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More than cosmetics

March 2, 2020, 2:00 pm
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More than cosmeticsMore than cosmetics Everywhere across the country in households, belts are being tightened. Whether that home is a five-bedroom villa in the hills of the capital, or a small, one-roomed shack in one of our many informal settlements across the country.

People are feeling the pinch of the current economic pressure. And they are feeling it hard.

Debt levels remain high for households and around 10% of monthly wages, for those lucky enough to have them, is available for spending. The rest, goes to service debts.

Property prices have come down, much to the relief of potential buyers, but people are not buying. The only movement is seen in the lower bracket where property is still affordable.

Retrenchments are rife and many smaller businesses have closed their doors.

Farmers of course, both commercial and communal, are crippled by several years of low rainfall and the prevailing drought, which some describe as the worst in their living memory, has them to their knees to such an extent that they will sell cattle, on the hoof, for next to nothing.

Private schools across the country are finding that school fees are not paid and grocery trolleys have become emptier, stocked only with the absolute essentials. Yes, everyone has to count their pennies. Except, so it seems, government

We are not seeing any kind of savings there; only pleas to the staff to work more with less. But in terms of perks, benefits, travel and the like, we are not seeing the effects of the economic climate at all. Government, and in particular its Cabinet ministers and other high officials, should certainly take the lead in this regard or are we wrong?

It is after all, the Swapo administration that has brought us here with years of inaction on failed and incomplete projects, lack of decentralisation and development, lack of planning and more. Yet, the citizenry is expected to bear the brunt of it. We hope that more than cosmetic changes are in store when it comes to the next administration.
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Presidency denies treating chiefs differently

March 2, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Presidency denies treating chiefs differentlyPresidency denies treating chiefs differentlySays Geingob engages all leaders openly The presidency reacted to yesterday's editorial in Namibian Sun about how the head of state engages traditional leaders. State House yesterday denied assertions that President Hage Geingob has been selective in the manner he paid courtesies to the country's traditional leaders. The head of state visited Omukwaniilwa of Ondonga Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo on Saturday, who was only coronated eight months ago.

Members of the public took to social media to express their feelings against what they perceive to be partisan courtesy calls to traditional leaders. They pointed out that the president has never visited other palaces in the country, especially those located south of the so-called veterinary cordon fence.

Reacting to an editorial in yesterday's edition of Namibian Sun on the same subject, presidential spokesperson Dr Alfredo Hengari enumerated several meetings the president has had with traditional authorities, but none of which took place at a palace of such leaders.

“It is why leaders of traditional authorities participated in large numbers in the town hall meetings of the president in 2015/16 and most recently in July/August 2019. Also, President Geingob, upon request of traditional leaders, had meetings with the authorities on the margins of the formal town hall meetings,” Hengari said.

In 2016, President Geingob was at Ondonga palace, home to the deceased Omukwaniilwa Kauluma Elifas at the time, to attend the annual Omagongo Festival.

The same year, he was a no-show at the Damara Traditional and Cultural Festival held at Okombahe, where he was scheduled to speak. Hengari pointed out that on 29 July 2017, President Geingob delivered the keynote address at the Masubia Annual Cultural Festival at Bukalo village, “which further attests to the fair and open manner with which President Geingob engages with all traditional authorities”.

When Omukwaniilwa Kauluma died last March, Geingob visited the palace. There is no record of the head of state having visited homes of other traditional leaders who died during his presidency.

STAFF REPORTER
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Corona: Africa Briefs

March 2, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Corona: Africa BriefsCorona: Africa Briefs Angola

Angola will prohibit the entry of citizens from China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria, if they travel directly from those countries, as a precaution against the coronavirus, official news agency ANGOP reported on Sunday.

The restriction would not apply to citizens that had travelled via a third country, the report added. – Nampa/Reuters

Morocco

Morocco is considering the postponement of sports and cultural events over coronavirus fears, a national committee charged with overseeing the state’s response to the disease said on Sunday, state media reported.

Mass gatherings may also be cancelled the committee said, adding that travel to and from countries suffering from coronavirus outbreak would continue to be monitored.

Morocco, which has not confirmed any coronavirus cases, said it had tested 25 people suspected of having the virus but so far all the tests had come back negative. – Nampa/Reuters

Kenya

Kenya’s High Court on Friday ordered flights from China to be temporarily suspended over the coronavirus outbreak, following a petition by the Law Society of Kenya.

“I find that unless conservatory orders sought are granted Kenyans will continue to be exposed to the deadly disease coronavirus,” judge James Makau said.

Kenya has had no confirmed cases of the disease. – Nampa/Reuters

Nigeria

Nigerian authorities have contacted around 100 people who may have been exposed to an Italian man who is the country’s first coronavirus patient, a Lagos state official said on Sunday, in a bid to stop an outbreak in Africa’s most populous country.

The case, the first in Sub-Saharan Africa, has prompted fears the virus could spread quickly in Lagos. The densely populated commercial capital of 20 million people is the biggest city in a country of some 200 million inhabitants.

Health experts are concerned about an outbreak in a region where health systems are already overburdened with cases of malaria, measles, Ebola and other infectious diseases.

The patient works as a vendor for cement company Lafarge Africa Plc in the south-western state of Ogun.

Health minister Osagie Ehanire, speaking on Nigerian TV, said the man was responding to treatment and seemed to be “on the way to recovery”. – Nampa/Reuters

Algeria

Algeria has confirmed two new cases of coronavirus infections, a woman and her daughter aged 53 and 24 years respectively, the health ministry said yesterday.

The cases brought to three the number of people infected with the virus in the North African country.

The two people were put in isolation in Blida province south of the capital Algiers, the ministry said in a statement.

The woman and her daughter in February hosted an 83-year-old man and his daughter based in France who were tested positive for coronavirus after their return to France, the statement said.

Algeria last week announced its first coronavirus case, an Italian national who arrived in the country on Feb.17. He was later flown home to Italy, which has almost 1 700 cases. – Nampa/Reuters

Egypt

Egypt’s health ministry announced on Sunday that one foreigner was tested positive for the new coronavirus strain inside Egypt.

