Sioka accused of GBV victim blaming

December 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Sioka accused of GBV victim blaming JANA-MARI SMITH



WINDHOEK

Gender minister Doreen Sioka’s repeated calls to lock up those who withdraw police complaints threatens to further muzzle abuse victims.

As Namibia faces a steep uphill battle to address a pandemic of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), Sioka doubled down last week on her stance that women who make a U-turn on complaints against abusers must be jailed.

She told Nampa that she has taken steps to lobby the justice ministry, adding that she is “warning victims to stop withdrawing cases”.

Gender equality activist Beauty Boois warned that Sioka’s remarks “speak to victim blaming, which is part of the reason that Namibia has become a perpetrator’s paradise”.

Sioka’s attitude will prevent victims and survivors from reporting abuse going forward, they said.

‘Victims need support’

“The proposal to arrest domestic violence victims who withdraw cases is very ill-considered. Victims need support, not sanctions,” legal and gender expert Dianne Hubbard of the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) said on Friday.

“Case withdrawal in any criminal matter is not within the sole control of the victim. The victim can file a statement requesting a withdrawal, but the decision to proceed or withdraw lies with the Office of the Prosecutor General,” she said.

Hubbard, who has for decades worked on SGBV issues in Namibia, said the minister’s proposal “ignores” the myriad of factors that lead to case withdrawals.

Studies have found that these include the “debilitating psychological effects of domestic violence, and the very real possibility that victims may have been intimidated into case withdrawals”.

Moreover, the social reality that “extended family members sometimes blame and shame victims, and the economic fact that victims may be financially dependent on their abusers”.

Hubbard said there are other strategies government can implement to bolster case continuations.

These include better support from police, prosecutors and social workers as well as clear and responsive avenues for obtaining police assistance when threats are made.

It is also key to stand by victims as they often endure lengthy and difficult police enquiries and legal processes, she said.

‘Insensitive’

Activist Ndiilo Nthengwe described Sioka’s views as “insensitive and disdainful towards victims and survivors of SGBV”.

She stressed that while withdrawals are motivated by many factors, “ultimately it boils down to a power dynamic which victims often have to negotiate to determine whether or not they will continue with their cases”.

Instead of amending laws to arrest victims, government should consider legislative changes that would specifically target perpetrators and families who “continue to intimidate victims and survivors with all sorts of tactics,” she added.

Meanwhile, Boois urged government and others to lobby for free psychological and social support services as well as financial support and safe homes to help victims and their pursuit of justice and safety.

“This is a more human and emphatic way to support survivors,” they said.

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Covid-19 makes quiet comeback

December 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Covid-19 makes quiet comeback ELLANIE SMIT



WINDHOEK

Namibia saw a spike in confirmed Covid-19 cases last week, with health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula expressing concern over the rising numbers.

He said it is especially worrisome coming at the time when President Hage Geingob just last Monday announced the further relaxation of public health measures to combat the pandemic.

“We do not wish to return to the situation when it becomes imperative to reintroduce restrictive measures. We have seen the hardships restrictive measures cause to the individuals, the livelihoods and the economy. I therefore call on all to adhere to the coronavirus preventative measures.”

By last Wednesday, the total number of confirmed new cases stood at 61, increasing to 122 on Thursday - three times the ratio reported the previous day.

On Friday, the number increased to 181, with 171 of the cases coming from the Khomas Region alone, while on Saturday the number of confirmed cases stood at 170.

Elections might be to blame

Yesterday, 128 new infections were reported. The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 15 078, with 13 939 recoveries and 984 active cases.

Shangula told Namibian Sun that the increase in new cases could be linked to election fever, with people not adhering to regulations during rallies and election events.

He also said he cannot rule out at this stage whether government will implement new regulations over the festive season should the spread worsen.

He urged members of the public to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly, maintain social distancing and avoid public gatherings.

The ministry yesterday called on the public to adhere to safety regulations, and to abstain from large gatherings.

“They have been shown to facilitate widespread transmission of Covid-19. The law enforcement agencies are requested to enforce the regulations on public gatherings. Public gatherings shall not exceed 200 people.”

Stuck in junk

December 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Stuck in junkCredit rating agency downgrades Namibia Government should keep its eye on the ball, which is to make economic recovery happen, Kakujaha-Matundu said. Jo-Maré Duddy







WINDHOEK

Tackling the politically-charged problem of the bulging civil service to strengthen government’s finances will be tricky, Moody’s said Friday as it downgraded Namibia to junk status.

Government’s large public sector wage bill as well as the budget deficit, growing debt burden and impact of Covid-19 all played a role in the country’s latest downgrade from Ba2 to Ba3.

Namibia is now rated three notches below investment grade, with a negative outlook.

“Implementation of the government's fiscal consolidation plans will invariably prove challenging in a low growth environment, particularly as the government targets reducing the large but politically challenging public sector wage bill. Moreover, very large gross borrowing requirements, given the sovereign's continued reliance on short-term funding, point to material liquidity risk,” Moody’s said.

“The downgrade in itself is punishing in the sense that it could increase the borrowing costs at a time when Namibia needs it most,” Dr Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, a senior economics lecturer at the University of Namibia, told Namibian Sun.

