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'Project Restart' the most presidential thing to do

June 22, 2020, 3:00 pm
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'Project Restart' the most presidential thing to do'Project Restart' the most presidential thing to do President Hage Geingob yesterday firmly drilled himself into the hearts of many Namibians who knew any frailty in government's handling of lockdown regulations would all but end their lives.

Amid rising Covid-19 cases (23 recorded over the past four days), Geingob, who is presiding over an economy in recession, knew he was putting the final nail in the coffin of already suffering Namibians if he extended non-productive lockdown regulations.

While it is generally a gamble to relax some of the measures, it was simply fatal – in the true sense of the word – that important industrial cities such as Walvis Bay would remain under draconian economic curfews.

Geingob finds himself between a rock and a hard place. Locking down the economy could literally starve people to death; the same death he is trying to protect the nation from in the name of Covid-19.

It is an act of robbing Peter to pay Paul, in the true parable of a dog chasing its own tail.

The only choice the President had, and he delivered on this front, was to find a way in which the nation can walk the thin line of protecting livelihoods while staying safe from the virus.

Geingob needs everyone right now. He alone cannot steer this country away from the storm that is the coronavirus if those aboard his ship are looking away and leaving the captain to do all the sailing.
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Kora dirty laundry to be aired in September

June 22, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Kora dirty laundry to be aired in SeptemberKora dirty laundry to be aired in September ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



The Kora All-Africa Music Awards scandal, in which N$23 million was paid from government coffers for an event that never took place, will play out in the Windhoek High Court in September.

The court case, which has been dragging on since 2016, has been set down on the court roll for 21 to 25 September.

It had been removed from the roll during the coronavirus stage one lockdown.

The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) sued Mundial Telecom Sarl and Kora awards founder Ernest Adjovi in September 2016 for N$23.5 million (plus 20% interest), which had been paid for the purchase of a tourism promotion package it never received.

Mundial Telecom Sarl owns the rights to host the Kora Awards, while Adjovi was the president of the company.



History

The matter stems from a written agreement between NTB and Mundial Telecom Sarl for a tourism promotion package to be televised during the 2016 Kora awards ceremony.

The show was initially scheduled for 13 December 2015, but was postponed to 20 March 2016.

As per the contract signed on 4 December 2015, the NTB had to pay N$23.5 million on or before 10 December 2015. However, the first payment of N$5 million was only made on 22 December 2015 and the second (N$5 million) on 23 December 2015.

On 7 January 2016, another N$5 million was transferred and on 17 February 2016, N$8.5 million was paid into the bank account of Mundial Telecom Sarl in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The last payment was made about a month before the ceremony was to take place. Promotional video clips featuring Namibia were supposed to be broadcast by all participating African television stations by at least 20 January 2016.

If the ceremony did not take place in Namibia, the NTB was to be refunded the amount paid, less reasonable expenses incurred, within 60 days.



Contract breach

Adjovi said in his affidavit that the cancellation was the direct result of the late payments by the NTB and the Namibian government.

Although Adjovi admitted that the NTB's N$23.5 million was not refunded, he claims his company was not obliged to do so as it had incurred reasonable expenses (damages) in excess of the amount the NTB had paid.
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Tourists to return

June 22, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Tourists to returnTourists to return• 'Revival' project to allow international visitors from 'low-risk' countries Even though the number of Covid-19 cases in Namibia rose to 63 yesterday, government has taken a daring step to revive the N$15 billion tourism industry, which has lost a large chunk of its 44 000 direct jobs. JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK



Government has set into motion a plan to open the country's borders during stage five of the Covid-19 lockdown in Namibia, which is expected to take effect from 18 September.

“We have added an additional stage five, estimated from 18 September, to address exclusively the opening of points of entry and the resumption of air travel,” President Hage Geingob said during a State House media conference yesterday.

Geingob said government, in collaboration with the tourism and hospitality sector, will also conduct a targeted international tourism revival initiative between 15 July and 15 August.

“This initiative will look to accommodate a limited number of tourists, who will be determined in consultation with the private sector, from a carefully selected low-risk market that has potential to contribute towards our tourism sector that employs over 100 000 Namibians.

“Modalities for this initiative will be announced in the coming weeks and this trial will inform and strengthen public sector preparations for the imminent reopening of points of entry under stage five,” Geingob said.

This comes after a report was submitted to the government in April that the Namibian economy was at huge risk, while one in four Namibians could lose their jobs if strict lockdown measures continued.





Economy critical

Geingob said while the lives of Namibians “is our greatest priority”, the economy was just as critical.

“However, in our quest to protect lives today and tomorrow, we must safeguard our economy by mitigating the negative impacts of Covid-19-related restrictions. It is for these reasons, under stage four, measures have been further relaxed to facilitate social and economic activities.

“While Covid-19 may remain in our midst and in our communities for the foreseeable future, we must do everything to keep it out of our homes and out of our lives, by applying strict health and hygiene precautions,” Geingob added.



Erongo eases down

The Erongo Region, which has become the epicentre of the pandemic in Namibia, was also thrown a lifeline by Geingob yesterday, just hours after it was announced that eight new cases had been reported in the region, bringing the total countrywide to 63.

Geingob was at pains to draw a balance between protecting lives and supporting livelihoods.

Erongo now moves from a full lockdown (stage one) to stage three until 6 July.

This means the region's businesses and workforce can resume their daily grind. To further prioritise the economy, travel between towns in Erongo and to the rest of the country will be permitted, with the exception of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis.

However, “considering the linkages and movement of labour between the towns of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis, travel between these local authority areas will be permitted.

“Bearing in mind that the disease does not move by itself but through human carriers, all residents are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary travel during this period, and allow authorities to conduct the active case search at these towns, in an effort to determine the extent of spread of disease into the community,” Geingob said. The rest of the country will migrate from stage three to stage four at midnight next Monday.



Essential service providers

Essential service providers, as defined in the regulations, and truck drivers will be permitted to travel into and out of Erongo on the basis of an authorised permit.

“To avoid local truck drivers mixing with cross-border truck drivers, the ministry of urban and rural development, in conjunction with the ministry of health, are directed to identify separate truck ports and parking areas at Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis. Local truck drivers are to be escorted by law enforcement officials to and from their respective delivery destinations,” Geingob said.

Public gatherings in Erongo will be restricted to 50 people with the exception of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis, where gatherings will be restricted to 10 people. In the rest of the country, public gatherings will increase to 250.

Schools across Erongo, except for Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis, that meet Covid-19 compliance standards may resume face-to-face instruction for grades 11 and 12.

The resumption of grades 11, 12 and pre-primary to grade three remains suspended for the next 14 days in these towns.

Vulnerable people will be permitted to work from home in Erongo, subject to authorisation issued by the employer and upon presentation of a valid medical certificate.

