Namibian Sun

Fishrot accused Ricardo Gustavo's bail appeal denied

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Fishrot accused Ricardo Gustavo has been denied bail yet again after his appeal to the High Court was rejected.

In his second bail bid, Gustavo offered the State two of his properties as well as N$100 000 as bail.

This was shot down by High Court judge Kobus Miller.

The High Court upheld an earlier decision by the Windhoek Magistrate's Court to deny Gustavo bail. The High Court found that it would not be in the interest of the administration of justice to grant Gustavo bail.

The former Investec business manager initially applied for bail in May, citing his desire to clear his name. Gustavo had also argued that he wanted to take care of his family, saying that it would be in the interest of the public for him to be released on bail. At the time, Gustavo offered the State N$100 000 and one of his properties as bail. Gustavo is implicated in the Fishrot scandal in which N$75.6 million was allegedly paid from the National Fishing Corporation (Fishcor) into the accounts of companies belonging to his former boss at Investec James Hatuikulipi, former justice minister Sacky Shanghala, businessman Tamson Hatuikulipi and Hanganeni employee Pius Mwatelulo. All five are currently in prison awaiting trial together with former fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau.

Charges

Gustavo and his co-accused are charged with fraud, bribery, money laundering and conspiring to commit corruption.

They are accused of involvement in a scheme to benefit financially from the allocation of Namibian fishing quotas to the company Namgomar Pesca Namibia, of which Gustavo is the sole director.

Namgomar Pesca Namibia had a horse-mackerel fishing quota in Namibia and had a catching agreement with an Icelandic-owned company that allegedly paid more than N$103 million in kickbacks to Esau, Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, Tamson Hatuikulipi and Gustavo, according to one of the charges against the five men.

Haufiku consults WHO on Trump's 'miracle drug'Malaria drug found 'too toxic' Former health minister Bernhard Haufiku says Namibia is not about to jump on the bandwagon of using hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for Covid-19.

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Former health minister Bernhard Haufiku has consulted the World Health Organisation on the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug that has been touted as a miracle drug in the treatment of Covid-19 by United States president Donald Trump.

This follows a recent claim by Texas-based doctor Stella Immanuel, who said the drug had prevented Covid-19 deaths.

“I have sent a note to some of my contacts at WHO in Geneva this morning (on Tuesday) to hear their view on the video clip (of Immanuel) that went viral on social media,” Haufiku said.

According to The Daily Beast, Immanuel has also claimed in the past that alien DNA is being used in medical treatments.

The publication wrote that she allegedly has a history of making claims that gynaecological problems like cysts and endometriosis could be due to sexual relations with demons and witches in people's dreams.

Immanuel made her claim around hydroxychloroquine while appearing in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC. The video in which she made the claim has since been removed from Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Uses

Hydroxychloroquine, an old medication with serious side effects, has been punted as a miracle drug by Trump and Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.

The use of hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 patients has not been endorsed by the WHO. Trump has insisted that this is because he is championing its use to treat Covid-19.

Speaking during a webinar hosted this week, Haufiku said he neither supported or rejected the claims made by Immanuel.

Solidarity Trial

“All I know is that hydroxychloroquine was part of the WHO list of medications that were undergoing clinical trials in a large study called the Solidarity Trial,” Haufiku said.

“Most of these medicines, including hydroxychloroquine, have been studied as repurposed drugs, meaning the medicines were originally produced for a different illness.”

According to Haufiku, the Solidarity Trial's preliminary reports indicated that hydroxychloroquine was too toxic to patients and therefore it was withdrawn by the WHO on the recommendation of the panel of experts who served as a safety review board for the trial.

Prevention better than cure

“The ministry of health may also have inquired already on the matter and possibly has some information that they may share with the public in this regard, so let us be patient and hear more views from the scientist and experts,” Haufiku said.

“In the meantime, let us continue to do the basics in preventing infection,” he added.

Spain worries neighboursWorld's top tourist destination In Spain, where the virus has claimed more than 28 400 lives, there has been a surge in cases in recent weeks. We are a secure destination that has made preparations and strengthened itself to deal with the virus and any outbreaks. Maria Jesus Montero, Governments spokesperson: Spain

After Britain's quarantine move and a travel warning from France, Germany became the latest country to advise Tuesday against holidays in parts of Spain with a surge in virus cases.

Although many are desperate for a holiday after months of lockdown, governments are concerned about what they might bring home, with Berlin warning against travel to three areas of northern Spain, including the hugely popular Catalan coast.

The call followed warnings from France against travel to Catalonia and Britain's decision to quarantine anyone arriving from Spain for 14 days.

As one of the world's top tourist destinations, it has been a major blow to Spain which relies heavily on British tourism.

Prime minister Pedro Sanchez quickly hit back at the move, denouncing it as "unbalanced" and insisting that Spain's most popular tourist destinations "might even be safer" than the UK.

