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Confusion over shack baby

May 14, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Confusion over shack babyConfusion over shack baby The mother of a three-month-old baby girl who the City Police confirmed had died at the end of April after she and her three young siblings were rescued from a shack in which they were locked up alone says her child is alive and well.

Anna de Koker (40), who was briefly arrested on 26 April after the police had broken into her shack after concerned neighbours had reported a possible case of child neglect, says the untrue reports of her daughter's death hurt her deeply.

“I am the mother of these children. I would never toss my children away because their fathers can't support them. I am very proud of my kids and I will raise them until I go to my grave.”

The other children found alongside the baby, whose name is Liana, were a boy (5), a girl (4) and another girl just over one year old.

“I am very hurt. The entire country thinks I am a terrible mother. They say my baby is dead. They say I am a mother who can't look after her children.”

Yet she admitted that without a job and support from the fathers, she is struggling to feed and clothe her children.





“As a mother alone I struggle. I am poor. I have nothing. Not even a pot in which to cook food,” adding, “there is nothing in my house. Not even maize meal. There is only one 25-litre water can that is half-empty.”



Bungled

Namibian Sun's reports were based on multiple confirmations from City Police officers that the three-month-old baby died shortly after she and her siblings had been admitted to hospital. Namibian Sun was informed by the police and others on the scene of the “appalling conditions” in which the children were found, which necessitated an urgent trip to the hospital. Yesterday, City Police officials confirmed they were recently informed the baby was alive and that it had been a case of mistaken identity. Senior Superintendent Nathaniel Nendongo said an overview of the matter indicated a “communication error” had been committed and the faulty information was released to the media.

The mistake resulted from a general report of neglect cases from that weekend, he said, in which a child had reportedly died but the media were incorrectly informed of its identity and to which case the death was connected.



Very hard

De Koker yesterday claimed the police and social workers last spoke to her when she and her children were still under hospital supervision. She said she had agreed to talk to her father, who lives near Mariental, to take the children to him to help care for them.

She claims only her young toddler had shown signs of illness - a throat infection - and that was why they remained in the hospital for a week. Doctors and paramedics at the scene of the rescue stated that all the children had shown signs of neglect, especially malnutrition and dehydration, when they were found and had been kept at the hospital to be treated. Further, the youngest child was naked and only covered by a thin sheet.



Tough job

De Koker told Namibian Sun yesterday she had a job but when she was on maternity leave she was not paid and then the company closed. She denied reports that she had been drinking when the police arrived that night. City Police confirmed she tested 0.80 on a breathalyser. She says she left the children in the care of her 21-year-old daughter and a friend, and had gone to ask a relative for maize meal to feed the children. She says the children were briefly left alone, but were asleep, and when she arrived back the police were there and arrested her. Her arrest was later withdrawn. Namibian Sun was unable to establish whether a case of neglect is still being investigated.

JANA-MARI SMITH
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Mining: Sunrise, sunset?

May 14, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Mining: Sunrise, sunset?Mining: Sunrise, sunset?Policy certainty pivotal Not only the Namibian economy as whole, but the mining sector are facing trying times in which government as a true partner must show its colours. The chamber has pointed out to government on many occasions that the total effective taxation rate for the mining industry … is at the tipping point of no longer being attractive for foreign direct investment into Namibia. – Chamber of Mines Jo-Maré Duddy - Namibia’s mining sector needs policies which will transform the sector from a perceived “sunset” industry to a “sunrise” industry.

This will allow investment into exploration to pave the way for new deposits to be discovered and new mines to be developed, enabling a new dawn in the era of the country’s mining industry, the chief executive officer of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia, Veston Malango, says.

Continued policy uncertainty does not support sustainable growth in the mining industry, “which is desperately needed in lieu of Namibia’s depressed economic environment”, Malango says in his CEO’s forward in the 2018 Annual Review of the chamber, released at the recent Mining Expo.

Policy uncertainty includes new tax proposals, as well as the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework (NEEEF) and the Namibia Investment Promotion Act.

Reliable pillar

Key statistics contained in the latest Annual Review show to which extend the mining sector supported the local economy in its recession last year: Chamber members directly employed 9 045 permanent workers, 498 temporary employees and 6 681 contractors. In total, nearly N$6.1 billion was paid in wages in salaries, about 8.6% more than 2017.

In total, the mining sector paid nearly N$3.98 billion in taxes, about 4.4% more than in 2017. This comprised of nearly N$1.71 billion in corporate tax (2017: N$2.13 billion), around N$2.06 billion in royalties (2017: N$1.56 billion) and N$214.6 million in export levies (2017: N$115.3 million).

On average, 20% of the revenue and well over 50% of the profits generated by the mining sector is paid over to government’s coffers, the chamber said in a statement last week.

This comprises of corporate tax, royalties and levies on gross sales, dividends to government and personal income tax (PAYE) paid by individuals employed by the mining industry. PAYE would not be paid to government if the mining company did not exist, the chamber emphasised.

“In addition, there is the massive local procurement spend by the industry, which is on average 40% of revenue (sales) each year.

Dampening the recession

A further contribution by industry is its enormous voluntary Corporate Social Investment (CSI) spend, far higher than any other sector of the economy. According to the Annual Review, CSI of about N$73 million flowed from mining operations, as well as development and exploration companies in 2018.

“Most of our members have fully-fledged CSI departments contributing many millions each year to the support and development of health, education, livelihoods and the environment,” the chamber said in its statement.

“Net wages and salaries paid to Namibians employed by the sector accounts for an average of 13% of mining revenue annually. Expenditure on national utilities accounted for another 6% in 2017, while the industry also makes significant investments into exploration as well as skills development and training,” the chamber continued.

The mining industry also spent N$147.7 million on skills development last year.

“It can thus be factually concluded that over 79% of all mining revenue stays within Namibia’s borders and is not distributed back to the mining companies. Clearly, the mining industry makes a disproportionate contribution towards the economic growth of our nation,” according to the chamber.

“It is without a doubt that our national economy is in dire straits, and officially in a recession. At the onset, and for the last two years, mining has been one of the few sectors to record positive growth rates, dampening the contractions in GDP in 2017 and 2018,” the president of the Chamber of Mines, Zebra Kasete, says in the Annual Review.

Tax challenges

However, “the longer-term outlook for mining in Namibia appears less optimistic as a number of prominent mines will be reaching the end of their life of mines in the next two to ten years,” Kasete continues.

Boosting exploration activity and enabling the discovery of new mineral deposits which may lead to the opening of new mines are therefore pivotal.

Investor sentiment was “rattled” with the new tax proposals in the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2018 that proposes to change certain sections of the Income Tax Act, Malango says.

“The unintended consequences of the amendments would impede expansion and reinvestments by existing mines and most certainly thwart development of any new projects,” he says.

Certain amendments will make most mines unprofitable, meaning they will most likely scale down production and may end up in care and maintenance with inevitable job losses, while stalling any new investment into the mining sector, the chamber warns in the Annual Review.

This is particularly concerning given that many major mining operations are due to reach their end of life of mine in the near to medium-future. Certain clauses in the bill will unquestionably reduce the value of new projects and eliminate any planned reinvestment by existing mines, the chamber maintains.

