Namibian Sun

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

WINDHOEK

Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) Chief Administrator Freddy Miya says getting an extra N$4 million in funding from the line ministry will allow them to do more work.

This after the sports ministry allocated N$10.6 million towards the NSC for its activities for the 2020/2021 financial year.

“I can confirm that this money will only be for operational purposes of the commission and its umbrella bodies.

“I am happy that there is indeed an increment because we only got N$5.9 million last time and this was not enough for us to do our work thoroughly,” he said.

The NSC chief added that in the past, the commission received close to N$38 million, but added that “times have changed”.

Not for international games

Mwiya further noted that the funds will not be used for international competitions or for the staging of projects.

The commission will need to request for more funding from the ministry whenever there are extra projects that require funding, he said.

Last year, the national rugby team alone needed around N$13 million to participate in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The sports commission also requires around N$2 million to stage the annual sport awards.

“If you look at all those projects and the funding that is required, you can basically already sense that the N$10.6 million is definitely not enough for projects.

“That is why we always have to go back to the government and other stakeholders for additional funding for events and other projects,” Mwiya said.

He added that the sport commission will “continue working hard” to improve the state of sport with the “minimum funding” they get.

The sports ministry received an overall budget of N$306.8 million, which is N$20 million more than last year. Of this amount, N$42 million was budgeted for the sports directorate, while the youth directorate has been allocated N$185 million. The support services within the ministry will receive N$72.3 million.

Last year, the directorate of sport received N$44 million and youth training development and employment received N$153 million, while administration got N$88 million. The minister's office functioned with N$2.6 million.

Russia to pay doping fine by 1 July

NAMPA / AFP

World Athletics (WA) on Monday shot down a request by Russia's athletics federation to defer the payment of a $5 million (N$86 million) doping fine.

In March, WA fined Russia's track and field federation $10 million (N$172.1 million) for breaching anti-doping rules.

The system of allowing Russian athletes to take part in competitions, including the Tokyo Olympics, as neutrals will be suspended if 50% of the fine is not paid by 1 July.

This week, WA spokeswoman Nicole Jeffery said the governing body had received a request from Russia's athletics federation (RUSAF) to defer the payment, and it was declined.

“There would be no change to the sanctions agreed to in March,” Jeffery told AFP.

No funds

“The deadline for the payment is 1 July,” she said, reiterating the governing body's official position. Eduard Bezuglov, vice-president at RUSAF, had said that they do not have the funds to pay the fine.

Contacted by AFP, Russia's athletics federation declined immediate comment.

Pay the fine

Last week, several Russian athletes, including star high jumper Maria Lasitskene, had called on sporting authorities to pay the $5 million fine to allow them to take part in the Tokyo Olympics.

Russia has been suspended by World Athletics since 2015 over repeated doping scandals and has been fighting for readmission.

The last report by the WA task force in November led to its decision-making council suspending the process of reinstating RUSAF over charges that its officials obstructed an anti-doping investigation.

The council also put a freeze on the system of allowing Russian athletes to compete as “authorised neutral athletes”.

WA has capped the number of Russians allowed to compete as neutrals at the Tokyo Olympics at 10.

Arsenal up against Manchester CityProject Restart commences GUESS WHO'S BACK: Manchester City will cross swords with Arsenal tonight. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

After its coronavirus-enforced hiatus, the English Premier League (EPL), watched by fans across the world - including Namibians, returns with Arsenal up against Manchester City in a blockbuster match, with Aston Villa set to face Sheffield United.

Fans who spoke to Namibian Sun shared what they missed or didn't, as well as their predictions for tonight's matches.

Fan predictions

Martha Ankambo: “If anything, I don't miss the pundits! Those guys are cruel, especially when United is losing. I predict a City and Sheffield win. No scores from my side.”

Sonya Somses: “Aston Villa will lose 1-2 against Sheffield, and City will hammer the Gunners 3 – 1.”

Peter David: “I miss everything except the video assistant referee. Something serious needs to be done for the following season to change the system.”

Kingston Moses: “I miss reading about football as well as talking about football every single day of the week. Football matches over the weekend give one a certain structure.” Kina Filemon: “I read that stadiums will be empty, but restarting is good news. Let the games be played and the season come to an end.”

Wylles Dale: “The EPL is enjoyed all over the world by men and women alike. With the new set of rules and regulations obviously it will be different, but I look forward to some action on TV.”

As it stands

From now on, it's pretty much wall-to-wall football, with matches set for every day of the week to ensure the league concludes before the Uefa-mandated deadline of 2 August.

As it stands, Liverpool is in possession of a 25-point (82 points in total) lead at the top of the table and are nailed to be crowned champions.

In second, defending champions City with 57 points are just ahead of Leicester City with 53.

Chelsea are in fourth with 48 points and Manchester United are in fifth with 45. Facing relegation are Bournemouth (27), Villa (25) and Norwich City (21).

