Wake-up call for local football

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Wake-up call for local football• Players' boots collecting dust Major competitions are lining up for the Brave Warriors, however, due to infighting, some players might suffer because of a lack of game-time. Limba Mupetami

WINDHOEK





Despite news that various football showpieces have gotten the green light, questions and concerns on when local football will resume are rife.

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) said the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches will take place around 9 to 17 November as well as between 22 and 30 March 2021.

The Brave Warriors are expected to compete in the Fifa World Cup qualifying matches, but will play friendlies before this to test the team's readiness.

Local players can also look forward to the African Nations Championship competition.



Squad selection woes

It would be easy to pick players based on past performance, but with no action having taken place for quite some time, squad selection might prove to be a problem for the current coaches.

Players who formed the core of the national side have become spectators to the country's football infighting, with their boots collecting dust and the whereabouts of others unknown.

Some players have returned to their home towns and villages, unable to keep up with city expenses.

Under former coach Ricardo Mannetti, the policy was that players without clubs and who have seen limited action simply do not make the squad.

In the past, this motivated players to seek clubs locally and beyond Namibian borders in order to secure national team spots.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the state of football in the country, that policy might have to be shelved for better days.

All is not lost

Players like Dynamo Fredericks, Marcel Papama and Awillo 'Willy' Stephanus have been seen practicing at various venues in the capital to keep fit, but many others have lost all motivation to keep going.

If this is not a wake-up call for football leaders, there is trouble ahead.

But not all is lost. Head gaffer Bobby Samaria and assistant Woody Jacobs still have the foreign legion of players to carry the team through.

Players in various leagues across the world include Peter Shalulile, Deon Hotto, Teberius Lombard, Riaan !Hanamub and Ananias Gebhardt, amongst others.

Meanwhile, the hope is that local players will also be able to show their mettle and be selected for their capabilities.

Today's intervention by the Namibia Sports Commission to announce the outcome of the Namibia Premier League's application to become a member might once and for all give local players the green light to get back on the pitch.

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UFC teams up with China

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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UFC teams up with China NAMPA/AFP



The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will help train a range of Chinese Olympic athletes to get them in shape for next year's delayed Tokyo Games and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics under a deal announced yesterday.

Although UFC-style mixed martial arts is not an Olympic sport, the US-based promotion has reached a “multi-year” agreement with the Chinese Olympic Committee allowing the country's best athletes to draw on UFC expertise and use its multimillion-dollar performance institute in Shanghai.

Zhang Weili, China's first and only UFC champion, is among those who have been using the facility since it opened in June 2019. China is a major growth market for the UFC.

Chinese Olympic athletes in a number of sports including swimming, cycling, speed skating and track and field have already been working with the UFC for the past 18 months, it said.

Chinese competitors will be able to tap into UFC's knowledge of strength and conditioning, sports science, physical therapy and nutrition.



'Proud'

“UFC is proud to partner with the Chinese Olympic Committee and be a valuable resource for their athletes,” said Kevin Chang, its Asia-Pacific senior vice-president.

“UFC built this (Shanghai) facility to demonstrate its strong commitment to China and to serve elite-level athletes who want to develop their skills and achieve excellence in their respective sports.”

The Tokyo 2020 Games were shifted from this summer to next because of the coronavirus pandemic, meaning the Beijing Winter Games will come just six months later.

“We are delighted to work with the UFC and send elite athletes to the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai to take part in physical and recovery training,” the Chinese Olympic committee said.

“We hope UFC's scientific training system provides help for Chinese athletes to prepare for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.”

Murray wins five-set US Open thriller

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Murray wins five-set US Open thriller NAMPA/AFP



Andy Murray showed the fighting qualities he was renowned for in his prime, battling back from two sets down to progress to round two of his comeback Grand Slam at the US Open on Tuesday.

Playing in his first singles Grand Slam in 18 months because of injury and the coronavirus pandemic, Murray dug deep to prevail in a four-hour 39-minute bruiser against Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, winning 4-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.

“That's by far the most tennis I've played since 2019,” said Murray, who lost in five sets in the first round of the 2019 Australian Open to Roberto Bautista Agut.

“At the beginning of the match, I was apprehensive about playing a long match because I hadn't played one in a while.

“I was sort of pacing myself. Once I got two sets down, I had to start putting the after-burners on and managed to get through.”



Set to play Felix

Murray will play 15th seed Canadian Felix Auger-Allassime in the second round.

Murray's comeback appeared to be heading for disaster when he went 3-1 down in the third set, appearing all-but-certain to be heading for an embarrassing straight-sets exit.

But showing the grit and determination that led him to three Grand Slam wins during his peak, he hauled himself into a 5-4 lead before taking the set on a tie-break.

By then, Murray was playing more aggressively, forcing Nishioka onto the back foot and into errors of his own.

The Scot's fist pumps became more pronounced and his roars of “come on!” more audible in spectator-free Arthur Ashe Stadium as he took the fourth set.



