Namibian Sun

Omupresidende a talelepo omukwaniilwa gwaNdongaOmukwaniilwa a pula woo kombinga yoshipangelo oshinene shomOndangwa Omupresidende gwoshilongo mehuliloshiwike lya piti okwa fala uuyenda mOmbala yoshitunda shaNdonga, pamwe noominista dhimwe po dhoKabinete koshilongo oshowo aanenentu yamwepo mepangelo.

Omupresidende Hage Geingob okwa popi mOlyomakaya kutya omanga omidhigululwakalo dha simana, aakwashigwana naya iholole tango onga AaNamibia ihe inaya iholola pamihoko.

Geingob okwa popi ngaaka pethimbo a taalelepo Omukwaniilwa, Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, mehuliloshiwike lya piti.

Okwa popi kutya egumbo lyaNamibia eshona natango na kehe gumwe okwa pumbwa okulonga metungepo lyoshigwana.

Nangolo okwa lombwele Geingob kutya itayi iilonga yepangelo moshipala ihe ota yambidhidha iinyangadhalwa yepangelo yopashigwana, na ota yambidhidha Geingoba a manithe oshikako she shuuleli oshitiyali ngaashi aaleli yaali ya piti.

Geingob okwa talelepo Nangolo pOmbala ye pOnambango mOlyomakaya. Omupresidende okwa li pamwe nOmupeha-Presidende, Nangolo Mbumba, Omuprima Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, oominista dhOkabinete oshowo aanambelewa yalwe yepangelo.

Nangolo okwa popi kutya omulandulwa gwe, Omukwaniilwa nale

Immanuel Kauluma Elifas, ngoka ye a li omuyakuli gwe inaya nando iilonga yepangelo moshipala, na ota landula moompadhi dhoka.

Okwa popi kutya oominista oshowo aanambelewa aakuluntu mepangelo naya gandje omayele komupresidende alele aluhe nawa.

“Inandi mona omulandulwa gwandje tayi moshipala iilonga yepangelo onkene ngame itandi yi woo iilonga yepangelo moshipala, ihe otandi yambidhidha epangelo niiyetwapo lyawo. Otandi kumagidha owala oominista dhOkabinete oshowo aanambelewa yopombanda mepangelo opo mu kwashilipaleke kutya otamu gandja omayele gongushu komupresidende opo a vule okupondola. Ngele omupresidende okwa ndopa nena omolweni mboka mu li popepi naye. One omeho ge nomakutsi ge,” Nangolo a popi.

“Presidende onda hala woo ndi ku kumagidhe kutya ngele oto kundathana sha nomuntu kala wa angala. Aantu ohaya hokolola omahokololo na ito nongele ngele otaye kupe omauyelele ga puka. Pulakena aluhe nawa.”

Geingob okwa popi kutya sho Nangolo a li nale omunambelewa omukuluntu metanga lyegameno, Ondonga oyi li momake omawanawa. Oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun oshi uuvite kutya pethimbo lyoonkundathaa dhomiyelo dha patwa, Omukwaniilwa Nangolo okwa pula kombinga yoshipangelo oshinene shoka Okabinete ka tokola okutunga mOndangwa. Geingob okwa popi kutya molwaashoka omukwaniilwa okwa pula kombinga yoshipangelo shomOndangwa, otaka landula oshikumungu shoka. Okwa popi kutya Ondangwa oya pumbwa oshipangelo oshinene shoka tashi kala tashi kwathele aapangwa miitopolwa yomonooli ngaashi Zambezi, iitopolwa iyali yaKavango, Kunene, Ohangwena, Oshikoto oshowo Omusati, molwaashoka oondolopa dhimwe odha yambukapo ihe Ondangwa oyi na owala okapale koodhila. Okwa popi kutya ota ka konga uuyelele kutya Okabinete oke li sigo openi nopoloyeka ndjoka.

Aaleli yalwe yopamithigululakwalo ya za momalelo gahetatu gopamuthigululwakalo monooli oya kala woo pOnambango, pethimbo lyetalelepo ndyoka.

ILENI NANDJATO

Embracing every opportunity“The world is bigger than your hometown”

YANDI DU PLESSIS

Hannes van Wyk is currently undertaking an honours degree in financial accounting at the North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom, South Africa. According to the 22-year-old Van Wyk, the diversity this programme offers played a big role in his decision to pursue this degree. “There are a lot of opportunities that go with it. You can use it in your personal life with knowledge of income tax, cost-saving and financial budgeting. Plus, people will always come to you if they need financial advice,” he added jokingly.

His main challenge was obtaining funds to be able to study. “Applying for financial services and bursaries was not easy. All the administration was also challenging and time-consuming.” According to him, the visa applications and arranging housing and travel documentation takes time, so it’s best to get started with that as soon as possible.

However, all the struggles were worth it, he said, because he has been having the time of his life and making the most of the campus experience. “There are so many opportunities for students, including sport, drama and academics. It’s a time for you to focus on your self-growth.”

He said he enjoys watching his fellow students bloom. “The students are care-free, they discover who they are and they can all be who they want to be.”

According to Van Wyk, one of the big plus points of the NWU is that it’s a closed campus and therefore quite safe. “Safety is a big concern nowadays, and it’s nice to not live in fear in another country.”

His advice to students considering to study abroad is to “go for it!

“The world is bigger than your hometown and the few people you know. Go out and explore!” he said.

He not only enjoys the campus experience, but said he enjoys the “Potch” experience as well. He loves the friendly people and the tidiness of the city, as well as beautiful oak trees lining the streets.

