Namibian Sun

Rivals unite for a cause• Boxing stables give back Young and old boxers benefited from donations from two boxing stables yesterday.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Rival boxing stables, MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy and MTC Salute Boxing Academy, donated hand sanitiser and food parcels to the value of N$70 000 to local boxers yesterday in Katutura.

The boxers from all corners of the city swamped the Katutura Youth Complex to get their hands on the parcels.

Due to all boxing events having been postponed or cancelled due to the national coronavirus lockdown, many boxers have been left without any income.

Stay fit

Newly appointed sports minister Agnes Tjongarero urged the boxers to keep training while keeping social distancing in consideration.

“This is a joyous occasion. This says that sports and boxing cares. This is the time boxing is supporting the Khomas Region.

“Keep fit, even if it means that you need to train alone,” Tjongarero added.

MTC Salute Boxing Academy owner Kiriata Kamanya said while they enquired from gyms in Windhoek regarding the number of boxers signed to them, they didn't anticipate the response of those in need.

Smart partnership

MTC's John Ekongo expressed joy in the partnership between the two stables.

“For the first time, it's about smart partnership,” he said.

He added that the parcels are going out to young people as the government indicated that everyone should work together to fight the pandemic.

“Stay safe, use the parcels wisely and exercise social distancing,” he said.

Beneficiaries

Some of the boxers in attendance were amateur fighters Flaime 'Special One' Nangolo and Harry Simon Jr.

Young boxer Kuli Jambo said she took up boxing because she believes she can one day be counted amongst the best in the country. She further added that the food parcel will help her family as they now have something to eat.

Fighting corruption in the midst of Covid-19

Josefina Nghituwamata

WINDHOEK

Since the worldwide outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and after President Hage Geingob declared a state of emergency in Namibia and subsequent lockdown measures, I have spent the last couple of days reading about the fantastic support that individuals and many companies from every single sector are willing to provide to the government in the fight against Covid-19. I mostly focused on the support pledged to the infirm, and the inhabitants of the informal settlements including the private businesses. Many demonstrated their eagerness to aid the government to smoothly assist all affected areas impacted by Covid-19. I have likewise observed the bravery of medical personnel and support staff who work day and night to help those who have contracted the coronavirus.

This is a global pandemic. Thus, governments around the world, Namibia included, have announced unprecedented financial aid packages to individuals and companies alike to try and mitigate the effects of a global economic shut down due to the Covid-19 lockdown. There is no uncertainty that truly, governments, particularly in Africa, definitely require swift injections of financial and technical support. In any case, it is critical that existing funds and any other extra support is strategically devoted to fighting Covid-19.

Whilst reading about the support pledged by individuals and corporate citizens, along with the government support package, as well as other developments pertaining to the Covid-19 outbreak, I have been thinking of what could be happening with all these donations and brilliant stimulus relief programmes such as emergency income grant, water subsidy, wage subsidy for the hardest-hit sectors, tax-back loan scheme, and many more at the implementation stage. In my view this entire crisis would attract the dishonest, the amoral and immoral. Do not crucify me, but I wouldn’t be surprised if reports of attempts by a few to make huge financial gains out of this global crisis emerge.

I am further of the view that while the majority of individuals who will apply for grants, loans and other forms of economic support will be honest and decent people trying to keep their businesses going and pay their workers and suppliers, there will be some who will consider this to be a once in a blue moon chance to fleece the system. This conduct might be hard to be halted and perhaps time will not allow for sufficient control mechanisms to be put in place. We know this is an emergency. However, one would not have any desire to let it pass just for the sake of 'emergency'. Along these lines, notwithstanding the present measures set up, the government must ensure that there is a genuine deterrent to dishonest conduct.

We are trying as a country to fight and prevent corruption in all sectors. Transparency mechanisms should be strengthened throughout the medical pharmaceutical, life/science, medical supply chain to ensure that profit-making does not override public interest. Equally, the pandemic is a reminder that the global community and governments alike should make sufficient investments in pharmaceutical management systems (warehousing and distribution) to cater for the current crisis.

Recognising what governments all over the world have done with Namibia not being an exception, (they passed emergency legislation to deal with the crisis), they should prioritise protecting the public interest by deterring those who seek to profiteer from the crisis through fraud and corruption.

The fight against corruption must remain a priority in the midst of this crisis. Despite numerous anti-corruption measures, funds would be diverted in a blink of an eye as the response of the pandemic require haste and minimal or no bureaucracy. Existing mechanisms are insufficient; hence, it is required of each and every individual to be alert. The inclusion of anti-corruption experts in the public health discussions could be a measure to deter corrupt activities. Another measure could be support for the Anti-Corruption Commission to provide a watchdog function for instance on grant disbursement and hold implementation agencies to account.

Emphasising our individual role in the fight against corruption, we have to all take it upon ourselves, individually, to ensure that we uphold the highest ethical principles in dealing with the crisis at hand. No ifs, ands or buts, this pandemic will be seen by some as an opportunity to take advantage of the situation for private gain. The current situation demands that corruption not be overlooked by any stretch of the imagination. I repeat, the outbreak certainly presents an opportunity for scammers and unscrupulous businessmen to defraud the system, often with the complicity of government officials.

Namibians, let us be reminded; the medical personnel and healthcare workers, whether consultants, cleaners, drivers, doctors, nurses, community health workers, pharmacists or radiographers, who are risking their lives on a daily basis deserve respect and gratitude. May we all hold fast to the head of state’s call for transparency and zero tolerance for corruption, and to assure taxpayers that the funds earmarked for Covid-19 will be used for the intended purposes. The economic crisis will definitely deepen and will be bringing out the worst of the corrupt.

