The right to choose

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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The right to choose• //Karas youth lead voter registration charge It is extremely important that young people register for the upcoming elections, so that they can air their views in the form of choosing leaders of their choice, said ECN regional coordinator, Augustinus Ucham. ELIZABETH JOSEPH

KEETMANSHOOP



Youth in //Karas are leading the way in taking advantage of the supplementary voter registration period countrywide, which ends tomorrow.

According to Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) regional coordinator, Augustinus Ucham, the main reason why young people may be flocking to registration points is the impactful voter education campaign they ran from July and which will continue until after the elections.

The aim of this campaign is to inform young people and the nation at large of their rights and the importance of voter registration.

“It is extremely important that young people register for the upcoming elections, so that they can air their views in the form of choosing leaders of their choice,” Ucham said. The supplementary registration period targets newly eligible voters who recently turned 18, individuals who lost their voter cards as well as those who have moved from one constituency to another.



Youth dominance

Last week, queues //Karas were full of young people who shared why they decided to register for the upcoming elections.

Among them was 18-year-old Evaristo Isaak, who said he made the decision to become a voter in order to exercise his right to choose.

“Of course, as with any other young person, my parents had some hand in encouraging me to vote and exercise my democratic right, but I also know that we as young people are the future, and because of that we have to actively be involved in politics, as well as other areas in our societies,” he said. Vernon Hartung said he believes voter apathy is a cancer in any community or country, and the less involved citizens are, the more disenfranchised they become.

“This leads to a disconnect between citizens and leaders, leading to frustration, which can be volatile at best.

“By voting, you involve yourself in the decision-making process of your country, and the principles and ideals you wish to see your country adhere and aspire to,” he said.

Involvement

As part of the ECN's initiative to encourage youth involvement during the upcoming elections, it has also recruited youth ambassadors to serve as a push factor for young Namibians to exercise their democratic right to vote. Altogether, 30 station teams have been positioned in the region in various constituencies and local authorities, both mobile and semi-fixed.

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Namibia drops in economic freedom ranking

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Namibia drops in economic freedom ranking ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Namibia has dropped slightly in its economic freedom ranking, falling to 107th out of 162 countries and territories, compared to 106th last year.

This is according to the Economic Freedom of the World 2020 Report which was released by the Free Market Foundation in conjunction with Canada's Fraser Institute last week.

In 2000, Namibia's stood at 75th and in 2010, the country was placed 90th.

Hong Kong and Singapore again topped the index, continuing their streak as first and second respectively. New Zealand, Switzerland, the United States of America, Australia, Mauritius, Georgia, Canada and Ireland rounded out the top 10.



Premier economic freedom measurement

The report, based on 2018 data, the most recent comparable data, is the world's premier measurement of economic freedom.

It measures and ranks countries in five areas – size of government, legal structure and security of property rights, access to sound money, freedom to trade internationally and regulation of credit, labour and business.

The report showed that Namibia reported marginal decreases in nearly all the components of economic freedom.

A score closer to 10 indicates a higher level of economic freedom.

Namibia's score for size of government changed to 5.56 from 5.71 in last year's report, while the score for legal system and property rights changed to 6.18 from 6.36.

The score for access to sound money changed to 8.34 from 8.37, freedom to trade internationally changed to 5.91 from 6.48, while the score for regulation of credit, labour and business changed to 8.21 from 7.66.



Lowest rated countries

According to the report, the 10 lowest rated countries were the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, the Republic of Congo, Algeria, Iran, Angola, Libya, Sudan and Venezuela.

According to research, people living in countries with high levels of economic freedom enjoy greater prosperity, more political and civil liberties and longer lives.

For example, countries in the top quartile of economic freedom had an

average per-capita gross domestic product of $44 198 in 2018 in comparison to $5 754 for countries in the bottom quartile.

Also, in the top quartile, the average income of the poorest 10% was $12 293, compared to $1 558 in the bottom quartile.

Interestingly, the report indicated that the average income of the poorest 10% in the most economically-free countries is more than double the average per-capita income of that in the least free countries.

“Where people are free to pursue their own opportunities and make their own choices, they lead more prosperous, happier and healthier lives,” said Fred McMahon, the research chair in economic freedom at the Fraser Institute.

Company news in brief

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Company news in brief Kosmos Energy to sell Nam asset to Shell

Oil and gas producer Kosmos Energy said last week it agreed to sell certain exploration assets in Africa and South America to a unit of Royal Dutch Shell for up to US$200 million.

Shell will acquire the company’s participating interest in blocks offshore São Tomé and Príncipe, Suriname, Namibia and South Africa, Kosmos said in a statement.

Kosmos said it plans to use up to one-third of the initial sale proceeds of US$100 million to test two high-quality infrastructure-led exploration prospects in the Gulf of Mexico.

Dallas, Texas-based Kosmos said it expects to realise about US$125 million in total savings across capital expenditures over the next two years after the sale. – Nampa/Reuters

Rio Tinto exits reverberates across boardrooms

The departure of Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques (photo) over the destruction of ancient Aboriginal heritage sites in Australia has put mining executives globally on notice of ignoring cultural and social issues at your peril.

Jacques and two deputies resigned on Friday after weeks of shareholder pressure over what was seen as the miner's inadequate initial response to the destruction of the rockshelters - a board-led inquiry found no single individual was at fault and reprimanded the three senior executives by trimming bonus payments.