“Ultimately, this would undermine broad–based growth in Namibia, bringing the mining sector to a standstill.

“As mining is one of the biggest sectors in Namibia’s economy, other sectors of the economy would shrink, particularly in the local mining supply chain resulting in a second round of job losses and economic contractions,” the Annual Review states.

In his 2019/20 budget speech, finance minister Calle Schlettwein disallowed the deductibility of royalties for non-diamond mining companies, which also includes other sectors paying royalties on intellectual property.

“While the diamond industry is excluded from this clause, the negative long-term impacts on non-diamond mining operations, as highlighted above, will far outweigh the immediate revenue gains for government,” the chamber says

Schlettwein also increased the export levy for dimension stone from 2% to 15%, which aims to induce local value addition to this mineral. “This will result in a hefty revenue-based tax for dimension stone operations of 20%, with the inclusion of the current applicable royalty of 5%,” the chamber says.

Diamonds

The effective taxation rates - including royalties, levies and corporate taxes - of the diamond industry are completely unsustainable in the long term and are likely to bring about the premature closure of Namdeb’s land-based operations with the loss of many thousands of jobs, the chamber said in its statement.

A 55% statutory corporate tax rate is charged to diamond mining operations, in addition to a 10% royalty on gross sales payable by diamond miners. This compares to the 37.5% corporate tax rate and 3% royalties plus 1% export levy on gross sales paid by the non-diamond mining companies.

According to the Annual Review, taxes from diamond mining is estimated to have constituted nearly 5% of government’s total revenue in 2018/19. Non-mining companies, on the other hand, contributed an estimated 1%.

“Should government reduce the taxation levels for the diamond industry to more sustainable levels of total effective taxation, the continued employment of thousands of Namibians would be secured and the country would make better use of its mineral endowment for the longer term future of Namibians,” the chamber said.

“The chamber has pointed out to government on many occasions that the total effective taxation rate for the mining industry (at well over 80% for diamonds and over 50% for the non-diamond industry) is at the tipping point of no longer being attractive for FDI [foreign direct investment] into Namibia.”

Empowerment, investment

The chamber says while government has provided assurance to produce legislation that reflects submissions and inputs by industry, there is still uncertainty regarding when NEEEF will be finalised and implemented.

“Following government’s intention and announcement to finalise the bill in 2018, the outcome of this policy/legislation is still pending.

“Despite this uncertainty, the Chamber of Mines wishes to allay industry concerns that the contents of this legislation will be aligned to industry charters, which will include targets that are achievable for each sector.

“Government has also reiterated its commitment and intention to continuously engage and work with industry associations to produce a policy and legislation that is amicable and workable, one that will induce growth rather than stifle economic productivity,” the Annual Review states.

Much like NEEEF, the Namibia Investment Promotion Act (NIPA) is pending finalisation and implementation, the chamber says.

“However, the chamber is pleased that government has accepted amendment proposals by the private sector players, including the Chamber of Mines. The revised legislation, once promulgated by parliament, is one that will encourage investment into Namibia rather than creating a barrier for investment,” the Annual Review states.

“The chamber continues to work closely with its line ministry, the ministry of mines and energy, to enable investments into exploration and to foster new growth,” Malango says.

“This partnership with government, and the trust built therein over the years, continues to underpin the cornerstone of our successes, and we are hopeful it will carry us through in trying times,” he concluded.
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Windhoek has highest inflation in Nam

May 15, 2019, 3:44 am
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Windhoek has highest inflation in NamWindhoek has highest inflation in Nam Windhoek’s annual overall inflation rate in April was 5%, the highest in the country, according to figures released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) this morning.
The NSA launched the country’s first zonal consumer price index. The index deals with three zones: Zone 1 (Katima Mulilo, Oshakati and Otjiwarongo), Zone 2 (Windhoek) and Zone 3 (Gobabis, Swakopmund, Mariental and Keetmanshoop).
Zone 1’s overall inflation rate last month was 3.8% and that of Zone 3 was 4.8%.
Read the full report tomorrow in Market Watch.
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Tigers finally roar again

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Tigers finally roar againTigers finally roar again Tigers have ended their winless run in the Namibia Premier League (NPL) by beating Julinho Sporting 3-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The win was the first for Tigers under coach Ali Akan, following three losses again Young Brazilians, Orlando Pirates and Eleven Arrows in his first three games in charge.

Tigers wasted several opportunities throughout the match, with Mapenzi Muwanei, Anesu Gondo and Absalom Iimbondi being the chief culprits.

The three could have scored a total of five goals between them in the first half, but failed to convert the chances that came their way because of selfishness or poor decision-making.

Muwanei and Iimbondi each fluffed two glorious chances within the first 15 minutes of the game.

Tigers' Knowledge Mutyoraringa nodded in his club's first goal after a great free-kick by Rehabeam Mbango in the 18th minute.

However, Julinho tried to come back with Fransisco Almeida coming close twice, but Tigers held on for a 1-0 halftime lead.

In the second half, Julinho upped the tempo and frustrated their opponents, but failed to trouble Tigers on attack.

The home side punished them in in the 70th minute when Gondo tapped in from close range, after Iimbondi's hard and low cross was parried into his path by Julinho's goalkeeper.

In the 82nd minute Muwanei then made up for his wastefulness in front of goal when he slammed in a powerful shot from the edge of the box, after Gondo dribbled two defenders before putting through a pass for him.

NAMPA
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Life after sport

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Life after sportLife after sportAhrens steps in to assist elite athletes As a retired athlete and former Olympian, Ahrens currently runs her own business and wishes to help other athletes do the same. Many sports personalities lack direction and knowledge when it comes to finding a career and purpose after their flourishing careers end.

Athletics Commission chairperson Gaby Ahrens has thus initiated a workshop that will look at pioneering career development for Namibian athletes.

The workshop which will be fully funded and supported by Olympic Solidarity will be held in Windhoek on 15 June.

The workshop is aimed at helping athletes to confidently stride into a dual or new post-competitive sporting career by using their transferable skills.

Athletes are not always readily prepared and equipped to transition into other roles once they have retired from competitive sport.

“Athletes are presented with numerous challenges during and after competition, dealing with depression, finding their purpose and trying to fit into the professional world,” Ahrens said.

She added that many athletes are focused on competing, but then fail to develop professional skills, making it difficult for them to obtain employment once they have retired.

“This further obstructs them in the future, and also places a burden on them, as their finances become strained,” Ahrens said.

Olympic basketball player and Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) member, Kady Kanoute Tounkara of Mali, will present the workshop.

Tounkara participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as a co-captain of Mali's women's basketball team.

She was also a professional player who plied her trade in Spain, France and Austria for several years and is a five-time French national champion.

Tounkara has also completed her marketing and management degree at Fordham University in the United States, where she was a full scholarship recipient.

“As an ANOCA Athletes Commission nominee since 2003, and at present a representative for Zone 2, she is a volunteer who represents, empowers and educates athletes.