His favourite spot in Potchefstroom is the Oukraal restaurant, “especially on Wednesdays, when the pizzas are half price”.

After he graduates, Van Wyk plans to pursue a career in accounting, and make a name for himself.

Namibia still on high alertSADC collaboration on coronavirus Namibia was also part of the African Union emergency meeting for health ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which was attended by more than 42 member states.

While several African countries have confirmed cases of the coronavirus, there are still no suspected cases of the disease in Namibia.

This was stressed by health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe, who said that measures are in place and that the country is collaborating with SADC to prevent the spread of the disease.

Speaking to Namibian Sun yesterday, Nangombe referred to steps that have been taken to ensure the country was prepared.

He said screening of arriving passengers at ports of entry are continuing and people are also requested to fill in forms in relation to where they are coming from and where they have been.

Scanners that pick up high body temperatures were placed at key border posts such as Hosea Kutako International Airport, Walvis Bay Airport and the Oshikango border post.

Furthermore, Nangombe said a military field hospital was also set up at Hosea Kutako to isolate possible cases of the virus.

The Namibian Institute of Pathology (NIP) is also preparing to test for the coronavirus locally. Nangombe could yesterday however not confirm whether tests are ready to be done yet.

Last week he said the NIP had received some of the reactants, but was still waiting for one critical component to be able to conduct the tests.

He also said Namibia had put in place measures that will ensure that if a coronavirus case was detected in the country, the infected person will receive treatment to manage the virus close to where it was detected.

Such an arrangement was put in place because there would be a larger risk of the virus spreading if the infected person travels a long distance. The ministry is also conducting awareness campaigns focusing on informing the public on overall hygiene and avoiding overcrowded places.

Nangombe said Namibia was also part of the African Union (AU) emergency meeting for health ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, attended by more than 42 member states. The meeting formed part of continental initiatives to enhance capacity to rapidly detect and respond to the coronavirus on the continent.

A general strategy for the continent to be better prepared and respond to the possible spread of the virus in Africa, as well as a general approach to monitoring and restricting movement of African students and others in particular from China to the mainland, was also discussed. At the end of the meeting, the member states established the Africa Task Force for Novel Coronavirus (Afcor) as a continental platform to better coordinate efforts to curb and monitor the virus across the continent.

Afcor has five priority areas: Surveillance, infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities, clinical management of persons with severe coronavirus infection, risk communication and community engagement, and laboratory diagnosis and subtyping.

On coordinating with other SADC member states, Nangombe said this to ensure that the countries will have a collaborated approach towards preparations for the coronavirus.

“We are sharing information within the region and regular updates take place to discuss issues of preparedness.”

According to him, Namibia also participates in weekly telephone calls made by SADC as well as the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in Africa to keep countries in the region informed of any new developments. Meanwhile, the multisectoral national emergency health committee meets twice a week to monitor the situation.

“It is however important to note that no new suspected cases have been reported in Namibia and we are making sure that arriving passengers are properly screened,” Nangombe said.

The outbreak was confirmed on 7 January in Wuhan, the capital of the Hubei Province in China, when a series of pneumonia cases with an unknown cause were reported. The disease is characterised by fever, cough and breathing difficulty.

Cases have since been confirmed in several other Asian countries, Europe and the United States.

In Africa, Egypt on Sunday confirmed the second case of the coronavirus, while Algeria now has three confirmed cases.

Nigerian authorities on Friday reported the first confirmed case in sub-Saharan Africa.

Two South Africans in Japan have also been confirmed to have the virus. South Africa said the citizens had been working on the Princess Diamond cruise ship and will stay in Japan for treatment.

ELLANIE SMIT

NYS to restructure youth bodies

The National Youth Service (NYS) will restructure two of its bodies, the Constituency Youth Forum and the Regional Youth Forum, in the run-up to its general assembly, slated for 24 to 26 April at Rietfontein in the Otjozondjupa Region.

This was announced by its vice-chairperson, Elsarien Katiti, last week.

Prior to that, the two bodies will each have conferences where outgoing leaders will give an account of activities, and where elections for new office-bearers are expected to take place.

“The National Youth Service is calling on all youth groups at the constituency level and Regional Youth Forum members to ensure participation in this exercise. This is an opportunity not to be missed by the youth fraternity and to contribute to the advancement of the youth agenda,” said Katiti.

To assist with the restructuring process, a national restructuring committee was established and consists of stakeholders from the sports ministry, the urban and rural development ministry, the Electoral Commission of Namibia, the Namibia Institute for Democracy and the NYS, Katiti said.

“The mammoth task of restructuring the youth structures in a very short period cannot be effectively accomplished without the meaningful engagement and involvement of various stakeholders,” she said.

Katiti requested for assistance in the run-up to the general assembly.

“We would like to request like-minded partners and donor agencies to come on board and assist us by providing technical support and, if possible, to cover some expenses regarding our general assembly and National Youth Week.”

STAFF REPORER

Dam levels increase after good inflows

Namibia's dams last week received inflows of 87.1 million cubic metres of water, following heavy downpours across the country.

This increased the average level of the country's dams from 35% since last Monday to 47.4% by yesterday.

The Hardap Dam, which received the bulk of the inflow, gained 23.9 million cubic metres of water. Its level increased from 20.6% to 28.7%. The dam is now nearly as full as it was the same time last season when the level stood at 28.1%.

In the central areas of Namibia, the average of dam levels stood at 73.1% by yesterday, in comparison to last week's 49.4%. The dams recorded inflow of 39 million cubic metres of water during the past week. Last season, the average level was 24.3%.