The ministry said that the person, whose nationality was not announced, was taken to an isolation hospital and is currently receiving the necessary medical care. It also added that it is currently taking strict preventive measures regarding those who were in contact with the person.

It is the second case of new coronavirus detected in Egypt. The first person has recovered, the statement said.

Egypt’s health minister said that 1 443 people had been tested so far for the new coronavirus. – Nampa/Reuters
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Transforming silence into language and action

March 2, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Transforming silence into language and actionTransforming silence into language and action Find an opportunity to prepare yourself to explode and tools to build your own table.

Elizabeth Joseph

Nineteen-year-old Bertha Junior Tobias hails from the northern parts of Namibia.

Among other things, she has served as the editor of her school newspaper, vice chairperson of her school debate society as well as head girl of Delta Secondary School Windhoek.

She is a part of the community of Namibian high school learners who have been fully funded by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and is a recipient of a Karen Mok Scholarship.

Tobias obtained the maximum amount of points in the Junior Secondary Certificate and placed first nationally for English as a First Language, and second for German as a Foreign Language.

As if that wasn’t impressive enough already, in 2017, she won a fully-funded, one-month trip to Germany at the National German Speech Competition held in Windhoek. She has also received awards for Best Namibian Speaker and Best Female Debater at national and international tournaments between 2016 and 2018.

She has written articles for The Namibian’s YouthPaper, and was an intern at Namibia Media Holdings in 2016. She is a #BeFree ambassador, a movement under the One Economy Foundation of the Office of the First Lady.

Tobias has also aimed to give back through her work as an intern at the United Nations Population Fund Namibia in 2019. She has spoken as a guest lecturer at Sam Shivute Inspirations Namibia.

She is currently pursuing an International Baccalaureate qualification at the United World College in Changhsu, China, where she served as the chairperson of the student government body. She recently received a scholarship to pursue her tertiary studies at Claremont Mckenna College in California, USA.

On The Grow

On The Grow is a youth professional development training programme focused on cultivating skills in the areas of public speaking, leadership, interview skills, network building and opportunity identification.

The training will take place in June 2020, with a series of sessions dedicated to the respective areas. She said On The Grow uses a self-designed curriculum with self-curated training materials, complemented by insights from industry experts.

“We have chosen 70 out of 200 applications for the opportunity. Our next cycle of applications will be in June 2021,” she said.



The rise

The project officially began in October 2019, when they initially sent out application forms.

Although there is no mention of backers at this point, she said they are actively looking for sponsors and/or long-lasting partners.

She described the goals of the programme as enriching and long-lasting.

“Our aim is to produce young people who are confident in their ability to manifest the power of personal initiative and to deliver meaningful, practical and useful solutions to individual struggles pertaining to employment acquisition and creation,” she further said.

The project idea stemmed from realising the importance of a distinct skill set, which is important for navigating oneself into meaningful professional spaces.

Equally important, Tobias said, is a genuine, burning desire to ignite professional self-reliance and strategic action.

Other ventures she is currently working on is a TEDx talk.

Advice

When asked what advice she would give to her peers, she said: “To transform their silence into language and action. To remember that the world doesn’t owe us anything – we only ever get what we have the courage to ask for. Most importantly, to always do what they want.”

10 fun facts about Tobias

1. She speaks five languages.

2. In another life, she would be an actress.

3. She will be moving to California in August 2020 to study international relations and government.

4. She’s a die-hard High School Musical fan.

5. She has an irrational fear of teddy bears and dogs.

6. Her left leg is shorter than her right.

7. She has never seen a Harry Potter movie.

8. She thinks the book The Awakened Woman by Tererai Trent should be required reading for everyone.

9. She’s terribly afraid of the rain.

10. Her life described in a song title would be I Was Here by Beyoncé.
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Nghiwete fights NSFAF dismissal

March 2, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Nghiwete fights NSFAF dismissalNghiwete fights NSFAF dismissal Former CEO of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) Hilya Nghiwete has filed an urgent application with the High Court to have her dismissal from the fund overturned until the disciplinary procedure against her has reached its final conclusion.

She was dismissed after allegedly having missed a number of disciplinary hearings.

Nghiwete, in her founding affidavit, said her dismissal on 7 February came at a time when she was under psychological and mental distress and when she was undergoing medical therapy and was booked off.

She added that the disciplinary hearing was supposed to proceed upon her return on 12 March.

Nghiwete was suspended on 16 April 2018, which she claims was effected by a board that was unlawfully constituted by higher education minister, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi. She said the issue of the appointment of the board and the decision to start a disciplinary process against her are still to be determined in a High Court hearing, set for 7 May.





She said one of the “nasty strategies” of NSFAF in “abruptly and unlawfully” dismissing her is to make that High Court application “moot and academic” as the board has “no good defence”.

Nghiwete said one of the people who were part of the decision-making was Tulimeke Munyika, who she said had no voting right.

Moreover, she accused NSFAF of having delayed the disciplinary process instead, acknowledging that she sought a postponement of the hearing because she was on sick leave. She said it was not NSFAF that was to rule on the legality of her sick certificate, but instead the chairperson of the disciplinary hearing, lawyer Clement Daniels.

Nghiwete further stated that she will suffer irreparable financial harm if her dismissal remains in place.

In its heads of argument, NSFAF stated that Nghiwete cannot premise the urgency of the application on financial hardship she alleges, or on the alleged unfair and unlawful actions of NSFAF.

Nghiwete claimed monthly expenses of N$53 763.82. NSFAF contends that Nghiwete falls within the top one percent of earners as she received a nett salary of about N$2 million after deductions.

It stated that Nghiwete and her legal practitioners from the outset of the disciplinary procedure have been playing a “game of cat and mouse”, which resulted in extensive delays. NSFAF added that the disciplinary hearing was postponed six times, five of which were at the behest of Nghiwete, and that she at one point was booked off for a period of three months on a “vague diagnosis” of the “psychopathological”, which was not accompanied by a medical record.

Nghiwete at this time, during September 2019, accompanied an official delegation of vice-president Nangolo Mbumba to Finland, while claiming to be unable to attend her disciplinary hearing.

