Namibian Sun

Higher education minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi says it will not be in the best interest of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) if the current council recruits the new vice-chancellor.

When Namibian Sun contacted her for comment the minister said there were other reasons why they had to abandon this hastened process of appointment and do things right.

“This is a national institution that the whole nation has an interest in whoever comes. They have to come with a well-laid-out foundation that spells out the critical things that are expected of them,” she said.

The recruitment of a new vice-chancellor started on 21 September when an advertisement was placed in local newspapers.

Five candidates were shortlisted for the position. They are: University of Namibia academics Frednand Gideon and Erold Naomab (the only Namibians), Nigerian national Abraham Ogwu, Botswana national Otlogetswe Totolo and Turkish national Said Irandoust.

The position was again advertised in March.

In a letter written on 30 May to Nust council chairperson Esi Shimming-Chase, Kandjii-Murangi said the process took longer than expected.

She reminded the council members that their term ends in August this year and that she is already recruiting new council members.

“It is not good corporate governance for an outgoing council to recruit an incoming CEO,” she said.

In the same letter she also said Nust directors and deans had written to her to raise concern over “the unhealthy relationship and collegial climate at Nust”.

The minister said she got the impression that the deans and directors were not properly informed about the recruitment process.

“The concerns they highlighted include, but are not limited to, the following: The institution's management style, their exclusion in the recruitment process of the Nust vice-chancellor and the continuation of the recruitment of expatriates at all tiers of Nust leadership,” she said.

The new VC is required to hold a doctorate in natural science, technology, engineering or mathematics from an internationally recognised university, with at least 10 years of executive leadership experience in higher education and a deep understanding of the operations and affairs of a university.

Clashes

The recruitment process has been plagued by controversy since the departure of long-serving vice-chancellor Tjama Tjivikua, who resigned in April this year.

Tjivikua said he was not interested in an extended stay as head of the institution.

This was despite the council extending his stay until June. His contract was initially extended from September to December 2018, and then once again from January 2019 until June 2019.

Tjivikua has accused Kandjii-Murangi of gross interference in the running of the institution.

He also warned Namibians to be concerned about the minister's alleged involvement and interference in the governance and management of the university.

In his letter of resignation to the Nust council, Tjivikua claimed that the minister had directed that he must vacate his position at the end of that month “in order to ensure a smooth transition without interference”.

Tjivikua also accused council members of willingly dancing to Kandjii-Murangi's tune.

According to him some council members have sided with staff members to the detriment of university management.

“A case in point is the matter of unresolved grievances and pending disciplinary hearings, whose delay was caused by the minster's directive to suspend all disciplinary actions against members associated with her during my extended tenure,” he said recently.

The minister has denied these allegations.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Govt can't block Erindi saleAll necessary approvals obtained The prospective buyer of Erindi Game Reserve has pointed out that all necessary regulatory approvals for the sale had been obtained, with only a decision by the Competition Commission still pending.

The prospective buyer of Erindi Private Game Reserve has hit back at the government, saying all relevant approvals for the sale had been obtained from the relevant ministries.

According to a press release issued on behalf of 87-year-old Mexican billionaire Alberto Baillères, who aims to buy the 71 000-hectare game reserve through the company Rembo Ltd, the only decision outstanding is approval by the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC).

Baillères recently announced that a sales agreement was being finalised with the owners of Erindi, through which the BAL Group would acquire it.

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila this week said that the government had not given the owners of Erindi authorisation to sell the game reserve to foreigners and had the right to block the purchase.

According to the buyer's statement it is correct that under current legislation, a waiver needs to be obtained before the property can be sold to a foreigner or a Namibian.

“However, this waiver was duly obtained from the land reform minister and the sale of Erindi to Rembo Ltd was given consent by the land reform minister in terms of the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act, without any conditions,” it stated.

Furthermore, the trade ministry under the Foreign Investment Act of 1990 had issued a Certificate of Status Investment, approving Baillères as an investor, according to the statement.

“The only outstanding regulatory aspect is approval by the NaCC, which investigates whether mergers or acquisitions stifle competition or create undue market dominance.”

It said the merger filing in respect of the Erindi transaction was submitted jointly by the current owners of Erindi and Rembo Ltd, the special purpose vehicle created for this transaction, with the NaCC during May 2019.

According to the statement Baillères has identified Erindi as “a significant philanthropic investment”.

“One of the major factors in his decision to buy the game reserve is that Namibian law allows him to acquire 100% of the shares in the companies that together make up Erindi. This is the best way for reasons of sustainability, management and control,” the statement reads.

Baillères complied in full with each and every regulatory approval required under Namibian law, it was stressed in the statement.

“He has made it clear from the outset that he will only complete the purchase of Erindi if all legal requirements are in place and if he and the investment he intends to make is welcomed by Namibia.”

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila this week made it clear that the government was not selling Erindi to anyone, as the game reserve is not owned by the government.

She said the buying and selling of commercial land is regulated under an act of parliament (Agricultural Land Reform Act of 1995).

She pointed out that the government made an attempt last year to amend the law to repeal the provision that allows the sale of land to foreigners. The law has not been amended yet to prohibit such transactions.

However, she pointed out that the sale of land by a private person in Namibia can only be done after the government has decided not to exercise its right to purchase the land.

“Even in the case where government is not in a position to buy the land, government is still empowered under law to authorise the sale of land to a foreigner,” the prime minister stated.

ELLANIE SMIT

Transforming positively

Justicia Shipena

Annaliz Kauapirura is a management accountant at Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR).

She was born and bred in Okamatapati, a village in the Okakarara constituency. She completed her secondary education at Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek and her tertiary studies at Technikon South Africa.

She did pursue further education at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), which she did not complete due to life commitments.

Before being employed at NWR, Kauapirura worked at Dunlop Tyres as a stock controller, after which she resigned to accompany her husband to Germany. Her husband was posted there for five years at the Namibia Tourism Board office

In 2003 she started working at NWR at Namutoni Resort in the Etosha National Park as a sales consultant. She then joined the finance department at the head office as an assistant management accountant in 2005. In 2010 she was promoted to the position of management accountant, which she holds to date.