The Swakoppoort Dam received inflow 21.6 million cubic metres of water. This increased the level from 34.9% to 69.1%. Last season, the level of the dam stood at 18.3%.

Meanwhile, the level of the Von Bach increased from 82.4% to 99.4% after receiving inflow of 8.07 million cubic metres of water. However, the sluice gates at the dam had to be opened from 21:00 on Sunday night to 05:00 yesterday morning to keep the level of the dam at 99%. Last season, the dam was only 47.3% full.

The Omatako Dam also recorded inflow of 8.3 million cubic metres of water. This increased its level from 33% to 52.2%. Last season, the level stood at 0.2%.

An inflow of 0.994 million cubic metres was recorded at the Friedenhau Dam, increasing its level from 29.8% to 44.5%.

In the south, the average dam levels increased from 34.1% to 44.8%. An inflow of 45.7 million cubic metres of water was recorded.

The Naute Dam received an inflow of 5.5 million cubic metres of water and its level increased from 80.45% to 87.1%.

The Oanob Dam recorded inflow of 13.1 million cubic metres of water, which increased the dam's level from 52.6% to 90.5%, while the Dreihuk Dam's level increased from 2.1% to 15.4%. It received inflow of two million cubic metres of water.

The Bondels Dam received inflow of more than one million cubic metres of water, and its level increased from 5.3% to 10.2%.

Meanwhile, the average of the dams in the area of Gobabis stand at 21%, increasing from 17.6%. A total inflow of 0.646 million cubic metres was recorded at the Otjivero Main Dam (16.9%), Otjivero Slit Dam (21.6), Tilda Viljoen Dam (32.7%) and the Daan Viljoen Dam (69.1%).

The Omaruru Delta Dam received inflow of 1.287 million cubic metres of water. Its level increased to 3.7% after being empty.

The level of the Omatjenne Dam in the north increased from 3.6% to 11.9%, after receiving inflow of 0.422 million cubic metres of water.

The SADC Climate Services Centre has also warned several countries in the region, including Namibia, of a likelihood of heavy rains until Wednesday.

It said in a statement that there is a likelihood of rainfall exceeding 50mm in a 24-hour period in some parts of the region during the period 27 February to 4 March.

“These rains are likely to result in localised flooding in certain areas,” it said.

ELLANIE SMIT

Company news in brief

Publication of SAA rescue plan extended

The business rescue practitioners of SAA have been granted a one-month extension to publish their plan to save the embattled flag carrier from liquidation.

The airline was placed under business rescue in December and earlier in the month announced the cancellation of all its domestic routes apart from the popular Cape Town - Johannesburg flight in an effort to save costs.

The plan detailing the turnaround was set to be published before the end of February.

But on Friday, just one day before the deadline, business rescue practitioners Siviwe Dongwana and Les Matuson, announced they had been granted an extension to the end of March following a vote by a majority of creditors .

“We are still in the process of finalising the steps to implement the proposed restructuring option as well as the anticipated effect the plan will have on stakeholders, including the estimated return to creditors,” the BRPs said. – Fin24

Tongaat Hullett finds buyer for starch business

Tongaat Hullett will sell its starch business to a subsidiary of logistics company Barloworld for R5.35 billion, which will help reduce its debt.

The sugar producer on Friday afternoon issued a notice to shareholders indicating that the starch business would be sold to KLL Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barloworld. This announcement comes after it announced it was looking for a buyer earlier this month.

According to the group's interim results for the six months ended September 2019, the division's operating profit was R306 million.

Its starch business, established in 1919, is one of the largest wet millers in sub-Saharan Africa and operates four plants across the country. It manufactures modified and unmodified starch as well as a powdered glucose and agri-products.

In terms of the agreement, all jobs in the starch business will be retained with the transfer of employees' conditions of service to remain intact, the group said in a separate statement on the transaction. – Fin24

Comair hit by SAA claim uncertainty

For the six months ending December 31, 2019 Comair reported a headline loss of R564 million, of which R450 million is attributable to the increase in a loss allowance on a South African Airways (SAA) damages claim.

Comair operates its own low-cost carrier kulula.com as well as British Airways in South Africa under a licence agreement.

Earnings per share (EPS) declined by 543% to a loss per share (LPS) of R1.205 per share and headline earnings per share (HEPS) decreased by 546% to a headline loss per share (HLPS) of R1.212 per share. Revenue increased by 3% to R3.8 billion.

Comair group CEO Wrenelle Stander told Fin24 it is facing strong headwinds as a result of its fleet renewal programme; the transition of its fleet from South African Airways Technical (SAAT) to Lufthansa Technik Maintenance International; the impairment of the SAA claim; as well as the extended grounding of the 737 MAX 8.

At the same time, she said, regarding various board resignations in the past, that it followed on from an earlier board meeting where the board charter was reviewed, and it was decided to create greater alignment with King IV governance principles. – Fin24

Denel readies to report back

Denel says it has put in place an "audit fix plan" and will be submitting its first progress report in March after implementing several accounting reforms.

The state-owned arms manufacturer was given a disclaimer of audit opinion in its audit report for the financial years ended March 2018 and March 2019. This means the auditor general (AG) was not given sufficient audit evidence to provide a basis for assessment.

In a statement on Friday, Denel said it had addressed issues relating to people, processes and systems across the group. These include implementing new processes and installing experts in oversight roles.

Denel, which recently had its outlook upgraded to stable by ratings agency Fitch, has been rolling out a turnaround plan after suffering reputational damage linked to allegations of state capture. Its reforms included cutting ties with Gupta-linked VR Laser.