Oongangala dha tala omeho aakokele Ongundu yoJoint Crime Prevention Forum (JCPF) kohi yolutu lwoNamibia Agricultural Union (NAU) oya kunkilile aantu unene mboka ye li momahala giikalekelwa ngaashi oofaalama opo kaya kale we nomwaalu omunene gwiimaliwa momagumbo gawo.

ELLANIE SMIT

OVENDUKA

Thinus Pretorius, omunashipundi gwoJCPF, okwa popi kutya aakokele naya taambeko kutya oye li iihakanwa yaayugi, onkene naya kale ya angala.

Shoka osha landula oshiponokela sha ningilwa aahokanathani aakokele konyala oshinanno shookilomeya o 30 ,pondje yondoolopa yaTjiwarongo mondjila yaKalkfeld ongulohi yOlyomakaya.

Palopota yopolisi, omulumentu omunamimvo 76 showo omukulukadhi gwe gwoomvual 52 oya ponokelwa nokutilithwa nondjembo na oya dhengwa koongangala dhi li ntano mofaalama yedhina Farm Abrevelde.

Oongangadhala dhoka odhe ya yugu oshimaliwa shooN$115 000, ooeuro 20 000 oongodhi dhopeke, oondjembo ne dhuukongo oshowo ondjembo yimwe yombistoli. Oondjembo ne dhuukongo odha adhika menkolo kopolisi.

Mboka oya tegelele uule woowili 12 muutalala omanga aaniilonga yawo inaya tseyithila aashiinda ongula yOsoondaha.

Otjiwarongo Neighbourhood Watch pamwe nopolisi oya yamukula meendelelo. Elago enene aakokele mboka inaya ehamekelwa moshiponokela shoka.

Oya falwa koshipangelo na oye li monkalo ohwepo, pahapu dhaPretorius.

Okwa tsikile kuya opolisis oyi na uuyelele kombinga yoongangala dhoka, na otaku ka ningwa omatulo miipandeko mbala.

Moshitopolwa shaKavango West, omukiintu omunamimvo 57 Nipembe Behetta okwa thangwa sigo omeso momukunda Gcigco ongulohi yEtitano, nomonamati gwoomvula 20 okwa tulwa miipandeko.

Moshiningwanima shimwe, olutu lwomunamivo 33 olwa adhika mofaalama yedhina Droë Putz Farm popepi noTses molyomakaya. Otaku hokololwa kutya nakusa okwa tsuwa komunamimvo 45 konima sho iidhopo molugodhi pokati komutamanekwa nohonda yomutamanekwa.

Omutamanekwa okwa tulwa miipandeko.

Kalekeni opolotika kokule nomilitali - Venaani

JEMIMA BEUKES

OVENDUKA

Omuleli gwongundu yoPopular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, okwa lundile Swapo onga omweeti gwomananathano pokati koongundu dhopolotika nEtanga lyEgameno moshilongo.

Venaani okwa nyana egandjo lyoshipambu oshinene shiimaliwa yoshilongo ketanga ndyoka, ta popi kutya oshimaliwa shoka inashi nuninwa omahala gokuza aakwiita nenge omauwanawa gaakwiita.

“Otu shi iimaliwa mbyoka mpoka tayi yi naakwiita oyeshi mpoka tapu yi iimaliwa mbyoka. Otandi ku lombwele oshinima shimwe, ngele owa tsikile nokulongitha omwaalu omunene gwiimaliwa kegameno nena ku na esiku wu yambulepo eliko lyoshilongo shoye. Kehe pamwe mpoka pe na omwaalu omunene hagu longithwa kegameno ihapu kala eyambulepo lyeliko.”

Ominista yegameno, Peter Vilho okwa popile egandjo lyoshimaliwa oshinene kegameno kutya etanga ndyoka oli na oshinakugwanithwa okugamena oshilongo noonzo dhasho.

Oshikondo shoka otashi pula opo shi pewa oshimaliwa shoobiliyona 6.2 momumvo gwoshimaliwa gwo 2020/2021. Vilho okwa popile kutya oshikondo shawo ohashi gandja omakwatho gopauntu uuna ga pumbiwa, ngaashi momvula 2019 pethimbo lyonkalo yoshikukuta, sho aakwiita 150 oshowo omaloli ge li 42 ya li ya tumwa opo ya ka kwathele mokutopola oondya dhoshikukuta.

Okwa tsikile kutya aakwiita 3000 ngashiingeyi oya tumwa taya kalelele miilonga yokukandeka uukongo kawu li paveta mEtosha oshowo moBwabwata, omanga 500 yeli oshitopolwa shekondjitho lyiimbuluma.