The international travel, NSFAF claimed, was also in breach of her suspension conditions, which it said raised the suspicion that she had no real intention to testify at the hearing.

Catherine Sasman
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Eight drownings over weekend

March 2, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Eight drownings over weekendEight drownings over weekend The good rains experienced over the past few days have also resulted in the loss of several lives in drownings and road accidents.

Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said eight people died last weekend as a result of drowning, especially in the northern parts of the country in the Ohangwena and Omusati regions, where flooding is prevalent.

“The incidents involved both young and old, the oldest being 79 years old and the youngest being two years old. Therefore, we would like to once again remind the community to take proper precautions when they approach water or flooded areas.”

The public is encouraged to avoid crossing rivers and water ponds either by foot or car without having assessed the level of the water, Shikwambi said.

“They must not underestimate the level of the water, as water kills. They are encouraged to use alternative routes instead of taking chances and ultimately dying. We also encourage parents to deter children from swimming and playing in flooded areas or trying to cross while unsupervised.”

On Sunday at Okanwa village in the Omusati Region the body of the two-year-old Apniel Gustav was discovered in a well. No foul play is suspected.





In a separate incident on Sunday at Okatope in the Omuntele area, the body of 34-year-old Wilbard Shaanika was found in an earth dam.

It is alleged the deceased left home in the morning and did not return. A search was conducted, after which his body was found.

In another incident on Sunday at Oshikango village, the body of 37-year-old Natangwe Nghishitongo was found in a water pond nearby his house. No foul play is suspected.

At the Omangolowani village in the Omusati Region, the body of an Angolan female, Moshivasha Shambanga, was discovered floating in a water canal on Sunday.

Shambanga was last seen on 29 February at Okatamba location in Angola at around 18:00. It is suspected that the incident happened in Angola and the body was washed away due to the heavy water pressure.

In another incident on Saturday at Onekwaya West village in Ongha, the body of 79-year-old Sakeus Sem Kashimbode was found in an earth dam full of water.

The deceased was allegedly last seen the night of 28 February. A search was embarked on until his body was found in the water.

Meanwhile at the Omatwadiva village in the Omusati Region, the body of the 39-year-old Magadalena Daniel was found floating in water at her house. Her body was found in a room made out of corrugated iron.

On Friday at Oyongo village in Edundja, the body of six-year-old Julia Ndapewa Junias was discovered in a water pond near her family home.

She was reported missing after she failed to return home after school. Her shoes were found on the bank of the pond. No foul play is suspected.

In a separate incident at Okongo in Onhuli village on Sunday, 13-year-old Rauna Shiwoudula Gabriel drowned in a bucket of water. According to the police, it is alleged that the deceased, who is physically disabled, was left alone in the house by her mother when she went to look for cattle in a field. Upon her return, she found that her daughter had drowned in the bucket.

With regard to road crashes over the weekend, it is alleged that 39-year-old Josef Petrus died in Henties Bay on Saturday after the vehicle he was driving veered off the road and collided with a boundary wall of a house. Petrus, who was alone in the vehicle, was thrown out and died on the spot.

On Friday along the Outjo-Otjiwarongo main road, the driver of a Mazda sedan apparently lost control over the vehicle and three people were killed. The vehicle left the road and overturned, killing two people on the spot, while another person died later in hospital. The deceased are Weldrud Hoses (20), Tsibeb Christian (47) and Bernadette Sannies (47). Two other people were injured and admitted to hospital.

“These incidents are as a result of plenty of water and wet and/or slippery roads. Hence, I would like to reiterate our caution on road safety and safety during the crossing of flooded areas,” Shikwambi said.

She said the usual speed limits of 60km/h within towns and cities and 120km/h on highways do not apply when road conditions have changed.

“Motorists are therefore urged to drive slower, increase their following distance, keep their headlights on and be extra cautious to avoid road accidents.”

ELLANIE SMIT
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Hunt on for fugitive Fishrot lawyer

March 2, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Hunt on for fugitive Fishrot lawyerHunt on for fugitive Fishrot lawyerACC guns for De Klerk The ACC are looking for Maren de Klerk, a lawyer who fled to South Africa after being questioned in connection with the Fishrot bribery scandal. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says the hunt is on for local lawyer Maren de Klerk, who left the country and never returned to answer for his role, if any, in the Fishrot bribery syndicate.

The ACC has further denied assertions that it adopted a racial bias towards some suspects involved in the Fishrot scandal, especially blacks.

De Klerk had been questioned by the ACC and travelled to South Africa afterwards, but has yet to return to Namibia.

Speaking to Namibian Sun briefly, ACC director-general Paulus Noa said they are looking for De Klerk to hold him to account for his perceived involvement in the scandal.

“We want De Klerk, so that we can deal with him like others,” Noa said.

It is alleged that monies from the National Fishing Corporation of Namibia (Fishcor) were syphoned through the trust account of De Klerk's firm, De Klerk, Horn and Coetzee Inc. He is alleged to have syphoned N$50 million in illicit financial flows through the trust account.

Namibian Sun last week asked the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Hawks whether they had received a request to look for De Klerk.





“We have not received a formal request from authorities,” SAPS spokesperson Brenda Muridili said.

Noa said they were “seized with the matter”, when questioned why De Klerk had not been apprehended yet.

Last week, the ACC issued South African lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi with a summons to explain why he had been paid N$50 000 by Fishcor in 2018.

The ACC has indicated it would be questioning payments made by the company, including obtaining a full statement under oath from secretary to Cabinet, George Simataa, who must explain how Fishcor was allowed to make payments related to the 2018 national land conference.

The scandal has led to the resignations of former fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau, former justice minister Sakeus Shanghala and Investec CEO James Hatuikulipi.

Also implicated in the scandal are suspended Fishcor CEO Mike Nghipunya, Esau's son-in-law Tamson Hatuikulipi and Pius Mwatelulo, who all face charges related to contravening sections of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

OGONE TLHAGE
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Jumpstart reforms, IMF urges govt

March 2, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Jumpstart reforms, IMF urges govtJumpstart reforms, IMF urges govt It is important to remove obstacles to exports in order to facilitate trade and address shortages of skilled workers. – IMF Government should jumpstart structural reforms to enhance growth and boost job creation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says.