“Kady is an active trainer and promoter of the IOC ACP outreach programme globally and particularly in Africa,” Ahrens said.

The dynamic training programme has been designed to specifically support elite athletes to balance sports training and competition, alongside their education.

The programme is also designed to help athletes manage dual careers, as this can be a difficult thing to do.

They key to the workshop is to enable athletes to build a game plan for future success.

Training will also involve networking, drafting of CVs and preparation for interviews.

“The workshop is primarily aimed at elite athletes who have participated at continental, regional and national level.

“Coaches and other support staff will also benefit and are encouraged to attend, so they can pass on their knowledge to their athletes.”

Only 40 places are available, but Ahrens has assured the public that they have taken all regions into consideration, including a member from a team sport, to attend the workshop.

The commission also plans on bringing in local heroes to be guest speakers on the one-day workshop.

As a retired athlete and former Olympian, Ahrens currently runs her own business and wishes to help other athletes do the same.

Namibia has about 41 athletes who have represented the country at previous Olympic Games.

Namibia National Olympics Committee (NNOC) secretary-general Joan Smit spoke highly of the programme.

“We did in the past have a programme of such a nature, even though it was mostly attended by scholars.

“It is, however, a very important programme that will definitely improve the lives of many athletes,” Smit said.

Interested parties are advised to contact the Namibia Athletics Commission via email at athletes@olympic.org.na or get in touch with Ahrens.

All participants residing outside Windhoek will be provided with accommodation and transport, and food will be served to all participants.



Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
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Abramovich still passionate about Chelsea

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Abramovich still passionate about ChelseaAbramovich still passionate about Chelsea Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is still passionate about the Premier League club and tries his best to be involved on a daily basis despite his long-term absence from Stamford Bridge, defender David Luiz has said.

Russian billionaire Abramovich ran into problems renewing his British visa last year, amid tensions between the two countries, and he has not been seen at Chelsea's matches this season.

British media reports indicated that Abramovich had grown weary and even looked to sell the club, but Luiz said the 52-year-old had not lost his hunger for success after speaking with him prior to renewing his Chelsea contract last week.

“I had the opportunity to talk with him last week to decide my future,” Luiz told the Daily Mail.

“He loves the club and everything that is inside the club, not just the people. He wants to win everything, he wants to do more.

“It's difficult for him, he has been away but his heart is here. He tries to be involved every single day. He's still really passionate for the club. He has the same hunger, thinking about winning. He doesn't want to lose energy.

“He's the one who built Chelsea; everything at Chelsea changed because of him. The results speak for themselves, 15 trophies in 15 years,” Luiz said. Chelsea finished third under Maurizio Sarri to return to the Champions League and Luiz said the London club has exceeded pre-season expectations, as they look to finish their campaign with a Europa League trophy when they face Arsenal in Baku on 29 May.

“We did amazing, especially with the first year for a new coach,” Luiz said. “Nobody expected Chelsea to finish third. Everybody thought we were going to be out of the Champions League.

“We're fighting for the Europa League and we lost the League Cup on penalties, a competition where we beat Liverpool and Tottenham and were the better side against Manchester City in the final.”

NAMPA/REUTERS
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Cossasa heroes bag scholarships

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Cossasa heroes bag scholarshipsCossasa heroes bag scholarshipsMasilingi and Mboma rewarded The two Kavango East athletes scooped a combined six gold medals at this year's Cossasa games. Sprinting sensation Beatrice Masilingi and long-distance runner Christine Mboma have been awarded scholarships to further their studies at a school that will enhance their athletic talents.

They visited Kavango East governor Samuel Mbambo on Tuesday, where the announcement was made.

The two regional athletes scooped a combined six gold medals at this year's Cossasa games that were held recently in Swaziland.

Masilingi scooped gold medals fin the 100m, 200m and 400m, setting records in all three events. She also won gold in the u-17 girls relay event.

Mboma won the 800m and 1 500m and walked away with two gold medals.

Both Masilingi and Mboma will now have the opportunity to further their academic studies at Grootfontein Agri College in Otjozondjupa.

The scholarship is worth N$120 000 per year for one learner, which caters for school fees and hostel accommodation, as well as athletic training costs.

Masilingi was formerly a grade 9 learner at Noordgrens Secondary School in Rundu, while Mboma was a grade 9 learner at Shinyungwe Senior Secondary at Mbwata village.

Masilingi left for Grootfontein Agri College on Tuesday, while Mboma's consent issues were being finalised.

This move was prompted by the lack of proper training facilities in Kavango East.

The entire region does not have a synthetic track, making it difficult for the athletes to develop their skills and further their careers.

Grootfontein Agri College principal Henk Botha said the two athletes will be given the necessary exposure in order to achieve their dreams.

“We are very proud to say that the two athletes will be attending a school where there is a rich culture of athletics. We have the necessary facilities and we put a lot of effort into our athletes,” Botha said.

He said that the two athletes will be exposed to 10 more athletic meets, when compared to the normal schooling system, and that they will be developed so they reach their full potential.

Botha said Masilingi's Cossasa games time of 53.06 for the 400m qualified her for the junior championships that will be hosted in Kenya later this year.

In Mboma's case, Botha said her wins in the 800m and 1 500m races at the Cossasa games mean a lot, as Namibians have found it difficult to win these races in the past.

He said although the two athletes are clocking amazing times that qualify them for senior championships, they will not put under any sort of pressure.

Mbambo said he is very happy with what the two athletes have achieved.

“I am a peacock; proud and honeymoon happy,” Mbambo said.

He encouraged the two athletes to never forget where they come from, adding they should remain positive at all times in order to achieve their dreams.

Namibia Schools Sports Union (NSSU) national director Shivute Katamba said both athletes are potential Olympic gold medallists.

Katamba thanked Grootfontein Agri College for taking in the two athletes, adding that many young, talented athletes have failed to achieve their dreams because they did not have access to proper trainers and training facilities.

KENYA KAMBOWE
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Soldiers receive sport sponsorship

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Soldiers receive sport sponsorshipSoldiers receive sport sponsorship Namibian Defence Force (NDF) 211 Infantry Battalion members, based at the Tobias Hainyeko Garrison in Windhoek, have received sporting items to the value of N$50 000 from Nedbank Namibia.

The sponsored items include trophies, balls, medals, bags and sport gear. The items were handed over by Nedbank Namibia head of SME business Nelson Simasiku on Tuesday in order for the battalion to kickstart a mini-league on 22 May at Windhoek Technical High School. The event will include football, volleyball, netball and pool matches. Simasiku said Nedbank is a keen supporter of sport in the country.

“We would like to encourage the members of the NDF to actively participate in the mini-league to keep fit, disciplined and strong,” he said. General officer commanding of the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General Erastus Kashopola, and 211 Infantry Battalion commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel Jose, thanked Nedbank for the donation.

