Namibian Sun

The National Council (NC) resumed its sessions yesterday and its chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams said during 2018, a total of 20 bills were reviewed that were referred from the National Assembly.

She yesterday reiterated that the NC has a vital role to play in articulating the need of the constituents both in the chamber and through its committees' activities.

“Although constrained by a limited budget, the NC's standing committees achieved an implementation rate of 76% of the planned activities from which nine reports were tabled and adopted,” she said. She added that during the 2018/19 financial year, 22 public hearings were held with regional and local authorities who received disclaimers and adverse audit opinions from the auditor-general.

A number of parliamentarians who enrolled for the certificate in parliamentary conduct and practice at Unam also graduated in April. “For the year ahead the NC will continue implementing its mission and make strides in realising its vision,” she said.

The National Council also welcomes it new secretary Tousy Namiseb who is admitted to the High Court and served as deputy executive director for judicial services.

Namiseb was also the chief of law reform at the Law Reform Development Commission, lectured at Unam and worked as an attorney at the Legal Assistance Centre.

JEMIMA BEUKES

A world first for NamibiaPioneering desal plant opened Funded by a Finnish university, the Unam's Henties Bay campus has the first solar-powered desalination plant in the world.

The world's first seawater desalination plant to be powered by solar energy was inaugurated by Namibia's founding president Sam Nujoma at the University of Namibia (Unam) campus at Henties Bay on Friday.

The €200 000 (N$3.234 million) plant, which was built in Finland and shipped to Namibia, is a joint initiative between Unam and Turku University in Finland. The project was funded by the University of Turku.

Speaking at the event, Unam patron Sam Nujoma said the plant would help address Namibia's growing water supply problem.

“Our water supply is diminishing year after year due to the adverse effects of climate change already felt in southern Africa and many parts of Africa. Namibia stands out as one of the countries that will be most hit by the effects of climate change,” the former president said.

“As you know, about 80% of Namibia relies on groundwater as a major water source, but due to climate change, our country could experience prolonged years of drought in the future that could deplete all groundwater and surface water resources.

“Yet, Namibia is blessed with about 1 500 kilometres of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean that provides us with an unlimited water resource. The time is now to abstract seawater and desalinate it for human consumption,” Nujoma said in his keynote address.

According to Nujoma, seawater desalination could address Namibia's food security too, as it could provide water for irrigation and livestock farms.

“I urge the ministry of agriculture, water and forestry to embrace the concept of desert agriculture and use desalinated water to convert our desert into large-scale green schemes for crop production or animal husbandry.

“A solar-based desalination plant like the one I am launching here today can be used to desalinate water for crop irrigation or animal consumption in the rural communities as there are many isolated rural communities in Namibia who have boreholes that only produce saline or brackish water.”

Unam has allocated two hectares of land that will be used for crop production and will make use of desalinated seawater for drip irrigation.

Nujoma also appealed to the Namibian government to consider the implementation of large-scale seawater desalination as a priority national project.

Furthermore, he urged the government to adopt seawater desalination using renewable energy as the principal source of bulk water supply in Namibia in the medium to long term.

Over 3 000 litres of water per day can be produced by the plant.

The project has received environmental clearance and the ministry of agriculture, water and forestry has issued the University of Namibia with a permit to abstract water from the Atlantic Ocean for research purposes.

ADOLF KAURE

Making waves in ThailandLocal teen puts Namibia on the map Aina Nghipuilepo believes that youth can only lead once they have a vision and take leadership in our own lives.

Leandrea Louw

Miss Teen Walvis Bay 2017, Aina Nghipuilepo, now 20, is making waves in Thailand.

The former beauty queen is studying business economics, majoring in international business management, at Stamford International University in Thailand.

“Growing up, studying abroad was always a dream for me. At a young age it was a matter of ‘I want, but as the years passed I lost interest along the way,” she said.

“I was under the impression that it is not as easy as it seemed, and it required plenty of hard work and sacrifices.

“At one point I just gave up; I thought that overseas was not for me, and to top it all off, I did not have four higher-level subjects, which is the apparent prerequisite if you wish to study in another country.

“The problem is students are made to believe that there is no future if you do not have higher-level subjects.

“I do believe that it is beneficial to have them, but I also know of students that can’t do higher-level but have the desire to study further.

“My advice is there is a future place for you, just do your best,” Nghipuilepo.

She said she was convinced that she could not get into an international university or any South African university with three higher-level subjects.

At one point she decided to simply study in Namibia.

“Luckily my family spoke some sense into me and believed in me, when I stopped believing in myself. My sister Fransina Nghipuilepo, suggested that I consider Thailand and I started doing research. I ended up applying in Namibia, South Africa and Thailand, and by God’s grace, I was accepted into four universities – the University of Namibia (Unam), the Namibian University of Science and Technology (Nust), Stamford International and Free State University in South Africa.”

Her studies are currently funded by her parents, but she is on the lookout for a scholarship.

She said that moving from a country with a population of about 2.4 million people to a country of 70 million people was not something she was prepared for.

“It’s a good thing to be exposed to different personalities, cultures and beliefs at a young age. Moving here has taught me to think a lot differently than I would normally think if I were in Namibia.

“It is here where I discovered myself in a different environment. It has been a rollercoaster for the past seven months I’ve been here, but I would not trade it for anything. It has been an emotional, physical and mental process, and slowly but surely this place is becoming home,” she said.

In addition, Nghipuilepo is a co-presenter on a show called International Discussions. The show is the brainchild of Zaak Garret, who is a journalism and broadcasting student at the university.