The fund visited Namibia last week and released a statement on its findings yesterday.

With fiscal debt rising, the government need to continue fiscal adjustments policies to stabilise debt over time, IMF said.

According to Simonis Storm (SS), public debt was estimated at 48% in October 2019 and is anticipated to rise above 50% in 2020/21 financial year.

The IMF said there are downside risks to the economy, which includes possible lower-than-expected revenue from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

Fiscal slippages will undermine the government's effort to stabilise debt dynamics, the IMF warned.

“Therefore, in preparation of the financial year 2020/21 budget, the government's medium-term fiscal adjustment plans and supporting policy measures should be clearly identified,” the fund said.

It is important to improve the efficiency of the economy, the IMF said.

'Steamline market'

This includes streamlining the market operations of key public enterprises, removing obstacles that contribute to high electricity and transportation costs, and better align wage dynamics in the public sector and in the economy to reflect productivity trends.

“Over time, it is important to remove obstacles to exports in order to facilitate trade and address shortages of skilled workers,” according to the IMF. The financial sector remains sound despite weak growth starting to negatively affect banks' performance. According Cirrus Securities' latest economic outlook, Namibian banks have done an “excellent job of consolidating in the current recessionary environment, with earnings remaining range bound despite economic overhang”. Cirrus expects that 2020 will see “a squeeze on the banking sector's net interest margins”. Reforms to improve the non-bank regulatory and supervisory framework are advancing, although at a slow pace, the IMF said.



Growth

The IMF's mission chief for Namibia, Geremia Palomba, said the economy is expected to grow positively following a contraction last year “as the impact of last year drought fades and mining production picks up”.

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) released its latest economic outlook last week, forecasting growth of 1.5% for 2020. Cirrus maintains that the expected recovery will come from the diamond mining industry, with output expected to increase by nearly 20% to two million carats. Uranium output is expected to see “some recovery” and it is expected to grow by 17.5% in 2020.

“Overall, the outlook for Namibia's mining industry for 2020 is more promising than for 2019,” Cirrus says. However, the long-term wellbeing of the industry remains a concern, the analysts say.

“Many of the large-scale mining operations are nearing their full life of mine. Very few new operations are starting up and those which do are small. The mining industry plays an important role, not only in employment or revenue for the state (income tax, corporate tax, VAT, royalties), but also in foreign currency earnings through exports,” Cirrus says.

phillip@nmh.com.na
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Alweendo chases investors in Canada

March 2, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Alweendo chases investors in CanadaAlweendo chases investors in Canada'Society, profit should coexist' The international industry needs to look at what benefit mining brings to society, mines and energy minister Tom Alweeno says. The minister of mines and energy, Tom Alweendo, is leading the charge to attract mining investment to Namibia, starting this week off in North America where he participates in the International Mines Ministers' Summit on the mineral industry of the future.

This morning Alweendo is to deliver the opening address at the 18th annual Investing in African Mining Breakfast at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. He has been invited by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business to MineAfrica's 18th Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar for the rest of the day.

In an audio-note the minister shared with local media, he said the event brings an important gathering of producers and policy-makers together.

“Yes, Africa is and will remain a mining continent. We will need investors, local and foreign,” he said will be his message to participants.

According to Alweendo the international industry needs to look at what benefit mining brings to society.

“Is there something we can do more?” he asks.

“On the African continent there is inequality and slow growth of the economy. To what extent can we leverage mining for growth in Africa? Shared growth is not only about profits. Serving society and making profits can coexist and they must for business to form a real part of society,” he said.

“Of course I will also be marketing Namibia as a destination for mining investment,” he said in the voice-note.



Fraser Institute

Meanwhile, the Fraser Institute 2019 Survey of Mining Companies released last week shows that efforts to promote Namibia as a mining destination work are trickling in.

The Chamber of Mines of Namibia highlights the Fraser Institute findings that Namibia's score on the investment attractiveness index improved from 56.6 in 2018 to 58.22 in 2019. The policy perception index also improved from 80.71 in 2018, to 87.22 in 2019. Namibia ranked as the most favourable jurisdiction in Africa on this policy perception index, the chamber of mines notes.

Chamber economist Lauren Davidson says the Fraser report cites an improvement in the availability of labour and skills, decreased concern with regard to socio-economic and community development conditions, regulatory duplication and inconsistencies, as well as functioning of the legal system.

However she warns that survey responses received from Namibia were only between 5 and 9.



Validity

“The poor response rate calls into question the validity of these scores as there were only a handful of companies that participated which may have skewed perceptions,” she says.

The validity is of further concern, noting a generally poor policy environment in 2019, created by the highly unfavourable tax proposal to disallow the deductibility of royalties for non-diamond mining companies, the introduction of consumption levies that are increasing the costs of doing business, and a general feeling of uncertainty with regard to major policy proposals. “While these issues are close to being resolved, it is likely Namibia would have scored lower on the policy perception index if there were a greater number of participants,” she said.

augetto@republikein.com.na

Augetto Graig –
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NAMAs set for 27 March in Swakop

March 3, 2020, 12:30 am
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NAMAs set for 27 March in SwakopNAMAs set for 27 March in Swakop Michael Kayunde

MTC and NBC engaged the media this morning on the final edition of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) that will be sponsored by the telecoms giant.
Addressing journalists, MTC executive Tim Ekandjo announced that the show will still take place at Swakopmund’s The Dome, with the nominations launch slated for Friday, 27 March at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN). Organisers of the event have also decided to do away with the sale of VIP tickets.
“Everyone is going to be a VIP,” said Ekandjo. Early bird tickets are available at Webtickets.
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NAMAs set for 2 May in Swakop

March 3, 2020, 12:51 am
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NAMAs set for 2 May in SwakopNAMAs set for 2 May in Swakop Michael Kayunde

MTC and NBC engaged the media this morning on the final edition of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) that will be sponsored by the telecoms giant.
Addressing journalists, MTC executive Tim Ekandjo announced that the show will still take place at Swakopmund’s The Dome on 2 May, with the nominations launch slated for Friday, 27 March at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN). Organisers of the event have also decided to do away with the sale of VIP tickets.
“Everyone is going to be a VIP,” said Ekandjo. Early bird tickets are available at Webtickets.
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Poverty gap fuelling migration in Nigeria

March 4, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Poverty gap fuelling migration in NigeriaPoverty gap fuelling migration in NigeriaTrek to the south Rising migration to Lagos has caused the city's population to soar. You can't be happy with millions of northern children out of school. – Sanusi Lamido, Emir: Kano Mustapha Abdullahi spent his childhood in constant hunger “roaming the streets for food” in his village in northern Nigeria, unsure when his next meal would arrive.

