Namibian Sun

It is a common fact that many young girls in our country cannot afford sanitary products.

This often forces them to miss school due to this problem, while many others resort to using matrasses, pillow stuffing, dried leaves and cotton cloths when they menstruate, simply because sanitary products are out of their reach. Although much has been said about this issue, including at the recently celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day, where calls were made for an end to the harmful traditional practices used by women and girls when they menstruate, there is still little action on providing free sanitary products to the schoolgoing girl child. Many of you will also recall that in 2016 some female parliamentarians shied away from debating the provision of free feminine hygiene products to needy schoolgirls. The motion was tabled by PDM leader McHenry Venaani, who said it was important to remind those who consider the issue taboo that all matters that require developmental intervention are “the issues of MPs”. Surprisingly, female MPs were not keen on discussing the matter after Venaani concluded his motivation. As a nation we need to break this menstrual taboo for good, considering the persistent harmful socio-cultural norms, stigma and misconceptions that lead to the exclusion and discrimination of women and young girls. We are sitting with an estimated 150 000 Namibians girls that cannot afford sanitary products. Can you imagine the impact this has on their young lives? It is truly unimaginable to see women and young girls using fabric, including T-shirts and socks, or newspapers, which can be harmful, at worst, and embarrassing and unhygienic. There should be much bigger efforts to eradicate this problem. Although a new Namibian-made reusable sanitary product could significantly ease the monthly struggle of girls, who unable to afford disposable sanitary pads, government must take the lead and roll out the provision of free sanitary pads in schools, in order to help girls who struggle to buy their own.

Ndafoluma beats Muwani

Middleweight boxer Lukas 'The Demolisher' Ndafoluma defeated Zimbabwean Liberty Muwani via a fourth-round knockout at the Harare Showgrounds in a non-title 10-rounder on Friday night.

The fight was promoted by Kalakoda Promotions from South Africa and Ndafoluma knocked out his opponent with one minute, 58 seconds left in the fourth round.

“I want to be a world champion.

It's every boxer's dream to be a world champion,” Ndafoluma said after the fight.

The win in Zimbabwe comes after Ndafoluma fell short against Kazakhstan's Aidos Yerbossynuly in March, and failed to bring home the World Boxing Association (WBA) international super middleweight title.

But that is all in the past, as the hard-hitting Namibian proved once again that he still has much to offer in the division.

Friday's win saw Ndafoluma's record improving to 16 wins and two losses and he remains one of Namibia's best middleweight boxers.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

San fall through the cracks

The process of identifying and registering drought relief food beneficiaries in Ohangwena has excluded marginalised people in the region, despite a communication from the Office of the Vice-President that they must also be included.

All regional councils had been told to include marginalised communities in the drought relief registration process, but in Ohangwena that has not happened.

Ohangwena has one of the largest populations of marginalised people, who are living in abject poverty in isolated communities.

Ohangwena regional council chairperson Erickson Ndawanifa confirmed the region has not included the San in its drought relief registration efforts, because they had not received any communication to do so. However, this is at odds with comments by chief regional officer Fillipus Shilongo, who said they received the communication and that the San are included through a previous government database.

“We did not get any correspondence saying that we must include the San people in the drought relief registration. These people have a programme that give them food under the Office of the Vice-President, therefore, we are not aware if their programme is on hold and we need to include them in the drought registration,” Ndawanifa said.

“That is why we did not put in any effort to register them. All we know is that the programme is running and the drought relief is just for the other people, as usual. I think if that is the case we need to engage the presidency to find out whether the programme is on hold or it will run parallel.”

Government has already made an announcement that households with a combined income of more than N$2 600 will not qualify for state drought assistance, which has effectively excluded even low-level civil servants and others from the process.

On 10 May the Office of the Prime Minister ordered regional council offices to facilitate the identification and registration of beneficiaries and they were given until 16 May to submit the names. The identification was being done by village headmen and drought committees established at villages.

Ndawanifa said when they were notified by the OPM, they were not ready to produce accurate information in one week so they asked for an extension until 24 May to make the submission.

He said the extension came after he realised that if they rush, as per the request, they would not be able to produce accurate data. Therefore, he first called the regional disaster risk management committee to look into how severe the region is affected by the drought, and how prepared they are terms of those affected.

Shilongo said the extension was to ensure that everybody was included.

“In Ohangwena we do not have any issue with marginalised people, as they are all catered for in the drought relief registration like any other person. It is true that the communication from the OPM was late and we asked for an extension, just to make sure the marginalised are also included,” Shilongo said.

“Even if they are not registered from the constituencies, we already have their database from their development planner. Therefore, there is no need to go and register them.”

Oshikoto and Oshana said they have registered marginalised communities despite the communication not indicating whether the current government programme that caters for them will be stopped or not.

Namibian Sun could not get hold of the deputy director responsible for marginalised communities, Gerson Kamatuka.

However, regional development planner, Tomas Puleinge, said the registration process should have included all people in the region, irrespective of their social status.

“Those people do not belong to the vice-president’s office, they are inhabitants of those constituencies. They need to be treated like any other person,” Puleinge said.

Cabinet has announced that N$572.7 million is needed for a comprehensive drought relief intervention to assist drought-affected communities.