Let us all be part of the fight against corruption by reporting instances of corruption during this crisis. May those entrusted with the responsibility to disburse the Covid-19 support packages do so wisely and ensure that the aid deployed to help fight the virus benefits those who need it most. Else, the country's efforts to respond to the crisis would be in vain. Let the Holy Spirit guide those in the frontline of the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.

*Josefina Nghituwamata is the ACC’s chief public relations officer. She writes in her personal capacity as a Namibian citizen.

DJ KBoz taps into amapiano• Young at heart With his diverse approach to making music coupled with exciting features, DJ KBoz's new EP is one to look out for.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

A diverse artist who has made his presence known on the music scene for many years, DJ KBoz's music draws influence from various genres like dancehall, kwaito, house, and now, amapiano.

tjil got the opportunity to chat to one of top DJs and music producers in the country just two days before his highly anticipated Gin, Hookah & Cheris EP dropped.

tjil (t): What inspired you to take this sonic direction on Gin, Hookah & Cheris?

DJ KBoz (DJ): I have been hanging around lots of young people the past few months. The amapiano fever got me! Then Lioness approached me to do an amapiano song for her new album. It was my first time attempting to make an amapiano beat and she ended up loving it so much, so I thought to myself: Why not an amapiano EP and see where it goes?

t: You've experimented with so many different sounds in the past, what about the amapiano genre do you like?

DJ: Amapiano takes me back to my kwaito roots. The groove and bounce to it is what gets me the most and the fact that it has a lot of jazz elements makes it even greater. It's like they cracked the formula of putting soul and groove together. The slow pace of amapiano is the best part. I could go on.

t: On which music platforms will the EP be available?

DJ: All platforms. Today, I will upload it onto my YouTube channel and Donlu Africa. And it will appear on all other platforms by Tuesday, 5 May. The reason for this is I'm still campaigning to give exclusive material to our home websites first.

t: How has the coronavirus pandemic affected you as an artist and the rollout plan for this project?

DJ: This challenge was heavy as I started the project right before they announced the lockdown. It wasn't easy getting artists to the studio. Some artists, I had to drive to their houses to record them.

But God has a way of making thing happen even in the tightest situations.

As artists, we have found different ways of still making money while everything is on hold.

It has also opened up doors to different ways of communicating to our fans. I'd say we have become even more creative.

Apple Music now available in Namibia: Artists react

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

Technology giant Apple has officially included Namibia among 17 additional African countries where it has recently switched on its streaming service.

According to Wikipedia, Apple Music is a music and video streaming service developed by Apple Inc. “Users select music to stream to their device on-demand, or they can listen to existing, curated playlists.

“The service also includes the internet radio station Beats 1, which broadcasts live to over 100 countries 24 hours a day.”

Streaming services

Because of the high rate of music piracy in Namibia, most artists' source of income is derived from live shows and not much is earned through music sales. There are already music streaming services available in Namibia; some proudly Namibian-owned such as Donlu Africa and PlayBits, and some international.

The availability of more streaming services means musicians can put their music on global, user-friendly platforms, which translates into an increase in revenue.

With shows either being cancelled or postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus lockdown, Apple Inc could not have picked a better time to avail the service.

Local impact

Speaking to tjil on what this means for her and the music scene, singer ML said it's exciting to see Apple Music opening up all features and services to us Namibians, because as supporters of their products, we deserve all services like everyone else. “As an artist, I'm happy because it means my music becomes widely accessible for streaming.

“Most times, people rather stream than buy a song and this is actually the value add we get as Namibian artists.

“The improvement is that now we can stream, play offline and perhaps start being featured on playlists. It's equivalent to Spotify and not having Spotify yet means we can now at least benefit from Apple Music,” she said.

ML added artists still need to put in the work to become visible on global playlists. “So, we still have to push for recognition before we can benefit monetary wise.”

Doesn't mean much

Adding to the conversation, LMPC, who is dubbed the king of streams with over 200 000 listens on SoundCloud, said he thinks it's a great move, but for now, it doesn't mean much.

“It is going to make music more accessible, yes. But that accessibility isn't going to change anything for the music scene if artists don't make the music amazing enough for people to want access to it via that platform and pay a subscription fee every month,” he said.

Apple charges U$2.99, which is about N$60 per month, for a single membership. This gives users access to the full library, expert recommendations, the platform's take on the best new music, and more.

Written submissions in City cop rape case

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

The Windhoek Magistrate's Court in Katutura will today receive written submissions from all parties involved in the bail application of Windhoek City Police spokesperson Fabian Amukwelele, who stands accused of rape.

Amukwelele was arrested on 8 April after he was accused of raping a 29-year-old City Police colleague in January.

The 37-year-old Amukwelele has pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape, saying it was consensual.

The rape charge stems from an incident that occurred on 11 January this year at Amukwelele's Rocky Crest home. The complainant is now pregnant.

Amukwelele on Wednesday said in his testimony that had there not been a pregnancy there would not have been a case.

While Amukwelele is alleging that he had used a condom, his colleague's version as related by social worker Veronica Theron differed. Theron had given counselling to the woman after the incident.

The woman claimed that no condom was used and that Amukwelele forced himself on her the morning after she had slept over at his house.