Like many living in areas where opportunities are scarce, he knew he had to move. When he turned 12 he travelled south to Nigeria's commercial megacity, Lagos.

“I came to Lagos to look for money,” Abdullahi, now 40, told AFP.

As with many of the arrivals from the north, he has made his living driving a motorbike taxi locally known as an okada. Yet a recent ban on okadas across major parts of Lagos has left drivers struggling to feed their families. Rising migration to Lagos has caused the city's population to soar - spurred by widening inequality between the largely-Muslim north and Christian-majority south.

According to the World Bank, 87 million people in Africa's most populous country live in extreme poverty - of which 87% live in northern Nigeria.

The nation's total population is around 190 million people.

“Regionally, the north lags far behind the south in every human capital outcome,” a 2019 World Bank report said.



Violence

A jihadist insurgency in the northeast, armed attacks and kidnappings in the northwest, and the impact of climate change have caused conditions in northern Nigeria to worsen.

Authorities in Lagos said the ban on motorbike taxis and rickshaws was aimed at cutting down on “deaths and disorderliness” on the city's choked roads. But many drivers like Abdullahi suspect it was aimed primarily at the large number of northerners who have headed south in search of a better life.

In the 1980s, Kano, the north's most populous city and commercial nerve-centre, was known as “Manchester of the north”, home to more than 500 textile producers.

Yet after a collapse in local industry in the 1990s, there are now fewer than 100 factories, and widespread unemployment after hundreds of thousands of job losses.

In recent decades, agriculture has been the dominant trade in northern Nigeria, in part due to vast expanses of land.

Yet climate change has hit agricultural yields hard and insecurity has rendered many areas unsafe to farm.

The effect has been increased migration to cities such as Lagos, Nigeria's capital Abuja and the southern oil-hub Port Harcourt, where jobs are easier to come by.



Inequality

Recent data is not available, but a 2010 study from Nigeria's National Population Commission estimated 23% of the population were “migrants” and 40% of those living in Lagos came from other regions.

Awwalu Usman, a 32-year old subsistence farmer from Kano, started travelling to Lagos eight years ago to work as a cobbler.

“I go to Lagos immediately after the harvest and return just before planting season,” he told AFP.

His change in fortunes has been dramatic and the money he earned in Lagos has allowed him to buy a small house. “The city provides far better economic opportunities than here,” he said. Inequalities between Nigeria's regions have their roots in the country's colonial history when the British merged starkly different northern and southern territories in 1914.

While political power has oscillated between the regions since independence, the north has often lagged behind in terms of education and opportunities. The current government of Muhammadu Buhari, a northern Muslim, has tried to boost local industry and agriculture by introducing tariffs on imports and awarding grants and loans to farmers.

But officials admit that while there have been modest signs of progress, it will take time for jobs and livelihoods to feel the effect.



Poor leadership

The Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido, Nigeria's second most-important Islamic monarch, has been an outspoken critic of governance in the region, blaming leaders for failing to tackle poverty. “Nobody who is a leader in northern Nigeria today can afford to be happy. You cannot be happy with about 87% of poverty in Nigeria being in the north,” he said in a speech last month. “You can't be happy with millions of northern children out of school. You can't be happy with nine states in the north contributing almost 50% of the entire malnutrition burden in the country.” According to UNICEF, 69% of the 13 million children not going to school in Nigeria are in the north.

Lamido, a former central bank governor, urged parents to have smaller families, with birth rates in northern Nigeria, the highest in the country.

“There are people who cannot afford to feed one wife but are ready to marry three wives and have more children that they cannot feed, talk less of paying for their school fees,” he said.

– Nampa/AFP

Joel Olatunde Agoi and Aminu Abubakar -
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253 new recruits at correctional service

March 4, 2020, 2:00 pm
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253 new recruits at correctional service253 new recruits at correctional service Despite serious financial challenges the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) faced during the 2019/20 financial year, it managed to recruit 253 candidates, while 120 staff members left last year.

The NCS now employs 2 563 correctional staff, consisting of 1 398 males and 1 165 females.

This was revealed by NCS Commissioner-General Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela on Tuesday during a staff address. He said 13 of the 253 recruits were already in the system and they are all currently undergoing a basic training course at the Lucius Mahoto Correctional Service Training College. According to Hamunyela a total of 120 correctional staff left the NCS between 1 January and 31 December last year. This included 43 resignations and 42 retirements, while 12 staff members went on early retirement. There were also six deaths, ten dismissals, six desertions, three medical discharges and five contract terminations. Three officers were also transferred to government offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs)

According to Hamunyela a total of 41 correctional officers will be retiring during the course of this year.

A total of 74 staff were employed in the NCS to enhance the offender risk management correctional strategy (ORMCS).

This includes programmes such as case management services, community supervision, community service orders, religious care services, education services, healthcare, metal work, furniture production and monitoring and evaluation.

Hamunyela said 364 officers, consisting of 234 males and 130 females were promoted, while 94 officers were transferred or reassigned to positions where their expertise was needed. He said a total of 2 257 out of 2 550 correctional staff signed their performance agreements during the 2019/20 financial year, compared to 2 066 at the end of the previous financial year. Out of 322 staff at the national headquarters, only 18 staff did not sign their performance agreements.

“I have noted with concern the lack of understanding on the execution of the review of performance agreements. I also learnt of some poor performance on activities which did not require funds to implement; meanwhile, some of the reports lacked accuracy and conciseness”

Hamunyela therefore directed that correctional staff sign and submit their performance agreements by the today.