ILENI NANDJATO

Too poor to buy padsGirls use plants, roots for menstruation Mattresses, pillow stuffing, dried leaves and cotton cloths, as well as plants and roots, are being used by women and girls during menstruation.

Women and girls from poor households are left with no option but to resort to harmful practices when they menstruate, thereby putting their lives at risk.

They have to resort to using mattresses, pillow stuffing, dried leaves and cotton cloths when they menstruate, because they cannot afford sanitary pads.

Some do not even have access to sanitary products, as they live in places where shops are alien.

Last week Namibia celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day, where calls were made for an end to the harmful traditional practices used by women and girls when they menstruate.

Namibian Sun visited Ncamagoro village in Kavango West, among other places, where women explained why they use these practices.

The women showed Namibian Sun a tube-like plant known as epepo, saying this was one of the traditional ways in which they deal with menstruation.

They also demonstrated how they peel off a part of the plant, and then rub it until it is softens and feels like cotton, before using it as a sanitary towel.

The women said a large epepo plant can be used for up to three months.

Namibian Sun was also informed that young girls have to take epepo to school in case of emergency.

Another traditional practice is using the roots on a certain plant, which is pounded until it feels like cotton.

The women indicated the reason they resort to these practices is because they are unemployed and do not have money to buy sanitary pads.

“We are poor and we are unemployed. We do not have money to buy sanitary pads from the shops, as they are expensive. That is why we use epepo and the roots as a way to contain our menstruation,” the women said.

They also revealed that some young girls and women have resorted to using Depo-Provera birth control injections at a local clinic, in the hope that they will not have their periods.

However, it is not guaranteed that once a woman receives the injection she will not menstruate.

Education ministry executive director, Sanet Steenkamp, who was the keynote speaker at the Menstrual Hygiene Day event held at Rundu, called on stakeholders to assist.

“When girls and women are not informed, they resort to harmful practices that can put them at risk of infection and long-term health consequences,” Steenkamp said.

“We take cognisance of the dreadful anecdotal stories about the things that are used in order to manage menstruation, and it is our responsibility to ensure that these practices come to an end.”

Steenkamp said menstruation should be spoken of more often, as it affects thousands.

“The continued silence and stigma around menstruation, combined with limited access to information at home and in schools, results in thousands of women and girls in Namibia having little knowledge about what is happening to their bodies when the menstruate and how to deal with it,” Steenkamp added.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Okonjima Dragons win Africa CupChampions defend their title The Okonjima Dragons defended their Inline Hockey Africa Cup title over the weekend.

The Okonjima Dragons defeated the Namibia senior men's side 6-2 to win the 2019 Inline Hockey Africa Cup at The Dome in Swakopmund over the weekend.

The Okonjima Dragons, who defended the cup they won last year, overturned a 0-2 deficit to lead 3-2 at halftime. They went on to score three more goals in the second half against a tiring Namibian side.

Namibia defeated Hockey Shop Forster 6-2 in their semi-final to reach their third consecutive final. In their quarter-final they beat Rhinos 5-1.

Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief administrator Fred Mwiya told all the players representing Namibia to do so with pride, when he handed over their national colours at the opening ceremony of the event.

“Team Namibia, you are going to receive one of the greatest recognitions in this country. For you to receive national colours, it is an award and an accolade that is given only to athletes that have performed beyond reasonable doubt; athletes that have shown great commitment to their sport and athletes who are able to represent their country with pride. It is the greatest accolade that an athlete can get in this country,” said Mwiya.

The Okonjima Dragons reached the final after beating the Namibia junior men's side 121 in their semi-final. In their quarter-final match, Okonjima Dragons hammered Taleni Africa Daredevils 15-2.

The event saw a first-ever 'All Star' game between Team Africa and Team World. The game was tied at 5-5 after normal time, however after penalties, Team World emerged victorious by 6-5.

Team Africa consisted of the best players from Africa - mostly from the Namibian and South African national players - while Team World were made up of international players from around the world.

The third edition of the Inline Hockey Africa Cup saw some of the world's most prominent inline hockey players in action. Players from Germany, Canada, Brazil, India, Spain, France, Australia, South Africa, Taiwan and Namibia competed in the professional and under-14 divisions.

Adolf Kaure

Meroro to fight in Nigeria

Former Pan-African interim cruiserweight champion Vikapita 'Beast Master' Meroro is set to make a return to the ring on 30 June in Nigeria.

The Namibian boxer will challenge Nigerian Tony Salam for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Pan-African cruiserweight title.

The fight is set to take place at the national stadium in Lagos and Meroro and his team will jet off to Nigeria on 24 June.

Risto Ashikoto from the 21 Brigade boxing club expressed confidence in the boxer.

“Meroro has been working very hard since joining us and this fight is a great opportunity for him to prove that he is still one of the great cruiserweight boxers Namibia has.

“We still have enough time to make sure that he is perfectly ready to face Salam.

“The trainers and the entire 21 Brigade boxing club are confident in the abilities of Meroro,” Ashikoto said.

Meroro currently boasts a record of 27 wins and seven loses in 36 professional fights.