‘Insult to injury’

According to Kakujaha-Matundu, the further downgrade with a negative outlook “adds insult to injury”.

Although the factors or reasons provided for the downgrade are “not so much in dispute”, the remedies proposed to these factors could inflict a “huge economic cost on Namibia if not considered carefully”, he said.

“For example, further deeper austerity measures implied in the Moody's report will spell an economic disaster for the Namibian economy,” Kakujaha-Matundu said.

“How do you deep-cut government expenditure while that is one, if not the only, stimulus to economic recovery amidst the devastation brought about by Covid-19 restrictions, locally and globally?”

Kakujaha-Matundu said government should be brave and consider its options carefully regarding its fiscal consolidation and borrowing decisions.

“Government should not be so much fazed by downgrades during these ‘abnormal times’. Government should keep its eye on the ball, which is to make economic recovery happen,” he said.

Reversed five years’ gains

Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi yesterday reacted, saying: “We are fully aware of the severe negative effects of Covid-19 on our economy”.

“This pandemic has significantly reversed the gains of fiscal consolidation achieved over the last five years”.

“We urge the whole nation to continue working together to defeat Covid-19. With the pandemic under control, we shall continue to work hard to achieve shared prosperity for our people.”

Read the full report in Market Watch.

Business confidence remains in tortoise mode

December 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Business confidence remains in tortoise modeCheap to access credit, no appetite Credit extended to businesses remained in negative territory with growth of -2.2% year-on-year (-N$975.0 million), and -0.8% month-on-month (-N$353.2 million). PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

Although interest rates are at historical lows, business and consumer confidence remain extremely weak.

Since interest rates is the cost of borrowing, it was expected that businesses will have more borrowing appetite to boost their activities as it has become attractive to access credit.

Economic activity, which was slow before the pandemic, has been hit hard by global lockdowns, and recovery may take years to materialise. As a result, corporates continue to repay debt and de-lever their balance sheets.

According to IJG Research, credit extended to businesses contracted by 0.8% month-on-month and 2.2% year-on-year in October, following similar contractions in September.

Except for the other loans and advances (OLA) category, all other segments contracted on a monthly basis. Mortgage loans to corporates declined by 0.8% month-on-month and 7.8% year-on-year.

Instalment credit extended to corporates, which has been contracting since February 2017 on an annual basis, remained depressed, contracting by 1.5% month-on-month and 16.7% year-on-year in October the lowest level since early 2019.

Overdrafts to corporates declined by 2.6% month-on-month but increased by 3.6% year-on-year, IJG pointed out.

Cirrus Capital Securities (CCS) notes that short-term debt facilities continue to be utilised by businesses, although at a lower rate, with growth in overdrafts and OLA of 3.7% and 3.4%, respectively.

Strong reliance on these facilities in the current environment is understandable yet worrying, as the initial supply shock and latent demand shock mean the operating environment will remain suppressed, CCS said.

INDIVIDUALS

Credit extended to individuals moved down in October to 4.2% from 5.2% in September. This was due to a slowdown in lending growth across all lines, especially mortgages which decreased by 0.5 percentage points to 4.3%.

Moreover, there was a significant slowdown in lending growth in short-term credit facilities which have been a primary motivator for growth over the year as households continue to face troubling times.

Overdrafts increased by 3.6% (N$80.4 million), down 0.6 percentage points from the previous month, and other loans and advances grew by 11.0%, or N$961 million, IJG pointed out.

Growth in other loans and advances has remained elevated with double-digit growth. However, net repayments have been made on a monthly basis since April this year, although this trend has stopped over the past two consecutive months.

Over the month other loans and advances grew by 1.1%. The extreme reliance on short-term debt facilities is worrying, particularly given the duress household incomes have come under this year, IJG added.

Mortgage loan extension growth slowed to 4.3%. This category it is the primary driver of growth in credit extension as it accounts for 69.3% of total extensions.

“However, we maintain that very little of this growth is organic”, IJG said.

OVERALL

Total credit extended to the private sector (PSCE) increased by N$71.6 million or 0.1% month-on-month in October, bringing the cumulative credit outstanding to N$102.95 billion.

On a year-on-year basis, private sector credit extension increased by only 1.0% year-on-year in October, compared to 1.5% growth recorded in September, IJG pointed out.

This represents the lowest level of annual growth on our records dating back to 2002 as issuance continues to slow.

N$2.39 billion worth of credit has been extended to individuals on a 12-month cumulative basis, while corporates and the non-resident private sector decreased their borrowings by N$975 million and N$369.4 million, respectively.

“If these trends continue, we are likely to see private sector credit extension contract on an annual basis in the coming months”, IJG said.

LIQUIDITY,INTEREST RATES

The overall liquidity position of commercial banks improved significantly in October, increasing by N$889.4 million to an average of N$3.10 billion during the month. The increase in liquidity came about as a result of increased government expenditure and interest payment from the state during the period under review.

Due to the increase in liquidity, the outstanding balance of repo’s fell from N$116.0 million to zero by month-end, IJG pointed.

The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee announced that there would be no change to the repo rate. Namibia thus maintains its 25bps spread over South Africa, with the repo in Namibia being 3.75%.

