Namibian Sun

Papgeld: Courts flex musclesTen maintenance investigators appointed It will no longer be the responsibility of single mothers to track down deadbeat dads in search of child maintenance payments. JANA-MARI SMITH

The grim uphill battle faced by many single parents fighting for child support through maintenance courts in Namibia is set to be eased substantially with the appointment of ten maintenance investigators in nine towns by July.

“The appointment of these officials will hugely resolve many hindrances which have been faced in resolving maintenance matters,” Simon Idipo, the justice ministry spokesperson, confirmed to Namibian Sun.

Ten positions were advertised in March for investigators to be deployed to Keetmanshoop, Ondangwa, Oshakati, Otjiwarongo, Rundu, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Windhoek and Katima Mulilo.

Yolande Engelbrecht of the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) said investigators will be armed with a wide range of powers, including tracing payslip and asset information through banks and employers, to help strengthen child-support cases.

“The introduction of the maintenance investors will make it harder for people to hide their income. This should help stamp out abuse of the maintenance courts by dishonest persons on either side of the case,” she said.

Currently many get away with providing false information, despite the threat of a N$4 000 penalty or 12 months behind bars, because a lack of investigators makes it hard to establish the facts, Engelbrecht added.

Investigators will do the necessary footwork a case requires, a task that has often fallen on the complainants, mostly single mothers, or overburdened clerks and maintenance officers.

These tasks will include serving court papers, tracing absentee parents and taking statements.

Idipo admitted that cases which require further investigations are challenged now because of a shortage of such investigators. He said once on board, likely by July, the investigators “will immediately resolve this dilemma.”

The child advocate in the Office of the Ombudsman, Ingrid Husselmann, said in terms of the law, both parents are legally obligated to contribute to the maintenance of their children and the maintenance courts are responsible for ensuring that this happens when a complaint is filed.

Husselmann said the Office of the Ombudsman trusts that once the investigators are in place, “most of the issues regarding claims for maintenance will be resolved.”

For the children

Engelbrecht said the appointment of investigators in terms of the 2003 Maintenance Act “is definitely a step in the right direction and is long overdue.”

Although the law makes provision for investigators, none have been appointed since 2005.

“LAC is certain that appointing maintenance officers will definitely assist in timeous, quality and accessible legal services in the plight against challenges faced by the maintenance courts,” Engelbrecht said.

A 2013 LAC study of maintenance matters said a major gap has been the critical absence of investigators. The study highlighted that in South Africa, steep improvements in the maintenance courts were “attributed primarily to the appointment of maintenance investigators.”

She said ideally, going forward, each of the 34 magistrate courts in Namibia dealing with child support should have at least one investigator on board.

Two is better than one

A 2006 – 2007 Demographic and Health Survey found that children are more likely than adults to live in poverty and that only 50% of children between the age of 5 and 17 years of age in Namibia have a pair of shoes, two sets of clothing and a blanket.

“Many of these children might be able to acquire such bare necessities of life through an absent parent’s payment of maintenance,” the 2013 LAC study noted.

Last year a justice ministry writ underscored that laws dealing with child support are based on the rights of the child.

“Sometimes this process gets misunderstood by some as a measure designed to cause friction between the parents, whereas its primary aim is to strengthen the rights of children to be financially managed by both parents. Simply put, the best interests of the child are a priority.”

The 2013 LAC study found that between 4 000 and 5 000 complaints per year were filed at the 34 maintenance courts in Namibia, but only two thirds, or between 2 600 and 3 300, resulted in orders.

Moreover, while complainants on average requested the courts to grant them N$500 in child support, a typical order averaged N$250.

The LAC estimated that this represented around one quarter of the estimated cost of childcare.

In April 2018, Namibian Sun reported that nearly half of all active maintenance cases were ones where parents, mostly fathers, failed to honour court-ordered child-support payments.

A summary provided by the Office of the Judiciary to Namibian Sun showed that out of 31 104 active maintenance cases before 33 Namibian courts, 15 097 were default cases.

Namibia hailed as leader in HIV response JANA-MARI SMITH

Namibia is leading the race towards reaching epidemic control of HIV in Africa and the government’s robust commitment to end the epidemic through a flexible and partnership-driven attitude has been hailed as a model for success.

To help the country reach the last steps towards epidemic control, the United States has increased its funding from US$72 million this year to US$82 million for next year.

The total investment by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) since 2005 is nearly US$1.2 billion, US ambassador Lisa Johnson said last week.

Johnson highlighted Namibia’s success in achieving near epidemic control by reaching and surpassing the global 90-90-90 targets before the deadline of 2020.

By the beginning of 2019, 94% of adults living with HIV in Namibia knew their status; 96% of those who know their HIV status were on treatment; and 95% of those on treatment were virally suppressed (94-96-95).

To achieve epidemic control the number of new infections must dip below the number of deaths from HIV each year.

New infections have dropped by half over the past five years, to just below 5 000 each year, compared to a rate of 25 000 new infections between 1996 and 1998.

Currently, it is estimated that nearly 13% of Namibians live with HIV and that 4 000 will die from the disease this year, meaning that it remains the number one cause of death in the country.

By September 2019, nearly 204 000 people living with HIV will be on antiretroviral medication.

Tipping point

Carey Spear, Pepfar Namibia’s country coordinator, said the 94-96-95 achievement shows “Namibia is doing so well it can export lessons to the rest of the world, including the United States”, which is currently at 86-64-82 in terms of global targets.

Ambassador Johnson said Namibia’s globally recognised success can be attributed to the government’s commitment and political will to end the epidemic.

She said Pepfar applies a strong data-driven approach to help formulate strategies and shift programming in agile ways when and where necessary.

She praised Namibia’s government, particularly the health ministry, for its willingness to adapt quickly to evidence-based approaches, which has helped to address problem hotspots.

“They are able to take decisions quickly and implement them nationwide. And I think that has been a model of success.”

Spear said Namibia “at a political level” has the will to roll out necessary programmes and policies quickly, without hesitation, whereas these are potential obstacles in other countries.

Dr Eric Dziuban, country director for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Namibia, added that Namibia’s client-driven approach has been crucial to ensure that programmes are framed around what is best for the client.

He added that political commitment is the number one factor that has influenced Namibia’s success. “We have all been impressed with that.”

Dr Randy Kolstad, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) country representative in Namibia, said while a number of factors have played a role in Namibia’s success, the government’s commitment to collaboration and jointly addressing the problem has been key.

Tipping point

Maintaining undetectable viral loads ensures people cannot sexually transmit HIV to their partners, and forms part of a strategy called U=U, or ‘Undetectable is Untransmittable’.

Five urgent target programmes in line with this form part of the multitude of strategies in place to end the epidemic in Namibia.

Spear said the key to reaching epidemic control is to locate, test and treat people across the country as quickly as possible. “We cannot reach epidemic control if we do not continue to find people living with HIV.”