Old-age homes should remain under isolation and caregivers should strictly adhere to the health and hygiene protocols, Geingob said.



Quarantine at own cost

As from 30 June, all Namibians and non-Namibians entering the country must submit to a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on arrival, and mandatory, government-supervised quarantine at own cost.

Only citizens who cannot afford to quarantine at own cost can apply to be quarantined at government cost.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will move to stage four from 30 June to 17 September for an extended 10-week period.

Points of entry will remain closed, except for the transportation of imported goods.



Education

The resumption of pre-primary to grade three education has been deferred in all 14 regions for two weeks until 6 July.

In the event that a pupil or staff member presents with Covid-19-related symptoms or tests positive, the school will be suspended for a period of 14 days and traced contacts will be placed under quarantine.

“I wish to make use of this opportunity to reassure parents and guardians, who are understandably anxious about the decision to send their children back to school during a time of great uncertainty.

“According to the evidence before us, the consequences of not resuming learning following a long disruption to the academic calendar can have lasting and undesirable consequences on the academic progression of our children.

“I also emphasise that the return of learners to class is voluntary. Parents may decide to keep their children home and assume responsibility for homeschooling. Our schools should therefore not employ coercive or punitive measures against parents who decide not to initially resume face-to-face instruction,” the head of state said.
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Covid-infected mom confined with her child

June 22, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Covid-infected mom confined with her childCovid-infected mom confined with her child OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



A Walvis Bay mother, who has tested positive for Covid-19, says public health officials have still not tested her minor children, one of whom she is in self-isolation with, despite their high risk of infection.

The mother, who is known to Namibian Sun, tested positive for the virus last Thursday and had not been moved to an isolation centre used for coronavirus patients.

“The room I am living in right now is in the backyard of my boyfriend's house in Sea Point,” she said.

“I also rent in the same area but I moved to this room because I was sharing the shower with many people where I rent and I didn't want to infect anyone when I realised I might be infected,” she said telephonically yesterday.

Asked how she came to realise that she might be infected, she said: “I was just feeling sick, I had pain in my lower back and I was feeling tired.”



Distraught

“I went to the hospital and they found that my temperature was high and said I should go home to be tested the next day. From the test, I was advised not to get in contact with anyone.

“I was tested last Thursday and after that I was told to go home and self-quarantine. I have a nine-month-old baby and a three-year-old child. They [health officials] told me I was supposed to self-quarantine. “Who will look after them if I self-quarantine? They have not been tested, but I have to self-quarantine.

“No one has come and everyone is coming up with different stories. They need to test my children, I am just alone,” the distraught mother added.



Nothing he could do

Despite frequent calls made to government officials to have her separated from her children, her efforts have fallen on deaf ears, she said.





“No government official has come to me yet. They told me they will come and get me and I am still just raising my problem. I called them to ask them when they are taking my baby,” she said. Walvis Bay Urban constituency councillor Knowledge Ipinge said there was nothing he could do to assist the mother of two since government would have to get involved through the health ministry, as protocol dictates. Ministry executive director Ben Nangombe yesterday denied claims that one of the country's patients was still not moved to a government isolation facility.

He said it is standard operating procedure that government takes in and isolates persons who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

“That is not correct. The position is that someone who is tested is isolated. Even the infant was tested. The correct information is that a person must be placed in isolation,” he said.

Efforts were also made to reach Erongo Region health director Anna Jonas, but calls to her phone went unanswered.
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Dramatic downswing expected in Q2

June 22, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Dramatic downswing expected in Q2Dramatic downswing expected in Q2PSG forecasts GDP of -7.8% in 2020 The first quarter GDP figures confirmed that the Namibian economy was already beset by several wide-raging difficulties even before the nationwide lockdown that took effect in April. We do not expect the government to give in to any radical/market unfriendly policy demands … - Eloise du Plessis, Research chief: PSG Namibia Phillepus Uusiku



The economic downswing is set to deteriorate dramatically in the second quarter due to a sudden stop in domestic economic activity and international trade and travel caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 0.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2020.

“We continue to forecast a 7.8% contraction in real GDP for this year compared to the government's slightly more optimistic expectation of -6.6%,” says the head of research at PSG Namibia, Eloise du Plessis, in their recent quarterly economic update report.

The budget deficit is forecast to widen from an estimated 4.7% of GDP in the 2019/20 fiscal year to a gaping 12.5% of GDP in the 2020/21 fiscal year.

Fiscal slippages are also expected in the medium term, given the challenging and uncertain road to economic recovery, the tepid pace of fiscal reforms and probable pushback against efforts to reduce the bloated public wage bill.

The volatility of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenue flows, and continued financial losses at major state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are also expected to contribute to the loss of revenue for the government.

The goods trade deficit narrowed to N$19.4 billion in 2019 from N$20.4 billion in 2018, due to less goods imported and higher current transfer inflows.

However, this masked large declines in leading exports such as diamonds, processed fish and livestock.

The current account deficit is expected to widen sharply from 2.3% of GDP in 2019 to 5.8% of GDP in 2020, due to the adverse impact of lockdowns on global trade and travel.



Inflation

The average inflation rate is expected to remain subdued in 2020, due to lower oil prices and dismal domestic demand, while passthrough from the weaker exchange rate and food price pressures is expected to be muted.

Transport price inflation has decelerated steadily after oil prices hit a peak of US$86 per barrel in October 2018, and the average oil price is forecast to decline to US$37.8 per barrel this year from US$64.4 per barrel in 2019.

Despite the Namibian dollar losing 8.4% of its value in 2019, the annual consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate fell to a four-year low last year. Moderating inflation took place amid a slump in global oil and food prices as well as negative domestic economic growth.

It has become evident that the Covid-19 crisis would lead to a sharp fall in domestic activity and following similar moves by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).

The monetary policy committee (MPC) decided to cut the repo rate by a further 25 bps to continue supporting domestic economic activity while at the same time safeguarding the one-to-one link between the Namibia dollar and the South African rand.



Risk

Over the past quarter, economic risks have increased, while political risks have remained broadly stable.

Namibia performed worse in several chosen economic performance indicators than the median of its Southern Africa peers.

The country is a notable underachiever in terms of GDP growth as the economy battles the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lack of fiscal space, prolonged drought, and disinvestment following the boom years of 2010 to 2015, PSG says.

On the political side, the government have not been short of scandals such as the Chinese customs fraud case, the SME Bank-VBS Bank scandal, the Areva corruption case and the controversial Fishrot scandal which have dabbled with populist policies over the past few years, the analysts continue

The government is further facing pressure to implement populist demands from pressure groups such as the Landless People's Movement (LPM), PSG says.