“We maintain that a spread should be maintained for the foreseeable future as any deviation to the upside motivates financial flows into Namibia, especially at higher spread levels, and may help bolster our reserve position”, IJG said.– phillep@nmh.com.na

More junk from Moody’s

December 6, 2020, 2:00 pm

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More junk from Moody’sNam downgraded further Government’s borrowing requirements are very high and its debt affordability is weakening, Moody’s has warned. High income inequality and high levels of unemployment hamper competitiveness and have the potential to fuel social discontent. – Moody’s Jo-Maré Duddy – Scepticism about government’s success in implementing its fiscal plans amid added pressure from the Covid-19 pandemic persuaded Moody’s to downgrade Namibia to three notches below investment grade.

Government’s debt affordability is weakening, Moody’s said Friday night when it downgraded Namibia from Ba2 to Ba3, with a negative outlook. Ba-ratings at Moody’s means debt has speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.

The negative outlook signals an upgrade is unlikely in the near term, Moody’s said.

Government’s long-term foreign debt, excluding the rand, was first slated as junk by Moody’s in August 2017 when it downgraded the country from Baa3 to Ba1. In December 2019, Moody’s downgraded Namibia further to Ba2, but with a stable outlook. In May, Moody’s affirmed the Ba2 rating, but changed its outlook from stable to negative.

Moody’s Friday said government’s debt burden is “now markedly higher” and it will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.

“The downgrade reflects a further weakening in Namibia's fiscal strength despite policy statements of plans to rein in the fiscal deficit,” the international credit rating agency said.

It added: “The coronavirus shock continues to pressure Namibia's revenue generation capacity, a trend exacerbated by Namibia's weak growth prospects, notwithstanding moderate institutional adjustment capacity and external buffers that backstop creditworthiness.”

The negative outlook reflects risks remaining slanted to the downside, Moody’s continued.

“Implementation of the government's fiscal consolidation plans will invariably prove challenging in a low growth environment, particularly as the government targets reducing the large but politically challenging public sector wage bill. Moreover, very large gross borrowing requirements, given the sovereign's continued reliance on short-term funding, point to material liquidity risk.”

Moody’s lowered Namibia's long-term local currency bond and bank deposit ceilings to Baa2 from Baa1. The long-term foreign currency bank deposit ceiling was lowered to B1 from Ba3, and the long-term foreign-currency bond ceiling was lowered to Ba1 from Baa3.

‘SHARP WIDENING'

Moody’s said it expected a “sharp widening” of government’s budget deficit, which will lead to an increase in the debt burden to 72% of gross domestic product (GDP). Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi in his mid-year budget review in October estimated a debt burden of 69.6% of GDP for 2020/21.

Moody’s pointed out that government’s interest bill will rise to 15.5% of revenue in the current fiscal year, up from 5% five years ago.

“The increase in debt is driven by the primary deficit and interest costs: both representing a drag on debt dynamics over the coming five years, while growth will provide only a moderate offset starting from 2021,” Moody’s said.

The ratings agency expects real GDP to contract by 6.9% in 2020 and only grow by 2.4% in 2021.

‘CREDIT SUPPORTS’

The deterioration in government’s credit profile is balanced by a number of credit supports, Moody’s said.

“The relative strength of the country's institutions was evident in the three years immediately prior to the onset of the coronavirus outbreak with the authorities achieving fiscal consolidation of four percentage points of GDP which arrested the previous increase of general government debt after large fiscal deficits in 2014-16.”

Lower exports have been offset by reduced imports, keeping the current account deficit contained, Moody’s said.

“Namibia's net international reserves are expected to remain stable and modest, covering just above four months of imports, which translates to approximately US$2 billion.”

The agency added: “While fiscal and external financing needs will remain elevated over the forecast period, the large public pension fund [Government Institutions Pension Fund] provides Moody's with some level of confidence in the ability of the government to continue to meet its liabilities should it be unable to access the international capital market and/or to draw from new credit lines from development partners.

The domestic banking system is robust, well-capitalised and liquid, and coupled with the liquidity in the pension funds sector, can adequately fund the government's operations into the medium term.”

REVENUE, BORROWING

Moody’s believes implementation of government's improved tax administration and increased tax revenue generation will invariably prove challenging in a low growth environment.

“Moreover, the intended reduction in the large public sector wage bill through a combination of attrition and early retirement will invariably prove politically challenging, posing risks to the realisation of ambitious fiscal consolidation plans to arrest the upward debt trajectory.”

Moody’s described government gross borrowing requirements as “very high”, with high and increasing reliance on short-term financing raising government liquidity risks.

“Namibia's gross borrowing requirements will rise to about 38% of GDP in 2021 (from 30% this year and an average of 15-20% over the past five years) before declining slightly in the following years”.

It expects Namibia to finance most of its borrowing requirements domestically while additional external funding from the official sector will help meet the higher borrowing requirements.

“Nevertheless, higher short-term financing reliance leaves Namibia vulnerable if and when interest rates rise, either through monetary policy tightening or a widening in spreads,” Moody’s warned.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Environmental considerations weigh on Namibia's economic strength and credit profile, Moody’s said.

“Given the prominence of agriculture in the economy and reliance on rainfall to drive irrigation, recurring droughts can have a significant negative impact on agriculture,” it elaborated.

Social considerations are also material to the rating, Moody’s said.

