Namibian Sun

ELLANIE SMIT

A 31-year-old Namibian, who went missing last week while hiking in a park in California, has been found alive and well.

There was a happy ending for Deon Ndilula’s family and loved ones when he was found unscathed in the Joshua Tree National Park on Thursday, following his disappearance a day earlier.

According to a media release issued by the Joshua Tree National Park, Ndilula and his hiking companion started out on the southern end of the Boy Scout Trail in the park at approximately 08:00 on Wednesday morning.

“The two became confused with the trail in the vicinity of the Willow Hole area and separated around 14:00.”

Ndilula’s hiking companion made it to Key Ranch and used the emergency radio to call for assistance and park rangers were notified.

Ndilula was able to call 911 on his cellphone at approximately 17:50 and the searchers were able to pin-point where the signal originated.

An immediate search was launched by park law-enforcement. The search was called off after sundown, when the emergency crews were hampered by dwindling light conditions. The search continued again early on Thursday morning.

By mid-morning, Ndilula came in contact with campers who took him out of the park to a nearby restaurant. He was contacted by park rangers at the restaurant, where Ndilula was enjoying his first meal in some time.

Joshua Tree National Park is a vast protected area in southern California. It's characterised by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes.

The Boy Scout Trail where Ndilula went missing is listed on the National Park Service website as being among the most difficult.

Hikers are advised not to attempt it in hot conditions. The estimated hike time for the trail is six hours. The trail is eight miles (about 13 kilometres) in length.

Namibians nabbed in SA with uncut diamonds

ELLANIE SMIT

Two Namibian men were arrested in South Africa this weekend for allegedly being in possession of uncut diamonds to the value of N$1.5 million.

According to a statement issued by the South African Police Service (Saps) the two Namibian men aged 46 and 53 were arrested on Friday by Western Cape police during a stop and search operation.

According to the statement, members attached to the Western Cape Flying Squad were busy with an operation in Voortrekker Road in Bellville on Friday afternoon when their attention was drawn to the two suspects.

“The men were questioned and they appeared nervous. This prompted the members to conduct a body search, which resulted in the discovery of two small bags with 27 diamonds,” Saps said.

The men were arrested and are due to make a court appearance in Bellville today. The circumstances surrounding the matter and the origin of the diamonds are still under investigation.

A legacy of service Tributes flow for Iyambo President Hage Geingob and others have remembered Dr Nickey Iyambo’s loyal service to his country and its people.

OGONE TLHAGE AND KENYA KAMBOWE

Former Vice-President Dr Nickey Iyambo has been described as a humble, dedicated freedom fighter, following the news of his passing yesterday.

Iyambo was due to celebrate his 83rd birthday today.

He was the first person to be appointed to the position of vice-president following the third constitutional amendments made in 2014. He diligently oversaw the work of the veterans’ affairs ministry, among other tasks assigned to him by President Hage Geingob. He retired as vice-president in February 2018 due to poor health.

He was also the country’s first health minister after independence.

Geingob described the late Iyambo as a loyal freedom fighter.

“Dr Iyambo leaves behind a rich legacy of loyal service to the Namibian people. The nation has lost a freedom fighter and a leader with deep humane values. Condolences to his wife and family,” he said.

Retired politician Nahas Angula said Iyambo served the nation well.

“The late Dr Iyambo was a veteran of the liberation struggle. He joined the struggle as far back as the early 1960s and he started as a doctor in Finland. He returned to the struggle to serve the combatants. He was based at Lubango, taking care of the wounded; so he did his contribution and we should appreciate that,” Angula said.

Businessman Leake Hangala described Iyambo as humble and dedicated.

“In Dr Nickey Iyambo I lost a longstanding friend, comrade and confidante. Dr Iyambo was the humblest, dedicated and [most] reliable person I knew. He served his party, Swapo, and the country with dedication in all those many assignments given to him,” Leake said.

National Council chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams remembered the late Iyambo as a remarkable human being. She also expressed her condolences to his wife and family.

“He was a true statesman, a revolutionary and a remarkable human being. My condolences go out to his bereaved wife, family and friends,” she said.

Political scientist Henning Melber described Iyambo as a gentle giant.

“I will remember comrade Nickey not as a politician but as the soft and gentle human being he has been,” he said.

Iyambo was born on 20 May 1936 at Onayena in the Oshikoto Region. He joined the liberation struggle in 1960 and left for exile in 1964. He served the liberation movement in different capacities, including as Swapo representative to the Nordic countries from 1966 to 1971.

Iyambo attained a master’s degree in political science from the University of Helsinki, as well as a medical degree from the same institution. Iyambo also served as Swapo’s head of military medical services, according to Graham Hopwood’s Guide to Namibian Politics.

In 1990 he was handed the country’s health portfolio. At the health ministry he was responsible for getting HIV/Aids awareness programmes off the ground and for setting up the national primary healthcare system. He had chaired Swapo’s Aids committee in exile from 1986 to 1989.

He swapped places with Libertine Amathila in September 1996, as part of President Sam Nujoma’s rotation system for cabinet ministers. At the local government ministry he oversaw the development of the government’s decentralisation policy, but was moved to mines and energy in 2002.

In 2005 he became the second oldest member of President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s first cabinet when he was appointed as agriculture minister. In 2010, Pohamba gave him the task of being Namibia's first minister of veteran affairs. As a result of constitutional changes in 2014, a new post of vice-president was created. Iyambo became the first person to fulfil the role when Geingob appointed him in March 2015.

Rehoboth claim Kudus scalps

Leandrea Louw

Rehoboth Rugby Club claimed victory over Kudus in both the premier and reserve leagues on Saturday in Narraville.

The premier league game ended 11-10 in Rehoboth’s favour, while Kudus 2 suffered a 3-7 defeat against their Rehoboth counterparts in their reserve league match.

In the premier league match, Rehoboth opened the scoring in the first five minutes, after centre Henrique Olivier slotted a penalty for his team.

Kudus retaliated with a try by rightwing Lloyd Jacobs. Unfortunately fullback Aurelio Plato missed the conversion and also a previous penalty attempt.