ELLANIE SMIT
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Nanso rejects independence boycott call

March 4, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Nanso rejects independence boycott callNanso rejects independence boycott call The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) has rejected a call by the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Youth League to boycott the 30th independence celebrations.

The youth league's president Bensen Katjirijova said Namibians should not attend the celebrations slated for 21 March “as there is nothing to celebrate”.

Speaking at the launch of Nanso's 'Journey to independence celebrations' at A Shipena High School in Windhoek, its president Simon Taapopi said the importance of independence should not be politicised by opposition parties for political gain.

He said they are taking advantage of the economic hardship Namibia is going through.

“The heroes and heroines of our country paid for our freedom with their blood… We can celebrate freedom with no discrimination; white or black learners can go to the school of their choice, unlike during the apartheid era,” Taapopi said.

He encouraged youth not to be discouraged by the hardship the country is going through and to celebrate the day.

Nanso secretary-general Efraim Paulus also emphasised the importance of Independence Day celebrations and the role Nanso played during apartheid.

He spoke about the student uprising in 1988, which followed the deaths of learners at Ponhofi Secondary School in Eenhana who were caught in crossfire between the South African Defence Force (SADF) and Swapo's armed wing, the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).

“This led to massive demonstrations countrywide, which forced gunmen stationed at schools to be removed,” said Paulus.

Tuesday's event marked Nanso's countdown to independence, aimed at sensitising young people about the importance of the day.

NAMPA
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'Old-age homes like prisons'

March 4, 2020, 2:00 pm
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'Old-age homes like prisons''Old-age homes like prisons'Ithete sparks huge debate in parliament The deputy finance minister sparked huge debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday with his comments that old-age homes are like prisons. Deputy finance minister Natangwe Ithete has likened old-age homes to prisons and accused Namibians of losing their culture by taking elderly relatives to these homes.

He said instead of dumping the elderly in old-age homes, Namibians should embrace senior citizens by taking care of them and preserving their culture.

Ithete made these remarks in the National Assembly on Tuesday when he made his contribution to a report by the parliamentary standing committee on gender equality, social development and family affairs on the status of old-age homes in Namibia.

He said taking the elderly to old-age homes is similar to “imprisonment”.

“We are losing our culture… we must encourage the culture of taking care of our parents… Sending elders to old-age homes is like imprisonment,” Ithete said.

He said the elderly can easily die due to stress while at old-age homes.

“How many MPs wish to be taken to an old-age home one day? Maybe only one,” he said.

Only Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) legislator Steve Bezuidenhout had his hand up, presumably suggesting he wishes to be taken to an old-age home one day.

Ithete's argument was shot down by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP Elma Dienda, who said pride and culture cannot come at the expense of subjecting the elderly to abuse and suffering.

“What culture are you talking about when people are suffering?” she asked.

The committee, amongst others, found that many elderly people are physically abused by their own children and members of their families, and therefore called for more old-age homes to be built to accommodate these senior citizens who are neglected.

The committee also found that the general neglect of elderly Namibians occurs in areas where there is a lack of affordable government old-age homes, places of safety and frail care centres.

A case in point is 33 elderly people in the Oshana who reported cases of physical abuse and bullying at the hands of those who ought to be taking care of them.

Dienda is part of the committee that made the findings.

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also joined the debate, supporting Dienda.

She proposed that legislation be enacted to protect the elderly, just as there is currently laws to protect minors.

In addition, urban and rural development minister Peya Mushelenga suggested that sending the elderly to old-age homes should be needs-based.

Agreeing with him was Swanu's Tangeni Iijambo, who proposed that extensive research be conducted nationwide to establish the facts on the ground.

Diverting from the debate was Swapo's Elifas Dingara, who took issue with the tendency by some MPs to flood the House with complaints.

“I don't know who you are complaining to when you are the ones who are supposed to make the laws,” he said, suggesting that MPs ought to come up with proposed legislation to address the plight of Namibians.

NAMPA
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Used cars keep Africans moving

March 4, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Used cars keep Africans movingUsed cars keep Africans movingDumping concerns remain In many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa new wheels often mean a used car from Japan. Everyone who gets a job, and gets money, wants to drive. – Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Customs revenue commissioner: Uganda Salesmen whistle at potential buyers of scores of vehicles shining in the afternoon sun. One truck might bring over US$20 000 but it's far from the ``brand new' ride the salesman touts it to be while attempting to start the engine.

The truck is one of tens of thousands of second-hand vehicles imported each year into Uganda from Europe or Asia, especially Japan.

In much of Sub-Saharan Africa, the imports satisfy demand for mobility while many public transport systems are rudimentary and newer models are not affordable to many in the growing middle class.

But the used vehicles are a problem, officials say.

They contribute the pollution burden on a continent that contributes far less than other regions to the emissions that cause global warming.

Africa has become “the burial ground of vehicles that run on fossil fuel as the West turns to electric and newer cleaner technologies,” said Philip Jakpor, an activist with the Nigerian branch of the group Friends of the Earth.

Many second-hand vehicles shipped to Africa from Japan are believed to have failed, or were about to fail, pollution tests there, according to the UN Environment Programme. But in many parts of Africa such regulations are often poorly enforced, and rampant corruption ensures that used vehicles can slip by any controls.

'Silent killer'

The UNEP, which calls air pollution a “silent killer” in Africa that is responsible for about 7 million deaths each year, has warned that vehicle emissions are a major source of deteriorating air quality in booming cities.

More than 1.2 million used vehicles were imported into Africa in 2017, according to UN figures. Most were destined for Nigeria and Kenya, two of Africa's largest economies. Both countries also have car-assembling plants.

“The West has refused to transfer technology or make the technology to transit to be cheap and accessible,' Jakpor said. “Our governments have equally failed to invest in renewables and transition, so we will have this dumping for a long time.”

In Uganda, more than 80% of all vehicles are second-hand imports. In part to stem the flow, legislation enacted in 2018 outlaws the importation of vehicles older than 15 years and imposes stiffer taxes on vehicles older than nine years.

