Growing up

August 31, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Growing up Enzo Amuele



A common phrase met with so many mixed emotions, everyone has their say about growing up.

When you are a toddler, all you want to do is grow up and become a policeman, soldier and a firefighter as these are the most common careers kids want to follow, or whatever it is you are interested in as a child.

As you grow up, a lot of things change in our lives, and I mean a lot of things change. Your interests change as you grow up from being a child who likes playing around in the streets to a child who loves reading, for instance.

The fear of growing up starts to kick in when you are in your varsity years. This also mostly depends on how fast you mature and the experiences you have been through while growing up.

I imagine the thought of living alone would create quite some fear, but as I said, it all depends on who you are.

Some people depend on their parents so much that they would never experience such fear because everything is provided for them on a silver platter.

Someone coming from a rich family, in my opinion, would never experience the fear of growing up because, in most cases, everything is provided.

Someone from a poor family would experience this fear because they will have to mature at a younger age and learn to be independent at a young age.

But then again, you can also find someone from a rich family who fears growing up, in the sense that they are brought up in such a way that they have to hustle for themselves.

This is some sort of training for growth. A child is most likely not going to fear growth when they are raised in that way.

This is something we must refrain from as we grow up: Being too dependent on our parents. Gaining independence isn’t as tricky as it seems.

As you grow up, you must make sure to acquire the basic skills such as tutoring yourself how to raise a child, save money and whatever you have to do, so you won’t have any fear growing up.

If no one helps you to grow up, this is where you teach yourself about independence.

Growing up means being able to take care of yourself and taking accountability for your actions and decisions and trust me, all this will hit you hard if you aren’t prepared for it as you grow up.

Valuing our childhood is essential to moving on with our lives. Today is the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you'll ever be again and remembering that each day is a new chance and a new chapter is reassuring.

Do not let the fear of growing up eat you up. Stay calm and take things as they come - this is a form of accepting growth.

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September marks the beginning of spring. My Zone asked some young individuals about their spring plans. Here’s what they had to say.

August 31, 2020, 3:00 pm

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September marks the beginning of spring. My Zone asked some young individuals about their spring plans. Here’s what they had to say. Cathleen Guruses

To reflect why I have not achieved my goals in the past and what I can do differently and to improve marketing technique to gain more supporters for our online business.

Queen Moseke

Well, I have a lot of goals I want to accomplish but my number one goal is to take time to refocus and also take time and see how I can adjust my strategy for the remaining months.

Jo-Ané Tredoux

During this quarantine spring, I'm going to enjoy walking around in our garden. I'll be wearing my pink and red clothes and dressing in colourful and happy colours. Usually our family visits Swakopmund to feel the sun, but now a backyard tan will have to do.

Lesley Shetukana

This spring I want to dye my hair platinum blonde or turquoise blue. I'm going to attend my aunts wedding, which will be superb and lit and will be the wedding of the year. I also want to visit the closest national park, if corona will allow it.

Conny Shituleni

Entering the spring season, I will be doing a lot of drawing and painting. This will help calm me down as I will be busy preparing for my external exams. I might as well get back to drawing some colourful landscape nature drawings.

The monsters among us

August 31, 2020, 3:00 pm

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The monsters among us It is a continuing shame that especially little girls and women have to have it ingrained in them not to expose themselves to potentially dangerous situations where predators lurk.

The rape scourge, accompanied by other forms of abuse, remains the darkest of blights on our nation. This is fuelled by patriarchal mindsets and disgusting notions that women 'ask' to be assaulted or worse, simply because they have consumed alcohol or dress a certain way. The battle against the objectification of women in Namibia is a long way from being won. Obviously, gender-based violence is not unique to Namibia. According to the World Health Organisation, one in three women have been beaten, coerced into sex or abused, most often by someone they know.

The impunity largely enjoyed by perpetrators, and the fear generated by their actions, has an effect on all women and girls. It also takes a toll on a global level, stunting the contributions women and girls can make to international development, peace and progress. Often victims are dealt with as if they are also contributors to this scourge.

If we raise these monsters, who grow up to hurt and maim others, we are equally guilty. And until entrenched patriarchy and misogyny are addressed, women and girls will keep being afraid and looking over their shoulders. It all begins with a change in mindset and putting an end to victim blaming and shaming.

Wakudumo granted bail in AK-47 theft case

August 31, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Wakudumo granted bail in AK-47 theft case• Father claims police manhandled suspect A Rundu man who allegedly stole an assault rifle from a police car has been granted bail. KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU



Willem Longwani Wakudumo (36) who stands accused of theft after he allegedly stole an AK-47 rifle belonging to a Namibian Defence Force (NDF) member at Rundu, has been granted bail of N$15 000 by the Rundu Magistrate's Court.

Wakudumo was granted bail by Magistrate Hellen Olaiya recently and the case was postponed to 5 November. The accused was arrested on 29 May, the same day the rifle was stolen from a police car.

The vehicle was apparently parked at a shop while the officers went into a restaurant and left the rifle unattended.

The rifle was recovered soon after Wakudumo's arrest.

State prosecutor Godfrey Shivolo suggested N$6 000 bail but Magistrate Olaiya set it at N$15 000.

“The AK-47 falls within the definition of an automatic rifle. The Act is clear on the seriousness of this crime.

“The court is required to grant bail in the amount that can keep the accused in attendance,” Olaiya ruled.

Wakudumo was represented by Beatrix Bianca Boois.

Suspect assaulted

At the time of the incident, Wakudumo's father told Namibian Sun that he was disappointed with how officers publicly interrogated and assaulted his son.

He claimed that several police and NDF members assaulted his son at their Sauyemwa home around midnight on 29 May, after the officers had identified Wakudumo on CCTV footage.

“They beat up my son in front of his children, who ran and came to wake me up, and I also saw how they were beating and kicking my child while in handcuffs. Me and my wife even tried to intervene but they did not want to listen to us. They acted as if we were not there,” the father claimed.

Solidarity project takes shape

August 31, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Solidarity project takes shape Elizabeth Joseph



Two young women from Rehoboth started an organisation called Your Pain Your Blessing at the beginning of this year.

Their main purpose is to hand out sanitary pads to girls and women who cannot afford them.

