Namibian Sun

It is commendable that government is finally focusing on doing things right and in the interest of Namibians. The recent directive by finance minister Calle Schlettwein discouraging the importing of bottled water, vegetables, fruit, poultry, cleaning materials, toilet paper, dairy products, seafood, fish, meat and meat products, among others, is indeed laudable and good news to many business owners who are desperately trying to sustain their operations in these tough times. This week, New Era also reported that government has directed all its offices and agencies wishing to procure vehicles to ensure they are acquired from the Peugeot assembly plant in Walvis Bay. This is long overdue. According to the minister the directive is a measure to enable local participation in the economy and enhance domestic productive capacity within the framework of the Procurement Act of 2015. The sluggish and weak domestic economy has battered many businesses. Job creation in this country has been woefully off target for many years and we are actually seeing more and more Namibians losing their jobs on a larger scale than ever before. Companies have been forced to unexpectedly shed jobs because of the poor-performing economy and the country slipping into an economic depression. There is no doubt that small businesses are among the biggest providers of jobs in this country and government has a moral obligation to support Namibian entrepreneurs, in order to grow the economy. As well-respected economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu highlighted earlier this week, the noble idea to ban imports should go hand in hand with increased support for local businesses. However, support for locals should not end here. The authorities must also ensure that there are measures to strengthen industrialisation, through the conversation of raw materials into finished goods. Essentially, the processing of raw materials and manufacturing will not only spur job creation, but ensure long-term sustainability and profitability. The time is now to put Namibia and its people first, and this must be done with the utmost urgency.

Commercial mahangu crisis

Namibia has run out of mahangu for commercial milling purposes, but the country's borders have not been opened for imports, after being closed in January.

According to Pieter van Niekerk, commercial manager of Namib Mills, the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) confirmed to them that they had purchased the last locally available mahangu, about 70 tonnes.

The remainder of the mahangu, Van Niekerk said, was to be reserved for the food relief programme. He told Namibian Sun that to supply the current demand in the market for their Meme Mahangu brand, Namib Mills' needs to mill 11 tonnes of mahangu daily.

“Currently we have five tonnes of mahangu left,” he said, adding that Namib Mills will be out of stock of Meme Mahangu in just over six days. “Letters to this effect have been sent to our clients.”

AMTA had advised that the border was opened for mahangu imports on 18 December last year, but were closed again on 22 January to allow farmers to sell their surplus product from the 2018 harvest season. Agriculture ministry executive director Percy Misika announced in a 23 January media statement that the “Namibian Agronomic Board will close the borders for the importation of mahangu until all the available surplus mahangu is marketed”.

To further compound matters, should the borders be opened immediately, it will take another 65 days from the contract date to import mahangu, as it is imported via Namport from India.

Moreover, two SME millers purchase mahangu from Namib Mills, and the company cannot supply their clients at this point, as their factories are idle. Sofia Negonga from Punikwa Agro-Processing in Windhoek, supplies mahangu flour.

“My primary market are residents of informal settlements in Windhoek. We are now threatening our own food security in this time of drought,” she said.

Negonga, who has six full-time employees, told Namibian Sun she would have to retrench three immediately, and if the situation was not rectified soon, she would have to close her business.

She has written to the NAB CEO Fidelis Mwazi, but told Namibian Sun he informed her that the matter was with the agriculture minister.

Van Niekerk also expressed his concern over the crisis and said Namib Mills would lose N$2 million in monthly revenue, adding that “if sanity prevails and the borders are opened soonest for the importation of mahangu, retrenchments are unlikely”.

On 6 May, President Hage Geingob declared the current crippling drought a national disaster, while in March cabinet announced a N$572.7 million drought relief package for 2019 to 2020.

Neither AMTA nor the agriculture ministry had responded to questions at the time of going to print.

YANNA SMITH

'Ban foreigner land sales'Traditional communities make impassioned appeal to govt The traditional authorities say they represent those who remain landless in their own motherland.

Sixteen traditional authorities have appealed to the government to place a moratorium on the sale of land to foreigners.

They also asked the government not to allow close corporations in which foreigners have controlling interests to acquire land in Namibia until mechanisms to address restorative justice are put in place. These should include policy and legal frameworks for the expropriation of land.

The traditional authorities also want the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Claims of Ancestral Land Rights and Restitution to be published.

In a statement issued by these traditional authorities questions were raised about the recent acquisition of land in Namibia by foreigners despite resolutions made at the second national land conference.

Specific mention was made of Russian oligarch Rashid Sardarov, who bought four farms in the Dordabis area, and Mexican billionaire Alberto Bailleres, who is finalising a sales agreement to purchase Erindi Private Game Reserve.

The statement points out that the land conference adopted resolutions which included that foreign-owned agricultural land should be expropriated with just compensation, a stand-alone law on expropriation should be passed, and that the sale of farmland through subdivision or ownership by close corporations, companies and any other entities should be restricted.

Furthermore, it was resolved to identify alternative measures to restore social justice and ensure economic empowerment of the affected communities to formulate legislation to cater for ancestral land claims and restitution and to develop land allocation mechanisms that prioritise the most affected communities.

“These reoccurring tendencies of irresponsible behaviour which are tantamount and being perceived as self-enrichment and corruption of some crooked executives and politicians who act with impunity and conniving with foreign nationals to acquire our ancestral land will be met with resistance in the not too distant future. The people will rise to the challenge,” the statement reads.

The traditional authorities said that by law and tradition they represent people who have been made landless in their own motherland and that they cannot allow a situation whereby their ancestral land will be sold irresponsibly.

“We really do not want to be in conflict with our government but if sensitive issues like our ancestral land restoration are not taken seriously we cannot sit and fold our hands.”

They further appealed to the government to uphold principles of accountability, transparency, integrity and honesty. According to them these principles seem to be absent at the moment when dealing with very important, emotive, bread-and-butter matters of ancestral land which are in the interest of peace and stability.

“It is absolutely imperative that the land issue is handled with care and intellect because of the importance and sensitivity of the matter at hand.”

A statement issued on behalf of Mexican billionaire Bailleres on the proposed sale of Erindi said the transaction-oriented due diligence confirmed that Erindi would not be suitable for farming or resettlement, but holds important potential as an area for wildlife conservation.

The agreement with the Russian oligarch Sardarov was signed about two weeks before Namibia's second national land conference.

According to the agreement Sardarov bought the four farms and would donate them to the Namibian government in exchange for a 99-year lease.

Saradov paid 2 500 per hectare for the four farms, totalling around N$43.5 million. Farm Rainhoff, Kameelboom and Smaldeel, totalling 11 402 hectares, were sold as a unit for N$28.5 million while Farm Wolfsgrund was sold for N$14.9 million and is 5 989 hectares in size.