Garret came up with the initiative to start a talk show on topics that are important to youth worldwide.

“It is a great platform where we as students and representatives of our countries can come together and discuss issues happening in our countries and in the world. A friend of mine approached me and ask if I would be interested in being part of the talk show, and knowing that I can talk a lot - sometimes too much - I didn’t hesitate and said yes.

“She decided to give my details to Garret and a few hours later he contacted me and said, ‘welcome aboard’. I featured in the first episode of the ID show and many others. Viewers can follow the ID show on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.”

Nghipuilepo mentioned that she and Garret are working on a special addition to the show, with a focus on Namibia.

“I try and incorporate Namibia in every episode, if the issue being discussed is also a problem in Namibia.”

She advised her fellow youth to dream big and never allow someone else to put limitations on their dreams.

“We are the light of this world and the future of our countries. The world is big and there is a place for us all, but we can only occupy that place once we are focused and educated.

“I believe we are the change that our countries need; we are the resources that will make our country wealthy again. One thing is important, we can only lead once we have a vision and can take leadership in our own lives,” she added.

Governors briefed about droughtRegional efforts need to start At a meeting with Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila last week, regional governors were instructed to kick the processes off in their respective regions.

Regional governors were briefed about drought relief interventions being implemented by government and were urged to urgently start with the process of identification, registration and distribution of support benefits to affected communities.

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, during a meeting with the governors at the close of last week, said during this year's rainy season Namibia experienced extremely poor rainfall which subsequently caused considerable delays in cultivation activities.

“When we travel the length and breadth of this country, we observe how the vegetation is subdued, the crops that were cultivated failed and the grazing conditions are extremely poor. These conditions are similar in all the regions.”

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the household food security in the country is as a result also negatively affected.

She said although until now people could depend on last year's harvest, the food stocks at household level are depleting as there will be no harvest to supplement, or add, to the exiting stocks.

According to her the grazing conditions deteriorated severely across the country, leaving the livelihood of animals under severe pressure.

She said the grazing and water availability for livestock continues to be a problem in many parts of the country, due to late and poor rainfall experienced since the beginning of the season, but also due to lack of perennial water flows.

“The recently concluded Food and Nutrition Security Monitoring Assessment conducted biannually since 2016 has consistently indicated that Namibia produces less than 40% of the cereals we consume.”

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said it is therefore clear that the livelihoods of the majority of Namibians and the livestock, especially those that depend on agricultural activities, are threatened by lack of food, water and grazing.

She said all crop-producing regions are expecting massive reduction in the expected harvest, with cereal production to reduce by 70 to 80% in the communal areas and by 15% in the commercial areas, below last season's harvest.

“The assessment also showed that the whole country is expecting a harvest reduction of at least 53% compared to last season's harvest and over 42% compared to the 20-year average production. This reduction is largely attributed to the general poor rainfall received during the 2018/19 rainfall season.”

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said cabinet therefore endorsed drought relief interventions valued at N$572.7 million to assist affected food insecure households and drought affected farmers in all 14 regions.

She said these interventions are aimed to ensure that no human lives are lost due to a lack of food because of the drought and also to preserve core herds for the affected farmers.

According to her the approved interventions include food assistance for the needy and drought affected, water tankers, livestock marketing incentives in the drought affected areas, transport subsidies to and from grazing areas, and transport for fodder to the drought affected farmers, especially in communal areas.

Support will also be given for the lease of grazing for the drought affected, subsidies for crop farmers, lick supplements for a core herd of 25 cattle and one bull per farmer, a fodder subsidy for a core herd of 25 cattle and one bull per farmer and a fodder/lick subsidy for a core herd of 139 small stock, plus a breeding male

“The implementation of the declared drought emergency requires immediate action.”

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said for human support they envisaged to provide per household affected, one bag of 12.5kg of maize meal, four tins of 400 g fish, and a bottle of 750ml of cooking oil per month.

According to her a communication was issued to chief regional officers, mandating them to start the identification and registration of food insecure households, according to adopted criteria.

These criteria include farmers in rural areas dependent on subsistence farming who are affected by the drought.

She said for a specific household to benefit, the monthly household income must not exceed N$2 600 during the period of the programme and the same household should not be receiving food (equivalent to government food basket) from any other source at the time of the drought relief programme.

ELLANIE SMIT

Keetmanshoop bolsters waste management efforts

In an effort to improve waste management and reduce illegal dumping, the Keetmanshoop municipality has acquired 12 skip containers and a skip loader truck.

The municipality's public relations officer, Dawn Kruger, told Nampa the containers and truck cost the municipality N$2.25 million. She said the containers will be placed at 12 different locations and will be mostly be used for building and garden waste.

“The containers will improve the cleanliness of the town and help us with the illegal dumping of building and garden waste. This can also decrease pollution and health risks, as we know where there is pollution and dirt, there is a risk for diseases such as hepatitis E,” she said.

Keetmanshoop has only one dumpsite which Kruger said is not conveniently located, leading to people dumping waste at illegal sites.

“Imagine, someone stays far from the dumpsite and they do not have a car to transport the waste, so they just dispose of it any way they want, but now with these skip containers, I think illegal dumping will be reduced,” said Kruger.

The municipality has also installed new traffic lights on the corner of Sam Nujoma Avenue and Mimosa Street in the Tseiblaagte residential area at a cost of N$150 000.

The traffic lights are the first to be installed at the southern town since independence in 1990.

Kruger said research was done on what the most suitable setting would be for new traffic lights.