“High income inequality and high levels of unemployment hamper competitiveness and have the potential to fuel social discontent,” the agency said.

Business climate monitor curves upwards

December 7, 2020, 1:10 am

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Business climate monitor curves upwards Jo-Maré Duddy - The IJG Business Climate Monitor (BCM) increased from 53.8 in July to 54.8 in August 2020, while the Leading Indicator remained unchanged at 66.7.
The latest BCM, released today, shows 16 of the 31 indicators recorded an improvement during August, but the value of 15 indicators deteriorated.
Indicators used in the BCM include copper, gold, diamond and uranium production and prices; exports and imports; lamb and beef, as well as fuel prices; inflation and the exchange rate. The BCN also take into account the following: buildings plans, new vehicle sales, tourist arrivals and departures, company registrations and credit extended to the private sector.

Entertainment from sunrise to sunset with DStv

December 7, 2020, 2:47 am

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Entertainment from sunrise to sunset with DStv STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

You might want to stock up on some snacks because DStv is bringing the whole family to the couch this festive season – no matter when you like to get in your TV time.
With a long line-up of entertainment for all ages showing at all times of day, there won’t be a dull moment this December.
Here are some of the best movies and shows coming straight to your living room from when you wake up right until your head hits the pillow.

Memorable mornings
Ben 10 vs The Universe: The Movie
This one is sure to keep the youngsters glued to the television while parents kick back and relax for a while. Vilgax, the intergalactic alien warlord, returns to destroy planet Earth, and it’s up to Ben and his wacky entourage to stop him. Don’t let your kids miss Ben 10’s epic adventures in space as they blast off on Saturday, 12 December, at 10:10 on Cartoon Network, DStv channel 301.

The River Wild
Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon were both nominated for Golden Globe Awards for this fast-paced thriller. What starts off as a rafting holiday quickly turns into a nightmare as a family is forced to help two armed killers escape down treacherous white-water rapids. This classic airs on Tuesday, 15 December, at 11:15 on TNT, DStv channel 137.

Unmissable daytime television

Jingle Belle
Nothing lifts the mood during the holidays like a feel-good Christmas movie. Two high-school sweethearts meet up years later to perform a duet for a small town’s Christmas Eve pageant. With Isabelle writing the jingle and Mike running the show, there are bound to be some fireworks before their big performance. Tune in on Monday, 21 December, at 14:35 on Lifetime, DStv channel 131.

Location, Location, Location (Season 23)
If you’re a fan of real-estate and reality shows, you’ll love this one. Follow Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer as they explore London’s humble abodes and quaint cottages with the utmost attention to detail and witty commentary. It airs from 7 December until 12 December at 17:00 on The Home Channel, DStv channel 176.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Disney’s live-action retelling of the classic Christmas ballet tells the dazzling story of an ordinary girl who is transported into a magical world of wonders and learns that she is a princess. When the toy soldiers arrive, things are not as sweet as they originally seemed. Watch it on Sunday, 13 December, at 17:05 on M-Net Movies 1, DStv channel 108.

Late-night entertainment

Isono
Africa’s most anticipated telenovela is back and there’s going to be drama – lots of it. Isono is all about “the masks we wear and the secrets we hide”. It features an award-winning cast and an unpredictable plot that is rich with authentic local storytelling. It starts tonight, 7 December, and airs Monday to Thursday at 21:00 on BET, DStv channel 129.

A Christmas Surprise
When a student comes back home for Christmas to come out to his family, his seemingly traditional loved ones take the opportunity to bring a whole bunch of skeletons out of the closet. Tune in for this heart-warming festive film about family and acceptance in the modern age on Saturday, 12 December, at 21:00 on M-Net, DStv channel 101/102 (East).

With this wide selection of movies and shows fit for the whole family at any time of the day, you won’t have to fight over the remote this holiday. You can also take control of your viewing experience and livestream all of these by downloading the MyDStv app!

BoN expects smaller contraction in 2020

December 7, 2020, 2:52 am

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BoN expects smaller contraction in 2020 Jo-Maré Duddy – The Namibian economy remains set for a record contraction in 2020, despite the Bank of Namibia (BoN) now expecting a slightly better performance than it did in August.
The central bank expects the economy to grow by -7.3% this year, compared to its forecast of -7.8% in August.
In the BoN’s updated economic outlook, released today, the central bank expects significantly smaller contractions for agriculture and mining compared to August.
However, the BoN lowered its growth forecast for the secondary and tertiary sectors.
Read the full report tomorrow in Market Watch.

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NCCS gears up for Desert Dash

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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NCCS gears up for Desert DashLimited resources won’t stop cyclists The team is ready to take on this weekend’s gruelling Nedbank Desert Dash. Limba Mupetami







WINDHOEK

A four- as well as a two-man team from the NCCS Pupkewitz Pro Cycling Club have undergone tremendous training to prepare for the Nedbank Desert Dash, which will take place this Friday and Saturday.

The four-man team consists of Brandon Plaatjies, Makenzy Eiseb, Fiffy Kashululu and Denzel de Koe, while the two-man team is made up of Lotto Petrus and Jan Motja.

The Dash, which will be held for the 16th consecutive year and for the sixth year with Nedbank as the title sponsor, is the longest single-stage mountain bike race in the world, covering 373km from Windhoek to Swakopmund.