Investigator testifies

Yesterday the investigating officer in the matter from the Gender-based Violence Protection Unit, Detective Emilia Nambahu, took the stand.

Nambahu repeated much of the same details that had been given by Theron on Wednesday.

She confirmed that she had met with the woman and that she had registered a case.

Nambuhu further stressed that they had a strong case against Amukwelele.

The State has argued that bail should be denied because of possible interference in the case.

Amukwelele is represented by Mbushandje Ntinda from Sisa Namandje & Co. while the presiding magistrate is Kalla Kanyenga.

Wakudumo vows to root out tribalism

KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU

Newly appointed Kavango East governor Bonifatius Wakudumo says apart from his expected responsibilities, he will also root out tribalism within the region.

The governor said he partly attributes tribalism to challenges with the equitable distribution of resources within the region.

Over the years Wakudumo himself has been accused of tribalism, with community members bemoaning his recent appointment by President Hage Geingob.

He denied these allegations, saying his wife is from a different tribe and that the claims have not been proven.

“I never saw a person in front of me pinpointing that 'Wakudumo, you were a tribalist on this day and these were your words'. It never happened. I don't believe in tribalism,” he said.

The way forward

During his maiden media conference at Rundu this week, he outlined his plan of action for the region.

He said he aims to be the first governor to call the region's leaders together to discuss the issue of tribalism and the way forward.

“The time has come. We cannot keep quiet and pretend that there is no problem. This is a challenge, this is a sickness,” he said.

“Some people are advancing tribalism for their political agenda, while others advance it for their personal agenda. Year in, year out, people talk about tribalism, but nobody is sitting and addressing this issue.”

Kapana drought continues• 3 Windhoek markets reopened Open markets in Windhoek and the Erongo Region are being reopened under strict conditions, but no kapana will be sold for now.

MICHELLINE NAWATISES

WINDHOEK

City of Windhoek environmental health practitioner Lion Kahimise says no kapana (barbecued meat) may be sold at reopened formal markets.

“No kapana is allowed to be sold for now, the reason being that we don't want crowds of people to stand in line as that would infringe on the Covid-19 regulations,” he said.

Three of the 11 open markets in Windhoek - Oshetu, Okahandja Park and Soweto - reopened on Wednesday, while the other eight are being scrutinised by municipal health inspectors before being allowed to resume trading.

Markets in the Erongo Region are to follow suit soon.

The markets had been closed since the proclamation of the coronavirus state of emergency last month.

The closure had a devastating effect on food vendors who lost their only source of income.

The authorities have since recognised that a large section of the population depends on informal markets as the main avenue for selling or buying food.

Hygiene is king

The traders at Oshetu market – also known as the Single Quarters - were instructed by the City of Windhoek to start cleaning the market on Tuesday.

By Wednesday renovations were in full swing, with City officials painting social distancing markings on the floors.

City Police chief Abraham Kanime visited the Nangeda Kaduuluma market in Wanaheda on Wednesday and instructed traders to clean up and disinfect their stalls.

“We cannot allow markets to open in this state,” he said, while pointing to a wall covered in dirt. He further told the traders to keep the markets clean after the renovations.

New rules

Informal markets must adhere to the following regulations:

* Traders must wear masks at all times;

* Daily permits must be available;

* Water must be available at all times;

* Traders may be required to alternate daily;

* Only one trader allowed per stall;

* Social distancing must be strictly enforced;

* Street or unauthorised vendors are not allowed to operate;

* Traders in urban areas will be allowed to operate at designated sites only;

* Markets will only be open from 08:00 – 17:00;

*Only specific products are allowed to be sold, such as raw meat and fish, dairy and poultry products, fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, flour and cereal products.

Markets to open:

Oshetu market

Okahandja Park market

Soweto market

Lytta and Twahangana markets (Okuryangava)

Ongehandambala market (Eveline Street)

Tuhandeleni market (Shangai Street)

Nangeda Kaduuluma market (Wanaheda-Caesar Street)

Tukondjeni market (Ondoto Street - Stop 'n Shop)

Windhoek flea market (Wernhil Mall)

Bokamoso entrepreneurial centre (Hans-Dietrich Genscher Street)

A sublime epiphany The pre-coronavirus world nurtured and fostered so many opaque ways in which we viewed our existence.

Those celebrated were actors, sports stars, so-called self-made billionaires, and for some, the charismatic political and other ‘leaders’ among us.

They were worshipped as heroes and heroines in a society so absorbed by the fickle and mass accumulation of things that the horror of the scales over our eyes threatened to continue ad infinitum.

But as we continue to wake up every morning in this twilight zone we can barely recognise as reality, it has become obvious that true inspiration comes from ordinary acts during extraordinary times.

During this time, it has become patently obvious that we should learn to celebrate the seemingly mundane more often. I am talking about the simple actions of those on the frontline of this pandemic.

This includes medical staff, law enforcement, the armed forces and those who are working tirelessly in informal areas.

I am talking about long-distance truck drivers, shop staff and others who continue to operate in these trying times, to the benefit of us all.

The concept of greatness and the ‘big leader’ has been turned on its head by what is currently unfolding during the state of emergency and lockdown.

May this and the other lessons we will still learn during these trying times never be lost as we move on after this trial by fire.

Hunger to hit hard WINDHOEK

ELLANIE SMIT

Hunger has become the next massive impact of the coronavirus outbreak in Namibia, with the number of food-insecure Namibians expected to rise from an already staggering 700 000 citizens who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.