She said the last-mile efforts to achieve epidemic control are often the hardest and costliest and will involve honing in on most at-risk populations, as well as addressing challenges such as the high rate of tuberculosis among people living with HIV.

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death in people living with HIV and “chips away at the HIV programmes’ benefit for the population,” she explained.

Another key action is the roll-out of a new first-line antiretroviral drug, TLD, which is starting in October and is expected to be completed by June 2020.

This medication has fewer side-effects and helps to push the viral load lower more quickly than the current first-line medicine, TLE.

Other important activities include ensuring available stock of HIV medicines at all times, rolling out a new simple cervical cancer screening technique, and focusing on key and priority groups most at risk of HIV infection, including people in prisons and mines, sex workers, transgender people and men who have sex with other men. These groups are 13 to 28 times more at risk of being infected.

Double tragedy hits Swapo

STAFF REPORTER

The ruling party lost two of its leaders in separate incidents yesterday.

The first tragedy took place early yesterday morning when 35-year-old Walvis Bay local authority councillor Samson Nghilumbwa died in a crash on the Swakopmund-Arandis road.

Later in the morning news filtered in of the collapse of long-serving Oshakati East constituency councillor Lotto Kuushomwa in the National Council chambers. He later died in a Windhoek hospital. He was 59.

Tributes are pouring in. Walvis Bay mayor Immanuel Wilfred expressed great sadness over the death of Nghilumbwa.

“We share the grief of the many involved with him in his many activities for the benefit of the community. Councillor Nghilumbwa, whose passing is a sad loss, will be greatly missed,” he said.

In a statement, the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), of which Nghilumbwa was an active member, said it had lost a brother, colleague and friend.

According to the Erongo police, Nghilumbwa was travelling alone in the direction of Swakopmund before 06:00 and lost control of his vehicle, which crashed into an oncoming truck.

He died on the spot, while the 29-year-old truck driver and his assistant escaped unharmed.

“The deceased lost control over his vehicle and hit an oncoming Scania truck (N22761WB) on its front right side which was coming from Swakopmund. The car was totally damaged and the deceased passed away on the spot,” said Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu.

The exact cause of the accident could not yet be established.

Nghilumbwa, who became a councillor in 2015, served as the chairperson of the Walvis Bay management committee from 2017, but was replaced in December 2018.

He was also the vice-chairperson at Husab Mine, as well as the Erongo SPYL’s spokesperson.

Remembering Kuushomwa

National Council chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams paid tribute to the late Kuushomwa, describing him as a faithful servant through his various roles, including being a freedom fighter.

“As we mourn our dear colleague, comrade and friend, allow me, on my own behalf and that of everyone at Parliament to extend my sincere condolences to his family, comrades and friends,” she said.

Kuushomwa was a former PLAN combatant and helicopter pilot. He was a long-serving regional councillor in Oshana and previously served as council chairperson.

-Additional reporting Nampa and Erwin Leuschner

Tough year for Stimulus

Stimulus Investments Ltd recorded a net profit of about N$3.8 million for the year ended 28 February 2019 – nearly 22% less than its previous financial year.
The company, whose preferential shares are listed on the Local Index of the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), declared a final dividend of N$3.51 per preferential share. In its 2018 financial year, the dividend was N$5.38.
Read the full report tomorrow in Market Watch.

NPL awards in JuneLeague plans AGM Players, coaches and referees will be rewarded for their hard work at the 2019 MTC Namibia Premier League awards.

The MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) 2018/19 season awards will take place in June, league spokesperson Andre Gariseb has revealed.

The league officially ended on Sunday and Black Africa were crowned champions, while 2017/18 winners African Stars finished as runners-up.

Gariseb confirmed that the league has scheduled the awards for next month, but the exact date has not been set as yet.

“I can confirm that the awards will be in June because we are now busy sorting out the logistics.

“We are busy consulting our sponsors and making all the necessary arrangements before we can decide on a date.

“All in all, it is a busy time for us because we are also planning on holding an AGM,” Gariseb said.

Black Africa won the league with 64 points from 28 matches, scoring 66 and conceding 22 goals this season.

The champions won 19 of their 28 matches, losing only two and dropping two points on seven occasions.

African Stars, who missed out on defending their title by six points, finished the season with 19 wins, six draws and six loses.

Tura Magic had one of their best seasons in the premier league since gaining promotion and finished third.

The Magicians ended the season with 12 wins, 11 draws and five defeats, while securing their spot with 47 points.

Unam FC, who also had a good season, came in fourth with 11 wins, nine draws and eight loses, while registering 42 points after 28 matches.

Life Fighters, Mighty Gunners, Citizens and Eleven Arrows all secured their places in the Standard Bank Top 8 Cup after finishing in the top half of the premier league table.

The NPL journey of one of Namibia's biggest premier league sides, Civics FC, came to an abrupt end after they were relegated on the final day.

Civics finished 14th with 28 points. Orlando Pirates, who finished 15th with 23 points, and Young African 16th, after being demoted earlier in the season, will also play first division football next season. Young Brazilians finished just above Civics on 29 points.

Civics was founded in 1983 by a group of students who initially named the team Bethlehem Boys, after a local street

The club later became the Mighty Civilians, before being recast again as Civics.

Civics have been a formidable side in the past and won the league in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

The Civilians won the NFA Cup in 2003 and 2008 and also participated in the CAF Champions League on three occasions - in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

Another shocking exit from the NPL were Katutura giants Orlando Pirates.

The 1990 and 2008 premier league champions had an appalling season.

Founded in 1963, Orlando Pirates enjoyed good years in the premier league and were always known as one of the most formidable sides in the NPL.

However, they have been delivering below-standard performances in the league for the past couple of years.

The club also experienced management problems, which left them disorganised.

The surprise packages of the premier league, Young Brazilians FC and Okahandja United, survived their first-ever seasons of topflight football.

The two clubs had to wait until the final day to be sure.

Life Fighters goal-scoring machine Issaskar Gurirab finished the season as top-scorer with 22 goals, followed by African Stars predator Crispin Mbewe with 15 goals.

Meanwhile, it was revealed that the Fifa normalisation committee will disclose its progress in terms of getting first division football up-and-running as soon as possible, following communications with Fifa.

The ad hoc committee responsible for making sure that the first division kicks off met yesterday afternoon to discuss the way forward.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Netball umpires trained at Nkurenkuru The Kavango West netball executive, under the auspices of Netball Namibia, held its inaugural netball umpiring and grading course at Nkurenkuru over the weekend.

The two-day course started on Friday and ended on Saturday.

Kavango West Netball League chairperson Isa Saidi told Nampa on Monday that the course was aimed at capacitating umpires in the region to enable them to officiate league games and tournaments.

“We want to further spread our net wider for more women and men to be involved in sport,” the chairperson said.

He added that Friday focused more on the theoretical side of the game, while Saturday honed in on the practical facets, with participants being graded in different categories.

