Namibian Sun

Digital dynamite NamAuto general manager maximises technology Rossouw van Vuuren, the general manager at NamAuto, strives to use the opportunities the digital era provides to build on the success of the company.

Mariselle Stofberg

Rossouw van Vuuren was born in Gobabis in 1993 and his parents moved to Okahandja in 1998, where he spent most of his childhood years.

He matriculated at Windhoek High School in 2012 and started his B.Com degree in marketing management studies in 2014 at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. After he completed his studies, he joined Pupkewitz Motors as a sales consultant.

Recently van Vuuren became the general manager at NamAuto, an online marketing platform for the entire automotive industry. The company has valued car dealers, accessory fitment centres, car part dealers and financial institutions that advertise their products and services on NamAuto.

“My role at NamAuto is to ensure that we optimise our website search engine optimisation (SEO) and develop the most effective website to support user behaviour. I need to ensure that our marketing activities are on point and that we create the best online experience for the Namibian user. We aim to be the number one online dealership in Namibia, supporting users with any product available in the automotive industry,” he said.

Van Vuuren further needs to ensure that the company is up to speed with the latest trends and developments, to ensure that NamAuto stays the number one ranked website for used vehicles in Namibia.

“The automotive industry is not a very attractive segment to compete in, so it is challenging to be creative and to counter the market trend. I am proud to be part of the NamAuto team and believe that the growth and success of NamAuto so far is a great accomplishment.”

When asked about a typical working day, Van Vuuren said jokingly it starts with a cup of coffee “off course”.

“I will start by planning ahead for the day and the week. I will check all website enquiries and monitor website traffic and dealers stock. I will spend most of my time on the development and maintenance of the website.”

Van Vuuren believes that each member of the NamAuto team has a vital role to play within the company.

“Each team player has his or her own role and that is key to the company. We are only a small business unit, but we add to each other’s strengths.”

With regard to his future plans, he sees himself in the motor industry.

“I would love to improve the current business attributes of NamAuto and create an exceptional online experience for both users and dealers. The motor industry, I believe, will change a lot in the near future and I would love to be part of the process. I expect to see more digital innovations and new modes of transportation being introduced in the industry,” he said.

“I love digital innovation and I’m driven by new ideas and the ease of doing business. In my spare time I love to read and study new market trends and developments.”

Optimising the opportunities the digital era provides you with is something Van Vuuren feels very strongly about.

“Take every opportunity you get and capitalise on it. There are so many opportunities to develop yourself via e-learning and reading. The digital world has enabled us to learn from experience around the globe and being a self-taught professional is nothing new. Take every opportunity, work hard, put in extra effort and never stop learning.”

CITES must sit down

For years now, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) has been rejecting Namibia and her neighbours’ proposals to open up the international trade in their ivory. Apart from Namibia, countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania and Swaziland have done everything possible to convince CITES to lift the ban on the trade, considering their conservation success stories. While these countries have managed to protect their wildlife, they also have seen a huge spike in their animal populations, which have increased beyond the carrying capacity of the land. Namibia is no exception and it is now sitting with an ivory stockpile worth a massive N$125 million. The stockpile consists of tusks confiscated from poachers, and because of natural deaths. Since the ban in 1989, Namibia has only been allowed controlled ivory trade in 1999 and 2008, with CITES arguing that legalising it would be devastating for African elephants, which are the source of most of the illegally traded ivory in the world. In its latest proposal, Namibia, along with Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa, whose elephant populations are on Appendix II, want restrictions weakened so that ivory can be exported to consumer countries. The onus for the way forward now lies with delegates to the next World Wildlife Conference - the 18th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the CITES, which will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is our sincere hope that the international gathering will allow the legal trade in ivory. This will of course be undertaken using adequate controls and with strict enforcement. Namibia has proven that it can indeed conserve its wildlife, seeing that the country now has an elephant population of 24 000 - up from 7 500 in 1995. Our model has always been the sustainable use of our wildlife resources, and we would certainly not allow our elephant population to be decimated. In the same breath, we need extra finances to take care of our people.

AV tech has big dreamsRubben Mabuku is a jack of all trades Mabuku has worked in various positions, including bartending and as a cinema projectionist. Mabuku is currently the head of audio-visual (AV) at DB Audio Namibia. Pull-quote: “My ability to learn anything in a short time scares me sometimes.”- Rubben Mabuku, head of AV at DB Audio Namibia.

Pull-quote: “My ability to learn anything in a short time scares me sometimes.”- Rubben Mabuku, head of AV at DB Audio Namibia.

Debmarine's drilling gemThe sky is the limit for Murorua Having been an employee at Debmarine for 17 years, Bruce Murorua has been a great addition to the team and is always on top of his game.

Ester Kamati

Bruce Murorua was born in Fransfontein in the Kunene Region.

He started off as a trainee driller at Debmarine and then had to complete his in-house and external training before being promoted to the position of production driller in 2004.

He continued his hard work and dedication in all the tasks assigned to him along the way, until he was eventually promoted to his current position as senior driller in 2007.

During Murorua's journey at Debmarine, he had the opportunity to work with three mining vessels, namely Debmar Pacific, Grand Banks and !Gariep, which he describes as a privilege.

His role as the senior driller is to supervise all mining and drilling operations and related activities, on board. Furthermore, ensuring optimal availability and utilisation of equipment, as well as manpower, is a duty that rests on his shoulders. His job includes training of all the other drillers and updating planned maintenance control systems.

He ensures that drill spares are readily available and also promotes company policies and procedures related to health, safety and environmental issues.

He described the fact that he has to be away from his family as one of his greatest challenges, but said that the number of years he has been in the industry has forced him to strike a balance between his off-time and being at sea.

He said moving up from simply being a trainee to holding a supervisory position is his greatest achievement when it comes to his career. The driller said his family is his main inspiration, despite the tests that come with the ever-changing marine environment and adapting to these changes.

He advises youth to explore the opportunities that come with joining the marine diamond mining industry. He further described Debmarine as a very stable company with plenty of training and personnel development opportunities for anybody who might be thinking of one day joining the team.