Anthea van Rensburg (22) and Ma-ri Scheepers (15), both natives of Rehoboth, are the forces behind this change.

“The name Your Pain Your Blessing comes from the pain a woman or young girl has to go through. We are not just talking about the monthly pain of menstruation, but the pain until she finally gives birth," Scheepers said.

"We want to change girls' lives. We want no girl to have to stay away from school for a day because she is menstruating and cannot afford sanitary pads. We believe that education is extremely important to ensure a better future, not only for herself, but also for her family,” Van Rensburg added.

Their goal for the remainder of the year is to donate 1 000 packs of pads. They currently have about 500 packs at hand, while 200 packs have already been donated.

“We are working on MentalityGirl for 2021, where we are working on strengthening and nurturing the mentality of young girls in Namibia,” Scheepers said.

The start

“The project idea stemmed from Anthea and I realising one month that we actually have a luxury. We can change our sanitary pads every time with the comfort of knowing there is more. Not every girl has that luxury or has access to sanitary pads, so that was our motto, our adrenaline to change that.

“To give a girl comfort, so that she knows she can go out in comfort and confidence knowing that she is covered.”

Some of the sponsors of the initiative include Marthinus De Waal, Ubykotex and Jo-marrie van…

Permanent change

Your Pain Your Blessing aims to help about 500 girls. They did their first survey with girls from Block E at Rehoboth. On the same day, they handed out two packs of sanitary pads each to 60 girls.

"We bought the pads out of our own pockets and hope that in the future we can receive more donations and distribute more, because the problem is much bigger than just Block E in Rehoboth,” they said.

While doing the survey, they asked questions to girls in the age groups of 10 to 13, 14 to 17 and 18 to 20.

They realised that the girls who took part in the survey did not stay out of school when they menstruated, but that they did use alternative materials and items to serve as sanitary pads.

"The youngest group has not yet used alternative items. Most girls in this group have also not yet started their period. About 50% of the middle age group had already used it and of the latter group, many more of the girls used alternative items. They are forced to use socks or toilet paper,” Van Rensburg said.

An encouraging word

This dynamic duo wishes to leave a positive message to their younger generations by helping them realise that real life starts outside of one’s comfort zone.

“Your comfort zone is turning your dreams and goals into dead corpses. Never die with your dreams and goals. Achieve them,” Scheepers said.

“Negative experiences and emotions are part of the human experience. It is good to accept them and learn from them. You may not always have control over a bad situation, but you can adopt a positive mental attitude to overcome the negative,” Van Rensburg added.

Fun facts about the founders

Scheepers writes motivational pieces

Van Rensburg loves to sing and is a self-taught make-up artist

Scheepers is only 15 years old and is a mental health activist.

Van Rensburg rides her bicycle with her dog and has swallowed a whistle.

Scheepers grinds her teeth when she forgets something.

Nampol's iron lady takes aim at curfew breakers

August 31, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Nampol's iron lady takes aim at curfew breakers OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



The iron lady of the Namibian police, Inspector Christina Fonsech, has expressed disappointment in the manner in which Windhoek residents are flouting the state of emergency regulations, including the 20:00 to 05:00 curfew introduced to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

When asked what the biggest challenges were that police officers were encountering during their patrols, Fonsech said alcohol and uncooperative youngsters.

“Our biggest challenge is young people, the influence of alcohol, there is no discipline on the ground. Most of the time when you talk to them, they are drunk,” she said. Fonsech, who heads the Khomas police community affairs desk, and her team rounded up several residents between 23:00 and 01:00 on Sunday morning and assembled them in a parking lot opposite the Windhoek central police station.





Fonsech scolded the group, calling them out for breaking the state of emergency regulations.

Explaining the move, Fonsech said the police officers on duty during that time were merely doing their job.

“We are just doing our job, it seems as if the members of the public are ignorant about everything,” she said.

“It was at about midnight, 01:00 when we found these people… are they being serious [about Covid-19]? Do they care?” said Fonsech.

According to her the police need to discipline residents who break the rules.



'Take virus seriously'

Fonsech implored members of the public to take the measures seriously.

“Every single citizen must understand the situation and must take this virus very seriously,” she said.

Fonsech said it was also necessary for members of the public to assist law enforcement where possible and to report incidents where there are mass gatherings.

“We are not politicians, we are officers enforcing the law,” Fonsech asked.

According to her, the police are not biased in doing their jobs.

Fonsech further encouraged members of the public to join neighbourhood watch groups and anti-crime networks to assist the police.

Covid marches north

August 31, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Covid marches north• Four O-regions on alert, alarm bells rung over Oshana Medical experts say it is now a crucial time for residents of northern Namibia to be extra vigilant, as Covid-19 infections soared to 7 550 cases countrywide by yesterday afternoon, with the virus slowly but surely gaining a foothold in the north. TUYEIMO HAIDULA AND JEMIMA BEUKES

OSHAKATI/Windhoek



As Covid-19 cases continue to climb across the country, Oshakati State Hospital medical superintendent Dr Korbinian Vizkaya Amutenya has warned that the Oshana Region could be the country's next epicentre after Walvis Bay and Windhoek.

Sharing the same sentiments, country director for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Eric Dziuban, said there is a lot of travel between Windhoek and communities in the north, so it is not surprising to see the rise in cases.

Yesterday afternoon, Namibia recorded 185 new cases and three more deaths, bringing the national tally to 7 550, with 3 327 recoveries, 4 148 active cases and 75 fatalities.





After travel restrictions were lifted in the epicentre coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, as well as Arandis, snaking long-distance bus queues have been observed, as people travel northwards.

Dziuban said the increase in coronavirus cases in the northern parts of the country could be the beginning of local transmission in these areas.

“This is a crucial time for northern people to be extra vigilant. More social distancing and masks means less need for quarantine and fewer cases being managed by the health system. At the same time, government can be expanding the facilities for those who cannot isolate themselves at home safely. If we act decisively now, the impact will be greater than if we wait until the numbers in the north are already spiking,” he warned.



Medical staff ready

Amutenya assured the nation that nurses and other healthcare workers at Oshakati are ready to assist.

He urged nurses to “always put on a smiling face” to encourage those in hospital and relatives who have sick family members or have lost loved ones to the virus.