Omolwa ombuto yoCovid-19, natango aakwiita 2 500 oya tumwa ya ka kwathele, na ashihe shoka otashi pula elongitho lyiimaliwa pahapu dhaVilho.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Schools allowed to solicit donations• Steenkamp says all stakeholders should do their part The education ministry executive director said free education does not necessarily mean that all the needs of learners will be catered for by government, as other stakeholders should also join the party and do their part.

KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU

The Education Act of 2001 makes provision for schools to seek funds through fundraising activities to complement school development monies.

This according to education ministry executive director Sanet Steenkamp, who was responding to perceptions that her recent directive to schools to solicit donations for learners was because government is unable to keep up with the demands of free education.

Steenkamp said free education does not necessarily mean that all the needs of learners will be catered for by government, as other stakeholders should also join the party and do their part.

This follows her communique, dated 11 June, in which she requested education directors to advise schools benefitting from the Namibian School Feeding Programme (NSFP) to solicit donations to ensure each learner has their own utensils as well as protective clothing for those preparing food.

330 000 learners fed

Over 330 000 learners in 1 400 schools across the country are fed through the programme, and with the current coronavirus pandemic, health officials have advised that learners should not be sharing utensils, something which can potentially lead to the spread of the virus.

Her statement further advised schools to participate in fundraising activities to support the NSFP's sustainability and to improve facilities such as storerooms, kitchens, water and sanitation as well as other projects.

Prior to the communication, parents, especially those from poor backgrounds, have been complaining about the consistent demand from schools to either provide funds or certain materials, something many have described as contrary to their understanding of free education. Some even described the widely praised free education as a “political move” by Swapo to gain popularity.

Understanding free education

Steenkamp, however, said “it depends on how you understand free education”.

“Now, you must remember that we have a budget and the budget that we have specifically makes provision for the provision of food, and that is one meal a day per child. And then we still have the community hostels government is subsidising.

“These community hostels in all 14 regions, per child enrolled, receive N$22 per day, and that is quite a substantial amount. There are specific guidelines as to how these monies should be used,” she said.

Company news in brief

Lufthansa wants to cut 22 000 jobs

Lufthansa said on Monday it was seeking to strike agreements with worker representatives by June 22 on how to make cuts equivalent to 22 000 full-time positions.

The airline's flight operations will be affected with a calculated 5 000 jobs, 600 of which will be pilots, 2 600 flight attendants and 1 500 ground staff, Lufthansa said in a statement.

A further 1 400 jobs at headquarters and in administration at other Group companies will also be affected. Lufthansa Technik has a worldwide surplus of about 4 500 jobs, 2 500 of them in Germany and in the LSG Group's catering business 8 300 jobs are affected worldwide.

"We want to keep as many colleagues on board as possible throughout the crisis and avoid layoffs," Lufthansa said.

Staff overcapacity can be partially compensated for by short-time working, collective agreements to reduce weekly working hours or other cost-cutting measures. – Nampa/Reuters

Hertz to sell up to US$500 mln in new shares

Hertz Global Holdings Inc will sell up to US$500 million in new shares, the car rental firm said on Monday, as it takes advantage of a strong rally in its stock since it filed for bankruptcy last month.

Hertz said its shares would be eventually "worthless", but the stock sale, part of the US$1 billion that the company announced last week, could benefit creditors seeking to recover more of their claims during the bankruptcy process.

The company's stock closed at 55 US cents on May 26, since then it has risen more than five-fold in value. The shares, which were down 23.3% at US$2.17 in premarket trading on Monday, are set for their best month on record.

Investors, many of them amateur traders who use apps including Robinhood, are betting on how high they can push the stock before it collapses.

Record savings, stimulus checks, low interest rates and even lockdown boredom amid the coronavirus outbreak have all been cited by market pundits as possible explanations for the extraordinary rise in the company's share price. – Nampa/Reuters

Ericsson sees 190 mln 5G subscriptions

Sweden's Ericsson has almost doubled its global forecast for 5G mobile subscriptions to 190 million by the end of this year, due to faster than expected uptake in China.

The telecoms equipment maker, which had previously forecast 100 million subscriptions by the end of 2020, said it had made small downward adjustments for other parts of the world due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"For example, several spectrum auctions in Europe have been delayed, with a slower uptake of 5G subscriptions in the near term expected as a result," it said in its biannual Mobility Report.

Ericsson nudged down its 5G subscriptions forecast for 2020 and 2021 in North America, but maintained 2025 forecasts for both Europe and North America.

It also confirmed it had raised its forecast for global 5G subscriptions to 2.8 billion by 2025, or around 30% of all mobile subscriptions, from 2.6 billion previously. – Nampa/Reuters

Walmart partners with Shopify

Walmart said Monday it was teaming up with e-commerce platform Shopify to expand its online marketplace in a ramped-up challenge to Amazon for third-party sellers.

The deal allows the estimated one million US businesses using Shopify's platform to sell on Walmart.com without any listing fees.

The move could boost Walmart's efforts to compete with Amazon, whose own marketplace of third-party sellers makes up more than half of the sales of the e-commerce leader.