Broke back through

The first four games of set four went to serve until a Murray double fault put him a break down.

Murray immediately broke back though, a delicate back-handed lob from deep making the score 3-3, before breaking again for game, set, match.

Murray, the 2012 US Open champion, was competing in a Grand Slam singles match for the first time since last year's Australian Open when there was lots of talk of him retiring.

The past three years of his career have been ravaged by injury and he has fallen to 115 in the ATP world rankings.



Physically tired

Murray said he “did alright physically”, but felt “tired”.

He added that his big toes were “pretty beat up” and that he hoped organisers would grant him special permission to have an ice bath, with access restricted due to strict coronavirus measures.

The athlete had career-saving hip surgery in 2019, his second hip operation, before suffering another setback with a pelvic injury at the Davis Cup last November.

Horse-racing school on the horizon

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Horse-racing school on the horizonJockeys to get training Horse-racing enthusiasts and jockeys will get a chance to learn more about the sport and breeding horses as the country's horse-racing association plans to open a training school next year. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

WINDHOEK



The Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) is encouraging young Namibians to get involved in the industry.

With telecommunication giant MTC on board as a sponsor, the association can now conceptualise and plan more horse-racing initiatives and competitions. As things stand, most of the breeders and horse owners in the country are a bit older. The association, however, hopes that more youth will follow in the elders' footsteps to become top jockeys and breeders. Association president Marthinus De Waal said he believes starting a training school for jockeys and breeders will encourage the youth to get involved in the horse-racing industry.



Training is important

“It will be a great thing for us to start a training school next year given the need we saw in educating jockeys and racehorse breeders. “We also want to get the youth active in this fraternity because they are the future of tomorrow. “The training school will be open for everyone interested in taking up courses that will benefit the association,” De Waal noted.

The NHRA president, however, cautioned those who want to take up a career in the sport to kill time or to make an income not to do so.



'It takes passion'

De Waal insisted that horse racing and horse breeding is a passion and that only those with the love for horses make it to the top.

“We do not want chance-takers but people with a love for horses because it takes passion to develop something. “Horses require love and passion and that is why it is important for the youth to develop that love for horses,” he added.

A holoka mompangu omolwa edhipago lyayina

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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A holoka mompangu omolwa edhipago lyayina KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU



Omunamimvo 23, ngoka ta tamanekwa kutya okwa thanga yina sigo omeso momukunda Gcigco moKavango West muJuni nuumvo okwa holoka oshikando oshitiyali mompangu oshiwike shika.

Kandjimi Katjotjo Haingura okwa holoka komeho yaMangestrata Hellen Olaiya, ngoka uundilile oshipotha komasiku o 16 gaNovemba nuumvo, opo omutamanekwa a vule okukonga omukalelipo gwopaveta.

Godfrey Shivolo oye omukalelipo gwepangelo moshipotha shoka.

Haingura okwa tulwa miipandeko momasiku 12 gaJuni mesiku moka adhipaga yina, Behetta Nipembe (57), konima yoontamanana.

Otaku popiwa kutya Haingura, okwa longo oshimbuluma shoka e li kohi yodhungo oshowo iingangamithi.

Omusamane gwanakusa, Hilarius Hausiku (63), okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun pethimbo ndyoka kutya eponokelo ndyoka olya etithwa koontamanana omolwa ondoongi. Okwa popi kutya omukadhi okwa lombwele omutamanekwa opo a mangulule ondoongi ndjoka a li a manga sho a li teyi longitha opo yi vule yi ka nape.

Haingura aniwa okwa tindi, nayina okwa mangulula mo moompango ondoongi ndjoka, ihe Haingura okwa tameke ta dhenge yina.

Hausiku okwa popi kutya kali e na sho ta vulu okuninga molwaashoka naye okwa li e li muutile, okwa yi ontuku.

Konima Haingura okwa fala olutu lwayina mondunda moka mwali mwa lala Hausiku, naasho a penduka okwa mono kutya omukulukadhi gwe okwa hulitha.

Remdesivir kayi na uupyakadhi – Shangula

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Remdesivir kayi na uupyakadhi – Shangula• Omuti gwa topolelwa iipangelo yaNamibia Epangelo olya popile elando lyomuti gwokupanga ombuto yoCorona, ngoka gu na omashangelo kutya inagu topolwa miilongo ngaashi US nomiilongo yaEuropa, tali popi kutya omuti ngoka kagu na omukundu gwa sha. JEMIMA BEUKES

OVENDUKA



Ominista yuundjolowele moNamibia, Kalumbi Shangula okwa popile omuti gwoRemdesivir ngoka epangelo lyalanda opo gu vule okupanga aapangwa yoCovid-19.

Omukalelipo Centres for Disease Control moNamibia, Dr Eric Dziuban, naye okwa popi kutya Remdesivir ogumwe gwomomiti dhoka dha ulike kutya otadhi kwathele aantu mboka ya kwatwa unenen kombuto yo Covid-19.