“Look at the informal sector, the number of people dependent on selling kapana, liquor and fresh produce that were closed for a time. The owners of those businesses and their workers received no income. That adds to the number of people that are food insecure,” says agriculture ministry executive director Percy Misika.

With more than 700 000 people classified as food insecure due to prolonged droughts in the country, this number will only get worse, said Misika.

Harvests interrupted

Speaking during a discussion yesterday on the impact of the coronavirus on the agriculture sector, Misika said the virus reached Namibia during March, when harvesting was under way.

Farmers who were unable to harvest their crops will not have their own produce to satisfy their household needs.

That will result in even more people becoming food insecure.

Drought effects

Misika was quick to add that not all food insecurity can be blamed on the pandemic.

“The sector is still recovering from the three-year drought that it experienced, much more than from the coronavirus.”

He said communal farmers are the most vulnerable when there is any shock in the production system or in the value chain, either by a natural disaster or by a manmade disaster.

“They are starting from a base where they do not have the requisite resources in terms of equipment, production inputs and expertise. When you have a shock like the coronavirus, this brings in limitations to produce more and this goes on to affect household food security.”

He added that agriculture is a labour-intensive sector and when there is a shock of this nature that limits the gathering of people on the farm for production such as ploughing or weeding, then it affects the level of production.

Uproar over Covid-19 flat tenantsNeighbours unaware patients were quarantined in complex The health ministry quarantined three people with Covid-19 in a residential complex in Windhoek for more than a week without informing the other tenants or the landlords that they were ill.

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

Tenants of a block of flats in Windhoek were seemingly put at risk when three people who had tested positive for coronavirus were quarantined in their complex without their knowledge.

The complex accommodates two restaurants that were operating during this time, as well as several other businesses.

According to sources within the complex management, some of their tenants were approached by ministry of health officials who were interested in renting flats but answers about who would occupy the flats were not forthcoming until rumours started making the rounds.

The health minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, initially said he was unaware of the incident but later confirmed it to Namibian Sun, saying it was merely a “miscommunication”.

“It happened, yes. I was informed that the logistics team responsible for scouting places never informed the surveillance team about what had happened,” he said.

Tenants flee

Namibian Sun understands some tenants fled their homes in fear because the infected people were walking around the complex without wearing masks.

According to correspondence between some tenants and management, it appears as if the health ministry officials had led the owners to believe that the flats would accommodate medical professionals waiting for their test results.

A management agent told Namibian Sun that some of the owners who rented the flats, situated in Windhoek’s Eros suburb, to the health ministry had no idea that their new tenants were infectious.

The agent also said Dr Theo-Ben Kandetu, the head of coronavirus case management, told them that it was an error in communication and apologised on behalf of the ministry.

“No answers were forthcoming from the ministry. After a meeting with Dr Theo-Ben Kandetu and officials from the ministry we were informed that these people were in fact positive. It was realised that this venue would not be the appropriate place to accommodate them and the patients were removed after living on the premises for eight days,” the agent said.

Kandetu refused to comment when approached by Namibian Sun.

“Let me refer you to the public relations department,” he said.

Eight days

Documents show that the people quarantined at the suites were case 16, a 46-year-old medical practitioner who had travelled to South Africa, case 9, a Namibian woman who lives in South Africa, and case 14, a health worker who had been in contact with the third person diagnosed with Covid-19 in Namibia.

According to correspondences seen, the health officials visited the premises on 4 April 2020 and brought the first patient there in an ambulance later that day.

“They continued to bring the patient to one of the units the next morning, knowing full well that there were other healthy tenants residing there as well as businesses and restaurant staff entering and leaving the site.

“What makes it even more unacceptable is the fact that these patients were all Covid-19 positive upon arrival and they were in fact undergoing tests to monitor their recovery,” one of the emails read.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Namibia gifts Zimbabwe thousands of coronavirus test kits

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

Despite Namibian authorities pleading ignorance, the Zimbabwean cabinet has confirmed that Namibia had gifted that country with 4 999 rapid coronavirus test kits.

Both health minister Kalumbi Shangula and his international relations counterpart Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah denied knowledge of the donation when contacted for comment yesterday.

Zimbabwean information minister Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday confirmed to Namibian Sun that her country has received rapid coronavirus test kits.

A Zimbabwean cabinet briefing, dated 21 April and shared with that country’s media, confirms that Namibia donated test kits to her neighbour. The kits will be distributed to provinces, Cabinet said.

This comes as Zimbabwe announced plans to ramp up testing its citizens for the virus.

Namibia on the other hand is struggling to test more people, with only NUMBER tested so far.

Mutsvangwa would not elaborate on the details of the donation and referred Namibian Sun to that country’s health minister, Obediah Moyo.

Zimbabwean media reported that these test kits would be used in that government’s drive to test at least 40 000 people for Covid-19 before the end of April.

When called for comment yesterday, Shangula burst out laughing, saying he was amused by the “creativity of the media”.

“Where would we get those tests from? How can we donate when we don’t have enough?” he asked.

International relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was equally astonished by the news and said: “I know nothing about this.”

Namibia is struggling to get a firm handle on the pandemic because mass testing would be too costly.

Former health minister Richard Kamwi had earlier this month motivated the need for more mass testing.

“Generally, mass diagnostic testing will give you maximum results as you will know who is infected within a given population and also answer active surveillance,” he said.

“However, there is an element of economic challenge. Diagnostic test kits? They are likely to be too expensive – it is simply not a cost-effective exercise given the current economic situation of our country.