“Nevertheless, we do not expect the government to give in to any radical/market unfriendly policy demands, given that the country is in dire need of more foreign investment amid the current economic malaise,” PSG says.
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Goethe Stage short films premiere

June 23, 2020, 12:57 am
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Goethe Stage short films premiere Goethe Stage short films premiere Goethe Stage short films premiere


STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

The potential of developing the short film genre in Namibia has been identified, and Goethe Stage presents the first Short Films Premiere on 3 July via a Facebook livestream from 19:00.
All films were written, directed and produced in Namibia by young Namibian film-makers.
The livestream, which will also include a Q&A session with the cast and directors, will be broadcast from the Goethe-Institut Namibia premises.
Due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, the number of persons allowed at the event is limited and reserved for invited guests only. The public is encouraged to follow the prescribed guidelines and enjoy the premiere from home.

New era
“The short film genre is experiencing a new era across Africa and the publishing of videos online is more prominent, primarily because of the low cost in producing a short film,” said Michelle Namases from the Goethe-Institut Namibia.
She coordinates cultural programmes and explained that Goethe Stage aims to financially assist creatives in Namibia for their ideas to materialise and also provides support on methodologies. “Judges were contracted to select three applications that have potential and relevance to Namibia. Contact with persons already in the film-making industry was readily available to advise beneficiaries during the production process,” she said.
Partners in this edition of the initiative included the Namibia Film Commission (NFC), which donated N$50 000 for post-production of the three short films.

Develop Namibian arts
Chief media officer at the ministry of information and communication technology, Krischka Stoffels, said she hopes this initiative continues. “I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of the submissions and hope that more can be done to develop Namibian artists. I believe the potential is there, but support is needed from all sectors,” she said.
Stoffels, who was also a judge, stressed that what art and these artists can bring to Namibia is insurmountable and paramount to Namibia’s cultural identity. Echoing her sentiments, NFC executive secretary Florence Haifene said they did not hesitate to support Goethe Stage. “We believe film is a reflection of society, both present and past, and the three stories have all managed to highlight that. The NFC congratulates all three teams for an exceptional job,” Haifene said.



FILMS GALORE: Goethe-Institut Namibia will premiere short films online early next month. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
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Phatboy Lutor - doing it for himself

June 23, 2020, 3:26 am
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Phatboy Lutor - doing it for himself Phatboy Lutor - doing it for himself Phatboy Lutor - doing it for himself

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

After spending time in music group LBHT and thereafter being recruited as a back-up vocalist and dancer for artists such as Satlam, Blacksheep and Sunny Boy, Phatboy Lutor recently released his first solo music video, Epangelo.
Narrating his musical journey, Phatboy Lutor mentioned that he started recording music in 2012.
“Kwaito was a big genre back then, so that is the genre we started with.
“I am a hip-hop artist now but this only happened in 2014 when the rest of the group didn't feel like doing music any more,” he said, adding that he chose to focus on hip-hop because it's one of the genres that has been topping the charts.
Despite identifying as a hip-hop artist, he told tjil he is open to collaborating with musicians who specialise in other genres.

Economic freedom
On his latest single, the rapper said the song is meant to motivate young people to strive for economic freedom, adding that the youth should not wait on government for employment, but rather start their own.
“I've been busy in the studio but I'm in no rush to be dropping an album, maybe an EP. For now, just more visuals and more exposure,” he said.
The musician added: “In the meantime, you can request my song on radio or check out the video on YouTube”.
Hip-hop being an egoistic genre, Phatboy Lutor confidently said: “To everyone who’s just getting to know me, this is a journey you don't want to miss out on.
“To my fellow hip-hop artists, I am a threat, I'm not playing games.
“I'm here for business, so do yourself a favour and get your bars right.”



CONFIDENT ROOKIE: Phatboy Lutor recently released a new single as a solo artist. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED



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Willow Smith proud of response to BLM movement

June 23, 2020, 4:42 am
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Willow Smith proud of response to BLM movement Willow Smith proud of response to BLM movement Willow Smith proud of response to BLM movement

IOL ENTERTAINMENT

Willow Smith is proud of her generation's response to the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Whip My Hair singer - whose parents are Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith - is pleased to see those her age standing up for what they believe is right as people protest across the United States, and the world, over the mistreatment of black people, sparked by the murder of George Floyd by a police officer.
She said: “I feel like right now, [this is] the first time I've ever seen so many people on the same page. On one hand, that's really inspiring and gives me a lot of hope and, on the other hand, it kind of feels like, just now? ... We're blurring the lines ... and kids are growing up with this understanding that you can be whatever you want and you're not defined by your oppression or your gender or your colour."
Willow has urged for cancel culture to be stopped as she insists shaming doesn't lead to learning.

Pain and anger
She added: "This is so prevalent right now. “I'm seeing people shaming others, like saying really terrible things. Shaming people for what they are choosing to say or shaming people for not saying anything at all. If we really want change, shaming doesn't lead to learning."
Her mother Jada also admitted she found herself with a mix of pain and anger as she watched the video of Floyd being murdered in Minneapolis.
Speaking on a Red Table Talk special, she said: "When I watched the George Floyd video, just the amount of restraint just for me to remain steady.
“I don't think that people understand the amount of pain and then the anger that goes along with it, and the trauma."



WOKE: Willow Smith is happy to see her generation standing up for the Black Lives Matter movement.
PHOTO: THE HOLLYWOOD DIGEST.COM


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Speaking the Language of Finance Fluently

June 23, 2020, 6:23 am
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Speaking the Language of Finance FluentlySpeaking the Language of Finance Fluently Nilson Kauraisa is a Treasury Accountant and Supervisor at MultiChoice Namibia (MCN). His day mostly consists of performing bank reconciliations and checking payment allocations. Nilson Kauraisa (32) was born and raised in Namibia. His first permanent job was at MCN and he’s been with the company for nine years. Kauraisa started as a Customer Care Agent in January 2012 and moved to the Finance department in December 2012 as an Accounts Receivable Assistant Accountant. He has since stepped up to the role of a Treasury Accountant and Supervisor.

His job description consists of performing bank reconciliations and checking payment allocations, implementing new payment platforms and managing the relationship with third-party vendors.

“I maintain a close relationship with banks and supervise Accounts Receivable Assistants,” he says. One of his biggest challenges in his career includes making the customer experience as effortless and convenient as possible. With system downtime and timeouts, sometimes it makes it very difficult to accomplish this,” he adds.

He is proud of his career milestones which involves implementing new payment platforms and providing customers with the opportunity to make their DStv and GOtv payments as seamless as possible.

When he is not working the books, he loves spending time with his family. “What inspires me is knowing that I did a great job and taking care of my wife and children,” he says.

The advice would he would give to young people out there is to make every moment count by doing what makes them happy.