The athletes will be expected to cycle over the Khomas Hochland Mountains and through the Namib Desert to their final destination.

Limited sponsorship

While the coronavirus pandemic shrouded the event in uncertainty earlier this year, the organisers have managed to host the iconic race with just over 1 000 cyclists competing this year.

At the launch of the race in October, it was confirmed that 212 solo cyclists will take part, 18 of whom are women, while 126 two-person teams and 134 four-person teams have entered.

Meanwhile, international cyclists will make up 35% of the overall total.

NCCS’ Eben Ezer said they have prepared well for the race, despite being challenged by limited sponsorship due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“However, we will try to do our best with what we have on our disposal,” he said.

African Stars condemns NFA reports

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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African Stars condemns NFA reports Jesse Jackson Kauraisa





WINDHOEK

The African Stars Football Club has expressed dismay over reports that suggested it has applied for membership with the new Namibia Premier Football League (NPFL).

The club has described the NFA’s audacity to place its name among those that have applied as unlawful and an act of thievery.

This comes after the NFA announced on its website that Stars and Life Fighters became the latest clubs to join the new league.

The news was not well received by Stars, who strongly denied the allegations that the club has joined the top-tier league.

“This is damaging news to our reputation as a club because those who were part of us and sticking with us think we have betrayed them.

‘Doesn’t make sense’

“The article in the Namibian Sun without us able to reply has done damage to us a club.

“It does not make sense that the club will join the league even after our members were expelled from football,” a senior club manager said.

The club has also requested media houses to refrain from associating them with the new league.

In a statement issued on Sunday evening, refuting claims that it has joined the top tier league, the football club said: “African Stars have taken note of communique that’s being run by the media houses that suggests we have applied to form part of some imaginary league run by the current structure of the NFA.”

No intention to join

“Africa Stars distances itself from this and has no intentions of joining such a league,” the statement further read.

“We would like to put the NFA structure on notice that they must go ahead and pronounce that African Stars have applied on their official communications.

“We have started the process of consulting our legal team and no stone will be left unturned to bring the culprits to book who attempt to bring the name of the club into disrepute.”

Haimbili’s long journey to varsity

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Haimbili’s long journey to varsity STAFF REPORTER



For some students, the fight for a better life only starts after graduating from a tertiary institution. However, the same cannot be said about 23-year-old Verner Haimbili, whose long, drawn-out fight to enrol into university began after completing high school five years ago.

Hailing from the Oshamukweni village in the Ohangwena Region, Haimbili has been trying to register at university, to no avail. He is one of nine siblings and lived with his self-employed single mother up until his matriculation in 2015.

In 2016, after completing grade 12 with flying colours, he was one of the top performers at Haimbili Haufiku Secondary School. He then moved to Windhoek.

Haimbili said from an early age, he believed that education would give him an opportunity to elevate his family out of poverty. However, his attempts to register at university were not successful due to a lack of financial means and scanty information during his high school days.

“I moved to Windhoek that year to possibly pursue studies at the University of Namibia (Unam). But, despite being accepted, I faced a number of challenges that made enrolling at the institution of my dreams very difficult,” Haimbili said.

Five years later, and numerous life twists in between, Haimbili was still not registered at Unam. His hopes of becoming someone his family and community can look up to as a symbol of success were dimmed, but not lost altogether.

Much to his delight, at the end of November this year, Unam learnt of his plight in The Namibian and reached out to him.

At Unam, the office of the dean of students (ODS) is a unit that works towards creating an enabling and conducive environment, characterised by quality programmes, that contributes to the holistic development of students.

“This is one of many cases that the ODS encounters on an annual basis. Since it is our daily duty to help students facing financial, academic and psycho-social or health challenges, we found it fit to reach out to Haimbili and render our support,” said assistant dean for professional services, Tangeni Velikoshi.

“Apart from the application process assistance, the university will enlist him to benefit from the accommodation, meal and tuition support scheme that aims to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds,” he added.

“We will also engage with other stakeholders, like Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund, to enable him to complete his studies with ease moving forward,” Velikoshi said.

“We will provide career guidance and counselling services to Haimbili in order to identify the career path that fits his personality,” said Markishuana Nependa, a student counsellor working closely with Haimbili in the ODS.

This is due to the fact that some students tend to change courses in the latter part of their studies, which causes unnecessary wastage of time and resources.

In response to Unam’s gesture to meet him halfway, Haimbili said he has reached out to many offices in Windhoek asking for financial support, but received no assistance.

“When I received the call from Unam, I was extremely excited. Finally, my dreams can come true,” he said.

Nurses on the frontline

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Nurses on the frontline Training nurses to fill the skills gap in the country Michelline Nawatises

Pull quote: “I accept it as my duty to protect the interest of my clients to maintain professional secrecy” – oath of nursing graduates





An oath-taking ceremony, which marked the third cohort of International University of Management nursing students, recently took place at the institution’s main campus in Windhoek.

The oath the nurses took is a solemn reminder that the nursing profession is not just a job, but a calling.

IUM founder professor David Namwandi said this profession requires dedication to service and supporting fellow human beings.

“The profession of nursing and midwifery is the most important enabling sub-systems in the world’s healthcare systems today. This has become evident in the global fight against Covid-19,” he said.