NAMPA
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Oonkundathana kombinga yomusinda omutiligane

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Oonkundathana kombinga yomusinda omutiligane Oonkundathana kombinga yomusinda omutiligane Aanafaalama yomonooli ya patelwa pondje Ompumbwe ye yi dhopomo lyopolotika moshikumungu shekuthe po lyomusinda omutiligane, otayi etitha omusinda ngoka gu tsikile nokukala miilonga. KENYA KAMBOWE

Oshiputudhilo shoInstitute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) osha ningi olopota yi na omagwedhelepo kombinga yiinima iyali mbyoka tayi vulu okutulwa miilonga opo ku vule okukuthwa po omusinda omutiligane ngoka gwa topolwa aaniimuna yaNamibia pokati.

Shotango etulo lyondhalate koongamba dhaNamibia naAngola nokuya moshipala etaguluko lyoongamba kiimuna lya manguluka nokuyanda etaandeko lyomukithi gwekondo nekala.

Olopota ya holola kutya etulo ko lyodhalate ndjoka otali ka etitha ongeshefa yoongombe dha thika poomiliyona 1.5, iikombo yi li poomiliyona 1.2, oshowo aanafaalama ye li po 104 000 taya ka mona omauwanawa okuza mekutho po lyomusinda ngoka.

Etungo lyomamboloka tali ka etitha elanditho lyoongombe dhi li po 160 000, iikombo 130 000 oshowo aanafaalama ye li 1 200 taya mono omauwanawa.

Olopota ndjoka oya gandja omagwedhelepo opo omalelo gopapolotia moshilongo guunganeke oonkundathana dhopashigwana muunamapya dhi kundathane kombinga yomahogololo ngoka gaali ge li po.

Otaku tengenekwa kutya otaku ka pumbiwa oshimaliwa sha thika pooomiliyona 100, opo oongamba dhaNamibia naAngola dhi tulwe odhalate, nodhalate ndjoka otayi ka kala yuule woshinano shookilometa 450.

Iilonga yodhalate ndjoka otayi tengenekelwa nayo yi li poomiliyona 100.



Etungo lyomamboloka lyoshinano shookilometa 650 okuya mehala ndyoka lya talikako kutya olya yela okuza komukithi gwekondo nelaka, otali ka pula oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 145 omanga iilonga tayi ka pula oshimaliwa tashi tengenekelwa poomiliyona 50.

Olopota oya gandja woo omagwedhelepo kutya omapekaapeko gopauindjinia oshowo gopamudhingoloko oga pumbwa okutameka opo ku talike elongitho lyiiyemo nomauwanawa gokanala komeya taka adhika mooha dhoongamba dhaAnamibia naAngola, pokati kaKunene nomilonga dhaKavango.

Nonando ongaaka omupekaapeko gwoIPPR, Piers Vigne okwa nyenyeta woo kompumbwe yohokwe yopapolitika okukundathana kombinga yomusinda omutiligane.

Vigne okwa li ta popi mOmaandaha pethimbo lyishigongiilonga shoNamibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) shoka sha ningilwa moRundu.

Pethimbo lyoshigongi shoka okwa ningwa oonkundathana dholopota yelanditho lyiimuna moNorthern Communal Areas (NCA).

Aakuthimbinga ya yooloka okuza miitopolwa iyali yaKavango oya kundathana omagwedhelepo, nokugandja omagwedhelepo ngoka taga ka yambidhidha emanitho lyolopota ndjoka, ya gandjwa momake goIPPR koNNFU.

Vigne okwa popi kutya oshikumungu shomusinda omutiligane osha kala nokukundathanwa uule woomvula dha piti odhindji ngashiingeyi nomapekaapeko oga ningwa. Opwa ningwa woo omagwedhelepo ihe omupya omunene olopota ndjoka inayi tulwa miilonga.

Okwa yelitha kutya omusinda omutiligane ogu li oshikumungu shopashigwana sho oongamba dhoka dha topola nokutongola aantu. Okwa gwedha po kutya opo oshikumungu shoka shi vule okuungaungiwa nasho opwa pumbiwa eidhopomo lyopapolotika.

Vigne okwa popi kutya elelo lyopolotika olya pumbwa okwiidhopa moshikumungu shoka na inali pumbwa okweethelepo owala oshikondo shuundjolowele wiimuna uuministeli wuunamapya.

Vigne okwa holola kutya pethimbo lyomapekaapeko gawo, oya mono kutya oofaaalama ndhoka dhi li moshitopolwa shaKunene kadhi na omukundu gwa sha netulepo lyoodhalate koongamba dhiilongo mbyoka iyali, okuyeleka naanafaalama yomoshitopolwa shaHangwena.

Okwa popi kutya aanafaalama yomOhangwena itaya popile oongamba ndhoka molwaashoka ohaya ka konga uunapelo wiimuna yawo meni lyaAngola.

Vigne okwa feleke kutya iimuna ya thika po 220 000 yAaNamibia ohayi ka napa moAngola.

Okwa popi kutya omolwa onkalo yoshikukuta ndjoka ya taalela oshilongo ngashiingeyi, oongamba dhoka dha tekapo otadhi longithwa okupitila iimuna noku ka konga uunapelo moAngola.

Pethimbo lyoonkundathana, aanafaalama yomoKavango oya popile etungo lyomamboloka, taya popi kutya nonando itali ka gandja uuwanawa owundji okuyeleka nekutho po lyomusinda omutiligane netulo lyodhalate koongamba, oye wete kutya otashi ka kala etameko ewanawa.

Oya popi kutya okwa longithwa iimaliwa oyindji mokuninga oonkundathana, onkene omamboloka oye wete kutya ogo taga vulu okutamekwa mbala.

Oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun osha lopota oshiwike sha piti, kutya uuministeli wuunamapya otawu pangele nokutameka omulandu gwekuthopo lyomusinda omutiligane momidhingoloko ndhoka dha talika ko kutya odha yela okuza komukithi gwekondo nelaka, moshikakomvula shika.

Shoka oshiikolelela kolopota ya pewa omutumba gwopaliamende pamwe nepopilo lyiiyemo mbyoka ya pewa uuministeli mboka.
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Agribank ta yambidhidha omolwa oshikukuta

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Agribank ta yambidhidha omolwa oshikukutaAgribank ta yambidhidha omolwa oshikukuta JEMIMA BEUKES

Ombaanga yoAgribank otayi gandja embilipaleko lyiifuta yomikuli oshowo omikuli dhokuyambidhidha aanafaalama omolwa onkalo yoshikukuta.

Ombaanga oya holola kutya tayi ka gwedhela aanafaalama oomvula mbali opo ya vule okufuta iimaliwa yomikuli dhawo mbyoka ya thigalako komikuli dhoka ye na.

Omunambelewa Omukuluntuwiliko gwombaanga yoAgribank, Sakaria Nghikembua okwa popi kutya shoka otaye shi ningi nomalalakano gokuyambidhidha nokukwathela aanafaalama mbyoka taya mono iihuna ngashiingeyi omolwa oshikukuta.

“Aayakulwa yetu mboka ye na ohokwe okulongitha omayambidhidho ngoka otaya pumbwa okushaina etsokumwe nombaanga. Etulokumwe lyiifuta yomikuli ndhoka dhi li konima oshowo ekuthoko komusholondondo gwoITC otali tulwa miilonga, uuna oopresenda 45 dhomikuli dha futwako.”