It also comes with Amazon facing antitrust scrutiny in the US and other markets over allegations that it improperly used data from third-party sellers to boost sales of its own products.

Shopify said the deal was the first time Walmart has partnered with a commerce platform allowing small to medium-sized businesses to sell through its online marketplace. – Nampa/AFP

BP to take up to US$17.5 bn hit

British energy giant BP said Monday that it will take a hit of up to US$17.5 billion in the second quarter as "sustained" coronavirus fallout ravages global oil demand.

The company, fresh from outlining plans to axe almost 10 000 jobs on Covid-19 fallout, said in a statement that it will suffer a negative impact of between US$13 billion and US$17.5 billion in non-cash impairments and write-offs.

BP also cut its long-term oil price forecast after the deadly virus outbreak slammed the brakes on the global economy and hurt oil prices this year.

"With the Covid-19 pandemic having continued during the second quarter of 2020, BP now sees the prospect of the pandemic having an enduring impact on the global economy, with the potential for weaker demand for energy for a sustained period," BP said, adding the virus was set to accelerate a transition to lower carbon energy.

The group continued: "BP has revised its long-term price assumptions, lowering them and extending the period covered to 2050.” – Nampa/AFP

Timber looting a priority for ministry

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

With forestry now falling under the environment ministry, timber looting and the unstainable use of forest resources will be made a priority during this financial year.

The environment ministry will continue to strengthen measures to tackle activities leading to the degradation of the environment such as sand mining, timber harvesting and waste disposal practices.

This was said by minister Pohamba Shifeta during his budget motivation in the National Assembly last week.

The ministry has been allocated N$584.5 million for the 2020/21 financial year.

According to Shifeta the environment and natural resources protection programme within the ministry will be allocated N$150.7 million - almost 26% of the ministry's budget.

Amendments

He said under this programme, the ministry is finalising proposed amendments to the Environmental Management Act, which it hopes to table in the National Assembly soon.

“We are also revising the regulations to streamline processes linked to the application for environmental clearance and also introducing new regulations to improve the standards of waste management in the country.”

According to Shifeta the ministry will further continue to mobilise investment and new project proposals in the areas of climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and combating land degradation.

Climate

He said it is expected that five proposals, worth an estimated N$1.3 billion at the current exchange rate, will be submitted to the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility for consideration during the 2020/21 financial year.

“The ministry has already started to and will continue interventions to ensure the sustainable utilisation of forest resources and the prevention of forest fires, which we consider a major threat this year after the good rains that have been received.”

During the previous financial year, funding was mobilised for six new projects worth N$775 million (at the current exchange rate) in the areas of integrated rangeland management, human-wildlife conflict, wildlife protection, integrated ecosystem management and solid waste management in protected areas.

These projects are funded by the Global Environment Facility, Green Climate Fund and the German Government through the German Development Bank (KfW).

Winter breeding in the spotlightAchieving production targets during lambing, kidding season Common signs of parasite infestation are irritation (restlessness, head shaking, scratching or itching), hair loss and anaemia.

STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

With the commencement of winter, small stock farmers have a big task at hand to ensure the lambing and kidding season progresses well to achieve production targets.

“Generally, animal breeding activities take place during seasons or times most favourable to their bodily functions and well-being,” said Erastus Ngaruka, the technical officer for livestock within Agribank's agri advisory services division.

According to him, mating, for example, commences during times of plentiful forage resources, because the nutritional status of the animal has a direct influence on conception.

He added that well-maintained animals with good body conditions will have higher reproductive performance than those in poor condition.

Mortalities

Ngaruka said most lamb or kid mortalities during winter are the result of cold stress and hunger.

Some health conditions in small stock are caused by unhygienic kraal environments. Furthermore, dust inhalation and cold stress can result in lung and eye infections. Another major problem is internal and external parasite infestation, said Ngaruka.

“The most problematic external parasites attacking lambs/kids during winter are mites, lice and fleas,” Ngaruka said.

According to him, common signs of infestation are irritation (restlessness, head shaking, scratching or itching), hair loss and anaemia.

These parasites can be controlled or eradicated by dipping or spraying with anti-parasitic remedies. Injectable solutions can also be used.

Ngaruka said internal parasites should be controlled with oral or injectable solutions.

Extra care

He added that during winter, extra care against the cold is needed.

A shelter or a housing structure can be constructed, especially for the most vulnerable animals, to protect or keep them warm.

One of the cheapest and simplest practices is to dig a trench to keep the lambs or kids in overnight.

According to him, animals generally generate or increase their body heat through metabolism, therefore it is advisable to ensure animals have enough roughage feed (lucerne hay) during winter.

Timely intervention

“The survival and performance of your animals depend on your timely management interventions. This starts with the preparation of the breeding stock for mating, caring during gestation and parturition, and caring for the young towards weaning,” he said.