Aantu yamwe oya li ya limbililwa omolwa elombwelo ndyoka li li kokakende komuti ngoka kutya inagu topolwa moUnited States, Canada nenge miilongo yoEuropean Union.

Omundohotola Shangula okwa popi kutya elombwelo ndyoka olya nuninwa owala omalanditho.

“Unene sho ngasshiingeyi Remdesivir ya pumbiwa noonkondo, aalongi yomuti ngoka otaya tula omalombwelo komiti dhimwe opo dhi vule okuthika komahala galwe muuyuni. Otashi kwatakanithwa woo nonando sho omiti dhoka tadhi landithwa miilongo opo tayi putuka kombiliha opo kadhi adhike moEuropa, moka omiti odho tuudhoka otadhi landithwa kondando yi li pombanda,” Shangula a popi.

Shangula okwa popi kutya omiti ngoka ogwa ulike tagu shonopeke ethimbo lyuuwehame koCovid-19. Ogwa topolelwa miipangelo yaNamibia na otagu ka gandjwa koondokotolwa kwiikwatelelwwa komalombwelo gomuti ngoka.

Dziuban naye okwa popile omuti ngoka ta popi kutya Namibia okuna elago sho a kambadhala mbala okukonga omuti ngoka opo gu gandjwe miipangelo ye.

Kwiikwatelelwa kiikundaneki moolopota dha piti muJuni gwonuumvo, United States okwa landa konyala omiti dhoka adhihe muuyuni uule woomwedhi ndatu dhili komeho.

Al Jazeera okwa li a lopota pethimbo ndyoka kutya ehangano lyoGilead otali landitha omuti ngoka kondando yoUS$2 340 momupangwa gumwe moUS oshowo miilongo yilwe iikengeli omanga miilongo iithigona naambyoka yopokati taya pitika omahangano galwe ga longe omuti ngoka nokugutopola.

Oshikundaneki shoThe Washington Post osha li sha lopota kutya Gilead okwa holola kutya otaka futitha oshimaliwa shooUS$3 120 momupangwa miipangelo yaUS, kwaamboka ye na omakwashilipaleko guunamiti gopaumwene omanga iilongo yimwe ya putuka tayi ka futhithwa ondando yi li pevi noopresenda 25, opo omuti guvule okuya nuuyuni awuhe.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Nantu against reopening of schools

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Nantu against reopening of schools NAMPA

WINDHOEK



The Namibia National Teachers' Union (Nantu) has expressed dismay over the decision to reopen schools for face-to-face teaching and learning.

The resumption of schools for grades zero to nine was announced last Friday by President Hage Geingob.

Schools are set to reopen this coming Monday after being closed for nearly five months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nantu secretary-general Loide Shaanika said the union appreciates the measures and efforts put in place by government to curb the spread of the virus, but the decision to reopen schools does not sit well with the union due to the safety risks.

“The health and safety of members, teachers and learners is of paramount importance, as a result, Nantu is busy engaging the Office of the Prime Minister to discuss this issue as a matter of urgency,” Shaanika said.

She added that the union's stance regarding the reopening of schools remains unchanged and non-negotiable, saying they cannot negotiate about “dangerous, infectious and contagious health issues”.

EIF working to become self-sustainable

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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EIF working to become self-sustainable ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Despite undeniable achievements in its eight years of operation, the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia remains challenged to meet the financial demands of environmental projects.

More than N$200 million worth of grant applications were received, with only 5% being funded.

In its first newsletter since the coronavirus outbreak, the EIF said it will have to diversify its revenue streams to ensure more local funding and sustainability.

The fund's head of communication and corporate services, Lot Ndamanomhata, said securing a sustained funding base remains one of its biggest challenges, and it continues to devise innovative ways of expanding its resource base.



238 000 people benefitted

Ndamanomhata said during the past eight years, the EIF leveraged the N$105 million received from treasury to successfully mobilise more than N$1.2 billion for climate change investment in Namibia.

It is estimated that about 238 000 people have benefitted and continue to benefit

From the different projects.

However, Ndamanomhata said despite these achievements, it remains challenged to meet the financial demands for environmental projects.

According to him, the board has prioritised the implementation of environmental levies as a measure to close the financial gap.



Environmental taxes

“The board managed to secure an arrangement with the finance ministry where the fund will receive 30% of all environmental taxes on incandescent bulbs, tyres and carbon emissions.

“Furthermore, cabinet approved a 100% allocation of all environmental taxes on plastic bags to the fund. To date, the fund has received N$29 million worth of environmental taxes from the finance ministry,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pandeni Kapia, a certified expert in climate and renewable energy finance, working as financial and risk analyst for the EIF, said the coronavirus pandemic has changed the world and the fund cannot operate as usual.

“An adaptive management approach that is flexible is being pursued by the fund, coupled with an upgrade in our work environment with regard to health and safety issues.”

He said the pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a secured revenue stream and the fund is working towards being 100% self-sustainable.