"For the CEO and a couple of senior management to go over an ESG issue, it's just going to reverberate through board rooms throughout the resource sector," said Ben Cleary, a partner at Tribeca Investment Partners.

Rio chairman Simon Thompson said on Friday that what happened at the site had been wrong and that the company was "determined to ensure that the destruction of a heritage site of such exceptional archaeological and cultural significance never occurs again".

Rio's detonations, which allowed it to access higher grade iron ore, came amid a wider movement in Australia focused on the treatment of Aboriginal groups, who fall behind the general population on markers ranging from child mortality to literacy. – Nampa/Reuters

Harmony Gold expects full year loss

South Africa's Harmony Gold Mining said on Thursday it expects to report a loss for the full year as a R1.7 billion derivative loss hits profits though revenue increased on a higher gold price.

The gold miner expects headline loss per share (HEPS) for the year ended June 30, to be between 139 and 169 cents, compared to earnings of 204 cents per share reported in the year-ago period.

Harmony said it recorded derivative losses of close to R1.7 billion compared to gains of R484 million a year ago, driven by a weaker South African rand-US dollar exchange rate and the strengthening of commodity prices during the year.

The company said it had also recorded a loss of about R919 million on its dollar-denominated debt compared to a loss of R78 million a year earlier.

A surge in the gold price, however, contributed to an increase in revenue to R29.2 billion from R26.9 billion. – Nampa/Reuters

SAA needs state cash this week

South African Airways needs short-term funding from the government by the end of next week for the state carrier's business rescue process to continue, its administrators said on Thursday.

"It is prudent to advise affected persons of the company's dire financial position," they said in a statement. "The existing funds which are available for operational expenditure ... are near depletion."

The administrators plan to scale back the fleet and cut jobs but at least R10 billion in new funds is needed.

The government has yet to clarify where it will find the money but said in a statement on Thursday that a decision on the sources of funding would be announced "soon".

The administrators said the government had so far advanced R9.3 billion to pay various lenders, but that the remaining portion of short-term funding had yet to materialise. – Nampa/Reuters

Lufthansa's Swiss unit could cut 15% of jobs

Lufthansa's Swiss unit could cut up to 15% of its 9 500 jobs if it cannot agree salary cuts with staff as it seeks to meet strict savings targets in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Swiss weekly Sonntagszeitung said yesterday.

"It is our target to get through the crisis with as many employees as possible," the paper quoted a spokesman for Swiss as saying. "We have to cut costs by around 20%. We are not only focusing on personnel costs, but on every unit of the company."

There has been a first round of negotiations on temporary adjustments to working conditions and an overhaul of the benefits plan, a spokesman for Swiss union VPOD which represents ground staff told Reuters.

"Swiss has declared that it must achieve 15% cost savings. How this will be achieved is not yet clear," he said.

Swiss parent Lufthansa has pledged a restructure ranging from thousands of job cuts to asset sales, as it seeks to repay a 9 billion euro (US$11 billion) state bailout and navigate deepening losses in the face of the pandemic. – Nampa/Reuters

Agribank rolls out production stimulus loans

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Agribank rolls out production stimulus loans ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Clients will soon be able to apply for production loans at Agribank as part of its coronavirus relief stimulus package.

It announced the package in May.

At the time, Agribank CEO Sakaria Nghikembua said the relief elements were to be implemented from 1 June, while the roll-out of stimulus loans would be announced as soon as funding had been secured.

According to Agribank, the finance ministry provided a guarantee for the bank to borrow N$200 million for these stimulus loans. In a media statement, Nghikembua advised that clients can start applying for the production loans from Monday, 21 September. Both existing and new clients are eligible.



Stimulating the economy

He added these loans are intended to provide stimulus to the economy by supporting the achievement of optimal production levels. They are also intended to enhance resilience through the creation of additional income streams for farmers.

Nghikembua said stimulus loans could include loans for production inputs or for infrastructure that supports production.

Examples include loans for cropping facilities, livestock restocking and charcoal production, as well as for poultry and farm infrastructure improvement that directly supports production. According to Agribank, clients do not need to prove coronavirus impacts, but must be in good standing in terms of their existing loan accounts. Normal credit assessment processes will apply.

The bank has various existing products to support production, and normal product interest rates will apply.

Clients are advised to apply at their nearest Agribank branch.

Water thievery nightmare

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Water thievery nightmare• Illegal connections rife at Rundu Rundu town council administrator, Sebastian Kantema, says those indulging in the “selfish act” of stealing water should stop immediately. Kenya Kambowe

RUNDU



Water stolen from Rundu town council pipelines has become a thorn in the flesh of the cash-strapped town, which currently has to fork out millions every month to pay its steadily growing NamWater debt of about N$100 million.

Illegal water connections have been a hot topic at the riverside town over the years.

Last week, Namibian Sun observed three construction companies, Strydom Construction, Mukapa Investment and Greenworks Investment, which are currently constructing houses near the Kaisosi location, being fined N$10 000 each for sourcing water directly from the council's pipelines without following established procedures.

The companies are subcontracted by MPEACE Property Development, which is currently building hundreds of houses in Rundu.

The companies connected to the council's main pipeline despite having procured water meters, therefore costing them less.

Namibian Sun understands that the aim is to increase their profits.

The fines must be paid by 2 October, while the water meters will remain disconnected until they cough up.



'Not my fault'

When contacted for comment, Fourie de Villiers from MPEACE Property Development denied that the companies were stealing water from the council to construct houses.