"We want to send a clear message. We are a secure destination that has made preparations and strengthened itself to deal with the virus and any outbreaks," said government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero.

But British prime minister Boris Johnson defended the decision in light of "the signs of a second wave of the pandemic" in Europe.

"I'm afraid if we do see signs of a second wave in other countries, it is really our job, our duty to act swiftly and decisively to stop re infecting and travellers coming back from those places and seeding the disease here in the UK," he said.

Madrid had wanted an exemption for areas like the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands where there has been a very low incidence of the virus, but London refused.

In Spain, where the virus has claimed more than 28 400 lives, there has been a surge in cases in recent weeks.

According to Tuesday's count, an average of more than 1 800 new cases per day have been detected over the past seven days, two-thirds of them in the north-eastern regions of Catalonia and Aragon.

It's a figure which has more than tripled in two weeks, prompting Spain's autonomous regions to step up security measures.

The Madrid region moved to make mask-wearing obligatory at all times in public on Tuesday, even while having a drink at a bar terrace, where gatherings will now be limited to groups of 10.

Restricting numbers to a maximum of 10 guests has also been recommended for people entertaining at home. – Nampa/AFP

School closure demanded• Countrywide protests threatened A trade union representing teachers has demanded that schools be closed on Monday in view of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Namibia.

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Parents, teachers and students are threatening to embark on countrywide mass demonstrations if schools are not closed on Monday.

In a statement issued by the Teachers Union of Namibia, it said after a meeting with education minister Anna Nghipondoka it was resolved that schools should be closed on Monday because of the increasing coronavirus cases in the country.

The union said the minister should announce this on Friday.

Failing that, parents and teachers would stage demonstrations at the education ministry headquarters and government office park in Windhoek, and at regional offices in all 14 regions, the union said.

According to the union, Monday's meeting was attended by trade unions, civic associations, parent groups, student and youth organisations.

Not worth the risk

“After lengthy and exhaustive discussions and thorough scrutiny of the advisability or otherwise of reopening or resuming face-to-face teaching against the background of the now ever-increasing incidents of coronavirus infections, it was unanimously decided that it was inadvisable to resume face-to- face teaching and learning,” said the union.

According to the union, the meeting considered the positions adopted by similarly affected countries such as Botswana and South Africa, and the advice of the World Health Organisation.

The meeting also studied the advice of President Hage Geingob on the issue, which placed the option whether or not to return learners to school squarely in the hands of the parents, said the statement.

However, it was pointed out that this would be problematic because there had been veiled threats that their children would not be promoted if they decided to keep them out of school.

'Sham and pretence'

The union further charged that there would be no effective teaching or learning if a few learners returned to school.

“It is a wholesale sham and pretence that is being perpetuated by the ministry. The question that remains to be asked is whether this is the kind of teaching for which we must risk the lives not only of our children, but those of the teachers, the school establishments and … the general population.”

The union said another factor that must be taken into account is the fact that most schools are inadequately resourced as far as safety precautions are concerned.

“The ministry will obviously not want to be cast in that light and that is why they want to erect a facade of being efficient and having everything in place while in reality they have dismally failed to make adequate provisions in this regard just like everywhere else in this country,” the union said.

Account for every borrowed cent Government spoke boldly about ensuring that every cent from the N$8.1 billion relief package against the coronavirus would be accounted for.

While this could still happen, it is important that the nation – which is the real owner of that money – is kept abreast of every count.

This is particularly important because questions have started to be asked as to how that money was really used, seeing that many applications were turned down, yet the kitty seems empty already.

True, Covid-19 has caught everyone by surprise and turned upside down everyone’s plan, but crooks, which Namibia is not in short supply of, could hide behind this virus to even steal more.

We have said before that Covid-19 cannot be faulted on anyone in Namibia, but how we spend national resources in the fight against it would define our level of accountability.

It would be a new low if borrowed funds are not used for the betterment of society, and withholding information would only perpetuate fears that some people within the bureaucracy misappropriated that which cannot be accounted for.

It is also tiring to the common man when he hears time and again that his country has borrowed money while his condition remains static, if not deteriorating. As debts soar, there must be tangible evidence on the ground of the work done.

When things get worse while on the other hand debt is soaring, legitimate questions would arise as to whose pockets the borrowed funds landed in.

Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off launchedLocal is lekker Giving credence to a uniquely Namibian delicacy and grow its popularity beyond its current societal confines. The competition aims to spur on entrepreneurial spirit, as well as to foster a spirit of unity. Gernot de Klerk, Communications manager: Nedbank.

The sixth edition of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off will take place as from 26 August 2020, with the first regional round taking place at Ongwediva.

The Windhoek round will take place on 12 September and the Walvis Bay round on 26 September, while the final will take place in Windhoek on 24 October 2020, a media statement issued by Nedbank Namibia said.

The Kapana Cook-Off started as a small local event as part of the activities held when Nedbank Namibia opened a new branch in Ongwediva in 2014.