“You should not sleep on an opportunity to do something you are passionate about, and do not let fear keep you from achieving your dreams,” Kauraisa adds. He certainly hasn’t, with plans to become a Financial Manager in future.

For those who may not know, one thing he wishes he knew how to do is playing a musical instrument, particularly the guitar or saxophone, as he loves music.

When asked by Careers what the best phase in his life has been, Kauraisa replied that each day is a blessing. “I learn something new every day and that is the best I could ever ask for.”


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No word on Chan

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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No word on ChanNo word on ChanCovid-19 continues to delay football NFA's Franco Cosmos says everyone is waiting with bated breath for an announcement on the way forward regarding Chan. LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK



The acting secretary-general of the Namibia Football Association, Franco Cosmos, says they haven't received any news from Caf as to when the African Nations Championship will take place.

He said everyone was waiting patiently for any kind of communication.

The 2020 African Nations Championship (Chan), which was to run from 4 to 25 April in Cameroon, was shelved because of the Covid-19 outbreak. Since then, no definite date for the competition has been communicated since Cameroon and many other countries have restricted international travel in the hope of protecting their citizens. The host nation has recorded 12 041 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 308 deaths.

Despite this, many football lovers like Moses Tyson argue that the competition can played in empty stadiums if the travel bans are lifted. “We need to give the players game time,” he said.

However, Cosmos emphasises the importance of keeping borders closed and said the NFA, like the rest of Africa, was waiting for communication from Caf.



Namibians' journey

The Brave Warriors of Namibia qualified for the Chan finals after defeating Madagascar 2-0 at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in the second leg of their qualifying tie.

This was quite an achievement for the players as the country's domestic league had been inactive for over a year before Covid-19 emerged.

Namibia is drawn in Group D of the competition which includes Zambia, Tanzania and Guinea.

The last time out in 2018, under the tutelage of Ricardo Mannetti, the Warriors bowed out of the finals at the hands of host Morocco after coming second in Group B with Zambia on top.

If this year's Chan competition takes place, it will be the sixth edition which exclusively features players from domestic leagues.
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Karate struggles on during pandemic

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Karate struggles on during pandemicKarate struggles on during pandemic KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU



The chief instructor at the Rundu branch of the United World Kyokushin Karate Organisation (UWKKO), Singombe (PS) sat down with Namibian Sun's Kenya Kambowe (KK) to explain how Covid-19 affected the karate classes that he offers.

KK: How has Covid-19 affected the activities of the Kyokushin karate club in Rundu, which is under your leadership?

PS: We were supposed to have our first grading of the year, but we could not do it. Since karate is a contact sport we stopped training to adhere to the regulations of the state of emergency. Secondly, our club was supposed to travel to our headquarters in Durban in April for international training and an evaluation seminar, but we had to postpone our trip.

KK: Prior to the state of emergency, how many students were you training and what is the situation like now after some sports codes were allowed to resume under stage three lockdown?

PS: Prior to the state of emergency, I had 34 active registered students. In stage three, karate was one of the sport codes allowed to resume training, but only kata. That gave us some relief, as training a kata does not require contact but a bigger space is needed. Immediately at the start of stage three some kata students came for training and adhered to the guidelines.

KK: How have parents reacted towards sport during the pandemic?

PS: Our club has parents that understand and follow the state of emergency regulations very well and despite the virus fears some parents decided to allow their children to come for training. They bought face masks and hand sanitisers for their children. Their response is commendable.

KK: What is the current status of the club and how do you take the news that by end of this month the whole country except for the Erongo Region will be migrating to stage four?

PS: Only a few students are coming for training, but I hope during stage four all registered students will come back as well as potential new ones. I'm happy that we are moving to stage four, but at the same time, I'm worried as cases keep increasing. I however believe that our government is working on it. As long as we adhere to the guidelines of wearing a face mask, social distancing and washing of hands regularly, we will overcome this pandemic.

Last but not least, since we halted our first grading of the year, soon my students will be on the floor for grading and we plan to have a Dojo championship during the course of the year.

It should also be noted that our new Dojo for UWKKO situated at Kongola in the Zambezi Region will participate in this championship.



About Kyokushin

It's a full-contact type of karate that originated in Japan. UWKKO's African headquarters are situated in Durban, South Africa.
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Keeping a cool head in Covid times

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Keeping a cool head in Covid timesKeeping a cool head in Covid timesDon’t panic, stay balanced Aimee Langford is the actuarial head of Alexander Forbes Namibia. As an expert number cruncher, she sheds light on market volatility, retirement nest eggs and responsible choices in tough times. It is very unlikely that you will ever make up any savings you cash out or stop making now. B7: In the current market turmoil fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic slump, people fear the value of their pension savings will suffer. What is your expert opinion?

AL: While it is true that we saw significant investment losses in March, and continued market volatility since, the effect that this had on retirement savings may actually be less significant than a lot of people think.

Initially, we heard reports of over 30% market losses in the third week of March. However, the impact of this initial shock was temporary. By the end of March, the investment losses on most investment portfolios used for retirement savings were between 6% and 8%.

Further, we continued to see market recovery in April to the tune of 8.5% on average. So that initial shock was short lived.

What we each need to remember is that retirement savings are long-term investments – they are exposed to more risky or volatile investments as we expect to earn higher returns on these investments in the longer term.

We should not become fearful of short-term shocks, as markets will recover over time. What each of us should guard against is making any rash decisions based on short-term events.

For example, if you had decided to move all of your investments into money market or cash-type investments shortly after the reports of significant losses in March, you would have forfeited the recoveries made shortly after, and this would have had an immediate detrimental effect on your savings.

Further, when you invest in cash or money market products, you give up potential savings growth for short-term security, which is not appropriate when your retirement is a number of years away.

B7: Most ordinary Namibians find the investment world intimidating. Please explain what is happening in layman’s terms.

AL: Looking beyond the initial effect of the pandemic, we are now seeing the effect that lockdown and other regulations have had on production and economic activity in general.

Many businesses struggling or unable to keep their doors open and staff employed. With no definite indication of when restrictions will be lifted and normal trade will resume, and, importantly, when foreign investment will start flowing in again, there is little appetite to start new businesses.

The result of this is a shrinking economy, and with a poor economic outlook comes poor investment performance. This will impact retirement savings as people will not earn as high returns on their savings as they initially expected.

It is unclear how long the impact will last.

History has shown us that investments recover about three years after a market crash or recession, and we can only hope that that the same will hold true for the present crisis.

What is important is that you are ready to take advantage of the market rebound when it occurs.

This does not mean that you need some clever investment strategy or need to know when markets will turn around before the rest of us do. It means that your retirement savings should be invested in a well-diversified portfolio.

