Namibian Sun

Levelling upWarrior's plot to snatch away win in Comoros Brave Warriors assistant coach Woody Jacobs said the team is aiming to win the away leg of their Chan qualifier against the Comoros today.

It's crunch time for the Brave Warriors, as they eye an away win against the Comoros, which allow them a positive start in their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier.

Jacobs said the players have recovered from their long flight, and spirits are high in camp, ahead of the much-anticipated match.

Captain Dynamo Fredericks is no stranger to crunch matches and said the island nation is familiar territory.

“We have played them before in 2017 and qualified on their expense. I don't think they have changed their squad that much. We have shared some secrets on how to move forward with our teammates, so we are ready,” said Black Africa's Fredericks.

He added that the boys are motivated and that they are looking forward to the match.

In addition, there has been a minor change to the squad with, Unam goalkeeper Charles Uirab being replaced by Okahandja United's Calvin Spiegel. Uirab had passport issues before the team's departure.

The match will kick off at 14:00, local time.

The Warriors and Comoros national team will again meet in Windhoek on Sunday 4 August for the second leg of the qualifier.

The winners will take on the victors of the Madagascar versus Mozambique qualifier in the third and final round.

Forty-seven teams are engaged in the battle for 15 places to join hosts Ethiopia for the finals of the sixth edition of the tournament.

The Brave Warriors squad is as follows: Ratanda Mbazuvara, Charles Uirab, Ivan Kamberipa, Obrey Amseb, Marcel Papama, Gustav Isaak, Larry Horaeb, Junias Theophilus, Aprocious Petrus, Immanuel Heita, Dynamo Fredericks, Vitapi Ngaruka, Emilio Martin, Wendell Rudath, Llewelyn Stanley, Absalom Iimbondi, Gregory Auchumeb, Isaskar Gurirab, Elmo Kambindu and Revered Matroos.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

African Stars launch under-19 team

Namibia Premier League (NPL) outfit and 2019 Standard Bank Top 8 Cup champions, African Stars, launched their under-19 football team on Wednesday.

The Katutura outfit, who have won the NPL title on four occasions, announced their plan to form a u-19 team at the Jan Möhr Secondary School sports field.

The u-19s will be used as a feeder team.

African Stars chairperson Patrick Kauta said as part of their Fifa club licensing, they decided to start a youth team that will complement their youth development structure at Van Rhyn Primary School.

“Our goal is to have these boys competing in the second or third divisions during the 2019/20 season, when football has normalised in the country.

This team will be the feeder team of African Stars and they will also represent the club at youth competitions that we see fit for them (to compete in) outside the country,” he said.

African Stars captain Pat-Nevin Uanivi, who is the co-mentor of the youth team, said the initiative by the club's management should be applauded, because they are giving young people an opportunity to play football in a professional set-up at an early age.

“In our years, when we started at Stars as football players, we never had a foundation, as there was only a senior team. As co-coach of the team I will help the management with realising this dream of youth development, as we want to one day see these boys compete for places in the senior football team,” he said.

All Blacks take on SpringboksCoach takes a gamble Steve Hansen sprung a surprise on Thursday naming Mo'unga in the 10 jersey with Barrett at 15 for Saturday's Test in Wellington with regular fullback Ben Smith moving to the right wing.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen admits starting his two world class fly-halves Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga against South Africa is a gamble, but is worth it in terms of World Cup planning.

He also hinted at further changes which could include moving captain Kieran Read to the side of the scrum to shore up the loose trio.

Read is among eight members of the Super Rugby champion Crusaders to return to the All Blacks along with a now injury-free Sonny Bill Williams.

The question of whether rising star Mo'unga or double world player of the year Barrett is the better pivot has divided New Zealand rugby followers for the past two years.

Hansen said he had debated for sometime how best to utilise both players simultaneously, and with the World Cup looming this crunch Test against the Springboks appeared to be the right time to experiment.

“There's always a risk in anything you do. I've often said if the reward's worth the risk, then take the risk,” he said, indicating the pair gave him two players capable of keeping the big Springbok pack moving.

“We've got a plan with a whole lot of things that we want to do before we get to the nitty gritty business (of the World Cup) and we just felt Saturday's the right time to try that particular part of the plan,” he added.

Mo'unga, the backline director for the Crusaders, will be playing only his 10th Test while Barrett, who has plenty of experience at fullback, will be playing his 75th.

Although the All Blacks are keen to avenge last year's Rugby Championship loss to the Springboks in Wellington, Hansen insisted that winning the series, which also includes Australia and Argentina, was not a priority.

“That's no disrespect to the Rugby Championship, it's just the way it happens to be in World Cup year,” he said.

“It means taking a few risks but we're happy to do that,” he added.

In the search for a regular blind side flanker, with Liam Squire unavailable, the four-Test Shannon Frizell will wear the six jersey on Saturday.

Hansen would not be drawn on whether he was also considering regular backrower Read for that role after Ardie Savea had an outstanding game at the back of the scrum against Argentina last week.

“You'll have to wait and see,” he told reporters.

“There's no point in me telling the world what we're doing. They can find out. It's a good question but I can't answer it.”

After Saturday's Rugby Championship Test New Zealand and South Africa next clash in their opening pool match of the Rugby World Cup on September 21 in Japan.

NAMPA/AFP

Gargo appointed as African Stars head coach

NAMPA

African Stars FC on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Gargo as head coach for their senior team.