Aayakulwa mboka ye wete kutya itaya ka vula okugwanitha po iifuta yawo yomikuli yokomvula, otaya pumbiwa ya fute oopresenda 60 dhomikuli dhawo dhoka dhi li konima, omanga oopresenda 40 tadhi ka tadhi ka tulwa kumwe.

Kiifuta yomikuli, otaku ka gwedhwa oomvula mbali dhokufuta kuule ethimbo lyiifuta yomikuli ndhoka.

Ombaanga oya popi kutya oya dhidhilike aayakulwa yamwe mboka itaya ka vula okufuta ko omikuli dhawo noopresenda 45 palumwe, onkene otaya vulu okufuta ko oopresenda dhoka sigo omomasiku 30 gaSepetemba nuumvo.

Nghikembua okwa popi kutya aayakulwa mboka taya ka adhika komaupyakadhi okugwanitha po iipumbiwa yiifuta yawo, otaya tsuwa omukumo opo ya talele po iitayi yombaanga yi li popepi nayo nokukundathana kombinga yomayakulo ngoka.

Okwa gwedha po kutya ombaanga oyiitulamo kutya aayakulwa ayehe mboka ye na ohokwe otaya ka mona omayambudhidho.

Okwa tsu omuthindo kutya kape na omuyakulwa ta shunithwa ko ngele tashi ya komayakulo ngoka ga tulwa po kombaanga, ihe omuyakulwa nombaanga oya pumbwa okukundathana noku a dha etsokumwe.

Omikuli dhehwepopaleko lyoshikukuta

Omukuli dha nuninwa okuhepopaleka pethimbo lyoshikukuta otadhi ka pewa aanafaalama mboka ya mana okufuta ko oopresenda dhomikuli dhawo dhoka dha tulwa po.

Iimaliwa mbyoka otayi vulu okulongithwa mokuyambidhidha pethimbo ndika miinima ngaashi okulanda iikulya yiimuna, okuhupa oomboola nokulonga oombola oshowo iilonga yilwe ya gwedhwa po.

Pahapu dhe, aanafaalama mboka taya ka mona omikuli dhoka otaya ka pewa efudho lyuule womvula yimwe omanga inaya tameka okufuta omikuli dhawo.

Eshunitho lyomikuli ndhoka konima yomvula yimwe oshowo iishoshelo komikuli dhoka otayi ka endela pamwe nomilandu dhombaanga ndhoka dhili po nale.

Ombaanga oya popi kutya oya taalela omathimbo omadhigu oshowo aanafaalama, onkene oya hala kehe gumwe a hupe pethimbo ndika lyoshikukuta.



Nghikembua okwa popi kutya ekuthopo lyomikuli itali tulwa miilonga pethimbo ndika ihe oyiinekela kutya omayambidhidho ngoka ya tula po otaga ka kwathela aayaakulwa yawo.
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Agribank and Haingura in court tussle

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Agribank and Haingura in court tussleAgribank and Haingura in court tussle Agribank is suing former deputy health minister Petrina Haingura for defaulting on four loans.

The total amount the banks wants paid is N$372 834 with varying rates of interest on each claim.

Agribank seems to have stumbled in this matter having had two withdrawals of different lawyers, with Tjituri Law Chambers that withdrew as legal practitioners in August last year and Tjombe-Elago Incorporated that withdrew in February last year.

Moreover, Agribank failed to make an appearance at court on 17 April this year.

This followed after a court notice was issued to all parties and their legal practitioners on 10 April to attend a court hearing to show cause to the satisfaction of the managing judge why there has been no activity in the case for six months and why the case must not be struck from the roll, not to be enrolled again.

Yesterday, before Judge Marlene Tommasi in the Windhoek High Court, Agribank was instructed to give reasons why the matter should not be permanently struck from the roll.

The matter was last year January struck from the roll when Agribank's legal team failed to file a draft order for an application for a default judgment.

New counsel was appointed and the default judgment was eventually granted, however Agribank failed to appear before the court as that counsel (Tjombe and Elago) also quit.

In the four claims against Haingura, Agribank says that she put up her property in Olympia at erf 181, as surety.

In its first claim Agribank says that Haingura owes the bank N$14 446 for a loan to the amount of N$16 240 she made on 19 July 2012 for the purpose of purchasing livestock which included bond fees (the loan).

In its second claim, Haingura is said to owe the bank N$86 975 for a N$73 760 loan she made on 19 July 2012 for the purpose of purchasing building materials.

With regards to the third claim, Haingura owes Agribank N$46 684 for a loan of N$50 000 made on 19 July 2012 for the purchasing of livestock, which amount included bond fees.

Finally, Agribank's fourth claim says that Haingura owes the bank N$224 729 for a loan of N$220 000 she made on 19 July 2012 to purchase a vehicle.

Agribank is also asking for an order regarding legal costs.

Haingura has no counsel on record and is yet to file any pleas, counterclaims or documents.



ELLANIE SMIT
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Drought empties farmers' pockets

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Drought empties farmers' pocketsDrought empties farmers' pocketsProducers buckle under growing costs The drought has increased costs for local farmers while prices have dwindled for their produce. While farmers are braced for yet another drought that has negatively affected livestock prices and fodder production, increasing on-farm expenses are also significantly impacting on producer profits.

According to the first-quarter review for 2019 by the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), livestock prices fell drastically, while the agricultural inflation rate increased.

The agricultural inflation rate increased by 4.4% year-on-year during the first quarter of 2019. This was mainly driven by an 8.6% year-on-year increase in feed costs, a 6.1% year-on-year increase in capital expenditure, and a 6.5% year-on-year increase in fuel prices.

Comparing the first-quarter prices of 2018 to those of 2019, cattle prices dropped by 10.3%, while agricultural production expenses increased.

A decrease in the total weighted cattle prices over the past 12 months was primarily due to a 22.6% drop in weaner prices, while slaughter prices increased by 14.7%.

The increase in slaughter prices resulted from Meatco keeping their prices stable for the past months despite a drop in other livestock prices.

Meanwhile, sheep prices increased slightly by about 1.4% year-on-year.

“Evidently, producers continue to pay more for a basket of inputs used than what they receive for their output. Over 13 years of monitoring, the price-cost squeeze of cattle is estimated at 4% per annum, and for sheep at 0.7% annum. Besides recurring droughts, on-farm expenses continue to have a significant impact on producer profits.”

According to the union livestock mortality rates are increasing and the current grazing conditions are threatening the livestock industry.

“To reduce pressure on the limited grazing and to prevent financial losses, farmers are destocking.”

In the first quarter of this year 63 067 live cattle were exported to South Africa, 219 were exported to Angola and 131 to other countries. Export abattoirs slaughtered about 21 494 head of cattle.

Sheep export abattoirs received a throughput of about 53 851 sheep and 104 196 live sheep were exported.

Of the total live sheep exported, 40.3% were slaughter sheep, 11.4% were fat-tailed sheep, and a remarkable 48.3% were too lean or too small sheep because of insufficient pasture and drought conditions.

A total of 79 334 cattle were marketed at auctions, and of that number about 21.4% were cows.