On Friday, Denel said new accounting standards had been implemented uniformly across the group and position papers had been updated and signed off relating to construction contracts, leases, foreign exchange rates as well as property and equipment. – Fin24

Hyundai reports lowest sales in decade

Hyundai Motor reported its lowest monthly global sales in a decade in February as the coronavirus outbreak hurt demand, in what is the first major indicator of damage to the broader auto sector from the epidemic.

It turned in a preliminary sales figure of 275 044 vehicles for the month, 13% below 315 820 vehicles sold a year earlier. Hyundai last reported sales lower than this in February 2010.

South Korea’s Hyundai, which with affiliate Kia Motors is the world’s No.5 car maker, is the first major automaker to announce sales for the month. Chinese and US players will turn in their numbers in the coming weeks.

The flu-like virus, which originated in China, has killed nearly 3 000 and roiled global financial markets as investors and policymakers brace for a steep knock to world growth.

South Korea has the most cases of infections outside the mainland, with the total at 4 212, affecting companies like Hyundai and Samsung Electronics. – Nampa/Reuters

500 to be buried in old graves

The closure of the Old Location Cemetery in Windhoek's Pioneers Park has been approved, as it has reached its capacity and there is no more space left for new burial sites.

Second burials in existing graves will be allowed if the original grave was dug deeper than 2.4 metres. The City of Windhoek said there are currently 500 graves that can be used for second burials.

According to the City, the rule for the Old Location Cemetery is that one should be born on or before 1959. However, this rule will not be applied to second burials in existing graves.

This was one of the issues delved into at last week's council meeting.

“Burials at this site will now only be permitted for second interments in existing graves that were dug eight feet or 2.4m deep and for reserved graves,” a City statement said.

“The Old Location Cemetery was established in 1928 to cater for the community of the Old Location and was utilised until 1968, when the last inhabitants of the Old Location were forcefully relocated to Katutura.”

In January 1995, the City of Windhoek applied to the then ministry of regional and local government, housing and rural development, now the urban and rural development ministry, to reopen the cemetery because of the high demand for burials by the community residing in the area, whose family members were also buried in the cemetery.

Based on this demand, and the status of the cemetery as a historic site, the ministry approved the application, which led to the expansion of the boundary of the cemetery to accommodate more burial sites and to prolong its lifespan, the City said.

“Since the extension of the boundary in 1995, a total of 725 burials took place, while more than 40 community members have reserved graves next to their loved ones and are currently paying reservation fees for those graves.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Fixing homes of Namibian children 10 students identified for the Fix My Home initiative The 'Fix My Home' campaign by the Namibian National Students Organisation helps students in tertiary institutions improve their living conditions.

Justicia Shipena

'Fix my Home' is a social development project which was launched earlier this year and is aimed at easing the burden of student housing. The Namibian National Students Organisation (Nanso) will renovate informal housing structures belonging to students in an effort to promote a conducive living and learning environment. The initiative has identified 10 students, with Bertha Iileka, an accounting student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) from Greenwell Matongo informal settlement being the first beneficiary. The project will roll-out nation-wide.

Speaking to The Zone, president of Nanso Simon Taapopi said the campaign was inspired by Iileka, who used her non-tuition fees to fix her home, however, the builders did a below average job.

Taapopi said bearing in mind that this situation affects other students and learners in the community, Nanso decided to embark on the 'Fix My Home' project which will go to informal areas like Okuryangava and Gorengab to fix shacks with materials they receive from sponsors.

"This initiative aims at ensuring that students study and learn in a conducive environment. The bigger picture of ensuring housing is affordable, especially to students, is the start of implementation of the student villages and ensuring that every Namibian has access to affordable housing and land," he said.

Taapopi added that seeing that the project is in its initial stages and as any other project of this nature, they have been experiencing challenges relating to support and a working schedule.

"However, we embrace these challenges and are working around the clock to ensure they are being dealt with. We have not yet fixed any home yet and we are calling on all strata of society to come together and help us help the Namibian child," he said.

He further said the student accommodation crisis will be addressed by the implementation of the land conference resolution to have student villages as tabled by Nanso and noted by Cabinet.

Taapopi added that Nanso, together with its stakeholders, will continue to ensure that they think of new and innovative ways to assist the Namibian child as well as ensure they disrupt systems that are not working and increase efficiency.

According to Iileka, the Fix My Home initiative has made her realise that there are Good Samaritans out there.

"This started the first day I made the Twitter thread pleading for assistance and I will forever be grateful to everyone who has reached out to help in whatever way and to those who still continue to do so," she said.

Iileka said it also opened her mind the reality that it is okay to ask for help and it has given her hope to carry on.

"I know I am not alone in this fight to give me and my family a conducive place to stay and study. I am thankful for Nanso's efforts and I am looking forward to the end results," she said.

Defence denies 'robbing' ex-members

The defence ministry says there is no truth in claims that it is practicing favouritism in the manner its Defence Force Foundation (DFF) disburses funds to retired former defence force members.

It also denied claims on social media that the DFF was set up in 2017.

Responding to the accusations, the DFF said it came into existence in 1990 and is a creation of an act of parliament.

A critical social media post stated: “The aim of the foundation is that every member of the defence force should contribute N$110 on a monthly basis so that if a member went on retirement, then he/she will get N$5 000.”

The post further said that since then, only members with a high ranking received this money and that those with lower rankings have, until now, received nothing.

The author of the post urged the director of the foundation, Rear- Admiral Peter Hafeni Vilho, to explain why people are being robbed of their money.

The ministry said the DFF's mandate and guidelines are clearly outlined in the Defence Act and also in the general regulation related to the Namibian Defence Force.