“All we need to do is to hold hands. Coronavirus does not recognise political affiliations. As Namibians we should come together. It should be collective efforts from all. Despite the shortcomings, our staff at the frontline are trying the best they can,” he said.



Oshikoto

Oshikoto health director Josua Nghipangelwa said his region has three testing facilities: Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital, Omuthiya District Hospital and Tsumeb District Hospital.

In addition, Nghipangelwa said the region has a dedicated team in all three districts who perform contact tracing and test people at home.

The region also has three isolation facilities. The Tsumeb District isolation facility has 16 beds for Covid-19 patients who need hospital treatment with oxygen or mechanical ventilation. Omuthiya has an isolation facility with 18 beds, while Onandjokwe has an isolation facility with 40 beds.

“In addition, Onandjokwe has two quarantine facilities with 30 beds combined, as well as one house with self-contained rooms to accommodate healthcare workers assigned to Covid-19 patients. “Tsumeb has one quarantine facility with 96-bed capacity that can be increased to 156 when demand rises. Omuthiya has two quarantine facilities with 16 beds combined,” Nghipangelwa said, adding that the region has six ventilators. By Friday, Oshikoto had traced 1 339 contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases.



Omusati

The Omusati regional health director, Alfons Amoomo, said the region has four testing facilities at Okahao District Hospital, Oshikuku District Hospital, Tsandi District Hospital and Outapi District Hospital.

The region has one isolation facility at the Outapi District Hospital and so far only 17 confirmed cases are in isolation there.

“Due to anticipated increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country, plans are under way to reactivate isolation facilities at all districts. The region has seven ventilators and one continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine,” Amoomo said. By Saturday, the region had identified 289 contacts, of whom 277 were tested for Covid-19, 204 were discharged and 10 tested positive.



Oshana

The Oshana regional health director, Johanna Haimene, said the region has one testing facility at the Eluwa Clinic in Ongwediva and a second one will be opened in Ondangwa in two weeks' time. Haimene said there were fewer than ten ventilators in the region but the number was expected to be increased soon. More than 500 contacts have been traced in the region.



Ohangwena

Ohangwena health director John Hango was unable to say how many ventilators the region has but said they were learning how to use them.

“We do not have a testing facility. We do swabbing and send the swabs to Oshakati NIP or sometimes Windhoek for testing. Swabbing is done in all three districts - Engela, Eenhana and Okongo. Swabbing is not only done in the hospitals but also other places such as the Oshikango border post quarantine facilities,” Hango said. The region has two isolation facilities at the Engela and Okongo hospitals. There is one being built at Eenhana. Ohangwena has so far identified 478 possible Covid-19 contacts.



Discipline emphasised

While emphasising that all Namibians should take the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic seriously and that discipline begins at home, President Hage Geingob announced this past Friday that stage three of the coronavirus state of emergency was extended to all regions for an additional 14 days, effective from 29 August until midnight on 12 September.

The president also announced that travel restrictions in and out of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis have been lifted. However, travel restrictions for the Windhoek, Okahandja and Rehoboth local authorities remain in place. Geingob also said that it takes an average of three days for Namibia to record 1 000 new Covid-19 cases. A daily curfew is now imposed nationally between 20:00 and 05:00, Geingob said further.

Gatherings across the country are limited to 10 people. Vocational training centres (VTCs) and universities will continue operating across the country. Face-to-face instruction may be conducted, where prescribed health and safety standards have been met.

Countrywide early childhood development (ECD) learning and face-to-face instruction for grades zero to nine will resume from 7 September. Grade 10 to 12 pupils will continue with face-to-face classes.

Petition calls for Chadwick Boseman statue

September 1, 2020, 4:05 am

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Petition calls for Chadwick Boseman statue IOL ENTERTAINMENT

A petition has been started for a statue of Chadwick Boseman to be erected in his hometown.
The Black Panther star tragically passed away last week at the age of 43 after a secret four-year battle with colon cancer, and now thousands are calling for the actor to be honoured with a statue in Anderson, South Carolina.
The petition reads: “Throughout his career, he has brought to life such historical figures as James Brown, Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall. However, most notably he was known for playing T'Challa, the King of Wakanda, also known as the Black Panther.
“This film, along with his entire body of work, has uplifted and inspired many black Americans, especially during the turbulent times our nation is going through.

Gave back
“In addition to his illustrious film career, Mr Boseman made it a mission to give back to his community,” the petition further read.
“Not only with his appearances at his alma mater, Howard University, but financially as well. Upon the release of his film Black Panther, Mr Boseman took it upon himself to rent out a theatre in his home town to show the film for free so that young boys and girls could be inspired by the film without the financial barrier.
“Mr Boseman is without question an American treasure and his accolades go on and on.”
Replace Confederate statue
And the petition - which has nearly been signed by 10 000 people at the time of writing - has urged for a statue of Chadwick to be erected where a Confederate statue currently sits in the town square.
The petition added: “Earlier this year, efforts were made by local residents to remove a Confederate monument located in the town square of downtown Anderson. Unfortunately, this effort gained no traction due to current South Carolina law. It is currently illegal to remove or alter monuments dedicated to confederate war efforts in the state of South Carolina. This has made any effort to remove the statue impossible.
“Many will agree that Mr Boseman is without question worthy of such a monument in his home town, but I would like to go a step further. I believe that Mr Boseman is worthy of the spot that is currently occupied in the town square... One cannot go downtown with seeing or passing by this monument.”

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Papama has big dreams

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Papama has big dreams Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

WINDHOEK

Brave Warriors and African Stars midfielder Marcel Papama says he hopes that clubs from South Africa or Zambia will notice his talent and sign him.

The athlete, who represented the country at Cosafa and the Africa Cup of Nations, has been influential whenever he featured for the national team.

He also had a wonderful season for local club African Stars before league football came to a halt.

“It is hard for me as a player that there is no football here in Namibia where I can focus my skills on in order to attract foreign clubs. “The fact that I have not been in action for many months has basically limited my chances of attracting clubs in South Africa.

“It is, however, still my dream to play in South Africa where football is more advanced than in my own country,” Papama said.



Killer left foot

The player said he believes he will be able to fit in at any club in South Africa or Zambia due to his style of play.

Not to be underestimated, his diminutive stature allows him to control the midfield masterfully.