“We also have given him a letter to present at work in order for him to have morning training sessions,” Ashikoto added. The Namibian last fought in November last year, when he managed to beat Mussa Ajibu by unanimous decision. His career has, however, not been that rosy following a string of defeats. He now has the chance to redeem himself and restart his career with a title. Meroro will have to be at the top of his game, given that he is coming up against a dangerous Nigerian boxer.

Salam will go into the fight having fought fewer fights than Meroro, but with an impressive record of 13 wins and only two losses in 15 professional fights.

The Nigerian's last fight ended in a knockout victory over Kwesi Tutu in December 2018.

It will be Meroro's first fight under the 21 Brigade stable, which he recently joined in search of greener pastures.

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

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Hitman back in the fraySigns one-year contract with Global Boxing Stars Paulus 'The Hitman' Moses has signed a one-year contract with Global Boxing Stars, it was announced yesterday.

Two-time world champion Paulus 'The Hitman' Moses is set to make a return to the ring after signing with Global Boxing Stars.

He last fought in October last year, losing the WBO Africa lightweight title to Ghana's Emanuel Tagoe via unanimous decision.

After the fight it was alleged that the 40-year old had retired.

He has now refuted this claim, saying he did not make any announcement of that sort and only took a break after his contract ended with the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing Academy.

“I went to relax for a while after my contract expired. I did not retire. Finally, a good man of boxing is here to promote and aid the progression of African boxing.

“It's great to be working with my brother Immanuel Moses of the AC Boxing Academy. We have formed a good alliance with Scott (Patrick Farrell) and Global Boxing Stars. I'm ready to again shock the world and I want another shot at the world title, in the lightweight division.

“I'm officially putting you all on notice. You can't hide once the Hitman has you in his sights,” Moses boasted.

The Hitman has a record of 45 fights with five losses, to date. His new contract will offer him three fights under Farrell, who in April stepped down as CEO of Ringstar Asia, which he founded in 2016.

He is now in charge of Global Boxing Stars.

Global Boxing Stars is the trading name and sports media property of Fight King Management, recently registered in Botswana.

“It's my vision to bring the beautiful country of Botswana, Namibia and other parts of the African continent to the world through boxing,” Farrell said.

“My goal is to host great world-class events, attract more tourism and create jobs and investment by developing a world-class sports media property right here from Botswana. To add further value, my long-term vision is to find and develop the first world boxing champion from the excellent raw talent here.”

Farrell added Africa has great talent and that they are going to bring this to the world of professional boxing, by creating world champions that will dominate the sport.

“I'm so excited to have a talent like 'The Hitman' on the team. This man has fought hard against the top-class fighters' in the world of professional boxing, such as Raymundo Beltran, Ricky Burns and Miguel Acosta.

“He is the former two-time WBA world champion and is currently in the top 48 in the world on Boxrec. He may be approaching his later years in this sport, however, look at the amazing Senator (Manny) Pacquiao; he proves that if you stay fit, ready and focused you can achieve what others believe is impossible, and we are ready to cause another upset in the world rankings,” Farrell said.

The Hitman will be co-managed by his brother and Farrell. The two also have other African fighters under their guidance, including Paulus Ambunda, a former four-time world champion, and new signing Lukas 'Desert Storm' Sakaria.

“Scott and I are bringing back the fighters who still have plenty to offer. We put our fighters first and if you sign with Global Boxing Stars and AC your future is bright. Scott makes sure a very good line of communication is handled professionally with the big promoters, matchmakers and opportunities in the United States.

“This creates a clear path for anyone under our brand to be given the chance many people never get to have,” added AC Boxing Academy owner, Moses.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Namibia set for Argentina clash

Namibia will play their first match of the 2019 World Rugby Nations Cup against an Argentina XV today at the Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo, Uruguay.

This year's competition features test sides Namibia and Russia, who along with Uruguay's Los Teros and Argentina, will be competing at the Japan Rugby World Cup that kicks off on 20 September.

Namibia are currently ranked 23th, while their Argentinian opponents have no ranking as they are not their country's national side. The Argentina national side is ranked 10th in the world.

Argentina enters the competition with high confidence after convincingly claiming the Americas Rugby Championship title with five straight victories over the United States, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and Canada. They will be tough opponents for the Namibians.

Russia is ranked 20th, three places better than Namibia, while Uruguay is ranked 16th, so the Namibians will be hoping to target Russia for a win.

The tournament has grown over the years and continues to provide opportunities for young players to be exposed to international experience.

The participating nations will not face each other in the pool phase of the Rugby World Cup, as Russia have been drawn in Pool A together with Ireland, Scotland, Japan and Samoa, while Namibia are in Pool B alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Canada.

In Pool C, Argentina will take on England, France, the US and Tonga, while Uruguay are in Pool D with Australia, Wales, Georgia and Fiji.

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “The World Rugby Nations Cup provides a vital opportunity for the competition teams to advance their Rugby World Cup preparations and test their squad selections just three months ahead of the showpiece tournament in Japan.

“World Rugby invests significantly in high-performance programmes for emerging nations, such as Uruguay, Namibia and Russia, and high-quality competitions such as the Nations Cup, with the objective of achieving the most competitive Rugby World Cup ever at Japan 2019.