Her duties include keeping track of the company's income and expenses, preparing budgets and budget forecasts and identifying financial trends and opportunities for improvement, while analysing and managing risks.

Kauapirura told Careers that keeping up with the new rules and changes in regulations and accounting standards, and maintaining and living in accordance with the expected professional status of accountants, since accountants are still the most trusted source of advice for the majority of businesses, are some of the challenges she has encountered during her career path so far.

Her typical day at the office starts off with handling enquires from resorts on how they should handle their operations to comply with financial controls and objectives, preparing and analysing financial data as well as consulting system operators to enhance operational efficiencies.

“I have unparalleled experience in what I do, acquired through many years, and I’m loyal and ethical and integral to the company. I have developed an excellent knowledge of the operational system, and subsystems, I and have excellent analytical skills,” she said.

Kauapirura said she is inspired by God and He is the basis for everything good and everything worth imitating. The fact that no one is insignificant in the purpose of God in the world keeps her going.

She encourages youth to pursue a career path or work hard and smart to start their own businesses.

“Only benchmark yourself with the standard of excellence. Don’t lower the standard for success in whatever you do. Never surrender your dreams and ambition because of challenges. Redeem your time effectively,” she said.

Her future plan is to be open to whatever opportunities may arise in the future, such as a management training programme that the company may offer to enhance her management skills. She said she is still eager to learn new things and grow in her profession.

Ending the era of impunity

Earlier this week Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, in her capacity as leader of the civil service, held her usual engagement with executive directors and other accounting officers in government offices and agencies. The premier used the platform to remind the senior government autocrats of their role in managing Namibia's tight purse strings, tackling public-service corruption and ensuring accountability and service delivery to the public. The accounting officers were also reminded that a third of government institutions received a qualified audit from the auditor-general for the 2016/17 financial year. It is public knowledge now that many of our government offices and agencies, including local and regional authorities, hardly receive clean audits from the auditor-general. The auditors have unearthed a number of inconsistencies in the financial dealings of many government ministries, agencies and offices in which millions have either been squandered or cannot be accounted for. Many other SOEs, municipalities and town councils are also battling to achieve clean audits year in and out. It is clear that these agencies lack accountability. Our concern is that despite the problem being well-documented, there appears to be no urgency in enforcing leadership accountability by instituting appropriate internal control measures to ensure proper financial and performance management. The situation has now clearly spiralled out of control and has been allowed to persist because there are no consequences for financial negligence. Perpetrators get away scot-free in most cases, while taxpayers have to bear the brunt of their ineptitude. It is the responsibility of the Office of the Prime Minister to see to it that there are consequences for mismanagement and non-performance. Accounting officers are at a level where they appreciate the wrongfulness of their acts and should be accountable for their actions. Nevertheless, actions speak louder than words and the era of impunity should now be over. It is really our sincere expectation and hope that the premier will now walk the talk, by taking the necessary steps against non-performing officials in government.

Hengari, NWR bury hatchetAim to settle out of court The NWR and its suspended MD Zelna Hengari are seeking an amicable solution.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) and suspended managing director Zelna Hengari are trying to resolve the matter of the non-renewal of her contract amicably.

After NWR announced in January that Hengari's contract would not be renewed, she filed an urgent High Court application at the end of April. The NWR board and NWR are first and second respondents in the matter.

The matter was removed from the court roll yesterday at Hengari's request.

According to Hengari's lawyer, Sisa Namandje, “The applicant respectfully asks the court to remove the matter from the roll of tomorrow (Thursday) and the applicant will revert to the managing judge in two weeks from today if the matter is not resolved,” the case's status report reads. Hengari's work contract expires on 15 July.

Hengari says NWR and its board were under obligation to comply with the requirements of reasonableness and fairness under the Namibian constitution as well as the doctrine of legality.

“They failed to act in accordance with the above constitutional requirements.”

Hengari further argued that the board's decision was not made at a board meeting “but through a round robin resolution by the board members”.

ELLANIE SMIT

Snakes, mice for classmatesRural school in shocking state The education ministry says it won't be able to assist Shinunga Junior Primary School with permanent infrastructure.

A rural Kavango East school is facing immense challenges, including learners and teachers having to frequently dodge snake bites, mice eating books, absenteeism and making use of the bushes when nature calls.

The quality of education is also being compromised by the multi-grade teaching system.

Shinunga Junior Primary School, a school situated about 120 kilometres east of Rundu in the Mashare constituency, sees teaching taking place in traditional huts that were constructed by parents years back.

The school was established in 1992 and offers classes from grades 1 to 4. Namibian Sun visited the school and observed its terrible state.

This follows a social media campaign in which a member of the public shared a brief description of the challenges facing the school and called for assistance.

School principal Karupu Sebastian Kashindereki said in order for quality education to take place, the dire needs of school need to be addressed.

He said the school has two teachers for grades 1 and 2 and another for grades 3 and 4.

The total number of learners enrolled this year is 68.

Kashindereki said the biggest challenge is their unconducive temporary structures in which they are expected to educate the learners.

He said when he joined the school in 2008, only one deplorable traditional hut existed, which was later dismantled. Parents then had to intervene and construct a better one.

The Kavango East regional council also assisted in the construction of the structure through a food-for-work programme.

Kashindereki said as the number of learners increased over the years, he was forced to use his own funds to construct another traditional hut, with the assistance of the parents.

“Actually what should be done in terms of the school, if we are talking about quality education, is also to have quality infrastructure. The current infrastructure is not conducive, which translates into the school's poor performance,” Kashindereki explained.

He said the school at least needs a two-classroom block.

Kashindereki added that the regional education directorate has not been forthcoming.

“I have made the request all these years, but one is always told that there are no funds,” he said.

Kavango East education director Fanuel Kapapero said the ministry is aware of the challenges being experienced at Shinunga Junior Primary School.