African Stars chairperson Patrick Kauta said the coach will replace Bobby Samaria who is currently an interim coach for the senior national football team, the Brave Warriors.

Gargo, who is originally from Ghana, and who had a short stint with Tura Magic Football Club during the 2018/19 Namibia Premier League season, arrived in the country on Wednesday and was present at the launch of the African Stars Under-19 football team.

Kauta said they hired him because their aim is to progress to the group stages of the 2019/20 edition of the African Champions League.

“At the moment Bobby Samaria is not with the team and we have a project that we are working on and cannot be without a coach. We are hopeful and positive that Gargo will take our project further as he has played football at a high level and also understands Namibian football,” he said.

Kauta stated that their plan is to hire the coach for a period of three years.

Gargo said he is happy to be back in the country and hopes his style of football and philosophy fit the team well.

“I have been briefed about the champions league campaign and we are jumping into it as we are learning to understand each other as well. But I know African Stars have experienced players that can deliver for the team,” he said.

The coach added that he wants to bring a dream to Africa that Namibian players can also deliver at the same level as the rest of Africa, because they are talented.

Gargo has close to 10 years of coaching experience in his native Ghana.

He played professional football for several clubs in Europe including Udinese Calcio and Genoa in Italy, while he was also in the books of German clubs Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

He has 20 caps for the Ghana national team, scoring four times.

African Stars will face KCCA Football Club of Uganda in the Confederation of African Football Champions League 2019/20 preliminary rounds. The first leg of the contest takes place over the weekend of 09 to 11 August 2019 in Windhoek.

Ompango yuukoloni tayi kuthwa po

Otaku ningwa oompangela opo ompango yoAdministration Proclamation 15 yomomvula yo 1928 yi talululwe.

Shoka osha popiwa kuInge Zaamwani-Kamwi, omugandjimayele gwomupresidende miikumungu yopakontampango oshowo oshikondo shopaumwene, pethimbo a popi momutumba gwa ningwa komupresidende pamwe noshigwana mOmuthiya.

Kohi yoveta ndjoka, oondjokana adhihe ndhoka dha dhikilwa monooli otadhi uthwa dhi kale omaliko gatopoka nepangelo olya hala okulundulula oshinima shoka, konima sho sha hololwa pethimbo lyiigongi ya faaathana mbyoka ya ningwa momvula yo 2015.

Zaamwani-Kamwi okwa popi kutya ompango ndjoka otayi ka talululwa opo yi gandje uuthemba kaantu ya kale ye na ehogololo.

“Monena oondjokana adhihe ndhoka dha dhikilwa monooli yomusinda omutiligane odhomaliko ga topoka. Konima yiigongi yomomvula yo2015 otwa pulakene komaiyuvo geni na otwa tokola opo ompango ndjoka yi talululwe opo AaNamibia ayehe yapewe ompito yehogololo lyokuhokana omaliko geli mumwe nenge ga topoka,” Zaamwani-Kamwi a popi. “Mboka ya hokana nale na oya gumwa kompango ndjoka, mompango ompe otamu ka kala ethimbo ndyoka tali ka gandjwa opo mboka yahala okuninga omalunduluko ye shi ninge, naashoka otashi ka ningilwa moompangulilo dhamangestrata.”

Pethimbo ndyoka tali ka gandjwa, aahokanathani otaya ka vula okupewa onzapo yondjokana yimwe moka tamu ka shangwa ehogololo lyawo, naashoka otashi ka ningilwa owala mboka ya gumwa kompango ndjoka yi li miilonga ngashiingeyi.

Konima yiigongi yomomvula yo 2015, omupresidende okwa ningi ekwatathano noLaw Reform Development Commission (LRDC) na okwa ziminwa opo ompango ndjoka yi talululwe.

Oondjokana ndhoka dha ningilwa meni lyomusinda omutiligane odhi li omaliko geli mumwe ngele kape na okondalaka tayi ithanwa antenuptial contract.

Reihold Nabot okwa popi kutya okwa pandula omolwa omalunduluko ngoka taga ningwa, molwaashoka aantu mboka ye li kombanda yomusinda omutiligane na oya hala okuhokana omaliko geli mumwe, ohaya yi koTsumeb opo ya vule okuhokana.

ILENI NANDJATO

Katrina a hala okusilwa ohendaEpangelo lya hala a tulwe modholongo Ominista nale yelongo, oya pula ompangu opo yi mu pe egeelo lyokufuta oshimaliwa shooN$35 000, omanga epangelo tali pula opo a geelwe ngaashi owala oonakumonika ondjo yakwawo.

Omukalelipo gwopaveta gwaKatrina Hanse-Himarwa, ota pula opo omuyakulwa gwe a pewe egeelo lyokufuta pehala lyokutulwa mondholongo, ta popi kutya okwii pa ombedhi omolwa oshimbuluma shoka a longa na okwa futa nale ondando yi li pombanda omolwa oshimbuluma shoka.

Sisa Namandje okwa popi kutya omuyakulwa gwe okwa longitha nale iimaliwa oyindji miifuta yeyakulo lye.

Nonando ongaaka epangelo olya dhengee omuthindo kutya na pewe egeelo lyodholongo.

Namandje pethimbo lyoompata dhi na sha negandjo lyegeelo, okwa lombwele Omupanguli Christie Liebenberg kutya omuyakulwa gwe ota gandja ombili na ota pula edhiminepo.