“The traffic lights were installed where the Tseiblaagte and Krönlein residential areas intersect as these two areas are growing at a fast rate as development such as housing is kicking in. There is a lot of inflow of people and cars, therefore, for safety reasons, traffic lights were required,” she said.

Kruger further stated that the municipality plans to install new mast lighting in all residential areas in a project valued at over N$3 million that is expected to be completed by the end of June this year.

NAMPA

42 schools to participate in FNB Classic Clashes The 11th edition of the FNB Classic Clashes, which will be launched this week, will see the first game being played on 18 May - a rugby match between Windhoek Technical High School (HTS) and Grootfontein in Windhoek.

Gordon Pokolo, sponsorship manager at FirstRand Namibia Limited, said this momentous sporting event has grown in stature over the years, with more spectators attending and more interest from new participants.

“The schools have also made the FNB Classic Clashes a highlight on their winter calendar and it forms part of the centenary celebrations at Windhoek High School (WHS) and St George’s,” Pokolo said.

Pokolo added the idea of the clashes is to give schools countrywide an opportunity to be part of this exciting spectacle, without taking away the element of traditional rivalry and bragging rights. “To date, more than 50 schools countrywide have been part of the clashes within the three sports codes - soccer, rugby and netball. Some of the schools who have been part of the clashes since the beginning include Dr Lemmer, M&K Gertze, Nahale Secondary, Ongha Secondary, WHS, Elnatan, Gobabis Gymnasium and Winnie du Plessis.

“Thirty-seven out of the 42 schools that played in the first clashes are still part of the clashes today, albeit with new opponents in some cases. We have also achieved a regional reach in terms of participation and today you can witness a Classic Clash in nine of the 14 regions across the country.”

For the upcoming season, FNB wishes that all the clashes will be played in a good spirit and with sportsmanship.

“There have been calls to revive school sports in Namibia and this is FNB Namibia’s contribution towards school sports. The FNB Classic Clashes, through the keen support of the ministry of sport, has grown into one of the most sought-after school sporting activities in Namibia. We wish the 42 schools playing this year all the best. May you have fun, be a sport on the field, and mostly, enjoy every minute,” Pokolo added.

Blaauw makes a difference

Mariselle Stofberg and Michelline Nawatises

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPCA general manager Hanna Rhodin thanked Blaauw.

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

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

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

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

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

Woman held hostage by husband A woman was allegedly beaten, raped and held hostage by her husband in her flat for the entire weekend.

According to the police a fight broke out between the couple on Friday night at about 21:00 when the woman asked her husband why he had arrived late from work that evening.

It is alleged that the man then beat her in their sitting room, dragged her to the bedroom, undressed her and raped her.

It is further alleged that the man took his wife's phone and locked her in the flat for the entire weekend. She managed to break open the door on Sunday.

The suspect has not been arrested. In another incident, a 10-year-old girl has allegedly been raped repeatedly by her 18-year-old brother since 2014. The matter was only reported to the police last month.

According to the police it is alleged that the girl was raped by her brother from 2014 to April 2019 at Oneheke village in the Okalongo Constituency, Omusati Region.

It is alleged that the 18-year-old suspect used to call the victim into his bedroom and rape her. The suspect has been arrested

In another incident, a 10-year-old girl was raped by a man at a village in Ogando Constituency on 26 April. The suspect is known to the police, but has not been arrested yet.

Meanwhile, a Grade 12 learner from Mwaala Secondary School was stabbed in the chest with a pocket knife at City Shebeen, Oshitutuma village in the Oshikuku Constituency on Saturday.

The 19-year-old man was allegedly stabbed by a 29-year-old man and was admitted to the Oshakati State Hospital in a serious condition. The suspect was arrested.

In another incident at Rehoboth, five men were arrested at Block E on Friday for being in possession of illegal drugs. The men, aged between 17 and 23, were allegedly found in possession of 108 bankies of skunk with a street value of N$14 500.

In another incident at Rehoboth on Friday, six men were arrested for being in the possession of 290 grams of cannabis valued at N$14 500. The men are aged between 17 and 29.

At Soetdoringlaagte, Stampriet, a 44-year-old man was arrested on Friday after being found in possession of 19 ballies of pure cannabis.

A 21-year-old man was arrested at the Green Bakery in Mariental on Friday after being found in possession of cannabis with a value of N$50. A 25-year-old man was arrested at the same bakery for being in possession of cannabis valued at N$10. In another incident in Swakopmund, a 26-year-old man was arrested for cultivating 13 cannabis plants weighing 30 grams. The plants, valued at N$300, were discovered in a house during a police search.

In a separate incident at Narraville the police arrested an 18-year-old man for being in possession of Mandrax tablets and 10 ballies of cannabis. The combined value of the drugs was N$600.

On Saturday a Tanzanian national was found in possession of 13 parcels of cannabis valued at N$256 800 in Windhoek. The suspect allegedly offered the officers a N$15 400 bribe to let him go. The police confiscated N$31 000 from the suspect as it was believed to be the proceeds of crime. The suspect is in custody and police investigations continue.

In another incident at the Klein Mannase border post, Aroab, two suspects aged 21 and 40 were arrested for being in possession of 23 bankies of skunk valued N$1 150.

A man was arrested at Otjivanda High School at Grootfontein on Friday while he was trying to sell a pangolin skin to undercover detectives.

ELLANIE SMIT

Wild animals put livestock, people at risk

The ministry of environment and tourism has reported that many of the wild animals that escaped from Etosha National Park last few months have returned on their own except for two rhinos which were rescued by ministry officials, and a lioness that was killed Uulungawakolondo.