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Another isolation facility for Walvis

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Another isolation facility for Walvis• Residents urged to 'act fast' when experiencing Covid symptoms Sister Eleanor Jansen emphasised that it's important to act fast if you have mild symptoms like coughing, a sore throat, fever, loss of taste and smell, or diarrhoea. LEANDREA LOUW

WALVIS BAY



Walvis Bay's Welwitschia Hospital has constructed a 40-bed Covid-19 isolation facility.

According to human resources manager Estelle Ackerman, the facility is an addition to the nine-bed intensive care unit (ICU) and 24-bed ward for suspected Covid-19 cases already at the hospital.

The oxygen capacity at the hospital was also increased from 100 litres to 300 litres.

“Construction started on 15 July and was completed within four weeks. The facility will open this week and will specifically treat patients who have tested positive for Covid-19.”



Features

The facility boasts an administration block, donning and doffing stations for staff, a nurses' station as well as a small area where patients can stretch their legs.

An additional 16 staff members were also recruited on six-month contracts.

Ackerman said the facility will be open to both state and private patients.

The facility will only be operational as long as Covid-19 is prevalent.

“A fraction of the costs incurred are fixed and some of the equipment inside the facility are rentals. We should really commend the Walvis Bay community for their support and for helping when needed. This facility is truly a community project,” Ackerman said.



Patient classifications

Sister Eleanor Jansen, the infection prevention and control coordinator for Covid-19 cases at the hospital, said there are mild, moderate, severe and critical patients.

“Any patient whose oxygen saturation level is below 94% is classified as a moderate patient. The new facility will cater for moderate patients who need oxygen to improve their health. As soon as the patient needs more critical care, he or she will be transferred to the Covid-19 intensive care unit, which is located next door.” According to Jansen, people usually wait until the last minute to seek medical attention when they become sick.

“This is a huge concern and we wish Namibians could realise how serious this disease is. People are afraid to be stigmatised when it comes to Covid-19, as well as being placed in isolation. In many instances, they wait until it's too late before seeking medical attention.”



'Act fast'

Jansen emphasised that it's important to act fast if you have mild symptoms like coughing, a sore throat, fever, loss of taste and smell, or diarrhoea.

“Don't say it's just flu and medicate yourself with remedies at home. We cannot mess around with Covid-19. It's a killer.

“Act as soon as you have symptoms. Covid-19 is a reality. The sooner you get medical help, the better the outcome will be.”

leandrea@republikein.com.na

Fire management critical for conservancies

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Fire management critical for conservancies ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



It is more critical than ever for communal conservancies to keep fires at bay this year, as they depend even more on local natural resources than before.

It has been a devastating year for conservancies that are largely dependent on tourism and trophy hunting for income.

According to a statement issued by the Nyae Nyae Development Foundation, global travel bans and quarantines have meant that conservancies are struggling to cover costs and maintain activities.

“Add the threat of wild and veldfires to the mix and 2020 could turn into a dramatic year for conservancies.”



Proactive approach

The foundation said because of careful fire management activities in conservancies over the last few years, the impact and damage caused has not been as great as it used to be.

“The conservancies and its people are to be highly commended for their proactive activities in battling fires and protecting the land, before fires have had a chance to burn.”

It said with the support of the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, the Nyae Nyae Conservancy has continued to manage the fuel build-up in the area during this year and reduce fires that have in the past destroyed villages, grazing and other natural resources.

“It is essential that the fire management programme is carried out. This year, when the community is even more dependent on their local resources such as devil's claw harvesting and other veld foods, local gardens and livestock, keeping devastating fires at bay is even more critical than ever.”



Initiative success

According to the foundation, the Nyae Nyae Conservancy has been managing fires for six years, and currently, approximately 10 to 20% of the conservancy area burns annually.

“This is still a sizeable amount, however, [it's] nothing compared to the highs of 40% to 50% that it was in 2010 to 2012, before the initiative was started.”

This fire management programme is geared to protect lives, resources and equip locals to fight fires.

“It is a great success and has a major impact on the lives of those in the conservancies. It is a credit to the conservancy that it focuses on these issues when there are so many new challenges facing them this year,” the foundation said.

Meat Board stripped of poultry permits

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Meat Board stripped of poultry permitsAnti-competitive practices alleged The responsibility for the issuing and allocation poultry import permits has now been transferred to the trade ministry. ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has found that the Meat Board of Namibia is unable to justify the way poultry import quotas are allocated.

Furthermore, the requirement that all importers buy from local sources to qualify for a quota has resulted in the growth of a single supplier.

The NaCC opted not to launch further investigations into the allegations against the Meat Board, but has engaged the trade ministry to develop modalities to address its conduct. The responsibility for the issuing and allocation import permits has now been transferred to the trade ministry.

This follows the NaCC receiving a complaint regarding the alleged anti-competitive practices by the Meat Board.



'Unfair and biased'

According to the commission, the complaint alleged that the Meat Board's administration of the permit and quota system is unfair, biased and not based on objective criteria.

It was further alleged that the Meat Board's requirements unfairly favoured larger importers at the expense of smaller importers.