Comparing the first quarter of 2018 to that of 2019, the marketing of cows at auctions increased by about 56.4%.

Farmers auctioned 10 862 cows in 2018 and 16 989 cows in 2019.

“A lack of grazing and fodder in some areas led to an increased marketing of lean cows. Hence, farmers auctioned 3 538 lean cows in 2018 and 7 941 lean cows in 2019, which means that the marketing of lean cows grew by 124.4%. An increase in cow marketing reduces the future reproductive capacity of the cattle industry.”

“Variable rainfall and other factors have placed a lot of stress on the Namibian rangeland, leading to fragile and poor vegetation cover, and hence a low carrying capacity on agricultural land.

“The available vegetation cover cannot support a large number of livestock on farms with the current drought conditions,” said the NAU.

The vegetative condition of 92% of all hectares of land in Namibia is below normal, while a staggering 64% of all land has a condition less than 20% of the norm.

In order to ease pressure on the available vegetation, farmers are urged to urgently destock to prevent financial losses.

With regard to the agronomy industry, the white maize sector anticipates a harvest of about 35 530 tonnes of white maize, which will be 37% less than the 2018/2019 harvest.

“The decrease in production is attributable to crop failure and lack of planting due to poor rains,” the union says.

It is anticipated that there will be a shortage of white maize in the local market throughout 2019/2020 season, given that the monthly production tonnage is below the average monthly domestic demand by millers of at least 14 500 tonnes.

During the 2018/2019 season farmers marketed 7 626 tonnes of wheat from October 2018 to February 2019. More than half (4 369 tonnes) of the total marketed wheat came from areas in the South, whereas 2 359 tonnes (30.9%) came from Kavango, and 898 tonnes (11.8%) came from the Maize Triangle.

In the 2018 season, 56 421 tonnes of white maize was marketed from May 2018 to December 2018. Of the total white maize marketed during the 2018/2019 period, 32 598 tonnes (57.8%) was from irrigated areas, and 23 823 tonnes (42.2%) was from rain-fed areas.





ELLANIE SMIT
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Airstrip registrations on course

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Airstrip registrations on courseAirstrip registrations on course The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) remains determined to register all private airports by the end of 2019, in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.

Airfields that do not manage to upgrade their infrastructure, in accordance with the rules and regulations, will not be allowed to land aircraft.

According to Reinhard Gärtner, the president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), 12 airports are registered while the country has more than 300 airfields and airstrips. These are privately managed or operated by smaller towns and settlements.

The 12 registered facilities comprise eight airports operated by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), and include Hosea Kutako International Airport, as well as Windhoek's Eros Airport and the Walvis Bay, Ondangwa, Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz airports.

“The remaining four airports are under state control,” said Gärtner. An example of this type of airfield is the airport at Grootfontein, which falls under the control of the Namibian military.”

The airports resort under five categories. Operators and owners of all aerodromes will have to adjust and improve their infrastructure, so as to adhere to the regulations in the various categories, which have different compliance requirements. Infrastructure must also adhere to the requirements.

It is the responsibility of the NCAA's division manager for aerodromes and ground aids, Golden Siteketa, to oversee the process.

“Industry consultation will start latest June this year. Publication and a 30-day notice period is scheduled for about September/October this year. If need be, the date of promulgation will be postponed from 1 January 2020 to a later date,” Gärtner said.

Meanwhile, the registration of international airports will cost N$20 000, while national operators and owners have to pay N$5 000. The renewal of an existing accreditation will cost N$2 300.

“Personally, I doubt whether all operators will be able to comply with the rules by the end of the year, but the law is likely to be passed by that time. After the scheduled talks and consultations, we will have to agree to what can be regarded as a fair amount of time for the airfield operators to retrofit,” said Gärtner.

Affected operators can collect copies of the draft provisions at the offices of the NCAA. They are also available on organisation's website.



FRANK STEFFEN
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Outapi abattoir struggling

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Outapi abattoir strugglingOutapi abattoir strugglingAngola beef talks continue Since the abattoir started operating in June last year, the facility has only slaughtered 34 cattle. The Namibian National Liberation Veterans Association (NNLVA), which operates the Outapi abattoir, says the facility cannot do much to assist farmers due to the lack of markets in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA).

Since it started operating in June last year, the facility has only slaughtered 34 cattle, principally because a butchery opened in Outapi this month. However, the NNLVA is confident that with the implementation of last year's national land conference resolution that government offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs) must consume locally produced produce, the abattoir will be used optimally in the future.

“The abattoir is struggling because we do not have a market for beef at the moment. Since we started operating, we have only been depending on slaughtering fees paid by individuals to use the abattoirs to supply meat to local retailers, as required by the health inspectors,” said NNLVA president Ben Shikongo.

“We are looking for a market and we are also encouraging the government to re-emphasise the land conference resolution, so that the business community and OMAs in the region support local abattoirs.”

Shikongo added that since they started they have managed to buy about 200 cattle from local farmers, but used to sell them on hoof because they have nowhere to sell the beef.

“This is a small number because we do not have an outside market and we only buy and sell cattle on the hoof to those having weddings or at open markets.

If we slaughter we have nowhere to sell the beef. This month we opened a butchery in Outapi and we have so far slaughtered 34 cattle (in total).

“Farmers can bring their cattle, but we always have disagreements on pricing. We have a scale we use to price them, depending on the weight and type, but in most cases they do not want to accept the price which is a main challenge; because of the drought most cattle are not well-fed,” said Shikongo.

He said even though they anticipate the implementation of the land conference resolution, the region is not ready.

He said even though a meat processing plant is being established at the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) facility at Ongwediva, the Eenhana and Oshakati abattoirs are not yet complete.

Shikongo also refuted claims that the Outapi abattoir is buying livestock south of the Red Line.

He urged government officials who are making such claims to stop, saying they are tarnishing the good image of their operations.

He said there is no way they will buy meat south of the Red Line without government authorisation.



Angola beef talks

When the ministry of agriculture handed over the abattoir to NNLVA last year, Omusati governor Erginus Endjala said he was ready to facilitate talks with neighbouring Angola, which has over the years been demanding beef exports from the NCA.

Endjala said beef exports had failed to take off in the past, because of the lack of a proper beef value chain in the northern regions.

The growing Angolan demand for NCA beef was exacerbated by the closure of the Oshakati and Katima Mulilo abattoirs, which used to be operated by Meatco.

Shikongo said negotiations with Angola are ongoing, but look promising. He said when Virgilio Tyova, the new governor of the Angola's Cunene Province, visited Endjala in March, the issue was also discussed.

“The idea is still on and last year I went to, Ondjiva in Angola and I had a meeting with the president of their veterans and all coordinators from the Angolan provinces. We agreed that we need to come up with a memorandum of understanding, so that in future we can sell beef to Angola.

“The agreement was at an advanced stage but after they had change of governors, the agreement had to wait.

We have to reinstate the agreement again through the new governor, which is not a problem because when the new governor visited Omusati we had a discussion with his team in this regard,” Shikongo added.