Papama is also blessed with a killer left foot, which enables him to spread the ball widely with ease.

“I have seen how my Namibian counterparts are doing well in the South African and Zambian leagues.

“The fact that a player like Deon Hotto has manged to become such an important player shows that Namibians are blessed with talent.

“A guy like Peter Shalulile has also cemented his influence for Highlands Park and that serves as motivation for me to continue dreaming of playing outside Namibia,” he added.

The player said he is available for talks, even though he is still tied to African Stars.

Silver lining for Brave Warriors

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Silver lining for Brave WarriorsTough competitions lay ahead Hope beckons for Namibia's national team with news that international competitions will soon resume. Limba Mupetami

WINDHOEK



A busy schedule awaits Namibia with confirmation rolling in regarding dates for various football showpieces.

Despite the elephants of football fighting and the Covid-19 pandemic in the room, the Brave Warriors can expect a return to the field for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) as well as the African Nations Championship (Chan) competition.

Namibia is in Group A of the biggest continental showpiece alongside Guinea, Mali and Chad.

Guinea and Mali are hot favourites as they sit in first and second place with four points apiece. Namibia is in third with three points, followed by Chad at the bottom.



Action on the way

Namibia is expected to compete in double-headers against Mali between 9 and 17 November, and then Chad (away) and Guinea (home) between 22 and 30 March 2021 in the battle for spots at the final Afcon tournament.

The showpiece was scheduled for January and February next year in Cameroon, however, due to the pandemic which has halted many sporting activities across the continent and beyond, it was postponed.

The 33rd edition will thus kick-off off in January 2022, with 24 countries expected to battle it out to be crowned continental champions.



Friendlies await

Before that, however, the team is expected to play international friendlies between 5 and 13 October.

Local players will also get a chance to feature in the Chan competition campaign next year. The competition was slated for 4 to 25 April, but was also postponed due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the acting secretary-general of the Namibia Football Association, Franco Cosmos, said they will wait for President Hage Geingob's next announcement regarding lockdown regulations before they even think about starting training.

Warriors assistant coach Woody Jacobs said he believes the team has what it takes to navigate the Afcon qualifiers group when competition resumes.

To qualify, Namibia needs to find themselves in the top two after the group stage is completed or to bank on being the third as the four best teams from each group will progress to the knock-out phases.



Good chances

“I still believe Namibia, being third in the group after two games, has a very good chance of qualifying either as a group winner or runner-up, but we have to win all our home games against Mali and Guinea and then try and get a crucial away victory against Mali or Chad or two draws,” Jacob said.

While it's a tough group, with both Guinea and Mali considered favourites, he added that he believes “we have the quality to get these results, especially at home”.

Dates for the qualifiers will be communicated in due course.

Tsitsipas' towel struggles

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Tsitsipas' towel struggles NAMPA/REUTERS



The US Open is very different this year because of health protocols and for world number six Stefanos Tsitsipas, the difficulty in getting regular access to his towel is proving quite a challenge.

The Greek stormed into the second round with a three-set victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas on Monday and spent his entire post-match news conference discussing his relationship with the humble towel.

“It has huge importance, the towel. I use it very often. It gives me time to think, gives me time to refresh myself and think about my tactics,” he said.

“I have sort of a history with the towel. I used to have a towel when I was three, four years old and I would always carry it around. It was like my toy, basically. The towel resembles something special in my life.

“And also, it's not very comfortable playing all sweaty and having sweat drip from your face and get to your eyes.”



New rules

Health protocols put in place at Flushing Meadows this year forbid ball kids from handing players their towels between points, as they usually would at most elite tour events. At the Western and Southern Open last week, which observed the same protocols, umpires delayed starting the 25-second countdown clock before a point to allow players to get back to their seats and have a quick wipe up.That was not continued at Flushing Meadows, which led to world number one Novak Djokovic having a testy exchange with the umpire in his first-round victory over Damir Dzumhur.



'Really upset me'

“I was not aware of it. No one really brought it to my attention,” the Serbian, who last week announced he would be part of a new players' association, said in response to the rule tweak. “That's something that really upset me. That's something that I found just not acceptable, not fair.

“But I guess I have to deal with it.”

Rashford forms task force to feed kids

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Rashford forms task force to feed kids NAMPA/REUTERS



Marcus Rashford has formed a task force with some major food brands to help tackle hunger among children, the Manchester United and England forward said on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old earned widespread praise after he successfully campaigned for school food vouchers to be provided over the summer holidays in Britain, revealing that he had relied on such support as a boy.

Announcing the child food poverty group that includes Aldi, Asda, Tesco, Deliveroo, Sainsbury's and Kellogg's, among others, Rashford wrote an open letter to parliament endorsing three policy recommendations of the National Food Strategy.

The points include the expansion of free school meals to children whose families are on universal credit, expansion of holiday provision to all children on free school meals, and increasing the value of Healthy Start vouchers.



Ask for help

“I feel like at times people think they are being looked down if they ask for help, and I think in this generation that is something that should change,” Rashford told the BBC. “You should feel free if you want to ask for help. Hold your head up high and, if you need help, go and get help.

“We had to think about the best way to do it, to think about how these families can eat long-term and not have issues. We wanted to do it the best way, introduce the best people into our group, and see if using them, we can push it even more.”

Rashford also helped to raise around 20 million pounds (N$467.3 million) with charity Fareshare UK to supply meals to struggling families during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They will come back stronger – Hantindi

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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They will come back stronger – Hantindi• Positive return waits Boxing trainer Joseph Hantindi insists fighters will come back stronger than ever before when the sport resumes. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

WINDHOEK



Like many other trainers, Joseph Hantindi had just started training his boxers again before another lockdown was announced in Windhoek and other parts of the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While he has always been passionate about his job at the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias boxing gym, he admitted that it has been an emotional time for him and the fighters he trains.

He, however, vowed not to let his emotions get the best of him, adding that he still has a big job to do when the lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“I believe that anyone who has been touched by the impact of the virus had to deal with some emotions.

“The boxers are human at the end of the day and that is why it is important to keep encouraging them in order for them to keep fighting for the future.

“These guys will come back mentally stronger because I just feel that anyone who overcomes the emotions during this period is set to be mentally strong when the storm is over,” he noted.