Olivier also scored a try for his team, but missed the conversion. Jacobs added another five points for his team, but Aurelio Plato missed the conversion. Rehoboth flyhalf Arscher Coetzee added the additional points through a drop-kick, leaving the score at 10-11 at halftime in favour of the visitors.

No further points were added in the second half. In the final minutes of the game, Kudus missed another penalty attempt that could have sown up the game.

Both teams couldn’t penetrate the opposition defensive lines.

In the reserve league match, the halftime score was 0-0 after both teams failed with their penalty attempts

After three failed attempts during the second half, Kudus substitute flyhalf Shalako Groenewald finally managed to kick the ball over.

Rehoboth managed to score a try via a pushover a scrum, with flanker Johan Wohler being credited with the score. Flyhalf Dashlee Beukes converted the try.

Kudus are currently fifth on the premier league log.

Sparta United defeated Erongo Rugby Academy 59-5 in their first division league game in Walvis Bay.

Stars lift Top 8 trophyTwo spectacular goals end Tigers’ challenge African Stars supporters were sent into ecstasy on Saturday, after their team trumped Tigers in the Top 8 Cup final.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

African Stars clinched the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup trophy after defeating Tigers 2-0 in front of a packed Sam Nujoma Stadium on Saturday.

African Stars may have missed out on the chance to lift the 2018/19 Namibia Premier League (NPL) trophy, but they have made amends by winning the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup.

Stars ended their season on a high and gave their fans just the right medicine after missing out on the league title.

Their win over Tigers on Saturday did not come easy, as the opposition gave them a run for their money.

However, it was Gustav Isaaks well-slotted free-kick after midfield maestro Ambrosias Amseb was fouled at the edge of the penalty area in the first half that switched the match around.

Tigers’ goalkeeper David Peterson was at full stretch, but the ball was already in the back of the net, sending the Stars fans into ecstasy.

Many more chances came from both sides before the first half ended. In the second half Tigers had a clear goal ruled out by the linesman because of offside.

There was huge protests from of the Tigers bench, but the referee stuck to his decision.

Ten minutes before the end of the match Stars strucked again through Crispin Mbewe. From then onwards there was no coming back for Shandumbala outfit, Tigers.

“It was a tough match. We knew Tigers would come at us. They are a good team and they played very well, especially in the second half,” said Pat-Neville Uanivi, the captain of African Stars.

Tigers captain Absalom Iimbondi was not pleased about the disallowed goal. “We played a great match but I still have questions about the disallowed goal. But overall I’m happy with the performance of the team,” he said.

The prize-giving ceremony was flooded by Stars players who dominated the individual prizes. Head coach Bobby Samaria led by example as he was voted best coach of the series. Amseb was voted player of the series, while Ratanda Mbazuvara was won the outstanding goalkeeper prize and player of the match.

The top scorer award shared by Mbewe, Llewelyn Stanley from Tigers and Tura Magic's Salomon Omseb.

African Stars walked away with N$500 000, while Tigers took home N$250 000.

Bruwer nabbed for housebreaking

Former Brave Warriors goalkeeper Denzel Bruwer (42) was denied bail on a charge of housebreaking with the intent to steal and theft when he appeared before the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court today.
The State, represented by Bertha Mwahi objected to bail for Bruwer due to him being a repeat offender and because the value of the goods stolen in the case was very high.
Denzel Bruwer, who chose to conduct his own defence will remain in the Swakopmund prison holdings cells.
The case has been postponed to 24 June for the police to conduct further investigations. Magistrate Conchita Olivier presided.
Denzel Bruwer was part of the Brave Warriors squad that took part in its debut 1998 CAF (Confederation of African Football) African Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso.
He played for various local and South African teams like Young Ones, Civics, Wits University and Ajax Cape Town.
At Ajax Cape town, Bruwer was tested positive for use of an illegal substance in December 2008.

Adolf Kaure

In search of champions

The 21 Brigade boxing club is pleading for assistance from corporate Namibia and individuals, in order for it to maintain its gym and produce boxing champions.

Formed in 2006 by a group of Namibian Defence Force (NDF) officials, the boxing club is currently up-and-running after relocating from Suiderhof to UN Plaza in Soweto, Katutura.

Co-founder and trainer Risto 'Pac Man' Ashikoto believes the gym has what it takes to produce world boxing champions. He, however, emphasised the importance of securing sponsorships in order for the boxing club to reach greater heights.

“This was an initiative from four members of the army Paulus Ambunda, Eddy Mandongo, Sam Amuthoko and me to come up with the boxing club.

“We started at an old abandoned army building in Suiderhof but moved on to UN Plaza, Soweto for training.

“We plead for anyone or companies to come to our rescue and sponsor us with funds and equipment that will help us strengthen our operations,” Ashikoto said.

The boxing club currently has over 50 amateur boxers and 12 professional fighters in its stable.

National boxing champion Charles Shinima is also part of the boxing stable.

Former African champion Vikapita Meroro also recently joined the club in search of greener pastures.

Meroro and two young boxers are set to fight for the boxing club in the weeks to come.

Ashikoto could, however, not provide further details about the fights, saying this would be premature.

“Well, two of our amateurs are preparing to fight in India but we are still in the final stages of the negotiations.

“Meroro is also slated to fight but we still have to confirm all the details before we can reveal everything to the public,” Ashikoto added.

The boxing club lauded the NDF for providing them with punching bags and the City of Windhoek for granting them permission to use the premises since last year.

“We have been trying so hard to keep the boxing club running and it has not been an easy thing.

“Our determination to keep young children from the streets and to help boxers pursue their dreams has kept us going, despite the challenges we continue to face.

“We are going to produce boxing champions because that is our mandate,” Ashikoto added.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Warriors take centre stageFinal Cosafa squad to be announced today The Brave Warriors will take on Mozambique, Malawi and Seychelles in Group B at the Cosafa Cup and will be leaving for South Africa on Thursday.