Under lease agreement Saradov would pay N$160 168 in rent for the first quarter of each year in 2018/19 and thereafter the land tax paid by owners of commercial farms must be paid.

Saradov now has in his control slightly more than 45 000 hectares of land in Namibia.

He already owned a 28 000-hectare Dordabis farm housing Marula Game Lodge, and previously indicated his intention to acquire a further 18 000 hectares of neighbouring farms.

ELLANIE SMIT

Students demand minister's head

The anger and frustration being experienced by thousands of Namibian households spilled over into the streets on Wednesday, when students, among others, demanded the resignation of higher education minister Itah Kandji-Murangi over the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) funding debacle.

NSFAF announced recently that out of the 15 087 students who met the minimum requirements for funding, only 2 925, which is less than 20%, will receive funding in the current academic year.

The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) leadership met with President Hage Geingob last week to highlight their unhappiness and that those being left out include the children of domestic workers and security guards, but received no joy from the head of state.

On Wednesday emotions ran high when students from various tertiary institutions took to the streets and marched to the NSFAF headquarters and the higher education ministry. Their demands included that Kandji-Murangi resign.

The group handed over a petition to NSFAF acting CEO Kennedy Kandume in which they demanded that all outstanding tuition and non-tuition fees, dating back to 2017, be paid by 15 June.

Kandume informed the students the fund would study the document before responding.

“We heard you loud and clear. We will study it in detail and get back to you,” he said, as the students demanded a specific date.

“I think it is only fair, as NSFAF, to be given a chance to go and study this document and come back to you. We will give you a timeframe as to when we will come back to you through your leadership,” Kandume said. The students also demanded that all predetermined funding rates be abolished and that there should be equity for all students, regardless of the institution they are enrolled at.

“Fund all 12 000 students; we are all needy and poor. Abolish the NSFAF drafted policy, which is discriminating against students, as it doesn't serve all students' interests, but the minister's. Students' proof of registration must be the NSFAF policy and eligibility criteria. Remove and replace the current NSFAF board, as they so not have the interest of students at heart,” the petition said.

“The minister of higher education must resign, as she is causing more harm to students and bringing division among student leaders.”

The students are demanding that their expectations be met before or on 15 June.

“Failure to meet these demands, we have our hidden mechanism to put an end to this act of killing the future of our youth and the nation. Be ready; this is just the beginning of youth liberation,” the petition added.

Last Wednesday the Nanso leadership received a grilling from Geingob during a meeting to discuss a number of issues, including that NSFAF is not able to assist a whopping 12 000 students that qualify for funding.

Geingob wanted to know on Wednesday: “Are they all poor?”

“Where is the role of the parents? Are you telling me that everybody must be educated by government? Must government also pay for the rich people's children?” he asked.

Geingob also asked whether government must pay scholarships to businesspeople's children.

“Everything is government, government. Out of the 15 000 how many are poor?”

He also wanted to know how many children of rich people were admitted to these tertiary institutions.

“Some parents must pay for their children.”

Nanso secretary-general Simon Taapopi interjected to explain that all 15 000 students who applied to NSFAF for funding were evaluated and qualified based on their academic and economic backgrounds.

“Some of these children are children of domestic workers and security guards,” said Taapopi.

Geingob continued questioning the economic backgrounds of the 12 000 who have been excluded from receiving NSFAF funding, despite Taapopi's explanation.

“Are they all poor? You are giving the impression that everybody is poor. Let each give according to his ability and let government concentrate on the needy,” Geingob added.

JEMIMA BEUKES

'Only the start'Klopp predicts more good times ahead for Liverpool Jurgen Klopp says he is 'relieved' to have ended his streak of defeats in cup finals after lifting the Champions League trophy with Liverpool.

A first trophy in seven years for Liverpool, and a first win in seven finals for Jurgen Klopp. The European Cup is heading back to Anfield for the sixth time and their manager is confident there is much more to come.

A beaming Klopp revealed after Saturday's 2-0 final victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid that he had received a congratulatory phonecall from Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.

Three weeks ago, the Reds were denied a first league title in 30 years by City, despite losing just once and racking up 97 points, but winning the Champions League makes up for that disappointment.

“We promised each other already that we will kick our butts next year again,” Klopp said of his brief exchange with Guardiola in between speaking to the world's media at the Metropolitano Stadium. “We will go for everything and we'll see if we get something.”

It was a sentiment shared by centre-back Virgil van Dijk as he spoke after being named man of the match in the final.

“In July when we start again, everyone starts on nil and everyone's working towards their goals,” he declared.

“Obviously we want to challenge for every trophy if possible. We have the squad for it, but you've also seen it this year, you still have to do it, and hopefully we can challenge Manchester City again next season for the title, because I don't think they will go anywhere, so we won't go anywhere either.”

Liverpool had won nothing at all since defeating Cardiff City on penalties in the League Cup final in 2012. A trophy, but not on the same level as this.

After losing the Europa League final in 2016 and last year's Champions League final against Real Madrid, Liverpool seized their chance this time thanks to Mohamed Salah's early penalty and Divock Origi's late strike.

This was already a club reborn under the German's management, but such a tangible reward was needed, three and a half years on from his arrival on Merseyside.

“I'm interested really in development, but I get it, we have to win things, and so it's really important that people don't ask now all the time about not winning things,” he said.

“Now we won something, and we will carry on, we want to win things, 100 percent.

“This is only the start for this group, it's a wonderful age group, they still have the best times in their career still ahead of them, so that's big.”

The former Borussia Dortmund coach has continually improved Liverpool in his time at the club, and nowhere was that more evident on Saturday than in goal.

Twelve months after two hideous errors by Loris Karius cost them dear against Real, his replacement Alisson showed just why Liverpool were prepared to pay £66.8 million (75 million euros, US$84 million) to sign him from Roma as he made several key saves late in the game.

“He of course played a sensational game, he looked completely unbeatable pretty much,” said Klopp.

Van Dijk was again outstanding too, so good that it was put to him that he could be a contender to win this year's Ballon d'Or. It was not a great game and it was not a vintage Liverpool performance, but Klopp emphasised the importance of getting over the line. Now he will hope to strengthen again for next season, although they don't have long, with the new campaign starting on August 10.

Four days after that they will play Europa League winners Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul, and some fans will already be dreaming of a return to the Turkish city next year when it hosts the 2020 Champions League final.

“We know that sometimes we carry the burden of history and making Istanbul happen again will be a target I would say, but it will be difficult,” warned Klopp.