This also includes enough feed and water supply throughout, carrying out all necessary vaccinations, protection against adverse environmental conditions, and maintaining a clean farm/kraal environment, while necessary equipment and remedies must be acquired in advance to provide first aid during complications.

N$3.6bn needed to avoid water shortagesAlternative funding options will have to be found A loan of N$1.8 billion has been secured from the African Development Bank for certain projects, leaving a shortfall of N$1.8 billion.

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Namibia needs to invest about N$3.6 billion to avoid water shortages within two to four years.

This is according to water and agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein, who said the water sector faces serious challenges.

Schlettwein said more than N$929.1 million of the ministry's budget has been allocated to the sector for the 2020/21 financial year.

From this, more than N$656 million, or 71%, is earmarked for capital projects in the water sector. N$80 million will go towards the coronavirus water subsidy, while the remaining N$272 million, or 29.4%, is intended for operational expenditures.

“Of the total allocation earmarked for capital projects, an amount of N$528 923 million is provided for the settlement of claims by the contractor of Neckartal Dam,” he said.

ADB loan

Schlettwein said under the Water Supply Security Programme a loan of N$1.8 billion has been secured from the African Development Bank for certain projects, leaving a shortfall of N$1.8 billion.

“For this financial year, an amount of N$360 million is required as government co-financing, of which only N$73 million is allocated.”

He said alternative funding options will have to be found during the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period to avoid a serious water crisis in any part of the country.Projects mentioned under the Water Supply Security Programme for this financial year include the upgrading of the Gammams reclamation plant, the Kombat–Berg Aukas power supply and the refurbishment of the Von Bach pump stations to enhance water supply to central Namibia.

Schlettwein also mentioned the refurbishment of the Kuiseb collector 2 and replacement of the Schwarzekuppe-Swakopmund, and the Omdel-Wlotzkasbaken pipelines to improve water supply to the central coastal areas.

The Oshakati water treatment plant and the Rundu purification plant also needs to be upgraded to improve water supply in the central northern areas and the Kavango East Region, particularly in Rundu and surrounding areas, he said.

Coastal traders ask for restrictions to be lifted

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Informal traders at the coast have joined those asking for level-one restrictions to be lifted in the Erongo Region, saying that they have lost significant income because of the lockdown.

One of the group's representatives, Pius Benyamin, said the lockdown was making it hard for informal traders to earn a living.

“We want street vendors to sell their products; people are in their houses without food,” Benyamin said when approached for comment.

“How do you expect people to cooperate with the restrictions if they are hungry?” he added.

“We want to be able to sell our products again on the streets.” In a letter to President Hage Geingob, the group represented by Benyamin asked the president to lift the restrictions.

“We are pleading with our good president to assist us to lift the lockdown imposed on the Erongo Region. We understand the effects of the coronavirus pandemic but we will die of hunger rather than of the coronavirus if nothing is done.”

The group also asked for financial assistance on top of the N$750 Emergency Income Grant.

“We have lost business income and landlords are still collecting rent. We are pleading with government to come to our rescue and aid us with paying rent, food and water and electricity; we cannot afford it anymore,” the letter reads.

Earlier request to lift lockdown

The letter follows an earlier request made by Walvis Bay lawyer Thersius Biermann, who at one point raised the possibility of approaching the High Court to have the lockdown declared illegal.

Biermann last week told Namibian Sun that consultations with the government were under way in Windhoek. “We are consulting in Windhoek to determine the best way forward. We want to move to stage three of the lockdown regulations. If government is unwilling, we will have to approach the High Court on an urgent basis,” Biermann said.

A petition for lifting the lockdown had attracted 1 000 signatures last week, Biermann said.

Land reform fails to meet target

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

The land reform ministry failed to meet its target of acquiring five million hectares of land by the end of March 2020.

Land reform minister Calle Schlettwein said 1.7 million hectares still needed to be acquired for the resettlement programme by the end of March.

He announced this in his budget motivation in the National Assembly this week. “To address the colonial legacy of inequitable access to land, government targeted to acquire five million hectares of land under the resettlement programme by March 2020.”

The programme was initiated in 1990.

Schlettwein said only 3.3 million hectares of land had been acquired thus far.

According to the Technical Paper presented by Schlettwein together with his budget motivation, 556 commercial farms constituting 3.3 million hectares have been acquired at a cost of N$2.3 billion, benefiting 5 373 families.

Redistribution

Schlettwein said land is not only an economic asset or factor of production, but rather an instrument of wealth accumulation and concentration.

Therefore, if it is not distributed equitably, it could easily become a primary cause of socio-political turbulence and instability. “Therefore, the fight for land, once won, must be followed by the fair, transparent and equitable distribution of land to all that are in need thereof.”

He further pointed out the continual challenge being experienced on the price at which agricultural land is offered to the government in relation to the appropriated budget for land acquisition.