Brave Warriors assistant coach Collin Benjamin will today announce his final squad for the upcoming Cosafa Cup in South Africa, which will take place from 25 May to 8 June.

The Warriors have less than a week to get their house in order and get ready for the tournament. They face Mozambique on Sunday.

The Cosafa Cup has long been a platform for players to showcase their qualities and build their reputations. Benjamin has emphasised the importance of having the players do just that, and not necessarily winning the tournament.

This will, however, not stop the nation from shifting gears to focus on the cup competition, with all major local football activities all but done and dusted in the country.

The Warriors, who initially called up a 29-man training squad, have struggled in terms of getting players to training. This was because most local players still had club commitments to adhere to. However, this should now be a thing of the past with only a few matches left in the Namibia Premier League (NPL) and the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup trophy going the way of African Stars.

Black Africa have already won the NPL title. According to Hilda Basson-Namundjebo, the chairperson of the Fifa normalisation committee, the Warriors are ready to represent the nation in South Africa and will leave on Thursday.

“Everything and everyone is ready,” she said.

The Cosafa Cup will see Benjamin taking the squad to South Africa, as head coach Ricardo Mannetti continues his preparations for Afcon 2019, which takes place from 21 June to 19 July in Egypt.

Benjamin is determined to hone a squad that is capable of representing Namibia in other major competitions, including the campaign to qualify for the 2020 African Nations Championship (Chan). The Warriors have an upcoming Chan qualifier against Comoros. But before that can materialise the Namibians need to do the job at hand and overcome their Group B opponents at the Cosafa Cup - Mozambique, Malawi and Seychelles. The winner of Group B will meet Zambia in the first quarterfinal of the competition on 2 June.

Namibia will play their first match against Mozambique on Sunday. They will then play Malawi on 28 May, while they take on Seychelles on 30 May.

Winners

Namibia won the Cosafa Cup in 2015. They also won the plate competition in 2016 and reached the final of the plate section again in 2017, before losing to South Africa. Their trilling run four years ago was a huge personal triumph for Mannetti.

The Warriors also played in the 1999 final, but narrowly lost to Angola during extra-time in the second leg in Windhoek.

Zimbabwe are the defending champions and will be among the favourites to once again lift the trophy. This time around the richly talented sides include East African guest nation Uganda.

Hosts South Africa will enter the competition at the quarterfinal stage on 2 June, when they take on old foes Botswana.

The warriors training squad is as follows: Lloyd Kazapua, Ratanda Mbazuvara Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Ikeinge Erasmus, Treasure Kauapirura, Larry Horaeb, Charles Hambira, Vitapi Ngaruka, Ivan Kamberipa, Emilio Martin, Aprocious Petrus, Edmund Kambanda, Absalom Iimbondi, Aubrey Amseb, Dynamo Fredericks, Lucky Heita, Marcell Papama, Wesley Katjiteo, Revered Matroos, Wendell Rudath, Gustav Isaak, Llewelyn Stanley, Martin Shimaneni, Johannes Jackson, Issaskar Gurirab, McCartney Naweseb, Junias Theophilus, Joslyn Kamatuka and Quinton Kuruseb.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

JTL Beukes: Die trots van RehobothStreef na hoër hoogtes ‘n Suideskool kan hul skaars byhou met aansoeke wat instroom.

Evany van Wyk

Laerskool JTL Beukes het in 1940 ontstaan as ‘n kerkgeoriënteerde skool wat deur die Methodistekerk gefinansier is.

Die skool het begin in ‘n klein woonhuis met ‘n klas van sowat 30 leerlinge.

Na die nederige begin het die skooltjie so floreer dat hul nie kan byhou met die inskrywings nie.

Me. Bridgitte Louw is sedert 2011 die skoolhoof. Dié gesoute opvoeder is al 38 jaar lank ‘n onderwyseres.

Sy sê sy is baie trots op wat JTL Beukes deur die jare vermag het. Wat vir haar uitstaan, is die kulturele diversiteit. “Ons het leerlinge van amper elke moontlike agtergrond, wat dit almal geniet om hier saam skool te gaan,” sê Louw.

Een van die skool se doelwitte is dat leerlinge van die diverse groepe elke dag wan mekaar moet leer.“Ons doen altyd wat die beste is vir die kind en al ons pogings is daarop gemik om dit te kan bereik,” sê Louw.

Vir JTL Beukes is dit baie belangrik om nie te stagneer nie, dus is hul leuse, ‘Vordering’, uiters gepas.

Baie is vanjaar al vermag. ‘n Nuwe blok klaskamers en ‘n voedingseenheid is van die projekte wat voltooi is. ‘n Biblioteek en rekenaarlokaal word tans gebou. “Ons benodig baie borge, want die meeste van ons skoolouers kan nie bekostig om ‘n bydrae te maak nie,” sê Louw.

Mnr P.F Kotzee, die Lewensvaardighede-onderwyser by JTL Beukes, sê daar is baie weerlose en minderbevoorregte leerlinge en hulle probeer om dié kinders te help waar moontlik.

Die skool het ‘n menigte sosiale klubs waar leerlinge betrokke kan word, soos die Window of Hope-klub waar juniors en seniors kan aansluit. “Ons het ook ‘n welstandklub waar onderwysers én leerlinge kan baat vind,” sê Kotzee.

Van die leerlinge woon ‘n buitemuurse program by met die naam Christ of Hope, wat hoofsaaklik is vir kinders wat deur MIV/Vigs geraak word. Hier kry die kinders kos en ontvang ook remediërende sorg. Die Rise to Shine-klub leer meisies meer oor morele waardes en goeie lewenskeuses.

Mckale Muller, die hoofmeisie vir 2019, sê sy is baie trots op haar skool en dat dit vir haar ‘n eer is daar te wees. “Dit is een van die beste skole in Rehoboth en dit is ook die skool wat die meeste van my naasbestaandes bygewoon het,” sê Mckale. Sy glo haar harde werk en algehele toewyding tot haar skoolwerk en sport het gemaak dat sy as leier gekies is. Kinders wat geboelie word, lê haar baie na aan die hart. “Ek wil leerlinge bewus maak van wat ‘n geboelie aan die slagoffer doen en seker maak dat daar ‘n straf is vir enige iemand wat boelie,” sê Mckale.