Sharing tips

During this time, Hantindi has been providing tips and advice via other communication channels.

“I have given the boxers I train tips to keep themselves fit because this virus does not mean it will be the end of the world.

“The good thing is that other countries have shown that it is possible to play contact sport, even during the time of the virus.

“All that is needed at the moment is knowledge about how they are managing to stage fights in other parts of the world during these times,” he added.

Captainless WTO in troubled water

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Captainless WTO in troubled waterNo land in sight Many say the process has never been so politicised, and some suggest the organisation might be forced to ditch its long-held policy of consensus and ask members to vote. It could well be that many WTO members want to wait until after the [US] election, hoping that the administration changes. - Manfred Elsig, Professor: World Trade Institute Agnès Pedrero - As Roberto Azevedo left the World Trade Organisation Monday, the institution faces multiple crises without a captain - a situation experts warn could drag on for months.

Any future WTO leader will head an organisation mired in stalled trade talks and struggling to curb trade tensions between the United States and China.

It must also help member countries navigate a devastating global economic slump sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.

The global trade body faces relentless attacks from Washington, which has crippled the WTO dispute settlement appeal system and threatened to leave altogether.

Many observers fear that intransigent US positions could paralyse the WTO process of designating a new director general, leaving the organisation leaderless for the foreseeable future.

"The US demands that the new DG shares US concerns, many of which are about addressing concerns related to China," Manfred Elsig, a professor of international relations at the World Trade Institute in Bern told AFP.

"Given that the DG is chosen by consensus, this tough stance complicates the selection."

‘Torpedoed’

The WTO has already presented a timeline for selecting one of eight candidates in the running to replace Azevedo within a few months.

But Elsig warned that "the process is already torpedoed.

"It could well be that many WTO members want to wait until after the [US] election, hoping that the administration changes."

Azevedo's surprise announcement in May that he would end his second WTO term 12 months early forced the organisation to speed up its usually lengthy process of selecting a new leader.

Three Africans, two Europeans, two Asians and one Latin American quickly threw their hats in the ring.

The organisation is due next month to begin three rounds of consultations - dubbed "confessionals" - in which all member states confidentially voice their preferences, gradually whittling down the list.

The process, based on consensus, is expected to last until mid-November.

Growing politicisation

But soaring international tensions and growing politicisation of picks to head UN agencies and other international organisations could trip up the tentative timeline.

Members failed last month to pick an acting chief from among four deputy directors - something that is normally a straightforward process.

Brussels and Washington butted heads over whether German Karl Brauner, or American Alan Wolff, should get the job, in what observers say was unprecedented politicisation of an administrative decision.

Elvire Fabry, a researcher at the Jacques Delors institute, said that "the US veto" of widely-backed Brauner was first and foremost linked to president Donald Trump's wish to "increase the power play towards the European Union ... ahead of the elections.

"Making such a concession, even for an interim [chief], would have been too much for him," she said, adding that Washington might also expect the interim period "to be longer than predicted, and does not want to allow a European to settle into the position."

A Western trade diplomat who asked not to be named said there was concern over how far some might be willing to go to prevail.

Washington

"It is difficult to measure the harmful power the US is exerting on this process, to know how far they can and want to go to interfere and disrupt things," remarked Sebastien Jean, head of the French research centre Cepii.

"I think that is the great unknown.

"There is a feeling that the United States will probably remain fairly passive and show little good will until November 3," he said.

Some think the wait could last until January 20, when the next US president is sworn in, before things will move forward.

Many say the process has never been so politicised, and some suggest the organisation might be forced to ditch its long-held policy of consensus and ask members to vote.

That would mark a big shift. In 1999, when members were unable to unanimously choose who should be given four years at the helm, they opted to hand the two top picks a three-year mandate each instead of resorting to a vote.

But professor Elsig said such a decision would be unfortunate in the current climate.

"Someone with a short three-year tenure might likely be perceived as a lame duck from the beginning."– Nampa/AFP

Who's in the running?

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Who's in the running? Photos WTO/Nampa/Reuters/AFP

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The Windhoek Institute for Municipal Research

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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The Windhoek Institute for Municipal Research Job Shipululo Amupanda



That the cabinet and parliament are the most important governance sites is post-colonial orientation that has had tragic developmental consequences.

Local charlatans do anything, including bending backwards, to enter these sites. As scholars Ellison Tjirera and Malakia Haimbodi once observed, “there is yet to be an appreciation of the significance of local governance in Namibia. All too often, the experiences of and insights from sub-national authorities are overlooked in favour of an obsession with centralised politics and administration”.

The belittling of local government has caused it to degenerate into a site of suffering and despondency.

Firstly, the rush for central government has delivered local authority into the hands of the ungifted and scoundrels. The consequences of entrusting a mouse to guard a cheese factory are obvious. Indeed, as the Africans say, when a hyena is the judge, a goat has no rights.

It is the illiterate and/or semi-literate in charge of local government.

Walde Ndevashiya, as a then chief executive of the Eenhana town council, frustratingly confessed to a journalist in 2017: “You have a situation where some of them are semi-literate and are elected for either being in a certain party for too long or for being loyal. How do you make proper decisions on things you cannot make sense of?”



'Big man of politics'

Secondly, local authority has effectively been reduced to an upward mobility springboard in the context of neo-patrimonialism.

Enjoying the political elite's support is not them delivering local developmental opportunities but rather religiously following instructions of the big man of politics.

Those who disagree must explain how corruption convict Katrina Hanse-Himarwa climbed from local government to Cabinet.

Local government has become a theatre of entertaining, impressing and dancing for the big man - service delivery is thus insignificant.

Thirdly, the Namibian local government operates on the premise of the principle of extract and dispose for profit. They extract rates and taxes from the residents to fund their operations. Resources in their custody, particularly land, are disposed to fund their operations. The tin brains of illiterate and semi-literate councillors are incapable of going beyond this principle. Fourthly, dancing local councillors' proximity to corruption and rent-seeking is common. A simple search of the names Katrina Shimbulu, Jack Tsanigab, Immanuel Wilfred, just to mention a few, are of the many exhibits.

Corruption at this level is, however, not a new development.