Liverpool's previous Champions League triumph before this came in Istanbul in 2005, when they went 3-0 down to AC Milan but came back to win on penalties.

Van Dijk added: “To be two years in a row in the Champions League final, it's something we hope to do every year, but we know ourselves how difficult it is to reach.”

NAMPA/AFP

We achieved our purpose - BenjaminCosafa players join Afcon training Gallant as their performances were, a youthful Brave Warriors side exited the Cosafa Cup due to inexperience, but achieved their purpose at the tournament.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Brave Warriors Cosafa Cup coach Collin Benjamin says they achieved their purpose of giving the boys much-needed exposure and experience.

“We also got positive wins and at the same time the loss against Malawi was a valuable experience. We got to see who is who. There is a whole lot of work that needs to be done. We saw who needs power and who needs work with their reactions,” said Benjamin.

The coach took a youthful squad to the Cosafa Cup in order to prepare the side for the upcoming Chan qualifiers.

He has previously emphasised that their plan was not to win the cup, but rather to offer opportunities and expose players to high-level competition.

Namibia were in Group B with Malawi, Seychelles and Mozambique. They won their first match against Mozambique 2-1, with the opening goal coming from Joslyn Kamatuka in the 69th minute, with Absalom Iimbondi the provider. Iimbondi also scored the second goal and earned the man of the match award.

In their second match the Namibians were defeated by 1-2 by Malawi.

The fiercely contested game saw Namibia take the lead through a well-taken header by defender Charles Hambira in the 16th minute.

Malawi opened their account with a great goal from a tight angle by striker Gabadinho Mhango, three minutes from the break.

Malawi substitute Gerald Phiri Junior got the winner from the penalty spot following the restart, after a foul in the box.

Namibia’s third match saw them thrashing Seychelles 3-0 on Thursday evening. Top goal-scorer in the Namibia Premier League (NPL), Issaskar Gurirab, found the net twice, and the third goal came from Sadney Urikhob. Gurirab’s performance won him the man of the match accolade.

Afcon preparations

With their Cosafa Cup having ended, Brave Warriors head coach Ricardo Mannetti announced a 28-man training squad ahead of Afcon 2019, which will take place in Egypt. The squad will be based in Dubai from today.

Mannetti added the likes of Gurirab, Iimbondi, Hambira, Kamatuka, Loydt Kazapua, Wesley Katjiteo, Marcel Papama, Ivan Kamberipa, Ratanda Mbazuvara, Dynamo Fredericks and Larry Horaeb to the squad.

Namibia will only travel with 23 players from Dubai to Cairo for the Afcon tourney.

The squad is as follows: Ratanda Mbazuvara, Virgil Vries, Loydt Kazapua, Maximilian Mbaeva, Ryan Nyambe, Larry Horaeb, Chris Katjiukua, Teberius Lombard, Denzil Haoseb, Ivan Kamberipa, Charles Hambira, Riaan !Hanamub, Ananias Gebhardt, Absalom Iimbondi, Willy Stephanus, Petrus Shitembi, Ronald Ketjijere, Marcel Papama, Dynamo Fredericks, Manfred Starke, Wesley Katjiteo, Benjamin Nenkavu, Deon Hotto, Itamunua Keimuine, Joslin Kamatuka, Peter Shalulile, Benson Shilongo and Issaskar Gurirab.

Underdog delivers a TKOJoshua sensationally beaten by Ruiz Andy Ruiz Jr sprung one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight championship history when he spoiled Anthony Joshua's US debut with a seventh-round TKO.

Anthony Joshua's bid to make a splash in his US debut ended in misery for the three belt heavyweight world champion with a stunning loss to underdog Andy Ruiz at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

Ruiz recorded a monster upset, by knocking down Britain's Joshua four times to take the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization titles.

The 29-year-old Ruiz came into the fight as a massive 32-1 underdog. But he won it by TKO in the middle of the seventh when the referee stopped it at 1:26 of the round after the fourth knockdown.

Ruiz, sent to the canvas once himself, knocked Joshua down twice in the third round and twice more in the seventh.

“I still can't believe it. I am still pinching myself to see if this is real,” Ruiz said.

Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) had a massive height and reach advantage as he weighed in at a chiselled 247 pounds (112.4 kilos) alongside the portly Ruiz, who beefed up to 268 pounds compared to 250 for his most recent fight.

Ruiz, who has won four fights in a row, looked fearless and poised while Joshua - who delivered 21 knockouts in his 22 victories -- never seemed to recover from the first knockdown early in the third.

“Riuz won fair and square but I know Anthony Joshua's work ethic.

Great fighters come back and improve,” said Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn.

Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) has been underestimated because of his physique, but he knew what was at stake and how fortunate he was to get a second chance at a world title.

He was a late replacement for Jarrell Miller, who withdrew from the bout with Joshua after failing three drug tests in April.

“Everything is possible man. Look at me, I just made history,” Ruiz said. Joshua was knocked down for the first time in the third when Ruiz hit him with a left hook to the temple.

Realizing he had the champ in trouble, Ruiz then charged forward and got the second knockdown by connecting on a straight right.

Joshua got up at the count of eight but it was late in the round and he was saved by the bell.

“The speed got him,” said Ruiz.

Ruiz was the first to go to the mat when he got hit by a left hook from Joshua earlier in the third.

Joshua got up after the third knockdown and fourth knockdowns in the seventh but he spat out his mouthguard and the referee waived it off while he leaned on the ropes.

Joshua needed medical attention after the bout and did not attend the post fight news conference.

Joshua, who won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics, was coming off a nine-month layoff since knocking out Alexander Povetkin in September.

Ruiz's ambush win is being hailed by some as one of the major upsets in heavyweight history, ranking with 42-1 underdog Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson in 1990 and Leon Spinks' 15-round split decision over Muhammad Ali in 1978.

“We did an upset, just exactly what I have been saying from all the people that doubted me, I just proved them wrong,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz, who was born in San Diego and carries a US passport, considers himself Mexican and is now the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent.

“I think Mexico has a champ in every weight and now we have a heavyweight champion. I am so happy,” said Ruiz.

The loss will be devastating for the career of Joshua who was looking past Ruiz for a superfight unification showdown with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Together with Briton Tyson Fury they are trying to revive the sport's prestige division but the inability to get them together in the ring had left a sour taste in the mouth of boxing fans. One of the first to pile on Joshua was Wilder who tweeted, “He wasn't a true champion.

His whole career was consistent of lies, contradiction and gifts .... now we know who was running from who!!!!”

Fury was less critical, tweeting “We have our back and Forth's but @anthonyfjoshua changed his stars through life, heavyweight boxing. These things happen, rest up, recover, regroup and come again.”