Saidi called on the corporate sector in the region and the country at large to support the organisation in terms of infrastructural development, saying players often have to play in the sand, which is not conducive for the growth of the sport, as national and international competitions cannot be held there.

“They will have to play at recommended surfaces, which are either concrete or proper courts,” he stressed.

The course was attended by 25 participants from all nine constituencies in the region, comprising of 21 women and four men.

NAMPA

Rising from the dustTouch & Go on the move Touch & Go FC recently introduced a new home-and-away kit and also revealed three categories for its membership base.

Touch & Go continue to remain relevant, despite the confusion shrouding first division football in the country.

The club from Otavi still carries out activities off the field and are eager to play premier league football again.

Just recently, Touch & Go held a meeting where they disclosed some of their plans and new attire.

Club spokesperson Jefta Gaoab said the club will continue to push for greater heights despite all the odds and uncertainty in first division football.

“It is no secret that there is so much confusion surrounding first division football. As a club, we are however doing our best to stay relevant and to keep the hopes of many of these players alive.

“We are hoping for the best because it has been a while since the boys have had real action,” Gaoab said. The club is still to hold its annual general meeting (AGM) that was supposed to have taken place in March.

“There were some minor outstanding issues and expectations that were deemed important but not ready for discussion at the AGM.

“Current executive members will not be eligible to stand for re-election as the club is yearning for the infusion of a new and young brigade with new ideas to take the club to next level,” Gaoab said.

The purpose of the club's last open day meeting was to intensify the 'I belong campaign' that was officially started in 2016 and launched in 2017.

“When the 'I belong campaign' began in June 2016, one of its priorities was to mobilise and tap into the wisdom of the people who would feel the full-force of such a fundamental change, to change the mindsets and perceptions and to inculcate the sense of belonging for the supporters,” Gaoab said.

The team does not have a corporate sponsor, but Gaoab spoke highly of their football crazy supporters.

Touch & Go were relegated from the NPL following the 2014/15 season, after ending 14th on the log.

Since then, the club has attempted to return to the league, but have failed.

In 2017, Touch & Go FC embarked on a journey to get more supporters involved with the team.

The club continues to work hard in order to create employment for players and others in the small town.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Kwa ulikwa aakonaakoni yomayambidhidho gaanonaOmayambidhidho gaanona oge li uuthemba waanona Itashi ka kala we oshinakugwanithwa shaakiintu mboka taya tekula uunona wawo oyo ayeke ya kale molukongo lyoohe yuunona opo yagwanithepo iifuta yomayambidhidho gaanona yawo.

Olugodhi lwaavali mokukondjela omayambidhidho gaanona yawo okupitila moompangulilo moshilongo otalu ka hwepopalekwa, sho taku kuulilwa aakonaakoni yomayambidhidho gaanona moondoolopa dhi li omugoyi muJuli nuumvo.

“Euliko lyaanambelewa mboka otali ka kandula po omukundu omunene ngoka gwa kalapo shi na sha niikumungu yomayambidhidho gaanona,” Simon Idipo, ngoka e li omupopiliko guuministeli wuuyuki a lombwele oNamibian Sun.

Oompito dhoka odha tseyithwa momwedhi Maalitsa naanambelewa mboka aakonaakono otaya ka topolelwa oondoolopa ngaashi Keetmanshoop, Ondangwa, Oshakati, Otjiwarongo, Rundu, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Ovenduka oshowo Katima Mulilo.

Yolande Engelbrecht gwoLegal Assistance Centre (LAC) okwa popi kutya aanambelewa mboka otaya ka pewa oonkondo, dha kwatelamo okukonga uumbaapila womafutilo goondjambi, omauyelele gomaliko okupitila moombaanga naagandji yiilonga, opo ku kondopekwe iipotha yomayambidhidho gaanona. “Etulo miilonga lyaakonaakoni yomayambidhidho gaanona otali ka ningitha oshidhigu opo aantu ya holele iiyemo yawo. Shika otashi vudha mo elongitho pambambo lyoompangulilo dhomayambidhidho gaanona kwaamboka ihaya popi oshili ngele she ya kombinga yawo.”

Oyendji ohaya mangululwa paku gandja uuyelele wiifundja nonando ope na egeelo lyokufuta oshimaliwa shooN$4 000 nenge uule woomwedhi 12 modholongo omolwa ompumbwe yaakonaakoni, Engelbrecht a gwedha po.

Aanambelewa mboka otaya ka kutha po oshinakugwanithwa shokukonga mboka itaya gwanitha po omalombwelo gompangu opo ya yambidhidhe aanona yawo.

Idipo okwa zimine kutya, monena oshi li omukundu omunene sho iipotha yoludhi ndoka hayi pula omakonaakono ihe omolwa ompumbwe yomakonaakono ngoka kape na sha shoka hashi ningwa po. Okwa popi kutya uuna ya tameke iilonga muJuli nena omukundu ngoka otagu kala ondjokonona.

Omukalelipo gwaanona mOffice of the Ombudsman, Ingrid Husselmann, okwa popi kutya paveta, aavali ayehe oye na oshinakugwanithwa shokuyambidhidha aanona yawo noompangu odhi na oshinakugwanithwa shokukwashilipaleka kutya shoka osha ningwa uuna enyenyeto lya ningwa.

Husselmann okwa popi kutya Ombelewa yOmbudsman oyi na einekelo kutya uuna aakonaakoni mboka ya tameke iilonga nena iipotha oyindji yomayambidhidho gaanona otayi ka kandulwa po.

Engelbrecht okwa popi kutya euliko lyaakonaakoni ngaashi tashi uthwa kOmpango yOmayambidhidho gAanona yomo 2003 oshi li onkatu yomondjila, na oshinima sha kala sha pumbwa okuningwa nale.

Nonando ompangu otayi utha euliko lyaakonaakoni mboka, kape na omukonaakoni uulikwa okuza omvula yo 2005.

Omakonaakono ga ningwa koLAC momvula yo 2013 oga holola kutya ompumbwe yeuliko lyaakonaakoni mboka otayi shunitha monima iipotha yomayambidhidho gaanona. Omakonaakono oga holola kutya South Africa oteshi enditha nawa momayambidhidho gaanona okupitila kompangu, omolwa aakonaakoni mboka yeli miilonga moshilongo shoka.

Okwa popi kutya osha pumbiwa opo andola oomangestrata ayehe 34 moompangulilo dhaNamibia mboka haya ungaunga nomayambidhidho gaanona opo ya kale ye na omukonaakoni gumwe.

Omakonaakono ga ningwa pokati ko 2006-2007 goDemographic and Health Survey oga mono kutya konyala aanona yoomvula ntano sigo 17 yoopresenda 50, oye na owala epando limwe lyoongaku, omapando gaali giizalomwa oshowo ekumbatha.

Oyendji yomaanona mboka itaya vulu okumona iipumbiwa yomoonkalamwenyo dhawo omolwa aavali yamwe po mboka taya ndopa okufuta omayambidhidho gaanona yawo, omakonaakono ngoka ga ningwa koLAC mo 2013, ga holola.