If you are invested in only one type of asset or shares in a single company, you are very likely to miss out on a market rebound, as you will not have enough time to change investment to take advantage of any sudden growth surge. If you are invested across many asset classes, including equities and property, both locally and offshore, you will already be in a position to take advantage.

Balanced investment portfolios aimed at retirement savings are already set up in this way, and so you would do well to keep your retirement savings where they are. It may seem strange to do nothing in these times of uncertainty and fear. However, when it comes to long-term investments, sometimes “doing nothing” is the best approach.

B7: Many people have lost their jobs and are contemplating cashing in the pensions. Those who have jobs, but had to take salary cuts are thinking of decreasing their retirement plan contribution. What is your advice to them?

AL: There is obviously a short-term benefit to decreasing retirement contributions or cashing in pensions now, that being to have enough money to cover your expenses.

However, there is a definite long term disadvantage – that you will not have enough money to see you through retirement.

Unfortunately, it is also very unlikely that you will ever make up any savings you cash out or stop making now. This is because, when people are faced which decisions involving trade-offs between short-term and long-term benefits, we most often opt for the short-term benefit. This is true even in cases where the long-term benefit is avoiding definite suffering, as would be the case if you do not have any savings to retire on.

We probably act in this way because it is easier to understand how we will be affected by something now than something which will only happen years from now. So when faced with the decision every month to save a little more or spend a little more, we will choose to spend.

B7: You specialise in actuarial science. What does that entail?

AL: As the head of actuarial at Alexander Forbes Namibia, I lead a team which provides actuarial services to retirement funds and companies. This includes mainly analytical work in actuarial valuations, accounting valuations and benefit projections.

We also receive ad hoc requests for investigations and various other calculations from our clients, which require problem-solving skills, as there often is no template or set formula for us to use and we need to derive solutions ourselves.

You won’t find me stuck behind my PC every day, however.

I often have to present valuation results or investigation findings, amongst others, to our clients – this is the more challenging part of my job, as I am not a natural public speaker. That being said, I believe any good job should challenge you and help you grow both in a professional and personal capacity, and so I am grateful for the opportunities that this job affords me.

B7: What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in your work so far?

AL: I have learnt that it is often our beliefs about ourselves or the environment we operate in shape our attitude and behaviour, which in turn reinforces the belief.

So if you believe you are shy and poor at public speaking, you will feel uncomfortable addressing a group of people and will likely perform poorly. If you believe someone does not like you, be it a colleague, a manager or a client, you will likely put up walls or defences that hinder the relationship. If you don’t see a future for yourself in a particular job, you won’t commit to doing the work to the best of your ability and probably won’t be in that position much longer.

As soon as we are able to recognise that our own beliefs hinder or limit us, rather than some external factor, then we are empowered to take action. I have found that small actions or changes can make a big difference. It can be as simple as listening to colleague or client and taking time understand their needs and challenges.

B7: What is your advice to financially struggling Namibians?

AL: Don’t underestimate the power of a short-term savings account. If you save just a small portion of your disposable income each month, then you can build up funds for emergencies or unexpected expenses, like a car repair or a family funeral. Using you own savings means that you do not have to make use of micro loans or short-term debt, which can be very expensive.

If you are able to save 5% of your income, after two years you will have more than two month’s income saved – this could potentially support you if you unexpectedly lose your job while you are looking for work. This way you may not need to cash out your long term retirement savings when you are between jobs.

If you start saving when you are young it becomes a habit which you will probably continue with the rest of your life.

If you have a large amount of debt or any other monthly instalments, such as rent, that you are struggling to pay under your current circumstances, you can try to negotiate different terms to allow for a temporary easy in repayments. With the large decrease in interest rates since the beginning of this year, repayments on mortgage loans can also be restructured, freeing up some of your money each month.

Further, if you are renting, it is a good time to look around at other similar or smaller places and compare prices – rent prices are very low at the moment and you could find a better deal. Any option to decrease spending should be explored before deciding to decrease saving.
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Valombola a tindi ondjo moshipotha shedhipago

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Valombola a tindi ondjo moshipotha shedhipagoValombola a tindi ondjo moshipotha shedhipago NAMPA

OVENDUKA

Komufala gwoontauki Likius Valombola ngoka ta tamanekelwa edhipago lyomulumentu momvula 2018, okwa tindi ondjo moshipotha ta tamanekelwa, pethimbo a holoka mompangulilo mOmaandaha.

Valombola okupitila momukalelipo gwe gwopaveta, Sisa Namandje, okwa tindi ondjo moshipotha shedhipaho oshowo okukutha mo ondjembo mehala lyaayehe, sho uumbu iikuti iyali yekunkililo mombanda mbyoka ya yaha Helao Kapembe Ndjaba ongulohi yoomasiku 18 gaMei mo 2018.

Omutamaneka okwa lombwele ompangu kutya ongulohi ndjoka okwa li omufalelwa mohauto ye tayi hingwa komona, Mathew Valombola.

Okwa tsikile nokuzimina kutya okwa umbu ondjembo ye yombistoli mombanda.

Okwa tsikile kutya oya adha ohauto ya kankama mondjila yokolumoho mepandanda lyaKing Kauluma naalumentu yatatu nenge yatano ya thikama pohauto ndjoka.

“Inatu vula okulongitha elila lyokolulyo molwaashoka okwa li taku zi iihauto oyindji. Omumwandje okwa ka nkameke ohauto na otwa ka pula kutya olye mwene gwohauto ndjoka ya thikama. Oya geye na oye tu landulile kohauto na oya kala taya konkola pekende lyohauto sho nda kuutumba, onda umbu iikando iyali mombanda,” Valombola a popi momushangwa gwe.

Oshipotha shoka osha li sha lundululilwa momamasiku 26 gaJune mo 2019 kOmpangu yOpombanda okuza mOmpangulilo yaKatutura, ketokolo lya ningwa kOmupanguli-Ndjai.

Epangelo otali popi kutya Valombola okwa yaha Ndjaba iikando iyali momutse.

Omunamimvo 25 Ndjaba okwa hulithile moshipangelo shaKatutura momasiku 28 gaMei mo 2018.

Valombola okuli pondje yodholongo komboloha yooN$15 000 ndjoka a pewa momasiku 31 gaMei 2018.

Oshipotha shoka otashi tsikile. Namandje ota yambidhidhwa kuNambili Mhata, omanga epangelo lya kalelwapo kuEthel Ndlovu.
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Nakukwatwa koCovid-19 e li pamwe nokanona ke

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Nakukwatwa koCovid-19 e li pamwe nokanona keNakukwatwa koCovid-19 e li pamwe nokanona ke OGONE TLHAGE

OVENDUKA



Omukiintu ngoka eshiwike koshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun, okwa popi kutya oha zi pamwe nokanona ke okashona, hoka ke li moshiponga shokukwatwa kombuto ndjoka. Okwa popi kutya nonando okwa monika ombuto mEtine lyoshiwike sha piti, ina tembudhilwa natango kendiki lyokwiikalekela hoka taku tulwa aapangwa yombuto ndjoka.