“Logistics on the ground are not affordable at this stage. It calls for expertise and serious logistics, for example protective gear for frontline workers to be in place,” he added.

Company news in brief

Clicks suspends dividend

South Africa's Clicks Group drugstore chain reported a better-than-expected rise in half-year earnings but warned trading conditions are expected to be extremely tough for the remainder of the financial year due to the coronavirus crisis.

Diluted headline earnings per share (HEPS), the main profit measure in South Africa, for the six months ended Feb. 29 rose to 338 cents from a restated 295.9 cents in the comparable prior period.

Group turnover in the same period grew by 9.9% to R16.9 billion and profit after tax increased by 12.9%.

Clicks said the extent and economic impact of the virus were not known but could be compounded by power cuts when businesses re-open and put pressure on the grid, which remains a risk to retail sales, particularly in the higher-demand winter season.

The group said its online sales grew during the lockdown, but also that it would not pay an interim dividend, in order to preserve cash, and would consider an annual dividend at the end of the financial year. – Nampa/Reuters

Sasol cuts CEO, executives' pay

Sasol Ltd expects a loss on its Lake Charles Chemicals Project (LCCP) this year and will cut the pay of its CEO and other management to protect its balance sheet, the South African petrochemicals maker said yesterday.

CEO Fleetwood Grobler will donate 33% of his salary for three months from May and take a 20% pay cut for five months to December, directors’ fees will be reduced by up to 40%, and executive committee senior leadership and junior management will take salary cuts for 8 months, Sasol said.

"These measures are necessary to help protect the company’s balance sheet and liquidity until at least the end of financial year 2021," Sasol said, citing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

The company said it would donate 33% of Grobler's salary for three months to a fund that has been set up by the government to support the fight against Covid-19.

It expects a loss in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) from LCCP of US$50-US$100 million for the financial year versus previous guidance of a profit there of up to US$100 million. – Nampa/Reuters

Petra Diamonds seeks debt restructuring

London-listed diamond miner Petra Diamonds is working towards restructuring its US$650 million debt, as the challenges facing an industry assailed by synthetic rivals are complicated by the coronavirus pandemic hitting demand, sources said.

The company, with a small market capitalisation of 19.83 million pounds (US$24.55 million), announced in February it was looking at strategic options in relation to its debt due in 2022 with the help of investment bank Rothschild. It had launched a debt reduction programme last year.

Petra declared a force majeure at the Williamson mine in Tanzania and scaled down operations to a minimum level in South Africa, as diamonds prices are depressed and sales halted by the global coronavirus lockdown.

Investment banks however are increasingly reluctant to extend credit to diamond producers, as inventory is not being sold and defaults are possible, a source added.

The company's share price is headed for a fourth year of losses, having fallen 74% so far in 2020. – Nampa/Reuters

Sibanye Stillwater suspends outlook

Miner Sibanye Stillwater withdrew its operating forecast for 2020 yesterday due to coronavirus-related uncertainties and said it would resume gold and platinum operations in South Africa within the next two weeks.

"Operating outlook is complicated by uncertainty relating to the extent of the Covid-19 restrictions and the rates at which production may resume at the South Africa operations beyond the current lockdown period," the company said. – Nampa/Reuters

Tullow exits Uganda project

Total has agreed to buy Tullow Oil's entire stake in jointly-held onshore oil fields in Uganda for US$575 million, Tullow said yesterday as it strives to raise US$1 billion this year to reduce its US$2.8 billion of debt.

Tullow, founded in the 1980s to tap into African oil and gas, suffered a series of technical difficulties and missed production targets, leading its chief executive to step down late last year.

Now, along with the entire oil industry, it faces unprecedented turmoil in the oil markets as lockdowns to contain the new coronavirus have wiped out demand and the international oil price has lost roughly two thirds of its value since the start of the year.

Tullow's shares have shed around 90% over the last 12 months and its market capitalisation had shrunk to around US$285 million on Wednesday.

Tullow said on Thursday it will receive US$500 million in cash for the Ugandan prospects and US$75 million once a final investment decision is reached on the project. – Nampa/Reuters

Glencore to take Katanga private

Glencore is taking its Toronto-listed Congo unit Katanga Mining private, the subsidiary said on Wednesday, citing limited trading liquidity and the costs of a stock exchange listing as reasons for the decision.

Katanga Mining, which produces copper and cobalt from mines in the southern copper belt of Democratic Republic of Congo, was first listed in August 1997. Glencore owns 99.46% of its shares.

Among the reasons for going private, Katanga cited the "attractive" premium being given to shareholders, commodity price risks, operational risks, financial risks, and the lack of sources of financing without support from Glencore. – Nampa/Reuters

EU donates millions in support against Covid-19

The European Union in its bid to support Namibia in his fight against the Covid-19-pandemic availed an additional budget amounting to N$172 million (€8,4 million) to inter alia strengthen the country’s health system and enhance resilient and responsive health and social protection systems.

This will also include the purchasing of medical equipment and medical devices that are urgently required, as well as addressing some of the economic and social impact of the pandemic.

Furthermore and as part of an ongoing programme in support of education and with UNICEF as the implementing partner, contingency reserves of N$72, million (€350 000 million) would be used to support children and their families, specifically those in communities that are hardest hit by the Covid-19 lockdown.

The aim is to reach approximately 350 Early Childhood Centres (ECDs) with an estimated 15,000 children registered.