The statement said it grew in leaps and bounds as more people gravitated toward the concept, prompting the bank to roll the competition out to areas beyond where the idea for the competition had first taken hold.

This year’s competition was launched in Windhoek on Friday.

Nedbank’s communications manager, Gernot de Klerk, in the statement said the aim of the competition was largely to celebrate excellence in this field, to spur on entrepreneurial spirit, as well as to foster a spirit of unity by celebrating something all Namibians can relate to.

He said Nedbank has continuously invested in the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off competition, and these investments stretched beyond mere tokenism.

“By partnering with like-minded organisations, including the Namibia Chefs Association, we wish to give credence to this uniquely Namibian delicacy and grow its popularity beyond its current societal confines,” he said.

The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off has created successful entrepreneurs such as 2018 winner Sakeus Kateya, who now employs at least five people. Kateya has acquired an additional food trailer and is making steady progress to entrench his brand as a kapana champion.

Entries for this year’s competition opened on 25 July. Entry forms, which contain the due date for each region, are available at Nedbank branches countrywide. - Nampa

IMF loan option welcomed with a pinch of salt

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

While the reputation of the International Monetary Fund has not been seen as favourable, local economic commentators have welcomed the government's intention to borrow from the Bretton Woods institution, arguing that its relatively low rates in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic makes it the ideal lender.

Namibia had submitted a request to borrow N$4.5 billion in an effort to fund its responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. This breaks a 30-year commitment not to borrow from the IMF, which often attaches strict conditionalities to money it lends.

Many countries lose their fiscal sovereignty because of the terms of these loans. The institution has made funding available for the pandemic and with that, relaxed some conditions, which countries like Namibia find appealing.

Namibia's debt to Gross Domestic Product is expected to reach 69% by the end of the fiscal year while elevated debt levels have always drawn concern from rating agencies Moody's and Fitch.

The Bank of Namibia indicated in June that the country's debt to GDP ratio stood at 56.8%.

Low rates tempting

University of Namibia academic Omu Kakujaha-Matundu says although the rates are attractive, there are concerns going forward about how Namibia will service this debt.

“The low rates at which these IMF Covid-19 loans are offered are tempting. However, the main concern is that the Namibian economy will take long to recover, and government could struggle to service its increasing debt stock. Another risk is if the Namibia dollar depreciates against the US dollar, the N$4.5 billion could increase and balloon the total debt stock,” Kakujaha-Matundu said.

IJG head of research Eric Van Zyl agreed with Kakujaha-Matundu that the low rates would be more attractive than other conventional sources of finance.

“The IMF is generally also a relatively cheap source of funding given the risky situations in which they extend credit. In return for this relatively cheap funding the IMF may impose conditions on the fiscus with regards to economic policy,” he said.

“It may be the case that Namibia is able to secure relatively cheap funding with few of the restrictive conditions which generally accompany these loans,” he said.

He added that taking up an IMF loan could affect Namibia's fiscal sovereignty, leaving the treasury with limited control over spending.

Klaus Schade, who serves on President Hage Geingob's High-Level Panel on the Economy, also welcomed the loan application, provided it was attractive.

“The final decision where to borrow the required funds should be based on the terms and conditions, such as repayment period, interest rate, currency, as well as conditions regarding the use of the loan. As long as these conditions are favourable to Namibia, the government should consider making use of available loan facilities from the IMF,” he said.

Domestic borrowing insufficient

Kakujaha-Matundu also argued that Namibia's financing options internally are limited.

“Borrowing locally seems foreclosed. Local lenders could charge government speculative rates, which are much higher than the IMF rates. Also, there is a risk of crowding out the private sector by driving up interest rates, which will fly in the face of Bank of Namibia's low interest rate strategy.”

Schade held the same view, saying: “The government faces an extraordinarily high budget deficit this financial year that cannot be covered by borrowing from the domestic market alone.”

According to Schade, the government could also use other approaches to raise funds.

“There are also various options to increase revenue, such as leveraging state assets and improving the business environment in order to attract more investment, but to implement these will take time. Therefore, the government needs to seek funding from abroad and should explore all available options,” he said.

Treasury's new normal

With the take-up of the loan, Van Zyl said the government would be required to walk a financial tightrope in future and rein in existing debt.

“Guidance from the IMF should also put some pressure on the fiscus to slow the growth trajectory of debt levels. Thus, if a loan is granted it would be adding to the debt burden in the short term but placing pressure on government to bring the debt burden under control going forward,” he said.

“Given that the IMF has vastly relaxed conditions on funding which may limit fiscal independence due to the crisis, and that the funding is generally cheap, it is unlikely that there are better sources of funding in international capital markets,” Van Zyl added.

Pupil exposed to Covid-19 spits on desksLearner goes on spitting spree at school while awaiting corona test results Six learners who had come into contact with the learner have been placed in isolation, while the school waits for his Covid-19 test results.

KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU

A Grade 11 learner at Mupewa Combined School at Oshikuku in the Omusati Region, who had been in close contact with a Covid-19 patient, went on a spitting spree in his classroom on Monday while waiting for his test results.

School principal Steven Nelumbu said the learner spat on all the desks in the classroom and on the door handle.

Nelumbu said the information about the spitting spree was shared with the school management hours after the school had decided to isolate six learners who had been in contact with the said learner.

Nelumbu said they then decided on Tuesday not to allow any grade 11 learners back onto the school premises.

Classes suspended

Their parents were informed what had happened and that face-to-face classes would be suspended until the environment was safe for their return.

Nelumbu said if the learners’ test results are negative, they would be allowed to return to school next Monday.

If any of them test positive, the school’s next step would be guided by the town’s coronavirus task force.

Nelumbu said the learner confessed that he was a friend of the Covid-19 patient reported at Oshikuku last week, and that they had drunk from the same beer bottle recently.

Asked whether disciplinary steps would be taken against the learner, Nelumbu said that would depend on the test results.

Not yet tested

Yesterday afternoon, Nelumbu said the learners sent home to self-isolate had not yet been tested, although the Covid-19 task force had been informed about the incident on Monday.

Their parents apparently only received calls yesterday morning that the learners would be picked up and tested.

“We at the school are now concerned about all this. It cannot be right, as we reported the matter to them on Monday yet on Wednesday the children are still at home and not yet tested,” Nelumbu argued.

Nelumbu said they hoped that the leaners would test negative and that teaching could resume.

Cases continue to pile up

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula yesterday afternoon announced 69 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the country’s total number of confirmed cases to 1 986.

Of the new cases, 57 are from Walvis Bay, while Windhoek recorded eight new cases, including one at the Suiderhof military base. Swakopmund, Usakos, Mariental and Engela all recorded one case each.

Shangula also announced the death of a 44-year-old woman from Walvis Bay, who had underlying chronic conditions, bringing the country’s death toll to nine.

CoW complied with requirements Licensing procedures Public hearing was held to provide interested stakeholders with an opportunity to comment, pose questions and receive clarity from CRAN on its decision. The authority and all parties concerned knew who the applicant is and no one was confused. Mihe Gaomab, board chairperson: CRAN

The City of Windhoek complied with all requirements to be granted a Telecommunications Service Licence, Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) board chairperson Mihe Gaomab said.

Gaomab in a media statement said CRAN hosted a public hearing on the application for reconsideration submitted by Paratus Telecommunications with regards to CRAN’s decision to award the licence to the City.

He said the application for reconsideration was submitted in terms of Section 31 of the Communications Act and regulations 11 and 20 of the regulations regarding licensing procedures for telecommunications and broadcasting service licences.

“CRAN convened the public hearing in line with Regulation 14 of the regulations regarding licensing procedures, which makes provision for CRAN to host a public consultative meeting to present the reasons for its decision to grant the licence,” Gaomab stated.

He added that the public hearing was also held to provide interested stakeholders with an opportunity to comment, pose questions and receive clarity from CRAN on its decision to award a Telecommunications Service Licence to the City of Windhoek, and on the application for reconsideration.

The public consultative meeting which was streamed live on various social media platforms was attended by 82 stakeholders and received approximately 2 000 views on various social media platforms.

Various grounds for reconsideration were received and considered, said Gaomab.

“Furthermore, the authority and all parties concerned knew who the applicant is and no one was confused as to the particulars of the applicant. To this end, this issue is perhaps best debated before a platform with inherent jurisdiction, but not for purposes of considering this application before the authority,” he said.

Gaomab further noted that the important consideration for the authority is the identity of the applicant as a person in law, which in this case has been duly identified as the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Windhoek.

“Although the application refers to the “City of Windhoek” as an applicant, the authority will not formalistically ignore an application on the basis that an applicant was not accurately described, especially when all interested parties are not confused as to the particulars of the applicant,” he said. - Nampa

NAMiT launches projectAccelerating the delivery of benefits The project will ensure that all beneficiaries are registered and their social status is known while tracing former and current beneficiaries. It was a long process to pay off debts in order for beneficiaries to start benefiting. Allen Kalumbu, president: MUN

The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) launched a project to register the beneficiaries of members of the Namibia Mineworkers Investment Trust (NAMiT).

Launching the project, MUN president Allen Kalumbu said the project will ensure that all beneficiaries are registered and their social status is known while tracing both NAMiT’s former and current beneficiaries in order to accelerate the delivery of benefits to the beneficiaries.

“The purpose of this registration process is firstly to identify the beneficiaries in order for the trust to define benefits that best suit beneficiaries according to the database collected,” he said.

Kalumbu said the growth of the trust’s investments brought its total net assets to N$ 547.8 million in 2019 and they have come to realise that the trust should start benefiting its beneficiaries.