“Mondunda moka ndili ngashiingeyi oyi li konima yegumbo lyomumati gwandje moSea Point,” omukiintu ngoka a popi.

“Ohandi hiila momudhingoloko ngoka ihe onda tembukile kondunda ndjoka molwaashoka ohandi longitha okaiyogelo naantu oyendji pehala mpoka handi hiila na inandi hala okutaandelitha ombuto konima sho nda nongele kutya onda kwatwa.”

Konima sho a pulwa kutya okwa mono ngiini kutya okwa kwatwa.

Okwa yamukula kutya okwa tameke ta ehama ombunda neloloko.

“Onda yi koshipangelp na oya mono kutya uupyu wandje owuli pombanda na oya popi kutya nandi shune kegumb opo ndi konaakonwe esiku tali landula. Sho nda konaakonwa onda kunkililwa kutya inandi kala pamwe naantu. Onda konaakonwa mEtine na onda lombwelwa opo ndi ye kegumbo e tandi ikalele. Ondi na okanona koomwedhi omugoyi oshowo koomvula ndatu. Aanambelewa yuundjolowele oya lombwelendje kutya nandi kiikalele, olye ta sile oshisho aanona yandje ngele ondiikalele? Inaya konaakonwa ihe ondi na okwiikalela. Kape na ngoka e ya na kehe gumwe ota pendje owala ehokololo lya yooloka. Oya pumbwa okukonaakona aanona yandje, ondi li ongame awike.”

Ke na shoka ta vulu okuninga

Nonando okwa ningwa omadhengo goongodhi ogendji opo aanambelewa yepangelo ya topole omukiintu ngoka nokanona ke oonkambadhala dhe odha gwile momakutsi ga thita.

“Kape na omunambelewa gwepangelo e ya kungame. Oya lombwelendje kutya otaye ya ihe kehe ethimbo otandi popi owala uupyakadhi wandje. Onde ya dhengele ndi ya pule kutya otaya kutha po okanona kandje uunake.”

Kansela gwoshikandjohogololo, Walvis Bay Urban, Knowledge Ipinge okwa popi kutya ke na shoka ta vulu okuninga nokuyambidhidha omukiintu ngoka, molwaashoka epangelo olya pumbwa okwiidhopa moshinima shoka okupitila muuministeli wuundjolowele ngaashi omilandu tadhi ti.

Omukomeho muuministeli wuundjolowele, Ben Nangombe okwa tindi omapopyo kutya gumwe gwomaapangwa ina tembulilwa natango kendiki lyepangelo lyokwiikalela.

Oonkambadhala odha ningwa okumona omukomeho gwuundjolowele mErongo, Anna Jonas, ihe ongodhi ye inayi yamukulwa.
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Hosea congestion project continues

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Hosea congestion project continuesHosea congestion project continuesNAC finally submits financial statements Work on expanding the international airport is benefiting from the downtime brought about by the ban on international travel. ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



The contractors of the massive congestion alleviation project at the Hosea Kutako International Airport are capitalising on the downtime caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This is according to the board chairperson of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), Leake Hangala, who gave a brief update on the multimillion-dollar project.

He said 226 people are currently working on the project, of which the main contractor is Nexus Contractors. He said the project team analysed the full extent of the coronavirus impact on the project, as well as the ripple effect of post-lockdown delays on material and equipment supplies, and took steps to address these challenges.

The N$250 million project is expected to double the airport's handling capacity, while it is expected to accommodate increased passenger movements until 2030.

The expansion project, which started in October last year, aims to address congestion challenges, safety and security issues and to comply with international regulations and standards. The expansion is focused on key areas such as check-in counters, outbound luggage facilities, security checkpoints and passport control points.

Hangala said the extension of the terminal would improve the level of service to passengers in accordance with the International Air Transport Association's standards.

Furthermore, the expansion of the apron will be able to accommodate current and future demand, including aircraft parking stands, in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICOA) standards. “These works will also allow for separation between the international and domestic passengers once both terminal one and two are completed.” In March this year the NAC said N$$21 million had already been spent on the congestion alleviation project.



Not turning a blind eye

Meanwhile, the NAC also presented annual financial statements to public enterprises minister Leon Jooste on Monday for 2017, 2018 and 2019 at its annual general meeting (AGM).

In the past, the NAC had been a hotbed of allegations of corruption, bribery and fraud.

Jooste, however, stressed that the ministry would not turn a blind eye to these “historic issues”, adding that the relevant authority was investigating. “It is ongoing and if the outcome directs that there should be consequences, the law will take its course.”

Concerted effort

Hangala said over the past two years, there has been a concerted effort to conclude outstanding annual financial statements.

“We have presented these statements to our shareholders for approval and although some may view the content of the statements as historical issues, we view it as an enormous achievement to ensure that the company is fully compliant with the provisions relating to the legal framework. A governance check on the financial statements will indicate that the organisation is now current and compliant,” Hangala said.



2020 statements

Hangala added that the statements for the financial year ending 2020 are under review and are envisaged to be completed by the end of September. Only once the statements are tabled in parliament by Jooste will the information become public.

Hangala said the consolidated NAC annual report for the financial years ending 2017 to 2019 is at an advanced stage and is envisaged to be presented to the ministry by the end of July.

He added a five-year integrated strategic business plan was developed in-house. The plan was approved by the board on 5 June and will be presented to the ministry on 25 June.
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UK car sector calls for government support

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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UK car sector calls for government supportUK car sector calls for government support By Costas Pitas



Britain's car industry has called on the government to introduce additional measures such as a sales tax cut to boost the sector as a third of automotive workers remain furloughed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Factories closed in March as a lockdown was enforced to contain the spread of the pandemic with some still shut and many operating at a much-reduced output, setting the industry up for the lowest level of production in decades.

Car and van volumes are expected to fall by a third to 920 000 units this year and up to one in six jobs are at risk, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) industry body said.

The government has introduced a series of policies to support the economy including a furlough scheme which sees it pay 80% of salaries, up to 2 500 pounds (US$3 120) per month, for staff who are placed on temporary leave.



Consumer confidence

“Government's intervention has been unprecedented,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

“But the job is not done yet. Just as we have seen in other countries, we need a package of support to restart and to build demand, volumes and growth,” he said, calling for measures to boost consumer confidence and unfettered access to emergency funding.

The sector, Britain's biggest exporter of goods, is also worried that trading terms with the European Union could worsen after a Brexit transition period finishes at the end of 2020.