It further said Vilho has been the executive director of the ministry since 2017, and has never held any directorship in the DFF, nor does he play any role in its management.

“The author of that widely shared distortion and those who may have been misled by that post are advised to seek factual information from the executive director of the DFF.”

ELLANIE SMIT

Poultry farm benefits vulnerable kidsAbout 1 300 eggs produced daily The centre cares for 65 orphans and vulnerable children from the Tsumeb community.

A Tsumeb centre for orphans and vulnerable children, Tov, has received funding from the Social Security Commission (SSC) to the tune of N$1.1 million to establish a poultry farm.

The farm has 1 950 chickens that produce about 1 300 eggs per day, and supplies Tsumeb residents.

Tov technical director, Reverend Edward Amadhila, said they are thankful for the SSC's support, because for the past 19 years, they have been trying hard to make sure that Namibian children are educated.

The centre cares for 65 orphans and vulnerable children from the Tsumeb community, seven of whom are girls who live at the facility.

“The SSC invested N$1.1 million in the establishment of our poultry farm infrastructure and our people were trained. We supply eggs to Tsumeb residents and every day, they get sold out. We cannot meet the demand for eggs in Tsumeb,” Amadhila said.

“The little we are making now helps us to meet the current and future needs of Tov. We believe that every Namibian child deserves the opportunity to be fed, clothed, educated and empowered. For 19 years, we have been committed to our mission of providing physical, emotional and educational support to school-age children.”

The poultry farm is situated at the Tov Evergreen Farm near Tsintsabis. The project is managed by Frederick Oaseb and provides employment to five San women from the area.

Alessandra Kambanda, a 14-year-old grade eight learner at Opawa Secondary School, said she has been under the centre's care since she was four years old.

She said they are being taught to be responsible citizens.

“From school we eat, rest, do our homework and then we do household chores, including cooking. As much as the centre is taking care of us, we are also learning how to do household chores and to work for our money,” Kambanda said.

“For anything that we need, we ask; then we can be given tasks to do such as cleaning.”

Vannessia Gaeses, a 17-year-old grade 10 learner at Redimere Academy, said she is one of the fortunate children at the centre, as she attends a private school.

“Private schools are expensive, but the centre manages to send me there. Life at the centre is good, as we get guidance in life and they are also taking care of our needs – even if we have to work for them,” Gaeses said.

Lebbius Polikap, a 15-year-old grade six learner at Ondundu Primary School, said every day before he goes to school, he comes to the centre to have breakfast, and has lunch there after school.

“I stay with my mother at Kuvukiland location. She sells her products in town and at home I will not find anything to eat, that is why I have to come to the centre,” Polikap said.

Amadhila said these are some of the reasons why they have to do whatever it takes to support these children and educate them.

ILENI NANDJATO

China prepares for possible locust invasionLack of monitoring techniques The desert locusts have already ravaged crops and pastures in several countries in east Africa and swarms have spread into India and Pakistan.

China could face a desert locust invasion, a government body warned yesterday, urging local authorities to prepare for the possible arrival of the voracious insects from neighbouring Pakistan and India.

The risk of swarms entering the country is low, although China will be hampered in tracking the locusts by a lack of monitoring techniques and little knowledge of migration patterns, the National Forestry and Grassland Administrations said on its website.

Locust swarms could enter the Tibet region from Pakistan and India, or the south-western province of Yunnan through Myanmar, depending on climate conditions, the notice said. Swarms could also fly across Kazakhstan and into China's Xinjiang region.

Authorities in the western region, which also borders Pakistan, said mountains and the absence of tropical and sub-tropical deserts have reduced the chances of locusts migrating into the area, but such a possibility will increase in June and July if outbreaks cannot be effectively controlled overseas, Xinhua reported yesterday.

Task force

Customs at Khunjerab, a pass between China and Pakistan in south-western Xinjiang, have started monitoring surrounding areas within 2 km for locusts. They are inspecting or sterilising vehicles and goods crossing the border, targeting locust adults that might come along or soil and plants that contain the insect eggs, according to the state media.

The desert locusts have already ravaged crops and pastures in several countries in east Africa.

- Nampa/Reuters

Bee Different

On Thursday, 27 February, the International School of Walvis Bay made history. The school hosted a one-of-a-kind spelling bee. The Portuguese, Afrikaans and English teachers, in collaboration with the Portuguese community under the leadership of Elizabeth de Brito, invited the only other school in the circuit who offers Portuguese, Duinesig Secondary School, to participate in this unique competition.

The atmosphere was electric and the enthusiasm of the learners was contagious. Every pupil was eager to participate. The competition had two rounds: Prepared and unprepared.

In the first round, participants had to spell similar words in the three languages and if they spelled a word incorrectly, they were eliminated. The second round was more challenging as it had unfamiliar words. The winner in each category was:

Portuguese: Leonardo Ramos

Afrikaans: Helvi Shuudifonya

English: Blessing Lídima

“It was a wonderful opportunity for students from different schools and backgrounds to get together and interact socially in three different languages. These initiatives motivate the students to learn about the language and culture they study in school,” said Angelina Costa, director of Camöes, Namibia.

Opening doors to career choices Students receive internships and bursaries from Sanlam

Justicia Shipena

Over 1 700 students applied for the Sanlam internship programme and 110 students applied for a bursary, with a total of 15 lucky students scooping a chance.

Last Thursday, Sanlam Namibia gave internship opportunities to eight young Namibians from various institutions of higher learning as part of the company's formalised placement programme. The internship will run for three months and the students will be placed within different departments.