“The aforementioned allegations were alleged to amount to the limiting or controlling of production, market outlets or access, technical development or investment and the applying of dissimilar conditions to equivalent transactions with other trading parties as envisaged in terms of the Competition Act,” the NaCC said. “The investigation has revealed that one local producer seems to have thrived despite the fact that the quotative restrictions that were introduced were ostensibly meant to facilitate the growth of an entire industry, as opposed to benefitting a single supplier.”

The NaCC said there has thus not been any notable growth in the number of poultry producers and attempts by other producers to register and be eligible to benefit from the requirement to buy from local sources have also been prevented for unknown reasons.



No proof

Despite the Meat Board's claims that the size of the quotas allocated to a particular importer is attributed to the amount of local poultry the importer has purchased, it was unable to provide proof, the NaCC said. “In particular, it appears that some importers seem to be getting the biggest share of the import quotas, despite a lack of evidence of the volumes of poultry that is sourced.”

The commission concluded that the Meat Board may have engaged in dissimilar treatment in the allocation of import quotas. The NaCC proposed that the trade ministry revises the implementation of the “buy local” requirement insofar as it relates or applies to SMEs and other new market entrants.

It also proposed that information submitted by local producers regarding the local buying of importers to determine the size of the quotas allocated should be audited by an independent party to avoid information possibly being manipulated.

Restocking of silos under way

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Restocking of silos under way ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Household food security in Namibia has improved considerably thanks to a significant improvement in agricultural production this year.

Meanwhile, the country is restocking its national strategic food reserves at government silos throughout the country.

This is according to the Post-Harvest Crop and Household Food Security Monitoring Assessments conducted in the seven northern communal farming regions by the agriculture ministry from 26 May to 22 June.

According to the report, as at 27 July this year, the National Strategic Food Reserves stocks were very low, representing only 4.55% of the overall capacity of 22 900 tonnes.

“However, the restocking exercise has started as from May this year and is expected to run until end of October 2020.”

The stocks consist of white maize: 246.1 tonnes at Katima Mulilo, 665.98 tonnes at Rundu and 11.44 tonnes at Omuthiya. The Okongo silos hold about 119.37 tonnes of pearl millet, while the Tsandi silos are empty.



Food aid

“The silos became empty early this year, following intensive rollout of the drought food relief programme last marketing season in response to the unprecedented and severe drought that has ravaged the country last year,” the report explained.

The report said many farmers have started selling their grain surplus to commercial millers, individuals or the Agricultural Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA).

In the Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West regions, most households interviewed indicated that this season's harvest was above normal and much higher than last season's poor harvest.

Pests

Although the region experienced outbreaks of fall armyworm and migratory locusts as well as floods which affected the harvest, farmers indicated that it would sustain them well into the next harvest, according to the report.

It said food security in the Omusati, Oshikoto, Oshana and Ohangwena regions has also improved considerably.

“Many farmers recorded a bumper harvest this year, which is expected to sustain households to the next harvest.” Elsewhere in the country food security has improved in many areas after a good rainy season, the report added.

“However, in the south, central and western parts of the country, in particular //Karas, Hardap and Erongo, south of Khomas and south of the Kunene region, the situation is worrisome and requires monitoring and interventions for vulnerable groups.”

Explosives found at Oshikoto school destroyed

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Explosives found at Oshikoto school destroyed ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



The police yesterday destroyed 13 explosive devices found at the Tsintsabis Combined School in the Oshikoto Region.

These explosives were found by the Namibian Police Force Explosives Division that has embarked on a demining operation at three public schools in the region, namely King Kauluma Combined School, Tsintsabis Combined School and Tsumeb Junior Primary School.

The operation was initiated after a request by the regional education directorate.

“The request is quite noble and therefore extensively appreciated by the police, considering the fact that they prioritise the safety and security of their learners as well as that of their premises even before the schools resume next week,” said the spokesperson of the police, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi.

The police explosives experts conducted the demining operation from 24 August until 8 September.

A team was assigned to each of the three schools.

At Tsintsabis Combined School different types of explosives were found, but nothing was found at the other two.

The devices found at Tsintsabis Combined School included hand grenades and live ammunition.

Agri sector 'must be modernised'

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Agri sector 'must be modernised'• Schlettwein pushes agriculture as bedrock of economic recovery Namibia's agriculture sector lags far behind in the application of modern agricultural production and processing technologies, the agriculture minister says. ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Agriculture must be urgently transformed and modernised so that it can serve as the bedrock of the country's economic recovery efforts.

Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein says modernisation will also give effect to the policy objective of competitive sourcing of production inputs, and adding value through substantial transformation of the produce into processed or manufactured products for the domestic and export markets.

He was speaking at the opening of an agriculture conference in Windhoek yesterday.

According to Schlettwein the agricultural sector is by far the largest employer in Namibia, with agriculture, forestry and fishing accounting for about 167 242 individuals or 15.3% of the total Namibian workforce.