Held under the theme ‘nurses, a voice to lead, a voice on the frontline’, at the ceremony, the head of the department of nursing and midwifery, Hilma Shikwambi, reminded the graduates that the oath is a promise to society and a nation facing uncertainty because of the pandemic. “Everyone is looking at us that we take it into consideration that we have adhered to help our people,” she said.



Discipline and dedication

Namwandi congratulated the nursing graduates and the dean of the faculty of health and social sciences, professor Agnes Van Dyk, along with her team for producing nurses of a high calibre.

“May I encourage those of you taking your oath today to emulate those who have paved the way for you by following in the high standards of discipline and dedication that have already been set for you,” he said.

IUM is committed to train more nurses and develop new programmes to remain relevant to the needs of the country and the region at large.

In this regard, the university, through its faculty of health and social sciences, has launched new programmes: A pharmacist’s assistant certificate, a postgraduate diploma in paediatric nursing and a certificate in health and wellness studies.

Hamilton in race against time

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Hamilton in race against time NAMPA/AFP



Lewis Hamilton is in a race against time as he battles to recover from Covid-19 and return to action for Mercedes at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, according to team chief Toto Wolff.

The Austrian boss told reporters after Sunday's dramatic Sakhir Grand Prix, in which the seven-time champion's substitute George Russell excelled, that Hamilton's condition was improving every day.

But, he added, he had to complete a full recovery and return a negative Covid-19 test result by Thursday and, if not, super-sub Russell, on loan from Williams, would take his seat again.

"If Lewis recovers - and he is getting better every day - and he is considered Covid-free and negative, then he will be fine," Wolff said. "I think we need to see how well Lewis recovers.

"That's the most important - that he's well and he says he's a bit better, so he's made a big step.”

‘Brilliant race’ ahead

"If the test is negative, it's his car and then I’m sure he will drive a brilliant race. But, if the test in Abu Dhabi is positive, then George is in the car."

Wolff rejected suggestions that the prodigious Russell's dazzling display for Mercedes was a useful factor in negotiating a new contract with Hamilton.

"No, they are two different things," he countered. "Lewis has been with the team for eight years. We have had great success in the past.

"He is a team member and I have said it already - none of the events will interfere or change any of our negotiations. That wouldn't be fair against him and it wouldn't be fair against us,” he said.

"It could have gone the other way around and been a race weekend where George wouldn't have been on the pace. Our negotiations go much beyond that."

Hamilton will be out of contract at the end of this season. Talks, postponed due to his illness, are expected to resume later this month.

Kasaona to use Youth Games to scout

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Kasaona to use Youth Games to scoutFulfilling two roles The head coach of the under-20 national team said she will be using the upcoming MTC Namibia Youth Games to scout for fresh talent. Limba Mupetami







WINDHOEK

Former head coach of the Brave Gladiators Uerikondjera Mammie Kasaona has her eyes set on Rietfontein to pull players for the national under-20 team.

Seen playing for Galz & Goals in the Namibia Football Association’s Women Super Cup last Saturday, her side beat Right Way Football Club 4-0.

A few watching the match took offence with the fact that the former head coach of the senior women’s team was on the pitch rather than scouting for talent.

“She shouldn’t be playing but rather using her position to scout for players,” said a fan.

Focus on one thing

Kasaona said she no longer coaches the Brave Gladiators, adding that Robert Nauseb is the head coach.

Nauseb is also the assistant coach of the senior men’s team, Brave Warriors.

“I’m the player coach for the under-20 team,” she said.

She added that there are no newcomers at this stage and that is why she will be travelling to the Youth Games, which will be held in Rietfontein from 16 to 18 December, to scout as players from all regions will be present.

Mika Kaiyamo seven-a-side next weekend

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Mika Kaiyamo seven-a-side next weekend Limba Mupetami



WINDHOEK

The recently launched Mika Kaiyamo seven-a-side football and netball tournament will take place from 18 to 20 December in the Ohangwena Region.

The annual tournament was established in 2013 and in 2014, Nico Kaiyamo, chairman of Cavema Fishing, sponsored the medals and the floating trophies.

“This year, I became the main sponsor of the tournament to the tune of N$20 000 and hope to not to only repeat the sponsorship, but increase it next year, pending the success of this year tournament.”

Prizes up for grabs

The first prize winners will walk away with N$3 000, a trophy and 10 gold medals, while second prize will earn the team N$2 000 in cash and 10 silver medals.

The third team will win N$1 000 and 10 bronze medals.

Meanwhile, the netball competition will see the first prize winners walking away with N$2 000, a trophy and 10 gold medals.

The first runner-up will receive N$1 200 and 10 silver medals, while the third-place winners will receive N$800 and 10 bronze medals.

Last year, 15 football and six netball teams took part. “And we hope to have an increase this year,” Kaiyamo said.

The organisers of the tournament are Malakia Haufiku and Shakwenoghwe Shakwes Fillip.

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Star teacher of the week

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Star teacher of the week Mutsa Pazvakavambwa, Sunshine Private School



Why did you decide to become a teacher?