“A 'no deal' scenario would severely damage these prospects and could see volumes falling below 850 000 by 2025, the lowest level since 1953,” the SMMT said.

The government has promised to support business throughout the ­coronavirus crisis and talks are ongoing between London and ­Brussels to secure a trade agreement with the EU that will come into force from January 1.

– Nampa/Reuters
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Ugandans melt plastic waste into face shields

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Ugandans melt plastic waste into face shieldsUgandans melt plastic waste into face shieldsTurning crisis into opportunity In a country where an estimated 600 tonnes of waste plasic is thrown away daily, the effort is also helping battle plastic pollution and dirty air. The situation is critical. Many people are working without PPE. - Dr Mukuzi Muhereza, SG: Uganda Medical Association John Okot - When the Ugandan government ordered all non-essential workplaces shut to contain the coronavirus pandemic in late March, Peter Okwoko and his colleague Paige Balcom kept working.

But the pair - who had been turning collected plastic waste into building materials since last year - shifted gear and instead began manufacturing makeshift plastic face shields from discarded plastic bottles.

When they posted pictures of their prototypes on social media, they got a surprise phone call from the local public hospital.

"The doctor from Gulu regional referral hospital requested we make 10 face shield masks urgently because they didn't have enough" and the hospital had just received its first Covid-19 patient, said Okwoko, 29, a co-founder of Takataka Plastics.

The social enterprise set to work shredding plastic, melting it and shaping the liquid plastic into face shields and frames. Soon a first set of shields was delivered.

But "in the afternoon, the hospital called again. They said they needed more face shields because the previous ones had worked out well for them", Okwoko said.

Mitigating PPE shortages

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to burn around the world, it has also caused severe disruptions in supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The problem is particularly severe in poorer countries with few resources to pay high prices in a competitive global market. In March, WHO officials urged companies around the world to increase production by 40% if possible to meet growing demand.

In Uganda, medical workers have discussed work boycotts to protest the lack of protective equipment in hospitals, especially after several healthcare workers were confirmed infected with the virus.

"The situation is critical. Many people are working without PPE," Dr Mukuzi Muhereza, secretary general for the country's health workers' body, the Uganda Medical Association, warned recently.

"That is hampering the fight against Covid-19 because there's fear among health workers that anytime I touch a patient I might be a Covid patient myself," he said.

The ministry of health recently said Uganda's public hospitals are likely to run out of existing stocks of protective equipment within three months.

"It's true we are facing shortages in PPEs," Emmanuel Ainebyoona, a spokesman for the ministry, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a phone interview.

"We are urging all hospitals to utilise the little they have by prioritising [medical workers] who are at most risk."

Local industries

In his state of the nation address recently, president Yoweri Museveni said the East African nation has certified 10 local industries to begin making PPE.

But Takataka Plastics has been manufacturing in Gulu since March, with 14 staff now having made about 1 200 of the recycled plastic face shields, Okwoko said.

About 500 have been sold at low cost to NGOs and private health facilities and an additional 700 donated to public hospitals, he said.

Balcom, 26, a mechanical engineer who met Okwoko in 2019 while doing research on plastic pollution in Uganda, said some of the material used in the face shields now comes from hospital waste, such as used intravenous drip bottles.

Six of those making the shields are homeless youths employed by the group, she said.

To make the face shields - a two-day process - workers sort, clean, shred, melt and mould the waste plastic. Then they attach an adjustable strap, sometimes made from slices of old bicycle innertubes.

Fighting pollution too

The group is manufacturing both single-use shields that cost about one US dollar, with frames made of cheap foam, or reuseable ones, with plastic frames, that cost about US$2.70, Okwoko noted.

In a country where an estimated 600 tonnes of waste plasic is thrown away daily - more than half it uncollected and less than 5% recycled - the effort is also helping battle plastic pollution and dirty air.

Burning of plastic waste - which can produce toxic gases and carcinogens - is common, Balcom said.

In the northern town of Gulu, where Takataka operates, at least 80% of plastic waste isn't collected, she said, and piles of it end up in waterways, on roadsides and on vacant land.

Takataka now hopes to expand its operations into a full-scale plastic processing plant capable of recycling 9 tonnes of plastic waste monthly, up from about 60kg of plastic a day currently.

But "our focus at the moment is to fight Covid-19," Balcom said. – Nampa/Reuters
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New proposals for troubled sheep industry

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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New proposals for troubled sheep industryNew proposals for troubled sheep industryPolicy certainty needed Namibia's sheep-farming sector is on its knees due to many years of drought and the government's devastating small-stock marketing scheme. STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK



New proposals to turn around the country's troubled sheep industry were tabled at a seminar in Windhoek last week.

Organised by the Meat Board of Namibia, producers were represented by the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) at the seminar.

According to the NAU, the sheep industry is on its knees due to many years of drought and government's devastating small-stock marketing scheme. Submissions were made by, among others, the managing director of Hartlief, Gunther Ling, who runs the sheep export abattoir in Mariental, southern sheep farmer Nico Strauss, Dr Anja Boshoff of the Meat Board and Cyprianus Khaiseb, a butchery owner.



Policy certainty

“The first and most important step to take is to establish policy certainty with primary producers. Without policy certainty, producers will not reinvest in the industry and will not increase production, which will in turn create new jobs,” according to the NAU.

Recommendations emanating from the seminar included getting sheep production back on track using incentives and other support to farmers, as well as ensuring free trade. “As is the case with cattle, a Namibian sheep export abattoir will find it difficult to be viable if exports are to South Africa only. International markets that offer exchange rate benefits are critical to enabling abattoirs in an unregulated market to gain a foothold in this value chain,” the NAU added.

Other priorities mentioned were effective leadership and a unified industry, as well as solutions to unlock underutilised land for increased production and being better prepared for the next drought.



Beef industry challenges

Challenges facing the beef industry were also discussed. The meeting culminated in the formulation of a list of priorities, which will soon be taken up with government with a view to urgently intervene.

According to the NAU, attendees voted to confirm the principle that cattle are automatically attracted to different value chains based on trust in the value chain and the price the chain pays. Export abattoirs have access to the best markets in the world, but struggle to compete in the market, the NAU said.

“If slaughter costs per kilogram of carcass decrease, this value chain will attract enough beef to be sustainable.”



Bigger budget

The NAU said another priority highlighted at the meeting was that the agricultural sector deserves a greater bite from the national budget. It said this should be at least 10% as undertaken in the Maputo Declaration ratified by the government in 2003. Also, the promotion of free trade, instead of regulation, has been ratified as a priority.

Other issues the meeting felt needed attention included the implementation of the national grazing strategy that was published last year, the strengthening of local producers' organisations and targeted research and mentoring as well as achieving a healthy balance between local slaughter and weaner calves.