Kapapero said although the ministry is responsible for constructing permanent structures at schools, doing so for the number of learners enrolled at Shinunga Junior Primary School does not make economic sense.

He said it will be a waste of government resources to construct permanent structures at a school, where the number of learners are not growing, and are likely to decrease.

“We are aware that there are temporary structures at the school. We look at the enrolment of the learners and many a time we realise that the school is not growing and we cannot put up a permanent structure at that school. It might be that the learners enrolled only amount to five and then the infrastructure will have gone to waste,” Kapapero explained.

Kavango East Region is one of the regions faced with a lack of classrooms at schools where learners share chairs and desks.

Kashindereki also talked about the issue of learners having to endure the winter cold in the morning hours, saying teaching is not effective as the learners lose concentration.

Namibian Sun observed how some of the children were barefoot in class, while majority were wearing jerseys.

Most of the children do not have proper school uniforms.

Kashindereki said this was because they come from poor households.

He said another challenge was the issue of absenteeism, which was the result of parents taking their children with them to the fields, instead of escorting them to school.

“The inland school learners' parents still need to be encouraged to send their children to school. Some learners are not here today because they went with their parents to the fields. When I came this morning I even found some parents walking with their children to the fields and not to school,” he said.

On the issue of the snake attacks, Kashindereki said during summer they are often ambushed by snakes in the temporary teaching structures.

“Sometimes the learners will just start screaming and run out of the classroom, because a snake has entered. There has also been days when we enter the classroom in the morning and observe snakes in the thatch of the hut,” Kashindereki said.

He said he inspects the classrooms in the mornings in order to ensure the learners are safe.

He added the school is also facing the challenge of mice destroying the books of the learners.

Regarding ablution facilities, Kashindereki said the school has no toilet, and they all make use of the nearby bushes when nature calls.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Give them Corollas - Venaani

The leader of the official opposition, McHenry Venaani, says official motorcades should consist of only one armoured Mercedes-Benz and the rest should be Toyota Corolla sedans.

According to Venaani, it makes no sense for a president who drives around with a motorcade worth N$7 million to expect workers to make a voluntary 2% contribution to the government.

Although he did not take issue with President Hage Geingob's motorcade, he did point out that it cost roughly N$7 million, “which could have been used to give people electricity or proper sanitation”.

Venaani demanded that the president announce serious austerity measures to save the Namibian economy and to stop bleeding the nation, which he said was “already going bent under the Swapo government's continuing legacy of wastage”.

According to the opposition leader, vice-president Nangolo Mbumba's motorcade should be reduced to just three vehicles, and that of prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to two vehicles.

Venaani also wants the government to cut ministers' car allowances from three vehicles to just one.

The entertainment allowance paid to members of parliament should also be abolished.

Ordinary National Assembly members earn N$693 769 each with N$40 320 in municipal allowances and N$119 807 for housing included.

As leader of the official opposition, Venaani takes home around N$996 006 per year.

This includes a housing allowance of N$159 222 and municipal allowances of N$48 240.

Venaani also wants the government to stop buying first-class and business-class air tickets for official trips.

These proposals follow an announcement by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday that the Namibian economy will continue to contract mildly this year before recovering gradually from next year.

According to the IMF mission head who visited Namibia this week, the country's economy will grow by at least 3% per year in the long term, but he said that would not be enough to sustainably address the country's inequality.

With this in mind, Venaani said the government must start making serious financial adjustments, starting with the free rides enjoyed by senior officials.

According to him, government ministers and other senior government officials do not pay for petrol and are allowed to fill their cars at will.

“Petrolgate is costing the government millions of dollars. Imagine if you are a minister since 1990, then you would have used petrol worth N$7 million, and that is for just one minister. We have seen ministers running errands with government petrol; some are even transporting their cattle in trailers at government cost,” he said.

Venaani said it is a shame that Kuugongelwa-Amadhila's motorcade is more expensive and bigger than those of world leaders Angela Merkel and Theresa May.

“Why must she have three Mercedes-Benzes?” he asked.

He also took a swipe at former presidents' motorcades and the fact that they receive either a free house or a N$40 million cash payout once they leave office.

The media reported this year that the government had spent N$43 million on the upgrading of former president Sam Nujoma's private house.

A budget statement presented by presidential affairs minister Martin Andjaba earlier this year showed that N$9.4 million will go towards supporting the vice-president's office, while the government will spend N$23 million this year on the operational costs of the offices of the vice-president and two former presidents.

According to The Namibian newspaper, Andjaba said the government would allocate N$13.8 million for the operations of the offices of former presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Venaani yesterday slammed this expense, saying it would be the first thing he removed if he were elected as president of the country.

“There is no justification that a retired president, who had not paid taxes during the time he was office, should get these benefits,” said Venaani.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Govt backs King Shuumbwa

Government has approved the designation of Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo as the next Ondonga king. Urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga said in a letter dated 10 June 2019 Nangolo’s application was favourably considered on 7 June 2019 in line with the Traditional Authorities Act. Another faction had installed Konis Kalenga as the next king. “Further, kindly be informed that in terms of Section 5 (7) of the Traditional Authorities Act (No.25 of 2000), the Chief’s Council/Traditional Council or members of the traditional community who are authorised thereto by customary law of your community are required to provide the minister in writing a prior notification of the date, time and place of the designation, to enable the minister or his representative to attend the designation. Kindly notify me as required by law to enable us to complete the recognition process,” Mushelenga wrote. The Ondonga throne fell vacant on 26 March following the death of long-time monarch Omukwaniilwa Immanuel Kauluma Elifas. After the late king’s burial, a traditional ritual was performed to crown Nangolo as the new king at his homestead of Onambango, while some members of the royal family also unveiled Kalenga as their preferred king at the old palace of Onamungundo. Nangolo has long been considered as heir apparent to Elifas and was already in 2002 named as his successor and deputy. However, a section of the royal family have in recent years disputed this.