NAMPA/AFP

Aayelele ya patwelwa pondje mOhangwenaOshitopolwa sha yamukula kutya inashi pewa elombwelo lyokushangitha aakwashigwana mboka Nonando omalelo giitopolwa oga lombwelwa opo ga kwatelemo meshangitho lyoprograma yoshikukuta aakwashigwana ayehe naamboka ya kala inaya talika monakuziwa, aakwashigwana yomuhoko gwAayelele moshitopolwa shaHangwena okwa lopotwa kutya inaya shangithwa moprograma ndjoka.

Oshitopolwa shaHangwena oshimwe shomiitopolwa yi na omwaalu guli pombanda gwaakwashigwana mboka ya kala inaya talika monakuziwa na otaya lumbu monkalo yoluhepo na oya tongolwa moshitopolwa shoka okuza kaakwashigwana yakwawo.

Omunashipundi gwOhangwena regional council, Erickson Ndawanifa okwa koleke kutya oshitopolwa inashi kwatelamo momashangitho aakwashigwana yomuhoko gwAayelele molwaashoka inaya pewa elombwelo ye shi ninge. Nonando ongaaka itashi tsu kumwe nomapopyo gomunambelewa gwochief regional officer, Fillipus Shilongo, ngoka a popi kutya oya yakula elombwelo kutya aakwashigwana mboka oya kwatelwa mo momiyalu dhomayalulo ngoka ga ningwa kepangelo.

“Inatu mona elombwelo ndyoka tali tu tseyithile opo tu kwatelemo Aayelele meshangitho lyoprograma yoondya dhoshikukuta. Aantu mboka oye na oprograma yawo ndjoka hayi ya pe oondya okupitila mOmbelelwa yOmupeha Presidende, onkene katu na ontseyo ngele oprograma yawo oya kalekwa na otwa pumbwa okuya kwatelamo momashangitho ngoka tatu ningi,” Ndawanifa a popi.

Epangelo olya ningi etseyitho kutya aanamangumbo mboka ye na iiyemo ya tulwa kumwe ya thika pooN$2 600 itaya mono omayambidhidho goondya dhoshikukuta na omwa kwatelwa aaniilonga mboka haya mono oondjambi dhi li pevi.

Momasiku 10 gaMei, Ombelelwa yOmuprima oya gandja elombwelo koombelewa dhomalelo giitopolwa opo dhi shangithe aantu mboka taya pewa oondya dhoshikukuta na odha pewa sigo omasiku 16 gaMei opo ya kale ya gandja omadhina ngoka. Eshangitho ndyoka otali ningwa kooyene yomikunda oshowo kookomitiye dhoshikukuta dhoka dha totwa po momikunda.

Ndawanifa okwa popi kutya sho ya pewa elombwelo kOmbelewa yOmuprima kaya li taya vulu okugandja omiyalu dhomondjila muule woshiwike shimwe,onkene oya pula opo ya pewe sigo omasiku 24 gaMei.

Okwa popi kutya oya pula opo ya gwedhelwe omasiku molwaashoka andola inaya vula okugandja omauyelele gomondjila.

Shilongo okwa popi kutya elelepeko lyomasiku gokushangithwa olya ningwa opo omashangitho ga kwatelemo aantu ayehe mboka ya pumbwa okushangithwa.

“Moshitopolwa shaHangwena katu na omukundu gwasha naantu mboka ya kala inaya talika nale molwaashoka oya kwatelwamo moprograma yoshikukuta ngaashi owala aantu ayehe. Oshili kutya elombwelo olye ya lya lata na otwa pula egwedhelo lyomasiku opo tu kwashilipaleke kutya aantu ayehe oya kwatelwa mo,” Shilongo a popi.

“Nonando inaya shangithwa miikandjohogololo yawo, otu na nale omiyalu dhawo moompangela dhomayambulepo onkene inaku pumbiwa opo ya ka shangwe.”

Oshitopolwa shaShikoto oshowo Oshana oya popi kutya oya shangitha nale aakwashigwana yomuhoko ngoka nonando inaya mona elombwelo kutya nayo otaya shangithwa nenge itaya shangithwa.

Oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun inashi vula okumona Omupeha omukomeho ngoka e na oshinakugwanithwa shaakwashigwana mboka ya kala inaya talika nale monakuziwa, Gerson Kamatuka.

Nonando ongaaka omunambelewa gwoompangela dhomayambulepo, Tomas Puleinge, okwa popi kutya omashangitho otaga kwatelemo aantu ayehe pwaahena ondjoolola yuukwatya wawo.

“Aantu mbyoka kaye shi yombelewa yomupevi presidende ihe aakalimo yomiikandjohololo mbyoka. Oya pumbwa okutalika ko ngaashi aantu ayehe,” Puleinge a popi.

Okabinete oka tseyitha oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 572.7kutya osha pumbiwa moprograma yokutopolela oshigwana ondya, omolwa onklao yoshikukuta ndjoka ya taalela oshigwana.

ILENI NANDJATO

Ompumbwe yomahangu mongeshefa

Namibia okwa lopotwa kutya okwa taalela ompumbwe yiilya yomahangu mongeshefa yokulonga omausila noongamba dhoshilongo inadhi patululwa nokupitika e eto lyiilandomwa okuza pondje yoshilongo, konima sho dha li dha pwatwa muJanuari.

Pahapu dhaPieter van Niekerk, menindjela gwomalanditho moNamib Mills, ehangano lyoAgro Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) olya koleke kuyo kutya olya landa omahangu ga hugunina ga thika pootona 70 moshilongo.

Omahangu ngoka ga hupuko oga nuninwa oprograma yoshikukuta omolwa onkalo yoshikukuta ndjoka ya taalela oshilongo.

Okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya opo ya vule okuthitika omwaka ngoka gu li mongeshefa ngashiingeyi komausila gawo gaMeme Mahangu oya pumbwa okutsa ootona dhiilya dha thika po 11 mesiku.

“Monena otu na owala ootona ntano dhomahangu,” omunambelewa ngoka a popi nokugwedha po kutya taya ka taalela ompumbwe yuusila waMeme Mahangu muule owala womasiku gahamano.

Okwa popi kutya oya tumina nale aayakulwa yawo omikanda.

AMTA okwa popi kutya oongamba odha li dha patululwa nokupitika elando lyomahangu okuza pondje momasiku 18 gaDesemba omvula ya piti ihe odha patwa ishewe momasiku 22 gaJanuari opo ku gandjwe ompito kaanamapya yomoshilongo ya vule okulanditha po omahangu gawo ngoka ye na, okuza meteyo lyomvula yo 2018.