LAC oya tsikile kutya omayambidhidho ngoka oga talika ko onga omukalo hagu e ta omananathano pokati kaavali, pehala ga talikeko onga egwanithepo lyuuthemba waanona. Omakonaakono ngoka oga dhidhilike kutya pokati komanyenyeto ge li po 4 000 no 5 000 ngoka haga ningwa kehe omvula moompangulilo dhoomangestrata ye Ii po 34 moNamibia, etata owala lyiipotha mbyoka olyo hali gandja iizemo.

Aanyenyeti oyendji ohaya pula omwaalu gwoshimaliwa shooN$500 onga eyambidhidho lyaanona, nolundji oshimaliwa shooN$250.

MuApilili gwomvula yo 2018, oshifokundneki shoNamibia Sun osha lopota kutya konyala iipotha oyindji yomayambidhidho gaanona, aavali aalumentu oyo unene taya ndopa okugwanitha po omayambidhidho ngoka.

Uuyelele mboka gwa gandjwa ko Office of the Judiciary koNamibian Sun owa holola kutya mokati kiipotha yomayambidhidho gaanona yi li 31 104 moompangulilo dhaNamibia 33, 15 097 itayi longo.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Ongundu yoSwapo ya kani

Ongundu tayi pangele oya kanitha aaleli yawo yaali miiningwanima ya yooloka mOmaandaha.

Oshiningwanima shotango osha ningwa koongulasha, sho omunamimvo 35 ngoka e li kansela gwelelo lyondoolopa yaMbaye, Samson Nghilumbwa a hulithile moshiponga shohauto mondjila yaSwakopo oshowo Arandis.

Lwanima ongula yOmaandaha natango okwa lopotwa eso lyakansela gwoshikandjohogololo Oshakati Uuzilo,

Lotto Kuushomwa omunamimvo 59, ngoka kwa lopotwa a ngambuka omanga a li miilonga moNational Council chambers. Okwa hulitha lwanima moshipangelo mOvenduka.

Omatumwalaka gomahekeleko otaga zilile koombinga noombinga. Mayola gwondoolopa yaMbaye, Immanuel Wilfred okwa popi kutya okwa haluthwa noonkondo keso lyaNghilumbwa, pethimbo a gandja omahekeleko ge.

Momushangwa ngoka gwa pitithwa kEwawa lyoSwapo Party Youth League (SPYL), moka Nghilumbwa a li oshilyo, ogwa hololola kutya oya kanitha omumwayina, kuume oshowo omuniilonga pamwe.

Palopota yopolisi, Nghilumbwa okwa li oye awike moshiyenditho uuka ombinga yaSwakopo okuya owala lwopotundi onti - 06:00 sho a kanitha okondolola yoshiyenditho she nokwiidhenge meloli.

Okwa hulithile pehala lyoshiponga omanga omuhingi gwololi omunamimvo 29 opamwe nomuyambidhidhi gwe inaya ehamekwa.

“Nakusa okwa kanitha okondolola yoshiyenditho she nokwiidhenge mololi yoScania (N22761WB) kombinga yokolulyo komeho. Ololi oyali tayi zilile ombinga yaSwakopo. Ohauto oya hanagulwapo ayihe nanakusa okwa hulithile pehala lyoshiponga,” Omupeha komufala Erastus Iikuyu a popi.

Oshiyetithi shoshiponga inashi monika natango.

Nghilumbwa, okwa ningi kansela momvula yo 2015 na okwa longa onga omunashipundi gwoWalvis Bay management committee okuza momvula yo 2017, ihe okwa pingenwa po momwedhi Desemba gwomvula ya piti.

Okwa li woo omupeha omunashipundi momina yaHusab Mine, oshowo omupopiliko gwoSPYL moshitopolwa shErongo.

Taku dhimbulukiwa Kuushomwa

Omunashipundi gwoNational Council, Margaret Mensah-Williams okwa hokolola nakusa Kuushomwa, kutya okwa li omuniilonga omwiinekelwa oshowo omukondjelimaguluko.

“Tatu lili omuniilonga pamwe natse, komrade oshowo kuume ketu. Pitikenindje pehala lyandje mwene oshowo lyaayehe mOpaliamende opo ndi gandje omahekeleko kofamili ye kookomrade nookume,” Mensah-Williams a popi.

Kuushomwa okwa li omukwiita gwoPLAN. Okwa longa uule wethimbo onga kansela oshitopolwa shaShana na okwa longa woo onga omunashipundi gwelelo. -Olopota yagwedhwa po koNampa oshowo Erwin Leuschner.

OMUTOOLINKUNDANA GWOMENI

Magufuli, Geingob bolster tiesNamibia, Tanzania to expand partnership The heads of state agreed that the time was ripe for the two nations' bilateral relationship to be more meaningful.

Tanzanian president John Magufuli on Monday met his Namibian counterpart, Hage Geingob, at State House, where the two discussed possible areas of cooperation between the two countries such as trade, arts, agriculture, fisheries and mining.

During the lengthy meeting, the two heads of state agreed that the time was ripe for the two nations' bilateral relationship to be more meaningful, as they are currently “not so good” for two states with a long-interconnected history.

According to Geingob, it is because of the strong historic ties between the two countries that Magufuli's visit was possible and for issues of common interests to be discussed.

“This visit today should allow us to expand our partnership and open new areas of cooperation, so as to fully optimise the immense untapped potential that exists between our countries,” Geingob added.

Furthermore, Geingob wants the two countries to bolster their ties to allow for growth and development, focusing on key issues such as agro-processing, value addition to minerals, manufacturing and logistics.

In the agricultural sector, Namibia is renowned for its beef, fish, dates, grapes and salt, Geingob said, while Tanzania is famous for its scenic beauty and reputation as a foremost tourist destination on the African continent.

“It is essential for our countries to share experiences in these vital sectors and to aim at replicating the success stories in other sectors,” he said.

For his part, Magufuli expressed disappointment at the state of trade between the two nations.

“This [trade and investment between the two countries] is very, very wrong comparing it to the level of our bilateral relations. We really need to double our efforts to improve business and investment conditions in our countries, including the removal of all the barriers to trade and investment,” he said.

“The trade between Namibia and Tanzania is not so good because for the past five years since 2014, the business between the two countries is just very wrong. It is approximately just TZS 59.55 billion, which is less than US$25 million [about N$360 million].

“I was also informed that there are only two Namibian investments registered at the Tanzanian Investment Centre [to the value of] US$12.96 million [N$186.6 million] and only employing 128 people,” Magufuli said.

“So my visit here should act as a catalyst in order to speed up these good relations that the economic growth between the two countries as far as partnership is concerned [is realised].”

NAMPA

Bank Windhoek assists farmersMeasures implemented to minimise drought effects Bank Windhoek has encourage other businesses and individuals to assist Namibian farmers in whichever way possible.