STAFF REPORTER

Timely boostNamibia stun Uruguay Despite losing their first clash, Namibia turned up the heat to beat Uruguay in their second match of the World Rugby Nations Cup.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Namibia’s senior national rugby side showed character by beating firm favourites and defending champions Uruguay in the World Rugby Nations Cup at the Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo.

The hosts succumbed 28-30.

Namibia’s first chance came in the ninth minute of the first half through a penalty that was well-taken by flyhalf Cliven Loubser.

In the 21st minute, Jaco Venter scored a try for Namibia, which Loubser easily converted (10-0).

Venter again stormed through the Uruguay defence in the 28th minute and scored a try for the Namibians. Loubser converted, leaving the score at 17-0.

Uruguay hit back in the 36th minute when Andres Vilaseca ran through the Namibian backline to score an impressive try. The conversion by Cesar Cat took the score to 17-7 in Namibia’s favour at halftime.

In the 46th minute of the second half, it was again Loubser who scored a penalty for the Namibians, who now led 20-7. Vilaseca scored another try in the 45th minute and Cat converted, to trim Namibia’s lead to 20-14.

Another great build-up by the Namibians resulted in a try for JC Greyling. Loubser again converted, as the Namibians led 27-14.

Uruguay started to gain momentum and scored another try through Manuel Ardao in the 58th minute, which was converted by Cat. This was followed by a try by German Kessler for Uruguay, which was again converted successfully by Cat, and saw the South Americans taking the lead for the first time (28-27).

Uruguay tried to hold on, but the Namibians had other plans.

They secured the win through a Loubser penalty.

The flyhalf remained impressive throughout the match and his team can thank him for their last-gasp victory.

Namibia lost their closely contested opening match against Argentina last week by 25-39 and will now play Russia on Saturday in their last encounter of the tournament. Uruguay tops the log with with seven points, after securing a bonus-point win over Russia in an earlier encounter.

Argentina are second on six points. Russia is third with the same number of points, while Namibia remains at the bottom of the log with four points.

Die kuns in herwinningCota-studente omskep rommel in reënboë Plaaslike kunsstudente het by die onlangse Namibië Toerisme Ekspo die asems laat wegslaan met hul unieke beelde.

Ricardo Vries en Kuzivakwashe Chowa

Die Kunstekollege van Namibië (Cota) het in samewerking met Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) visuele kunswerke van sy studente by die onlangse 2019 Namibië Toerisme Ekspo (NTE) in Windhoek bemark.

Dié kunswerke is van onder meer plastiek, papier en afvaldraad gemaak. Tydens die NTE, wat vanaf 5 tot 8 Junie by die Windhoekse skouterrein plaasgevind het, is die beelde aanlyn opgeveil. Die winste van die veiling beloop ongeveer N$3 800, wat aan Cota geskenk is.

Die idee vir hierdie veiling het sy oorsprong gevind in die finansiële nood van die studente wat sukkel om modules te betaal en materiaal te bekostig om hul kunswerke of projekte te begin.

Oscar Katewa se beeld genaamd Talent in Hand is as die wenner aangewys.

“Hierdie toekenning beteken só baie vir my. Dit beteken dat ek die strate moet invaar en die boodskap aan mense oordra dat jy kuns uit enige iets kan maak.” Sy prys is een termyn se klasgeld by Cota wat vir hom betaal word.

Altesaam 12 beelde tydens die ekspo opgeveil.

Volgens Alexander Fase, produksie-ontwerper en opleidingsbeampte by NMH, kon potensiële kopers aanlyn ‘n bod maak.

“’n Mens gooi nie net weg nie. Wanneer jy iets weggooi, moet dit êrens heen gaan waar dit optimaal gebruik kan word. Herwinning is die regte ding om te doen,” het Veiko Ndumba, een van die Cota-studente, gesê.

Juis om hierdie rede het die studente besluit om ’n innoverende manier te vind om beelde te skep om Namibië as ’n verantwoordelike en skoon land met betrekking tot herwinning te bemark.

Duisende voete het deur die loop van die ekspo oor die terrein beweeg. Dit het aan studente ’n ongelooflike platform vir hul kuns gegee.

Ndumba het gesê visuele kuns is iets wat nie aldag genoeg waardeer word nie. “Baie min mense het ’n behoorlike begrip van dié veld.”

Volgens Ndumba staar Cota soms uitdagings in die gesig, waarvan een die gebrek aan finansiering is.

Iyaloo Hamukoto, ’n eerstejaarstudent by Cota, stem saam met Ndumba, en sê daarmee saam kry visuele kuns baie min blootstelling. “Dit is nie net ’n probleem wat in Namibië ervaar word nie, maar word orals aangetref.”

Die studente het gesê die inisiatief word opreg waardeer, veral omdat dit hulle die moontlikheid bied om hul projekte en talente ten toon te stel.

Wat kook so? Die tweede seisoen van die uiters gewilde progam What’s Cooking sal in die laaste kwartaal van die jaar afskop.

Michelline Nawatises

What’s Cooking is ? leefstylprogram oor Namibiese produkte, eetplekke en geleenthede van oral in die land. Dié program is in 2017 van stapel gestuur en word vanuit Windhoek bestuur. Daar is planne om dit ook na die ander landstreke uit te brei.

Die gedrukte media en digitale platforms van al drie dagblaaie van Namibia Media Holdings (NMH) word vir die program ingespan. Dit sluit Republikein, Namibian Sun en Allgemeine Zeitung in en op die manier het die publiek op soveel meer vlakke toegang tot inligting.

In die tweede seisoen sal na die kus gereis word om die produkte, eetplekke en gebeure daar blootstelling te gee.

Lloyd Zandberg sal in die tweede seisoen by Yochanaan Coetzee as mede-aanbieder aansluit, en die plan is om ook verskeie bekendes by sekere episodes hiervoor te betrek.

What’s Cooking is nie net op besighede gefokus nie, maar wil ook feeste soos Kasi Vibe, City Market en ander unieke geleenthede deel van die program maak.

As jy jou Namibiese produkte of handelsmerk wil bemark en deel wees van die program, kontak Lloyd by lloyd@republikein.com.na.