“You have to be passionate and dedicated,” he advised, adding that the sky is the limit for any goals that one may want to achieve.

This early bird starts his working day at 04:00, with control room duties being his first task of the day. He then has breakfast at 08:00, followed by daily administration and supervisory duties. When he gets time off from work, he spends it at the gym, when he is not watching television or socialising with his colleagues.

Despite all his achievements thus far, Murorua has future plans to pursue a career in horizontal mining on the MV Mafuta, which is one of Debmarine's vessels. Even while working at sea, the sky is still the only limit for this man, as he continues to prove he is a force to be reckoned with in the mining industry.

Agribusdev struggles to pay salaries

The Agricultural Business Development Agency (Agribusdev), the agency that manages 11 green schemes, is struggling with serious cash-flow problems and has been unable to pay its employees on time for the past three months.

The managing director of Agribusdev, Petrus Uugwanga, told Namibian Sun that the company's cash-flow problem has been worsened by the economic situation in the country and last year's fall armyworm infestations at green schemes.

“The armyworm invasions at green schemes knocked us down and we have not recovered yet. Now we have better crops on the field and we are hopeful to recover,” he said.

According to documents seen by Namibian Sun for the months of February, March and April, there has been a delay in the payment of Agribusdev employees' salaries.

The agency had to request banks to be lenient with its staff members who could not meet their obligations to banks or third parties at month-end.

“Thus far all the employees have been paid. There comes a time just like any other institution that due to cash-flow problems employees are not paid on time.

“Buyers of produce are not paying on time, which has become frequent these days. We then find ourselves in a situation of not having resources to pay our workers, especially at the farm level,” said Uugwanga.

A notice sent out to employees last month informed them that there were no funds allocated to Agribusdev in the national budget for the 2018/19 financial year.

“From a financial point of view what this means is that Agribusdev does not have a budget to execute operational activities. This is because there is no basis on which to base our expenditure, as there is no promise of funds elsewhere, or realistic expectations that funds will come from anywhere.”

The notice said that staff should halt all expenditure while engagements take place with the agriculture ministry to secure funds for operation.

“As Agribusdev we currently do not have a budget allocation yet, we have made a proposal to the ministry on the allocation and we look forward to see an approval as soon as possible.”

He said that Agribusdev was still waiting upon the ministry, as the national budget debate was still ongoing in Parliament.

According to Uugwanga the operational budget for Agribusdev is about N$120 million.

“Agribusdev has handed their proposal for funding from the line ministry and this is estimated at around N$29 million.”

According to him this is less than the N$35 million they had requested from the ministry last year.

“Agribusdev has nine pay points and any of them can be affected in terms of late payment of salaries,” he explained.

Uugwanga also pointed out that Agribusdev is not creditworthy to financial institutions because it lacks assets that can be put up as collateral.

He further said that their business plan, which could have made them self-sustainable, was not funded. They needed about N$111 million over a period of five years.

Last year Agribusdev unveiled a daring business plan with which it hoped to generate N$1.8 billion in turnover and 4 000 temporary jobs.

This plan would only have worked if it received more than N$111 million to develop the state-owned green scheme projects to optimal capacity.

Agribusdev runs the Etunda, Hardap, Kalimbeza,Mashare, Musese, Ndonga Linena, Orange River, Shadikongoro, Shitemo, Sikondo and Uvhungu-Vhungu irrigation farms.

The assumption was that should the necessary development be done, all eight operational centres with the exception of the head office would post profits and the company would generate a turnover of N$1.8 billion from 2017 to 2022.

A total of 464 permanent jobs would be maintained, while about 98 additional jobs would have been created. Also over 4 000 temporary jobs would have been created.

The agriculture ministry recently instructed Agribusdev to choose only four green scheme projects to which the government can commit funding.

The rest of the green schemes will be leased to the private sector to cut down on the astronomical costs associated with the projects.

Uugwanga lastly stressed that Agribusdev does not have a board at the moment, which is compromising the leadership of the institution. He said the company needs a board as part of good governance.

ELLANIE SMIT

Angry Shaningwa washes her handsSG wants nothing to do with Rundu mess The Swapo SG says she wants nothing to do with the affairs of the Rundu town council and never wants to be contacted in connection with the matter again.

Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa says she does not want to be disturbed by questions about the ongoing fracas unfolding among ruling party councillors in Rundu.

The political mess includes a party directive being defied by three Swapo councillors, who were later recalled by Shaningwa, before a meeting chaired by President Hage Geingob in February seemed to pour oil on troubled waters.

However, the dust is simply refusing the settlement. Last Thursday the town council was to have convened to swear in a third councillor to be part of the management committee, so the body could become functional.

However, this never happened after Ralph Ihemba allegedly reneged on an agreement he had struck with James Sankwasa, who is the chairperson of the Swapo leaders assigned to Kavango East.

Shaningwa was dragged back into the fracas by allegations that she pulled the strings to have Ihemba renege on the deal to serve on the committee.

The Rundu battle has steadily unfolded since last year, culminating in Shaningwa's initiative to retain Verna Sinimbo as mayor and Ralph Ihemba as her deputy being defied.

In complete defiance, the council elected Isack Kandingu as mayor and Toini Hausiku as his deputy earlier this year, while Anastacia Shinduvi-Foya was elected as the chairperson of the management committee, which remains incomplete and unable to attend to critical administrative affairs in a town beset by monumental challenges.

An annoyed Shaningwa said this week she has nothing to do with the Rundu council's affairs and never again wants to be contacted about the matter.

“I think you are very much aware that I was nearly taken to court as far those things are concerned and I really do not know why you people are disturbing me with these types of things.

“I do not want anyone to call me as far as this issue is concerned; you people leave me alone. They said they are not going to follow the directive of the Swapo Party, but here and there, day and night, people are following and asking me. My directive was done away with long time ago.

“I stopped and they are on their own, this is what they wanted - to be on their own.