The EU in a statement says the Covid-19 crisis has brought about new threats, demands and challenges to educators and learners. Moreover education systems and models need to gradually transform to move to online learning strategies. According to the EU education is a focal area of its support to Namibia.

The EU has made, as part of the EDF 11, a third and final payment of N$95 million (€4,64 million) to the Education Budget Support Programme recently. This assistance is not directly related to the pandemic; but states the union, “these are difficult times and government may utilize these resources to deal with the effects of the pandemic”.

“The coronavirus pandemic requires united and strong international and local collaboration by all. The European Union is doing everything we can to support our citizens and our partner countries in their time of need to address the impact of this health crisis on lives and countries’ economy. We are working closely with EU member states, other development partners and the UN system to make sure our inputs are well coordinated for the pandemic and for the SDGs more generally,” said EU Ambassador to Namibia, Sinikka Antila.

On behalf of the Namibian government and in appreciation of the support from the European Union, Netumbo Nandi - Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation hailed the long-standing cooperation with the EU, which has continued to complement the government’s developmental efforts.

“Multilateralism dictates that all governments come together in the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals in order to save lives. The areas of focus of the assistance of the EU speak to the current priorities of government. The government commends the dedicated efforts of the EU office in Windhoek and look forward to continue working with the EU Ambassador for mutual interests,” Nandi-Ndaitwah says.

President Hage Geingob on 17 March stated that the health of all Namibians is first priority and subsequently declared a State of Emergency.

Urgent and determined measures followed and which included a country lockdown to contain the spread of the novel Corona Virus into communities.

As Covid-19 is not only a threat to the lives of the Namibian people and the public health system, it also bears serious negative economic impacts, thus threatening the survival of businesses and consequently jobs and livelihoods.

President Geingob made an appeal to all international cooperating partners and stakeholders as well as the private sector to support the government’s response measures and to mobilize resources to combat the further spread of the virus.

‘Landlords should relax payments’

Government through the ministry of industrialisation and trade has urged landlords and property owners to relax rental payment requirements from tenants facing difficulty during the Covid-19 lockdown period.

Speaking at the Covid-19 information centre on Wednesday, trade minister Lucia Iipumbu said landlords and property owners have been accommodated by financial institutions to a certain extent in terms of holiday payments on their bonds. Therefore they too should consider relaxing rental payments for those unable to afford them during this difficult period.

“I am underlining only specific cases of people whose income is really affected and who are unable to pay rent because we may use the opportunity to say I am not in the position to pay rent, when in actual fact I have received my full salary,” she said.

Iipumbu also encouraged tenants and landlords to make necessary arrangements for payments due to be paid at a later stage. However, those with legitimate cases such as facing eviction should submit them to the ministry.

“We will receive these case by case and devise strategies on how to deal with such cases with other relevant stakeholders. However, we are pleading with landlords to ease payments as we all find ourselves in this difficult situation as some people’s income depended on day-to-day activities,” she said. - Nampa

Online fitness keep instructors in businessNamibians in cyber studios Many fitness instructors have transitioned from physical contact sessions to virtual sessions. … the only way is to seek creative ways to do things … Gregor Areseb, Sports performance coach

Ndalimpinga Iita - Lee Neshila, a fitness instructor in Namibia, posted a recorded video of himself doing plunges on his Instagram account. He was demonstrating and challenging followers and clients to exercise at home.

Initially, he trained clients at a gym studio and outdoors in Namibia's capital Windhoek. But the declaration of the state of emergency and subsequent lockdown by the Namibian government disrupted his business.

Neshila has since digitised his trade, training clients online.

"I am making use of virtual platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom and Instagram to train clients," he said.

Virtually, Neshila runs fitness challenges to locals via social media platforms six times a week.

Virtual sessions

He is not the only one. Many fitness instructors have transitioned from physical contact sessions to virtual sessions.

Gregor Areseb, a sports performance coach and professional trainer working with athletes and locals over six years, is also one of the fitness instructors who have digitised their services.

According to Areseb, traditionally, he trained people who are supposed to be there physically. However, physical interaction has been reduced as the government enforces social distancing.

"So the only way is to seek creative ways to do things, and technological advancement presents us with the opportunity to level up and bond with clients," Areseb said.

Fitness instructor Meke Namhindo's business was also disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. As the clientele base has dropped, she is maximising on digital platforms to remain in business.

"A lot has changed since the lockdown. Things have not been easy," Namhindo said.

Since the lockdown, she motivates, and indulges her clients and those interested in exercises online four times a week.

"I have a social responsibility to our populace and clients so that they keep busy and stay healthy while at home," she said.

Exploring opportunities

Meanwhile, online wellness sessions have been instrumental in the transformation of Namibians. Locals like Aili Elly have found guidance offered by local fitness instructors online useful.

"Being home the whole day can be challenging … But I have been able to keep fit by avidly following fitness instructors online. Their sessions are also interactive, unlike the general videos," Elly said.

In the interim, the industry players said that the era presents an opportune time to develop the industry. The instructors are re-modelling business approaches, exploring ways on how to fuse innovation and technology into their business.

"Above and all, the goal is to maximise on the lockdown period to explore how he can monetise more on online presence. This will be achieved through collaboration and knowledge exchange, to advance working electronically and selling virtually," Neshila said. – Nampa/Xinhua

Corona Watch

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's government agreed with bakers, millers and other businesses on Wednesday to cut the prices of basic goods, including bread and sugar, to levels before the country entered a coronavirus lockdown last month amid soaring inflation.