Namibiërs sweet by Rooster-speleFiksheid gee die deurslag Twee Namibiërs het onlangs in Suid-Afrika teen ander superfikses van verskeie lande meegeding.

Evany van Wyk

Twee Namibiërs het onlangs hul land by die internasionale Virgin Active Rooster-spele in Suid-Afrika verteenwoordig.

The Zone het met die topfikse Damian Muller (21) en Romi Ihms (28) gesels voor hul vertrek na die geleentheid wat op 1 Junie gehou is.

Virgin Active-lede van Suid-Afrika, Namibië, Botswana, die Verenigde Koninkryk, Italië, Singapoer, Thailand en Australië het aan die kompetisie deelgeneem.

Die Rooster-spele behels 'n stel van agt oefeninge wat binne vier minute voltooi moet word.

Elke oefening moet volgens 'n spesifieke tegniek uitgevoer word en elke deelnemer moet tien keer elke oefening doen. Beoordelaars sien toe dat die korrekte bewegings uitgevoer word en hou telling. Die deelnemer met die beste tye vorder na die volgende ronde.

Muller is ‘n trotse Namibiër wat in Windhoek gebore is.

Volgens hom was hy van kleins af 'n aktiewe individu. Op die ouderdom van 13 het hy begin met opleiding by BRG biokenetika in Windhoek en dit het sy fiksheidsleefstyl bepaal.

Muller het gesê sy pa was nog altyd sy grootste motiveerder en rolmodel. “Van 'n voorbeeldige pa tot 'n verstandige vriend; hy was werklik my alles-in-een.”

Sy beste vriend het die Rooster-uitdaging gedoen en hom aangeraai om dit te probeer. “Soos hulle sê, die res is geskiedenis,” het Muller gesê.

Die moeilikste deel van die kompetisie was dat daar geen rustyd tussen die oefeninge was nie. “Dit is nie net 'n fisiek veeleisende kompetisie nie, maar 'n geestelike een daarby,” het Muller gesê. Sy boodskap aan voornemende deelnemers is dat niks wat die moeite werd is maklik is nie, en niks wat maklik is die moeite werd is nie.

Ihms is in Suid-Afrika gebore en het daar grootgeword.

Sy het lang tydperke in haar lewe in Namibë deurgebring toe sy vir familie kom kuier het. “Ek was nog altyd vrek lief vir Namibië en het elke jaar kom kuier,” het Ihms gesê.

Sy het sewe jaar gelede Namibië toe getrek, waar sy haar man ontmoet.

Volgens Ihms was sy nog altyd sportief, en soos sy ouer geword het, het sy al hoe liewer daarvoor geword.

Sy moes die kompetisie met ‘n kniebesering aandurf en sê dit was haar grootste struikelblok daartydens.

Haar raad aan jong mense is om altyd jouself as jou grootste kompetisie te sien. “Ek is beslis nie so sterk of fiks soos van die ander deelnemers wat verlede jaar gewen het nie, maar ek wil elke oomblik geniet,” het Ihms gesê. Haar grootste motivering is die begeerte om die beste moontlike weergawe van haarself te wees.

Alhoewel die twee Namibiërs nie die semifinale ronde van die kompetisie gehaal het nie, is hulle baie dankbaar vir die blootstelling en ongelooflike ervaring. “Dit was ‘n

fenomenale ervaring wat ek nooit sal vergeet nie, en waar ek baie lesse geleer het,” het Muller na die kompetisie gesê.

Pretfeite oor Damian Muller

Hy sing en dans na willekeur, enige tyd, enige plek.

Sy aandag word maklik afgelei deur 'n verbygaande hond of 'n baie mooi motor.

Spinnekoppe en vlieënde gogga's laat hom skree.

Pretfeite oor Romi Ihms

Sy eet elke dag donkersjokolade.

Sy is gek oor kosmaak.

Sy het ‘n vrees vir miere.

PKC eliminations kick off The Pool A elimination round of the Petrus Kavhura Cup (PKC) was played over the weekend, with several teams booking their places in the last 16.

The matches were played at the Nyondo Soccer Stadium on Saturday.

Young Kangweru FC defeated M Stars 4-2 to book their place in the round of 16.

Diva United also advanced to the next stage of the competition after edging Kangiringiri FC 3-2.

Kanyumara FC beat Rumbamba FC 1-0 to book their place in the round of 16.

Triple A FC failed to qualify to the next round of the competition after losing 2-3 to Young Heroes FC.

The tournament will continue with the Pool B elimination matches this weekend.

Shitemo United FC are set to battle Kagcuva FC at 08:00 in the first match on 15 June.

Makandu FC and Shitemo Blue Eagles FC will then clash in the second match of the day at 10:00, followed by Power Stars FC against John Mbambi FC at 12:00.

Mokorabi Tiger FC and Koro FC will bring the curtain down on the elimination rounds at 14:00.

The champions of the competition will walk away with N$10 000, while the runners-up take home N$6 000. The third-place finishers will get N$4 000 for their efforts, while the fourth-place side will be compensated with N$2 500.

Last year's winners Rucara Brave Fighters walked away with a floating trophy, 30 gold medals and N$10 000.

Makandu Young Stars received 30 silver medals and N$6 000, while Gumma Golden City, who have won the tournament twice since its inception in 2016, finished third and walked away with 30 bronze medals and N$4 000.

Power Stars finished fourth and were awarded N$2 500. All the quarterfinal losers received consolation prizes of N$1 000, while the round of 16 losers received N$700 each. Recognised by the sports ministry and the Namibia Football Association (NFA), under the Kavango East Region second division, the cup is aimed at developing sport at a rural level.

The PKC is played in the Ndonga-Linena and Ndiyona constituencies, with over 30 teams competing against each other annually.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Afcon squad finalisedVries not among the 23 players Brave Warriors gaffer Ricardo Mannetti has announced a 23-man squad to represent Namibia at the upcoming Afcon finals in Egypt.