They are not under the umbrella of the Swapo Party. Nonsense man,” Shaningwa said.

“I wanted services for the Rundu town council and as the former minister of urban and rural development, I never discriminated against any town council. Why should I discriminate against any town council now?”

When contacted for comment recently, Sankwasa confirmed he visited Rundu and secretly met with Ihemba, whom he said eventually agreed to take up the third position on the Rundu management committee.

Sankwasa said he then arranged for another meeting with the councillor, in the presence of Kavango East governor Samuel Mbambo and Shinduvi-Foya.

Sankwasa added it was also decided that acting Rundu CEO Sikongo Haihambo was to be contacted, so the swearing-in ceremony could take place.

When contacted for comment, Ihemba said he had not been aware of the swearing-in ceremony.

When asked whether his consultation with Ihemba was approved by Shaningwa, Sankwasa said he was guided by the lack of progress on the Rundu issue.

“There are problems and the problems are caused by this one (person), who is refusing, and I go to this one (person) to ask: Why are you refusing? Did I need top management for that?”

This week Haihambo tendered his resignation and will leave the council at the end of June.

When contacted for comment, urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga said the ministry will soon communicate with the Rundu town council.

“I am going to address that issue with the Rundu town council. I will be writing a letter to them.”

KENYA KAMBOWE

I didn't do it - NIMT suspect

NIMT employee Ernst Lichtenstrasser (57) was finally charged with the murders of Eckhart Mueller and Heimo Hellwig at Arandis.

Lichtenstrasser appeared before the Swakopmund's Magistrate's Court yesterday morning.

Lichtenstrassen denied committing the murders upon his arrival at court.

“I didn't do it. They've got the wrong guy. Check the background of the case,” he said.

Namibia Institute of Mining Technology (NIMT) executive director Eckhard Mueller and his deputy, Heimo Hellwig, were shot at close range when they reported for duty at the Arandis campus on Monday, 15 April.

Lichtenstrasser has been in police custody for the last three weeks on a minor charge of ammunition possession. He remained a person of interest in the murder but could only be charged this week.

State prosecutor Maria Shilongo opposed bail because of the seriousness of the offence, the public interest and the ongoing police investigation into the case.

Magistrate Nelao Brown postponed the case to 24 July. Lichtenstrasser will remain in custody at the Walvis Bay police holding cells despite complaining about conditions there and requesting to be held at the Arandis police station instead.

He claimed that he suffered from an illness and needed regular check-ups.

“The conditions of the Walvis Bay Police holdings cells are very unhygienic and the police are overburdened with the number of people in the cells. The Walvis Bay police are not to be blamed for the conditions I am suffering,” he said.

Magistrate Brown suggested that he could be moved to the Walvis Bay Correctional Facility, but Lichtenstrasser objected to that too.

“The Arandis holdings cells are much cleaner due to the small number of people in custody. Here I will also be closer to my wife and lawyer, who is based in Windhoek.”

Shilongo objected, saying that the murders took place in Arandis and Lichtenstrasser's NIMT colleagues also live there.

“It would not be in the interest of justice, nor will it be safe for him to be held at Arandis. The Walvis Bay Correctional Facility is more than capable to cater to the needs and ailments of the accused person,” the prosecutor said.

Brown then said if Lichtenstrasser was unhappy with the conditions at Walvis Bay his lawyer could approach the state prosecutor to make other arrangements.

LEANDREA LOUW

Money tips for graduates

Llewellyn Wrinkler

Many graduates can benefit by adopting good money management principles early in their careers, to ensure a guaranteed, stable and stress-free financial future.

Whether you are entering the work environment for the first time, starting a permanent job after an internship or running your own business, taking control of your finances right now can help you avoid developing bad money habits that can prove difficult to overcome.

Here are six money management tips for graduates to consider -

• Save for retirement earlier: Some individuals only realise halfway through their careers that they will not have enough money to live off during retirement. This often results in them having to compromise some of their financial needs in order to make up for the shortfall.

• Living beyond your means: Although it is essential to spoil yourself and have fun when you start earning a salary, avoid getting into the habit of spending beyond your means. Try and separate needs from wants, and avoid living a lifestyle that leaves you unnecessarily indebted.

• Good vs bad debt: Not all debt is bad for you. Knowing how to use debt to get ahead in life, as well as using the right form of credit, forms an integral part of a good money management strategy.

• Saving: Regularly putting money away for personal needs, investments or emergencies cannot be overemphasised.

If you find it challenging to save money on your own, set up a monthly deposit, where the bank can deduct money from your account and put it away for you.

It is also important to take out cover for insurable risks, to avoid paying from your own pocket when disaster strikes. Furthermore, if you already have a family or people depending on you financially, life cover should be considered.

Renting vs buying

Making the right choice, depending on your individual circumstances, can help you save money in the long-term. For example, it may be more cost-effective to rent if you have a job that requires you to relocate regularly. Similarly, if you do not have a job that requires you to travel or relocate, buying the townhouse or flat you are staying in is not only cost-effective, but can be a good investment for the future.

Plan for holidays

Try to plan a year in advance for expensive holidays. This will give you enough time to put money away. You can also benefit from massive discounts when booking flights and accommodation in advance. Although the above tips are not conclusive, they will give you a good foundation for managing money adequately. Also, take into account that there isn't a perfect formula for handling money, as it all depends on your individual circumstances. The best approach is to have a plan in place, budgeting regularly and being disciplined when it comes to money matters.

* Llewellyn Wrinkler is the portfolio manager: young professionals at FNB

MVA CEO has big dreams Taking the wheel of road safety Rosalia Martins-Hausiku is the CEO of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.

Justicia Shipena

Hailing from the northern part of Namibia, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku was born in Rundu and has four siblings.

Martins-Hausiku matriculated from Etosha High School, which is located in Tsumeb, in 1999. In 2003 she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at the University of Namibia (Unam).

Afterwards she started working and took 12 months leave in 2007 to complete a Master of Arts in Cultural and Media Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. Then in 2010, she obtained a Master in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa (Unisa) School of Business Leadership in Midrand, South Africa.