Annual inflation in the southern African nation has hit 676.39%, one of the highest rates in the world, as a currency that was re-introduced last year weakens amid acute shortages of foreign currency, food and medicines.

Vice president Kembo Mohadi said the government had agreed with bakers, grain millers and edible oil and sugar producers, among others, that price increases seen in the last month were speculative and unjustified. – Nampa/Reuters

Kenya

Kenya's parliament on Wednesday approved a cut of 5 percentage points to the corporate income tax rate, a senior lawmaker said, part of president Uhuru Kenyatta's measures to cushion the economy from the impact of the coronavirus crisis.

Under the amendments passed by the national assembly, the income tax rate for top individual earners and corporations will fall to 25% from 30%, injecting billions of shillings into the economy to support consumption by individuals and investments by firms.

Those earning a salary of less than 24 000 shillings (US$223.99) will be exempt from paying income tax, to give them extra cash to help cope with the crisis. – Nampa/ Reuters

Tanzania

Tanzania's president John Magufuli called on international creditors on Wednesday to cancel debts owed by African nations to enable them use the savings to battle the coronavirus.

"African countries' economic capacity is not the same as that of developed countries," Magufuli told a televised meeting of top security organs. He singled out the World Bank, which has been offering new lending to nations on the continent to help them tackle the health crisis.

Tanzania spends 700 billion shillings (US$303.03 million) every month to service its debts, with close to 200 billion shillings going to the World Bank, Magufuli said. – Nampa/Reuters

Morocco

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said on Wednesday it would lend Morocco's Bank of Africa 145 million euro (US$156.92 million) to help finance small businesses hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

The coronavirus has hit most economic sectors in Morocco, stopping activity at 142 000 businesses, equivalent to 57% of all formal enterprises, with 6 300 of them closing for good, the planning agency said on Tuesday. – Nampa/Reuters

DRC

The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday announced emergency aid of US$363 million to fight the new coronavirus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an African nation that had also been battling Ebola and militia attacks.

"DRC is experiencing a severe shock as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic," an IMF statement said.

Mineral exports, particularly to China, are the impoverished country's main revenue source. – Nampa/AFP

‘Nail in construction’s coffin’Proposed labour restrictions If government pushes new proposed Covid-19 labour measures through, it will have disastrous consequences, the construction sector warns. We plead for real comprehension of our situation. - Bärbel Kirchner, Consulting GM: CIF

Jo-Maré Duddy – Government’s labour measures pertaining to Covid-19 will be “the final nail in the coffin for many businesses that are on the edge of an abyss from where there is no return”, the construction sector warned yesterday.

The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) received the draft Labour Directive Relating to Covid-19 - certified by the ministry of justice and announced by the minister of labour, industrial relations and employment creation, Utoni Nujoma, on Wednesday – with “dismay, shock and disbelief”, the consulting general manager of the CIF, Bärbel Kirchner, said.

The directive, which the CIF “fears” will be promulgated soon, is “so harsh and restrictive that any employer in the construction sector – and most likely in many other sectors as well – will throw in the towel and will capitulate”, Kirchner said.

“Currently close to 70% of our employers are already operating at a loss. They have struggled to survive four terrible years of recession,” she added.

Should the directive in its current form be gazetted, it will lead to “many more retrenchments, liquidation and closure of businesses”, the CIF cautioned.

Jobs haemorrhage

The latest employment figures by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) support the CIF’s warning.

The Namibian Labour Force Survey (NLFS) of 2018 showed 45 057 people were employed in the construction sector as a whole – 17 948 or nearly 28.5% less than in 2016. Namibia entered its first recession year in the current slump in 2016.

In 2016, the informal construction sector provided employment to 47 415 people. Two years later, these jobs were slashed to 29 438, a drop of nearly 38%.

In 2018, youth employment in the sector stood at 23 987, plummeting by nearly 36.6% compared to 2016.

‘Wits end’

“Every single employer is fighting for survival to ensure that they have something to return to beyond the lockdown period and the aftermath of Covid-19,” Kirchner said yesterday.

“They are at their wits end to ensure that relationships with employees can be maintained and that jobs can continue to be secured, where possible, once businesses start operating again and have sufficient demand to be able to operate optimally.”

The directive and the ministry’s position is “unlikely to generate positive industrial relations”, Kirchner said. “Nor will it contribute to job security and employment creation.”

According to the CIF, the directive did not materialise on “any so-called agreement between employer representatives” and the labour ministry.

“In fact, some employer representatives were only informed of the directive and had not chance to give input to that document although they have repeatedly shared information about the precarious state of their industries, as well as measures that could lead to optimal levels of employment with the minister and senior officials at MLIREC [ministry].”

Kirchner added: “Considering the content of the directive, the CIF feels and wonders whether it reflects an authority that might be out of touch with reality, if not in contradiction to its own mandate.”

Proposals

The CIF proposes that flexibility in terms of applying some of the Labour Act’s regulations be introduced so as to ensure that optimal employment can be secured, once businesses can become operational again.

In contradiction with the Act, the directive limits the employer’s scope to retrench an employee, Kirchner said. However, the employer has the right to dismiss an employee within the confines of the Act. The Act does not make any provision for any restrictions of the employer due to an emergency situation, she said.

According to the Act, an employer has the right to request employees to take annual leave and can negotiate unpaid leave or taking “unaccrued” paid leave, in order to avoid retrenchment.

“An employer should also be in the position to negotiate unpaid leave or salary reductions during the lockdown period in an attempt to save jobs,” Kirchner said.