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Virgil Vries, as well as defenders Teberius Lombard, Chris Katjiukua, Benjamin Nengavu and Wesley Katjiteo, are not among the 23-man Brave Warriors squad that will represent Namibia at the Afcon finals in Egypt.

Coach Ricardo Mannetti explained that tactics, conditioning, performance and attitude during the last two weeks were the things he looked at before selecting this final squad.

“Those are pillars of our decision. Also the inclusion of England-based Ryan Nyambe at the back; his versatility is key for the changes at the back,” said Mannetti.

He also emphasised that he had selected the best possible team for the competition.

“We feel that this team has the right energy, players and tactics and will represent Namibia to the best of their abilities. These are the right players with the right work ethic and harmony,” Mannetti added.

The Brave Warriors played a closed-door friendly on Sunday against Ghana, beating the Black Stars 1-0 at the Jebel Ali Sports Centre of Excellence in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The only goal of the match was scored by German-based attacking midfielder Manfred Starke.

Some fans on social media like Simon Simon Jr said dropping players like Vries and Lombard is an insult, as they fought tooth and nail during the Afcon qualifiers.

“The boys played their lungs out to make sure the team qualified and they end up being dropped. I'm hurt on their behalf,” he said.

Cesc Jali said Katjiukua has an important role in the team. “I hope by omitting him the coach really has a better plan.”

Another fan, Elia Shikudule, said Mannetti had tough decisions to make because of the very strong squad.

Lombard took to social media to congratulate the chosen players, saying that greater things lie ahead.

“I walk away with a smile because I'm proud that we qualified for Afcon. It's a pity but life goes on,” he said.

The squad is as follows: Ratanda Mbazuvara, Loydt Kazapua, Max Mbaeva, Ryan Nyambe, Larry Horaeb, Denzil Haoseb, Ivan Kamberipa, Charles Hambira, Riaan Hanamub, Ananias Gebhardt, Absalom Iimbondi, Willy Stephanus, Petrus Shitembi, Ronald Ketjijere, Dynamo Fredericks, Marcel Papama, Manfred Starke, Deon Hotto, Itamunua Keimuine, Benson Shilongo, Peter Shalulile, Joslin Kamatuka and Isaskar Gurirab.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Lukas to headline in Botswana

WBO Africa featherweight champion Sakaria 'Desert Storm' Lukas will headline the upcoming Rising Stars boxing event under Global Boxing Stars (GBS), it was announced over the weekend.

The event will be hosted in Botswana on a yet to be disclosed date and will see Lukas fighting an opponent who will be announced at the end of this month.

The Namibian is fresh from a knockout win over Ndodana Ncube in Zimbabwe on May 10.

On the same night former world champions Paulus 'El Jesus' Ambunda and Paulus 'Hitman' Ambunda will also step into the ring against boxers from Botswana, in the event that has been dubbed the biggest professional show on the African continent.

The GBS team of Scott Patrick Farrell, the former CEO of Rising Star Asia Promotions, and Immanuel 'Imms' Moses of Namibian-based AC Boxing Management‚ are co-managing the boxers.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Work hard, play hard!Bringing communities together through sports The second Hashtag Festival Community Games, hosted by Namibia Media Holdings, took place at the Windhoek Showgrounds sports field between 6 and 7 June, with eight teams from across the country taking part.

Ester Kamati

This year’s Hashtag Festival Community Games took place in line with sport minister Erastus Uutoni’s sentiments that sport is important in an educational setting, as it helps with character development and discipline.

The coordinator of Namibia Media Holdings’ youth brand My Zone, Octavia Tsibes, highlighted at the opening ceremony that the Hashtag Festival is about edutainment and thus makes room for scholars and young individuals to enjoy themselves while learning.

This year, a series of professional coaches were involved in preparing the participating teams for the community games.

Each sport code had a professional to guide the teams, and playing that role for hockey was Johann Weyhe, the hockey manager at Windhoek High School.

Weyhe mentioned his role at the community games was to bring together those who have played the sport and those who do not know much about it, so they can play and develop a mutual understanding, and ultimately, enjoy themselves.

The sport codes included athletics (40m dash), rugby, netball, soccer and hockey, in addition to the chess and quiz competitions, which were aimed at stimulating the brain. The quiz competition tested how up-to-date the scholars were with current affairs in the country, with questions based information contained in Namibian Sun editions from 13 May until the competition date.

The quiz competition was carried out using an online system that timed the participants and managed their scores. Oshana Patriots emerged as the winners of the multiple-choice quiz.

A cheerleading competition was also held that was won by the Etosha Ravens, with the Arabian Knights in second place.

The all-girls team from Winnie Du Plessis High School that represented the Arabian Knights cheer squad were beyond ecstatic after being announced as the second-place winners. Cheer captain Petronella Garises said it was the first time they took part in such a competition and being awarded second place shows that their hard work was recognised.

“It feels very good to be awarded and we look forward to next year’s competition,” she said.

The participants comprised of groups from the central, northern, coastal and eastern parts of Namibia, who all came together at the Windhoek Showgrounds in the name of sportsmanship.

Teams from outside Windhoek were hosted at the Pension Hotel, where they evidently felt welcome, with Vitjituaje Tjikuua, a netball player from Paresis Secondary School in Otjiwarongo, mentioning the hotel stay as one of her highlights.

Spirits were high among the players and supporters alike, as they cheered on their peers.

Precious Kanime from Windhoek Gymnasium said she is proud of the Windhoek Saints, as they communicated well and worked as a team to secure wins in both rugby and soccer.

The overall winners, after the scores were combined scores for all the games, were the Highveld Cheetahs.

China a tindi ekwatathano netungo lyoombonge dhaSwapoChina okwa ti omapopyo ngoka kage shi goshili Omukalelipo gwaChina moNamibia okwa tindi oolopota dhiikundaneki dhoka dha pitithwa kutya, epangelo lyaChina otali ka gandja iiyemo ya nuninwa okutunga oombelewa oonene dhongundu yoSwapo.