In 2004, Gerhard Totemeyer, then local government deputy minister, observed: “We have noticed that the lust for money is the root of many evils. To some local authority councillors, money comes first and then possibly service to the people”. What can be expected of a person in transition? Think of an unconcerned bus-awaiting person who is expected to have regard to the cleanliness of the bus station.



Starved of innovation

Fifthly, and consequently, local authorities are thus starved of innovation and strategic foresight. Expecting a dancing and transitioning politician to think innovatively and strategically is to expect a bull to give birth to a calf.

Only when the enlightened, honest, talented, dedicated and independent councillors take local authority steering wheels can innovation and strategic foresight be experienced at local authority.

Since independence, Namibia has not embarked on any innovative local government initiatives beyond proclaiming existing settlements and villages without any strategic foresight. Can Omuthiya or Tses pass any 21st century local government innovation test? After obtaining independence in 1957, the Malaysian leadership embarked on a vision for a city underpinned by Malaysian values and culture. The city of Putrajaya was thus conceived in the late 1980s. Construction began in 1996. Putrajaya is now regarded as an important landmark project in the developmental history of local government in Malaysia. It was planned, designed and constructed by Malaysian companies with only 10% of the materials imported.

It is one of the most intelligent cities in the world. It was innovation and strategic foresight that accounted for Putrajaya.



No structural plan

In 2041, Windhoek's population will increase by 500 000 inhabitants. The City is without a structural plan anticipating this occurrence in less than 20 years. Kigali, Rwanda's capital, has taken innovative steps to prepare for the future. Its conceptual master plan has unveiled a long-term direction on how development is to occur over the next 50 years to accommodate an additional three million inhabitants.

They seek to create a liveable community underpinned by a sense of belonging and optimism, economic vitality for citizens, environment protection and preservation and Rwandan culture. Despite being under an economic embargo, the ingenuity and people centeredness of the Cuban leadership has delivered the city of Havana as one of the world's harmonious cities.

When Old Havana, a Unesco World Heritage Site, was deteriorating, the authorities involved the city residents in its restoration. Unlike Windhoek, Kigali and Havana place residents at the centre of their innovative planning, thus creating a sense of belonging.

With a coming political leadership prioritising innovation and strategic foresight, it is possible for Windhoek to take a leaf from Putrajaya, Kigali and Havana. Required is a strong research and development entity to not only lead Windhoek's research and development agenda but to also solve the complex developmental questions which may perplex its leadership.

As such, it is envisaged that the Windhoek Institute for Municipal Research (Wimur) will be established as a research and innovation entity to drive the municipal research agenda for Windhoek and the entire local government in Namibia. Wimur is to be established in partnership with both University of Namibia (Unam) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). The City recently signed a research memorandum of understanding with Unam and also signed a similar agreement with NUST last year. The establishment of Wimur will thus be easy and smooth. With the correct political leadership, Windhoek can unshackle itself from the socio-economic escapades, corruption, neo-patrimonialism and mediocre status quo to become a bastion of innovation, economic vitality and social harmony. Wimur is one of the many needed urgent solutions.



*Job Shipululo Amupanda is a mayoral candidate for the City of Windhoek's November local authority elections. He holds a PhD in Political Studies from the University of Namibia.

shipululo@gmail.com

Arrive in style with the New Nissan Patrol

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Arrive in style with the New Nissan PatrolPremium design, latest tech The latest edition of the legendary Nissan Patrol has arrived in South Africa. The legendary vehicle is one of Nissan’s most cherished models with sophisticated technology as well as a long and proud heritage. - Kabelo Rabotho, Marketing director: Nissan SA The New Nissan Patrol is an unmatched icon with enhancements that offer customers even higher levels of sophistication, comfort, and intelligence.

The new Patrol exhibits the best of what Nissan Intelligent Mobility has to offer with enhanced luxury tech features in addition to the striking new design. At the same time, the most desirable Patrol yet retains its exceptional off-road capabilities and class-leading power.

Nissan’s flagship 4x4 line-up is steeped in tradition and heritage, preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year. The new Patrol continues its legacy as a hero of all terrain.

“Engineered with the latest intelligent mobility technologies, the new Patrol will give its drivers and passengers a luxurious drive,” said Kabelo Rabotho, director of marketing at Nissan South Africa.

“The legendary vehicle is one of Nissan’s most cherished models with sophisticated technology as well as a long and proud heritage. We’re confident the new model will provide drivers with unrivalled luxury.”

Unmistakable prestige

Signature design changes for the new Patrol include Nissan's V-motion grille, interpreted in a new way for SUVs. Along with the new boomerang-shaped LED headlights, the revised grille highlights the Patrol's strong, angular front.

At the rear, the Patrol’s new taillights also sport the boomerang shape. They are seamlessly integrated along with a large chrome nameplate and sequential rear turn indicators, which have been added for the first time on a Nissan vehicle.

Machine-cut 18” alloy wheels add a formidable presence, with the all-new Organic C-Signature LED lights making this sleek design standout.

Attention to detail and luxury means a truly first-class travel experience for all. Inside, the class-leading interior space sports a 13-speaker Bose premium sound system, a multi-screen DVD entertainment system, 8” rear seat entertainment, independent wireless headphones and remote-enabled passenger vehicle infotainment. Allowing all passengers to enjoy the ride.

The new Nissan Patrol puts control at your fingertips with an 8” colour touch information screen, Bluetooth® hands free and audio streaming, climate control, Intelligent Key® with push button start and remote keyless entry - all helping you to get to your destination in a way that’s connected and effortless.

New diamond-stitch quilted leather seats with added padding provide a luxurious feel, as does the new hand-stitched steering wheel. In addition, climate control and powered lumbar support are available for the front seats.

Significant reductions in noise and vibration result in a quieter, more pleasant cabin. Improved cooling and air flow distribution systems lead to quicker cooling.

Intelligent mobility

The Nissan Patrol leads with Nissan Intelligent Mobility, equipped with driver assistance technology that helps you see and sense more, with a dynamic range of safety technologies. It’s a more connected, confident way to drive in all conditions.

The new Patrol comes with Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system that warns the driver of risks that lie beyond the driver's forward field of vision. The advanced radar system does not only sense the relative velocity and distance of a vehicle directly ahead, but also that of a vehicle travelling in front of the preceding one.