“Let me make it clear and let us understand each other, if you put my name in the newspaper, then we will have problems. My brother, don't try something you don't have facts on,” he said.

After several threats, he later admitted that the subcontractors were at fault.

“The subcontractors that are building there are the guys who made the fault; it is not me that made any fault, that we must understand clearly,” he further said.



Illegal water connections rife

Rundu town council administrator, Sebastian Kantema, told Namibian Sun illegal water connections are rife at the town. He said council has been fining people caught stealing water, however, the situation remains.

He also said those who are stealing water are disadvantaging others, because council is forced to pay more money to NamWater.

“It's a very serious issue and residents should just refrain from that. We are the ones complaining that we need to provide services, yet we are the same people stealing the resource,” Kantema said.

“It's a selfish act being committed by those doing it and they should stop.”

Okahandja evictions case postponed to October

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Okahandja evictions case postponed to October AUGETTO CRAIG

WINDHOEK

Illegal squatters in Okahandja will have to wait until 9 October for Judge Hosea Angula to hear reasons why he should ratify an eviction notice against residents of Ekunde and Vedersdal, amongst other informal areas at the town.

The minister of urban and rural development, Erastus Uutoni, requested the eviction order, which will see hundreds of families being left homeless.

Angula is concerned about the lack of maps among the State's application papers, indicating exactly where the settlers would be evicted from.

He also sought feedback this past Friday in the Windhoek High Court on the public notice on the eviction, and who it reached.

Lawyers representing both parties agreed that the State would submit the missing maps by 22 September.

By 28 September, Eliaser Nekwaya and advocate Tinashe Khibwana will, on behalf of the illegal settlers, announce whether they accept the new information.

The case will resume on 9 October.

Schools walk Covid-19 tightrope

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Schools walk Covid-19 tightrope• Grades four, five and six return today By yesterday afternoon, Namibia had recorded 9 719 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 101 deaths and 6 543 recoveries, which meant that there were still 3 075 active cases in the country. TUYEIMO HAIDULA

OSHAKATI



As learners in grades four, five and six return to schools today across the country and the Khomas Region also commences face-to-face classes for learners in grades seven, eight and nine, Namibian schools are walking a tightrope between resuming education and safeguarding the health of teachers and pupils.

Grade seven, eight and nine classes resumed last week, with the exception of Khomas, as part of a phased approach to reopening schools during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During this process, individual schools are closed for disinfection when Covid-19 cases are confirmed.

Last week, Namibian Sun established that at least seven schools were closed, most of them in the northern regions.

Health minister Kalumbi Shangula confirmed yesterday afternoon that Namibia had recorded 9 719 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 101 deaths and 6 543 recoveries, which meant that there were still 3 075 active cases in the country.

While grades 10 to 12 have already been having face-to-face learning, the last batch of learners - pre-primary to grade three - will resume classes on 21 September.



Maintaining safety

Education ministry spokesperson Absalom Absalom assured parents that the ministry is working around the clock to maintain safety on schoolgrounds.

Initially, the ministry closed schools for 14 days after a Covid-19 case was recorded, but Absalom said this defeats the purpose of opening again, as cases continue to rise in the country.

“The solution now is to do contact tracing and once those traced are tested, results take two or three days and the schools can reopen again,” he said.

Absalom added that the ministry is working on ways to improve teaching methods under the current circumstances.



Closed schools

Ohangwena education director Isak Hamatwi last Wednesday confirmed that three schools in his region - Ongenga Senior Secondary School, Omungwelume Senior Secondary School and Ongha Senior Secondary School – were closed for disinfection.

The principal of Ongenga, Usko Muahafa, said the school was closed after a teacher tested positive.

“It does not involve the learners because the teacher did not come into contact with the learners. He did use one of the classrooms to do marking on 31 August, the day teachers resumed duty after the holiday, and the same classroom was used by the learners the following day, 1 September,” he said.

Muahafa added that 11 contacts have been traced and were tested last Tuesday. The test results were expected at the end of last week, and the school is expected to open today if all the contacts are given the all-clear.



Possible case

Omungwelume school principal George Nanghanda told Namibian Sun that one pupil, who had travelled from Windhoek, was flagged as a possible case and was sent home to self-isolate while waiting for the test results. The learner didn't attend class.

“When we announced his results at the school, learners came forward and we identified 17 who had come in contact with him. Some said they drank from the same cup and others shared a plate with him,” he said.

The school will remain closed until the 17 contacts have been quarantined and tested.



All teachers considered contacts

The acting education deputy director for Oshana, Hilma Nuunyango, said the region has only one closed school, Erundu Combined.

Nuunyango said a teacher tested positive and all staff members are considered as contacts.

Salomo Tenga, spokesperson for the Kavango West regional council, said the Olavi Sivute Combined School was closed last Wednesday after the test results of a teacher who had died on 7 September came back positive.

Paulus Lewin, the deputy director of programmes and quality assurance in the Khomas Region, added that two schools were closed to allow for disinfecting and contact tracing and to put teachers and parents at ease. Oshikoto, Erongo and //Karas have no closed schools at the moment.

tuyeimoivawa@gmail.com

Khorixas council loses 50% income

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Khorixas council loses 50% income Residents are not paying for services Paying for bulk services has in fact been a challenge for the council as its operational budget has been affected negatively. Some of the residents have misunderstood that water is free. Andreas |Howoseb, Chief Executive Officer: Khorixas Town Council The Khorixas Town Council is losing about 50 percent of its monthly income after the Covid-19 outbreak was reported, Chief Executive Officer of the council, Andreas |Howoseb said.

|Howoseb pointed out that after a directive was given to local authorities to reconnect water for the residents that had no water, half of the residents of the town are not paying for services provided by the council.