Namandje okwa pula ompangu yi sile ohenda omuyakulwa gwe nonando oshigwana osha hala onkone.

Liebenberg okwa mono ondjo momasiku ga 8 gaJuli, omunamimvo 52, ngoloneya nale gwoshitopolwa shaHardap ondjo omolwa okulongitha ombelewa yepambambo nokulonga uulingilingi.

Ngoloneya nale aniwa okwa longitha ombelewa ye nokugandja elombwelo opo omadhina gaali gonakumona omagumbo okupitila mopoloyeka yoMass Housing ga kuthwemo momusholondondo popehala lyawo pu tulwe aakwanezimo ye yaali.

Namandje okwa pula ompangu opo kayi gandje egeelo lyodholongo komuyakulwa gwe ihe pehala nayi gandje egeelo lyokufuta oshimaliwa sha thika pooN$35 000.

Namandje okwa popi kutya Hanse-Himarwa okwa kanitha nale oshindji sho a thigi po iilonga ye onga ominista, nokutala kutya opo lwotango ta monika ondjo, oomvula dhe niinima yilwe okwa pumbwa okupewa ompito ontiyali yonkalamwenyo.

Namandje okwa tsikile kutya iiyemo yaHanse-Himarwa oya gu pevi okuza pomiliyona yimwe sho a zi koshipundi onga ominista okuya pooN$690 000 onga oshilyo shopaliamende.

Natango okwa tsikile kutya iifuta ye yomayakulo giikwaveta oyi li poomiliyona 1.4 moka natango kwa tegelelwa a fute oshimaliwa sha thika pooN$800 000 okuya mesiku lyotango lyaAuguste.

Namandje natango okwa lombwele ompangu kutya mboka ya kuthwa momusholondondo kuHanse-Himarwa inaya ningwa nayi ethimbo ele na osha li owala ekateko lyuule womwedhi nenge omwedhi mbali.

Natango okwa tsikile kutya kakele kokusila oshisho aanona mboka yaali yomuyo ihaya longo, oshowo aatekulu yaali, Hanse-Himarwa oku na oshinagugwanitha shokusila oshisho yina ngoka ke na uukolele nomusamane gwe natango okwa hololwa a nika uunkundi.

Namandje okwa pula opo ompangu kayi gandje egeelo edhigu komuyakulwa gwe onga omukalo gwokulondodha yalwe.

Omupeha omufali gwiihokolola kompangu gwepangelo, Ed Marondedze okwa lundile Namandje kutya ota kambadhala okukutha oonkondo oshimbuluma shoka sha longwa kuHanse-Himarwa.

Okwa popi kutya oshimbuluma shoka osha longwa molwaashoka Hanse-Himarwa okwa li e na oonkondo.

Okwa ekelehi woo omapopyo kutya Hanse-Himarwa okwa imona ombedhi omolwa oshimbuluma shoka a longo, a gandja oshiholelwa shomapopyo ge ngoka a ningi konima yokumonika ondjo, ngaashi oshinyolwa shomoshifokundaeneki shoNamibian Sun, moka a popi kutya oku na iimaliwa, nokukoleka kutya ota vulu okufuta iifuta ye yopaveta. Marondedze okwa popi kutya Hanse-Himarwa ina kondjithwa a ze miilonga na ina tidhwa natango miilonga onga ominista yelongo, ta pula woo kutya oshigwana otashi ka tya ngiini ngele okwa pewa egeelo eshona.

“Otaya kanitha einekelo moshikondo shuuyuki, nongele okwiipa shili ombedhi andola okwa dhigapo woo natango iilonga ye onga oshilyo shomutumba gwopaliamende. Omutumba gwopaliamende omo hamu ningilwa ooveta mwakwatelwa oveta moka a monika ondjo.”

Marondedze okwa tsikile kutya omaihumbato ge itaga ulike kutya okwiipa ombedhi, ta popi kutya ope na uumbangi kutya Hanse Himarwa oku na ombinga momahangano gaali gokukwata oohi, okwa pula kutya oha mono ingapi okuza momahangano ngoka, ta gwedhapo kutya ekanitho lyiilonga ye onga ominista oshinima oshishona na itashi gumu ondjato ye, molwaashoka oku na oonzo dhilwe dhiiyemo.

Marondedze okwa tsikile kutya pethimbo a longo oshimbuluma shoka, Hanse-Himarwa, onga ngoloneya gwoshitopolwa shaHardap okwa li omeho nomakutsi gepangelo.

Okwa popi kutya shoka a ningi okunyateka edhina lyepangelo oshowo lyomutse gwoshilongo na onga ngoloneya okwa li a pewa oshinakugwanithwa shokukwathela oshigwana pakulongitha oshili nuuyuuki.

Marondedze okwa popi kutya epangelo olya hala ku gandjwe egeelo ndyoka li thike poshimbuluma shoka a monika ondjo, na otali kala li li pauyuuki koshigwana.

“Ompangu inayi hwahwamekwa uukwatya womuntu goka. Oku li omunapolotika. Kape na omalimbililo ihe oompango dhetu ihadhi tongola,” Marondedze.

JANA-MARI SMITH

Landing problems at WalvisNo indication when approaches will be available Cloudy weather has caused problems since navigation systems were removed.

SA Airlink has announced that its flight from Johannesburg to Walvis Bay on Monday could not approach the Namibian airport due to an absence of essential land-based navigational equipment.