Volgens Nico Swarts, die hoofseun vir 2019, was sy pa ‘n bekende leerling by JTL Beukes. “Dit is hoekom ek na die skool toe gekom het. Ek is baie bly en trots dat ek hier kan skoolgaan,” sê hy.

Blink is die toekoms van dié visioenêre skool. Daar is dalk uitdagings wat oorbrug moet word, maar juis dít maak dikwels die beste skole.

Dream Chasing stel nuwe projek bekendProject 5000 wil teruggee aan gemeenskap ‘n Projek om sanitêre doekies vir jong meisies te verskaf, is onlangs deur Dream Chasing van staple gestuur.

Evany van Wyk

Project 5000 is ‘n liefdadigheidsinisiatief van Dream Chasing, ‘n plaaslike klerehandelsmerk wat in 2016 deur mnr. Paulus Kambode gestig is. Dream Chasing se mikpunt is om mense aan te spoor om hard te werk sodat hulle hul doelwitte kan bereik. “Wat ook al jou doelwit verteenwoordig, begin vandag. Al misluk jy ‘n paar keer, gaan die lesse wat jy leer jou in die toekoms baie help,” sê Kambode.

Met die doel ingedagte, wil Project 5000 teen 30 September 5 000 T-hemde verkoop. Dertig present van die winste sal aan sanitêre doekie- projekte geskenk word. Kambode meen mense moet eerder vir voorbehoedmiddels as vir sanitêre doekies betaal. Hy sê seksuele omgang vind 80% uit vrye wil plaas en voorbehoeding word verniet weggegee. “Hoekom nie die doekies verniet maak nie? Vroue het geen keuse oor of hulle wil menstrueer of nie,” meen Kambode

Jong skoolgaande meisies mis baie skoolure omdat hulle nie doekies kan bekostig nie. Kambode doen ‘n beroep op besighede om die inisiatief te ondersteun en Dream Chasing te help om sy verkoopsteiken te bereik.

Die handelsmerk se produkte sluit T-hemde, gholf-hemde en frokkies in. Dream Chasing lewer landwyd die produkte af en gebruik Nampost se koerierdienste om ver bestemings te bereik.

“Ek hoop hierdie projek gaan die oë van baie jong mans daar buite oopmaak, sodat hulle besef daar is geen skaamte daarin nie. Hulle moet help waar moontlik,” het Kambode aan The Zone gesê.

Dit is veral vir Kambode belangrik om die gemeenskap waarin hulle besigheid doen, te ondersteun en probeer om ‘n positiewe verskil te maak. Jong meisies moenie skaam wees nie, maar eerder vra vir hulp, het Kambode gesê.

Dream Chasing het hul dank uitgespreek teenoor Simply You Magazine vir hul ondersteuning van die projek. Me. Helena Ngaifiwa, die hoofbestuurder van die tydskrif, het vir The Zone meer van hul betrokkenheid by Project 5000 vertel.

“Ons het besluit om dit te ondersteun omdat Dream Chasing besig is om terug te ploeg in die gemeenskap. Simply You Magazine glo ook daaraan om jong besighede te ondersteun sodat hulle kan groei. Die feit dat hulle bewustheid wil versprei oor so ‘n groot probleem in ons land, is wat dit so ‘n goeie inisiatief maak,” sê Ngaifiwa. Simply You Magazine het reeds tien T-hemde gekoop en sal binnekort nog aanskaf. Ngaifiwa moedig ook almal aan om by Project 5000 aan te sluit sodat die kwessies oor sanitêre doekies uitgewis kan word.

United thrash WanderersConsistency key to early dominance Trustco United are the team to beat this season in the Rugby Premier League.

Trustco United Rugby Club beat their arch-rivals Wanderers Rugby Club 58-31 in one of the biggest club rugby derbies in the country, which took place at the Wanderers sports field on Saturday afternoon.

The Olympia-based outfit, United, scored seven tries while the Pioneers Park-based Wanderers ran in five.

United's tries were scored by Darryl Vries, Sinfan Louw, Martin Cronje, Michael Hummel and Gerhard Thirion, who scored one each, while Hanrico van Zyl ran in two tries and landed a dropkick.

Winmar Rust slotted four of the seven conversions and four penalties for United.

Nandi Karuuombe ran in three tries for Wanderers while Stef Botha and Stefan Hattingh scored a try each. Brandon Groenewaldt only managed to convert three times from the spot.

In the match between Reho Falcons and Western Suburbs that was played in Rehoboth, the visiting team, Suburbs, thrashed the home team 65-8.

Suburbs scored 10 tries through Morgan Esterhuizen (two) and Nikin Cloete (two), while Elliot Lombard, Andreas Shikonenkeni, Richard Mupewa, Vakamboka Kamboo, Mbimbo Mbai and Deveroux Jansen each scored once.

Ricardo Swartz converted five times from the spot and also landed one penalty, while Justin Nel scored one conversion for Suburbs.

Miquel Busch of Reho Falcons scored a try, while Franklin Busch slotted a penalty.

NAMPA

Basketball to light up the week

The highly-anticipated Namibia Basketball School League (NBSL) will see thrilling second round matches being played this week, starting today at the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) sports field at 14:20.

Wednesday's matches will take place at the Katutura Youth Complex, while the Friday and Saturday clashes will take place at DHPS.

The organisers hope this round of matches will be as successful as last weekend's clashes in which the under-16 girls from Windhoek International School reigned supreme.

They beat Amazing Kids 38-10. The u-14 Windhoek International girls also showed dominance by defeating Van Rhyn Primary School 20-0.

Saturday's games were all played at the Chairman Mao Zedong High School in Otjomuise. The Windhoek International u-14 girls continued their winning streak by scooping another win against People's Primary School, with the game ending 20-0.

Mandume Primary School's u-14 girls beat Gammams Primary School 20-0.