Martins-Hausiku told Careers that the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund) was established to provide benefits for injured persons and dependants of those killed in motor vehicle crashes primarily, as well as to design, develop and implement crash and injury-prevention programmes.

She said that in carrying out this mandate they have adopted a continuum that starts with crash prevention, and if all else fails, they ensure there is the provision of an emergency medical response to pick up the injured. They also ensure the injured are transported to medical facilities where they receive medical treatment and in and out of hospital rehabilitation.

“The process is then concluded with life enhancement interventions such as house and vehicle modifications, the provision of assistive devices and rehabilitation to return to work, school or independence,” she said.

Her duties are to provide strategic direction, leadership and staff alignment to the vision, ensuring that the fund has the required human and financial resources, while also ensuring that risks inherent in such an environment are mitigated or managed.

She said it has been an exciting journey, with mountain-top experiences as well as valley moments.

“Nobody is born a CEO; I had to learn on-the-job, firstly how to lead such a young, dynamic and diverse team and ensure that all these traits are harnessed towards achieving our vision,” she said.

Martins-Hausiku said she had to learn how to relate to her board and ensure that at the end of the day they deliver beyond the call of duty.

She added the MVA Fund offers an environment where one learns on a daily basis, and because they are fast-paced, one has to transform the way you think and your view the world, otherwise the pace will frustrate you.

“I guess that is what keeps me on my toes. I have grown as a person and as a professional,” she said.

Some of her accomplishments are the awards that were bestowed upon her, such as being inducted as a Laureate into the Namibia Hall of fame in 2014, the Economist Business Woman Award in the community/government category in 2015, receiving the Namibia Institute of People Management Award in 2015 and the Africa Women Conference Inspiring Women Award in 2017.

Martins-Hausiku believes the challenges she has faced are common for most ‘execu-moms’, specifically the issue of work/life balance - giving just the right dose of attention to work, family and herself.

When it comes to MVA Fund is most proud of it eventually achieving 100% solvency in 2016 for an organisation that has experienced hundreds of millions of dollars in deficits for over two decades; thus they have gone further to strengthen their financial position.

“Our customer satisfaction levels, as measured by independent consultants, have consistently been above 85 % for the past five years,” she said.

The MVA Fund was also awarded the Best Company to Work for award for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016, as well as the GIMAC African Gender Award for the public enterprise that advances and invests in programmes/development for women in 2018.

She added that two months ago the organisation collected yet another Diamond PMR award.

“These accolades for me mean that even in our imperfections, there is something that MVA Fund is doing right,” she said.

Being a mother, wife, executive and a part-time student, her typical day is loaded with activities, starting with preparing breakfast for her family in the morning. After she knocks off, she makes sure to jog at least four times a week or go to the gym. Her evenings are filled with preparing dinner, while helping her children with homework, and lastly, going through her books and reading meeting documents.

Martins-Hausiku urges young aspiring people out there that where you come from is part of your rich history and it is a point of reference, whether it is good or bad. However, do not let it limit your future.

She added that her father believes in excellence and he always encouraged her that if she has to do something, she has to do it well, otherwise don’t do it at all.

“I have enrolled as a part-time student to gain technical skills for the next chapter in my life,” she said.

She concluded by adding: “Watch this space, as the future holds many great things.” Besides being in the office, she enjoys reading, music, baking and cooking.

Facts about Martins-Hausiku

· She is an introvert.

· She loves cooking.

· She is results-orientated.

· She is always in pursuit of excellence.

· She is sanguine.

· She is a patient person.

· She is altruistic.

· She is hardworking.

· She is family-orientated.

Kanime matter back in City’s hands

JANA-MARI SMITH
In an unexpected turn of events, lawyers representing City Police chief Abraham Kanime and the City’s CEO and council, this morning managed to craft a last-minute agreement on the way forward before proceedings for an urgent application officially started.
The agreement, which was reached at the urging of High Court Judge Harald Geier, compels the City council to hold a special meeting on or before 22 May to decide whether or not to uplift Kanime’s suspension, which is approaching the one-and-a-half-year mark.
Moreover, the agreement, which was made an order of the court, compels the parties involved in Kanime’s pending disciplinary hearing, to set a date for the proceedings to continue. The date must be set on, or before, 22 May.
The parties reached the terms of the agreement in the wake of a suggestion by Judge Geier, who at the outset of court proceedings this morning, said he would first “give the parties the opportunity to first speak to each other”.
Geier explained that based on a perusal of the documents provided to the court before today’s urgent application, “a picture emerges that makes me wonder why this matter is incapable of a resolution”.
He said at the crux of the matter rested on setting a date to finalise Kanime’s pending disciplinary hearing and to decide whether to uplift his suspension.
He urged the parties to engage in brief negotiations to consider “whether there is room for negotiations”, before continuing with arguments on the urgent application if still required.
Following brief talks between the lawyers, the parties informed Judge Geier that they had managed to agree on the way forward “for the time being”.
As a result of the agreement reached, Judge Geier made an order that CEO Robert Kahimise and the City council ensure a special council meeting is convened not later than 22 May, at which the City council is to “consider and resolve whether or not Kanime’s suspension should be uplifted”.
The second order is that all parties involved in the pending disciplinary process against Kanime agree on or before 22 May on a date for the continuation of the disciplinary proceedings.
The costs of the application are to stand over for later determination, and the case was postponed to 5 June for a status hearing.
Kanime was represented by Sisa Namandje while Orben Sibeya instructed Advocate Raymond Heathcote to appear on behalf of Kahimise and the City council.

Murder charges dropped against student

The Office of the Prosecutor-General has declined to prosecute Simon Shoongeleni (26) for the fatal stabbing of Felix Jacob Gaseb (19) on Monday, 19 February 2018 at the University of Namibia's Khomasdal campus. At the time, from what could be gleaned from official and unofficial sources, Gaseb was stabbed to death after he had attacked Shoongeleni, who had refused to give him N$20.