In response to the Namibian government's state of emergency declaration on the current drought affecting the country, Bank Windhoek has implemented various measures to minimise the effects of the disaster.

From a customer perspective, an internal committee has been established to look at both commercial and communal farmer exposures to the drought.

The committee has also been tasked with finding innovative ways to mitigate the impact of loss of income on the financial obligations of the farmers.

In addition, farmers are urged to get in contact with their respective branch managers to seek mutual solutions, a statement issued by the bank said.

Bank Windhoek will place key strategic focus on stakeholder engagement in the coming months to add value and be a connector of positive change within the farming sector.

The Bank Windhoek vehicle and asset finance department is offering John Deere de-bushing equipment, which will enable farmers to become sustainable in producing animal fodder. The initiative, known as Bush-to-Feed, refers to the production of animal fodder using encroaching bush.

According to the De-bushing Advisory Services, developed as part of a German development agency's support to the de-bushing project in cooperation with the agriculture ministry, there are currently 30 million hectares of Namibian farmland that is bush-encroached.

Bush-thinning aids restore degraded farmland and increase agricultural productivity.

In support of the Dare to Care initiative, Bank Windhoek has also contributed N$500 000.

The fund, initially established in 2000 for all disasters, is an initiative by the agricultural sector and the Namibian private sector, which have pledged to assist all producers survive the drought. This includes communal, emerging and commercial farmers across the country.

“As a partner of the agricultural community, Bank Windhoek is aware of the difficulties faced by farmers at this time.

“As a Namibian bank, it is our duty to assist Namibians affected by the adverse conditions brought on by the drought. With our humble contribution, we hope to assist farmers prepare their animals for market and try to save their core breeding herd for when the rain returns,” said Bank Windhoek managing director Baronice Hans.

Hans further called on the local business community and private individuals to assist wherever they can to mitigate the effects of the drought.

“I encourage other businesses and individuals to assist Namibian farmers in whichever way possible. Farmers are essential for our country's food security.

By assisting, you are contributing to Namibia's economic future.”

Bank Windhoek was also instrumental in assisting the Dare to Care Fund to create awareness, by providing in-kind assistance with materials for print and online marketing, as well as establishing a Facebook page.

“The Dare to Care Fund would like to thank Bank Windhoek for its contribution.

With the help of the business community, we can achieve our goal to ensure a sustainable future for our farmers. So far, the fund stands at N$5.45 million,” said Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) executive manager Roelie Venter, who is also a representative of the fund.

STAFF REPORTER

Alcohol linked to high suicide rate

Namibia has once again been fingered as one of the African countries with the highest per capita alcohol consumption, which could also explain its high suicide and murder rates according to the latest study on global health statistics.

The World Health Statistics report, published annually since 2005, is the World Health Organisation's annual snapshot of the state of the world's health.

According to the latest report Namibia is among the ten African countries with the highest alcohol consumption, and is ranked sixth.

The study indicates that Namibians over the age of 15 consumed on average 9.8 litres of pure alcohol in 2016. The consumption of male drinkers stood at 17.3 litres of pure alcohol per capita, while women consumed 2.9 litres of pure alcohol per capita.

Nigeria had the heaviest drinkers, consuming 13.4 litres of pure alcohol per capita, followed by Seychelles (12 litres), Gabon (11.5 litres), Equatorial Guinea (11.3 litres) and Eswatini (9.9 litres).

Niger consumed the smallest amount of alcohol at 0.5 litres per capita.

On average, men consumed far more alcohol than women worldwide in 2016 (10.1 litres versus 2.7 litres of pure alcohol per person).

The largest consumption for both sexes was in high-income countries in the European Region, and the smallest in low-income countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The largest male to female ratios were observed in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asian and African regions.

“The high average alcohol consumption in men is likely to be one of the drivers of men's excess rates of suicide mortality relative to women,” the report states.

The statistics indicate that 8.7 per 100 000 people in Namibia committed suicide in 2016. The suicide mortality rate for men stood at 14.1 per 100 000 while for women it was 3.6 per 100 000. s

Worldwide, suicide mortality rates dropped by 16% (men) and 20% (women) between the years 2000 and 2016.

In 2016, nearly 800 000 deaths worldwide were due to suicide, equivalent to a rate of 10.6 per 100 000 people.

Globally, for every female suicide death, there are nearly two male deaths (13.5 and 7.7 deaths per 100 000 population in men and women, respectively).

“Although suicide attempts are about two to four times more frequent among females, men are more likely to use lethal means, partly explaining the reversed pattern in suicide mortality rates,” the report states.

Men in the European Region and in high-income countries suffer from the highest suicide mortality rates (24.7 and 21.0 per 100 000 population, respectively).

The highest female suicide mortality rates were seen in the South-East Asian Region (11.6 per 100 000 population) and in lower-middle-income countries (8.8 per 100 000 population). The lowest were seen in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and in low-income countries, for both men and women.

Furthermore, the report added that the mortality rate due to homicide in Namibia was 18.3 per 100 000. For men it stood at 32 per 100 000 and for women it was 5.3 per 100 000.

According to the report there were an estimated 477 000 deaths globally due to homicides in 2016.

Men are almost four times more likely to be murdered than women. Risk factors for homicide include poverty, availability of guns and alcohol.

“Globally, one in five homicides is committed by an intimate partner or family member, with women making up the majority of those deaths.”

The report says preventing homicide and nonfatal violence requires a multisectoral approach that addresses underlying causes, such as gender, social and economic inequalities; cultural norms that support violence; and easy access to and misuse of alcohol, drugs and firearms.

ELLANIE SMIT

Water everywhere, but not a drop to drinkKalahari Ohangwena Aquifer yet untapped Research and testing of the huge underground water source in north-central Namibia was successful and the aquifer is ready to be utilised.

Despite the fact that Ohangwena has a massive aquifer estimated to hold around 20 billion cubic metres of fresh water, inhabitants of the Omundaungilo, Oshikunde, Okongo and Epembe constituencies are consuming water that is unfit for human consumption.

Questions are also being asked about why NamWater feels the need to construct a N$5.65 million defluoridation treatment plant at Eenhana, while the Kalahari Ohangwena Aquifer (KOH) research team has established there is fresh water in the Omhalapapa area near the Angolan border, which offers a direct supply without any treatment needed.

NamWater has already invested millions in drilling three boreholes at Eenhana to supply water to the residents, but this water is high in fluoride.

It is currently being mixed with pipeline water before being consumed, while the KOH research team has reported they are supplying Omundaungilo and the surrounding areas with freshwater directly from two boreholes at Omhalapapa, which is about 40 kilometres north-east of Eenhana.

Since 2007, the Federal Institute for Geoscience and Natural Resources (BGR), the department of water affairs and NamWater have been testing the Kalahari Ohangwena Aquifer, which consists of the KOH-2 aquifer that contains freshwater, which lies below the KOH-1 aquifer, which contains salty water.