For the financial year 2020/21 an amount of N$116 million has been allocated to the Land Purchase Programme to acquire 33 000 hectares.

An amount of N$10 million will be used for post-settlement support as co-financing with Agribank for resettlement farmers to access loans from Agribank, said Schlettwein.

Land tax

Schlettwein further said that the ministry was close to completing the 2017 to 2022 provisional valuation roll. The valuation roll is the basis upon which the commercial agricultural land tax is levied.

“The current valuation roll is outdated, having been approved in 2007. It is a prudent and best practice that a valuation roll with the most recent values must be used for levying taxes.”

The law requires of the minister to prepare valuation rolls at intervals of five years, therefore the completion of the 2017 to 2022 valuation roll is of paramount importance for the smooth implementation of the land tax programme as part of land reform, said Schlettwein.

Namfisa consults on consumer creditPublic input for policy The current legislation lacks robust provisions on effective consumer protection against unfair market practices.

The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has invited public to provide input in the consumer credit policy which would ultimately guide the development of a consumer credit bill in the country.

In a statement released by the watchdog, Namfisa said the financial sector in Namibia has legislative limitations on the regulatory and supervisory framework governing agreements on consumer credit. The current legislation lacks robust provisions on effective consumer protection against unfair market practices.

This is because the only credit extended under the scope of market conduct supervision, although not broad-based in consumer protection principles, is that extended by the banks and microlenders, Namfisa said.

“Credit extended by retailers for example, is not supervised against unfair market conduct, although such loans are also financial products. As a result, there is a fragmentation in the regulation and oversight of credit, with limited impact on indebtedness of households and desired market conduct in general,” the statement read.

According to Namfisa, there is a need to identify the ideal way of reforming a fragmented market conduct oversight function on credit, currently falling under the mandate of different legislation and institutions.

“In view of these identified limitations in the current legal framework, it was deemed necessary to revamp the legislation that governs the provision of credit in Namibia,” Namfisa said.

Objective

The primary objective of the consumer credit policy is to identify existing legislative gaps in the relevant prevailing laws, and how the gaps should be addressed.

It would also investigate the optimal institutional set-up suiting Namibia based on experiences from other countries.

Lastly, the policy will set out clear principles that will guide the drafting of the legislation on consumer credit.

Namfisa is leading a project together with representatives from the ministry of finance, the Bank of Namibia (BoN), the ministry of industrialisation and trade, the Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The public is encouraged to submit their comments via the Comments Template on or before 31 July 2020. The policy document as well as the comment template is available to the public on Namfisa’s website www.namfisa.com.na/publications

Omundaungilo mourns Nashikoto (105)• Fundraiser for funeral feast Rusia Nashikoto Hamukanda, who died on Friday evening at the age of 105, will be buried this Friday.

ILENI NANDJATO

OSHAKATI

The community of Omundaungilo is raising funds for a proper send-off for the late Rusia Nashikoto Hamukanda, who died on Friday evening at the age of 105.

The former governor of Ohangwena, Usko Nghaamwa, has donated a steer for a funeral feast.

Hamukanda was a member of the Omundaungilo San community in the Ohangwena Region.

Funeral arrangements

The regional development planner in the office of the vice-president, Puleinge Tomas, says the office will pay for the funeral service but needs assistance from the community to cover the traditional funeral feast.

“It's the responsibility of our office to bury members of the marginalised communities, however we only provide funeral services. We are glad that former governor Usko Nghaamwa has donated a steer. We are also waiting for many other people who declared interest to support,” Tomas said.

The regional councillor for the Omundaungilo constituency, Festus Ikanda, said the funeral was planned for tomorrow but they had to negotiate with the family to postpone it to Friday.

“We understand that there are some people from the office of the vice-president who would like to be part of the funeral, and therefore we have to consult the family to hear what they are saying. The late was a most senior citizen in our community and we therefore would like to give her an honorary respect (sic),” Ikanda said.

Deplorable conditions

Hamukanda was one of three destitute elders who featured in Namibian Sun's exposé on living conditions at Omundaungilo in February 2017. Two of these elders have now died and only one is left.

After several reports highlighting the plight of the San people who had been living in deplorable conditions for years, the government released funds to erect dozens of corrugated-iron structures Omundaungilo to replace the rag tents the people were living in.

Many of the residents, who were not receiving any form of government grants, were later registered for assistance by home affairs officials.

Racism and inequality Racism, as has been said in various ways and at various times in this space in the newspaper, is abhorrent and those still finding themselves on the wrong side of history and intellectual discourse should be exposed and dealt with.