It is alleged that Gaseb became aggressive and attacked Shoongeleni with a knife. In the scuffle, it is said that Gaseb's knife fell to the ground and was grabbed by Shoongeleni, who stabbed him in the chest and neck.

Today, at the Katutura Magistrate’s Court, the matter was withdrawn and bail money of N$1 500 was instructed to be refunded.

The incident caused a great sensation because at his Shoongeleni’s first appearance on Wednesday 21 February, a group of students, in solidarity with him, collected N$1 500 to pay the bail granted.

At the same hearing, a large contingent of students from Unam's Khomasdal campus filled the courtroom, which overflowed into the corridors and Shoongeleni was shielded from cameras by his fellow students.

Today in court, Henry Shimutwikeni appeared for Shoongeleni and Magistrate Johannes Shuuveni presided. For the State, Munika Micheal Munika appeared.

Geingob salutes Nujoma

“As we recount his rich legacy, admirable journey of victory over tyranny and celebrate this auspicious day, on behalf of the government of the Republic of Namibia and her people, I would like to wish our beloved Founding Father a happy 90th birthday.”
These were the words of President Hage Geingob in a statement issued today, on the occasion of founding president Sam Nujoma’s birthday.
Geingob recounted Nujoma’s contribution to Namibia’s freedom saying he had been “devoted to serving with utmost fidelity the people of our land. At a very young age, he took up the fight and the struggle against the illegal occupation of Namibia by the South African apartheid regime”.
He said that as founding president, Nujoma’s leadership of a free Namibia commenced in 1990 with “another difficult journey for socio-economic justice in a democratic, united and independent nation. Under his legendary leadership, Namibians are today able to live a better life. The journey of prosperity and inclusive growth as part of our second struggle for economic emancipation remains incomplete”.
“We are immensely and eternally grateful for the solid foundations Comrade Nujoma has laid in an independent Namibia for our people to pursue a life of dignity and equality of opportunity.”
STAFF REPORTER

Namibian cricket on a rollThe game is making strides Cricket Namibia received an award for the most improved association in Africa during 2018.

Cricket Namibia believes that the sport is growing from strength to strength.

This is after the ICC Development Africa Conference five-day meeting was recently held in Windhoek.

The ICC Africa Conference is held annually by the ICC bringing together the 19 Associates and two full-member countries to review the past year, share successful events and plan for the upcoming year.

This year, the regional conference was about innovation; thinking differently; and celebrating and empowering Africa's leaders.

“It has been five years since we last received an award from the ICC, which was when we were awarded as the Best Overall Cricket Development in Africa.

“This year Cricket Namibia received an award for the Most Improved Association in Africa during 2018, which was presented by the International Cricket Council at a gala event in Windhoek on Saturday 27 April 2019,” Natalia Nauyoma of Cricket Namibia said.

The criteria that ICC considered for the Most Improved award were the improvement made in the last 12 months regarding the development structure, governance, player performance and efficiency of the Cricket Namibia office.

“We have been, and still are, working on improving governance, relating more with each other and making good decisions that will influence the right direction of the organisation. “In March this year we hosted the U19 World Cup Africa qualifier, whilst in April we hosted the World Cricket League 2 Final Qualifier as well as the Africa Regional High-Performance Conference and the ICC Regional Conference all during the same overlapping period.”

Cricket Namibia says it has worked hard as an organisation and has created a culture of unity on and off the field.

The association attributes some of its success to the on-field activities which saw Namibia coming out as the champions in the tournament recently held in Namibia where Namibia gained ODI status after 16 years.

“Off the field, our efforts have been recognised by the ICC with the award of this prestigious trophy.

“Our board has made it clear that our long-term objective is to make cricket the sport of choice for Namibia, to offer a professional career to men's and women's players alike and to represent Namibia in the best possible light on the world stage.”

The organisation emphasised its recent successes on and off the field as a clear indication that they are moving in the right direction.

“It is particularly encouraging to note the positive reaction of all of the participants to recent tournaments and conferences in Namibia.

“We all understand that sport is a team event, but what is also not always remembered is that the team is not only the players on the field but also a huge array of often unknown and largely unrecognised supporters.”

Cricket Namibia expressed gratitude towards everyone who worked hard to make the grounds and facilities ready and of international standard; the hotel staff, the transport companies, the security personnel, ambulance and emergency staff, caterers, ground staff, venue managers, liaison officers, the visa consultants, officials of Home Affairs and the Namibia Sports Commission, equipment suppliers, scorers, umpires, casuals, sponsors, a whole range of volunteers and staff members.

The cricket body admitted to have made many mistakes over the past few years but is positive that the future of cricket will be bright.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Guaido support dwindling

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido says he's instructed his political envoy in Washington to immediately open relations with the US military.

Guaido said Saturday that he's asked his ambassador Carlos Vecchio to open “direct communications” toward possible coordination.

US-backed Guaido is leading a campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

In recent days Venezuelan security forces arrested National Assembly Vice-president Edgar Zambrano, the body's number two leader. Other lawmakers also scrambled for refuge in foreign embassies amid renewed fears of a crackdown following an unsuccessful military rebellion.

Guaido says he's keeping “all options on the table” to remove Maduro, repeating language used by US President Donald Trump and his chief advisors.

Earlier this week, US Navy Admiral Craig Faller said he would meet with Guaido when invited to discuss the future role of Venezuela's armed forces.

A modest crowd of Venezuelans took to the streets Saturday to show support for the opposition-led congress which is coming under increasing pressure from the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido addressed several hundred people who had gathered in the capital in support of his bid to oust the socialist president.

But the noticeably diminished crowds reflected a growing fear and demoralisation that has permeated Guaido's ranks of supporters after he led a failed military uprising on April 30. In previous months, thousands of demonstrators heeded his calls to protest.

“We live in dictatorship,” Guaido said. “We don't have the option to stay at home waiting, but to keep demanding our rights in the streets.”