The u-14 Van Rhyn boys also claimed a 20-0 win over Gammams Primary. The older divisions also served up some action with Khomas High School taking the away win against St George's 20-0.

Dawid Bezuidenhout High School beat the u-16 boys from Amazing Kids 20-0. The u-19 boys division saw Windhoek International beating St George's 20-0.

Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School u-19 girls beat Dawid Bezuidenhout 103-15.

In a nail-biting game in the same age group, the Academia High School boys walked away as the winners against Khomas High 41-40

The NBSL was started in 2018 and is run under the auspices of the Namibian Basketball Federation (NBF). The league attracts public and private schools that compete at u-11, u-14, u-16 and u-19 level.

The league is one to watch in terms of basketball and sport development generally.

“The league is really growing. It's the first time we have enough girls in the under-14 division. I would really urge parents to encourage their children to partake in sport, especially basketball,” said Jacobina Uushona, one of the organisers of the league.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Die Koedoe en Leeu ontmoet weerGoeie sportmangees by interhoër Meer as 5 000 mense het opgeruk om te sien hoe Windhoek Hoërskool en Windhoek Gimnasium mekaar die stryd aansê.

Mariselle Stofberg en Michelline Nawatises

Die gewilde jaarlikse interhoër tussen Windhoek Gimnasium Privaatskool en Windhoek Hoërskool (WHS) het op 15 Mei afgeskop.

Tydens die interhoër ding die twee skole mee in kultuur en sport wat wissel van skaak tot driekamp. Die hoogtepunt is die rugbywedstryd tussen die eerste rugbyspanne waarmee die interhoër afgesluit word. Die Windhoek Gimnasium Leeus het met 28-5 oor die WHS Koedoebulle geseëvier.

WHS was die gasheer vir vanjaar se interhoër.

Groot kameraadskap en sportmangees was duidelik tussen die twee skole, met leerlinge wat ook die geleentheid gebruik het om bande te smee en nuwe vriende te maak.

Michelle Mushonga, 'n leerling van Windhoek Gimnasium, het gesê dis ‘n uitstekende geleentheid om ander beter te leer ken. "Hierdie interhoër help om van die spanning te verwyder wat tussen die skole bestaan." Volgens Mushonga bevorder dit ook gesonde mededinging tussen die skole.

Mnr. Jaco Engels, die afrigter van Gimnasium se eerste rugbyspan, het gesê die geleentheid bied 'n goeie platform vir leerlinge en dat die interhoër “nie gaan oor wen nie, maar oor verhoudings te bou”.

Mnr. Hawie Engels, WHS se hoof, het gesê: "Ons wil hê dat leerlinge van albei skole die gebeure op en van die veld af geniet.” Hy het gesê WHS sien elke jaar baie na die geleentheid uit, aangesien meer as 5 000 mense die leerlinge tydens die geleentheid ondersteun waar hul talente vertoon én ontwikkel word.

Nujoma a tyapula egwanitho lyoomvula 90 pEtunda

Omukokoli presidende Sam Nujoma okwa holola kutya ina hala okuninga oshituthi shetyapulo lyoomvula dhe 90 oshinene omolwa onkalo yoshikukuta ndjoka ya taalela oshilongo.

Ihe nonando ongaaka Sam Nujoma Foundation, Swapo naanangeshefa oya unganeke oshituthi oshinene shevalo lyaNujoma shoka sha ningilwa momukunda moka a valelwa mEtunda popepi nOkahao mOlyomakaya ga piti.

Oshituthi shoka osha kaliwa kAaNamibia ya za koombinga noombinga dhoshilongo. Osha kaliwa woo kaanambelewa aakuluntu mepangelo, Omutse gwoshilongo, Hage Geingob oshowo omupresidende nale Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Nujoma okwa popi kutya ehangano lyoSam Nujoma Foundation oshowo amushanga gwongundu yoSwapo oya longo nuudhiginini melongekidho lyoshituthi shoka. “Ondi shi shi kutya oomvula o 90 dhonkalamwenyo yomuntu oshinima oshinene na osha pumbwa okuhambelelwa ihe omolwa onkalo yoshikukuta ndjoka ya taalela oshilongo omolwa omalunduluko gonkalo yombepo moshilongo, kanda li ndi na ohokwe okuninga oshituthi oshinene nuumvo mokutyapula oomvula dhandje 90, onda li owala nda hala okuninga oshituthuthi oshishona,” Nujoma a popi.

“Pethimbo ndika pitikenindje ndi pandule epangelo kohi yelelo lyOmupresidende Geingob sho a tokola nokuninga etseyitho kutya oshikukuta osha ninga onkalo yopaulumomhumbwe moshigwana omolwa ondjala ndjoka tayi dhenge omahala ga yooloka moshilongo omolwa omuloka gwankundipala ngoka gwa monika nuumvo moshilongo.”

Pohamba, ngoka a gandja kuNujoma omagano golwoondje okwa popi kutya onkalamwenyo ye oya pumbwa okuhambelelwa molwaashoka okwa enditha oshigwana mondjila onde okuya kemanguluko.

Nujoma okwa li a wayiminwa komukulukadhi gweKovambo, oyana oshowo aakwanezimo lye pethimbo lyoshituthi shoka.

Geingob okwa popi kutya oshilongo otashi tyapula oomvula 90 dhevalo lyependafule.

Okwa popi kutya kohi yelelo lyaNujoma Swapo okwa tamekitha ekondjelomanguluko lyoshilongo, papolotika, paundiplomate oshowo paukwiita. Okwa tsikile kutya ekondjo ndyoka olya li ele nelulu ihe Swapo okwa sindana molwaashoka okwa li e na omukumo mokuhingila AaNamibia kemanguluko.

Geingob okwa popi kutya pethimbo ndika sho ta ku tyapulwa evalo lyomukokoli, otaya pandula onkalamwenyo ye ndjoka a tula mekondjelomanguluko lyoshilongo.