The ministry also reported that Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, one of the appointed kings of the Ondonga, made a request to the ministry to remove a wildebeest that has been grazing among his cattle for about a month at his palace Onambango near Ondangwa, about 100 kilometres from Etosha.

This is a very dangerous and risky interaction, for especially the cattle. Wildebeest carry the African form of malignant catarrhal fever which is due to alcelaphine herpesvirus-1. This disease spreads easily to cattle and is then known as wildebeest-associated malignant catarrhal fever. It is characterised by a necrotising arteritis affecting many body systems. Affected cattle usually die within a week of onset of signs.

The disease can transmit between wildebeest and cattle over a distance of at least 100 metres, and it is suggested that cattle need to be kept at least one kilometre from wildebeest. Game farms with wildebeest are obliged by law to have double fences.

For the past two months many wild animals escaped from the park and they have been roaming freely.

It began with the attack of 49-year-old cattle herder Elia Usiku on 23 March near the military base at Uulungawakolondo by a lioness that he managed to kill. Then zebras, kudus and wildebeest started appearing all over the northern regions.

On 3 April, there was high drama at Uukwiyu-Uushona in Oshana and Omuntele in Oshikoto, where residents received visits from two black rhinos.

Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda confirmed to Namibian Sun that many of these animal returned to Etosha on their own, apart from a few that remained behind.

“Our officials have been monitoring the situation and have found out that many of the wild animals in the northern region have gone back to the Etosha National Park on their own. We still have some roaming around. There is one zebra in a grazing enclosure at a village about 20 kilometres from Oshakati,” Muyunda said.

A traditional councillor in the Onambango faction Kashona Malulu said one day during the mourning period of the late Ondonga king Immanuel Kauluma Elifas last month, a wildebeest came to Nangolo's house at Onambango before it become part of his livestock.

“One day at midday a wildebeest jumped Nangolo's fence and went straight into the cattle kraal but there was no cattle that time. It stayed there and in the afternoon when the cattle came it went out and after all the cattle entered the kraal it went back into the kraal and from that day it started living and grazing in harmony with his livestock,” Malulu said.

Muyunda said the wildebeest was later relocated back to Etosha on Shuumbwa's request.

“The wildebeest that was at Onambango village has been relocated to Etosha by our officials. It was removed after the owner of the veld were it was grazing complained about his water and fodder.”

Muyunda said they suspect that the wild animals escaped Etosha in search of pasture and water due to the dry conditions.

The environment ministry needs at least N$500 million to fix more than 700 kilometres of fencing around the Etosha National Park fence to prevent the increasing number of wildlife escapes from the park.

ILENI NANDJATO

Illegal wood valued at N$900kImpounded products sold at auction The agriculture ministry raised close to a million dollars by auctioning confiscated forestry products in the previous financial year.

Illegally harvested wood to the value of N$895 551 was sold at public auctions during the 2018/19 financial year.

This is according to a technical paper submitted along with the agriculture ministry's budget motivation in parliament.

According to the ministry's report a large quantity of illegally harvested forest products was impounded at forestry offices in the Kavango West, Kavango East, Zambezi, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Oshana regions.

The items sold on auction were 125.5 tonnes of firewood, 32 tonnes of charcoal, 16 224 poles, 7 338 droppers, 223 blocks, 729 logs, 408 planks and 1 476 woodcarvings.

“The forest resource use has been regulated through issuing various forest permits to the public,” the ministry said in the report.

A total of 25 360 permits were issued for harvesting, transporting, marketing, exporting, importing and transit of wood during the previous financial year.

“Strategic planning for organisational management and operations is being implemented at both headquarters and regional level, and guidelines and other technical support are given to the field-based officials,” the ministry said.

According to the report an online forestry permit system is being developed and staff members have attended law-enforcement training conducted by the agriculture ministry, environment ministry, safety and security ministry and justice ministry.

Furthermore, the report says that 11 community forests covering a total area of 5.6 million hectares were gazetted during the 2018/19 financial year.

These are the Otjituuo, N#ajagna, OshikushiIthilonde, Omundaungilo, Eiseb, Otjombinde, Omuramba Uambinda, Ehirovipuka, Ondjou, Epukiro and African Wild Dog community forests.

According to the ministry, 6 592 seedlings were donated and 38 874 sold to the public last year.

It further said that 825 kg of lemons were harvested, of which 554 kg was sold to the public. The remainder was used for seed production.

Two beehive sites were established and 100 kg of honey was harvested, while a total of 5 766 seedlings were planted on 28 hectares (public institutions and individual farms).

The ministry further conducted fire-awareness campaigns to educate communities on fire prevention, protection and control, and also to sensitise communities on the management of forest and veld fires and encourage them to participate in the clearing of fire breaks.

ELLANIE SMIT

The legacy you leave is the one you live Michelline Nawatises

Legacy… The word itself intimidates many people as it is the one thing you will be remembered for long after you are gone.

This creates a panic and much questioning about whether you are making right impact.

But think about it this way: Your legacy is truly just a reflection of what type of person you are and how people perceive your personality through your actions.

As we get older, it is important for us to begin to think about what the world is going to remember about us when we are gone and about how we can create a positive image of ourselves, which we want to leave behind.

This can assist us in creating a role for ourselves in society, where we show compassion and sensitivity for the people we meet, causing them to associate our names with a positive image.

In this hectic age of technology and new beginnings, the footprint you leave on the world becomes almost inerasable, so why not make it one to remember.