“Agriculture supports the livelihoods of about 70% of the Namibian population. It remains our conviction that agriculture offers the best opportunities to revitalise our economy, create productive and decent jobs, develop skills, transfer and adapt technology, bring about less inequality, better living standards for all and ensure food self-sufficiency at national and household levels.”

Lagging behind

But Namibia's agriculture sector lags far behind in the application of modern agricultural production and processing technologies.

Schlettwein said the agriculture sector contracted 2.6% last year, on top of a decline of 1.9% in 2018.

“The downward trajectory in the sector has been coming on for some time and must be a matter of concern.” According to him the GDP share of the agriculture sector now stands at only 3.9 %, down from about 7% in 2006.



Consumption economy

Schlettwein pointed out that the Namibian economy is a consumption-led economy, depending up to 60% on public consumption.

“When public consumption drops, growth disappears. Secondly, as an economy that consumes what it does not produce (finished goods and services), and produces what it does not consume (primary commodities such as minerals, fish and other raw materials), stimulating the economy by higher public consumption does not cut it.” Structural reform and significant investments in the productive sector are therefore required.

“Our task is to scrutinise the regulatory and administrative framework with the intent to clean it from unnecessary and bureaucratic provisions that add no value. We need regulations, we need a proper administration and we need to support the sector, but we must achieve that in the least burdensome manner.”



Strategise

He said the public- and private-sector stakeholders are thus summoned to comprehensively review and refine sector strategies.

“Recommended solutions must be practical and their implementation should be efficiently coordinated. The success of strategic sector interventions will be measured by sectoral performance against set targets.”

The minister said the key performance indicators should hit the national agricultural policy targets, including improved rangeland management, increased agriculture production, increased yields per hectare, national and household food security, food self-sufficiency, horizontal and vertical integration of agriculture value chains, and optimal utilisation of resources.

Recommendations from this conference will form part of the private-sector input into the agri-food sector strategy document that is being formulated with the technical assistance of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Vatuva helped to dismantle apartheid Bantustans – Geingob

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Vatuva helped to dismantle apartheid Bantustans – GeingobOshana’s first governor passes away Sylvanus Vatuva, the first governor of the Oshana Region, has been described as a trailblazer in post-independence Namibia. OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



President Hage Geingob has described Sylvanus Vatuva, the first governor of the Oshana Region, as a trailblazer, who had been instrumental in dismantling apartheid Bantustans.

Vatuva died at the age of 87 in the Ongwediva Medipark hospital after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday.

He was the founding governor of the Oshana Region after independence and was the first regional councillor for Oshakati East.

Vatuva served as governor of Oshana from 1992 to 1998.

“Governor Sylvanus Vatuva was a trailblazer and dedicated public servant. Comrade Vatuva played a crucial role in assisting the central government in dismantling apartheid Bantustans, and the setting up of administrative structures in the Oshana Region,” Geingob said.

Vatuva's post-independence contributions helped to develop the Oshana Region, he said.

“His contributions in shaping the growth trajectory of the Oshana Region to what it is today are indeed significant.

“I wish to express my sincere condolences to the widow, Mrs Helena Vatuva, the children, the grandchildren and the entire family. May his soul rest in peace.”

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Dancing around the golden calf

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Dancing around the golden calf Besides breaking free from the heinous yoke of oppression, apartheid and colonialism, the liberation struggles waged in Africa, and more specifically in our region, were spurred by the hopes of a better life and the restoration of dignity, which largely remain unfulfilled.

The golden calf of corruption and self-enrichment has laid waste to so many grand desires and dreams, as leaders dance around the idol of greed and pampering. Even a cursory look at the former liberation movements that eventually ascended to political power in Southern Africa reveals their evolution into parties that have vacuumed resources meant for the benefit of the poor and still disadvantaged.

This mockery has spawned both populism and apathy among the restless majority, who look with hungry eyes as the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.

In some regional nations, the 'ruling party' has overtaken the country as more important, and decisions are made, not in the national interest, but to keep warring intra-party factions from tearing former liberation movements from limb to limb.

It is of course true that when elephants fight, even those from the same herd, it the grass that suffers.

What cannot continue is how resources, power and money is dished out based on political proximity.

We cannot allow indviduals to continue to stuff their pockets on the basis that they are connected to those who wield the levers of political power.

ACC recruitment shenanigans exposed

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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ACC recruitment shenanigans exposed JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK



An urgent application by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigator Phelem Masule against Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who has set aside his promotion as chief investigator, will be heard in the High Court today. Court documents show that Ananias Iyambo, who scored the highest in the job interview, should have been disqualified because he had submitted an incomplete application. Masule's promotion was set aside after Iyambo had laid a complaint with the ACC over Masule's promotion. Iyambo denied that he had submitted an incomplete application. According to the court documents Iyambo was allowed to submit a copy of his driver's licence after the closing date, while two other candidates were disqualified because they had failed to submit their Namibia Qualification Authority (NQA) documentation.