On the same day, Sanlam also awarded six students with bursaries. Since its inception in 2002, the company’s bursary programme has benefited over 50 students and aims to reward well performing but disadvantaged Namibian students at local tertiary institutions with an opportunity to pursue their education. Additionally, it aims to make a meaningful impact to the country by developing much-needed skills in the fields of accounting and finance, marketing, human resource, business administration as well as legal and actuarial science.

Speaking at the event, Sanlam Group CEO Tertius Stears said despite the many initiatives government has put in place, education at tertiary level is not affordable by many, hence stakeholders need to come on board to supplement the government’s efforts.

"We at Sanlam, for the past 18 years, committed ourselves to support government by joining hands and addressing some of the challenges that exist," he said.

Stears added that students appointed for internships are required to complete a work integrated learning or experimental learning programme as part of their studies and the internship will thus far go towards helping students graduate.

"The interns are not just here to make photocopies, tea and coffee for their bosses, they are here to work and they will be adding value to the work that we do," he said.

According to minster of higher education, training and innovation, Itah Kandjii-Murangi, Sanlam's intervention in the education sector is not limited to just these bursaries and internships.

"There is also the Sanlam Blue Ladder School project where Sanlam has committed funds for teacher capacity building, school furniture, hostel mattresses, textbooks, computers, science labs and more," she said.

Kandjii-Murangi urged the students to study and work hard in their various departments.

Also speaking at the event, the director for student records at the International University of Management, Hendrina Udjombala, said in the past, Sanlam has recruited interns as and when they were needed, but this was often done in isolation without consulting the universities.

"We are thus pleased to see that the selected interns are those who need to complete an internship programme as part of their studies."

Leaving a footprint in life It’s more than just socks

Justicia Shipena

On Friday, Standard Bank Namibia launched the Buy-a-Brick School Campaign at its headquarters. The campaign mobilises schools in a nationwide effort to raise funds for the construction of low-cost houses.

The campaign officially commenced yesterday and is slated to end in May.

During this time, schools will collect funds through the sale of specially designed footprint socks, which have the Buy-a-Brick logo printed on them. The name footprint socks, which was chosen by Lelani Louw, a learner from M&K Gertze High School at Rehoboth during the 2020 NMH Media Camp, encourages and motivates learners to leave a footprint in the lives of families living in shacks and help them to acquire affordable houses.

Since 2015, the campaign has collected around N$20 million, translating into close to 600 new homes for Namibian families who previously lived in shacks.

Up for grabs

The school with the most sales of the socks will receive an incentive of N$20 000, while the top selling boy and girl at that school will each receive N$5 000. The learner who sells the most socks at any of the other participating schools will also walk away with N$5 000. All the money raised during the campaign will be handed over to the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN).

Standard Bank’s public relations and communications manager Isack Hamata said at the launch that there was a need to rally all sectors and population groups in society, including learners, behind the campaign and to support the efforts to eradicate shacks in the country.

Hamata added that housing creates communities and generates social capital, hence it is important for everyone to rally around the initiative that has a real impact on the lives of thousands of ordinary Namibians.

This year, Buy-a-Brick is teaming up with schools and Namibian learners to sell the socks as token bricks. “Sell a pair of Footprint Socks at your school and in your community and create a happy home,” Hamata told the learners at the launch, adding that he looked forward to seeing the socks everywhere as a colourful sign of support for the Buy-a-Brick campaign.

A member of the SDFN, Edith Mbanga thanked Standard Bank for their support. Mbanga said the impact of the project has given shack dwellers better living conditions.

'Hero' accidentally shoots guard

A man who tried to come to the rescue of a female security guard who was being robbed in Wanaheda on Saturday ended up accidentally shooting her twice in the process.

According to the police, two suspects tried to rob the 31-year-old guard while she was on her way to work.

Apparently, a man from a nearby house came to her rescue by firing a shot. However, it struck the guard in the leg.

“The man allegedly ran to the woman with his firearm in his hand and while helping to pick her up, a second shot went off, hitting the victim in the back,” said the police.

The woman was admitted to the Katutura State Hospital.

In another incident, two Angolan nationals on Friday sustained severe injuries at Okongo when an unidentified man allegedly hacked them with a panga while they were sleeping.

According to the police, the incident occurred at Kumininenge village.

The 27-year-old man and 20-year-old woman sustained multiple open wounds to their heads, faces, arms, legs and shoulders, and were admitted at the Okongo hospital in critical condition. The motive for the attack is unknown and no arrest has been made, as the suspect fled.

At Tsintsabis on Friday, a 24-year-old man was fatally stabbed by a 26-year-old suspect at a local bar while they were gambling.

According to the police, Ludwig Ganiseb died on the way to the Tsumeb State Hospital after he was stabbed twice with a knife in the left shoulder and abdomen.

It is alleged that a fight erupted while the men were gambling. The suspect fled the scene, but was later arrested at Tsumeb.

Meanwhile on Sunday at Onayena in Okakwiyu village, 50-year-old Vilho Johannes was hit twice on the forehead with a knobkierrie and succumbed to his injuries at the Onandjokwe hospital.

It is alleged that the deceased and the suspect had an argument. The suspect was arrested.

In a separate incident at Mariental on Saturday, a seven-year-old girl was apparently raped by a 30-year-old man. It is alleged that the suspect took the girl from her mother's house to his own, where he raped her. The suspect has been arrested.

In another incident at Shimpanda village in the Kavango East Region, it is alleged that a 42-year-old woman was raped by a 30-year-old man. It is alleged that the woman was on her way home when the man came from behind and hit her with a garden hoe handle. The woman apparently fell down and the man then undressed and raped her. The suspect was arrested.