Regardless of what we spend our money on, the people we encounter or the ways we use our days, are leaving behind a record of our time here. When everything is said and done, our lives will leave an impression.

People will remember the impact we had on them or the memories they have with us. One way or another, our stories will be told. My mind is plagued by this idea - the idea that my life is a series of overlapping events, intermingling with other people’s overlapping events.

There is such a grand scale to it all - the thought that I may say something today that will have repercussions one, 10 or 30 years from now. There is an overwhelming power, but also an indescribable responsibility, in that. The thought that I can have that much influence on another person’s life is humbling.

When thinking about legacies, the word popularity comes to mind. If I am being completely honest, I have never really understood the whole popularity thing. How is it that a group of people can be considered popular by being rude to others in order to climb the social pyramid, and receive the winning prize of admiration and influence? This leads to the question: Would you rather be remembered for your unpleasant acts by a large group of people or for your selfless and kind acts by a small group of people?

There is a huge difference between creating a well-known legacy for yourself or a meaningful one.

For example, think of all the rape cases we have read about recently. Though the alleged rapist may become well-known, it is the lesser-known victims who leave behind a positive legacy rather than a negative one.

Though it may sound difficult to create a positive legacy, all you have to do is live your life with respect and kindness for others. Live your life by the philosophy: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

In this way you will be heading down the right path. Remember, it is not what you leave for others that matters, it is what you leave inside of them.

You never know how a person is going to change your life. You never know how you will change another person’s life. What you do know is how you can live out each and every day. To be remembered, do things that you will be proud of. In our world today, there are so many things that we are unable to control. The legacy that you leave behind is something that you have complete power over and you get to make the decision whether it is going to be positive or negative.

The more we learn to filter decisions through intentionality, the more it gives this whole thing a bigger purpose.

Life is a precious thing. Some of us may get 100 years on earth, some will get significantly less than that, but depending on the approach we have, we can make it one hell of a story.

Whether you are 21 or 91, if you are reading this, you have great potential inside you for good. You can be the difference in someone’s life; you can be the catalyst for something amazing in another person’s life.

While thinking about your legacy, try to answer this simple question: If you could describe yourself in one word at this moment in your life, what would it be?

Would you be happy if that’s how you were remembered?

In love and war

They say all is fair in love and war. Political 'warfare' is no exception and as Ondangwa Urban voters gear up to vote in an upcoming by-election, the gloves have come off.

The object of derision, both from some social media keyboard warriors and Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, is 27-year-old Angelina Immanuel, who has 'dared' to take on the might of Swapo by standing as an independent candidate.

As if spurred by a hellish fear that a victory for Immanuel would represent some kind of tipping point, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila - obviously at the behest of Swapo's leadership circle - went for the jugular this past weekend.

While accusing Immanuel of using ruling party colours and symbols on campaign materials, the prime minister bashed the young women, saying: “How do you vote for somebody that has no policies and they are only talking? They belong to no party with a political manifesto. You do not even know what they are standing for and they are just promising heaven and earth.”

This the very same Kuugongelwa-Amadhila who was plucked from relative obscurity in 1995 to head up the National Planning Commission (NPC) at the age of 27. She had earlier returned to Namibia following her graduation at Lincoln University in the United States, and took up a position as a desk officer in then president Sam Nujoma's office. She was appointed as finance minister in 2003.

Fast-forward to 2019, and Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who is still a relatively youthful 51 years old, has been rolled out to attack a young woman she has probably inspired. Not only that, she seems hell-bent on stopping Immanuel in her political tracks, while she herself was derided all those years ago because of her youth.

Yes, all is fair in love and war, but the irony has not gone unnoticed. If Kuugongelwa-Amadhila truly believes Immanuel has nothing to offer, and that her so-called promises are any different to what all political parties normally spew, then let the young woman debate Swapo's candidate!

Youth apathyVent on social media, shun polls Young Namibians are accused of being quick to vent their frustrations on social media, but failing to vote.

Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) secretary Ephraim Nekongo says he is concerned that disillusioned young people seem to be increasingly shunning elections.

He highlighted the registration of youth voters for the upcoming Ondangwa Urban constituency by-election as a case in point.

“You can see only a few young people have registered there. It is a clear indication that the majority that will vote in that election will be the elders and not the youth,” he said. This comes amid criticism that Namibian youth are quick to vent their frustrations on social media, but fail to vote.

Namibia is heading into election season, with the National Assembly and presidential polls set to take place in November.

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has announced it is targeting to register an extra 300 000 eligible voters this year.

This would increase those on the national voters roll from 1.2 million to 1.5 million.

The ECN recorded 508 459 youth voters in 2014, which represents 44 % of the overall number of registered voters.

Nekongo believes that poor youth participation in elections was the result of youth not understanding democratic processes, while older voters religiously vote out of the fear that apartheid will return. “We must not shy away from the fact that some youth are frustrated with the conditions they are living in and they have lost faith in the voting process,” Nekongo said.

Social activist Rosa Namises believes disillusionment among youth is an indictment on political leaders, who are often implicated in corruption and maladministration.

Namises, who is a former parliamentarian, said political leaders have failed to entice the youth.

“As a result, young people believe that the status quo will remain, whether they vote or not. Young people look at their families and see there are no benefits from voting. They tell themselves that 'people are eating alone, so I will not give them my vote',” she said.

Unam political science professor Lesley Blaauw said it is difficult to establish why youth are the least interested segment in society, when it comes to voting.