Omunambelewa Omukuluntu muuministeli wuunamapya, Percy Misika okwa li a ningi etseyitho miikundaneki momasiku 23 gaJanuari kutya otaya pata oongamba sigo omahangu agehe ngoka ge li maanafaalama yomoshilongo ga landithwa po.

Nonando ongamba odha patululwa ngashiingeyi otashi kutha omasiku ge li po 65 opo iilya mbyoka yi thike moNamibia okuza koIndia hoka hayi landwa.

Aanangeshefa yaali yopetameko mboka haya landa omahangu okuza moNamib Mills, itaya vulu ngashiingeyi okugandja omayakulo kaayakulwa yawo omolwaashoka ngashiingeyi itaya vulu okutsa omahangu ngoka nokulanditha omausila ngaashi haye shi ningi shito.

Sofia Negonga gwehangano lyoPunikwa Agro-Processing mOvenduka okwa popi kutya aalandi yawo unene aakalimo yomomalukanda mOvenduka, ihe ngashiingeyi oye na ompumbwe yomausila na kaye na shoka taya vulu okulanditha kaalandi yawo.

Negonga, ngoka e na aaniilonga ye li yahamano okwa popi kutya onkalo otayi mu thiminike opo a kuthe miilonga aaniilonga yatatu nongele onkalo inayi lunduluka nena otaka thiminikwa opo a pate ongeshefa ye.

Okwa popi kutya okwa shangela omukanda Omunambelewa Omukuluntuwiliki gwoNAB, Fidelis Mwazi, na okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya Mwazi okwe mu tseyithile kutya oshikumungu shoka oshi li kuuministeli wuunamapya.

Van Niekerk naye okwa holola woo omaiyuvo ge omolwa onkalo ndjoka ta popi kutya ehangano lyawo otali ka kanitha iiyemo yi li poomiliyona 2 komwedhi, ta popi kutya ngele oongamba odha patululwa mbala nokulanda omahangu pondje nena otashi gamenena po oompito dhiilonga dhaaniilonga na itaku ningwa omakutho miilonga.

Momasiku ga 6 gaMei, omuleli gwaNamibia, Hage Geingob okwa tseyitha kutya onkalo yoshikukuta moshilongo oya ninga onkalo yopaulumomhumbwe ngashiingeyi, omanga muMaalitsa okabinete ka tseyitha kutya otaku pumbiwa oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 572.7 megandjo lyoondya dhoshikukuta pokati komvula yo 2019 no 2020.

AMTA oshowo uuministeli wuunamapya inaya yamukula komapulo ngoka ya ningilwa omanga onkundana ndjika inayi nyanyangithwa.

YANNA SMITH

Huge blow for insurance firmsSupreme Court rules in Schlettwein, NamibRe's favour Finance minister Calle Schlettwein has welcomed the ruling by the Supreme Court last week.

Eight insurance companies that are challenging the constitutionality of a law requiring them to do business with the state-owned Namibia National Reinsurance Corporation (NamibRe), were dealt a severe blow in their ongoing legal battle with finance minister Calle Schlettwein in the Supreme Court last week.

The court ruled that the minister and NamibRe may appeal a judgement that was delivered on the matter by High Court judge Thomas Masuku in September last year.

Schlettwein and NamibRe dragged Hollard Insurance Company of Namibia Limited, Hollard Life Namibia Limited, Sanlam Namibia Limited, Santam Namibia Limited, Trustco Insurance Limited, Trustco Life Limited, Outsurance Insurance Company of Namibia Limited, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Namibia Limited and their respective CEOs to court after they refused to re-insure a percentage of their insurance premiums with NamibRe, in defiance of the legislation.

In his judgment, Masuku had ordered that the implementation of constitutionally-questioned parts of the NamibRe Act, and regulations and government notices issued in terms of it near the end of 2017, would be suspended until pending legal challenges against the law have been finalised.

Schlettwein and NamibRe then filed an application for leave to appeal in the Supreme Court, but Masuku dismissed their request.

A petition was then filed at the Supreme Court to ask for permission to appeal against Masuku's decision. However, acting appeal judge Theo Frank refused the petition near the end of January this year.

This led to an application to the Supreme Court, based on complaints by Schlettwein and NamibRe that Frank should not have dealt with the case, as he represented insurance companies in a prior litigation.

Schlettwein welcomed the ruling by the Supreme Court in a statement last week.

“It is an important step in strengthening reinsurance in Namibia and ending the current outflows of reinsurance premiums from the domestic economy,” he said.

According to the finance ministry the Supreme Court has upheld, with costs, the government's application to set aside - on grounds of a reasonable perception of bias - a ruling made by Frank.

“Acting Justice Theo Frank, the Supreme Court held, had ties to the insurance industry which were such that he should not have sat in the matter. These ties include arguing for insurers in an unsuccessful constitutional litigation and his current chairmanship of the Nedlife holding company, which is one of the litigants in the main proceedings,” the ministry said.

Having reached these conclusions, the Supreme Court said it was satisfied that the test for recusal had been met, according to the ministry.

The ministry said that Frank was required to disclose his interests to the parties, but had not done so.

“Given these conclusions, the court held it was unnecessary to consider further aspects raised, including that as a director and now chairman of companies in the industry, Judge Frank was still receiving substantial emoluments while sitting in the matter. He had also served for years on the Trustco board.”

In the second part of the ruling, the Supreme Court reversed Frank's dismissal of government's application for leave to appeal against Masuku's ruling last year. In the judgment by Justice Petrus Damaseb, with which justices Elton Hoff and Bess Nkabinde concurred, the court described the government's prospects of success as more than reasonable.

The finance ministry said the appeal will be heard as soon as it can be enrolled.

ELLANIE SMIT

Fuel woes continue30 cents per litre price hike on Wednesday A dealer margin survey has indicated that fuel dealers are failing to run their businesses profitably, due to inflation and other cost factors.

Namibians are braced for yet another fuel price hike on Wednesday, while the Road Fund Administration (RFA) has also increased motor vehicle registration and licence fees.

Fuel pump prices at Walvis Bay will increase by 30 cents per litre for both 95 Octane unleaded petrol and diesel 50ppm.

Energy minister Tom Alweendo explained that fuel is traded internationally using US dollars. Therefore, local bulk importers convert Namibian dollars to US dollars to enable them to import fuel products.

The average exchange rate between the two currencies for the trading cycle between 26 April and 24 May was N$14.35 for one US dollar.

In contrast the average exchange rate for April was N$14.1.

“Therefore the latest figure of N$14.35 per US dollar indicates that the Namibian dollar has depreciated against the US dollar and therefore it has become more expensive to import fuel to Namibia,” Alweendo said. Fuel is traded in barrels, with one barrel equalling 159 litres.