Also included is standard Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Driver Alert, which analyses the driver steering behaviour to signal and alert if signs of drowsiness, or inattention are detected.

Responsive braking is provided by a 4-wheel disc brake system with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Also standard is 4-wheel limited-slip diff (LSD) and a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, which automatically prevents the vehicle from sliding sideways on slippery road surfaces when changing lanes or negotiating a curve. Steering is provided by an engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system.

Pure power

The Nissan Patrol is known for being one of the most capable, sophisticated and advanced cars in the market. This latest offering builds on its illustrious heritage.

There is no substitute for power and torque, and the Nissan Patrol’s 5.6L V8 engine allows you to go where others don’t dare. With this class-leading engine boasting 298kW of power, and an exceptional 560Nm of torque, this powerful engine allows you to take command of any terrain.

Power and technology meet with Intelligent 4x4, ensuring that no matter how demanding the driving conditions, the Nissan Patrol will have maximum grip at all times, seamlessly transferring drive between wheels and axles. Simply switch between four drive modes with just a press of a button.

Even with more power, passengers can enjoy a more comfortable ride thanks to improved suspension and vibration reduction. - MotorPress

Namibian navy gets new broom

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Namibian navy gets new broomAmungulu takes over as commander NDF chief, Air Marshall Martin Pinehas, said Rear Admiral Alweendo Paulus Amungulu brings vast experience, knowledge and the necessary leadership to propel the navy further forward. OTIS FINCK

WALVIS BAY



Rear Admiral Sinsy Ndeshi Bamba Nghipandua officially relinquished command of the Namibian navy to Rear Admiral Alweendo Paulus Amungulu on Monday in Walvis Bay.

The chief of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), Air Marshall Martin Pinehas, officiated at the ceremony which took place at the Captain PNNS Sacharia naval base, with various armed forces top brass in attendance.

Pinehas said both admirals contributed immensely to peace and the security of the country and that their contributions were valued and appreciated.

He added the second change in command for the navy indicated there is development happening in the force. “There is positive and forward movement, with youngsters being groomed for positions.”



Vast experience

Pinehas urged the incoming commander to continue with the course set by his predecessor.

“I am aware that you are bringing vast experience, knowledge and the necessary leadership to propel the navy further forward,” he said.

Amungulu paid tribute to those who contributed to his career.

“Thank you to everybody who invested in me and helped me to get to where I am today. I am grateful to the ministry of defence and the NDF leadership for granting me this opportunity to command this arm of the service. I undertake not to disappoint, but to deliver to the best of my ability,” he said.

Amungulu also commended his predecessor, saying he had set an example worth emulating.

He called on all members of the navy to continue working hard.

“I only ask one thing, and that is to do your best every day. I undertake to do the same. We must work as a team and confront the challenges of our development strategy in a spirit that is becoming of those who served and sacrificed before us.”

Rising through the ranks

Amungulu was born at Okafitu ka Kahala on 16 December 1963. He obtained an auto mechanic diploma in Germany and worked in this field at the Swapo transit camp outside Luanda.

He joined the People's Liberation Army of Namibia at Tobias Hainyeko training centre in Lubango and trained in radio communications.

After Namibia's independence, he joined the NDF and was promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) in 1995. He was promoted to lieutenant (navy) after the establishment of the then NDF maritime wing and served as its chief of staff intelligence until 2004.

He was promoted to commander and appointed as the commanding officer of the Namibian navy ship Lieutenant-General Dimo Hamaambo, the first warship acquired by the country in 2002.

Amungulu was later promoted captain (navy), and held the post of commander of naval support from 2010 to 2017.

He was promoted to rear admiral (junior grade) in 2015 and was commander of naval operations from September 2017 to August 2020.

During his military career, the married father of three has been honoured with various medals.

COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF Zoom forecasts sales surge

Zoom Video Communications Inc raised its annual revenue forecast by more than 30% after comfortably beating quarterly estimates on Monday as it converts more of its huge free user base to paid subscriptions.

Shares of Zoom, which have surged almost four-fold this year, rose 9.3% to US$355.30 after the bell. Earlier in the day they hit a record closing high of US$325.10 in regular trading.

Video-conferencing platforms, once used mostly as a technological substitute for in-person meetings, became a vital part of day-to-day life this year for people stuck at home under coronavirus restrictions, be it for work, school or socializing.

When the pandemic hit in early 2020, Zoom was a relative upstart founded by a former Cisco executive that had gone public on a promise to make video conferencing software easier to use.

But the ease of use came with privacy and security concerns that drove some customers to competitors earlier this year and prompted Zoom to embark on a 90-day plan to address the issues. Zoom began testing end-to-end encryption of its service in July but has not yet implemented the feature for most users. – Nampa/Reuters

Facebook partners with researchers

Facebook Inc said it is partnering with external researchers to examine the impact of the social media site on society during the 2020 US presidential election.

The company said findings of the studies will not be published until the middle of next year, at the earliest. The initiative expands on its Social Science One project with academics who study political impacts of social media.

A group of 17 independent researchers from the fields of elections, democracy and social media will now work with internal Facebook data scientists to design the studies.

The company expects between 200 000 and 400 000 users to opt into the project, which will log what they see and how they behave on Facebook and Instagram.

It will introduce targeted changes to some participants' experiences, such as advertising or types of posts shown to them. Facebook employees will supply aggregated data to the external academics to protect the privacy of those users. – Nampa/Reuters

AstraZeneca's study begins

AstraZeneca Plc said on Monday it has begun enrolling adults for a US-funded, 30 000-subject late-stage study of its high profile Covid-19 vaccine candidate.

Trial participants will receive either two doses of the experimental vaccine, dubbed AZD1222, four weeks apart, or a placebo, the company said.

The trial is being conducted under US government's Operation Warp Speed program, which aims to accelerate development, manufacturing and distribution of vaccines and treatments for Covid-19.

US President Donald Trump has said a vaccine for the novel coronavirus could be available before the Nov. 3 presidential election, much sooner than most experts anticipate.

AstraZeneca, which is developing its vaccine in conjunction with Oxford University researchers, and Pfizer Inc with partner BioNTech SE have said they could have data by October to support US emergency use authorization or approval of their respective vaccines. – Nampa/Reuters

Delta, American drop fees

Delta Air Lines and American Airlines said they are permanently dropping domestic change fees, mirroring an announcement by rival United Airlines on Sunday in a push to woo back travellers.