In his view, political parties must zoom in on the issues that affect young people proportionately more than other segments of society. “Issues such as the availability of land… clearly buying a house is something that should be of interest. Unemployment is an issue that should be of concern to them. Maybe that can evoke reaction on their part,” he said.

He added many political parties fail to use platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to engage the youth.

“We also have youth who do not have access to these things. In my view if you want to get your message across then you must use a mixture of methods to get your message about the issues out,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Christel: The real-life princessA beauty queen with a heart of gold Next year Meintjies will also take part in the Little Miss Universe pageant in the United States.

Michelline Nawatises

Pullqoute: “The biggest challenge I faced was getting words from people about my pageant career; how I overcame it was I believed in myself.” - Christel Meintjies

Christel Meintjies is 14 years old and she started taking part in pageants at the age of nine.

The Miss Elite South Africa (SA) International title holder is grade 9 learner at Schmelenville Combined School, situated in Bethanie in the //Karas Region.

The reason she started competing in pageants was because of her love for modelling, and also because she knew it would give her a platform to make a difference, and be a voice of hope.

She says pageantry has boosted her confidence and bettered her interview skills. It also enables her to meet new people, learn new things and grab opportunities.

Imagining where she will be in ten years is something Christel often thinks about.

“To tell you the truth, it scares me a little to know that in a decade I will be 24 years old, and my years of youth are coming to an end,” she says. One thing she’s certain of is that if God grants her the opportunity to get to that age, she will want to build an orphanage for all the homeless.

Her role model is her mom.

“She is such a good example and inspiration to me. Since my daddy died in 2011 in a car accident, she’s has both mom and dad to me,” she says. Christel says what makes her different from other competitors is definitely her background, which gives her a unique perspective.

When asked by The Zone how she juggles school and pageantry, Christel mentioned that competing in pageants can be a big investment physically, emotionally and financially. She said pageants can take up most of her prime time.

“It happens all at once. This takes a lot of your time and makes you emotionally tired, but I am organised and I always work ahead and make separate time for my school work,” she says.

The ambitious teen also thrives on charity work.

“I cannot mention all my involvement, but the biggest charity activities I have been involved in were renovating the park in my community for the children, visiting an old-age home, as well as hospitals, a cancer ward and an orphanage.”

She donated food, clothing, blankets and toiletries, etc. She has also sponsored two bicycles and two emergency phones for the police in Bethanie.

When she was crowned Miss Elite SA, she felt grateful.

“The feeling was indescribable; I can’t put it into words, but all I know is that it was a day I’ll never forget,’’ she says.

When asked by The Zone if she has any rituals before stepping onto the stage, she said she speaks to the Almighty to calm her. Afterwards she takes a deep breath - in and out - and then slays the ramp.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and playing cards.

Her manager, Joanie McKay, mentioned that whenever Christel takes part in an event, she prepares her through lots of practicing.

“I also prepare her to win or to lose gracefully,” McKay says.

She adds that among the many challenges in pageantry is jealousy.

“I would like to encourage young girls to participate in pageants. I do train girls. I have boot camps and one-on-ones as well,” Mckay says.

Facts about Christel:

*She’s a very down-to-earth person.

*She loves singing and recorded first album when I was nine years old.

*She doesn’t eat vegetables.

*She is very committed.

*She is a very fast learner.

Impaled boy back at school

A boy who was impaled on a broken chair during a classroom altercation last year has returned to school after undergoing bowel surgery on 22 March.

The family of Fortune Akawa (15) is thankful that the surgery has allowed him to return to school.

According to Akawa's mother, Sara Johannes, the operation was a success and the boy no longer uses an artificial bowel sphincter.

Akawa, a grade 8 leaner at Ongwediva Control Combined School, had been studying at home since a freak accident at the Oshakati West Primary School in October last year.

“Akawa had an operation in March and it was successful. He can now defecate on his own. I am so thankful to God and everyone who assisted me and the health professionals who assisted,” said Johannes.

“The operation was conducted at the state hospital, therefore it did not cost us a lot of money and we are so thankful.”

Akawa fell onto the exposed metal frame of a broken chair when he intervened in a squabble between his classmates.

He was rushed to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital in an ambulance and had surgery that same day.

However, after the treatment he could not pass bowel movements and they inserted an artificial bowel sphincter.

He returned to school in November to write examinations and was promoted to grade 8.

Since grade7 was the last class at the Oshakati West Primary School, he was enrolled at Ongwediva Control Combined School this year but after a few days the principal called a meeting with his mother and he was given permission to continue his education from home.

The mother used to fetch his assignments from school every day and returned them for marking.

Before the operation Esser Shilimela of the charity organisation ESBA Pendukeni Foundation visited Akawa and his family and donated food and N$3 000 in cash toward his medical expenses.

ILENI NANDJATO

Every drop countsCity of Windhoek imposes water restrictions The capital city is facing another water crisis and residents have been urged to comply with emergency measures.

As Windhoek faces a looming water supply crisis amidst the ravaging drought, the City has upgraded to a category D severe scarcity supply scenario and will impose mandatory 15% water savings, plus a host of new water use restrictions as of 1 July.

With dam levels dropping sharply, the City is increasingly leaning on its own two water resources, the aquifer and reclamation plant, which going forward, will supply 65% of Windhoek's targeted 465 000 cubic metres weekly consumption target.

In previous years, and under normal circumstances, NamWater provided as much as 75% of the city's water supply demands, while boreholes tapping into the aquifer produced around 5% for the demand.