Geingob okwa popi kutya ota dhimbuluka olweendo lwe okuya koCuito Cuanavale nuumvo momwedhi Maliitsa konima owala yomasiku gaali sho Namibia a tyapula oomvula 29 dhemanguluko.

“Medhimbuluko lyEsiku lyoSouthern African Liberation otwa talelepo iihongwathano itatu mbyoka yi li molupe lyomapenda gaakwiita mevi lyaAfrika.”

“Onda popi kombinga yependa lyetu ndyoka elelo lyawo ewananawa lyetu enditha mondjila yemanguluko lyaNamibia, netsomukumo lye olya hwahwameke AaNamibia omayovi opo ya wayimine ekondjelomanguluko. Ombepo yuupendafule mboka otayi tsikile nokutsa omukumo omapupi nomapupi gaNamibia,” Geingob a popi.

ILENI NANDJATO

Omupeha presidende nale a hulithaIyambo okwa hulitha mepupi lyoomvula 82 Omupeha presidende, Omundohotola Nickey Iyambo okwa hokololwa oyendji kutya okwa li omwiifupipiki na okwa li gumwe gwomwaamboka ya kondjele emanguluko neitulemo, sha landula onkundatha yeso lye.

Iyambo okwa li omuntu gwotango okuulikwa onga omupeha presidende gwoshilongo sha landula etalululo oshikando oshititatu lyekotampango momvula yo 2014. Okwa li ta gwanitha oomvula 83 ohela.

Okwa kwatele komeho iilonga yuuministeli wiipambele yoonakulwa aakulu mokati kiinakugwanithwa mbyoka a pewa kOmupresidende Hage Geingob. Okwa thigi po iilonga muFebruali gwomvula ya piti omolwa uunkundi.

Okwa li woo ominista yotango yuundjolowele konima sho oshilongo sha manguluka.

Geingob okwa hokolola Iyambo onga omukondjelimanguluko omwiinekelwa.

Okwa popi kutya nakusa Iyambo okwa thigi ko uuthiga weyakulo lyoshigwana shaNamibia moshili noshigwana osha kanitha ependafule, omuleli omuwanawa na okwa gandja omahekeleko komuselekadhi oshowo ofamili.

Omunapolotika e li moshipundi shevululuko, Nahas Angula okwa popi kutya Iyambo okwa longele nawa oshigwana.

“Omundohotola Iyambo okwa li ependafule lyekondjelomanguluko. Okwa wayimine ekondjo moomvula yo dho 1960 na okwa tameke onga omundohotola moFinland. Okwa galukile kekondjo na okwa yakula aakondjelimanguluko. Okwa kala moLubango ta sile oshisho mboka yeehamekwa; onkene okwa longa ombinga ye na otatu shi mupandulile,” Angula a popi.

Omunangeshefa Leake Hangala okwa hokolola Iyambo onga omwiifupipiki nomwiitulimo miilonga ye.

“Momundohotola Dr Nickey Iyambo onda kanitha kuume kandje, komrade oshowo kahewa kandje. Omundohotola Iyambo okwa li omwiifupipiki, omwiitulimo miilonga oshowo omuntu omwiinekelwwa ngoka ndishi. Okwa longele ongundu ye Swapo oshowo oshilongo neitulemo miinakugwanithwa ayihe mbyoka a pewa,” Leake a popi.

Omunashipundi gwoNational Council, Margaret Mensah-Williams okwa dhimbuluka Iyambo onga omuntu omuwanawa na okwa gandja omahekeleko komukulukadhi gwe oshowo ofamili.

Omunongononi gwopolotika, Henning Melber na ye okwa hokolola Iyambo kutya omuntu omuwanawa.

“Otandi dhimbuluka komrade Nickey keeshi omunapolotika ihe omuntu e na omwenyo omwaanawa.”

Iyambo okwa valwa momasiku 20 Mei 1936 mOnayena moshitopolwa shaShikoto.

Okwa wayimine ekondjelomanguluko momvula y 1960 na okwa yi muupongekwa momvula yo 1964.

Okwa longa poonkatu dha yooloka mwa kwatelwa omukalelipo gwaSwapo miilongo yaNordic okuza momvula yo 1966 sigo 1971.

Iyambo okwa mono uulongelwe womaster's degree in political science okuza koshiputudhilo shaUniversity of Helsinki, oshowo uulongelwe wodegree muunamiti okuza moshiputudhilo sha faathana.

Iyambo okwa longa onga omukomeho gwomayakulo guunamiti moshikondo shaaakwiita pauyelele woGraham Hopwood's Guide to Namibian Politics.

Momvula yo1990 okwa pewa a kwatele komeho oshikondo shuundjolowele moshilongo.

Moshikondo shuundjolowele okwa li a pewa oshinakugwanithwa shokutula miilonga ooprograma dhomahwahwameko gombuto yoHiv/Aids nokutula miilonga omulandu gwomayakulo guundjolowele gopetameko. Okwa li omunashipundi gwoSwapo's Aids committee muupongekwa pokati komvula yo1986 sigo 1989.

Oya pingathana naLibertine Amathila muSepetemba gwomvula yo 1999 onga oshitopolwa shomalundululo gokabinete ngoka ga ningwa komuleli peethimbo ndyoka, Sam Nujoma.

Koshikondo shomalelo giitopolwa noondoolopa okwa tula miilonga omulandu gwokufala omayakulo koshigwana ngoka gwa tulwa koshikondo shoomina niikwankondo momvula yo 2002.

Momvula yo 2005 okwa ningi oshilyo oshikokele shomutumba gwopaliamende gwomuleli nale Hifikepunye Pohamba, sho uulikwa a ninge ominista yuunamapya. Momvula yo 2010 Pohamba okwe mu pe oshinakugwanithwa a ninge ominista yiipambele yoonakulwa aakulu, na okwa ningi ominista yotango yoshikondo shoka.

Onga oshizemo shomalunduluko mEkotampango momvula yo 2014 nokutotwa opoosa yuupeha presidende, Iyambo okwa ningi omupeha presidende sha landula euliko lya ningwa kOmupresidende Geingob muMaalitsa gwomvula yo 2015.