It said when its plane reached Walvis Bay the weather conditions were such that an instrument approach was necessary. “Without the necessary airport navigational aids, the flight held its position overhead the airport and circled, waiting for the cloud to dissipate. After circling for some time, the aircraft diverted to Windhoek, refuelled, and then successfully landed at Walvis Bay,” Karin Murray of Airlink said. This comes after the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) withdrew all instrument approaches from the Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) and the Walvis Bay airport on 15 July. Instrument approaches are procedures based on equipment mounted at airports to help pilots navigate safe landings in case of poor visibility.

Murray said Airlink would be able to operate normally at HKIA, which has an RNAV GNSS (Random Area Navigation Global Navigation Satellite System) approach in place.

However, she said, because Walvis Bay does not have the RNAV GNSS approach - or any other alternative to the withdrawn systems - Airlink will not be able to approach that airport in cloudy conditions.

“We are aware that the NCAA is in the process of designing and emplacing an RNAV GNSS approach at Walvis Bay, but there is no indication at this stage as to when this approach will be available. In the circumstances, Airlink will encourage that this process be expedited,” Murray said.

In the interim, she said, Airlink's flight will divert to Johannesburg, and if practicable, to Windhoek to take more fuel and attempt to approach the Walvis Bay airport again. The NCAA withdrew the instrument approaches as a precautionary measure. NCAA interim executive director, Reinhard Gärtner, said it is interesting that Airlink did not officially contact the aviation authority about the forced diversion.

However, he said the NCAA as a matter of priority is in the process to avail approved approaches at both airports with the first priority of Walvis Bay due to the possible adverse weather effects at that airport.

“We are aware of the potential inconvenience caused to the industry but had no option but to withdraw the previous approaches as indicated earlier,” Gärtner responded.

Gärtner had earlier explained that the NCAA withdrew the instrument approaches as a precautionary measure.

He then explained that it is an international standard that procedures be reviewed periodically to ensure they still meet the regulatory safety requirements.

Gärtner then added that the instrument landing system (ILS) and visual omnidirectional range (VOR) procedures are due to scheduled review in 2020, but that the NCAA has decided to do it now already, saying the best time of the year for the withdrawals is in the dry season, which is generally free of cloud and weather.

CATHERINE SASMAN

Santam, Hollard sorry for price-fixing

Insurance companies Hollard and Santam have agreed to pay N$5.5 million and N$15 million respectively for collusive behaviour following an investigation by the Namibia Competition Commission.

The two insurance companies this week opted to settle in response to the investigation carried out by the Competition Commission. Collusion is a non-competitive, secret, and sometimes illegal agreement between rivals which attempts to disrupt prices in a market.

“The Commission's preliminary investigation findings were that the aforementioned insurance companies engaged in price-fixing in contravention of the Competition Act by coming together and setting maximum mark-ups and rates that panel beaters should charge for repairs to insured vehicles,” said NaCC's director of enforcement, exemptions and cartels, Nangosora Tjipitua. The two insurance companies have further committed to implement measures to mitigate the risk of future competition law violations within their respective workplaces. “The Commission will continue to monitor the behaviour of these companies through regular compliance reports to be submitted to the Commission,” Tjipitua said.

“The Commission wishes to commend the proactive and cooperative stance adopted by Santam and Hollard in seeking to remedy their contravention of the Competition Act and for having provided the Commission with useful information regarding its investigation,” she added. According to her, the Commission was approached by Santam and Hollard for settlement in terms of section 40 of the Competition Act. As part of the settlement, both Santam and Hollard admitted to an unintended contravention of section 23 of the Competition Act.

While only Hollard and Santam have agreed to settle, the other insurance companies that were under investigation include Old Mutual Short Term Insurance, Outsurance, Alexander Forbes Insurance, Phoenix Assurance Namibia and Momentum Short Term Insurance.

“The Commission is at the cusp of finalising its investigation against the remaining insurance companies that have not settled and will in due course make a final determination in terms of section 38 of the Competition Act in respect of whether or not it will refer the other insurance companies to court for having contravened the Competition Act,” Tjipitua said.

According to Tjiputua, the Commission wishes to emphasise that the window remains open for other insurance companies to approach the Commission for settlement on this matter.

OGONE TLHAGE

Back by popular demandSecond season promises more drama Lasizwe: Fake It till You Make It is back for a second season.

On the heels of a successful season one, the Lasizwe: Fake It till You Make It reality show returns for a second season on MTV Africa (DStv channel 130) this Monday at 21:30 Central African Time (CAT).

Lasizwe, the YouTube sensation who turns 21 in July, left viewers and fans entertained with his witty arsenal of characters, from NomaTriquency and Babes Wamaleyvels, and he plans on pulling out all the stops to celebrate this milestone.

Lasizwe, is not new to the MTV Africa family; he was also featured on the comedy prank show You Got Got and recently represented South Africa at the European Development Day in Brussels, a forum which highlights Europe's commitment to building a sustainable and fairer world.

“The brand focuses on today's youth - offering entertainment that is relevant, fun, bold and stimulating, while reflecting on the millennia's hopes, dreams, talent, ambition and diversity with distinctive programming, working with Lasizwe on a number of productions is proof to that,” said Monde Twala, vice-president for youth, music and BET at Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa).

In the first season of Lasizwe's reality show, the cameras delved into his true diversity as his family calls him Siphiwe, while his friends refer to him as Thulasizwe and viewers met his controversial outspoken brother Lungile.