A used vehicle made in, say, 2010 can seem new to both buyer and seller in the East African country without a single car-assembling plant and where rickety vehicles are ubiquitous. It's not uncommon to see vehicles emitting a fog of dark fumes. Police frequently attribute deadly accidents to vehicles in dangerous condition.

“You cannot wake up and put a total ban” on used vehicles, said Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Uganda's commissioner in charge of customs revenue. “There is a growing middle-income [class]. Everyone who gets a job, and gets money, wants to drive.”



Taxes

Taxes on used vehicles are “a key component” of the revenue agency's overall collection targets, he said. He added there is no evidence suggesting that stiffer environmental levies on used cars cut into demand.

Car dealers in the Ugandan capital of Kampala told The Associated Press that demand for used vehicles remains solid because importers target certain vehicles that are much sought-after no matter how old they are. The Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Harrier are much-loved locally, for example.

“Ugandans are conversant with older models, so they are looking for those,” said car importer Amir Hussein of Cosmos Uganda Ltd. “For many people, it is their mindset: that old is solid, is good.” Uganda's government last year contracted two companies to inspect used vehicles before they are shipped. The head of the standards agency acknowledges the system is imperfect as not all vehicles are subjected to tests as they cross into the country. Inspectors based in Uganda only carry out spot checks.

Ben Manyindo, head of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, called for a plan that eventually would lead to the banning of used vehicles from abroad.



Import restrictions

The question of whether to impose import restrictions remains contentious despite wide recognition of the dangers of an unlimited flow of used vehicles into Africa, the continent least equipped to deal with climate-changing carbon emissions.

In Zimbabwe, where the government has tried and failed to impose restrictions amid resistance from importers and others, there is no age limit for imported cars. Used cars are not checked for emissions levels when they enter the southern African nation from ports in Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa, which notably allows the importation of used vehicles only for re-export to other countries. Zimbabwe's environment protection agency lacks the resources to conduct effective spot checks for emissions, and over the years the government has appeared fickle in its attempts to regulate the trade in used vehicles.

In 2010 the government banned the importation of vehicles older than five years but later backed down. In December the finance minister announced that older cars would pay less import duty than newer cars, sparking criticism from some lawmakers and environmentalists who argued the measure would encourage people to buy cars that are more harmful to the environment.



'Incentivise people'

“The old cars have higher emissions and are dumped on us because they are no longer considered as fit for the roads in their countries of origin,” said Byron Zamasiya of the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association, which urges stricter controls. “We should be incentivising people to import newer cars than older ones.”

Used cars from Japan are so common in Zimbabwe that the business may be one of the few still profitable in a country reeling from serious economic woes. Zimbabweans spent over US$5 billion importing used cars between 2006 and 2016, and an average of 300 pass through Beitbridge, the main border crossing with South Africa, according to official figures.

Open spaces in cities such as Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, have been taken over by used-car dealers selling anything from small sedans to rundown buses following the collapse of the country's once-vibrant car assembly industry. A usually unreliable public transport system also fuels demand for used vehicles among people who can still afford one. Like Uganda, Nigeria restricts importations of vehicles older than 15 years, but importers working with corrupt officials can always beat the system, according to importer Motola Adebayo. He believes the ability to bribe customs officials has encouraged an influx of very old vehicles into Africa's most populous country. “Many of them are being used for commercial transportation,” he said of the imports. “Very old vehicles are now becoming the standard means of commercial transportation in Nigeria.” Oke Ndubuisi, a taxi driver in Lagos, reasoned that “here in Nigeria, because people are paying very little as transport fares, you cannot easily recover the cost of your investment in a vehicle if it is an expensive one.” The taxi he drives is one of many that contribute to air pollution in Nigeria's bustling commercial capital.

“The prices of new vehicles will have to come down in order to address the problem of pollution caused by old vehicles,” he said.

– Nampa/AP

Rodney Muhumuza and Farai Mutsaka -
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DP World defends Walvis port ambitions

March 4, 2020, 2:00 pm
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DP World defends Walvis port ambitionsDP World defends Walvis port ambitions OGONE TLHAGE



The Dubai-based company, DP World, which is being punted to operate the upgraded Walvis Bay port, insists it can unlock massive opportunities.

This followed a report suggesting that Namport would end up in an undesirable situation should it partner with the company.

DP World said if it is given the mandate to operate the port, by linking it with its proposed free trade zone, it will secure investment while providing collateral free capital to Namibians.

“They have shown willingness to invest up to N$25 billion in the economy. We are looking at a government to government bilateral, not a [Willem] Goeiemann (works executive director) agreement,” DP World said yesterday.

It said companies invested in neighbouring South Africa were keenly eyeing Namibia and showing constant interest in moving their manufacturing bases here.

An article in The Namibian claimed earlier this week that Goeiemann was favourably disposed to DP World’s submission following a request by transport minister John Mutorwa to share his opinion on the matter.

“What has been [negatively] reported about DP World that you can find? Nothing. You couldn’t even find anything,” the company said.

“If we get the mix right, sister companies from DP World will be willing to partner with Namibian companies. DP World will bring foreign direct investment by bringing capital for Namibians to participate in the free zone. This can create the cargo volumes that Namport needs.”

Another motivation would be to create a one-stop shop that would allow users of the port ease of payment for use of the free zone and port combined.

The money DP World was willing to put on the table would also allow Namport to further expand the Lüderitz port.

Namport has defended its decision not to partner with any firm, saying any decision would need to be done in an open and transparent matter.

“It has been made very clear in the past to all these parties that should a decision be made on the concession of the new terminal, such partner would be selected by way of an open and transparent bidding process as prescribed by the Public Procurement Act and Public Private Partnership Act,” its board chairperson Gerson Hinda wrote in a letter to the works ministry.

He also noted it would pose litigious and reputational risks for the port operator if it were to proceed to give DP World the mandate to operate the port.

Hinda added that DP World’s success with regard to operating the free zone was not dependent on it being given the mandate to operate the port terminal.

The World Bank has previously advised that the terminal be managed by a private operator. This arrangement would mean that the operator would bear the costs of managing and running the facility for a number of years, while it recovers investments it has made through service charges that would be passed onto end-users.
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Oshakati flooded after master plan sinks

March 4, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Oshakati flooded after master plan sinksOshakati flooded after master plan sinks Oshakati is again flooded after government failed to fully fund a Cabinet-approved N$1.8 billion flood control master plan, which was aimed at diverting floodwater.