Olopota ya pitithwa koshifokundaneki shoThe Namibian oya holola kutya onzo inayi hololwa oya popi kutya epangelo lyaChina otali ka gandja oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona dhaNamibia 730 opo dhi vule okutunga opoloyeka yoombelewa oonene dhongundu yoSwapo, molwaashoka Swapo ke na iimaliwa yokutamekitha opoloyeka ndjoka.

Zhang Yiming, okwa tindi olopota ndjoka kutya kayi shi yoshili.

“Epangelo lyaChinaa itali ka gandja iimaliwa ketungo lyoombelewa oonene dhongundu yoSwapo. Otu na omulandu gwayela kombinga yeidhopo miinima yi li ngaaka,” Yiming a yamukula sho a pulwa ngele egandjo lyeyambidhidho lyiiyemo kopoloyeka ndjoka itali ka kala eidhopo mopolotika nenge okukonga ompito yokuningilwa uuwanawa koSwapo.

“Oy ahala okunyateka edhina lyetu noolopota kadhi na oshili?” Yiming a pula. Yiming okwa popi kutya epangelo lyaandjawo ihali gandja omayambidhidho goludhi ndoka koongundu dhopolotika, na okwa pula ku kongwe uuyelele okuza kombelewa yoSwapo.

Otendela yetungo ndjoka oya pewa ehangano lyaChina lyomatungo lyedhina Unik Construction Engineering, shoka natango sha etitha ongeyo moshigwana kutya omolwashike otendela ndjoka inayi gandjwa kehangano lyomoshilongo.

Omukalelipo gwaChina okwa koleke kutya otendela ndjoka oya pewa ehangano lyaChina, nopoloyeka ndjoka oyi li owala etsokumwe lyopangeshefa na kaye na mo eidhopomo lyasha.

Oshikondo shiikumungu yopaliko moSwapo kuyele nuumvo osha pula omahangano gaSwapo ge li pu gahetatu opo ga galule oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 313 shomoomiliyona 417,6 shoka sha tulwa omapungulo opo shi vule okulongithwa mopoloyeka ndjoka.

Amushanga gwoSwapo miikumungu yopaliko, Alpheus !Naruseb, momukanda ngoka a shanga okwa popi kutya etokolo olya ningwa momasiku 30 gaJanuari pethimbo lyomutumba gwelelo lyongundu.

Omahangano ngoka ga pulwa ongaashi Kalahari Holdings (Pty) Ltd ngoka a pulwa a galule oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 150, Kudu Investment (Pty) Ltd (oomiliyona 10), New Dawn (N$3 185.59), Zebra Investments (oomiliyona tango), Guinas Investments (Pty) Ltd (oomiliyona 16), Ceret (oomiliyona 15), Namibia Protection Services (Pty) Ltd (oomiliyona 50), oshowo oomiliyona 67 okuza momayalulo gombaanga yaaniipambuliko.

Elombwelo ndyoa olya e ta omaipulo momahangano gawe gongundu ngoka gaa popi kutya otashi vulika ga pate ngee nena otaga gandjwa omwaalu gwiimaliwa gut hike mpoka mopoloyeka yetungo. Omunashipundi gwaniipambuliko momahangano gaSwapo, Clive Kavendjii, okwa tindi omalimbilililo ngoka taga popiwa.

CATHERINE SASMAN

Taku gongelwa oshimaliwa shokutunga omuhandjo gwoskola mOmungwelume

Ngoloneya gwoshitopolwa shaHangwena Usko Nghaamwa okwa gandja oodhopi dhi li po 58 000, dhoka dha gandjwa omagano dha nuninwa okutameka okutungitha omuhandjo gwaanaskola mOmungweume.

Sha landula olopota yoshikundaneki muMaalitsa nuumvo, kutya ompumbwe yomuhandjo gwoskola mosekundoskola mOmungwelume oya etitha aanaskola ya kale yootekathana momudhingoloko ngoka, AaNamibia yamwe oya tokola okugandja omayambidhidho opo aanaskola mboka ya vule okutungilwa omuhandjo.

Momasiku 22 gaJuni nuumvo melongelokumwe nOmbelewa yOshitopolwa shaHangwena, Ngoloneya Nghaamwa otaka kwatelwa komeho oshituthi showina, shoka sha nuninwa okugongela iiyemo yokutunga omuhandjo.

Kuume koskola ndjoka, Kleopas Kapweya okwa lombwele oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun mehuliloshiwike kutya konima sho kwa pitithwa olopota yonkalo moka mu na aanaskola oya tameke taya mono omayambidhidho okuza koohandimwe, opo ku vule okutungwa omuhandjo gwoskola.

Ehangano inali hololwa, okupitila mombelewa yaNghaamwa olya gandja oodhoi dhili po 58 000 omanga Omukwaniilwa gwUukwanyama, Martha Mwadinomho waKristian yaNelumbu naye a holola ohokwe ye okuyambidhidha metungo lyomuhandjo gwoskola.

“Konima yolopota ndjoka otwa dhengelwa oongodhi kaantu mboka yahala okukwathela metungo lyomuhandjo.

“Ngoloneya okwa gandja nale oodhopi ndhoka dha gandjwa oshowo ongombe ndjoka ye mwene a gandja.

Omukwaniilwa naye okwa holola ohokwe ye mokuyambidhidhwa. Otatu indile kehe gumwe ngoka e na ohokwe mokuyambidhidha metungo lyomuhandjo gwoskola yaMungwelume opo ya kale poshituthi shoka tashi ka ningwa momasiku 22 gaJune nenge ya ninge ekwatathano natse,” Kapweya a popi.

Kapweya okwa popi mehuliloshiwike kutya, okwa gandja po oshitopolwa shimwe shepya lye oomvula dha piti opo ku vule okutungwa omuhandjo gwoskola ngoka inagu tungwa natango. “Omudhingoloko gwaMungwelume kagu shi ehala ewanawa kaanaskola ya kale kuyoyene. Aanona ohaya zi komahala ga yooloka nokuya koskola ndjoka kayi na omuhandjo.