ILENI NANDJATO
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Save jobs, buy local

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Save jobs, buy localSave jobs, buy local Team Namibia has urged Namibians “now more than ever” to buy local in order to have a positive impact on the economy, reduce poverty and decrease job losses.

The agency that promotes Namibian products and services in the local market says all Namibians must be encouraged to support local businesses.

Team Namibia said coming out of a prolonged recession, the impact of reduced consumer spending by both businesses and private individuals has had a marked slowdown effect on the economy.

“To counter this effect, consumers should make it their top priority to buy only Namibian products where available and in as much as they can afford to.”

Team Namibia said the current financial and economic situation has forced many households and businesses to tighten their budgets in order to avoid going into debt or to effectively managing it. However, this can generally have a negative effect of slowing down the economy even further through reduced consumption spending.

“This collaborative switch in consumption patterns can notably improve the trade balance and ensure that money spent remains circulating in the local economy. Furthermore, this can create and protect local jobs, because when local businesses are continually supported through buying their products and services, it leads to sustainable economic development, which can in turn reduce poverty,” Team Namibia said.

Team Namibia account director Bärbel Kirchner said through shopping, buying and procuring local products, Namibians can impact the economy.

“This is as relevant when we buy groceries and consumer goods, as when we decide where we spend our holidays. How businesses and authorities buy their products and services also has an enormous impact, whether this relates to office supplies, corporate clothing or uniforms, IT services or indeed construction services,” she said.

Kirchner said that buying local means that domestic needs are met domestically, and that less has to be imported from abroad. This will boost local trade, improve the trade balance and reduce government debt over time.

She added that buying local does more than support local businesses, as it also circulates money in the local economy.

“Local procurement enhances the velocity of money, how fast money changes hands within Namibia and ensures that more people receive the benefit of having money, which safeguards living standards during an economic recession, when the velocity of money tends to slow, which is the current case in Namibia, and is causing people and businesses to spend less money.”

According to Kirchner buying local also means that profits are spent or invested locally.

“Thus, money spent locally is re-spent locally, continually meeting local needs.”

She said one of the major problems that a country is faced with during an economic downturn is the loss of employment.

Since money is hard to come by during an economic downturn, businesses reduce spending on salaries to avoid losses.

“This can further hurt the economy if less people have money to spend, and less spending leads to lower profits and again to less employment. This negative feedback loop can slow down economic recovery or make the situation even worse.”

Kirchner said collaborative efforts by Namibians can lessen this effect by supporting local businesses more during this time, which will protect employment, as locally businesses will make a profit during these difficult economic times and be less likely to retrench.

“Buying local allows Namibian purchasing power to employ Namibians, practically enabling consumers to create and safeguard local employment.”

Kirchner further said that collaborative spending on the production and consumption of local goods and services can also lead to sustainable economic growth, which is when the output, income and spending in the local economy increases over time, due to consumer demands being met.

“Sustainable growth under any economic condition is desirable, as it provides more goods, income opportunities and more predictable consumption spending locally.” She lastly said that buying more locally produced goods can aid in the eradication of poverty.

Kirchner said just as supporting local businesses can create employment opportunities, it can equip Namibians with a stable income, which they can use to meet their basic needs such as food and shelter.

Furthermore, successful local businesses are more likely to contribute to local charities and fundraisers, and employed citizens are more likely to contribute to the government tax base, which can help government meet budget requirements in general and provide welfare services that aid unemployable seniors and disabled citizens.

ELLANIE SMIT
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Stake your claim

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Stake your claim Stake your claim JEMIMA BEUKES



Those who want to claim ancestral land rights have until 20 June to submit their claims and supporting evidence to the Commission of Inquiry into Claims of Ancestral Land Rights and Restitution.

In the past a number of communities made public claims to Windhoek and central Namibia as their ancestral land, but little evidence was presented.

The Damara people claimed that they had lived in most of present-day central Namibia before the arrival of Bantu, Nama and European migrants.

The Ovaherero Traditional Authority also claimed the bulk of central Namibia as part of its pre-colonial land.

The Ovaherero also claimed the area east of Windhoek, beyond Gobabis, including the area south of the White Nossob River up to its confluence with the Black Nossob River.

To date the Khoisan groups, including the Nama people, have not made public their claims to ancestral land.

The chair of the commission, Judge Shafimana Ueitele, yesterday said the commission would listen to all groups and communities without fear or prejudice.

He said the commission planned to visit the regions from 17 June until 25 July and was putting together historical and legal documents as well information collected during site visits.

The 15-member commission was appointed by President Hage Geingob on 21 February this year.

The second national land conference adopted 169 resolutions to be implemented by the government and among them was the issue of ancestral land claims and restitution.

Ueitele yesterday emphasised that the submissions must be typewritten, preferably in English, and must state the name of the claim, provide background and evidence of such claims.

“The commission has a tight schedule to finalise the inquiry and present the report. Let us also make a commitment that members of the commission do not represent any particular interest and are not in any position to influence the work of commission. The quality of the commission’s output is dependent on the quality of the inputs that it will receive from the public,” Ueitele said.
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Phosphate mining headache continues

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Phosphate mining headache continuesPhosphate mining headache continuesChamber of Mines wants to expedite process The Chamber of Mines has formed a committee to help the government formulate a workable strategy on marine phosphate mining. ELLANIE SMIT



The Chamber of Mines of Namibia is concerned that a way forward on marine phosphate mining has still not been found.

Chamber of Mines president Zebra Kasete revealed recently in a report tabled at the body’s annual general meeting (AGM) that a phosphate sub-committee has been established through the chamber’s mines exploration committee.

Kasete said the mandate of the sub-committee is to provide government with relevant information and to expedite the process of formulating a workable strategy to progress marine phosphate mining in Namibia.

“This should support a healthy co-existence with the environment and other sectors of the economy,” he said in the report.

Kasete said the chamber actively supports the amendments to the Environmental Management Act of 2007 and accompanying regulations on environmental impact assessments and strategic environmental assessments.

The process is driven by the chamber’s exploration and environmental committees.

“While the consultative approach has been most welcomed by the industry there were no further meetings that took place or updates provided regarding the matter.”

Kasete said the chamber remains concerned about the slow progress in expediting the amendments, particularly with regard to the establishment of a mandatory environmental trust fund or bonds, which hinge on the finalisation of amendments to the Act and its regulations.

“The chamber will continue to provide proposals and other inputs to the environment ministry via the mines minister,” said Kasete.

He said while government has provided the assurance that it will produce legislation that reflects submissions and inputs by the industry, there is still uncertainty regarding when the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework (NEEEF) Bill will be finalised and implemented.

Following government’s intention and announcement to finalise the bill in 2018, the outcome of this legislation is still pending, said Kasete.

“Despite this uncertainty, the chamber wishes to ally industry concerns that the contents of this legislation will be aligned to industry charters, which will include targets that are achievable for each sector.”

He said government has also reiterated its commitment and intention to continuously engage and work with industry associations to produce a policy and legislation and that is amicable and workable.

“One that will induce growth rather than stifle economic productivity.”

According to Kasete, much like NEEEF, the finalisation and implementation of Namibia Investment Promotion Act (NIPA) is also pending.