The aquifer was discovered in 2006, and forms part of the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin. On Monday, the KOH team held a research closing ceremony. During the ceremony, BGR project manager Martin Quinger said the research and testing phase was successful and the water is ready to be used.

“We have two methods on how we are going to use this water for the public consumption. One is direct rural supply from the boreholes at Omhalapapa close to Omundaungilo. This place is close to Angola and the water quality in the area is 100% perfect for direct supply. The other option is the piped water scheme here in Eenhana where NamWater has invested a lot of money to put quality infrastructure (in place) that is already supplying water to the residents,” said Quinger.

“The good thing is that at Omhalapapa the freshwater level is on a shallow level and even the KOH-1 aquifer contains fresh water. In Eenhana the water contains high fluoride content, which can be a problem if people consume such water for a very longer period.” Quinger said currently there are two borehole at Omhalapapa supplying water directly to the community, the KOH-1 which was installed in 2009, supplying Omhalapapa and the surrounding villages, and the KOH-2 monitoring borehole, which was installed in 2012, which is supplying Omundaungilo.

Borehole that was installed at Omundaungilo is reported to be useless due to the high salt content.

According to NamWater CEO and former deputy executive director in the agriculture ministry, Abraham Nehemia, NamWater is busy with the implementation of a master plan that will determine how water from their Eenhana plant will be used, while the construction of defluoridation treatment plant at Eenhana has commenced.

Nehemia said the plant will reduce the fluoride content of the water before they supply it to residents.

“We cannot directly supply residents with the water from the aquifer because it contains a high fluoride content. At the moment we are mixing the water with piped water that Eenhana gets from Oshakati water treatment plant via the Oshakati-Omakango-Omafo pipeline,” Nehemia said.

The plant, which is expected to be completed by September this year, is being constructed with grants to the tune of N$5.65 million provided by Germany through the BGR.

Ohangwena governor Usko Nghaamwa said all alternatives to provide water need to be treated as emergency, because the region is in crisis while seated on a water source.

Deputy agriculture minister Anna Shiweda, however, said: “Namibians need to know that and understand that we need to search for additional water sources elsewhere. The Ohangwena aquifer will not be the solution to the country's water crisis, but it is just one of the solutions.”

ILENI NANDJATO

Nobody can replace you

Being a parent is hard.

Parents have to be caregivers, sociologists and psychologists - among others - all rolled into one.

Being a single parent is even more difficult.

There may be unresolved feelings and ongoing issues with your former spouse or partner. The two of you may have different opinions on how the child should be raised and what rules to follow. That is the one side of the coin, where there is a continued grappling about what is best for your offspring. The other side is when a parent simply abandons a child or wholly fails to give support of any kind. It was with a sense of heightened excitement that we greeted the news this week that the grim uphill battle faced by many single parents, who are fighting for child support through maintenance courts in Namibia, is set to be eased substantially with the appointment of ten maintenance investigators in nine towns by July. Sporadic or no child support is a massive issue when it comes to poverty and lack of comfort for children. But child support is about so much more than money. Your children need your presence in their lives. You can share your wisdom and experiences with them, and teach them the things they need to learn about life. They need to learn morals, traditions and values. As many experts have opined, children learn about the meaning of unconditional love and how they should be treated from their parents. Nobody else can replace you when it comes to your love. In the case of the father, he generally serves as the gatekeeper for the rest of his family. So when he isn’t around for his children, his parents and siblings may feel awkward about having to explain his absence to his children or their mother. There should be no excuses for abandoning your children. The motto should always be: Try, try again and keep trying.

Itula blasted‘You can’t have your cake and eat it’ Swapo SG Sophia Shaningwa says the party has a disciplinary committee in place and Namibia will have to “wait and see” how they will deal with Dr Panduleni Itula. JEMIMA BEUKES

Political experts are in agreement that Dr Panduleni Itula’s insistence to stand as independent presidential candidate in the upcoming general election, while still maintaining his Swapo membership is downright ridiculous, likening his stance to “being pregnant but campaigning as a virgin”.

Constitutional expert Nico Horn said it is “ridiculous”.

“I cannot imagine that an intelligent man can think like that,” he said.

Horn pointed out that no party with self-respect will allow a member to stand as an independent candidate.

He said it only makes sense for a member to challenge for the party’s leadership at an electoral congress.

“If he wants to change Swapo then he needs to do that through the structures of the party. If he is independent and he wants to be taken seriously then he must be independent,” said Horn.

Itula, who initially refused to speak to newspapers until “the time is right”, was quoted by The Namibian recently saying “no Swapo member has the right or power, based on the party's constitution, to demand the resignation of another since it is a voluntary organisation where members leave voluntarily”.

When Namibian Sun called him yesterday he simply said: “It does not matter what Swapo says, I will not comment.”

In March the ruling party announced that party members standing as independent candidates, while still holding onto their Swapo membership, are in serious violation of the party's election rules and procedures.

Yesterday the party’s secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa said the party has a disciplinary committee in place and Namibia will have to “wait and see” how they will deal with Itula.

‘Campaigning as a virgin’

Political commentator Henning Melber believes that Itula and his supporters’ argument regarding democracy is evidence that democracy is not understood.

He likened Itula’s stance to “being pregnant but campaigning as a virgin”.

Melber added it is a contradiction to be a party member and stand as independent candidate.

“You can’t have your cake and eat it.”

Melber emphasised that a person is either a member and thereby identify with the party sufficiently, or they leave the party because they disagree and stand as independent candidate.

“But you cannot claim to be an independent candidate while remaining a party member. It is simply nonsensical, because you then compete with a party-appointed candidate, who represents your own party. What then if you happen to be elected?” he said.

Swapo Party School coordinator Charles Mubita agrees that there appears to be a misunderstanding around independent candidacy.

“What are you independent of?” Mubita asked.

He believes that it is impossible for a person to be independent within a collective.

“Look, I have no problem with independent candidates in the world, but it does not, ethically and principally, make sense for one to be within a political party and still prefer to be independent. It does not make sense at all,” he said.

He emphasised that being an independent candidate means you are not affiliated to any party or group.

“It also means you disagree or you are not in tune with the policies of a particular collective at that particular time. Maybe 90- or 100 % you do not agree with them so you need a new avenue to realise your views,” he said.

According to the Electoral Act of 2014, an independent candidate has to be supported by at least 500 registered voters from each of the country’s 14 political regions.

Erindi, Ohorongo deals under scrutiny ELLANIE SMIT

The deal to purchase the Erindi Private Game Reserve through a company registered in the British Virgin Islands is among several mergers being investigated by the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC), who has called for interested parties or stakeholders to submit their input within 15 days.

The commission also confirmed yesterday to Namibian Sun that contrary to a media statement issued by Mexican billionaire Alberto Baillères that he is acquiring Erindi through his multinational consortium, the BAL Group, the transaction was filed under a company called Rembo Ltd.

“The commission has requested the acquiring undertaking to indicate if that is still the case. We are awaiting a response in this regard,” said NaCC spokesperson Dina Gowases.