The body of a fully developed male foetus was discovered in a riverbed in Hakahana, while in another incident on Sunday at Wanaheda, the body of a female foetus was also discovered in a riverbed.

In both cases, the suspects are not known at this stage.

ELLANIE SMIT

PDM list battle heads to courtParty diverted from gazetted list Popular Democratic Movement's Charmaine Tjirare and Hidipo Hamata have filed an urgent application in the High Court due to their exclusion from the party's National Assembly list.

Two members of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) have filed an urgent application in the High Court over the contested list of those who will be sworn in as party MPs in the new National Assembly (NA).

The application was filed by Charmaine Tjirare and Hidipo Hamata over their exclusion from the list.

They said the party had diverted from the list gazetted by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) ahead of the general election last November.

They said the PDM was now reverting to the original candidate list that was assembled at the party's electoral college and vetted by the central committee, which would result in at least four ECN-recognised candidates not making it to parliament.

Last October, the ECN issued a directive that all politicians employed by the public service as well as in national, regional and local councils must resign from their jobs upon being nominated for the NA election.

At the time, the PDM threatened to drag the ECN to court, claiming at least 40 of its candidates would be affected.

The party eventually succumbed to the threat and submitted their adjusted list to the commission.

Tjirare and Hamata as well as two other party members, Yvette Araes and Maximilliant Katjimune, through their lawyers had last month written to the ECN demanding that commission suspend the announcement of the declaration of party candidates to the NA, pending the resolution of the matter.

“As apparent in this application, we take issue with the fact that the composition of the NA will not be in accordance with the unambiguous provisions of Article 46(1)(a) of the Namibian Constitution.”

The article states that 96 members are to be elected.

“Therefore, there is an interest, not just for us the applicants, but also the six persons who, in our view, should not be members of the NA, to know what their situation will be prior to the NA taking office,” the letter said.

Once sworn in, the members will be able to conduct the business of the NA, including constituting parliamentary committees and, most importantly, passing laws.

“Namibia can ill-afford a situation where laws have been passed by an improperly constituted NA.

“Should this application not be heard on an urgent basis, and we obtain a favourable order ultimately, it will create administrative chaos, including that some persons who may be disqualified to repay any or some of the monetary remuneration to national treasury.”

Tjirare and Hamata reasoned that it will severely and negatively affect such disqualified persons and it is also in their interest that the application be heard on an urgent basis.

OGONE TLHAGE

Tweya defends land sale

Industrialisation minister Tjekero Tweya has defended the sale of land to a Dubai-linked company through the newly established Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida).

This comes after a report stated that Tweya had sold off a portion of state land to the firm without following proper procedures. This is the second time a land deal involving Tweya comes under question.

In 2018, he was forced to cancel the purchase of land in Angola in a deal worth N$117 million in the Viana industrial park in Luanda. That deal, as with the current one, features local businessman Titus Nakuumba as one of the proponents.

“The current transaction in relation to the !Nara Free Economic Zone development entity remains in terms of the proposal submitted as part of this procurement process and thus forms part of a carefully assessed commercial proposal to which Nida forms an integral part,” said Tweya.

A law firm representing the Dubai-linked firm said the transaction involving the sale of the land did not contravene sections of the State Finance Act.

“The Act provides the approval requirements to be fulfilled for purposes of the disposal of immovable property by Nida. For purposes of the transfer of the project property to the project company, the ministerial consent fulfilled such approval requirements,” Ellis Shilengudwa Incorporated said. “No further consent is required from the ministry of finance for purposes of transferring the project property.”

!Nara Namib Free Economic Zone is an entity made up of Nida, Bigenkuumba Infrastructure Services and Afrikuumba Development One.

Nakuumba – who played a key role in roping in DP World – is a shareholder in both Bigenkuumba and Afrikuumba. The three partners refused to reveal the transfer fee, citing confidentiality restrictions.

DP World and !Nara Namib Free Economic Industrial Zone are developing a free economic zone.

OGONE TLHAGE

Africa Briefs

SA’s business activity tanks

South Africa’s seasonally-adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell deeper into contraction territory in February, sliding to its lowest since the 2009 global financial crisis as new sales and business activity tanked, the survey showed yesterday.

The index, which gauges manufacturing activity in Africa’s most industrialised economy, fell to 44.3 points in February from 45.2 in January, remaining below the 50-point mark separating contraction from expansion for a seventh straight month.

South Africa has seen growth flounder in recent months due to nationwide power cuts and a steady decline in business and consumer confidence, and is unlikely to see the economy expand by much in 2020.

Four of the five subcomponents of the index declined, with inventories and new sales taking the hardest hit, as businesses slowed activity at a greater pace due to slack local and global economic prospects, more so as the impact of the coronavirus outbreak deepened.

“Eskom’s announcement of a high likelihood of load shedding during the next 18 months likely contributed to the further deterioration in sentiment regarding business conditions going forward,” analysts at Absa said in the release. – Nampa/Reuters

Zambia: US gives millions in AIDS relief

The United States will give Zambia a new one year bilateral grant of US$389 million for AIDS relief starting in October after Congressional approval, Zambia’s ministry of health said in a statement.

The grant under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) follows a meeting on Zambia which was held last week in Johannesburg.

“The meeting reviewed key policies, strategies and activities to be undertaken toward the goal of achieving epidemic control of HIV,” the statement said.

Zambia’s health minister Chitalu Chilufya said the meeting marked a milestone in the Southern African nation’s collaboration with donors in enhancing provision of quality healthcare services.