NAMPA/AP

Risk of Ebola spreadSecurity is critical in containing the disease Repeated attacks on Ebola care centres and clinics are increasing the risk of the disease spreading into neighbouring countries.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned it may not be possible to contain the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) latest Ebola outbreak to two affected provinces in the country's east if violent attacks on health workers and treatment centres continue.

In a statement issued on Friday, WHO said unless the targeting of response activities was ended it was “unlikely” the virus would “remain successfully contained” in North Kivu and Ituri, which combined, border Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan.

The current outbreak is the second worst in recorded history and has killed 1 105 people so far, with a volatile security situation in the region and widespread community distrust complicating efforts to end the nine-month-old epidemic.

Earlier this week, fighters from the armed Mai-Mai rebel group attacked a treatment centre in the town of Butembo at the epicentre of the crisis. It was the third attack on the Butembo centre. A policeman was killed and an assailant was left injured.

The assault came after a burial team was “violently attacked” on May 3 after they interred an Ebola victim in the town of Katwa, east of Butembo, WHO said, adding it was forced to halt response activities in Butembo and surrounding areas for five days due to the insecurity.

“The ongoing violent attacks sow fear, perpetuate mistrust, and further compound the multitude of challenges already faced by frontline health care workers,” the organisation said.

Decades of violence

Eastern DRC has witnessed decades of violence, with scores of armed groups operating throughout the region, which has historically been neglected by the central government in Kinshasa.

In addition to the risks posed to health workers by armed groups active in the area, there has also been widespread community mistrust over the Ebola outbreak, with segments of the local population believing it was fabricated for the financial gain of business-owning local elites or to further destabilise the area.

“The security challenges are two-fold: Armed groups that have been present in the region for decades, and community hostility, which has now morphed from targeting facilities to targeting response workers,” said Whitney Elmer, DRC director for US-based NGO Mercy Corps, in a statement.

“The impact of the rise in violence is clear; security incidents affect response activities. The virus does not take a break - after every interruption in activities, there is an increase in Ebola infections,” Elmer added.

More than 100 attacks on Ebola treatment centres and health workers have been recorded since the beginning of the year, according to the WHO. In April, heavily armed assailants raided a hospital in Butembo and killed Richard Mouzoko, a Cameroonian WHO doctor working on the Ebola response.

The assault came after unidentified attackers in February torched two Doctors Without Borders' (MSF) treatment facilities in North Kivu, prompting the organisation to suspend operations in the area.

NAMPA/AFP

May to set timeline to quit

British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to set out her departure plans within days, the leader of backbench lawmakers in her governing Conservative Party said over the weekend.

Graham Brady, who chairs the 1922 Committee of rank-and-file Conservative MPs, said he expected May to provide clarity on her exit timetable at a meeting with him on Wednesday.

He also said he thought talks between the government and the Labour main opposition on a compromise Brexit deal will flounder within days.

“I find it very hard to see how that route can lead to any sensible resolution,” Brady told BBC radio.

Britain's two biggest parties - Conservative and Labour - suffered big losses in Thursday's local elections in England and Northern Ireland, according to partial results from the BBC. Labour is pressing for closer customs alignment with the European Union post-Brexit.

“If the customs union is agreed without a second referendum then half the Labour Party won't vote for whatever comes through regardless, and if a customs union is agreed then most of the Conservative Party isn't going to support it,” said Brady.

“So, I can't see that is a very productive route to follow, and I may be wrong, but I suspect it will peter out in the next few days without having come to any significant conclusion.”

May has said she will step aside once a Brexit deal has been passed by parliament.

But the clamour for her to go sooner increased after the May 2 English local elections.

The Conservatives lost control of several local authorities and well over a thousand seats, performing far worse than even the gloomiest predictions as voters vented their frustration over the Brexit impasse.

May has agreed to meet Brady on Wednesday over her resignation plans.

“The 1922 executive has asked her to give that clarity. She has offered to come and meet the executive, which we've accepted,” Brady said.

“It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding at the end of the meeting.

“We have asked the question and she is coming, I assume, to answer it.” Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the bookmakers' favourite to become the next Conservative leader, and therefore prime minister.

Bookies have him ahead of former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, environment secretary Michael Gove and then foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt.

NAMPA/AFP

Nujoma a gwanitha oomvula 90Aanyasha naya kuthe oshiholelwa konkalamwenyo yaNujoma Ofamili kehe yomuAfrika oya pumbwa okukala nokanona ke na uukwatya waNujoma, pahapu dhOmundohotola Elijah Ngurare, montumwafo ndjoka a shangele aanyasha yaNamibia oshowo Afrika.

Momasiku 12 gaMei, Omukokoli presidende, Omundohotola Sam Nujoma, okwa gwanithwa oomvula 90. Ondjila yonkalamwenyo ye ndjoka otayi tyapulilwa momukunda moka a valelwa mEtunda mOngandjera mOshitopolwa shaMusati.

Ndyoka esiku lya simana kuye oshowo kofamili ye, sho omuleli nguka a tokola okutyapulila esiku lyevalo lye pehala mpoka pwa tameke onkalamwenyo ye.

Shika ondi wete shi li oshiholelwa oshiwanawa kAaNamibia oshowo kAafrika. Otashi vulika opo ofamili kehe muAfrika yi kale yi na okanona ke na uukwatya waSam Nujoma, sho haku popiwa kutya omuti omuwanawa ohagu kala aluhe niiyimati iiwanawa, ihe omuti ngoka ogwa pumbwa okusilwa oshisho nawa. Opo Namibia a vule okuputudha okanona ke na iikwatya ngamboka oka pumbwa okusilwa nawa oshisho.

Shoka osha kwatela mo okulongitha omayele gaakokele moofamili dhetu yene nenge momikunda dhetu oshowo miitopolwa yetu.

Sam Nujoma oku na uukwatya wesimaneko lyuuntu, omukumo, iha mbandapala, omunankondo miilonga oshowo esimaneko lyomithigululwakalo, ndhoka a kala aluhe nokutopola naanyasha.

