sexual violence in the country.

“The biggest problem here is that we are seeing how rape culture has infiltrated our society in a manner in which people have been silenced for so long, and have been fearful for so long, because the culture is so prevalent,” Arlana Shikongo of the Slut Shame Walk (SSW) organising committee, a member of the new #MeTooNamibia movement alliance, said at the launch yesterday.

Shikongo said the ultimate aim of #MeTooNamibia is to shift the current cultural mindset around issues of rape, sexual abuse and harassment and to kickstart conversations about consent, among other issues.

“It's not about sending perpetrators to jail. It's about changing the core of the culture. And I think that's why we have been saying there have to be other steps aside from just dealing with the perpetrators. It's about eradicating the entire problem throughout our society.”

Shikongo stressed that the movement is not exclusive to women, but to anyone in need of support or who wants to help the end the status quo.

“It's our nation's movement.”

She said the backlash the movement has already experienced, including threats to many who have spoken out is “an attempt to once again muffle the voices of those who have been violated”.

The #MeTooNamibia movement alliance consists of Lifeline/Childline, the Namibian Women Lawyers Association, Regain Trust, Bel Esprit, the Office of the First Lady, the Legal Assistance Centre and several other partners.

Veronica Theron, technical advisor to the Office of the First Lady, yesterday said the #MeTooNamibia alliance consists of organisations that deal with the issues at hand on a daily basis, offering a team of fully-fledged professionals to support survivors and their families.

Speaking on the issue of false claims, a concern and criticism the #MeTooNamibia movement has raised, Theron said those falsely accused are advised to seek professional help and have the option of laying charges, the same route open to survivors.

Theron nevertheless noted that in her experience “false claims are about 1% of all cases reported”.

Why now?

“The #MeToo movement happened on a social media platform because a lot of these women felt that their voices weren't being heard. That the people who they shared their story with, were not taking them seriously,” Charlemagne Husselmann of Lifeline/Childline Namibia explained yesterday.

She said it's not about public shaming, but for many survivors social media was a platform that enabled them to “have their voice and story heard, for people to take them seriously”.

Activist Alna Dall said instead of asking “why now”, the question should be: “Why this? Why so many accounts of sexual assault on women? Why do men in our society not have a clear grasp of consent? Why have they, repeatedly, used their positions, strengths and privilege to objectify and sexually assault the bodies of young women?”

First Lady Monica Geingos said yesterday the #MeToo movement is being driven by a “different generation of young women who do not accept what we accepted”.

She said the role the organisations that have joined the #MeTooNamibia alliance is to support, amplify and protect the voices of those spearheading the movement itself.

“This not our movement; it's the movement of those who were brave enough to stand up.”

Geingos noted that few, if any women in Namibia, have been exempt from some type of sexual harassment, coercion, sexual assault or rape.

“Every single woman sitting in this room, if they read the definition carefully, has somehow either been coerced, sexually assaulted or raped, and continues to deal with the untreated trauma related to that. So if we didn't get assistance for ourselves, we have an obligation to give it to those brave enough to speak up.”

Staff revolt hits ECNVoter education halted Contract workers are demanding to be permanently employed saying they have been with the ECN for more than 10 years.

With the 2019 general election only months away, 90 Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) voter education officers are currently working without employment contracts, after they refused to sign new ones when their two-year contracts expired on 31 March.

They have refused to renew their temporary contracts with the ECN, saying many of them have been working for more than 10 years and deserve to be permanently employed.

The voter education officers are tasked with raising public awareness on elections, democracy-building and political tolerance. The upcoming National Assembly and presidential elections, which are expected to be among the most contested since the dawn of democracy, is expected to take place in November.

The ECN confirmed it is revising the contracts, while negotiating with the Namibia Public Workers' Union (Napwu).

However, the electoral body has been accused of forcing employees to sign contracts in their draft form, while continuing negotiations with the union.

Namibian Sun has been informed that since their contracts expired on 31 March, only voter education officers in the //Karas Region and two from Khomas have renewed their contracts. The rest - countrywide - are continuing to work while claiming that the ECN has not communicated what the future holds for them. They have also not received their April salaries.

A source said they refused to sign another two-year contract with ECN because some of them have been voter education officers for more than 10 years, but the commission is refusing to appoint them on a permanent basis.

“Our duties are very crucial to the ECN. We work from January to December, irrespective of whether there is election or not. Why can't they employ us permanently? This is not fair and they are just wasting our time. If they do not want to, then they must tell us instead of abusing us for nothing,” said the source.

“When we started they used to give us contracts that we renewed after every three months, then it was later changed to six months, then to nine months and later to a year.

In 2017 we refused to sign a year contract, while demanding that they employ us permanently, but they refused and only gave us two-year contracts that ended on 31 March. We are back to the drawing board and all we want is for them to employ us permanently.”

The source said since their contracts expired, they received instructions and directives to continue with their work.

The Oshana team was even instructed to work during the Ondangwa Urban constituency by-election supplementary registration period for voters that took place from 10 to 12 April.

However, to their surprise, they did not receive their April salaries.

ECN chief electoral officer Theo Mujoro could not be reached on his cellphone and also did not respond to enquiries that were sent to his phone on Friday.

He had, however, sent a letter to the ECN Napwu chairperson Joseph Nghiilwamo, which was also seen by Namibian Sun.

In the letter Mujoro informed the union leader that the ECN will not pay salaries to voter education officers until they have signed a contract.

“Please be informed that the ECN would not make salary payments of voter education officers under any circumstance in the absence of a signed employment contract as this would be illegal and unlawful. We are fully aware of the ongoing discussion and negotiation with Napwu around certain aspects of the voter education officers' employment contracts and the fact that this process may take a while to complete (sic),” Mujoro said in his letter.

“In light of the development, we urge the voter education officers to sign the revised contract in its draft form, while negotiations on the outstanding matters are being finalised. Once these issues are resolved, all officials will be required to sign an addendum to be attached to the signed contracts to give effects to these issues.”

Nghiilwamo referred Namibian Sun to Alfa Murangi, saying he is the one representing them during the negotiations. Murangi could not be reached for comment.

ILENI NANDJATO