He, however, said the chamber is pleased that government has accepted amended proposals by private sector players, including the Chamber of Mines.

“The revised legislation, once promulgated by parliament, will encourage investment into Namibia rather than creating a barrier for investment.”

Kasete also referred to changes to the Income Tax Act in the Draft Income Tax Amendment Bill, which was proposed by the finance ministry in September last year.

He said the consequences of certain amendments will make most mines unprofitable, meaning they will likely scale down production and end up in care and maintenance, with inevitable job losses, while stalling any new investment into the mining sector.

“This is particularly concerning given that many major mining operations are due to reach their life of mine in the next two to ten years, and certain clauses in the bill will unquestionably reduce the value of new projects and eliminate any planned reinvestment by existing mines.”

Kasete said this would ultimately undermine broad-based growth in Namibia, bringing the mining sector to a standstill.

“As mining is one of the biggest sectors in Namibia’s economy, other sectors of the economy would shrink, particularly in the local mining supply chain, resulting in a second round of job losses and economic contractions.”

He said in his 2019/20 budget speech, finance minister Calle Schlettwein disallowed the deductibility of royalties for non-diamond companies, which also includes other sectors paying royalties on intellectual property.

“While the diamond industry is excluded from this clause the negative long-term impacts on non-diamond mining operations will far outweigh the immediate revenue gains from government.”

Kasete said that in addition to this Schlettwein also increased the export levy for dimension stone from 2% to 15%, which aims to induce local value addition to this mineral.

He said this will result in hefty revenue-based tax for dimension stone operations of 20%, with the inclusion of the current applicable royalty of 5%.

The income tax proposals will be implemented in 2020 once they have been drafted and tabled.

“The chamber will therefore continue to engage the finance ministry on the unintended negative consequences of these proposals and seek amicable resolutions.”
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Three deny killing elderly farmer

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Three deny killing elderly farmerThree deny killing elderly farmer NAMPA



Three people on trial in the High Court for the murder of Usakos farmer Willem de Klerk in October 2015 have pleaded not guilty.

The three - Karel Claasen (34), Dion Haraseb (24) and Zelda Harases (22) went on trial before High Court Judge Christie Liebenberg on Wednesday morning.

Haraseb pleaded guilty to secondary charges of possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, using or driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, and attempting to defeat the course of the administration of justice.

The first State witness in the case, Emmelda Tsamases, testified that Claasen and Harases had arrived at her house in Windhoek a few days after the murder. According to her, Claasen told her that “something big” had happened at the farm and that he was scared to report the incident to the police at Karibib or Usakos.

Tsamases said Claasen told her that Haraseb had shot the elderly farmer in his farmhouse on 19 October.

All three accused were employed by the victim.

De Klerk, who lived alone on the farm after his wife died earlier in 2015, was shot twice with his own firearm, which the accused had allegedly stolen from his vehicle.

It is further alleged that after the murder, the accused hid his body in an old water tank, broke into his house, stole some of his belongings and loaded them into the truck.

The loot included two rifles, gas bottles, clothes, sheep and karakul skins, food, a digital camera and cash.

They then allegedly drove off with the truck, but it broke down between Usakos and Karibib, after which they abandoned the truck and hitch-hiked to Windhoek and Swakopmund, where they were arrested.

All the stolen items, except for some of the money, were recovered by the police.

Claasen and Haraseb remain in custody at the Windhoek Central Correctional Facility, while Harases is free on warning.

The late De Klerk’s farm, Villa Rosa, is located some 47 kilometres from Usakos in the Erongo Region.
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A bridge too far

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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A bridge too farA bridge too far As the horse-trading within South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), continues ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing his new cabinet, speculation is rife that he may reduce his national executive by as many as nine departments and 15 deputy ministers.

Ramaphosa, who faces a push-back by state capture forces in the ANC, had previously made a commitment to trimming the bloated cabinet of his predecessor, Jacob Zuma.

Here in Namibia, analysts have repeatedly taken issue with President Hage Geingob and his supersized government.

This was exacerbated earlier this year, when Geingob sat down with New Era for and interview and said: “The current cabinet is too big and there's reason for it. President Sam Nujoma, being a founding father and a liberation hero, has natural authority. President Pohamba was a bit relaxed. But with me, I am dealing with my peers - where anybody could have taken over as president.

“The pressure on me to have a bigger cabinet is bigger because all these people are my peers who want to be accommodated. It could have been worse if I didn't do that [appoint them].”

This seems to have confirmed that Namibia's cabinet is all about Swapo politicking, and to a lesser extent, delivery to an expectant nation.

Upon taking office in 2015, Geingob increased the number of ministers from 23 to 27 and deputy ministers from 21 to 35. South Africa, with a 55 million population, has 34 ministers and 35 deputy ministers.

Just before Geingob took over power, Swapo pushed through constitutional changes that saw the number of seats in the National Council increase from 26 to 42 and those in the National Assembly from 72 to 96.

Added to this is the current economic malaise and the rise of popular discontent over the disproportionate size of the executive and parliament, when compared to the population.

At least for now, the intent to govern better, with a streamlined executive, remains a bridge too far in Namibia.
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Back to work for Ondonga court

May 15, 2019, 4:00 pm
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Back to work for Ondonga courtBack to work for Ondonga court'Vital role in natural justice' A leadership dispute in the Ondonga Traditional Authority must not influence the operations of the community's traditional court, the justice minister has said. Justice minister Sackey Shanghala has instructed the Ondonga Traditional Authority Community Court (OTACC) to resume its operations at Onethindi.

This comes after Shanghala suspended the court on 18 May last year and while the Ondonga community continues to be torn apart by a kingship battle.

The justice ministry said in a statement that Shanghala had told the court to resume its operations on 1 May, adding that disagreements in the Ondonga Traditional Authority must not influence it. Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo and Konis Kalenga were both installed as Ondonga king following the funeral of King Immanuel Kauluma Elifas last month.

When King Elifas dismissed some of his traditional councillors in 2017, the majority of whom are justices and assessors of the community court, they started operating from Onethindi, while rival councillors operated from Oluno.

“Community courts, especially the Ondonga community court, play a vital role in administering justice between families for wrongs that have to be righted through a process known as 'wiping away the tears'. When natural justice is not served, the foundations of communities begin to crumble, which in turn erodes justice countrywide,” Shanghala said.

Shanghala said the disfunctionality at the Ondonga community court had led to an increase of cases on the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court roll.

The justices and assessors of community courts are appointed by the justice minister in terms of the provisions of the Community Court Act, 2003 while those who hold positions in traditional authorities are appointed by the head of the traditional authority under the legislation administered by the minister of urban and rural development - the Traditional Authorities Act.

Shanghala said due to this clear distinction in law and in appointment, disagreements in the Ondonga Traditional Authority must not influence the Ondonga community court.

Traditional authority secretary Joseph Asino confirmed they received a communication from Shanghala to resume the community court.

He said since the court was suspended last year, cases have piled up. He said they will inform the Ondonga community soonest about when their matters will be heard.



ILENI NANDJATO
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