“We thank Uruguay for hosting this important event for a third successive year; they have proved to be proud and passionate hosts, and we look forward to another excellent competition with thrilling rugby in front of strong crowds, as excitement builds towards the first Rugby World Cup in Asia.”

This is the third time defending champions Uruguay are hosting the tournament.

They go into the tournament having won the last two editions.

Romania were the long-time hosts of the Nations Cup.

The first edition took place in Portugal in 2006, before Romania hosted the event from 2007 to 2016. In 2017 and 2018 it was played in Montevideo.

Today's match will kick off at 20:30 local time. Namibia will play Uruguay on 9 June and Russia on 15 June.

The Namibian squad is as follows: Johann Tromp, JC Greyling, Johan Deysel, (captain), Darryl de la Harpe, Oderich Mouton, Cliven Loubser, Eugene Jantjies, Janco Venter, Max Katjijeko, Thomasau Forbes, Tjuee Uanivi (vice-captain), Johan Retief, Aranos Coetzee, Orbit Norje, Des Sethie, Daniel van Vuuren, Andre Rademeyer, AJ de Klerk, Wian Conradie, Prince !Gaoseb, TC Kisting, Justin Newman, PW Steenkamp, Jason Benadie, Adriaan Booysen, Mahepisa Tjerko, Damian Stevens and Durmarcho Hartung.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Nesa announces title name change The Namibian Electronic Sports Association (Nesa) has announced that Defence of the Ancients 2 (DotA2) will be the chosen name for Namibia's 2019 national tournament team title.

The change from League of Legends (LoL) came into effect on 23 May when the International Esports Federation (IeSF) announced DotA2 as the official title for the 2019 world championship.

The world championship will take place in Seoul, South Korea from 11 to 15 December.

LoL has been the title of the IeSF world championship for the past four years, but Nesa says the change to DotA2 did not come as a surprise to most.

“Nesa wishes to extend its apologies to the teams that have diligently been practicing for the LoL, as per original announcements made since the AGM.

“With the proper support, Nesa will make every effort to host a LoL online tournament later in the year, once all the titles for the IeSF world championship have been concluded.

“As a member of the IeSF since 2011, Nesa is committed to hosting IeSF titles as the chosen national titles to ensure that Namibian athletes are afforded the best professional opportunities currently available in e-sports,” Nesa treasurer Salomé de Bruyn said.

The IeSF is the only international organisation that limits its membership exclusively to recognised e-sports federations.

The IeSF is also the only organisation that is said to have actively made progress to have e-sports included as an Olympic sport.

Nesa has been able to send athletes to participate at the annual world championship since 2017. Nesa volunteer staff are hard at work to secure Namibia's spot at the 2019 world championship.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Lee6 victoriousEmbattled Haney hails US Open champ Jeong-eun Lee6 captured her first major championship and a record U$S1 million prize on Sunday, by outduelling Celine Boutier for a two-shot victory at the 2019 US Women's Open.

Veteran golf coach Hank Haney, suspended from his SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio show for remarks about the US Women's Open field, said Jeong-eun Lee6's victory Sunday in fact backed him up.

Haney, best known for his stint at Tiger Woods' swing coach, was branded “racist and sexist” by golf star Michelle Wie, just one of the big names of the women's game to take him to task.

Haney apologised, but as Lee6 powered to victory in the second women's major of the season at the Country Club of Charleston on Sunday, he took to Twitter again.

“My prediction that a Korean woman would be atop the leader board at the Women's US Open was based on statistics and facts,” Haney tweeted. “Korean women are absolutely dominating the LPGA Tour.

“If you asked me again my answer would be the same but worded more carefully,” Haney said.

Haney, 63, was asked by radio show co-host Steve Johnson who might win the US Women's Open and responded: “I'm gonna predict a Korean. I couldn't name you like six players on the LPGA tour.”

“Nah, maybe I could well, I'd go with Lee. If I didn't have to name a first name, I'd get a bunch of them right.”

After Haney was suspended from the SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio Channel “at the PGA Tour's instruction” according to a joint statement from the tour and SiriusXM, Woods said Haney “got what he deserved”.

“You just can't look at life like that,” Woods said.

Haney, previous apologies aside, appeared to think Lee6's victory vindicated his comments.

“Congratulations to Jeong-eun Lee6 on your great win at the US Women's Open,” he tweeted, while taking a couple of tries at the post to get the spelling of her name right. “Who's the great predictor now Steve Johnson.”

NAMPA/AFP

Buthelezi energised

Junior Springbok captain Phendulani Buthelezi says seeing the World Rugby Under-20 Championship trophy first-hand was a “special moment”, adding it fuelled his burning desire to take to the field in the international spectacle.

The flanker's comments came after the competition's media launch in Rosario, where he joined the other six team captains based in the vibrant city, including pool opponents Scotland, Georgia and New Zealand.

The competition “ which features the 12 best under-20 teams in the world” kicks off today, when the Junior Springboks take on Scotland in their opening encounter at the Racecourse Stadium in Rosario.

“It was a very special moment to see the trophy close up,” said Buthelezi.

“We have been working very hard in the last few months to get here, so to see the cup we are playing for was really extraordinary. It made me even hungrier to go out there and see our team perform for our country.”