Following the recently concluded assessment of the water supply situation in the central area, NamWater lowered its weekly supply capacity to 35% of total demand, less than the 39% the City's aquifer will provide over a seven-day cycle.

NamWater's latest dam bulletin, issued yesterday, showed the total capacity of the three central dams, Swakoppoort, Von Bach and Omatako, has dwindled to 19% capacity, compared to 35.1% this time last season.

In August last year, while the City was still in a category C water supply scenario, NamWater supplied around 30 000 cubic metres each day, which has now decreased to 23 400 cubic metres daily, totalling 163 712 cubic metres each week.

Meanwhile, the aquifer which under last year's category C scenario was supplying around 20 000 cubic metres a day to the city's taps, is set to provide as much as 25 900 cubic metres daily, which could increase if residents don't stick to the 15% savings.

The municipality supplements this supply with around 17 000 cubic metres a day, or 26% of the weekly targeted consumption, from the reclamation plant.

Residents' mandatory 15% savings are crucial to the goal of achieving the weekly consumption target of 465 000 cubic metres, with current demand totalling around 539 350 cubic metres each week.

CEO Robert Kahimise yesterday stressed that any additional consumption will put pressure on the aquifer, an already scarce and valuable resource. Any consumption falling below the weekly target of 465 000 cubic metres will help preserve the resource.

Namibian Sun previously reported that the aquifer, under normal conditions, is viewed as an emergency resource and experts warned that continued use of the resource is not sustainable based on the average natural recharge rates, which are significantly below the current abstraction rates.

Kahimise urged residents to play their part in order to avoid the severe water supply troubles faced by Cape Town recently, saying he is positive the City will receive cooperation.

“The residents of Windhoek have been in this situation before. I know it's doable. I think we can just rearrange our behaviour and I believe we can do it collectively,” he said.

He added that the City of Windhoek will lead by example, but agreed that a number of challenges need to be addressed, including aging and badly maintained water supply infrastructure, lags in responding to leak notifications and other issues.

Moreover he said the City is looking at viable options to strengthen water supply in order to decrease the city's reliance on NamWater and ensure a sustainable water supply situation over the long run.

However, he noted that the infrastructure needed to increase water treatment capabilities would cost the City billions.

New Rules

Under the new water supply restrictions, the City will no longer provide rebates on water losses from leaks.

Households will pay penalty tariffs under the block tariff system, implemented in times of water scarcity, if they consume more than 25 000 litres per month. The tariffs will rise again if a household uses more than 30 000 litres per month.

Currently consumers pay an increased rate of N$61 per 1 000 litres used when they exceed the 25 000-litre threshold, and are charged N$141 per 1 000 litres used if they use more than N$30 000 litres per month per household.

Under category D cars are not allowed to be washed at home and only certified commercial carwashes that use less than 30 litres per vehicle may be used.

Lawns may only be watered using semi-purified water and no landscaping may take place.

No sprinklers may be used and watering, when allowed, may only take place twice a week and only at certain times.

Public pools will have reduced opening periods and residential pools must be covered and may not be refilled from a public water supply source.

Hospitality institutions must implement water savings programmes and impose laundry restrictions.

Construction companies must implement best management practices and utilise semi-purified water for earthworks.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Independent candidate roasts PM

ILENI NANDJATO

Independent candidate for the upcoming Ondangwa Urban by-election, Angelina Immanuel, has labelled Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila as a “selfish” individual who was handed a high government post and rose to the position of a prime minister, but never created opportunities for young people.

She was responding to Kuugongelwa-Amadhila’s scathing remarks during a Swapo star rally in Ondangwa at the weekend.

Immanuel said Kuugongelwa-Amadhila did not deserve the post of director-general of the National Planning Commission in 1995, after she was initially appointed as a desk officer in then President Sam Nujoma office following her graduation in America.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was ironically 27 at the time, which is Immanuel’s current age. She was subsequently appointed finance minister in 2003.

“Firstly, I would like to briefly inform the prime minister that each generation has a purpose. The older generation had a purpose of politically liberating the country and our generation has a purpose of economic independence.

“Almost 24 years ago, honourable Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was given a spoon of political food and was appointed director-general of national planning.

“There was nothing special about her, not that she was more intelligent or more hardworking or more beautiful. There were others with more qualities than her - indeed many, yes many - and they are alive to testify. The only thing that happened is that she was given an opportunity,” Immanuel said.

She claimed further that the prime minister had not created opportunities for youth.

“It is either you have forgotten your own journey or we are highly mistaken. There is a word in English to describe such person. Let me say it with respect, honourable prime minister is selfish… She came to Ondangwa over the weekend to advertise her true colours.

“She came with all the S&Ts of government, all the perks, all the police, all the cars, all the fuel, and if that money is to be mathematically tabulated, the amount for her visit can easily be thousands of dollars.

“All this expenditure (was used to) intimidate me as 27-year-old who has decided to contest for a public office in line with the Regional Councils Act, Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia,” fumed Immanuel.

During the Swapo rally Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged voters not to vote for Immanuel, saying she does not belong to any political party and is promising “heaven and earth”.

She also urged Immanuel to refrain from using Swapo colours and symbols on her campaign materials.

“My poor prime minister confused me with other Swapo members who stood as independent candidates in previous elections, which some won… The sad part though is that it had to be a fellow woman to launch an attack on a young woman. The men must be looking at us and laughing. There is a reason why they sent you to attack me,” Immanuel said.

The Swapo candidate who is contesting against Immanuel, Leonard Negonga, is a 60-year-old businessman.