Eventually the second highest scorer, Masule, was recommended for the position. Masule has been working at the ACC since 2006.

Masule lodged an urgent application in the High Court against Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila's decision to “strip” him of his promotion to chief of investigations and prosecutions at the anti-graft agency. Recommendations by the Public Service Commission (PSC) had endorsed his promotion.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stated in her answering affidavit that she only became aware of this appointment when Iyambo laid his complaint after Masule had been appointed.

She then requested documents relating to the recruitment process and submitted these to cabinet secretary George Simataa for his consideration.



Flawed

In his response, Simataa concluded that the ACC's recruitment process should be declared null and void because they had deviated from their own requirements and conditions when they allowed applicants with incomplete documentation to submit documents after the closing date.

According to him, that rendered the entire process unfair and unlawful.

Simataa pointed out that in terms of the Public Service Act the prime minister must engage President Hage Geingob to endorse or reject the PSC's recommendation.

“However, as good practice it is advisable that the prime minister may wish to first consult with the chairperson of the PSC,” he said.



Nothing personal

In her affidavit the prime minister said she had consulted with PSC chairperson Markus Kampungu, requesting that the commission reconsider its recommendation to promote Masule.

Kampungu responded that the PSC was advised in 2015 that it could not change its recommendations once they have been relayed to the person in question.

The subsequent decision to set aside Masule's promotion was informed by legal advice from the Office of the Attorney-General, the prime minister said.

“I confirm that I retain the position I had adopted in those letters. My position was not informed by any personal considerations,” she said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

'You slap, I slap you'

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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'You slap, I slap you' OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) boss Werner Januarie claims he was targeted by the police because of his previous criticism of President Hage Geingob, but admitted that when he was allegedly slapped and punched by an officer, he retaliated in kind.

“What can I do? You slap, I slap you back… you punch, I punch you back. What can I do? I am a man,” he said.

Narrating the story to Namibian Sun, the unionist said he was returning documents to a relative when the incident occurred in Dolam last Friday at about 17:00.

“I was taking back the documents of my brother-in-law. I was approached by police officers and asked why I did not have a mask on. I explained that my mask was in my pocket. They then said: ‘Oh, it’s this one that disrespects the president’.”

Januarie said a police officer slapped him and he retaliated by slapping the officer back.

He was allegedly punched thereafter, and he responded by punching the officer back.

When asked why he had assaulted the police officer, Januarie said police officers were not authorised to assault members of the public.

The scuffle resulted in Januarie being taken to the Katutura police station and thereafter to the Wanaheda police station.

He has, in the meantime, opened a case.

Assault denied

Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi confirmed that Januarie had opened a case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm against the police and that the matter was under investigation.

According to her, Januarie had obstructed the police from exercising their duties.

“Mr Januarie was detained for defeating the course of justice and obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty and the second case is for contravention of regulations of the state of emergency,” she said.

“Consequently, he started alleging that the police assaulted him, which is refuted. That case is being investigated by the internal investigation directorate,” she added.

'We have forgiven our child's rapists'

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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'We have forgiven our child's rapists'Victim's family says things are back to normal The family of a 14-year-old mentally challenged girl, who was allegedly repeatedly raped for months, says the 12 suspects have been forgiven, because six of the seven families that they belong to had apologised, and “things are back to normal”. KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU



The police investigation into the case of a 14-year-old cognitively challenged girl from Rundu's Kaisosi location, who was allegedly repeatedly raped by 12 boys, is continuing, despite her family saying the suspects have been forgiven.

The alleged rapes occurred between 23 December 2019 and 13 May 2020, when the girl finally spoke out.

The suspects were arrested and subsequently released while police investigations continue.

They are aged 14 to 18. One of them is the girl's cousin and the others are her neighbours.

The complainant's cousin allegedly sneaked her out of the house at night, and the suspects took turns to rape her.

The complainant eventually told her mother, who had noticed behavioural changes in her daughter.

“I was so angry. I wanted to go and beat up those boys and thereafter go to call the Namibian Police Special Reserve to beat them up,” the complainant's father said.





The cousin confessed and gave the names of the other boys to the police, the father said.



Made peace

On Tuesday, the girl's family said six of the seven families that the suspects belong to had apologised.

“Things are back to normal, we only remembered about it when you showed up,” the family said.

“Soon after you published the first story, the families of the boys came to our house and asked for forgiveness. We informed them that it is okay and we forgave them but we cannot withdraw the case as it is a State case now.”

The family said they forgave the families of the suspects in order to restore the peace in their community.

“We did not even speak to each other despite us being family. Now things are back to normal and we are fine with each other,” the girl's family said. In June when contacted for comment, psychologist Shaun Whittaker said cases of disabled persons being exploited are not uncommon.

“It's unfortunate that this sexual violence is not uncommon. It is very common that special-needs children, more especially the female special child, are definite targets as men try and take advantage of them,” Whittaker said.

He added that these cases can leave families traumatised if they do not receive proper counselling.