“It was a long process to pay off debts in order for beneficiaries to start benefiting,” he said.

In addition, Kalumbu said NAMiT has defined beneficiaries as ‘ex-beneficiaries’ if they have died or are retired and ‘current’ if they are still working members of the mine workers union, plus their descendants.

He said the children of members are beneficiaries whether they are current, former or deceased.

Kalumbu, therefore, called on all beneficiaries in the 14 regions of Namibia to come forth and register with the trust if they know their parents were or are members of NAMiT, or worked in the mining or energy sector.

NAMiT was established in 1997 by MUN as a wealth-creating entity to enhance the living standard of its members. It is the sole shareholder of Nam-mic Holdings. - Nampa

Profit tumble for Namdeb

Namdeb Holdings suffered a nosedive of 65% year on year in its underlying EBITDA for the six months ended June 2020, interim results released this morning by Anglo American show.
Namdeb recorded an underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$28 million in its latest half-year compared to US$80 million in the same six months in 2019.
EBITDA is general used as an indication of profitability.
Namdeb - owned 50% by De Beers, which is turn is owned by Anglo American – produced 869 000 carats for the six months under review, up from 818 000 in the comparative period last year.
De Beers reported an underlying EBITDA slump in its all its operation. Overall, the diamond giant showed an underlying EBITDA of US$2 million, down 99.6% from the US$518 million recorded in the first half-year in 2019.

Slight increase in Nictus’ profit

Nictus Holdings ended its past financial year with a profit of about N$7.36 million, an increase of nearly 2.9% or N$206 000 compared to its previous book-year.
The locally-listed group today reported total revenue of about N$631.06 million for the 12 months ended 31 March 2020, down nearly 6.9% from its previous financial year.
Releasing the results on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), Nictus Holdings chairman Gerard Swart said the group “traded under difficult economic circumstances where the aftermath of the strained economy still influenced disposable income in the country”.
“The last month of trading was further negatively affected by the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic,” Swart added.
Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) came in at 14.03c, up from 13.64c in the 2019 financial year.
Headline and diluted headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased by about 8% to 14.12c.
A final dividend of 12c per share was declared, the same as in 2019.
Nictus Holdings is listed on the Local Index of the NSX. It closed at N$1.60 per share this afternoon.

London affair between Arsenal and Chelsea

Limba Mupetami

WINDHOEK

After a long season, London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea will contest one of the most prestigious items of silverware in the world tomorrow when they meet in the 139th final of the oldest football tournament on the planet.

Arsenal stunned Manchester City 2-0 in the semi-finals, while Chelsea saw off Manchester United 3-1 to leave Mikel Arteta and Frank Lampard within one game of glory in their first seasons in charge.

Arsenal has won the cup 13 times, while Chelsea has won it in eight times.

However, this time around, the London affair can go either way.

Two fans spoke to Namibian Sun and predicted the finale's score.

Words from fans

“The FA Cup final is always an important occasion for the Gunners.

After finishing eighth in the Premier League, the team's only hopes of qualifying for European football next season is through winning this cup final, which would grant them Europa League qualification, so they have to go all out,” Tino Moses said.

He predicted the match will end 2-1 in Arsenal's favour.

Another fan, Michael Simon, said Chelsea will take the trophy.

“Chelsea will show their true colours tomorrow and will win the match 3-1.”

Two tourneys scheduled for the weekendThrilling action expected The annual Okahandja football tournament as well as the Kasu winter cup will take place over the weekend.

NAMPA

The Okahandja football tournament and the Katutura Sports Union's (Kasu) winter cup will take place at the Nau-Aib Stadium, the Sam Nujoma Stadium and the Khomasdal Stadium in the capital this weekend.

The draw for the tournament at Nau-Aib will take place at Okahandja at 17:00 today, said sponsor and tournament organiser Collin Kahuure.

Matches will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Kahuure added that only the first 14 teams will be drawn in efforts to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

Attendee numbers also be capped at 250 for the same purpose.

Kahuure said the tournament is expected to take place over one weekend only and interested teams should book their places in advance with an N$1 300 registration fee.

The winner of this year's event will walk away with N$5 000 and a floating trophy, while the runners-up will receive N$3 000. The best semi-final loser will get N$2 000.

Kahuure further said the wearing of a face mask will be mandatory and no one will be allowed into the stadium without one. “All Covid-19 restrictions and regulations will be adhered to,” he said. Last year's tournament was won by Smash and Grab from Okahandja. Meanwhile, the eighth edition of the Kasu winter cup will also take place on Saturday. The N$25 000 competition has attracted 22 football and 14 netball teams, and is expected to end on 8 August. The cup chairperson Kuveri Tjonga said the youth “have rested for too long due to the Covid-19 outbreak”, adding that the tournament will revive the sport in Katutura.