For the trading cycle under review, one barrel of 95 Octane unleaded petrol traded at an average price of US$79.1 or N$1 135.24 and one barrel of diesel 50ppm traded at an average price of US$ 83.430 or N$1 197.37.

The average barrel prices recorded for April were US$80.725 or N$1 141.45 for Octane unleaded petrol and US$82.738 or N$1 169.92 for diesel 50ppm. This indicates that the average barrel prices have remained relatively stable.

“Barrel prices for refined fuel are determined by demand and supply factors mainly affecting the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), such as the cost of production, competition, profits and geopolitics,” Alweendo said.

According to him, the government sets fuel pump prices based on the latest market indicators every month, in order to ensure that fuel suppliers recover the costs of supplying fuel to Namibia.

“An under-recovery indicates that the suppliers have traded below the full cost of supply, while an over-recovery indicates that suppliers have traded above the cost of supply. The idea is, thus, for the government to keep the prices paid at the pumps equal to the actual cost of supply.”

Alweendo also said a dealer margin survey report was recently compiled and submitted to the ministry for consideration. This survey investigates the activities of fuel service stations.

The results of the report indicated that, on average, fuel dealers are failing to run their businesses profitably due to inflation and other cost factors. Since the fuel dealers operate in a price-controlled market, the government is obliged to review their margins from time to time and adjust them accordingly.

Guided by the results of the report and other technical considerations, such as the general inflation rate, the ministry has resolved to increase the dealer margin by six cents per litre to 106 cents on all controlled products, effective 5 June.

In line with the fuel pricing formula agreed between government and the local oil industry, the results for the trading cycle under review indicate that fuel suppliers are still trading below the cost of supply.

“Included in the 30 cents per litre adjustments is the six cents per litre for the dealer margin,” Alweendo said. Fuel pump prices in Walvis Bay will now be N$13.05/l for 95 Octane unleaded petrol and N$13.63/l for diesel 50ppm.

Fuel pump prices countrywide will be adjusted accordingly.

Alweendo said it should, however, be remembered that the final under-recoveries recorded at the end of April were not fully passed on to consumers, and as a result, the National Energy Fund (NEF) absorbed about N$112 million on behalf of consumers in under-recoveries during the last trading cycle alone.

He added that government would further like to reassure the public that it is committed to maintaining a stable fuel pricing framework that reflects market realities.

ELLANIE SMIT

Drought assistance welcomed

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has welcomed the positive response by Namibians in terms of assisting with drought relief efforts.

Kambwa Trading and Onambula Investment Group were specifically highlighted in a media release by the OPM, for having implemented a discount package on maize meal targeting vulnerable community members.

This follows the declaration of a drought state of emergency on 7 May.

Following this declaration the government called for assistance in cash and kind to assist affected communities.

According to the OPM drought relief efforts require a multidimensional approach. “It is for this reason that the emergency operations in the regions are spearheaded by regional national disaster committees, which are established by governors in each region, as per the Disaster Risk Management Act, in addition to the national efforts that are coordinated under the Office of the Prime Minister,” the media statement said.

The OPM has also received a cash donation of N$250 000 from Swakop Uranium. Kambwa Trading provides agricultural services to subsistence farmers and owns various shops in different towns, mostly in northern Namibia, while Onambula Investment Group is a Windhoek-based construction and project management company.

The businesses are providing a direct subsidy to affected community members. “The government welcomes this initiative and all other similar ones.”

The OPM further urged all Namibians to play their part in responding to the clarion call for assistance, in order to optimise support to those who are affected by the drought and who are unable to cope with the situation on their own.

The OPM also acknowledged, with appreciation, the pledges of support received from foreign governments and international organisations.

ELLANIE SMIT

England play down 500 talkWood may lead pace attack against Pakistan Scoring 500 in an ODI was once viewed as impossible, but given England's recent record-breaking exploits, it could well be possible today.

England may change a winning side by recalling fast bowler Mark Wood when they face Pakistan in their second 2019 Cricket World Cup match at Trent Bridge today.

The ground is renowned as a batsman's paradise, with England having twice set the world record for the highest score in a one-day international - 444 for three against Pakistan in 2016 and last year's 481 for six - on the very pitch that will be used for today's match at Trent Bridge.

Pakistan's batsmen had anything but an easy ride in Nottingham, as they succumbed to a bouncer barrage from the West Indies that saw them slump to 105 all out and a comprehensive defeat in their opening match of the World Cup on Friday.

England, who launched their quest to win the World Cup for the first time with a 104-run rout of South Africa at the Oval, in which fast bowler Jofra Archer starred, may now, in the light of Pakistan's problems against short-pitched bowling, unleash Wood in partnership with the Sussex speedster.

“We're aware of what went on yesterday,” England assistant coach Graham Thorpe said on Saturday.

“It was interesting viewing. The West Indies bowled very well, they looked like they roughed Pakistan up,” the former England batsman added.

“I think it (drafting Wood) will be discussed, to be honest.”

Wood has bowled a mere 13.1 overs since the start of the season, amid fears his longstanding left ankle injury could flare up again.

But his ability, in common with Archer, to top speeds of 90mph meant England thought he was worth the risk at the World Cup.

England have risen to the top of the ODI rankings since their woeful first-round exit at the 2015 edition, mainly as a result of piling on the runs.

But they showed they were more than 'flat-track bullies', with a score of 311 for eight on an awkward surface at the Oval, before an attack led by Archer overwhelmed the Proteas.

Scoring 500 in an ODI was once viewed as impossible, but given their recent record-breaking exploits, England could go close if they bat first at Trent Bridge.

“It has generally always been a good pitch, so we are looking forward to it,” said Thorpe.

“We didn't quite unlock the door in terms of our batting at the Oval, being unable to let go because we kept losing wickets at crucial times, so we had to keep trying to put on those mini-partnerships again and that was really good.

“It's the same thing coming here against Pakistan; if we get into a good position, we'll try to score as many as we can.

But at the same time if it doesn't happen, you've got to put a competitive score on the board to put the opposition under pressure.”

Pakistan, who've lost their last 11 ODIs, including a recent 0-4 series defeat by England, are braced for the short-pitched stuff, with Wahab Riaz defiantly insisting: “If people want to bowl us bouncers, then we will have no problem with that.”

Today's match will also be an important test for what World Cup organisers insist will be improved procedures, after thousands of frustrated fans were left queuing for hours on Friday, and in some cases missing the entire Pakistan innings, as they waited to collect their match tickets.