“Some of the residents have misunderstood that water is free. We only get half of the payments from our residents since the outbreak and these harms day-to-day operations of the council because it also depends on the income it makes from services provided to the residents such as potable water. The council also has to pay for bulk water supply to NamWater,” he said.

Paying for bulk services has in fact been a challenge for the council as its operational budget has been affected negatively, noted |Howoseb.

“Provision of services to the residents is affected. We now have to dig deep in our pockets to make sure that services such as refuse removal are going on because residents no longer pay for services nor housing. I am not saying it is the whole town, but only a handful of our clients are honouring their debts,” said |Howoseb.

He said residents should be aware that debts are just accumulating if they fail to pay for services provided by the council because it is a continuous process.

“Because we are faced with the ongoing pandemic does not mean we have to neglect our duties as residents. Debt does not go away but the virus will. I would like to call on the residents to honour their debts because later it will be difficult for them to pay it off. The debt will not pay itself and this needs to be taken seriously by the residents. Those that are unable to pay can come in and make arrangements because we are aware that due to the pandemic some people lost work,” said |Howoseb. - Nampa

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NBC launches care campaign

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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NBC launches care campaign The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has launched its ‘NBC Cares’ project to assist communities around the country affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The company noted that communities around Namibia are going through exceptionally difficult times amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing socioeconomic challenges. The broadcaster said it understands that its role in these trying times is to serve as a catalyst and it therefore aims to continue in the fulfilment of its mandate to the Namibian nation with this corporate social responsibility project.

“The NBC Cares campaign is structured around mobilising cable stakeholders, as well as the general public, to deploy resources in order to aid the most adversely affected communities due to the Covid-19 pandemic and associated rising socio-economic disruptions,” the statement further reads.

NBC corporate communications officer, Beaulah Boois, said in the statement that the corporation seeks to collaborate with corporate, non-governmental organisations, small and medium enterprises and the Government of Namibia to source and distribute aid to these communities.

It further advised those who want to collaborate, provide financial relief or donate on a larger scale to contact Boois at NBC_cares@nbc.na or 0811420636.

She said companies that donate a minimum of N$ 15 000 qualify for a free airtime/mileage package. - Nampa

A tale of two martyrs

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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A tale of two martyrs This weekend saw the somewhat muted commemorations of the deaths of two giants in the anti-apartheid pantheon, Namibia's Anton Lubowski and South Africa's black consciousness exponent, Stephen Bantu Biko. Both were cut down in their prime; Biko having been beaten to death in apartheid police custody on 12 September 1977 and Lubowski gunned down on the same day in 1989, as a new dawn beckoned for his nation. Both remain martyrs for a dream that was much bigger than them. Lubowski, who by all accounts was one of the icons of the bitter years before freedom finally came, was an advocate who defended political prisoners and was heavily involved in Namibia's trade union movement. His heart was genuinely with the downtrodden and bled for the plight of workers and their families. At its heart, Biko's black consciousness demanded pride, self-assertion and self-confidence. Biko's idea was that this would, in turn, stimulate a “revolution of the mind”, allowing oppressed peoples to overcome the racial inferiority and fear propagated by white racism, so they could appreciate that they were not just “appendages to the white society”. This relatively simple idea radically changed perceptions of the struggle. His death led to greater international pressure. In the same breath, Lubowski was simply ahead of his time in terms of embracing the equality of all, and it is a sad indictment that his family still waits for real answers regarding his assassination.

Tax implications of severance pay

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Tax implications of severance pay Are you thinking of downscaling or closing down your business and have to retrench employees? Or are you close to your retirement age and expect severance pay to be paid out by your employer?

As employer and employee, you should consider the tax implications of these amounts paid/received.

As an employer you are obliged to withhold Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) on all remuneration paid to employees.

Amounts paid to employees for “relinquishment, termination, loss, repudiation, cancellation or variation of any office or employment or of any appointment” are specifically included in the definition of remuneration. This means that payments of this nature made by the employer are subject to PAYE.

Exemption

An exemption of N$300 000 will apply provided the following conditions are met:

· The employee is 55 years or older; or

· The employee was dismissed as a result of superannuation, ill-health or other infirmity; or

· The employee was retrenched due to his/her employer downsizing the business or closing the business.

The N$300 000 is for the employee’s lifetime and does not apply separately to consecutive retirements/retrenchments.

The employer should request and obtain a tax directive from Inland Revenue where they will indicate the amount of PAYE to be withheld on the payment to the employee.

On retrenchment payments, Inland Revenue also requires the office of the Labour Commissioner to confirm the employer’s retrenchment programme.

If the termination of the services of such employee is due to superannuation, ill-health or other infirmity and the amount received by the employee is more than N$300 000, the remaining amount may be taxed in three equal instalments in the year of payment and the two following years.

Tax deductibility of severance payments

Severance payments that are actually incurred, are deductible from the taxable income of your business.

The term “actually incurred” implies you either already paid the employee, or they have already been dismissed and you have an unconditional obligation to pay the severance pay.