Backward thinking that paints people of colour as savages who deserve lesser consideration as human beings is hateful and disgusting. Why these thoughts and hate speech continue to pervade our society and the globe has been debated and discussed over and over again. Yet, a key aspect is often overlooked: the role of governments, especially former liberation movements, and how they have failed to effectively implement policies that bring adequate redress for the economic and social inequalities that still soak our daily existence. This in no way should excuse the overt racism that many previously disadvantaged continue to endure. However, with racism being replaced by classism in the new Namibia, the economic strongholds - left in advantaged hands - have become the favoured measuring stick to distinguish between the ‘civilised’ and ‘uncivilised’. As long as the economy remains in the hands of the few, and financial and socio-economic embarrassment remains the portion the majority chokes on every day, it will be easy for racist elements to continue their derision. We are far from living on an equal playing field - miraculously created by the power to cast ballots in elections. And inequality continues to feed racism.

Son kicks mom to death over donkey• Kavango community shocked by murder A poverty-stricken family in Kavango West lost their mother in a gruesome family murder on Friday.

KENYA KAMBOWE

GCIGCO

A Kavango West family has been left reeling after a man allegedly kicked his mother to death following a disagreement over a donkey.

It is alleged that 23-year-old Andreas Katjeuka Nipembe, who was apparently under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, beat his mother with a donkey bit, kicked her while wearing heavy safety boots and then tramped on 57-year-old Behetta Nipembe.

The murder happened this past Friday at Gcigco village in the Kavango West Region, some 70 kilometres west of Rundu.

The suspect, who appeared in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on Monday, also gave the police a false name. He appeared before Magistrate Hellen Olaiya and the matter was postponed to 31 August for further police investigations and for the accused to acquire legal representation.

Namibian Sun visited the family and spoke to the victim's husband, Hilarius Hausiku (63), who narrated how his stepson had assaulted his wife.

Out of fear, he had run away and did not assist his defenceless wife.

He said his stepson was under the influence of alcohol and he also suspects he was high on marijuana.

Hausiku feared that the suspect would have assaulted them both.

Disagreement over a donkey

He said that the assault on his wife emanated from a disagreement over a donkey that belonged to a cousin.

He said his wife had told her son to remove a bit from a donkey he arrived at home with that evening, so it could feed on grass, something the accused disapproved of.

His wife later removed the bit from the donkey, which led to the accused using it to assault her, Hausiku said.

He stood by helplessly as his stepson began the assault on his wife before fleeing the scene, after realising that he would also be harmed if he intervened.

After the assault, which including a barrage of kicks to body of the helpless woman, the suspect placed first the victim's limp body against a pole in the compound and minutes later moved it into the room where Hausiku was fast asleep.

Hausiku said he woke up later for a smoke and discovered that his wife was seated in the room.

“I asked her come to bed but she told me that she was unable to move. I then had to pick her up and place her on the bed. Just as I turned to touch her, she was cold. She had succumbed to her injuries,” Hausiku said.

Hausiku said he then went to call his brother and the neighbours came one by one, which led to the police being informed.

Rot in jail

Hausiku said he is a Christian and has made peace with his wife's death.

“If God had written that she would go on that day, then I shall accept it. There is nothing more I can do but remember her as the woman who stood by me all these years. I will always remember,” a teary Hausiku said.

However, Hausiku said he wanted his stepson to rot in jail.

“He brought more poverty upon me and therefore he should rot in jail and never come out, I shall not forgive him for what he did,” Hausiku said.

Coincidence

Namibian Sun last year visited the family during a trip to the area and reported on how the family was suffering because of poverty.

The article led to a fishing company donating various items to the family.

G4S sued for N$1m by security guard

JANA-MARI SMITH

WINDHOEK

A security guard is suing G4s Security Services and a senior manager there for N$1 million for an alleged death threat made during an altercation in November last year.

On Monday, Johannes Nangha's lawyer Norman Tjombe filed the lawsuit against G4S senior supervisor Willem du Plessis, whose verbal outburst was captured on a 44-second video clip.

The partial recording shows Nangha standing with his arms folded, while a person, off-camera, identified in the court documents as Du Plessis, shouts at him in Afrikaans.

At one point, Nangha tells Du Plessis that he cannot threaten him in that way.

The off-camera voice furiously replies in Afrikaans: “I should not threaten you? I will send you in jou f*kken moer.”

Nangha then says, “We are free now,” to which the off-camera voice shouts back, “F*ck you, you're free se f*kken p*es.”

The shouter then proceeds to shout several variations of “you are stupid, you are a stupid c*nt, you are a dumb p*es. Do you hear me?”

Humiliated

The particulars of claim filed at the Windhoek High Court state that Du Plessis “unlawfully and wrongfully assaulted” Nangha and that he “threatened to shoot and kill the plaintiff, using vulgar and explicit language in reference to or describing [Nangha].”

Nangha is currently employed at Omega Security Services and lives in the Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek.

His lawsuit states that the alleged assault took place in full view of fellow staff members at G4S and that the video clip was distributed widely on social media, which added to the overall injury of the incident.