OGONE TLHAGE

The kingdom of life Letting yourself grow Khoety Mareka, an undergraduate student, shares her varsity experience as a foreign student at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom.

Khoety Mareka

I am an undergraduate studying for my BA honours in fashion communication and promotion at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom.

My experience with studying abroad hasn’t always been great. It took me some time to adjust. I left home immediately after matriculating, so as you can imagine, I was very young.

It was a new experience, a change from the norm, looking out for myself and living on my own. The transition from high school learner to university student seemed immensely overwhelming and even a bit scary, especially in a foreign country. The shift opened a can of worms and created challenges, both good and bad, behind every corner. Due to the change of scene, I am now dealing with the everyday acceptance of the greater world around me - the town/country, the people and different cultures.

Being a university student in another country has taught me a lot during the time I have been here. I learned how to be accommodating and also learned to share resources. In addition I have also learned many interesting principles about different cultures. Studying away from my native country meant meeting people from various backgrounds.

Living on my own in a big, foreign country as such United Kingdom was a thrilling thought until I actually left and had to be on my own, without my parents. The culture shock is something that I am still dealing with today; that and the weather.

Making good friends was difficult, but it didn’t take me long to find my set group of friends who I can rely on. Being away from home has truly helped in my personal growth and character development.

I am much more mature and aware of my surroundings. I love studying abroad; I’ve learnt so much living in the UK. I’ve learnt about different cultures and backgrounds and I have become more open-minded to different lifestyles. Choosing to study outside of Namibia was one of the best decisions that I have made and I would recommend it to anyone who is blessed with the opportunity to go for it.

To those are still about to enter university life: When you find something that you’re passionate about, aspire to excellence in it. You’re not just going to be a surgeon; you’re going to be such a good surgeon that they’re going to name operations after you. You’re not just a volunteer at the pet shelter, you’re going to be the dogs’ favourite volunteer. Find something that you badly want to do and then use it to become the best possible version of yourself that you can be.

Did you know?

Nottingham Trent University was founded as a new university in 1992 from Trent Polytechnic.

Facts about Khoety

· She loves everything about the fashion industry.

· She is creative.

· She is attentive.

· Her star sign is a Cancer, as she was born on 22 June.

She is hardworking and determined

Celebrate Iyambo's lifeVenaani remembers former VP Opposition leader McHenry Venaani remembers the late Nickey Iyambo as a level-headed and a great thinker.

Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has described the late Dr Nickey Iyambo as a remarkable and dedicated leader whose life should be celebrated.

Iyambo dedicated his life to the betterment of the country, Venaani said.

“Dr Iyambo was a remarkable leader, who dedicated his entire life to the betterment of his country and its people, without fear or favour. He served people with dignity and humility.

“We lost Dr Iyambo, but his legacy lives on.

His death means Namibia is deprived of an extraordinary leader who cared for others with great determination,” he said.

Iyambo would be remembered for his level-headedness, the opposition leader said.

“I remember Dr Iyambo as a great thinker and a leader who was forever cool-headed amidst turmoil. Let us not only mourn in sadness but celebrate his life. Let us acknowledge that he ran his race and finished it with distinction,” he said. Iyambo was the first person to be appointed to the position of vice-president following the third constitutional amendments made in 2014.

He diligently oversaw the work of the veterans' affairs ministry, among other tasks assigned to him by President Hage Geingob. He retired as vice-president in February 2018 due to poor health.

He was also the country's first health minister after independence. Geingob had earlier described the late Iyambo as a loyal freedom fighter.

“Dr Iyambo leaves behind a rich legacy of loyal service to the Namibian people. The nation has lost a freedom fighter and a leader with deep humane values. Condolences to his wife and family,” the president said.

Iyambo will be given a hero's funeral next weekend on 1 June.

Iyambo was born on 20 May 1936 at Onayena in the Oshikoto Region. He joined the liberation struggle in 1960 and went into exile in 1964. He served the liberation movement in different capacities, including as Swapo representative to the Nordic countries from 1966 to 1971.

Iyambo attained a Master's degree in political science from the University of Helsinki, as well as a medical degree from the same institution. Iyambo also served as Swapo's head of military medical services, according to Graham Hopwood's Guide to Namibian Politics.

In 1990 he was handed the country's health portfolio. At the health ministry he was responsible for getting HIV/Aids awareness programmes off the ground and for setting up the national primary healthcare system. He had chaired Swapo's Aids committee in exile from 1986 to 1989.

He swapped places with Dr Libertina Amathila in September 1996, as part of President Sam Nujoma's rotation system for cabinet ministers. At the local government ministry he oversaw the development of the government's decentralisation policy, but was moved to mines and energy in 2002.

In 2005 he became the second oldest member of President Hifikepunye Pohamba's first cabinet when he was appointed as agriculture minister. In 2010, Pohamba appointed him as Namibia's first minister of veteran's affairs.

STAFF REPORTER

Urgent progress on low birth weight needed

Namibia's estimated prevalence of low birth weight stood at 15.5% in 2015, which is higher than that of the African region, which has a prevalence rate of 13.7%.

According to the first-ever estimates documenting this major health challenge in 2015, about 11 100 babies were born with a low birth rate (less than 2 500 g) in Namibia.

Although the prevalence rate dropped slightly from 16.5% in 2000, the number of affected babies increased to 9 800 in that year.

This is according to the new report, the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Low Birth Weight Estimates: Levels and trends 2000-2015.

The report says that one in seven, or 20.5 million babies worldwide, were born with a low birth weight in 2015.

“Babies born at a healthy weight are more likely to survive and thrive, while babies born at a low weight enter the world at a marked disadvantage.

“Low birth weight newborns have a higher risk of dying in the first 28 days of life and those who survive are more likely to suffer from stunted growth and a lower IQ.

“The consequences of low birth weight also continue into adulthood, increasing the risk of adult onset chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes,” the report states.

The new estimates reveal stagnated progress on reducing the prevalence of low birth weight between 2000 and 2015, with deceleration of the annual rate of progress in the 2010 to 2015 period compared with the 2000 to 2009 period.