He added: “Having the opportunity to interact with some of the other captains certainly put things into perspective about what lies ahead. It definitely hit home that we are here to give our best and compete for the trophy.”

Buthelezi said the team had settled in well since arriving in Argentina and that they are itching to run onto the field.

“We started our preparation soon after we arrived in Rosario, and since then the players have adjusted well to the time zone and have put in a big effort at training,” said Buthelezi.

“We have been working hard on the detail in our game, and we are burning to get out there and take on Scotland.”

The SA under-20s will face Georgia on Saturday and and New Zealand on 12 June in their remaining pool matches, with the semi-finals to be played on 17 June and the final on 22 June.

NAMPA/ANA

DHPS stem vir Duitse partye

Op 23 en 24 Mei kon die graad 9- tot 12-leerlinge van die Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS) aan die Junior Europese Verkiesing deelneem.

75% van die leerling het van die geleentheid gebruik gemaak om vir ‘n Duitse party te stem. Die party Bündnis 90/Die Grünen het 34% van die stemme verwerf, met die CDU/CSU in die tweede plek (30%).

Deelname aan die junior verkiesing is ‘n uitstekende geleentheid om demokrasie te ervaar en uit te oefen; die onderwerp in sosiale studies te takel; die verkiesingsproses vir leerlinge meer toeganklik te maak; en leerlinge vir politieke deelname te motiveer.

Vanjaar het 2 760 skole van Duitsland en ander Duitse skole buite die land in die 2019 Junior Europese Verkiesing gestem.

Sedert 1999 het meer as 3 miljoen jongmense aan dié jaarlikse verkiesings deelgeneem.

Rugby en sokker voer die botoon

Sokker en rugby het verlede week vir groot opwinding by die FNB Classic Clashes gesorg.

In die eerste sokkerwedstryd van die seisoen het Concordia College vir Rocky Crest Hoërskool met 1-0 gewen, terwyl die Sekondêre Skool Suiderlig die Sekondêre Skool JA Nel met 3-2 geklop het.

Die Classic Clash-helde was Domingos Kokeia van Rocky Crest Hoërskool en Tangeni Abed van Suiderlig Hoërskool. Hango Mbaunguraije van Concordia College en Franklin Witbooi van Suiderlig Hoërskool is beide as speler van die wedstryd aangewys.

Op 31 Mei het die Sekondêre Skool Swakopmund vir Coastal Hoërskool by die Vineta-sportterrein op Swakopmund met 4-0 gewen.

Wat rugby betref, het die Sekondêre Skool PK de Villiers op Keetmanshoop op 25 Mei vir Mariental Hoërskool met 25-17 by die Keetmanshoop-rugbystadion gewen.

Cuderio Conlman en Morique Burger van PK de Villiers is onderskeidelik as Classic Clash-held en speler van die wedstryd aangewys.

Volgens die organiseerders is vanjaar se FNB Classic Clashes van die beste ooit wat organisasie betref. Leerlinge van beide skole het douvoordag van die middedorp na die rugbystadion gestap en daardeur hul waardering vir die waarde van dié wedstryde in die streek betoon.

Spring van lekkerkry Oud en jonk is welkom by Planet Aero ‘n Trampolienpark in Windhoek bied ‘n prettige manier om oefening te kry.

Evany van Wyk

Die Maerua-inkoopsentrum in Windhoek huisves tans die enigste trampolienpark in Namibië, naamlik Planet Aero.

Planet Aero mag dalk klink soos die een of ander planeet uit ’n wetenskapsfiksie fliek, maar wees verseker dat hierdie park baie meer pret beteken.

Me. Hillétje Honiball is die eienaar van Planet Aero-trampolienpark. Sy sê die hele span verdien gelyke erkenning, want sonder hulle, sou sy die park se deure lankal moes sluit. “Ek het baie groot waardering vir elkeen wat hier werk, en hul bydrae is baie belangrik in terme van die park se sukses,” sê Honiball. Haar seun, Robert Honiball, is ‘n gimnas wat Namibië op verskeie geleenthede op internasionale vlak verteenwoordig het, en ook die meesterbrein agter die park. Hy het nog altyd ’n passie vir menslike beweging en gesonde liggaamlike aktiwiteite gehad. Dit was sý briljante idee om iets te skep waar mense van alle ouderdome hulself nie net kan geniet nie, maar terselfdertyd ‘n bietjie oefening inkry.

“Dis vir my belangrik dat kinders hulself met dinge besig hou wat hulle fisieke ontwikkeling bevorder,” het Robert gesê.

In 2017 is die park amptelik geopen.

Die personeel daar is almal bekwaam en entoesiasties om leiding te gee aan besoekers ten opsigte van die ontwikkeling van nuwe vaardighede. Twee van die werknemers het ook noodhulpkwalifikasies, ingeval iemand sou seer kry. Die bestuurder van die park, Damian Muller, sê hy is gek ook oor sy werk. “Ek wou nooit regtig in ‘n konvensionele kantoorruimte werk nie.” Volgens Muller is een van die struikelblokke om 'n afrigtingstegniek te vind wat elke kind se leervermoë die beste pas. Hy voeg by dit laat sy hart warm klop wanneer hy die opgewondenheid op kinders se gesigte sien wanneer hulle iets nuuts bemeester het.