“Our youth are bored, most recreational events are halted and the competition will help them during this difficult time,” Tjonga said. He added that Covid-19 preventive measures will be adhered to and participating teams are urged to play their part in handling their players and supporters at the stadiums. Teams in the football category will vie for N$17 000, while those in the netball category will compete for N$8 000.

“Besides the prize money, there will be trophies and medals for the winning teams,” Tjonga said. The chairperson further added that only five Namibian Premier League players will be allowed per team.

“It is sad that football in our country is at a standstill and most players are doing nothing. We have to motivate them with these types of competitions, it will add value to their income and fitness,” he said.

Football matches will start off at 07:00 on Saturday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, while the netball games will kick-off at 08:30 at the Khomasdal Stadium.

Tom and Jerry won the football final last year, while Truck Team are the defending champions in the netball category.

COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

Kodak CEO's swells US$79 mln

Eastman Kodak Co CEO Jim Continenza added US$79 million to his net worth on Wednesday when his options in the imaging company turned from worthless to lucrative thanks to a US government loan for a pharmaceutical ingredients supply deal that super-charged the value of his shares.

Kodak's stock increased 1,167% in value in two days, after the administration of President Donald Trump agreed to provide a US$765 million loan for the company to produce pharmaceutical ingredients to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Continenza's stock options, granted to him when he became Kodak's CEO and executive chairman in 2019, had no value on Monday, but were worth U$59 million on Wednesday following the rally in the stock, according to an analysis by compensation consultant Farient Advisors.

Continenza also owned 650 000 Kodak shares as of June 23, which went up in value on the news by US$20 million.

Kodak did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Before news of the deal, Kodak, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2013, was only worth a little over U$100 million.

While Kodak's rally enriched all its shareholders, more than half the company is owned by a few key insiders, including board directors Philippe Katz and George Karfunkel. - Nampa/Reuters

Snap to hire more minorities

Snap Inc, the parent of photo messaging app Snapchat, on Wednesday pledged to double the

number of minorities and women staff in its tech teams.

Women represented 32.9% of Snap's global workforce in 2019, but make up only 16.1% of its tech teams, the company said in its first annual diversity report.

The social media company said that gender balance within its tech teams remained low and it will double the number of women in tech roles by 2023.

The findings mirrored the limited progress made by tech heavyweights in employing more women and minorities.

"We are determined to do what it takes to improve these numbers, because behind the numbers are real people," Snap said.

Snap added that it aimed to double the number of underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in the United States by 2025. – Nampa/Reuters

Sinopharm to test vaccine

Chinese drug company Sinopharm and Parana state have agreed to launch the fourth major Covid-19 vaccine trial in Brazil and will seek regulatory approval in the next two weeks, the Brazilian partners said.

A trial by Sinopharm would join Phase III trials already announced in Brazil by AstraZeneca, Sinovac Biotech and a Pfizer partnership with BioNTech.

Jorge Callado, head of the Parana Technology Institute (Tecpar), said they would soon finalize their proposal and submit it for approval with federal health regulator Anvisa.

Brazil's Covid-19 outbreak, the world's worst outside the United States, has made it global testing ground for potential vaccines.

Parana is also in talks with Russian researchers about producing their potential vaccine, the state government said in a statement, adding that Governor Ratinho would soon meet with Russia's ambassador to Brazil.

Russians have also contacted Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute to discuss testing their vaccine, the institute's director told reporters on Wednesday. – Nampa/Reuters

Aldi to create 1 200 UK jobs

Aldi, Britain's fifth-largest supermarket group, will create an additional 1 200 jobs this year in the United Kingdom, which will boost its total new jobs in the UK to 4,000 for the year, the company said on Wednesday.

Aldi, which has more than 890 stores and employs around 35 000 people across the UK, said in an emailed statement that it is opening new stores Sandhurst, Bristol and Edinburgh.

The additional jobs are a rare occurrence in the sector, which has otherwise been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak due to government restrictions on movement as well as consumer fears about large public gatherings.

Unlike the country's big four grocers - industry leader Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons - Aldi and rival Lidl GB are continuing to open new stores, driving market share gains.

German-owned discount supermarket Lidl said earlier this month that it plans to open over 25 new stores in the next six months, creating 1 000 jobs. - Nampa/Reuters

Apache, Total make oil discovery

Oil producer Apache Corp and its joint venture partner Total SA said on Wednesday they made their third oil discovery offshore Suriname, sending Apache's shares up 14% in after-market trading.

The Suriname discovery, dubbed "among the most anticipated in the world" by one brokerage, is seen as central to Apache's efforts to reduce its reliance on the Alpine High venture in Texas' Permian basin, which has suffered from diving natural gas prices.

"This is the best well we've drilled in the basin to date, with the highest net pay in the best quality reservoirs," Apache chief executive officer John Christmann said.

The third major find was at the Kwaskwasi-1 well drilled offshore Suriname in Block 58, which comprises 1.4 million acres.