Shoka okwe shi ningi pethimbo lyekondjelomanguluko oshowo omimvo 29 dha piti sho oshilongo sha manguluka.

Ngaashi omupopyo hagu ti kutya: Ohashi kutha omukunda me tekulo lyokanona. Sam Nujoma okuli oshizemo shetekulo lyomukunda gwawo, pethimbo lyawo.

Oshiholelwa shelongo ewananawa tashi kuthwa monkalamwenyo yaSam Nujoma, ongaashi uukumwe moshigwana, omaihumbato omawanawa maanyasha, nelongo ndyoka olya pumbwa ekuthombinga lyaakuthimbinga ayehe.

Pamaadhilaadhilo gandje, oshi li oshinakugwanithwa shoshigwana mwa kwatelwa iiputudhilo ayihe ngaashi NBC, MTC, One Africa Television, MultiChoice Namibia, Telecom opo ya longe oonkuluhedhi nomaihumbato omawanawa aanyasha.

Otashi kwatha shike aanona taya tala oomuvi dhuupopitha dhoka itadhi ya longo sha nenge taya pulakene koongalo ndhoka itadhi tula ongushu ya sha muyo, nenge okutala oomuvi ndhoka dha nuninwa okushunitha pevi ongushu yesimano lyOmuAfrika.

Ondiinekela kutya evalo lyaSam Nujoma lyoomvula 90 otali kala oshilimbo, shonkalamwenyo ya kaliwa nawa oshowo oondjodhi dha tsu ngaashi emanguluko lyaNamibia. Sam Nujoma monkalo moka okwa hwahwameke omukalo gweinekelo lyomuntu mwene, esimaneko lyoshilongo shoka sha pumbwa okukala tashi hokololwa poohungi adhihe moNamibia, oshowo miikundaneki ayihe mwakwatelwa omambo. Osha tseyika apehe kutya okwa kwatele komeho ekondjelomanguluko nomaupyakadhi galyo agehe.

Okwa toto po Namibia lyamanguluka nomikundu adhihe ihe ina sholola.

Onga omuleli gwotango gwaNamibia omuluudhe, Sam Nujoma okwa li iitulamo metungepo lyoshigwana okupitila melongo nuundjolowele.

Oshiputudhilo shoUniversity of Namibia (Unam) osha totwapo na osha nenepekwa mwa kwatelwa iitopolwa ngaashi oshiputudhilo shuuindjinia oshowo uunamiti.

Okwa shuna koskola sho a thigi po elelo lyoshilongo nokumanitha eilongo lye lyomaster's degree in geology.

Aanyasha yaNamibia uuna mu li momasiku 12 gaMei mo 2019, kutheni ethimbo e ta mu tala kiiholelwa mbyoka tamu vulu okwiilonga okuza konkalamwenyo yomunamimvo 90, Sam Nujoma.

Okwa koko ngaashi oyendji yomune ihe okwa tokola okukala nonkalamwenyo ya manguluka okuza iikolitha oshowo kelongitho lyiingangamithi. Okwa tokola okusimaneka aakiintu nokukondema nonyanya omiyonena dhopaukadhike koonkantu, onkalamwenyo ye ayihe. Okwa pataneke okwaahena uuyuki.

Okwa kala nondjodhi yemangululo lyaNamibia sigo tayi tsu. Okwa longele kumwe naanyasha yakwawo moomvula dho 1950, 1960 oshowo 1970 omolwa emangululo lyoshilongo.

Ne, aanyasha yomoomvula dho 1980, 1990 oshowo 2000, omwa pumbwa okwiimanga kumwe nokutaalela omaupyakadhi pamwe gemanguluko lyopaliko.

Ndika olyo etumwalaka twa pumbwa okufaalela moNamibia ayihe onga oshihololewa okuza kevalo lyoomvula 90 dha Sam Nujoma.

Kaleni kokule nuukwamuhoko, uulingilingi nokatongo miikandjohogololo ayihe 121 muNamibia. Hwahwamekeni uukumwe, uuyuuki oshowo etunge po lyoshigwana.

Hugunina kashi shi we epupi lyaSam Nujoma ndyoka lya hala okukala sigo okoomvula 90 ihe one aanyasha yaNamibia oshowo Afrika. Kalunga nemu yambeke nonkalamwenyo onde opo mu adhe koomvula dho 90 okuya pombanda. Otandi galikana kutya kehe gumwe mofamili yoye, momukunda, moshitopolwa moshilongo nomenenevi, oto kala Sam Nujoma.

KOMUNDOHOTOLA ELIJAH NGURARE

Ombaanga yiikulya tayi kundathanwa mOtjozondjupa

Elelo lyopapolitika moshitopolwa shaTjozondjupa, oshowo Ominista yEkondjitho lyOluhepo, Zephania Kameeta oshiwike sha piti oya kundathana oompangela dhetamekitho lyoprograma yombaanga yiikulya moshitopolwa.

Kameeta pethimbo lyomutumba ngoka gwa ningilwa mOtjowarongo, okwa popi kutya Otjozondjupa oshowo Erongo oyo owala iitopolwa iyali mbyoka ya hupako inamu tulwa natango miilonga okomitiye yokukwatela komeho oprograma ndjoka.

Omutumba ngoka ogwa kwatelwa komeho kuNgoloneya gwoshitopolwa shoka, Otto Ipinge, na ogwa kaliwa kelelo lyoshitopolwa oshowo omalelo goondoolopa ngaashi Okahandja, Okakarara, Otjiwarongo, Otavi oshowo Grootfontein.

Omutumba ogwa tula po esiku lyahugunina lyokutotapo okomitiye ndjoka onga omwedhi Juni gwo 2019.

Kameeta okwa gandja woo omilandu dhoka dhi na okulandula uuna taku totwapo okomitiye ndjoka. Minista okwa popi kutya okomitiye otayi ka mona omadheulo nkene yi na okutothamo omagumbo ngoka taga ka mona omayambidhidho okuza koprograma ndjoka.