Meat Board general manager Paul Strydom said these priorities will now be presented to the organisation's Livestock Marketing Committee and will then be discussed with government representatives.
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N$10m relief for small-scale producers

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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N$10m relief for small-scale producersN$10m relief for small-scale producers ILENI NANDJATO

ONDANGWA



The agriculture ministry has embarked on a N$10 million national horticulture support programme to empower small-scale producers.

The project is aimed to benefit 1 300 small-scale producers throughout the country with seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, tillage and technical support.

The subsidiary programme targets producers with an average production land size of 0.01 to 0.5 hectares.

Ministry executive director Percy Misika said producers will be assisted with irrigation materials, garden tools and shade nets to ensure suitable access, availability and use of essential farm inputs.



Programme objective

“The overall programme objective is to ensure market-driven production of the Namibian horticulture sector through improved productivity, product quality and competitiveness to ensure food, nutrition security and employment creation,” Misika said.

“This can only be achieved through availability of essential farm inputs, technical skills and access to the market.”

According to Misika, the government will provide a 50% subsidy on seeds and pesticides, 60% on fertiliser and 65% on irrigation and shade net materials.

“The funds for the subsidy will be transferred to regional councils who then will create awareness on the programme and register interested farmers.

“Regions will convene meetings with retailers to identify and register retailers who will partake in programme implementation.

“Vouchers will be issued to registered and approved farmers, while subsidy vouchers will be issued against quotations obtained by farmers. Retailers will redeem the balance with regional councils,” he explained.



Producers to be certified

Misika said the beneficiaries are existing producers with reliable water sources such as boreholes, dams or rivers, and will be certified by the agriculture ministry or the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (Amta).

“These producers should sign a contract with Amta for regular inspection on good agricultural practices compliance, and they should also go through a horticulture training programme as per the Namibia Training Authority,” he said.

The project is expected to benefit 100 producers in the Kunene Region, 221 in Omusati, 58 in Oshana, 67 in Ohangwena, 72 in Oshikoto, 71 in Kavango West, 44 in Kavango East, 438 in Zambezi, 84 in Erongo, 33 in Otjozondjupa, 24 in Omaheke, 46 in Khomas, 20 in Hardap and 25 in //Karas.

The directorate of agricultural production, extension and engineering services will oversee programme implementation in the regions with regional councils, while the directorate of research and development will take the lead in all research-related aspects, including soil analysis and fertility management.
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Company news in brief

June 23, 2020, 3:00 pm
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Company news in briefCompany news in brief Google faces employee petition

More than 1 600 workers at Alphabet Inc are petitioning its Google unit to stop selling email and other services to police departments.

The workers in a petition seen by Reuters expressed disappointment with Google not joining the "millions who want to defang and defund" police departments.

Civil rights activists across the United States for years have called for scaling back traditional policing, and the efforts have gained momentum through protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody last month.

"We should not be in the business of profiting from racist policing," the Google petition said. It cited sales of the company's G Suite package, which includes tools for email, document editing and file storage, to the police department in Clarkstown, New York.

A Google spokesperson told Reuters in response, "We have longstanding terms of use for generally available computing platforms like Gmail, g suite and google cloud platform, and these products will remain available for governments and local authorities, including police departments, to use. – Nampa/Reuters

NASA to develop program for private missions

Billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc said it has signed up with NASA to develop a program to promote private missions to the International Space Station, sending the shares of the company up about 10%.

As part of its agreement with the Johnson Space Centre, the space tourism company will identify entities keen to buy private missions and develop training packages, as well as aid in transportation, on-orbit and ground resources.

The company competes with billionaire-backed ventures such as Amazon.com Inc's Blue Origin that are vying to usher in a new era of space tourism, racing to be the first to offer sub-orbital flights to civilian space travellers.

This is the second agreement between Virgin Galactic and the US space agency. In May, the two sides entered an agreement to develop 'high-Mach' aircraft for potential civilian use.

The space agency is leaning heavily on private companies built around shared visions for space exploration, as it gears up for a long-term presence on the moon and prepares for a manned mission to Mars. – Nampa/Reuters

Nokia to cut jobs

Finnish telecoms equipment maker Nokia plans to cut 1 233 jobs at its French subsidiary Alcatel-Lucent International, equivalent to a third of the unit's workforce, the group said, confirming an earlier Reuters report.

The announcement, just as Europe prepares for the deployment of the next generation of mobile internet, or 5G, has political resonance in France because Nokia bought the unit five years ago on condition it would keep jobs.

Nokia, which competes with Ericsson and Huawei for 5G networks, said in a statement the staff reduction was needed because of significant cost pressures.

Nokia said in April it aimed to cut costs by US$560.30 million by the end of this year compared with full-year 2018, with 350 million euros targeted to come from operating expenses and 150 million from sales costs.

When Nokia bought Alcatel-Lucent International, it pledged to preserve jobs in France for two years and to expand research and development teams in the country to create a resource within the group for 5G technology. - Nampa/Reuters

Telkom suspends dividends

South African telecoms provider Telkom suspended dividends for three years, aiming to conserve cash after a 66% slump in full-year earnings and ahead of this year's planned auction of radio frequencies.

Telkom is undergoing a restructuring of its business as it grapples with declining performance in fixed-line voice services and a shift in demand to mobile data and fibre networks.

"The imminent spectrum auction will require a substantial amount of capital and it is of strategic importance for Telkom to participate to ensure the sustainability of the mobile business," it said in its full-year results statement.

Telkom declared a dividend of 50.08 cents per share for the year to March 31, but said its next three annual pay-outs would be suspended. The operator of South Africa's biggest fixed-line network also withdrew its medium-term targets, citing exceptional economic weakness and heightened uncertainty.

Telkom aims to build 1 000 new mobile telecoms towers in the next three years, with 600 sites in the new-build pipeline, it said. -Nampa/Reuters

Apple to update developers

Apple Inc will hold its annual conference for software developers, rolling out new features in its operating systems for iPhones and iPads and possibly signalling a departure from Intel Corp's almost 15-year run supplying Mac computer processors.

Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference comes as paid services sold through the App Store have become central to the Cupertino, California, company's revenue growth as consumers have slowed the growth of iPhone upgrades.

Apple takes a 15% to 30% cut of the sales developers make through the App Store, which is the only way to distribute software onto Apple's mobile devices.

Those fees, and Apple's strict app review process, have come under antitrust scrutiny in the United States and Europe, where regulators last week unveiled a formal probe into the company.

The annual developer conference, being held online this year for the first time because of the novel coronavirus, is where Apple often announces access to new hardware capabilities, such as special tools for artificial intelligence and augmented reality. – Nampa/Reuters
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