Growing up, I always wanted to be a lawyer. In my 12-year-old eyes, lawyers solved crimes and brought justice for the wronged, almost like superheroes. Eight years later, I took a gap year as a teaching assistant at a primary school in my hometown. It took two months to realise that teaching was my calling and that the classroom is the happiest place in the world.

What motivates to get up every morning?

I wake up knowing that I have the responsibility to educate the future leaders of this country. The little boy who wants to be a pilot, the young girl who wants to be president. The shy boy who wants to build a hospital one day and the chatty girl who wants to be a newsreader are all counting on me to stop pressing snooze, take a shower, show up every day and hold their hand as they take steps towards their dreams. I am proud to say I have been an educator for seven years.

Tell us about your challenges and how you overcome them daily?

Anyone who knows me will be quick to tell you that I am overly ambitious. Mix that with a competitive spirit and a hint of perfectionist; you will have a very big challenge. I try to overcome this by taking on tasks that are manageable as well as trying not to look at everything as a competitive opportunity. If something is not perfect, I tell myself that I did my best.

Another challenge I’m learning to deal with is letting go of things that are of sentimental value. From an old card from a learner to a broken coffee mug once used every morning, I’d keep it all! Until recently, I’ve learnt to let go of many things by actually saying to the item “thank you for your service” right before it goes into the bin. I know it sounds silly, and I cannot remember where I learnt this from, but so far, it works!

What is one of the biggest lessons you have learnt from your learners?

There is so much I’ve learnt from my learners over the years, but the great one must be love. A new kind of love. The love I’ve receive from the young boys and girls has helped shape my personality. I have become more patient, less judgmental more compassionate. I’m not the perfect teacher, actually far from it, but their love makes it feel like I come pretty close.

What are your talents and what are you passionate about?

Music from a young age has been my God-given talent. I remember at five years old putting on a show for my family wearing a bazaar costume. I’ve been blessed with a singing voice and have been privileged to travel to countries like South Africa and the USA because of it. I’m also able to play a little bit of the guitar, mbira, marimba and keyboard.

What is your favourite book, song, favourite place to visit in Namibia and your dream car?

My favourite book has to be The Beautyful Ones are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah. My favourite place is Henties Bay. My favourite song is Natural by Sally Boss Madam and my dream car is the BMW 3 series.

Can you tell us more about your teaching journey?

They say teaching is a calling from God. A gift that has been given to share. I come from a long a long line of teachers - third generation to be exact. However, if you had told me at the beginning of my teaching journey that along the way I would be sharing this gift and touching the lives of so many people, I would not have believed you. My teaching journey has been filled with many exciting moments and heartfelt sacrifices.

There have been many days where the classroom feels like the happiest place on earth. However, there have also been days where I do not want to be at the school. However, the most common feeling throughout my teaching journey has been the need to reach out to learners from all over the country. This year I was privileged to be a part of an amazing My Zone education project. The three months of compiling material, preparing lessons and filming episodes has been the highlight of my teaching journey so far. I wouldn’t trade my profession for anything in the world. I look forward to sharing my gift for many years to come.

Covid-19: Vaccine could be airlifted to UK if Brexit blocks ports – minister

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Covid-19: Vaccine could be airlifted to UK if Brexit blocks ports – minister NAMPA / REUTERS



LONDON

Millions of doses of a Covid-19 vaccine could be airlifted to Britain if ports are snarled up when the Brexit transition period ends, delaying the import of medicines, a junior foreign office minister said yesterday.

"We have extensive plans in place to ensure the protection of our vaccines, that is absolutely the priority product," James Cleverly told Sky News.

"We've looked at the use of non-commercial flights, we have border arrangements in place."

Britain is preparing to become the first country to roll out the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine this week, initially making the shot available at hospitals for healthcare workers and the most vulnerable before distributing stocks to doctors' clinics.

Asked if the vaccine would be airlifted in from a manufacturing site in Belgium if necessary, Cleverly said "amongst other things, yes".

Transport between Britain and mainland Europe is likely to be severely disrupted if an European Union trade deal is not agreed to before transitional arrangements expire at the end of the year.

Trump says his lawyer Giuliani has Covid-19

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Trump says his lawyer Giuliani has Covid-19 NAMPA / AFP



WASHINGTON

Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, has tested positive for Covid-19, the president said on Sunday, the latest member of his inner circle to contract the disease.

It was unclear whether Giuliani was experiencing symptoms, but at age 76, the former New York mayor is considered part of a high-risk group.

He has been seen frequently without a mask - CNN showed film of him Thursday in Atlanta walking maskless down a hall chatting with several other people whose faces were uncovered - and other members of his legal team have presumably been exposed.

"Giuliani, by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the USA, has tested positive for the China Virus," Trump tweeted, using a term he applies to the coronavirus that has outraged Beijing.

Fading efforts

Giuliani has been leading the president's defiant - and unsuccessful - effort to undo Joe Biden's victory in the November presidential election.

If the legal team complies with health guidance, anyone thus exposed should self-quarantine for at least a week, which could further hinder Trump's already fading efforts to challenge his election loss.

The diagnosis came a day after Trump, who long played down the severity of the pandemic and even mocked those who wore masks, held his first big political rally since the election before a tightly packed crowd of thousands of largely unmasked supporters in Georgia.

Escalating

The United States - the country with the most coronavirus cases and deaths in the world - has seen a dramatic resurgence in its epidemic in recent weeks.