Ngashiingeyi otaya hiila nokuza pamwe molukanda na inatu nyanyukilwa omaihumbato gawo.”

Omukuluntuskola George Nanghanda okwa koleke kutya Nghaamwa okwa gandja koskola oodhopi dhili po 58 000 ndhoka a popi kutya odha pewa ombelewa ye kehangano lyontumba.

Nanghanda okwa popi kutya aantseyinawa otaya popi kutya oodhopi ndhoka odhindji na otadhi kayambidhidha noonkondo metungo ndyoka.

“Otwa pandula kwaashoka ngoloneya ta ningi. Otatu indile owala aantu mboka ye na ohokwe mokuyambidhidha ya yambidhidhe oonkambadhala ndhoka tadhi ningwa kungoloneya opo ku vule okutungilwa omuhandjo oskola yetu.”

Sho a ningilwa omapulo, Nghaamwa okwa popi utya nakugandja oodhopi ndhoka otaka tseyitha pethimbo lyoshituuthi shegongelo lyiimaliwa shoka tashi ningwa.

Osekundoskola yaMungwelume kayi na omuhandjo naanaskola ya za koombinga noombinga ohaya hiila momudhingoloko gwaMungwelume. Konyala aanaskola ye li pe 118 yondondo onti 10, 11 no 12 ohaya zi mehala lyepangelp ndyoka lya li lya landwa kelelo lyoshitopowa shaHangwena, sha landula elombwelo lya zi kuNghaamwa.

chief regional officer gwoshitopolwa shaHangwena, Fillipus Shilongo okwa pula Omukomeho gwElongolo mOshitopolwa shaHangwena opo a kongele ehala lyokuza aanona mboka omanga inaya kuthwa mo mehala moka haya zi ngaashiingeyi.

Shilongo okwa popi kutya ehala ndyoka lya landwa kepangelo koshimaliwa shoomiliyona 6, inali landwa opo li longithwe onga omuhandjo gwoskola.

Kapweya okwa popi kutya aavali oya tuma aanona yawo koskola ihe koskola oyeli ko yootekathana taya zi pamwe onga aasamane naakulukadhi, na kape na ngoka ta kondolola aanona mboka molwaashoka ihaya zi moskola. Aanona mboka yamwe ngaashi yondondo onti 10, oya za komahala gokokule ngaashi Okongo, Oshikunde, Epembe, Omundaungilo, Omauni oshowo Ekoka.

ILENI NANDJATO

We're on our own - Swartbooi

Landless People's Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi says African democracy is not in the interest of western nations, because they need unstable governments in order to plunder the continent's resources undeterred.

Swartbooi said this past weekend that it is extremely difficult for smaller political parties to break Swapo's two-thirds majority because “politics of the belly is the order of the day”.

According to him, powerful nations like the United States, China and Germany support former liberation movements like Swapo, so they stay in power and protect foreign business interests.

“For as long as the land remains in the hands of the Germans, they are fine. For as long as the Spanish and a select group of Namibians own all the fishing rights and quotas, it's all fine with them. There can be a bit of corruption, or even more, but it's fine with them,” Swartbooi said.

“There can be a president who does as he pleases, but for as long as the investors' interests remain intact, then it's fine. But as for you, who want to challenge the status quo, you are on your own.”

Swartbooi added that western nations only start worrying about democracy when there are talks about nationalising mines.

Another thorn in his flesh is that the smaller political parties get into bed with the ruling elite in order to feed themselves.

“They suck up to the government for pity bread or pity crumbs. I am telling you it is not so easy, it is not as simple, but we need to fight for our cause through mobilising each other to change the status quo,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

China denies Swapo HQ linkSays allegations are 'baseless' Swapo companies were approached to contribute from their investments.

The Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhang Yiming, has denied media reports that the Chinese government will provide funds for the construction of the new Swapo Party head office.

A report in The Namibian cited unidentified sources as saying that the Chinese government would provide funds for the N$730 million construction project, presumably because Swapo does not have enough money to start the project.

Yiming last week said these allegations were “baseless”.

“The Chinese government will not give money for the Swapo Party head office. We have a clear-cut policy of non-interference,” Yiming said when asked whether the funding of such a project could be construed as political interference or currying favour with the ruling party.

“Do they want to tarnish our image over irresponsible reporting?” Yiming asked about the media reports.

Yiming emphatically maintained: “We [the Chinese government] do not offer any support to any political party for similar projects. Details can be enquired from the office of the Swapo Party.”

The N$730 million construction tender for the project was awarded to a Chinese firm, Unik Construction Engineering, which also caused a furore among Namibians who felt the lucrative contract should have been given to a local company.

The embassy said the project was “purely a commercial one”, stressing that neither the embassy nor the Chinese government had any involvement in the tender award.

Swapo companies asked to cough up

Swapo's department of economic affairs earlier this year instructed at least eight Swapo companies to liquidate N$313 million of their combined investments of N$417.6 million for the project.

Swapo's secretary of economic affairs, Alpheus !Naruseb, stated in a letter that this decision was made at a politburo meeting on 30 January, and called on the companies to urgently act on the instruction. The companies approached were Kalahari Holdings (N$150 million), Kudu Investment (N$10 million), New Dawn (N$3 185.59), Zebra Investments (N$5 million), Guinas Investments (N$16 million), Ceret (N$15 million), Namibia Protection Services (N$50 million), and N$67 million from a nominee shareholders account. This instruction allegedly caused concern among the party companies, some of which complained that they would have to close down if they were to give the requested money for the building project. The Swapo chairperson of the nominee shareholders, Clive Kavendjii, pointedly denied this resistance when approached for comment at an earlier occasion.

“Kindly take note that the Swapo Party is the sole shareholder of the companies in question. As to the assertion that the companies have complained that the businesses are at risk, there is simply no iota of truth to this.

“Swapo companies are run on sound business principles and all companies have board members who take their fiduciary duties as non-negotiable,” Kavendjii responded.

CATHERINE SASMAN