Nangha writes in his particulars of claim that he felt “humiliated, traumatised and degraded” during and after the incident and that he suffered psychological trauma and discomfort.

He is asking the court to award him N$1 million in damages for the trauma of the incident, including the “emotional pain and suffering, injury to his dignity and reputation.”

A judge has not yet been assigned to oversee the lawsuit and G4S security services and Du Plessis have not yet filed their responding notices to indicate whether they will defend the matter.

PIC

Cop, manager nabbed for smuggling in Covid-19 SA fugitive

RONELLE RADEMEYER AND

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

Police chief Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga has confirmed that Covid-19 case number 33 is a South African passport holder who apparently crossed the Orange River in a canoe on Friday.

He was allegedly assisted by a police sergeant and the general manager of a company at Lüderitz. The two Namibians also secured a lift for him to Windhoek.

The South African was quarantined in Windhoek two days after entering the country.

Ndeitunga says the man was arrested at the quarantine facility yesterday after his true identity was revealed by intelligence sources.

He is now in solitary confinement, as are the two Namibians who assisted him, who have also been arrested.

10 cops in quarantine

Furthermore, over ten police officers who had been in contact with them were also quarantined, Ndeitunga said.

“This person seems to have a Namibian relation, because he speaks Oshiwambo fluently, but he has a South African passport. So, he crossed into Namibia illegally, through the Orange River and he was abetted and assisted by two Namibians,” Ndeitunga said.

“The law will take its course. We have quarantined probably ten or more because of those two Namibians.”

Easier finance for vulnerable NamibiansNamPost secures N$250 mln for needy Thousands of Namibians, including more than 150 000 pensioners, are often overlooked by banks and microfinance institutions. [This] will enable us to support pensioners who wish to launch small business or simply improving their living conditions and those of their family members

Phillepus Uusiku – The more vulnerable and unbanked segments of the Namibian population are set to benefit from a concessional loan of N$235 million Namibia Post Ltd (NamPost) secured from Agence Française de Development (AFD).

The two institutions yesterday signed the agreement in Windhoek.

NamPost utilised it balance sheet to borrow the millions. The entire amount will be transferred to PostFin, a subsidiary of NamPost, for micro finance to pensioners, as well as low-income earners.

The deal further supports PostFin’s strategy of targeting more vulnerable and underbanked segments of the Namibian population and reach a market share within pensioners of about 20 to 30% over the next five years.

NamPost has a total of 136 points of representation countrywide, of which more than 300 000 individuals have bank accounts with the institution. The majority of this individuals are low-income earners.

On a monthly basis, more than 100 000 social grant recipients receive their social grants through NamPost. Indeed, in 52 villages, towns or settlements NamPost is the only financial services provider.

Financial inclusion

The French ambassador to Namibia, Claire Bodonyi, pointed out that the loan will promote financial inclusion in the country by reaching out to thousands of pensioners who can’t access credit facilities from banks and microfinance institutions.

Bodoyi added that it will contribute to the socio-economic resilience of Namibia and will, to a certain extent, mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 crisis, which makes access to financing even more challenging.

Financial inclusion for individuals has increased remarkably in recent years with Namibia standing out for a high percentage of banked individuals.

Pensioners

However, a significant part of the country’s population, including more than 150 000 pensioners, remain a largely excluded segment and is often overlooked by banks and microfinance institutions.

This makes them financially vulnerable and unable to actively participate in the country’s economy.

The chief executive officer of NamPost, Festus Hangula, said he strongly believes that pensioners have a great role to play in the society.

“This partnership with ADF, coupled with the expertise of our subsidiary PostFin in providing financial services to low-income population, will enable us to support pensioners who wish to launch small business or simply improving their living conditions and those of their family members,” Hangula added.

Technical assistance

ADF is also discussing with NamPost to provide technical assistance to the maximum value of approximately N$3.8 million to increase PostFin’s practices in terms of client’s protection, and support the diversification of its products, as well as corporate with other microfinance stakeholders in Africa.

This project is fully in line with the wishes of the Namibian regulators and government to promote economic growth that will benefit the most vulnerable members of society and thereby enhance social inclusion.

Historic interest rates drop more

The deputy governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Ebson Uanguta, has announced that the repo rate of the central bank will decrease by another 25 basis points to 4.0% - the lowest the in history of Namibia.
Uanguta stood in for the new governor of the BoN, Johannes !Gawaxab, who started at the beginning of June.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the BoN believes that “at this level the rate is appropriate to continue supporting domestic economic activity while at the same time safeguarding the one-to-one link between the Namibia dollar and the South Africa rand”, Uanguta said.
Domestic economic activity declined during the first four months of the year, compared to the same period in 2019, he said.
“The contraction was widespread among sectors, including the mining, manufacturing wholesale and retail trade, transport and tourism sectors,” Uanguta said.
He said the economy is projected to further contract in 2020.
Read the full report tomorrow in Market Watch.