Through the 13-episodes of the second season we find out whether he will he find the love of his life, since his relationship with actor Cedric Fourie left fans and family confused. Are they still friends or is there more to their relationship? Did he really fully mend his relationship with his half-sister, industry heavyweight Khanyi Mbau, who on the last episode gave Lasizwe sisterly advice about the horrors and joys of the showbiz industry? What are his plans, as he enters into full adulthood and turns 21, and what is he planning for this special occasion?

“I am extremely excited to be working with MTV Africa and VIMN Africa on the second season of Lasizwe: Fake it Till You Make It. This new season promises to be riveting, with lots of laughter, more tears and mixed emotions,” said Lasizwe.

STAFF REPORTER

When inmates lead the way For several years now the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation (OYO) has been working with offenders in various correctional facilities in the country.

OYO director Dr Philippe Talavera said the aim of the 'In and Out' project is to address issues around HIV with offenders.

“It is actually a difficult topic, since sodomy is still classified as a crime in Namibia. We don't have condoms in correctional facilities, yet we have many young men imprisoned for several years,” he said.

OYO said in a media release that a lot of inmates are at an age where they are sexually active.

“How can we deal with needs and wants in this case? How can we make sure people make informed choices? How can we ultimately promote the rights to sexual and reproductive health to all Namibians, including those behind bars?”

These are some of the questions behind the In and Out project.

As part of the project, OYO regularly organises a weeklong arts workshop with offenders.

“At OYO we use arts to create social awareness. We believe arts can help us make a difference in the lives of many,” Talavera said.

Through roleplays, songs and dance, offenders learn, share, express themselves and ultimately become ambassadors for change.

A good example is the recent launch of the Warriors of Change Support Group at the Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility. A group of inmates decided to launch the support group to help others.

In particular, they pledged to share the knowledge they gained on HIV/Aids with other offenders, especially with newcomers.

They will also wash blankets and shave the heads of older offenders, who may be too frail, and have campaigns to keep the facility clean.

Njandee Mbarandongo, OYO's youth development coordinator, who has been working with the group, mentioned that most offenders actually know they have made a mistake, but if given a second chance, they are willing to try and make a difference.

“First, they can make a difference in their own facility. Later, upon their release, they can also make a difference in their community. We must just all learn, as community members, to also give them a chance.

“They should not be judged just on their past mistakes, but also on how they have changed,” said Mbarandongo. The Warriors of Change Support Group is also planning outreach programmes to address issues around gender-based violence with learners in schools around Tsumeb.

Similarly, in March, the Tulongeni Pamwe Support Group was launched at the Walvis Bay Correctional Facility. In both cases, the officers in charge, the social worker attached to the facility and all the employees from the facilities, have been instrumental in supporting the initiatives.

The In and Out project is made possible by OSISA and will run until December.

STAFF REPORTER

Statements through artBold Creations documents Namibia Bold Creations reveals the true diverse heritage of Namibia through artistic expression.

Bold Creations makes jewellery ornaments and corporate gift sculptures, and does interior and exterior furniture designs.

Petrus Shiimi, a co-owner, opened up about their creations.

Shiimi mentioned that Bold Creations, as an arts entity, is aware, and strives to sustain the environment through using recycled material as much as possible, in an optimal way, so that little or nothing goes to waste.

“Each project is different in nature and execution. This creates a need to buy some of the material we may not have, as different projects require different material,” he said.

Asked what their source of inspiration is for their creations, Shiimi mentioned it is multi-sourced. “We draw inspiration from our different cultural backgrounds, from modern trends, our individual imaginations and research through different kinds of media.”

He pointed to the Bold Creations Arts Café and Waka Moo projects as some of the initiatives they are proud of. The Arts Café provides a platform for visual art creators to showcase their work and reach new segments of the market.

“We do the 3D lettering (signage) for Windhoek Fashion Week, stage backdrops and signage for Voigush Africa.

“We are proud to be associated with the Waka Moo project because of our involvement since its inception - the making of the first puppets.

Waka Moo has also given us the opportunity to work on a variety of project types,” said Shiimi.

Bold Creations is also active in the entertainment space, having done backdrops for numerous entertainment shows.

According to Shiimi, what separates their designs from the rest, is their attention to the artistic aspect of design. “We try to combine art with function, so that our work reflects us as a company, but also meets the requirements of our clients,” he said.

Speaking on some of the setbacks they have experienced, Shiimi pointed out that time and money are the biggest obstacles.

“There just isn't enough of either, but we don't necessarily perceive these as setbacks, but reasons to innovate and challenge ourselves to deliver to our clients and to ourselves,” said Shiimi.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

A designer of note

Joyce Lafika is a multi-disciplinary designer, specialising in graphic, fashion and textile design.

She is also a fashion show producer, radio presenter and voiceover artist.

She is also the national coordinator of Waka Moo, which is Namibia's first puppet and cartoon show and chieftess of The Clan, a proudly Namibian clothing and lifestyle brand. Having been the brain behind some of the biggest fashion shows in the country, tjil caught up with her, and this is what she had to share about her love for designing.

tjil (t): When did you fall in love with designing and the fashion world?

Joyce Lafika (JL): I was fascinated by the art of design from a young age. I always liked stuff that looked nice, like interior and pieces of clothing. So I was actually stuck between interior design and fashion. I ended up choosing fashion because my grandmother was very good with her hands, so that is where my main inspiration came from. She used to make clothes and I would learn from her.

t: Tell us more about The Clan, how did it come about?