“Ombaanga yiikulya kayi shi ya kehe gumwe ihe oyaamboka ye li mompumbwe unene moondoolopa, sho oprograma yoondya dhoshikukuta tayi tala owala komikunda,” Kameeta a popi.

Elelo ndyoka lya kutha ombinga momutumba ngoka gwa ningwa, olya tsu kumwe oo oprograma ndjoka yi tulwe miilonga mOtjiwarongo oshowo mOkahandja.

Omutumba natango ogwa hwahwameke aaleli yoondoolopa ya hwahwameke aakalimo yawo ya ninge oopoloyeka dhiikunino ndhoka tadhi yambidhidhwa kuuministeli.

Okwa tokolwa natango opo ku tothwemo aanyasha yaahena iilonga ye li 14, yaheyali taya zi mOkahandja omanga yakwawo yaheyali taya zi mOtjiwarongo, opo ya kale iilyo yokomitiye yomomikunda.

Omukalelipo nale gwaCuba moNamibia, Angel Dalmau Fernandez okwa tegelelwa a ka gandje omadheulo kiilyo yokomitiye mbyoka.

Uuministeli wokukondjitha oluhepo owu na oshinakugwanithwa shokuhulitha po ondjala noluhepo moshilongo okupitila momayambidhidho gopapangelo ngaashi oprograma ndjoka yombaanga yiikulya oshowo omayambidhidho gomafumbiko kaakokele mboka haya mono omayambidhidho giiyemo okuza kepangelo, pahapu dhaKameeta.

Ombaanga yiikulya oya tulwa miilonga momwedhi June momvula yo 2016 kOmupresidende Hage Geingob, moshilandopangelo.

NAMPA

German locals should be includedNamibian-born Germans must answer land questions A German legal expert is of the view that negotiations for raparations for the Nama and Ovaherero should include German Namibians.

In a recent interview, a German legal expert Matthias Goldmann said white, German-born farmers who still own a large part of Namibian farmland must be part of the negotiations for reparations for the 1904-08 Nama and Ovaherero genocide.

During an interview carried by the Neues Deutschland, a German daily newspaper early in May, Goldman said Germany could also be held responsible for the uneven distribution of land which goes back to the colonial era.

“Land reform is divided in Namibia. Therefore, you should not exclude them from the negotiations. The distribution of land is still very unfair. A voluntary, market-based government programme has barely worked. It is possible to expropriate, but the constitution requires compensation. Germany could also be held responsible here,” he said.

Namibian Sun reported in 2016 that out of the 247 farms owned by foreigners, 129 farms are owned by Germans, comprising a total of 630 000 hectares.

During consultations held before the land conference that took place in October last year, there were also calls from Namibians on the government to negotiate with the German government to encourage Germans owning land in Namibia to relinquish the farms as a gesture of solidarity.

Meanwhile, Goldmann said there is a need to differentiate between development aid and reparations, adding that development aid cannot provide the recognition of injustice, whether legal or moral, and is indifferent.

“The immediate package of 2004 which, according to the personal apology of the then federal minister for economic cooperation and development, Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, was set up and included 20 million euro. It flowed mostly to the north. The Ovaherero and Nama have difficulty getting concessions, unlike white foreign investors. Germany has to take note of these tensions,” he said.

Asked whether he sees a basis for reparations independent of the Genocide Convention of 1948, Goldman replied yes.

The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 9 December 1948 as General Assembly Resolution 260.

The Genocide Convention entered into force in Germany in 1955.

Goldman pointed out that there, the experiences of the Second World War were processed and the holocaust was judged retroactively by the standards of this convention, even though it did not apply at that time.

“In other words, even then it was assumed that what was in the convention was already valid international law, at least during the Third Reich. However, even in international law at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, regardless of the concept of genocide, there is sufficient evidence that crimes we would call genocide under the convention were unacceptable under international law,” he said. He also believes that the German government is wrong by regarding the war against Ovaherero and Nama as purely domestic, because they were under German colonial rule.

“In 1884, Germany did not simply occupy a 'terra nullius' in South West Africa, a legal no-man's-land, but there already lived peoples, to whom, under the law of that time, one must recognise an international law subjectivity,” he said.

Poison

Recently during a panel discussion organised by the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights as part of a symposium aimed at interrogating the 1904-08 genocide, a Namibian-born German Erica von Wietersheim said talks about land expropriation is like poison for Namibian Germans.

She also said at the same event that Namibian-born Germans live as individuals with no traditional authority and believes this has no place at the negotiation table.

“We cannot deny that white Namibians, specifically German Namibians, benefited from apartheid laws as well. We carry that burden and the guilt of the colonial past,” she said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

March against timber harvesting

The Namibian Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) held a peaceful demonstration against illegal timber harvesting in Windhoek on Saturday.

The demonstration follows reports of illegal timber harvesting in north-eastern Namibia.

“Despite the laws and institutions implemented by government to protect natural resources, to promote sustainable management and to develop a process of assessment and control activities which have significant effects on the environment, illegal timber logging is frequently reported,” NEWS member Ailla-Tessa Iiyambula said. She said it seems this protection “is only valid on paper”.

“Responding to foreign demand for timber and overlooking an ecological dilemma is not sustainable, nor responsible,” Iiyambula said.

She added that if the unsustainable harvesting continues, it will result in an increase in soil erosion and desertification as these species take up to a century to grow to harvest size.

“Over-exploiting trees implies reducing and shortening the environmental, economic and social capabilities that the woodland possess,” Iiyambula added.

Recent local media reports said local rosewood forests, especially in the Kavango regions, are being plundered and exported to benefit the Chinese furniture market.

Iiyambula urged the mandated institutions to be active in patrolling and inspecting to ensure sustainable use of resources according to Namibian law.

She said issuing a permit does not guarantee adherence to its specifications.

“Just as people are arrested and prosecuted for poaching, so there should be penalties imposed for violations of the Forest Act, Environmental Management Act and related regulations,” Iiyambula said.

A statement will be handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry today.

NAMPA