US airlines are burning through millions of dollars daily as the coronavirus pandemic hits passenger air travel, which is hovering around 30% of what it was a year ago, forcing more customer-friendly policies to encourage people to start traveling again.

Atlanta-based Delta said the elimination of change fees is effective immediately and includes tickets purchased for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. American's change also covers flights to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

The new policies do not cover any of the three airlines' basic economy tickets. Low-cost rival Southwest Airlines has never charged a change fee for its tickets.

Delta, United and American were already waiving change fees through the end of the year to give travellers more flexibility in an uncertain environment. – Nampa/Reuters

Lagardere rejects meeting request

French publishing and media group Lagardere said it had rejected a request made by activist fund Amber Capital and Vivendi to hold an extraordinary general meeting.

"The supervisory board has examined the joint request by Amber Capital and Vivendi to call an extraordinary general meeting. It considers that the legal conditions required to diverge from the corporate schedule known to all shareholders are not presently satisfied", the group said in a statement.

"It reiterated that it is the guarantor of the group's corporate interest, its independence and its integrity. Accordingly, it has a duty to preserve the group in a particular context where one of the shareholders requesting the meeting is a direct competitor of Lagardere Publishing", the company added, referring to Vivendi.

Amber has been embroiled in a tug-of-war with the firm's managers since 2016, as it pushes for a shake-up in its governance.

It has been joined in its efforts for a board revamp by French billionaire Vincent Bollore and the Vivendi media group he controls, which has built up a 23.5% stake in Lagardere. Amber, a 20% stakeholder, and Vivendi are asking for four board seats between them. – Nampa/Reuters

Community's suit against miner shows activist trend

September 1, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Community's suit against miner shows activist trendSierra Leoneans fed-up Across Africa and the developing world, local groups are increasingly mounting legal challenges against companies extracting minerals. … degradation or destruction of land, destruction of homes and loss of livelihoods and ... dumping of toxic mine waste … Claims in court documents Cooper Inveen - At the foot of a slag heap some 40 metres high, Adi Kalie Bangura showed the black welts that dot his arms and legs that he says are the result of drinking and bathing in water contaminated by Sierra Leone’s largest diamond mine.

The water “makes us get headaches and feel sick in our stomachs”, said Bangura, a traditional healer and community elder in Koidu, the largest city in the West African country’s diamond-rich Kono district.

The aluminium roof of the mud brick house he shares with a dozen family members is pockmarked by holes he says are the result of rocks loosened by years of blasting by the mine.

Bangura’s claims are part of those made by a group of Koidu residents in a lawsuit against diamond mining firm Octea Limited and related companies, highlighting how communities in developing countries are becoming increasingly emboldened to use courts to pursue grievances against mining firms.

The group alleges Octea poisoned the water, destroyed houses and failed to relocate hundreds of households away from the blasting. According to a 2003 mining-license agreement, the Octea subsidiary that operates the mine Koidu Limited said it would relocate all households within 500 metres of the mine.

Corporate jargon

The complaint, filed in Sierra Leone's High Court in April 2019, claims an unspecified amount in damages for "degradation or destruction of land, destruction of homes and loss of livelihoods and ... dumping of toxic mine waste," among other things. On July 22, a judge ruled the case was "adjourned for judicial recess" until the end of September 2019.

In an email response to Reuters, Octea, which operates the mine, said the allegations were "baseless and without merit."

Octea is a subsidiary of BSG Resources, founded by Israeli billionaire Beny Steinmetz. A spokesman for Guernsey-based BSG Resources directed Reuters' request for comment to Octea, which also is based in Guernsey, according to the spokesman.

Ibrahim Turay, the finance director of Octea subsidiary Koidu Limited, in documents filed by the defendants with the court in May said: "This action is an attempt to exploit [the mine] at the expense of national development and nothing more."

Steinmetz didn't respond to a request for comment sent to the BSG Resources spokesman. Neither BSG Resources nor Steinmetz are named as defendants in the suit.

Mounting challenges

Across Africa and the developing world, local groups are increasingly mounting legal challenges against companies extracting minerals, said David Pred, executive director of Inclusive Development International, a UK-based human rights organisation and others who follow such disputes.

The number of high-profile lawsuits against foreign natural resource firms filed by communities in developing countries nearly doubled over the last decade to 30, up from sixteen filed between 1998 and 2008, according to data from Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC), a UK-based organization that tracks the human rights policy and performance of companies.

The data show success by the residents has been mixed.

Those 30 cases do not include some lower-profile suits, including the action against Octea, based on Reuters’ analysis of the data.

The complaint against Octea is only the third time that a large foreign company from the extractive industry has faced a challenge in Sierra Leone's courts, according to local legal specialists.

Plaintiffs

The April suit was filed by 73 plaintiffs who are identified in the complaint as part of an association that says it is made up of individuals who live or lived within 500 metres of the mine at the relevant times. In other court documents, plaintiffs say they have suffered coughing fits, respiratory infections and headaches from living around the mine.

Lawyers for the residents told Reuters they believe some of the health problems are the result of highly acidic water draining from the mines without proper treatment and affecting water sources nearby.

In its response to Reuters, the mining company said: "Octea Limited and all its subsidiaries including Koidu Limited, have always adhered and continue to adhere to the highest standards of health and safety according to international best practice," the statement said.

It added that the Koidu mine "has not used harmful chemicals in any of the blasting processes" and now only blasts underground which has “no environmental or social impact”.

Compensation

Koidu residents also allege compensation has been insufficient.

Local landowner Kumba King said her livelihood was impacted following damage to her crops and trees and that the 60 million leones, or about US$6,500, of compensation she received on behalf of the mine for those and her house was "considerably lower" than their value, according to court filings. She added in the court filings that Octea and its affiliates have never offered to relocate her.

In its response to Reuters, Octea said all local residents within the 500-metre safety zone "have been compensated in full" in accordance with local regulations and laws and international standards.

The defendant companies said in court filings that they have built 858 houses for the relocation of residents outside the safety zone around the mine, and they have nearly 400 more houses to build. - Nampa/Reuters