JL: The Clan was started by me and my then business partner; he is an architect, I am a fashion designer, so we wanted a brand that brings multiple design disciplines together - him being an architect and me being a fashion designer. All design disciplines blend with each other. I was also very interested about where we come from, our ancestors, and all of that, so that is how the name came about.

t: You are big on collaborations, why do you value this so much?

JL: You can't say that you have enough knowledge, even in your field, so I believe in collaborating with others, because you are always learning something different and new from someone else, even though you might have or know different techniques compared to the other person.

It brings a sense of unity, as well, and that contributes to the growth of the industry.

t: You are a multi-disciplinary designer. What is the importance of tapping into different avenues of the industry?

JL: It is good to explore what you can do; the world is your oyster. Radio was a hobby for me, but then I fell in love with it. On the creative scene, it is also not easy to find a job in this industry, so you have to expand your skillset the best way you can.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

NAMAs 2019 tickets now available

The Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) announced during a recent nominee show that the prestigious awards will again be hosted at Swakopmund on 7 September.

As of yesterday, tickets for the awards show are now available.

NAMAs 2019 is thrilled to be back at the coast and encouraged Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and the entire Erongo Region's residents to be part of Namibia's biggest night in music entertainment, by attending the event at The Dome in Swakopmund.

Tickets for NAMAs 2019 have gone on sale at Webtickets Namibia and customers can buy them at any Pick n Pay stores in Erongo, as well at Wernhil Park and Auas Valley.

Customers can also buy online via the website at www.webtickets.com.na with their debit card, credit card or via EFT payments. You can also book online and pay at selected outlets at any cashier in Swakopmund, Auas Valley, B1 City, Katutura, Mega Centre, Wernhil Park, Ongwediva or Katima Mulilo.

Early bird tickets are now available at the unbelievable discounted price of only N$120 for general seated tickets and N$350 for VIP tickets.

The special low-price early bird tickets will only be available for a limited period, so be sure to get yours today.

When the early bird period, tickets will cost N$250 for general seated ones and VIP tickets will sell for N$500.

The NAMAs is proudly brought to you by MTC and NBC, with generous support and co-sponsorship of the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), Endjala Investments, Standard Bank, Air Namibia, the Namibia Statistics Agency, Coca-Cola and its PowerPlay brand, Metropolitan, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), Tafel Lite, the Namibia Film Commission (NFC), the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), Nascam and the Swakopmund municipality.

The Dome is regarded as the new business, entertainment and sports hub of Namibia, attracting growing numbers of business travelers, sports teams, tourists and holidaymakers.

Subscribe and follow the official digital channels for the NAMAs and be ahead of the multiple, exciting announcements to follow over the days and weeks ahead, including more live performances, host announcements, meet-and-greets with the stars, amazing competition packages and much more.

STAFF REPORTER

Tswazis on fireDuo ready for second leg of their album tour Tswazis is among the artists with the most nominations at this year's Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs).

So I'm a passenger seated in a local public taxi on a cold Windhoek evening, on my way home after putting pen to paper for a nice feature. Okay, I lie; I'm typing it on my phone, but you get me.

I decide to challenge my cerebral cortex by choosing a fitting headline to this exciting interview I just had with the dancers turned musicians, Tswazis.

I settled on this headline 'Tswazis' story is moving' – and you move when you dance, as in you create dance moves… genius right? Yes? No? Maybe… Anyways I ended up scratching that headline out but here is why tjil was moved.

Made up of Eldazz and Raxa, the duo released their fourth album last year in November, an offering they describe as their best music project yet. “Not to take away anything from our previous album, but commercially this album is the most successful we have had yet,” said Raxa.

Eldazz attributes the success of Critical But Stable to the maturity it carries and the variety of sounds it has. “I think it really helped that we worked with a lot of new producers on the album, in a way this 16-track album has a song for every average music fan,” added Eldazz.

The duo announced that they will be going on the second leg of their Critical But Stable tour, in an effort to take their music to parts of the country they still believe they haven't dominated commercially. “We have not been booked in the north in a while now, so with this second edition of the tour we want to take our music to our fans in that side of the country,” said Eldazz.

The tour will also be the duo's way of celebrating their four NAMAs nominations with their fans. “The tour dates may stretch up to after the awards, but we will celebrate anyways,” said Raxa.

On securing four nominations, Raxa added that the acknowledgement is a testament to how successful their album is. They are humbled by the nominations and maintain that it is the motivation they need to work even harder. “We have been a part of the NAMAs before, but this year it is just a little overwhelming, in a special way. It means we are doing the right thing,” said Eldazz.

The duo also shared they will be celebrating their 10th anniversary on the music scene next year, an occasion they will celebrate in style. “10 years and four albums is a big achievement for us and we want to celebrate with our fans, who have made it possible for us to last in the game this long.

“In September already we will announce what we are planning for that celebration. We will market the celebration for 10 months. At the celebration we will invite all the artists we have collaborated with over the years.” announced Raxa.

Tswazis attribute their longevity to hard work, learning from their mistakes and not being scared to try out new sounds.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Healing the nation through music

The Heal Our Land Concert is slated for 3 August and will feature South African gospel stars Dumi Mkostad and Zaza Mokhethi at Zoo Park.