A provision for possible future severance payments that might be incurred are conditional and these costs have not actually been incurred. As such, you will need to add back the severance pay provision in your tax calculation.

Johan Nel is a partner/director at PwC Namibia.

Africa Briefs

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Africa Briefs SA economy to shrink by more than forecast

South Africa's economy will likely contract this year by more than the 7% previously forecast by the Treasury, finance minister Tito Mboweni said in an opinion piece published in City Press yesterday.

Gross domestic product shrunk by a record 51% in the second quarter, its fourth quarterly contraction in a row, as a strict lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus saw activity grind to a near-standstill.

In his article Mboweni, said his office would speed up reforms, by easing regulatory hurdles and allowing more private investment in the public sector, especially in electricity.

In the article, Mboweni said the government would move with greater speed via "Operation Vulindlela" (open the way), a joint initiative between the Treasury and the presidency announced in his budget speech in June and aimed at accelerating structural reform. He did not give details of the plan.

"It is not another new plan. It involves implementing existing commitments through mechanisms to escalate challenges and fast-track implementation," Mboweni wrote. – Nampa/Reuters

Sudan declares state of economic emergency

Sudan declared an economic state of emergency on Thursday after its currency fell sharply in recent weeks, setting up special courts to prosecute what officials called a "systematic operation" to vandalise the economy.

The transitional government, in charge of the country since the ouster of Omar al-Bashir last year, will criminalise purchasing, selling, possessing or smuggling raw gold or precious minerals, key hard-currency earners.

The pound has declined in recent weeks on what officials blamed on manipulation by those opposing the transitional government.

"We are able to simply say what happened is an open war against the revolution, the economy, the government," information minister Faisal Saleh told a news conference.

Special courts will be set up in coming days to fight smuggling and other illicit activities. – Nampa/Reuters

752 suicides in 19 months

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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752 suicides in 19 months JANA-MARI SMITH

WINDHOEK



A shocking 752 Namibians committed suicide between January 2019 and 31 July 2020, as fears abound that suicides could spike in the months to come, amid the multiple social and economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

New statistics shared by the police reveal that in 2019, a total of 486 suicides were recorded in the country.

Over the first seven months of 2020 - between January and 31 July - the police recorded 266 suicides.

Men remain most at risk, with 409 committing suicide in 2019, followed by 58 women.

Eight boys and 11 girls under the age of 18 died by suicide in 2019. Men accounted for 222 of the suicides between January and July this year, followed by 31 women, as well as six boys and seven girls under the age of 18.



High numbers

The Khomas Region reported the highest suicides by July this year, totalling 48. In Omusati, 42 lives were felled by suicide, and 29 in Otjozondjupa.

Last year, the highest number of suicides, 66, was reported in Omusati, followed by 62 in Ohangwena and 51 in Khomas. Research has revealed that Namibian men of an economically productive active age are most vulnerable to suicide.

The health ministry confirmed last week that available figures for January to June indicate that at least 435 people attempted suicide.





A ministry study published two years ago reported that in 2015, an estimated 25 000 people were known to have attempted suicide that year alone in Namibia.



Suicide crisis

During a World Suicide Prevention Day panel discussion last week in Windhoek, social worker Jennifer Lifasi echoed more than a decade of warnings that Namibia faces a suicide crisis.

“This pandemic of suicide is a worrisome issue,” she said.

Namibia's suicide rate remains one of the highest in Africa, and globally. The health ministry study found that based on available country statistics, Namibia is ranked fourth in Africa and 11th globally in terms of its suicide rate per capita.

Iani de Kock, a clinical psychologist at Bel Esprit Clinic in Windhoek, said Namibia's suicide rate is estimated to be double the global rate of 11 suicides per 100 000 population.

Speaking during the panel discussion on mental health and suicide prevention, she stressed this ranking is “quite significant, considering what a small country we are”.

De Kock warned that while studies have not yet been conclusive, experts caution that amid the multiple social and economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, suicides could likely spike in the months and years to come.



Economic stress

In Namibia particularly, economic stress including unemployment is a key driver to suicidal behaviour.

“There is a clear link between economic depression and an upswing in suicides, depression and mental health concerns in general,” clinical psychologist Dr Shaun Whittaker warned last year. He said unemployment, financial stress and poverty can be devastating to mental health.



Hope

Meanwhile, a man who identified himself only as Jaco from Khomasdal called into the public discussion hosted last week with a message of encouragement and hope. He said he tried to hang himself, which resulted in him being hospitalised and in a coma for three days. Following his attempted suicide, he said the state offered counselling services and medicine, and he has mostly recovered from his ordeal, and is feeling better and more hopeful. “At end of the day, we need to understand it is a sickness; it's not a thing you can ignore. You need to tell yourself I am sick, and you need to get help. Seek help. That is the first and most important thing.”

'Love' the key to prison Covid-19 recoveries

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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'Love' the key to prison Covid-19 recoveries OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



Loving care given to offenders at correctional facilities in Windhoek and Walvis Bay was instrumental in high Covid-19 recovery rates, says Namibia Correctional Service commissioner Raphael Hamunyela.

Hamunyela had announced in August that over 100 offenders at the Windhoek Central Prison had contracted the virus. Providing an update last week, Hamunyela said there were now only 31 active cases while the number of recoveries had risen swiftly to 105.





By yesterday afternoon, Namibia had recorded 9 719 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 101 deaths and 6 543 recoveries, which meant that there were still 3 075 active cases in the country, according to health minister Kalumbi Shangula.