Volgens me. Honiball word te veel tyd deesdae voor rekenaars, slimfone en ander elektroniese toestelle deurgebring. “Dit veroorsaak dat baie kinders vandag nie liggaamlik behoorlik ontwikkel nie,” sê sy. Die inisiatief is dus ideaal om hierdie tendens hok te slaan.

Met Planet Aero se bekostigbare lidmaatskapkaartjies het kinders daagliks toegang tot die park. Die park fasiliteer ook spanbousessies vir besighede en verjaardagpartyjies. Parkour-klasse en algemene fiksheidsklasse word ook aangebied. Hulle het ook spesiale pryse gedurende skoolure vir die kinders wat tuisonderrig ontvang.

“Die oumas en oupas is meer as welkom om ook ‘n bietjie te kom oefen,” meen me. Honiball.

Daar is streng reëls om die veiligheid van alle besoekers te verseker. Kinders onder die ouderdom van 5 jaar moet deur ‘n volwassene vergesel word en kinders tussen 5 en 18 jaar se vrywaringsvorm moet deur ’n volwassene onderteken word.

Ambrosius Amutenya: Skool van hoopLiefdadigheid belangrik ‘n Suideskool floreer en het onder meer goeie verhoudings met leerlinge in Amerika.

Michelline Nawatises

Die Gekombineerde Skool Ambrosius Amutenya is in 2014 op Oranjemund gestig nadat die gemeenskap hul behoefte aan ‘n staatskool aangedui het.

Die hoofrede was dat hulle nie die uitgawes vir privaat skole kon bekostig nie.

Sedert die skool se deure geopen het, het dit aansienlik uitgebrei tot ‘n skool van uitnemendheid.

The Zone het met die skoolhoof, me. Mara Beukes, gesels.

Volgens Beukes het die skool ? lewendige gees en mededingende atmosfeer, asook ? sterk teenwoordigheid in die gemeenskap. “Ons skool is nie ons enigste prioriteit nie. Ons reik ook uit na die gemeenskap deur by liefdadigheidsorganisasies betrokke te word,” sê Beukes.

Hulle kies jaarliks ‘n skool waarna hulle uitreik en vanjaar was dit die Primêre Skool J.A. Kahuika op Kosis.

Die GS Ambrosius Amutenya is voorts betrokke by ? Penpal-program saam met ? skool in die Verenigde State van Amerika. Dit is ? program waarin graad 6-leerlinge vir mekaar briewe skryf en gereelde Skype-sessies onder toesig van hul Engelsonderwysers met mekaar voer. Hulle deel onder meer inligting oor kultuur, opvoeding en lewenskwessies.

Die skool bied elke termyn verskeie aktiwiteite. Een daarvan is die Debutante-bal wat in die tweede termyn plaasvind en die grootse geldsinsameling van die jaar is. Daar is ook die Clash of the Choirs-kompetisie waar tien skole deelneem en twee gaskore van die Noord-Kaap optree.

Volgens Selma Mupetami, die voorsitter van die leerlingraad, motiveer sy deurgaans haar medeleerlinge om al die geleenthede te benut wat hulle kry. “Ons moet ook gebruik maak van tegnologie, as deel van die nuwe kurrikulum.”

Die skool is vernoem na mnr. Ambrosius Amutenya, die eerste swart Namibiese gegradueerde wat by Namdeb aangestel is.

Volgens Beukes beteken die skool se naam “hoop”.

“Ons wil vir kinders hoop gee sodat hulle nooit moed opgee nie, maar hul beste gee in alles wat hulle doen.”

Iyambo a pewa efumbiko lyopapangeloGeingob okwa tumbaleke Iyambo Engathithi enene lyaalilisa olya gongala mOlyomakaya moshilandopangelo opo li thindikile kegumbo lya hugunina limwe lyomomapendufule gaNamibia ndyoka lya hulitha omwedhi gwa piti.

Omupevi presidende gwotango moNamibia, Omundohotola Nickey Iyambo okwa fumbikwa mOmayendo gOmapendafule mehuliloshiwike ndika lya piti.

Iyambo okwa fumbikwa pooha nokwatwa nale yaRobben Island, Peter Ilonga mOlyomakaya. Aalilisa, ookuume nofamili oya gongala pOmawendo gOmapendafule mOlyomaya nokugandja iitya yokulaleka Iyambo pethimbo oshiketha she tashi kulukile mevi oshowo esimaneko lya ningwa pakuumba oondjembo iikando yi li 19.

Konima sho ofamili yalaleke omuholike gwawo pakuumbika evi mombila, kombila okwa tulwa oongala.

Dhimwe dhomoongala odha tulwa ko kOmupresidende Hage Geingob oshowo aaleli nale Sam Nujoma oshowo Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Iyambo okwa tumbulwa kutya okwa li kuume nomupopepi naGeingob.

Pethimbo lyoshituthidhimbuluko shanakusa shoka osha ningilwa mOshikunino shEpangelo mEtitano lya piti, Geingob okwa popi kutya kape na oshinima oshidhigu sha fa okupopya kombinga yeso lyahe, kuume ke nomugandjimayele gwe, Iyambo.