The 87-year-old Baillères last week announced in a statement that a sales agreement is being finalised with the owners of Erindi through which the BAL Group will acquire the 71 000-hectare game ranch, subject to NaCC approval, and certain other contractual party-related suspensive conditions.

According to the NaCC the proposed transaction, however, entails Rembo Ltd acquiring the entire issued share capital of Erindi Ranch (Pty) Ltd and Otjimakuru Wild (Pty) Ltd from the current owners.

Pursuant to the implementation of the proposed transaction Erindi Ranch and Otjimakuru Wild will be wholly owned by Rembo Ltd, the NACC said.

According to the commission Rembo Ltd is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and is wholly controlled by the Tembo Trust.

It said Tembo Trust is a newly established entity and was established for the purpose of facilitating the proposed transaction/s.

“Rembo Ltd and the Tembo Trust are not involved in any business activities, nor do they produce any products or provide any services in, into or from Namibia,” the NaCC said.

Ohorongo

A transaction between Schwenk Namibia (Pty) Ltd, Ohorongo Cement, Energy for Future, Schwenk Industries, Schwenk Zement International GMBH CO KG and the International Cement Group is also being investigated by the commission (ICG).

Singapore Stock Exchange-listed ICG has expressed interest in acquiring a 100% stake in Schwenk Namibia for US$104.4 million (about N$1.53 billion).

Schwenk Namibia owns close to 70% of Ohorongo Cement and 100% of shares in alternative fuel supplier Energy for Future.

The commission said based on the documents and information provided in respect of the merger filing, the proposed transaction entails the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital in Schwenk Namibia from its parent company, Schwenk Zement International GmbH, by ICG.

Also under investigation is a transaction between Little Etosha Conservation Holdings and Hopewell Farming.

The commission said that based on the documents provided in respect of the merger filing, the proposed transaction entails the acquisition by Little Etosha Conservation Holdings of 100% of the issued share capital in Hopewell Farming.

Hopewell Farming is located in the Kunene Region and measures 4 512 hectares in size. It is solely owned by Cecil de Villiers.

Another matter under investigation by the NaCC is a transaction between the Allegrow Fund and Avbob Namibia Holdings.

According to the commission the proposed transaction entails the acquisition by Allegrow Fund (Pty) Ltd of 100% of the issued share capital in Avbob Namibia Holdings (Pty) Ltd and its subsidiaries, from its parent company Avbob Mutual Assurance Society.

Allegrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eos Capital, which is in turn controlled by Gamma Investments CC.

Avbob Namibia and its subsidiaries are active in the provision of funeral services, the manufacture and supply of coffins and the sale of wreaths and funeral-ware.

The proposed transaction for the acquisition by Heat Exchange (Pty) Ltd of Valco Pipes CC is also being investigated.

Heat Exchange is a portfolio company under the Allegrow Fund, while Valco Pipes supplies water pipes and allied products used to transfer potable and non-potable water to the Namibian market.

The acquiring group’s activities include, amongst others, the supply of chemicals used in water purification, the design, manufacturing and management of water treatment and heat transfer solutions and the supply of pumps, valves and flow meters.

It also includes the reselling of tissue paper products, liquid detergents, soap products, converted paper products and the supply of hygiene and cleaning equipment.

The construction of prefabricated modular storage units, roof sheeting, doors and windows applied in cold rooms and freezer rooms, truck bodies, import and export and related activities are further included.

The commission said stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and competitors to the merging parties, or any party who has an interest in any of the above matters, have 15 days to submit a written submission to the commission by completing a concern form.

SA's new cabinet: Here's how much taxpayers will save

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced South Africa's new executive on Wednesday night, and the cabinet shrank by eight ministers and one deputy minister.
On salaries alone, that means an annual saving of more than R21 million. According to Africa Check, cabinet ministers each receive an annual salary of R2.4 million, with deputy ministers get R1.98 million.
The deputy president - which remains David Mabuza - gets R2.83 million, while the president’s salary is almost R2.88 million.
The most surprising appointment in Ramaphosa's new cabinet was Patricia de Lille as Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (the "infrastructure" is a new addition), while the most glaring omissions were Bathabile Dlamini, Jeff Radebe, Siyabonga Cwele, and Derek Hanekom.
Ramaphosa warned appointees that they will all be signing performance agreements, which "will be closely monitored against specific outcomes."
"Where implementation is unsatisfactory, action will be taken," Ramaphosa promised.
The expectations of South African people has never been greater, he said.
For the first time half of the ministers are women, and Ramaphosa said "a significant number" of young people have been included.
He reduced the number of ministers from 36 to 28. In 1994, Nelson Mandela had 28 ministers, with 14 deputy ministers. Former president Thabo Mbeki had 28 ministers, while former president Jacob Zuma had 36 ministers, with 37 deputy ministers.
• The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is Thoko Didiza. [A new combined ministry.]

•The Deputy Ministers are Sdumo Dlamini and Mcebisi Skwatsha.

•The Minister of Basic Education is Angie Motshekga.

•The Deputy Minister is Dr Regina Mhaule.

• The Minister of Communications is Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.

•The Deputy Minister is Pinky Kekana.

•The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

•The Deputy Ministers are Parks Tau and Obed Bapela.

•The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

•The Deputy Minister is Thabang Makwetla.

•The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries is Barbara Creecy. [A new combined ministry]

•The Deputy Minister is Maggie Sotyu.

•The Minister of Employment and Labour is Thulas Nxesi. ["Employment" is a new addition.]

•The Deputy Minister is Boitumelo Moloi.

•The Minister of Finance is Tito Mboweni.

•The Deputy Minister is Dr David Masondo.

•The Minister of Health is Dr Zwelini Mkhize.

•The Deputy Minister is Dr Joe Phaahla.

•The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology is Dr Blade Nzimande. [A new combined ministry.]

•The Deputy Minister is Buti Manamela.

•The Minister of Home Affairs is Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

•The Deputy Minister is Njabulo Nzuza.

•The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation is Lindiwe Sisulu. [A new combined ministry.]

•The Deputy Ministers are Pam Tshwete and David Mahlobo.

•The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is Dr Naledi Pandor.

•The Deputy Ministers are Alvin Botes and Candith Mashego-Dlamini.

•The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services is Ronald Lamola.

•The Deputy Ministers are John Jeffery and Inkosi Phathekile Holomisa.

•The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy is Gwede Mantashe.

•The Deputy Minister is Bavelile Hlongwa.

•The Minister of Police is General Bheki Cele.

•The Deputy Minister is Cassel Mathale.

•The Minister in the Presidency is Jackson Mthembu.

•The Deputy Minister in the Presidency is Thembi Siweya.

•The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

•The Deputy Minister is Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize.

•The Minister of Public Enterprises is Pravin Gordhan.

•The Deputy Minister is Phumulo Masualle.

•The Minister of Public Service and Administration is Senzo Mchunu.