Once operations at Kwaskwasi-1 are completed, the drilling ship will move to the fourth prospect in Block 58, Keskesi, Apache said. Apache did not provide any estimates for recoverable oil and gas. – Nampa/Reuters

The plethora of political economy in Africa during Covid-19

TUIKILA KAIYAMO

A global pandemic such as the coronavirus has indicated that globalisation can change in an instant, with various factors deciding how nations could operate within the ambit of their territories. The African continent has not been spared. To understand the Africa that we are in now, we need to analyse where we have come from. Even though the continent is still in transition from an agrarian lifestyle to that of the modernised era, it is still highly focused on agriculture, human labour, subsistence farming and informal economic activities. In the past we had invaders that settled on the continent, while claiming to 'discover' it, but in essence they left the continent to fend for itself and solely depend on the West for development. Against this background, the continent is in transition to economic development and self-sustenance. However, most countries are still classified as low-income. In terms of global pandemics, there have been two notable ones: The Aids pandemic in the 1980s and the H1N1 influenza, better known as the Spanish Flu, in 1918. The Spanish Flu, however, was more catastrophic as it affected a wider population. At the time, 500 million people tested positive and at least 50 million people perished, including Africans. In fact, 2% of Africa's population was wiped out by the virus within six months. Ironically, the virus was deadlier in the second wave. After the lockdown and quarantine periods were lifted, the virus reignited again and spread even faster. Which begs the question: Are we ready to handle the second Covid-19 wave?

Test of governance

During this pandemic, global governance is heavily tested. Currently, health systems are struggling to cope, particularly in Africa, as facilities are inadequate, testing equipment is lacking and people who have lower standards of living struggle to access basic services. Politically, the countries with authoritarian governments used the pandemic as another way to impose stricter regulations with stiffer lockdowns. In countries such as Uganda, Burundi and Guinea, there have been reports of harassment and beatings of citizens on the streets. Furthermore, there has been an attempt to silence the opposition, as well as journalists. Africa and several other countries that are classified as 'Third World' are feeling the biggest pinch due to the lockdown restrictions. Various businesses have closed down, families have lost their livelihoods and nationally trade has been inactive. According to statistics of the African Union, there have been more than

700 000 positive cases, which is certainly alarming.

Collective effort

This calls for a collective effort across the continent to curb the virus from spreading further. Simultaneously, we ought to see whether multilateralism is effective. Multilateralism is intergovernmental organisation that unites nations for a common purpose. In Africa, they include the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Covid-19 calls for shared responsibility to tackle the virus at a faster pace. SADC has recognised the importance of cross-border trade as essential to stimulate economic activity, hence it has established monitoring systems at borders to test truck drivers. Namibia and Botswana, on the other hand, have built facilities at their main international airports to monitor any arrivals that may have symptoms. Finally, the African continent within the last two years has agreed to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to increased trade amongst African nations to create self-dependence, as opposed to seeking major assistance from overseas. It is hoped this will accelerate economic development and create manufacturing industries, including pharmaceutical companies that can produce locally made medicine, and cut out the bureaucracy and highly inflated prices of overseas medicine.

*Tuikila Kaiyamo is a scholar of international relations. He can be reached at etkaiyamo92@gmail.com

Ablution facilities neededDonations continue to pour in for Twaloloka residents Twaloloka residents, who were left homeless by an inferno that engulfed the area this past Sunday, are in urgent need of more toilet and washing facilities at the tented area they have been temporarily relocated to.

LEANDREA LOUW

WALVIS BAY

A big consignment of food, tents and mattresses from the Office of the Prime Minister was officially handed over to Twaloloka residents on Wednesday afternoon. A fire in the area claimed the life of a toddler and destroyed about 150 shacks in the informal settlement in Walvis Bay on Sunday evening. Tents have been set up in an open area behind Twaloloka to accommodate the affected residents. Erongo governor Neville Andre explained that over 50 tents have already been erected to house most of the affected households. Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) also donated 450 tents.

Ablution facilities needed

“I am thankful to those who have assisted in making it possible that our people have a place to sleep, have matrasses to sleep on and have blankets to cover themselves, especially during these unpredictable weather conditions,” the governor said.

He called on sympathisers, philanthropists, organisations and the private sector to provide more ablution facilities.

“Sanitation and hygiene are of utmost importance, particularly during this time when we are battling the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Andre also appealed to residents to be vigilant and take personal responsibility to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring.

A room has been created onsite to house all donations and distribute them to the beneficiaries.

“We have engaged with Erongo RED to look at the possibility of providing temporary electrification at the site. They are currently looking into it,” Andre said.

A relocation plan aimed at providing long-term shelter to those affected and others living in backyard shacks has been set in motion.

“The three identified sites for relocation will be ready for occupation between 15 and 25 August on the erf given by the National Housing Enterprise and two portions at Farm 37.

“We are requesting the public's patience to allow the identified sites to be prepared. Further announcements by the relevant authorities will be made accordingly.”