On the local front, Manda Gabriel, Abner Mumbala, Sovita Joshua, Pride, Vuuyo Johnson, Jux Adolf, D-Naff, Esmee and Dee A & Franklin are also billed to perform.

In an interview with tjil Ndilimeke Nambinga, the chairperson of the Heal Our Land Concert, shared the event is aimed at bringing the community together to worship and pray against social ills that Namibian society is plagued with. Nambinga said the concert will be recorded and the footage will be available on DVD, either at the end of this year or early in 2020. “It is going to be an annual event, focusing on different social issues. For this year, the main issue we want healing from is violence against women and children.

“Our motto is 'spread love'. We need to start igniting the love of God and love one another more,” said Nambinga.

This winter, the Heal Our Land Foundation, the organisation that is hosting the concert, has been focusing on donating clothing to the needy.

Nambinga shared that the concert's profit will be geared towards establishing different programmes and initiatives, aimed at keeping the community safe.

“We call on all music lovers to attend. We are usually divided by the politics of life, but this event is for all of us. By attending this event, you are also giving back to the community,” Nambinga said.

Tickets are available at Computicket at any Shoprite and Checkers outlets countrywide for N$100 for the general access and N$250 for VIP.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

Excelling in praise and worshipZay Zay is a new gospel singer to look out for Zay Zay is a rising star in the local gospel music fraternity.

The gospel community has given birth to yet another diamond, in the form of Zay Zay, real name Rozay Waters.

The Windhoek native, who has had the Namibian gospel fraternity talking after the success of her debut album U Genade, possesses all the ingredients of being a good worship singer. She has a phenomenal voice, delivery and charisma.

She recorded her album in 2017 and released it on 5 May 2018.

“The recording process started with encouragement from my mom, who is also my manager. She encouraged me to go for it, because she knows that I love gospel music,” said Zay Zay.

The singer maintains that U Genade is her musical foundation and that she is proud of the response it has gotten. The album scored two nominations at this year's Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs), in the best female artist of the year and best gospel categories.

“The album has done incredibly well, it has even crossed borders. I did not expect people to actually believe in me and this project so much.

“I am humbled by the positive reception it has gotten. I did not expect to be nominated in the best female artist of the year category, but it happened through God's grace,” she added.

Zay Zay treats the nomination as a step in the right direction in her musical voyage. She attributes the success of her album to hard work and having a solid structure, and a team that believes and sees her vision and goals. “I work with a team that believes in me and they share my vision; they support and give me the right guidance and I am so thankful to them,” she said.

In an effort to further market her album, the singer announced that she in the process of conceptualising her next official music video, which will be ready by October.

“I have an official music video for the song titled Op die See, it is a studio-shot music video and we are planning to release the music video for the album title track soon,” she announced.

Zay Zay further revealed that she has been in the studio recording new material, and although the date for the release of her next body of work is yet to be set, she confidently said she will put out a single before the end of the year.

“I do not want to rush into putting out another album, because I feel like I have to exhaust all efforts in marketing my debut album first, but my manager is already on my case for me to put out new material, so expect new music from me towards the end of the year,” said Zay Zay.

Back with a bangWindhoek Fashion Week sponsors dive in Windhoek Fashion Week is a growing platform for local designers and industry professionals.

Windhoek Fashion Week (WFW) is back for its fourth edition, which will be hosted from 5 to 9 November.

WFW was established in 2016 with a focus on developing and giving a platform to Namibian designers and industry professionals.

The organisers announced last Friday at a media briefing that AB InBev, with its brand Stella Artois, is the official main sponsor for WFW 2019.

Other supporting sponsors include Make-Up Designory (MUD), Haven Beauty and Spa Studio, the Marigold Hotel Windhoek, Maerua Mall, Appletiser, Simply You Magazine, Common Creative, the Fashion Council of Namibia, the Alvaro Media Group and Voigush Africa.

Apart from the normal workshops and runways WFW is known for, organisers also have a lot of awesome surprises up their sleeves this year.

With WFW's existing and new partners, organisers are very excited to make this year's fashion week accessible to everyone, as they have an open-door policy in terms of collaboration.

“Anyone can contact us if they want to facilitate certain activities during fashion week,” said Luis Munana, the founder of WFW.

Designer applications are open and up-and-coming, emerging and established designers can request an application form through whkfashionweek@gmail.com or on any of WFW's social media platforms.

“Please follow us on social media for the latest news and activities that will be shared leading up to WFW 2019.

We would like to thank all our sponsors, media, stakeholders and partners for their support and we look forward to hosting another successful WFW,” Munana added.

STAFF REPORTER

Artist starter pack

Joe The Prince

I'm sure you are wondering what an artist starter pack is. It is basically your profile, which includes your biography, photos and handles on social media platforms.

I'm writing this is because I have noticed a lot of Namibia artists don't have these or hardly invest in these areas, which are some of the most important of their brands. These are basic things you need when you start off as an artist.

Firstly, your social media presence - this is how you market yourself to the world at large. Ensure all your accounts have the same username; this makes it easier for your fans or anyone to find you on social media. As an artist the excuse of not being on some social media platforms, because you don't know how to use them, should be an outdated excuse. It is your responsibility to learn how to use all social media platforms.

Secondly, it's so shocking to me that some Namibian artists don't have biographies. It's your responsibility to tell your story to the world and your biography is one of the ways to go about it. It will take you less than an hour to compile one, and if you can't do it by yourself, ask for help. Let's stop leaving the biography part blank!