•The Deputy Minister is Sindy Chikunga.

•The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Patricia De Lille.

•The Deputy Minister is Noxolo Kiviet.

•The Minister of Small Business Development is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

•The Deputy Minister is Rosemary Capa.

•The Minister of Social Development is Lindiwe Zulu.

•The Deputy Minister is Henrietta Bogopane-Zulu.

•The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture is Nathi Mthethwa. [A new combined ministry.]

•The Deputy Minister is Nocawe Mafu.

•The Minister of State Security is Ayanda Dlodlo.

•The Deputy Minister is Zizi Kodwa.

•The Minister of Tourism is Nkhensani Kubayi-Ngubane.

•The Deputy Minister is Fish Mahlalela.

•The Minister of Trade and Industry is Ebrahim Patel.

•The Deputy Ministers are Fikile Majola and Nomalungelo Gina.

•The Minister of Transport is Fikile Mbalula.

•The Deputy Minister is Dikeledi Magadzi.

NEWS24

Pumas set to pounceWelwitschias learning curve continues ahead of World Cup Namibia may not be having it easy in this season's SuperSport Rugby Challenge, but the boys have another chance to atone against the Pumas.

The Windhoek Draught Welwitschias are set to play log leaders, the ISG Pumas, at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge.

They will have a huge mountain to climb tomorrow, following five straight defeats so far this season, including last weekend's 81-8 thumping by the Leopards on their home turf.

The only try for the home side came from replacement forward Uazikamisa Mieze in the 49th minute, with Henrique Olivier slotting a first-half penalty goal.

Namibia are at the bottom of their group and with no hope of making it to the next stages of the tournament. Tomorrow's match is expected to kick off at 15:00.

The Welwitschias began their SuperSport Rugby Challenge campaign on the back foot, with a 23-40 defeat to the Xerox Golden Lions in their first match.

They then suffered a 21-87 defeat to the Vodacom Blue Bulls in their second SuperSport Rugby Challenge match.

The team also lost 24-61- to the Tafel Lager Griquas in their third match and lost their fourth match 24-34 to the Griffons.

Namibia's first-choice players were unavailable for the match against the Leopards last weekend, as most of them left for the Rugby Nations Cup tournament in Uruguay.

A squad of locally based players were selected for the final matches of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge.

The only match left for the Namibians will be against the Falcons on 8 June.

As it stands, the Pumas lead the group on 25 points, followed by the Tafel Lager Griquas on 21 points. They are followed by the Golden Lions (17), Vodacom Blue Bulls (15) and Valke (13), while sixth spot is occupied by the Leopards (11) and seventh by the Down Touch Griffons (11). Namibia sit at the bottom of the log with no points.

The Welwitschias squad is as follows: Wilfred Saunderson, Gerhard Thirion, Simon Kanime, Ruan Ludick, Reinhardt Carelse, Joshua Jacobs, Kami Mieze, Driaan Vorster, JC Winker, Hanreco van Zyl, Paulus Hangula, Henrique Olivier, Milan van Wyk, Jamie Joseph, Lorenzo Louis, Roderique Victor, Graham April, Enzio Kotzee, Gilad Kotzee, Gilad Plaatjies, Jay-C Olivier, Chad Plato and Russell van Wyk.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Soweto rivalry reignited ‘Beer Cup’ to boost derby Pirates and Chiefs are set to clash in the Carling Black Label Cup on 27 July.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

South Africa’s most sought-after pre-season showpiece, the Carling Black Label Cup, was launched at Park Station in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Following a year long hiatus, the country’s most innovative sporting fixture makes a return this year with two of the biggest clubs in South Africa - Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates - scheduled to battle for the coveted title in the eighth edition on 27 July, in what is expected to be a exciting Soweto derby.

The cup was first launched in 2011. Pirates have won it four times, while Chiefs have lifted the trophy three times. Both clubs through Happy Jele (captain of Pirates) and Willard Katsande (vice-captain of Chiefs) vowed to lift the cup and boost their players ahead of the 2019/20 premier league season.

“We had a great season. We showed that we wanted to win and now we are looking forward to the next season and to keeping the momentum going,” Jele said.

He said the cup helps by building the morale of the players through winning trophies and they will use the match to show that they mean business next season.

Katsande said that winning on all fronts is the only way they can revive the club’s glory days.

“This is not an easy cup. It’s huge because we know the history of the two clubs. Whenever they meet, there’s no friendly match,” he said.

“This will be our first competitive match of the pre-season and it’s going to gauge how far we are. When we win against Pirates, it gives an extra boost going forward. We need to give our all and try to redeem ourselves.”

Katsande further described the past season as “embarrassing”.

“Wherever we go people are laughing and criticising us. But we will use the criticism and work harder for the next season, in order to avoid being a laughing stock,” added the Chiefs vice-captain.

Pirates’ coach Micho Sredojevic represented the club, while former Bafana Bafana star Shaun Bartlett stood in for Chiefs in his capacity as assistant coach, in the absence of coach Ernst Middendorp, who many feel will be axed following a horror 2018/19 season.

Chiefs ended ninth on the log, while Pirates took second spot.

“He is around. The invite that was extended to us as a club was for the captain and the assistant coach. That is why I am here and not the coach, but unfortunately I don’t think their (Pirates) assistant coaches are in the country due to post-season trips or for whatever reason,” Bartlett said at the launch.

One of the special guests at the event was former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who was pleased with the fans’ involvement in the game.

Khomas rewards netball players

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Under-19 netball players who represented the Khomas Region at the 2019 Namibian Newspaper Cup were handed a token of appreciation by the Khomas Netball Federation on Tuesday.

The players were recognised and lauded for their efforts, which saw them finishing second in this year’s edition held in Mariental in April.

Khomas lost 28-45 to Erongo in the final of the netball tournament.

The players were given N$300 each as a form of compensation for representing the region at the tournament.

Khomas Netball Region public relations officer Isack Hamata sang the praises of the players, despite them not winning the competition.

Hamata believes Khomas is still the country’s biggest netball region, even if they did not win gold at the tournament.

“We do know that what we are giving out here is not enough, but we would like to thank all of the players that participated in this competition.

“We said it is all about development. Even if you did not win, we are here to celebrate with you. It is a pity we did not win gold, but there is always a next time. It is not a big amount of money, but it is the gesture from our side that says we are thankful for your performance,” Hamata said.

The Khomas netball team received N$15 000 for finishing second at the competition.

An amount of N$10 000 was deducted from the N$15 000 for operational purposes.

The remaining N$5 000 was split equally amongst the players and the technical team.

Hamata emphasised the importance of having an outreach programme aimed at mobilising more netball players to join the regional team and to play netball in general.

The programme will first target remote places in the region, where access to information is limited.

Places like Groot Aub, Dordabis and the outskirts of Katutura will be targeted first.

Hamata reminded the local players that netball is played as a professional sport in other countries and that players make large amounts of money from it.