When asked what the secret for the quick recoveries was in prison, Hamunyela replied that it was love.

“All those offenders who tested positive were put on different diets. We also gave them immune boosters and we also gave them love,” Hamunyela said.



Fishrot accused raise concerns

Lawyers representing the Fishrot accused recently voiced their concerns about the potential of their clients contracting Covid-19, with one suffering from hypertension, another from low blood pressure and another from hypertension and type two diabetes. Health officials have warned that these comorbidities increase a person's risk of developing Covid-19 complications.



Prisons have a responsibility

Hamunyela said there was a huge responsibility on prison authorities to ensure inmates' safety at all times.

The health protocols of the World Health Organisation on Covid-19 were also enforced to ensure that offenders do not contract the disease, he said.

“We look at the issue of social distancing where possible and we are doing what is possible. We provide masks, we provide them with soap at all times,” he said.

“Our facilities are compliant with the United Nations standard on correctional facilities. The bed distances are there but Covid-19 is a new thing; it does not mean we do not take precautionary measures,” he said.

Challenges inevitable

Hamunyela admitted that it was hard to provide offenders and correctional officers with hand sanitisers at all times.

“What I know is it's not manageable, not only in Namibia but the world; it is not manageable to give offenders sanitisers all the time. That is why soap and water are there at all times.”

Hamunyela said correctional facilities were not built with Covid-19 in mind.

“Our facilities in Namibia, in Africa … in the world, all the correctional facilities, were not built in conformity with Covid-19,” he said.

China breaks silence on 'military presence'

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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China breaks silence on 'military presence'• Vilho's 'arrogance' remains under fire While the Chinese embassy has denied any plans to build a military base in Namibia or that thousands of Chinese troops are currently in the Land of the Brave, defence minister Peter Vilho's secrecy in parliament is continuing to cause a storm. OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



The Chinese embassy in Namibia has broken its silence on persistent allegations being raised in parliament and elsewhere of a massive Chinese military presence in Namibia, saying the allegations were not true and were “purely rumours”.


Embassy spokesperson Helen Lu Hairong also said there had been no talks between the Chinese and Namibian governments about China building a military base in the Land of the Brave. This follows a heated debate in the National Assembly last week which saw both the Landless People's Movement (LPM) and Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) raising the spectre of a huge alleged Chinese military presence in Namibia, with the LPM claiming 3 500 troops from the Asian giant where currently in the country. Defence minister Peter Vilho, while responding to the LPM's Henny Seibeb in parliament last week, did little to allay Namibian fears.

“If there was anything that needs to be brought to parliament in relation to defence it would have been brought here already. If the issues you are referring to were not brought to parliament, it means that they were not worth bringing to parliament. The rest of the information that you asked is confidential,” Vilho said.

Seibeb again yesterday claimed the Chinese military is building a base in Namibia to counter United States' dominance in Botswana.

He also said they had been informed of more than 3 500 Chinese military personnel in Namibia as well as imported artillery.

He said the troops are stationed at Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Henties Bay. However, Hairong denied that there were any Chinese personnel stationed in the Namibia currently or that there had been any talk of China setting up a military base.



'Arrogance'

According to Seibeb, China wants to set up a facility in Namibia similar to the US military base in Botswana.

“The refusal of him (Vilho) to answer justifies that there is a sinister plan to create a base for China to counter US interests in Botswana,” he said.

Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah said yesterday that Vilho is required to answer questions raised by parliamentarians.

“It is his parliamentary obligation that he has to clear issues when they arise in his ministry. Refusing to answer on an issue of national importance is not only arrogance, but also demonstrates that the minister lacks awareness of what his duties are as a minister in parliament,” Kamwanyah said.

“There is a difference between blatantly refusing to answer and answering in a manner that would not jeopardise the security of the country. This minister seems to be headed towards a wrong path.”

Kamwanyah feels that Vilho's refusal to respond to the allegations was creating more questions than answers. “Refusing to clear the presence of Chinese military, he is actually creating or sustaining the rumour, or otherwise why is he refusing to answer? It is a straightforward question to either acknowledge or refute the allegation.”



Creating 'speculation'

Institute for Public Policy and Research director Graham Hopwood said Vilho's refusal to answer created speculation.

“By not answering, the minister probably wants to give the impression that defence and security issues are off limits for questions in parliament. Unfortunately, his refusal to comment tends to stir up even more speculation and rumour, which may well be false. The ministry needs a clear communication approach on such matters.”



Conspiracy theories

The PDM's Vipuakuje Muharukua also said the defence ministry's secrecy “has caused a lot of conspiracy theories”.

These secrets breed wild hypotheses, he said. The minister is accountable to parliament. Parliament is entitled to know [about] the security of our nation,” he said.



Intimidation tactic

“At present, this can only be viewed as electorate intimidation, given the closeness to the election. Maybe they are preparing an onslaught if they lose elections, or are they going to use them to vote?” Muharukua said.

Meanwhile, defence ministry spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu said the allegations had been responded to already.

In August, the ministry denied the presence of Chinese military personnel in the country.