After the town flooded for three consecutive years - 2007, 2008 and 2009 - Cabinet in 2011 approved the Oshakati Concept Master Plan to prioritise flood mitigation measures.

The council sought technical expertise for the development of the plan, which includes the construction of a dike northwest of the town and flood bridges at Okatana fitted with sluices, as most of water that floods Oshakati flows through the Okatana-Cuvelai stream.

With the town having flooded again, mayor Angelius Iiyambo told Namibian Sun the flood master plan was not completed due to a shortage of funds from central government.

By Tuesday morning, the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) had relocated 172 families (950 people) to the Ehenye relocation area, where they are living in tents.

Iiyambo said the project costs would run into the billions, and government could not foot the bill.

“Due to lack of funds, we could only do some activities that were part of the master plan. We are looking forward to completing it and we still include it in the council budget, but we alone cannot finance it,” Iiyambo said.

“We have deepened waterways, constructed bridges and the flood control bridge at Okatana, but it has not yet been fitted with sluice gates. This project could not help with water control in the town, only smooth the floodwater flow.”

TecnoNam and Zhong Mei Engineering Group were the contractors on the project, which commenced in 2014 with the construction of a bridge and traffic circle at Okatana to the tune of N$93 million. Two other bridges were also constructed at Onendongo connecting to Onendongo village and Oshoopala connecting to the Ehenye and Ekuku townships.

Iiyambo could not say how much money was allocated to the project by government and how much is still needed, but said as a council they have learnt a lesson.

He said they have also included deepened water runways to make sure that water flows freely without flooding informal settlements, as in the past, due to an accumulation of debris and other materials.

“We just could not put floodwater control sluice gates at Okatana bridge and the construction of a dike in the south of the town which will then divert water and avoid flooding the town. This was supposed to include cleaning the stream and lining it with concrete,” said Iiyambo.





ILENI NANDJATO
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Drugs worth N$1.2m seized

March 4, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Drugs worth N$1.2m seizedDrugs worth N$1.2m seized Drugs with a street value of more than N$1.23 million were seized during the first two months of the year, while 152 suspects were arrested, with the majority being Namibians.

From the beginning of January to the end of February, cannabis to the value of N$995 230 was seized.

According to statistics provided by the police, 86 Namibian suspects were arrested last month and N$939 700 worth of drugs were seized.

A total of 90 162 kilograms of cannabis, to the value of N$901 620, were seized in February, while 924 mandrax tablets to the value of N$35 280 were also confiscated. A further 28 units of crack cocaine to the value of N$28 000 were seized last month.

Of the 86 suspects arrested last month, seven are woman.

During January, drugs to the value of N$294 800 were seized and 66 suspects were arrested.

Of the 66 suspects arrested, 59 are Namibians, two are Angolans, four are Congolese nationals and one is Tanzanian.

Drugs seized during January included over 93 600kg of cannabis to the value of N$93 660 and 522 mandrax tablets to the value of N$62 640.

Furthermore, 16 grams of cocaine powder to the value of N$8 000 were seized, while 21 units of crack cocaine, valued at N$2 100, were also confiscated in January.

A total of 12 840 Yes cigarettes to the value of N$128 400 were also seized.

ELLANIE SMIT
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Grieving dad sues for N$2.7m

March 4, 2020, 2:00 pm
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Grieving dad sues for N$2.7mGrieving dad sues for N$2.7mHealth ministry in firing line Jan Awiseb alleges clinic staff failed to provide the necessary care and services to his daughter. A grieving father is suing the health ministry for N$2.75 million after his daughter died shortly after giving birth at the Sesfontein health clinic in late 2018.

Jan Awiseb alleges Sesfontein's health clinic staff failed to provide the necessary care and services to his daughter, Leonora Kuku Gawases, on 15 October 2018 when she went into labour.

He claims his daughter's placenta was not removed and remained undetected, which resulted in significant blood loss.

Awiseb said his daughter “bled to death”. He claims initially she was refused assistance and was forced to endure pain without any help.

Later, a nurse only “reluctantly” attended to her, “however, he failed to do so with the necessary care and skill required of a nurse”.

The particulars of the claim state Gawases' death was caused by the “wrongful and unlawful failure to assist the patient by the employees of the ministry of health and social services”.

Awiseb, who has taken over the care of his grandchildren, said the loss of his daughter led to emotional shock and trauma, inconvenience and discomfort, and the hefty current and future financial duties in relation to her surviving children. He is asking the court to award him N$900 000 for trauma and N$500 000 for the discomfort the family has endured because of their loss of a daughter and mother.

He is also asking for N$1.3 million for current and future expenses related to raising the children.

Another N$50 000 is for funeral expenses.



Untrue

Meanwhile, the health ministry denies any wrongdoing and blame for Gawases' death. According to the ministry, the baby was delivered “normally and the placenta removed”.

Papers filed at the High Court by the ministry state that Gawases was afforded the highest standard of care and diligence expected of the facility's staff.

Although a doctor was not available “at all times, the nurse spoke to the doctor on duty telephonically, who advised the nurse to provide an intravenous line”.

Gawases received oxytocin for pain and to help stabilise her, before she was transferred to the Opuwo hospital with her newborn baby and three family members, the ministry said.

“At all times, she was alive”, and the nurse who assisted during labour “made constant routine checks on his patient along the way to Opuwo hospital. The deceased neither bled nor was injured as a result of the birth”.

The ministry also denied that Gawases died while being transported, adding that she and her baby were alive when they arrived at Opuwo hospital, where she was “safely handed over to the medical doctor”.

The ministry has filed a motion asking that the claim against it be dismissed with costs due to a number of issues.

On Monday, Justice Thomas Masuku postponed the case to 11 May at 14:30 for a status hearing.

Marcia Amupolo of Amupolo & Co. Inc is representing Awiseb, while government attorney Jabulani Ncube is appearing on behalf of the defendants.

JANA-MARI SMITH
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