Geingob okwa popi kutya Iyambo okwali ependafule lyekondjelomanguluko, omuhanganithi nomuyuuki, nomwiinekelwa.

Geingob okwa tumbaleke nakusa kutya okwa li e na uukwatya mboka wa pumbiwa momulumentu andola kehe.

Okwa tsikile kutya Iyambo okwa li omugandjimayele gwe, he, kuume ke naluhe okwa kala ha ka konga omayele kuye uuna onkalamwenyo ye mudhigupalele, ihe aluhe okwa kala nokumu pa omayele opo kiipyakidhile naamboka taye mu etele uuwinayi.

Geingob okwa popi kutya Iyambo okwali omwiinekelwa shili naaluhe ngele oye na shoka ya popi aluhe ohashi kala pokati kawo.

“Einekelo nuunashili wuli ngaaka owa pumba noonkondo muuyuni wanakanena naashoka osho sha ningitha Iyambo a kale kuume kashili oshowo komrade kungame oshowo yalwe.”

Pahapu dhaGeingob uukume we naIyambo owa enda ondjila onde sigo ethimbo ndika sho ya topolwa.

Geingob okwa popi kutya Namibia okwa wayimine ofamili yaIyambo mokumulila konima nkene onkundana yeso lye ya tseyithwa.

Geingob okwa popi kutya nonando oshidhigu okutaamba ko eso lyomuholike gwawo, oku na einekelo kutya ofamili otayi ka mona ehekeleko okuza momahekeleko ngoka taga zi moshigwana.

Geingob okwa tsikile nokugandja olupandu kuIyambo molwa oshilonga sha simana shoka a longo meyambulepo lyaNamibia.

Iyambo okwa hulitha mepupi lyoomvula 82 mOvenduka momasiku 19 gaMei. Okwa longa onga omupevi presidende okuza momvula yo 2015 sigo oshowo a thigi po iilonga nokuya moshipundi shevululuko muFebruali gwo 2018.

ELLANE SMIT

India otaka gandja ekwatho lyoondya dhoshikukuta kuNamibia

Epangelo lyaIndia olya tseyitha kutya otali ka gandja ootona dhili 1 000 dhiilya oshowo olwishi kuNamibia moonkambadhala dhokukwathela omolwa oshikukuta shoka sha taalela oshilongo.

Omukalelipo gwaIndia moNamibia, Prashant Agrawal, okwa popi kutya omolwa ekalekepo lyuukume uuwanawa pokati kaNamibia naIndia, otaya gandja eyambidhidho kuNamibia pamwe naantu ye pethimbo yeli mompumbwe.

pamukanda ngoka gwa pitithwa komukalelipo gwaIndia, India natango okwa li a gandja ootona dholwishi kuNamibia dhi li pe 1 000 momvula yo 2016.

Pamukanda ngoka pititha kuIndia, ogwa holola kutya India okwa kala aluhe neitulemo mokuyambidhidha iilongo yaAfrika mbyoka yi li mompumbwe, unene mUumbugantu waAfrika.

Shika oshikando oshititatu muule woomvula hamano epangelo lyaNamibia tali tseyitha oshikukuta kutya osha ninga onkalo yopaulumomhumbwe, sho lya tseyitha momvula yo 2013 oshowo momvula yo 2016.

OMUTOOLINKUNDANA GWOMENI

Oluhepo talu ya thiminike ya longithe iinima inayi yogoka

Omatalashe, iigwilo, omafo ga kukuta oshowo iilapi niimeno mwakwatelwa omidhi oyimwe hayi longithwa kaakiintu naanona yaakadhona uuna ye li komathimbo.

Aakiintu oshowo aanona yaakadhona aakwanaluhepo kaye na nkene kakele kokulongitha iinima mbyoka ya nika woo oshiponga onga omukalo gwokwiikwathela uuna yeli komathimbo molwaashoka itaya vulu okulanda uukwathitho pethimbo ndyoka, naashoka otashi tula moshiponga uundjolowele wawo.

Oyendji itaya vulu nokuli okumona uukwathitho mboka molwaashoka ohaya kala komikunda kokule noostola na owu na ondilo.

Oshiwike sha piti, Namibia okwa tyapula esiku tali ithanwa Menstrual Hygiene Day, moka kwa pulwa ehulithepo lyelongitho lyiinima mbyoka ya nika oshiponga kaakiintu uuna yeli komathimbo.

Namibian Sun okwa talelepo oNcamagoro omukunda guli moshitopolwa shaKavango West, moka aakiintu ngaashi pomahala gamwe ya yelitha nkene haya longitha iinima ya nika oshiponga petimbo ndoka yeli mompumbwe.

Aakiintu oya ulike oshimweno sha fa okamunino hashi itha wa epepo taya popi kutya ngoka omukalo gwopamuthiguluwakalo okulongitha uuna ye li komathimbo.

Oya ulike nkene haya kutha ko iinima yimwe koshimeno shoka nokushi kweya sigo tashi ningi oshipu opo nduno haye shi longitha onga okafulafula kokwiikwathela.