“There are no Chinese national

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Longer time to repay car loans

September 13, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Longer time to repay car loansCredit regulation amended The extended loan repayment period might provide immediate relief to consumers, but analysts doubt whether it will boost new vehicle sales. The linear trend … suggests that new vehicle sales in 2020 will likely be the lowest observable value since 2003. – Cirrus Securities Jo-Maré Duddy – As new vehicles sales this year are on track to hit the lowest figure since 2003, the ministry of industrialisation and trade on Friday announced that the period to repay a vehicle loan was extended from the current 54 months to 72 months.

The executive director of the ministry, Steve Katjiuanjo, in a statement said the amended regulation in terms of the Credit Agreements Act took effect as from 1 September.

“The amendments were necessitated by the fact that the economy for the past four years has been contracting and this state of events was further compounded by the outbreak of Covid-19,” Katjiuanjo said.

He added: “The government has been coming up with strategies that are aimed at resuscitating the economy while at the same time cushioning consumers against the effects of the global economic downturn.”

Katjiuanjo said the amendment is aimed at providing relief to consumers. “Consumers whose income have not been adversely affected are advised and encouraged to maintain their current instalments,” he said.

Showcase of economy

The news followed the release of the latest data which shows 593 new vehicles were sold in August. According to Cirrus Securities, this is 11% lower than July and 26.6% down compared to August 2019. Year-to-date, new vehicle sales contracted by 31.9%.

“Moreover, the linear trend – with approximately 66% of the year complete – suggests that new vehicle sales in 2020 will likely be the lowest observable value since 2003,” Cirrus said.

Commenting on the latest figures, IJG Securities said the new data shows how “badly economic activity has been hampered since the lockdowns were imposed”.

“New vehicle sales are down considerably when compared to 2019, which by itself was a bad year for vehicle sales,” IJG said.

‘Risks remain’

Simonis Storm (SS) said the numbers were to be expected “as the main risks remain – the uncertain economic and health situation, no clear policy direction, reduced appetite for borrowings, business closures, loss of income, reduced spending power, and low consumer and business confidence”.

Cirrus put the existing trend in context of households which remain “characterised by risk of either retrenchments or wage reductions, high debt levels (relative to disposable income) and greater difficulty accessing finance given the riskier macro environment”.

“Moreover, new vehicle sales will also continue to be hindered by increased supply of second-hand vehicles from the tourism industry, as many participants opt to reduce their fleet size – thereby providing a cheap substitute,” Cirrus added.

IJG expects “the current depressed trend in new vehicle sales to remain depressed for the medium term as there are currently very few catalysts for economic growth”.

“It is unlikely that many businesses and consumers will be in a financial position to purchase new vehicles for the rest of the year,” IJG said.

Cosmos confirms friendly match talk

September 14, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Cosmos confirms friendly match talk Limba Mupetami

WINDHOEK



The Brave Warriors are in talks with South Africa's Bafana Bafana for a friendly match next month.

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) confirmed they received an invitation from Bafana Bafana to host a friendly match on the 8 October in Windhoek, which will be part of the Nelson Mandela Challenge.

The condition for the proposed match in Namibia is that the South Africans prefer a pitch with grass, according to NFA acting secretary-general, Franco Cosmos.



Other options

“We all know the condition of the Independence Stadium at the moment so that is not possible.

And with that, we have written to them to find out more about their stadium preference and we have also given them options.

“Either we play on an artificial turf, which is the Sam Nujoma Stadium, we engage and ask the Rugby Union if we can use their field, or we play the match away in South Africa,” he added.

Depending on the South African team's response, the NFA will announce a training camp for players, with Covid-19 rules and regulations as well as the stage in mind.

Getting warmed up

The friendly is a welcome tune-up with tough upcoming international assignments confirmed by the Confederation of African Football and Fifa's international calendar.

If the matches go ahead, it would mark the return to international football for interim coach Bobby Samaria's team, who is currently without an assistant coach, after Woody Jacobs resigned last week.



Been a while

The neighbours last met in an international friendly in March 2010. Rudolf Bester fired Namibia into the lead, while Katlego Mphela ensured that the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate in Durban. The South Africans have also sent out a friendly invitation to Zambia. “We looked within the Cosafa region due to travel restrictions and the countries we approached have been very receptive and they agreed to play us. They also want to get their national teams back in action,” said South Africa Football Associations spokesperson, Dominic Chimhavi.



Critical matches

He further said the proposed match against Zambia would likely take place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, while they will welcome Sao Tome at the same venue for the 9 November Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“The real position is that the coach of our national team wants critical matches to be played at FNB Stadium so we are likely to host Zambia there. That is where we also plan to host Sao Tome e Principe,” Chimhavi said.

Tobias, Nakathila confident and eager

September 14, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Tobias, Nakathila confident and eager• Waiting for world title shot Namibia boxing promoter Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias said Jeremiah Nakathila will make mincemeat of American James Herring if he fights the way he did recently. Limba Mupetami

WINDHOEK



America James Herring defended his WBO world title against Jonathan Oquendo in Las Vegas recently, but his performance was less than convincing, according to promoter Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias.

“Herring was really frustrated and Oquendo took the fight to him. Herring gave up too easy and he didn't want to continue. Real champions fight through bloody situations and we saw that time and time again. One did not get the sense that Herring had the courage to do that during this fight.

“In our view, Herring took the easy way out, knowing he was leading on points but losing momentum,” said Tobias.



Disqualified

According to BoxingScene, Herring started well and managed to build a significant lead on the scorecards in the first four rounds, including a knockdown in the third stanza by a left uppercut to the jaw.