“Progress on reducing low birth weight has been limited in all regions and sub-regions, for both prevalence and numbers of children affected.”

The report says this is the first time such estimates have been made available globally, making it possible to track progress.

It points out that birth weight data were not available for nearly one third or 39.7 million newborns globally in 2015, with Africa accounting for over half of these.

Looking at the estimated low birth weight prevalence in some of Namibia's neighbouring countries, Zambia had a prevalence of 11.6%, Zimbabwe 12.6%, South Africa 14.2%, Angola 15.3% and Botswana 15.6% in 2015.

“Important work lies ahead. The annual average rate of reduction (AARR) in low birth weight is 1% per year in the most recent period from 2010 to 2015.

“But an AARR of 2.74% per year between 2012 and 2025 is required to meet the global target of 10.5% low birth weight prevalence,” the report says.

ELLANIE SMIT

Dollar for my FeesProject helps Unam students in need Established by the 2018 SRC’s community development office, the campaign was founded to support students in need of financial aid at the institution.

Ester Kamati

The community development office at the University of Namibia (Unam), under the capable leadership of the Student Representative Council (SRC), has been aiding students with funding through the ‘Dollar for my Fees’ campaign.

The campaign was launched in 2018 and collections were done for three consecutive months starting from August.

A total of N$5 029 was raised.

Ginola Nauseb, the current SRC member for finance at Unam, explained that the programme works in such a way that students donate one dollar or more, which is then put into a scheme that aids students in need to pay their outstanding tuition and transport fees, as well as for foodstuff. The initiative was established to aid students on campus who are from poor communities.

Although the money was initially collected to pay off the outstanding debt of students who could not sit for their exams, in the end it wasn’t used for this purpose. This is because the vice-chancellor of the university made provision for these students to sit for their examinations regardless of what was owed.

The funds were then donated by the previous SRC member for community development, Julia Hauwanga, towards buying necessities for the students, which included sanitary pads and food.

The last portion was recently donated to San community students studying at the Ogongo campus in northern Namibia, according to the current SRC member for community development, Alexis Wimmerth.

The programme only ran for three months last year because of the long process of getting it approved was only finalised in the middle of the year.

The SRC then had to raise awareness about the project to attract financial contributors. Getting things like the collection cans also took some time.

The project is in full swing this year with the first collection having been done on 15 March at the Unam main campus, as well as the Wernhil Park mall in the city centre. Wimmerth said the SRC wanted to get the community involved and thus took a trip to Wernhil to engage them and get their support for the project. The collections for this year took place on 15 March, as well as 20 and 31 April on the Unam campus.

Wimmerth said the community is responding well to the campaign.

“During our collection at Wernhil, people would take us to the side and ask what it is actually about and they were very interested after we explained.”

Wimmerth added that three companies called her and pledged to donate funds to the campaign; these included VisionCore Namibia, which is a women empowerment organisation. The campaign also got some recognition from Hardap education director Mzingisi Gqwede, as well as the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) under the leadership of Ester Simon.

Simon said she is in full support of the campaign and is trying to help it get traction. She also supports the Unam SRC in their quest to source money for the student aid. She described student financial battles as an issue and main concern when it comes to the academic journey, which needs to be tackled. Simon said that financial problems are a part of many if not all students’ struggles and that it is not just a Unam issue. Individuals should therefore be open to assisting the campaign by donating and spreading the word, in order to attract more people to donate.

A total collection of N$3 147 was collected on 15 March. Further collections are scheduled to take place three times a month, two of which will be done off campus.

A total of 20 collection were donated by the Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI), which has pledged to donate cans every month during the collection periods. A total of 37 people, including SRC members, faculty representatives, as well as the Unam housing committee, part in the March collection process.

The Hage Geingob and Khomasdal campuses are also engaged in the project. Some of last year’s collections took place at these campuses.

The campaign was initially aimed at covering student tuition fees. However, the focus is now on helping needy communities and aiding students who are in dire need of assistance. An example would be a student who is receiving financial aid for their tuition and accommodation, but does not have funds for food or toiletries.

Unam staff also showed their support for the initiative during the collection periods. The campaign is a collaborative effort between the SRC and the dean of students, who has given the project the necessary support.

Wimmerth called on the general public as well as companies and organisations to give support to the project. She urged individuals and firms to call in and make donations, because the initiative is really helpful in terms of the students and any assistance at all would be highly appreciated.

Art lecturers go without pay

Part-time lecturers at the College of the Arts (COTA) are up in arms over the non-payment of salaries last month, saying this has caused immense discomfort as they were unable to pay rent or their children's school fees.

“I have been chased out of my accommodation and have been living in the toilet on the COTA premises,” said a distraught Peter Mwahalukange, who has been teaching visual arts at the centre for 26 years.

He said the head office of the ministry of education, arts and culture had stopped all payments to part-time staff for at least a month and a half.

Mwahalukange said the arts directorate had indicated that they would be paid in the second week of May, but by the end of last week, no payment had been received.

He said he had to sell his cellphone to pay his child's school fees.

“I want the nation to know that something must be done on time so that we can deliver education to our people. It was good that arts education was introduced in the country. Art is part of life; we need it everywhere. It heals and helps people. But I am sick and tired of having to wait for my salary. It is as if I am working on a voluntary basis,” Mwahalukange said.

The education ministry says the delay in the payment of the April salaries of staff attached to the National Arts Extension Programme (NAEP) was because 58 part-time lecturers are being transferred to full-time employment after their part-time contracts expired at the end of March.

A spokesperson at the ministry, Absalom Absalom, said the affected staff members could not assume duties in April because their letters of appointment were only ready for signing on Friday, 10 May.

“Some of the letters had to be corrected on Monday, 13 May, and delivery of staff members started on 14 May. The ministry is doing everything possible for the staff members to be paid their salaries before the end of May,” Absalom said.

Absalom last week said the approval of the new contracts was only received from the Office of the Prime Minister on 15 May.

STAFF REPORTER