NAMPA/AFP

Nama celebrate culture, identityPreserving customs, medicine highlighted Culture minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa says the Nama face the danger of cultural extinction, if they do not take seriously the need to preserve their culture.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Hundreds of first nation descendants from across the region descended on the second annual Nama Festival that took place in Keetmanshoop this past weekend.

At least 2 000 people attended the festival, which took place at the Keetmanshoop Stadium, where several cultural villages were erected.

The local festival was birthed from the annual Nama Festival that takes place in Botswana every year.

There were food stalls, handmade products, arts and crafts stalls, as well as a cultural village hosted by local medicine man, Christian Uth.

Uth is also a local shoemaker and tanner who makes veldskoene using mainly sheep and goat leather.

“It is important that we preserve our cultural customs and medicine, otherwise we will find ourselves in a situation where Americans or European come and take it and sell it to us; then we have nothing to make a living out of,” Uth cautioned.

Speaker after speaker emphasised the need for the Nama people to embrace their culture, identity and most importantly their language, Khoekhoegowab.

Culture minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa said she fears that the Nama do not respect and preserve their mother tongue as they should.

She emphasised that a person’s culture is very important and urged the Nama to embrace theirs fully

“We face the danger of cultural extinction if we do not take seriously the need to preserve our culture. Our culture is important for the future of our children, and to our nation, because culture ensures a history - a past, present and certainly a future,” Hanse-Himarwa said.

“One of the most important cultural aspects is our language. I fear that our language does not receive the attention it deserves from ourselves. We don’t encourage our children and grandchildren to speak, read and write the language. We don’t encourage them to learn the language in schools by choosing it as a subject or as a medium of instruction.”

The minister also encouraged the Nama to disregard those who say their culture is backward and outdated, and that it holds back people and should be forgotten.

“I do not agree with those sentiments and reject them with the contempt they deserve, as I believe that many of us are living examples of what our cultures and traditions did for us when we were young. Our cultures helped us to develop and mould our attitudes and characters to be productive, useful, purposeful and progressive citizens. It is thus imperative that our children are taught the importance of upholding cultural norms and values,” she said.

Hanse-Himarwa added that while the Nama embrace their indigenous cultural identity they must remember that it is equally important that they engage in cross-cultural activities with other cultural groups within Namibia.

“I am saying this because we are first Namibians before we are Nama, Damara, Ovaherero, etc. Being Namibian should therefore be our common denominator. I encourage you to learn from other cultural groups, and they from you, in our quest to practice unity in diversity. Unity in isolation and unity only amongst ourselves will not serve any purpose, as we are living in societies, locally as well as internationally, hence the term used in contemporary language is ‘global village’,” she said.

Chief Petrus Kooper of the Nama Traditional Leader’s Association said their language is an integral part of their culture and without it the Nama cannot have dignified lives.

He added that the University of Cape Town’s recent announcement that the Nama language will be offered from this month is great news for the Nama people.

Kooper also said land ownership is important for the Nama’s existence.

“In essence the ownership of land in a group and its community, also known as the collective property of land, was their very existence and all Nama had the right to live freely within Namaqualand. Our ancestors enjoyed collective rights over Namaqualand, both great and small, which they connected with physically, emotionally, economically, culturally, socially and spiritually.”

The chief further cautioned the Nama to guard against misleading and politicised concepts regarding land.

“We are obviously fully aware that our land rights are not static, but changed over time, as our culture and use of land changed,” he said.

Ancestral land commissioner JP van der Westhuizen said there is a need for the Nama to liberate their minds from the apartheid regime and to move beyond what they identify themselves as.

Iyambo laid to rest

ELLANE SMIT

Namibia’s first Vice-President Dr Nickey Iyambo was laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre this weekend.

Iyambo was buried next to former Robben Island prisoner Peter Ilonga during an official state funeral on Saturday.

Mourners, friends and family all gathered at Heroes’ Acre to say their final farewells as the coffin was lowered into the ground, followed by a 19-gun salute.

After the family said their last goodbyes by dropping handfuls of sand into the grave, numerous wreaths were placed on the grave. These included wreaths from President Hage Geingob and former presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Iyambo was described as a close comrade, friend and confidant by Geingob.

At his memorial service held on Friday at the Parliament Gardens, Geingob said that nothing is more challenging than to speak about the loss of a father, friend and mentor.

Geingob said Iyambo was a hero of the liberation struggle and a man of impeccable character, a luminary and a torchbearer of unity, liberty and justice.

He said comfort should be taken in the fact that Iyambo was a man who lived a life of purpose and sacrifice.

“His was a passion that was ignited by the searching flames of struggle, revolution and pan-Africanism,” the head of state said.

Geingob said Iyambo was a man who possessed a temperament that every man envied.

“It is this cool-headedness, this genuine humility that made him such an endearing individual and a man whose radiant spirit engulfed all that came in his presence.”

He said it was these salient features of Iyambo that made him such an outstanding father, brother and mentor.

“So often when the pressure of life would force me down a cul-de-sac, I would turn to him for guidance and he would always reassure by urging me not to worry and to ignore those who were troubling me.”

According to him, Iyambo was the consummate confidant and someone in whom one could confide and be certain that what was discussed would remain between the two of you.

“Such integrity and honesty is rare in today’s world and this is why Iyambo was a bonafide friend and comrade to me and many others.”

According to Geingob his friendship with Iyambo traversed a long road, until this point where they must now part ways.

Geingob said Namibia had joined the Iyambo family in mourning ever since the news of his passing.

“We share in your sorrow and we share in the consternation and grief that fills your hearts,” he told the family.

Geingob said despite the pain, he hopes that the family will find comfort in the national outpouring of grief for the decorated and much-loved “son of Namibia”.

Geingob further expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Iyambo, who he said remained selfless to the end and passionately committed to the development of the Namibian House.

“He was an admirable leader, whose legacy is a testament of his faithfulness, diligence, humility and integrity. He has (left) a telling and permanent mark on the political, diplomatic and social landscape of our country.”

Iyambo died at the age of 82 in Windhoek on 19 May. He served as vice-president from 2015 until his resignation in February 2018.

Semenya fights backTwo-pronged appeal in Switzerland Caster Semenya, with the help of Athletics South Africa, is fighting back against the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Caster Semenya has appealed a testosterone ruling at the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland, with the backing of her home country.

Athletics South Africa (ASA) has backed Caster Semenya by also lodging an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) about the testosterone controversy, which has threatened the athlete's future career.

In a statement ASA said it has instructed its Swiss lawyers, represented by Alexandre Zen-Ruffinen, to inform the president of the Swiss Federal Court of its intention to appeal the decision of the CAS, which was announced on 30 April.