In addition to the US$389 million, Chilufya said the United States would give Zambia funds specifically for the voluntary male circumcision programmes. – Nampa/Reuters

The quiet hours Elizabeth Joseph

I love those hours when it’s just you and your thoughts. It used to be the morning hours between 04:00 and 05:00. Now it’s in the evening.

After I’ve done a full day’s work, the buck doesn’t stop there. Then it’s making sure the house is clean, the clothes are in the washer and the kitchen smells of food.

I then have to tend to my studies as well as catch up on my reading because I believe that that is the only quiet time I actually get.

Kudos to the mothers doing more than that and still finding time to do that little thing they love.

Someone taught me a great lesson once when I was complaining about my plate being too full and that I am tired.

She said you have 24 hours in a day and you only work nine of those. Your body only needs six to seven hours of sleep.

If you’re aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, a sleep calculator can help you figure out what time to go to bed based on your wake-up time. Ideally, you’ll want to wake up at the end of your sleep cycle, which is when you’re most likely to feel the most rested.

A good night’s sleep is essential to good health. If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, like me, consider talking to your doctor. They can help determine if there’s an underlying cause.

So, there’s about eight hours during your full day that can either go unaccounted for or be used for something productive.

With all these things I have keeping my hands full, somehow I don’t feel like it’s enough, maybe because I am my own worst critic. But what if I can do more?

What if there is more to do that doesn’t directly benefit me? Would I even take it on? Would you?

Stay with me, I’m onto something.

Sometimes it’s not necessarily the ‘hard work’ we think we do that makes us tired, it’s the amount of stress and energy we give. It’s the constant thinking and worrying about whether or not you will essentially be able to do the said task.

I worry. I worry too much and that is where most of my anxiety stems from, because, before I even start a project, I already envision what the end result might be.

Recently I attended a session called Lean In Circles and there I picked up the most valuable piece of advice in my journey to self-actualisation.

“Learn to fail, because if you don’t, when you do, it will kill you.” This was said by Esperance Luvindao. What a woman! I realised that being too afraid of failure can disable you. It can cause you to not even start something in the first place.

This was me all my life. It is incredible how many chains fear can put on you. You don’t start anything. You don’t finish anything either, and then comes the frustration with yourself. I can go on and on about this, but this column is about those quiet moments during the morning or night where you are at absolute peace with yourself.

We go through enough turmoil and adversity as it is to not have those few minutes to ourselves.

If you are like me, always inclined to place others above yourself, you will appreciate alone time more and more each time you have it.

In the wise words of Charles Richards: “Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of”.

C’est la vie. Take it one day at a time and remember that you can cram as many things as possible into your day and still be great at every single one of those things.

Be good and fair to yourself, and others.

Independence jubilee The Zone visited Augustineum Secondary School to ask the learners whether they will be celebrating independence, as the government will spend over a million on this year's festivities. Here is what they had to say.

Lioner Valombola

As a young person, I will not be celebrating Independence Day because we are wasting a lot of money that could be invested into useful resources. Yes, 30 years of independence is a milestone but if my generation still faces huge challenges the government is struggling to address, why bother at all?

Sakeus Likuwa

I both understand and appreciate the importance of the day, but do we really need to spend a huge sum of money to prove our freedom? The nation is depressed due to lack of funds when it comes to things such as health issues and the government is more concerned about spending to celebrate freedom fighters. So, as a young person, Independence Day is off my list.

Diana Garoes

Learning materials in Namibian government schools are limited and there is a huge gap that needs to be filled. If only the government can use some of these funds to close this gap, then I would be interested in celebrating independence. If spending massive amounts on independence is vital, then so is education.

Junias Sem

I don’t think Independence Day should be celebrated because of the way they celebrate it is not for any good cause. They spend millions of dollars on the celebration just to impress foreigners when they come here for the celebration, while the country is facing so many economic crises.

Tasha //Höebes

No, I won't be celebrating independence. Yes, there’s a painful past but it remains part of our national truth and I understand it should be honoured. If the past is more important that the present, we might as well look forward to a broken future. Honouring the heroes does not mean spending a lot of money, whatever happened to simple things mattering too?

Fillipus Gideon

Independence Day is a very important day as it is a day we were freed from colonialism. People were being mistreated under colonial rule and that is why it is an important day as it was the end of oppression and we received rights to be treated fair.

Walles Uirob

This day is the only day in the year that we can reflect and appreciate the people who died so that you and I can have a safe place to call home. It is only right to celebrate the values that Namibia was founded upon, no matter the amount of money spent, it is worth celebrating.

Arnold Songo

Independence Day should be celebrated because it is history and it should always be cherished. This is the day to remember our late grandparents. It also provides an educational platform for the younger generation and for the children yet to be born.

Jasmyn Otto

No, I won’t be celebrating Independence Day at all. That money can be used for more vital stuff and addressing issues such as how we should look more to how likely we are to survive economic crises, leadership succession and opposition challenges without suffering debilitating effects.

Haufiku Tuwilika

The country has been going through economic strains. I feel that a million is a huge amount to spend it all in one day while we have learners without textbooks and not enough hostel accommodation for public schools.

Vicky Mokaxwa

Throughout last year, corruption played a huge role in money loss and job losses in the country. I think it is worth celebrating 21 March, but at a very low cost. This money can be used to tackle youth unemployment.

Lahya Petrus

“There is no money.” This is the statement the government uses when asked to address certain issues and yet the same people are willing to spend over a million in a day for an independence celebration. Where does the money come from now?