Moreover, it's a must to have quality photos, as an artist or someone in the limelight. I can't stress this point enough! Try to have a photo-shoot at least after every two or three months. This also serves as an investment in your online band. Nothing makes a fan happier than seeing sexy, hot or cute photos of their favorite artist. You can't be using one photo for posters or interviews from a year ago; that's just lazy and unprofessional. You need to respect your band, so others can also do the same.

If you are serious about building your band you will most definitely find this very helpful. Let's build the industry on quality, so people can take us more seriously. In the end, it's your job and your way of making a living.

*Joe The Prince is a radio presenter at Base FM, a media student and a blogger.

Celebrating a yearNAM Comedy Circle anniversary show NAM Comedy Circle celebrates its first anniversary this coming Wednesday.

STAFF REPORTER

On this special occasion two well-known faces within the NAM Comedy circle will be featured - Big Mich and Lifa.

A relatively new personality, Zita Nghilengwa, adds a female touch to the line-up. All this takes place at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, on the cosy and heated balcony of the Kalabar.

Nghilengwa is a natural performer. Her first love is dance and choreography. Viewers of videos by hip-hop and R&B artists will knowingly or unknowingly have witnessed some of her work within the genre. Nghilengwa brings into the arena female issues, womanly aspirations, feminine charm and girl power. Female topics are rarely dissected by men, with their shortcomings in terms of filtering. So beware, those who claim to belong to the so-called stronger sex, and listen up as Nghilengwa makes a point of coaching audience members in the higher art of dating.

Big Mich has attained a comedy calibre that demands respect. The Free Your Mind Last Comic Standing 2016 winner, the Namibian Comic of the Year and Red Bull Namibia Comic Awards 2017 Favourite Comic of the Year are some of his achievements. In May, he was nominated for the Savannah Comics Choice Awards. Big Mich is also a television presenter, radio show host and scriptwriter. He grew up in Damara Location and claims that if one can survive that neighbourhood, one is perfectly geared for the comedy stage. His Son of a Mich tour in 2018 took him to 12 regions of Namibia.

Lifa places his main focus on women and himself, - two amazing topics, according to him. He will also make jokes about tall people like himself, and will claim that there is a proven relation between height and IQ levels, and that in principle, size matters.

Comedian Mark Kariahuua is your host and will keep the punch-lines and momentum going. Kariahuua insists that, while he is in the mix of things, when it comes to handing out a variety of prizes to audience members, courtesy of the Hilton Ekipa restaurant, the D´Vine & Sushi Bar and the Hilton Breeze Spa, any attempt at bribery will remain futile.

NAM Comedy Circle is collaboration between the Hilton Hotel Windhoek, the Ondjila Y´Ondjaba Concert Agency and Colourful Minds. While the formula has proven a success, the organisers strive to introduce new elements and surprises, as the project advances. NAM Comedy Circle kicks off at 20:00 sharp and entrance is free.

It invites comedians of all types and statures, whether upcoming or experienced, to partake in an audition on Saturday, 27 July at 11:00 to 13:00 at the Hilton Hotel Haddis Junior Room 1. Registration is by email to oyo@oyo-concert-agency.com or via WhatsApp to 081 450 7323.

The buying power lies in your hands There has been an ongoing outcry that Namibian media houses do not sufficiently give coverage to new talent in the art and music space who hail from Katima, Rundu and the southern parts of the country.

For the longest of time I felt compelled not to entertain this debate and chose rather to just shed light on the dialogue involved. It was starting to become like when your awesome pre-teen cousin asks you a complicated question about sex, which you can't answer without completely shattering their childhood innocence. So you keep being evasive and hope that each time your phone rings, you can reach for it with your profusely sweaty hands and answer the call to smoothly find your way out of the situation. No? Just me? Okay.

I respect the fact that these concerns sometimes come from established artists, because they give voice to an issue that I know resonates with so many people, and I will be real about this too.

Local entertainment supplements with covers of artists from the abovementioned areas perform terribly. I know - that's still a hard thing for me to say or think to myself. One would think that especially now, when there is local content being produced at a high level and on a more consistent basis, there would be more of a demand for local content across the board. Sadly, this isn't true and this is not a challenge that is exclusive to entertainment supplements or even the publishing industry. If anything, established artists with such complaints, and different entertainment supplements, are in the same boat, in the sense that their general influence, social media reach, radio and television rotation and industry presence do not reflect in sales. Promoters who book Windhoek-based artists are in the same boat, and so are those who sell good quality Namibian urban merchandise, but have to have pop-up shops every now and then, to ensure a consistent revenue stream, because the clothes themselves cannot sustain the business.

I have often sat by myself, angry at consumers, because they are the ones who choose to make the covers with Windhoek-based artists the highest in terms of social media reach and sales. This is compared to artists from Rundu, for example, which is a town with over 60 000 people. In the same light I would love nothing more than to splurge every good artist from the abovementioned areas on our covers. Am I saying we are industry slaves? No. I'm saying that until we are at a level where everything we wear, listen to, watch and experience that is from Katima Mulilo, Rundu or the south can support the structure, we have to continue fighting for the vision, but it will be gradual. You have my personal commitment that this fight is being taken seriously. I would like to call on artists and everyone else who is about this industry to help us make the dream a reality, because ultimately the power lies with the numbers. You decide what is real, cool and authentic, not with complaints through social media, but with your buying power.

michael@namibiansun.com