The CAS pronouncement concerned the IAAF eligibility regulations for female classification (athletes with differences of sex development) for track events ranging from the 400m up to and including one mile, which are now in force.

ASA's Swiss lawyers have in turn informed the Swiss Federal Court that ASA's appeal will be filed once the original CAS ruling has been received by the parties.

Meanwhile, ASA is aware that Semenya, has lodged her own appeal against the CAS award, with the request that the IAAF regulations be wholly suspended pending the finalisation of the appeal.

NAMPA/ANA

Amajita draw against Portugal

Brave defending helped the South African under-20 side, known as Amajita, earn a 1-1 draw against Portugal at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium in Poland on Friday night.

The result meant that they ended their Under-20 World Cup campaign rock bottom in Group F. It also ensured the European champions missed out on the round of 16.

Rafael Leao kicked things off for the Portuguese in the 19th minute. The 1.88m centre-forward settled Thierry Correia's cross from the right side and poked the ball past South African goalkeeper Khulekani Kubheka at close range to open the scoring.

South Africa were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute, after the video assistant referee (VAR) adjudged Diogo Leite to have handled the ball in his attempted clearance. Up stepped James Monyane to the spot and the Amajita number 12 converted calmly to level the match.

Just five minutes later Portugal were awarded a penalty of their own in a near-identical situation; this time South Africa's Fezile Gcaba was the handball culprit. But Kubheka saved Jota's ensuing spot-kick.

Portugal controlled the ball for most of the remainder of the match, but South Africa were unrelenting, winning their first point at Poland 2019, while sending the Portuguese packing.

NAMPA/ANA

Basketball camp well-attended

Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) and the Basketball Artists School (BAS) hosted their third collaborative camp from 30 May to 1 June.

The three-day camp, which featured 100 players aged seven to 18 and coaches, was held at DHPS.

Basic dribbling skills, passing, shooting and ball-handling were taught. Different contests and games were played, and through these, the winners of the five trophies participants competed for were determined.

The winners were Zuleika Hiwilepo (most improved female), Elias Lagvardi (most improved male), Zunaid Benjamin (best shooter), Rayhan Poonja (most valuable player and most valuable male player) and Ashley Linda (most valuable female player).

The success of the camp was made possible by the assistance of DHPS principal Kristin Eichholz, Melusi Linda (DHPS sports coach), Ramah Mumba (BAS director), Malakia Matias (BAS coordinator) and OTB Sport.

When asked about the camp, 12-year-old participant Nathan Mungunda said: “I enjoyed the camp so much and I learnt how to play like LeBron James. I can't wait for next year's camp.”

BAS is an afterschool programme focusing on education, life skills and basketball for children and youth in Katutura. For more information you can find them on Facebook at Basketball Artists School or on Instagram.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

SA football fans take the cake A week ago I was fortunate enough to be invited to the launch of the eighth edition of the Carling Black Label Cup in Johannesburg.

The derby between Soweto's finest - Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates - will take place on 27 July.

When these two clubs meet you know it will be the derby of all derbies, as we have witnessed over the years.

The cup launch was nothing like nothing I had experienced in my career. The vibe, the set-up and just the general ambience was fantastic.

Prim and proper, the South Africans don't leave anything to chance when it comes to organising football events. Organisers even flew in former Arsenal striker Ian Wright all the way from England to be part of the event.

That was something else. But one thing that stood out for me was the fans at the launch. The colourful, passionate and eccentric fans donned Buccaneer and Amakhosi colours.

Clubs in South Africa have found their niche off the field - their fans. These guys take their job seriously. They relish being '12th-men' and task themselves with giving the players that extra oomph.

I got the chance to meet two of Orlando Pirates' biggest fans, Mgijimi and Good Enough Sithole. Mgijimi is some sort of juju man who is supposed to bring the team luck, as he speaks to the ancestors and blows white powder in the air. Good Enough, on the other hand, wears a wig and dress. This is his signature look and he cannot be missed.

And then you have the Chiefs' fans, with their oversized goggles and decorated miners' helmets or 'makarapa'. They are experts with vuvuzelas in their hands. This was my highlight.

Mind you, this was just a launch and the fans were an integral part of it. Now just imagine the dynamics on game day.

Firstly, I have never been to a Chiefs or Pirates match. I only see the teams play on TV. And each time the atmosphere in the stadium looks like one could have an out-of-body experience.

Sometimes you will see supporters eating bread to indicate that the opposition is their “daily bread”, opening a Bible in search of divine intervention or carrying a homemade coffin to indicate that their team is about to “bury” the opposition.

This is what football in South Africa is made of and these are of course some of the things we can learn to integrate into the Namibia Premier League. We just have press conferences here, with extolling and illustrating the role of the fans. Honestly, we don't want to see CEOs and to hear long boring speeches. We want to hear the fans speak. We want to see them at launches.

Surely if we have supporters' clubs, at some point we must see the supporters.

At the launch, the supporters were treated to drinks and food. With perks like this who would stay home to watch a game? We are struggling to pull spectators to matches in Namibia, so why not then just strengthen the supporters' clubs.

Find a niche and run with it. Let's develop our own traditions. Let's make football fun, because at the end of the day, football is played for others to enjoy.

As much as a club needs players to compete, it should be mandatory that they also have a certain number of supporters to register. We are tired of going to deadbeat matches.

The NPL should definitely find something to brag about and I think creating matches around fans is the way to go, so when they arrive, you know for a fact that it's going to be lit!

limba@namibiansun.com

NC gets extensionFifa retains trust in body The five-member normalisation committee has received an extension from Fifa to complete its work by 15 October.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

The Fifa normalisation committee (NC), which was appointed in January to run the affairs of the Namibia Football Association (NFA) until 31 May, has been granted an extension until 15 October by the world football body.

NC chairperson Hilda Basson-Namundjebo said in a statement on Friday that the decision to extend their mandate was taken on 15 May, after a recommendation from the Fifa Member Associations Committee, which had deliberated on the matter during April.

Basson-Namundjebo, deputised by Franco Cosmos, Gaby Ahrens, Matti Mwandingi and Vivienne Katjiuongua are tasked to ensure that NFA members, whose executive committees are out of mandate, organise and conduct the relevant elections. Once these elections have been held at member level, the NC must organise and conduct elections for a new NFA executive committee.

The NC will act as an electoral committee, with none of its members eligible for any of the open positions.

Basson-Namundjebo had previously stated they would not have enough time to fulfil their mandate.

Friday’s statement said the NC will ensure that the first and second division leagues, as well as a firm policy framework on corporate governance principles, see the light of day.

The committee will continue to send monthly reports to Fifa on matters relating to Namibian football and on their activities.