Namibian Sun could not reach Kuugongelwa-Amadhila for comment.

Immanuel said further the prime minister does not know a life of renting, a life of struggling to get water, to get a toilet and to have a roof over her head.

“We must ask ourselves, why does the prime minister have so much confidence in businessman Negonga? Can she tell us, after all she was minister of finance; how the likes of Negonga became overnight millionaires? How did he make his money from being a simple employee of the ministry of health?”

Tipped for greatnessTobias insists 'The Executioner' can be world champ Boxing promoter Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias has put his faith in Walter Kautondokwa to deliver a world crown to the stable.

The MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Boxing and Fitness Academy owner, Nestor Tobias, is adamant that Walter 'The Executioner' Kautondokwa has the potential to become a world champion.

Kautondokwa made a big statement in his comeback fight over the past weekend by stopping Simeon Tcheta from Tanzania at the beginning of the second round of their 10-round non-title fight.

The Namibian made his return to the ring after losing a world title fight for the then vacant WBO middleweight crown against American southpaw Demetrius Andrade in October last year. Kautondokwa has a record of 19 fights, 18 wins and only one loss and remains a dangerous knockout specialist, with 17 of his 19 wins coming via KOs.

Tobias said Kautondokwa's performance against Tcheta had renewed his faith in his boxer and that he was confident that 'The Executioner' would get another crack at a world title.

A then unbeaten Kautondokwa had been confident going into his fight against Andrade.

The Namibian was handed the fight two weeks before the clash, following a Massachusetts State Athletic Commission decision not to licence Billy Joe Saunders, due to a failed Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) test in August last year.

However, the short time period he had to adequately prepare for the fight proved to be his downfall, as Andrade scored four knockdowns en route to a unanimous decision victory to claim the vacant tight in Boston.

Kautondokwa was never in the fight. Two judges scored it a shutout (120-104) and the third judge scored the bout 119-105 in Andrade's favour.

However, there now seems to light at the end of the tunnel for Kautondokwa, following a sterling performance in Zimbabwe at the weekend.

“Kautondokwa started the fight with strong combinations to the body, leaving Tcheta hurt at the end of the first round.

“At the beginning of the second round, Kautondokwa continued with strong punches and the corner threw in the towel one minute into round 2 to avoid further punishment and prevent injury to their man,” Tobias said.

Kautondokwa had previously had two fights scheduled after his loss to Andrade that were both cancelled at the last minute. The first fight was against South Africa's France Ramabolu. Ramabolu's camp withdrew at short notice, with Tobias claiming at the time that the South African had gotten cold feet because of Kautondokwa's power. Jacob Maganga from Tanzania was also to have faced Kautondokwa's but failed a medical test.

Tobias believes that Kautondokwa is still one of the most feared boxers globally and is ready to claim a world crown in the middleweight division.

“The loss against Andrade was unfortunate. We took that fight at very short notice, but that is water under the bridge.

“All that matters is that Kautondokwa is back now and ready to challenge top contenders in the middleweight division, so they better be ready. We expect him to be back in the WBO top 15 ratings and then we will be back to business,” Tobias said.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

BA close in on title

Black Africa could clinch the MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) title by overcoming their bitter rivals Orlando Pirates at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow at 19:00.

The traditional rivals face off in a match in which one team is fighting for survival and the other is looking to win the league.

Black Africa go into the match needing three points to secure the 2018/19 NPL trophy.

They have so far collected 58 points from 26 matches, while second-placed African Stars have 50 points from 25 matches.

If Black Africa grab three points against Pirates, it will mean they have 61 points, which will be beyond the reach of African Stars, even if they win their last matches.

Orlando Pirates, however, have plans of their own and are desperate to avoid relegation.

A defeat for the Buccaneers will all but end their survival hopes.

Pirates are at the bottom of log with 22 points from 25 matches.

A victory would bring them level with Civics who are just above the relegation zone with 25 points.

Black Africa coach said Paulus Shipanga said: “It will be great if we can win the match and win the league on Thursday.

“We do not expect it to be an easy match because we do know that Orlando Pirates are fighting for survival.

“The players are, however ready, and raring to play in this important match.”

A win for Black Africa would also rub salt in the wounds of their bitter rivals, who will need to win their last matches and hope that the teams above them lose, in order for them to avoid relegation.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Inter Milan on the brink

Matteo Politano and Ivan Perisic scored as Inter Milan reclaimed third spot in Serie A on Monday with a 2-0 win over already-relegated Chievo, to close in on Champions League football next season.

Politano opened the scoring after 39 minutes in the San Siro, with Perisic adding the second four minutes from time, as Chievo played the last 15 minutes a man down after Nicola Rigoni was sent off for a second yellow card.

Inter moves one point ahead of Atalanta as both teams edge closer to joining champions Juventus and second-placed Napoli in elite European football with two games left this season.

AC Milan and Roma are three points adrift of fourth place, with Torino further back in seventh, five points outside the Champions League berths.

Inter could seal their place with a win next Sunday at Napoli or at home against lowly Empoli on the final day of the season the following weekend.

Inter's win ended Lazio's Champions League ambitions, with the Romans in eighth place with a slim hope of making the Europa League, which they can also reach by winning Wednesday's Coppa Italia final against Atalanta.

Bologna moved ahead of Fiorentina into 13th position with a 4-1 win over Parma, which leaves the promoted side just three points clear of a return to Serie B next season.

Parma played the last 30 minutes a man down after Bruno Alves was sent off, and conceded two own goals.

NAMPA/AFP