PG must decide

Ingrid Husselmann, the children's advocate in the Office of the Ombudsman, said: “Basically, how it works with criminal cases is that the prosecutor-general is the only one who can decide whether or not to proceed with the prosecution.

“So, when people come and say they want to withdraw a case, it does not mean that the case will necessarily be withdrawn.”

Husselmann said in a case like this, where a child is involved, the prosecutor-general will generally not withdraw the charges if requested to do so by the parents.

“There is no way, especially when it comes to such a serious matter as the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl. So, in as far as that is concerned, I doubt it very much that the prosecutor-general will withdraw the case, even if they request that. With regard to the parents' attitude… a social worker from the ministry of gender should go and investigate the circumstances of that child, because it is the parents' duty to protect their children,” Husselmann added.

Human rights activist Rosa Namises said: “It is really sad. Any kind of sexual conduct with a minor falls under the Combating of Rape Act, whether it's one or 12 boys involved.”

She said the families who have supposedly reconciled have stripped the victim of her right to be protected by her family members.

“As a result, they [her family] have placed their relationship with their neighbours higher than their daughter's life and future, in terms of the impact that the gang rape will have on her. It is really a sad state of affairs when a girl is so unprotected and unsafe in our society… What they are also telling the 12 boys is that it was okay to rape this girl,” Namises said.

“So, when these young boys grow up, they may have been given the understanding that this gesture (an apology) is all they need to do to have a case like this withdrawn by a family. They will think they are right to rape mentally challenged girls. The boys must be shown what they did is wrong. They should appear in court and be treated as criminal suspects.”

kenya@namibiansun.com

Toyota tops car sales

September 2, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Toyota tops car sales7 743 vehicles sold in August 2020 The demand for new vehicles has improved slightly compared to the previous two months as South Africa’s lockdown restrictions eased further to Level 2 last month. The company’s marketing strategy is not just limited to new vehicle sales leadership.Leon Theron, senior vice president of sales and marketing: TSAM. Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) reported sales of 7 743 vehicles in August 2020, an increase of 279 units compared to the previous month of July.

It was again the Toyota Hilux that spearheaded the company’s local sales with an enviable total of 3 610 units sold. The Double Cab configuration with 1 850 sales remains top of mind for customers, while Single and Extra Cab versions accounted for 1 071 and 689 of the total Hilux sales, respectively.

Ultimately, TSAM’s total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales have continued to shoot the lights out in the segment with 4 853 vehicles sold, thanks in part to 1 000 Hiace and 125 Land Cruiser 79 pick-up models sold, as well as dozens of Quantum and Dyna units finding new homes.

On the passenger front, the Fortuner led Toyota’s SUV assault with 733 units retailed, while Etios and Corolla Quest posted sales of 415 and 370 units apiece. On the truck front, there was a strong showing by the Hino 300 Series with 204 units in the Medium Commercial Vehicles segment while the 500 Series posted 86 sales in the Heavy Commercial Vehicles category.

However, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM, Leon Theron, says the company’s marketing strategy is not just limited to new vehicle sales leadership. In fact, he commended local Toyota, Hino and Lexus dealerships for servicing a total of 107 636 vehicles and selling no less than 1 182 million vehicle parts locally while a further 275 000 pieces were shipped outside of our borders.

TSAM’s total sales of 7 743, out of the industry aggregate of 33 515, translated to a laudable market share of 23.1%. According to Theron: “Our market share has been consistent above 20% and right now it remains well above that level. In saying that, as we continue to navigate through these profound times, being number one is not top of mind, because leadership is not just about volume in isolation it never has been. It is also about trust and having an emotional connection with our customers, a deep understanding that enables us to meet their needs and even anticipate them.

“So, rather than just focusing on sales every month, we are also interested in how we further cement trust in the Toyota, Lexus and Hino brands, because by doing that we will build a sustainable business where sales volumes can largely take care of themselves.”

Predictions

Globally, the organisation’s sales and production volumes had already recovered to 90% of the previous year's July figures following Covid-19-induced disruptions in both retail and manufacturing. Toyota Motor Corporation the parent company of TSAM and other Toyota affiliates predict that worldwide sales are expected to slump by approximately 15% between July and September, decrease around 5% down between October to December, and then ease slowly up by approximately 5% from January to March in 2021.

The National Association of Automotive Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) noted that the demand for new vehicles has improved slightly compared to the previous two months as South Africa’s lockdown restrictions eased further to Level 2 last month.

The association noted that activity in the new vehicle market is expected to remain low for the remainder of the year due to the uncertainties relating to the economic impact of the coronavirus, compounded by the need for both consumers and businesses alike to adapt to short-term budget pressures.

“We see TSAM as a microcosm and a reflection of the communities we live in. We are a resilient nation, and we therefore believe that our economy will improve, and it will do so in tandem with our vehicle sales. In the meantime, we will continue to support our dealers, employees and customers in the best possible way. TSAM is grateful for the relationships cultivated in these areas as they keep the organisation in good stead during these challenging times,” concludes Theron. - MotorPress