Negotiation

An employer must be in the position to negotiate a change of employment conditions with employees - before, during or after the lockdown period, as the organisational need might arise, Kirchner said.

If an employer finds it necessary to dismiss an employee due to the discontinuance or reduction of business, then this should be possible within the confines of the Act.

An employer also should also not be legally required to reinstate any employee if they have in fact legally retrenched the employee, at any one time, she said.

“We call for genuine understanding in order to ensure - if not maximum then - optimal employment,” Kirchner said.

“We plead for real comprehension of our situation. Employers cannot continue operating under current conditions. The notion that employers can now ‘pay back’ and continue financing employees regardless the business generating any income, is totally unrealistic,” she said.

If the directive is to further restrict employers, to the extent that the proposed directive supersedes the stipulations of the Labour Act, it can “only lead to disastrous consequences”, Kirchner said.

Katti suspends Kombat’s rent for two months

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WINDHOEK

Businessman Knowledge Katti has suspended rent payments for residents of Kombat for two months as the coronavirus pandemic rides roughshod over the economy.
This forms part of Katti’s relief measures rolled out to residents at the former mining town.
“We will continue to monitor the need for additional support and encourage regional smart partnerships supported by a data science approach in order to be effective in deploying support as swiftly as possible” said Katti, chairperson of Kombat Village Properties.
Further assistance is also being extended in the form of public health support, virtual volunteerism and through monetary support to the New Sommerau informal settlement on the outskirts of Kombat, he said.
Kombat Village Properties will also grant rent relief to Welwitschia University Kombat Campus students for the months of April and May.
“We are also providing support to the community at large, by offering support to tenants affected by the crisis via rent relief also for the month of April and May 2020,” Katti said.
“As part of our corporate support, we plan to work with interested organisations in deploying a minimum of N$100 000 to the Kombat Community Trust in order to implement efforts to support the unemployed and low-income members of the Kombat and Neu Sommerau informal settlement communities. These efforts include providing food parcels to the communities.”
According to Katti, a coordinator will be appointed to reach out to partners to identify volunteer opportunities that can be performed during the pandemic.
Katti also donated a portable oxygen concentrator to be used for oxygen therapy.

My dream team: KatjiukuaBest to feature in my squad No-nonsense Brave Warriors and Black Leopards defender Chris Katjiukua has picked a team of local and international players to feature in his fantasy squad.

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WINDHOEK

Chris Katjiukua said he picked his team based on various skills they possess and their ability which will allow them to beat any team in the world. The Dream Team is coached by La Liga club Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane.

Goalkeeper

Liverpool's Alisson Becker: he has the capability to organise and inspire his defence and to start the play well from the back.

Defenders

Katjiukua: I work well under pressure and can take on any opposition.

Centre-back - Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos: he is one of the best defenders in the game. He creates great attacking set-pieces and can take on any defender.

Centre-back – Virjil van Djik: strength, size and speed is one of his most important assets.

He also reads the game incredibly well. His calmness, ability on the ball, extraordinary duel winning in the air and his leadership has transformed Liverpool's error-prone defence into a solid, accomplished defensive unit.

Right-back – Liverpool's Trent Alexander Arnold: the player has great passing ability, pace and great recovery.

Left-back – Bayern Munich's David Alaba: He is a very consistent and versatile player and is very influential in the build-up towards attack. He possesses great passing skills and has showcased his defensive solidity as well as his excellent ball possession. His game intelligence ability to challenge opposition has helped stabilise Bayern's defence, and earned him a spot on my team.

Midfielders

Central defensive midfielder - Real Madrid's Carlos Casemiro: the players tackling performance is always prominent in most games. Opposition players fear to face him, as he is a destroyer on the field. Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong: he plays like no one else.

De Jong is a unique player, what for his talent, skill or confidence but mostly because he is one of those footballers who is not tied to a single position on the pitch. His dribbling skills are also on fire and he is brave in tackling opposition.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne: possesses great technical ability and is good at finding space and placing himself between players to receive the ball. He can also score from anywhere.

Forwards

Paris Saint-Germanin Kylian Mbappe: he has speed, dribbling skills, great off the ball runs and can score from anywhere.

Juventus Cristiano Ronaldo (captain): the Portuguese's stunning work-rate and tactical flexibility is fantastic. A hard worker on the field.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi: he is fast and can score from anywhere.

Formation

Katjiuka will use a 4-3-3- formation for his Dream Team.

Fifa to give members US$150m virus relief funds

Fifa will release $150 million (139 million euros) to its member football associations to help handle financial troubles caused by the coronavirus, the global governing body said on Friday.

Fifa said that "all operational funding" for 2019 and 2020 would be distributed amongst the 211 member associations in the next few days "as the first step of a relief plan to assist the football community impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic".

Each national governing body will receive $500,000, that Fifa says would normally be delivered "upon fulfilment of specific criteria", but will release those funds and any "remaining entitlement for 2019 and 2020".

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said that the funds were the "first step of a far-reaching financial relief plan we are developing to respond to the emergency across the whole football community".

"It is Fifa's duty to be there and support the ones that are facing acute needs," added Infantino. "This starts by providing immediate financial assistance to our member associations, many of which are experiencing severe financial distress."

The funds come from the Forward 2.0 programme, which was launched in 2016 and will provide $1.746 billion (around 1.6 billion euros) in total over the 2019-2022 period.

Last month Fifa announced the creation of a football aid fund but it has since not given any additional details on its operation or scope.