New name

The governor also assured Twaloloka residents that government will help them realise their hopes for a better life.

“Twaloloka means 'we are tired', however, as brave sons and daughters of this country, we can never be tired. We should be strong and shoulder on.

“It is for this reason that it will now be called Otweya, and not Twaloloka anymore. Government is very committed and will make sure that we will provide the necessary support during such crises,” Andre said.

Otweya means “we are coming”.

leandrea@republikein.com.na

Keeping it real With music events suspended to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, musicians have been forced to change the way they package their projects, whether EPs or albums.

Often, Namibian musicians release lengthy albums with special attention paid to only a few singles.

I understand this phenomenon because musicians feel obliged to cater to their fans, and rightly so. But one element of packaging and distributing music that has not been explored in Namibia is releasing deluxe albums.

A deluxe album contains the same music the standard one has, but features extras such as bonus tracks and/or video footage.

Since many of our artists like feeding us with lengthy albums, this might extend the lifespan of albums instead of flooding us with 17 tracks at once. Just my two cents!

michael@namibiansun.com; @MichaelMKAY on twitter

Wieland is Dunes Mall's first influencer

ADOLF KAURE

WALVIS BAY

Namibian beauty queen and entrepreneur Andeline Wieland recently secured an agreement to be Dunes Mall's first influencer.

Hailing from Swakopmund, Wieland was crowned Miss Teen in 2012, was the first runner-up at Miss Namibia in 2016 and won Miss Continents in 2017. She also took part in the last season of The Bachelor South Africa, vying for the love and attention of Mark Butler.

She said she feels honoured and privileged for the opportunity.

“With shipping being so minimal at the coast, I have always made a point of going to Walvis Bay to get my mall fix and being able to partner with a local business is ultimately what I aim to do,” she said.

According to Wieland, the discussion for the collaboration started towards the end of The Bachelor South Africa's broadcast on M-Net.

Boosting brands

“I've always wanted to use my platform to promote local businesses and to also educate my followers. Being the fashion influencer for Dunes Mall really fit that description for me,” she said.

She added that the partnership will help immensely in boosting her brand.

“I've always wanted to raise awareness of the arts and creative industries in Namibia. I am very business-oriented and know what businesses need in terms of marketing, but also push boundaries in terms of content creation.

“It's a new challenge for myself and I am very glad I have been given the opportunity.”

Fashion road map

Wieland said part of her tasks as an influencer include focusing on what stores in the Walvis Bay mall are currently offering.

“I will also be giving tips and advice on how to dress for your body type, skin tone and shape. I will just generally provide a 'fashion road map' to help locals make the most of their trip to Dunes Mall,” she said.

The 25-year-old hopes to boost the mall to promote the fashion brands it stocks and create content on social media that can give insight and make clothes and accessories shopping less daunting.

Dunes Mall opened on 26 October 2017, bringing with it many new and exciting stores to the harbour town.

Adriano Visagie launches MN Creations collab• A unisex collection for the daring, confident and courageous The award-winning actor and media personality announced the major move on Monday, 27 July.

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

Typical of his relentless drive and winning spirit, Adriano Visagie named his clothing brand BOLD Adriano x MN Creations, and is determined to break boundaries locally and internationally.

tjil caught up with the multi-disciplinary creative to find out what the collaboration entails and how it came about.

Mathew Erastus of MN Creations has been designing for the past 11 years, Visagie said, adding that what intrigued him about the designer was his professionalism, attention to detail and the fact that he's self-taught.

“I have always wanted my own range of garments and MN Creations has been the go-to for the past three years. They've designed my red carpet and stage looks and, at times, looks for when I just wanted to feel good.

“Looking good makes you feel good,” Visagie added.

New looks weekly

The actor added that they will be releasing new looks every week to allow the consumer to go on BOLD's journey with them via social media. On the story behind the name, Visagie said it is a unisex collection designed for the daring, those willing to take risks, who are confident and courageous. He said their mood board incorporated the fact that both he and Erastus are introverts and played with colour to allow the consumer to explore new ways of expressing themselves and telling their own stories.

“We are breaking the stereotypical belief that 'pink is for girls', exploring the mixology of fusing looks and making it easy to wear on the go for both men and women,” he added.

Just be bold

“During the brainstorming session with our public relations company, Beso Media, we infused the names and realised that our narrative is simple: Just be bold!” Visagie highlighted that they didn't want to box the collection in by classifying it as either street style or elegant, saying that would defeat the purpose.

“However, there's a fusion of business, chav, modern and casual,” he said.

Other projects

Besides this venture, Visagie is currently focusing on post-production for the movie Kapana, and building up to the premiere. “In my personal capacity, I'm currently working on a new theatre ensemble at the National Theatre of Namibia, Boet & Sus directed by Lize Ehlers, and hosting the bi-weekly online RMB Song Night live show, with the aim of nurturing original Namibian music and artists,” he said.