Aakiintu oya popi kutya oshimeno oshinene shepepo ohashi vulu okulongithwa sigo oomwedhi ndatu. Namibian Sun okwa tseyithilwa woo kutya aanona yaakadhona ohaya yi noshimeno shoka koskola uuna ompumbwe ya holoka.

Natango omukalo gumwe gwopamuthigululwakalo okulongitha omidhi dhoshimeno shimwe ndhoka tadhi tsuwa nokuninga omupu, opo nduno hagu vulu okulongithwa.

Aakiintu ya holoka kutya omatompelo haya longitha iinima mbyoka omolwashoka kaye na iilonga na itaya vulu okumona iimaliwa yokulanda uukwathitho wawo.

Natango oya holola kutya aanona yaakadhona yamwe aashona otaya longitha owenda yodepo okuza kuupangelogona nomalalakano opo kaya kale haya yi komathimbo.

Nonando ongaaka itashi ti ngele omukiintu okwa pewa owenda ndjoka nena itayi we komathimbo.

Omunambelewa omukuluntu muuministeli welongo, Sanet Steenkamp, ngoka a li omupopi a simana pethimbo kwa dhimbulukiwa esiku ndyoka lyoMenstrual Hygiene Day moRundu, okwa pula aakuthimbiga ya yambidhidheaakiintu naanona yaakadhona.

Okwa popi kutya ngele aakiintu naanona inaya tseyithilwa nokundungikwa nena otaya longitha omikalo ndhoka dha nika oshiponga na otadhi vulu okuya pa uupyakadhi wopaundjolowele tawu kalelele.

Okwa popi kutya iikundathanwa kombinga yomathimbo oya pumbwa okukala tayi kundathanwa olundji nokukutha po ohoni ndjoka yi li po mokukundathana iikundathanwa yoludhi ndoka.

Okwa popi kutya nena ngele itaku ningwa oonkundathana dholudhi ndoka aakiintu onkene taya tsikile nokulongitha iinima mbyoka ya nika oshiponga omolwa okwaahena ontseyo.

KENYA KAMBOWE

India provides drought assistance

The government of India has announced that it will provide 1 000 tonnes of grain, comprising of rice and pearl millet (mahangu), to Namibia.

This will assist Namibia to cope with the current drought situation, which has been declared a state of emergency.

Indian high commissioner to Namibia, Prashant Agrawal, said in keeping with the close and fraternal ties between the two countries, India stands with the people and government of Namibia in their hour of need.

According to a statement issued by the high commission, India had also provided 1 000 tonnes of rice in 2016 to Namibia to assist with drought during that year.

“As part of its deep commitment to Africa, India has been among the first responders to natural disasters, swiftly acting to provide relief to affected people and communities, including the recent Cyclone Idai that affected several southern African countries,” the statement said.

This is the third time in six years that the Namibian government has declared a state of emergency as a result of drought. Drought was also declared a national crisis in 2013 and 2016.

STAFF REPORTER

RDP puts faith in KavekotoraShekupakela elected vice-president The newly elected leader has promised that his party will adopt a new elections strategy ahead of the November vote.

Mike Kavekotora is the new president of the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), defeating Kandy Nehova and Mariam Hamutenya after a series of tense sessions at the party's elective convention on Sunday.

The party said a total of 625 delegates converged on the Ramatex complex in the capital to decide the RDP leadership for the next five years, with 490 delegates casting their ballots in a marathon voting session that began late on Saturday and continued until mid-morning on Sunday.

The RDP electoral commission recorded 14 spoilt ballots in the presidential election.

Kavekotora received 243 votes (51.1%), followed by former national council chairman Kandy Nehova (133) and Hamutenya (100).

Kavekotora could not contain his joy, despite acknowledging that a bigger task now lies ahead.

“I can assure you that it is going to be a very different year in Namibia's political landscape. My eyes, after going through the first hurdle, are now set on the presidency. I am going to State House [as head of state],” an upbeat Kavekotora proclaimed.

Asked how this ambitious dream will be realised, he replied: “We are going to put up a strategy. We will go to every corner of this country to demonstrate that the current ruling party has failed in the delivery of services and [fulfilling the] aspirations of the Namibian people.”

When contacted for comment, Nehova, a veteran politician, expressed full confidence in the internal electoral process.

“I think it was democratic. We all won in the end. Now we are going to seriously campaign for the National Assembly and presidential elections. I will fully support the winning candidate (Kavekotora). He is now our president and I hope he will lead us to achieve victory,” Nehova said.

Hamutenya could not be reached for comment.

The party's vice-president election saw Kavekotora's running mate, Kennedy Shekupakela, emerge victorious.

Shekupakela did not win with an outright majority and the prospect of a rerun was on the cards until Heiko Lucks, one of the contenders for the position, withdrew.

Shekupakela received 231 votes, followed by Lucks with 137 and Tjinezuma Kavari with 76, while Eino Heelu garnered 32 votes.

This meant that none of the candidates attained the required majority to be installed, as per the RDP constitution.

It was at this point that Lucks stepped aside, giving his votes to Shekupakela, which took the latter's tally to 368.

The results of the secretary-general, deputy SG and central committee elections were expected yesterday.

NAMPA