Then, in round five, a wild clash of heads caused two cuts over the champion's right eye and the blood clearly started to bother Herring, who was slowly losing momentum and allowed the shorter Oquendo to push him over the ropes.

The struggle ended after the eighth when the champion told the ring doctor he could not see out of his injured eye.

As the stoppage was caused by a head butt previously labelled as an intentional foul by referee Tony Weeks, the Nevada State Athletic Commission decided to disqualify Oquendo.



Very rusty

“By his own admission, not a very convincing performance from Herring, rusty to say the least,” said Tobias.

The promoter has been vocal to secure a WBO world title fight for his third ranked super featherweight protégé Jeremiah Nakathila for over two years.

Nakathila last fought in 2019 when he beat Peter Pambeni of Zimbabwe on a technical knockout.

The Global titlist is now pushing for a chance to contend for the top spot as other champions keep moving up to number one while he remains idle.



Mandatory challenger

In the last few months, three names have occupied the number one spot - Lamont Roach Jr, Oscar Valdez and now Shakur Stevenson, who is the next mandatory challenger of Herring.

If this continues, the Nakathila will be set back almost two years from fighting for a title as every champion is expected to do a voluntary defence, then a mandatory one.

Herring has five months to face his mandatory fight, but when that takes place depends on how fast his eye heals.

If Herring fights Stevenson, then Nakathila will become the mandatory challenger.

Tobias said he has a great relationship with WBO and has been in contact with them on the way forward.

Furious Neymar alleges racism

September 14, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Furious Neymar alleges racism NAMPA/AFP



Neymar insists he has been the victim of racism after being one of five players sent off in a mass brawl at the end of Marseille's 1-0 win over Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.

PSG's Brazilian star appeared to accuse Alvaro Gonzalez of calling him a “monkey” in a series of furious tweets after he was sent off in injury time for slapping the Marseille defender on the back of the head.

“Look at the racism. That's why I hit him,” Neymar, who was returning from coronavirus quarantine, said as he left the pitch.

Gonzalez later denied making a racist comment.

“The only regret I have is not hitting this idiot in the face,” Neymar, the world's most expensive player, tweeted after the game.

Red card

Neymar was red-carded after a VAR review, while teammates Layvin Kurzawa and Leandro Paredes were also sent off. Marseille striker Dario Benedetto and defender Jordan Amavi were also expelled.

“It's easy for VAR to show my 'aggression'. “Now I'd like to them to show the image of the racist who called me a 'MONKEY SON OF A B*TCH'. I'd really like that!” Neymar tweeted.

Florian Thauvin's close-range volley on 31 minutes earned Marseille a first victory over their bitter rivals since November 2011, but the ugly scenes overshadowed the game at Parc des Princes.

Neymar “told me it was a racist insult, but I didn't hear anything on the pitch”, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said.

“There is no place for racism in football but I don't think that was the case,” Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas told Telefoot. “We'll have to look at it.”



'What racism?'

According to Telefoot, Gonzalez replied “what racism?” when he was asked about the incident. He also tweeted a picture of himself surrounded by multi-racial teammates.

“There's no place for racism,” the Spaniard wrote, adding “sometimes you have to learn to lose and take it on the field”.

PSG sporting director Leonardo suggested referee Jerome Brisard lacked the experience to officiate such a highly-charged fixture.

“Fourteen yellow cards and five reds means the match was out of control,” said Leonardo. “Not to criticise the referee, but perhaps it's not the time to officiate a 'clasico'.”

“I'm not angry. I think you have to separate the performance and the result. We played a great match, I'm happy with the quality, mentality and the effort,” Tunchel said.

Keeping the running passion alive

September 14, 2020, 3:00 pm

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Keeping the running passion alive• Karumendu encourages athletes Athletes who have not seen much action this year are encouraged to keep working hard as things can return to normal in the near future. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

WINDHOEK



Senior sport officer in the Erongo Region and race event organiser Berthold Karumendu has pleaded with athletes to keep their passion alive.

While non-contact sport has been allowed to resume under the coronavirus state of emergency regulations, the race organiser maintained that their decision to cancel all events still stands.

Karumendu, who has been at the helm of many long-distance events, added that he hopes runners will not be discouraged by the fact that sports have been on halt in the country.



'Better days are coming'

Many athletes have not been able to enjoy their routine competitions this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Karumendu is, however, confident that things will get back to normal and said athletes should keep their hopes alive.

“It was indeed a tough year for us and many of the athletes who like competing in big competitions.

“Under any normal circumstances, we all had hope that the long-distance events would grow bigger this year.

“My encouragement to athletes is that better days are still coming and they must not give up hope,” Karumendu said.



Tough decisions

In June, Karumendu and stakeholders had to make tough decisions to cancel top races that were on the cards for the remainder of the year.

“The decisions we made in June still remain the same because we do not want to risk anyone at this time.

“The situation is beyond our control and there is definitely nothing we can do but to prioritise the safety and health of the athletes,” he noted.

The second edition of the Spar National 10km Championship was one of the races cancelled this year.

The event, which was only launched last year, was scheduled to take place in Oshakati on 29 August.

Last year, the inaugural race attracted 924 athletes from all over the country.



Other cancelled events

Meanwhile, the seventh edition of the Navachab Half-Marathon (21.1km) Challenge, initially slated for 19 September, was another event cancelled due to the pandemic.

The popular Erongo Street Mile will now be held on 16 October 2021 in Omaruru.

The event was initially scheduled for 17 October at the town.