For the third day in a row, the United States on Saturday notched a record number of cases in 24 hours, reaching nearly 230 000 new infections, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

A series of members of Trump's inner circle have contracted the disease since the president himself caught it weeks before the election.

They include his wife Melania, his sons Donald Jr and Barron, his press secretary, some of his advisors, his campaign manager as well as several Republican members of Congress.

Many of them, including Giuliani, followed Trump's example, often ignoring health experts' guidance and attending White House and political events without masks.

Cavalier attitude

Giuliani's son Andrew, who works in the White House, tested positive for the virus late last month.

David Gergen, a senior advisor in four US administrations, noted on CNN that while dozens of people around Trump had now contracted the virus, only one or two in Biden's camp had done so.

The lesson, Gergen said: "The cavalier attitude taken by the Trump people is only going to get you closer to catching this stuff...

"It's just as plain as it can be."

Covid-19: Second wave feared in Kenya, SA

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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Covid-19: Second wave feared in Kenya, SASurge in new cases There has been a resurgence in new cases in Egypt, DR Congo, Kenya and South Africa that may be the beginning of a second wave of the pandemic. NAMPA / REUTERS







Many African countries have been widely praised for their effective response to curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

Countries in the continent had from the onset of the pandemic implemented social distancing measures to control the spread of the virus and had from around August been reporting a decline in daily cases and deaths.

Against expectations, Africa has so far recorded a far lower tally of Covid-19 cases and deaths compared to Europe, Asia, the Americas, or the Middle East. The continent, which accounts for about 18% of the global population, only accounts for about 3.2% of Covid-19 cases and 2.5% of deaths by the disease.

But in recent weeks, there has been a resurgence in new cases and deaths in the continent.

As the US and European countries report a resurgence of cases in what is being referred to as the “second wave”, the resurgence of cases in some African countries is viewed as the potential beginning of a second wave across the continent.

Second wave grips Kenya

There has been a resurgence in Egypt, DR Congo, and South Africa that may be the beginning of a second wave, but in Kenya, the picture looks different.

Kenya appears to be fully experiencing a second wave. Over 1 500 new cases were reported in November, surpassing those recorded (less than 1 000 cases) during the worst time of the pandemic in the country before a decline in August.

Kenya has now topped 85 000 Covid-19 cases and nearly 1 500 deaths, including 31 healthcare workers. It has lost nine doctors, four who died in November.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union threatened a national strike from this weekend if the government did not provide protective equipment and medical insurance for its members, and compensation for healthcare workers who die from Covid-19.

Unclear

Professor Kevin Marsh, a senior adviser and co-lead of the Covid-19 team at the African Academy of Sciences, said calling this resurgence in Kenya and South Africa a second wave depends on how one defines it.

“There is certainly a rise in cases and deaths in both countries following an initial drop. In Kenya, it is not clear if this is a genuine rise in transmission or whether it reflects cases from further afield coming into urban centres following the relaxation of restrictions on movement,” he said.

South Africa, which has reported the highest cases and deaths in Africa due to risk factors such as an older population and a high rate of HIV and tuberculosis infections, had been able to drastically reduce the number of daily cases and death. However, in recent weeks, the number of daily new cases has increased from around 2 000 to over 4 000.

New surge

“It looks like there is a resurgence or an increase in the number of infections as compared to a few weeks ago,” said professor Glenda Gray, president of the South African Medical Research Council.

“This uptick could be the beginning of a new surge. The next peak will depend on interventions implemented to try and reduce community transmission.”

Gray says there is a discrepancy between the number of deaths that were expected by this time this year in South Africa and what is being observed. That is, there are more deaths in the country due to Covid-19 than expected.

She said this could be due to under-reporting of Covid-19 on death certificates, people dying of Covid-19 without a diagnosis, and collateral deaths from diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis at home.

COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

December 7, 2020, 2:00 pm

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COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF Volkswagen expects autonomous cars on market

The chief executive of Volkswagen, the world's largest vehicle maker by sales, expects autonomous vehicles to be ready for sale between 2025 and 2030, he told a magazine.

Herbert Diess cited the improving performance of computer chips needed in autonomous cars while developments in artificial intelligence are also speeding the process.

"It is foreseeable that the systems will soon be able to master even the complex situations of autonomous driving," Diess told the Wirtschaftswoche weekly magazine.

Diess defected from BMW in 2015 and has helped Volkswagen to reform after its diesel scandal with a 73 billion euro (US$87 billion) electric vehicle investment plan. - Nampa/Reuters

Kia recalls 295 000 US vehicles for fire risks

The Korean automaker said the recall covers some 2012-2013 model year Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles because an engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel or oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs including engine replacement, as necessary. Kia said it is currently developing a Knock Sensor Detection System software update.

Last week, Kia and affiliate Hyundai Motor Co agreed to a record US$210 million civil penalty after US auto safety regulators said they failed to recall 1.6 million vehicles for engine issues in a timely fashion.

The Korean automakers agreed to consent orders after the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the automakers inaccurately reported some information to the agency regarding the recalls.

Kia’s civil penalty totalled US$70 million, including an upfront payment of US$27 million, requirements to spend US$16 million on specified safety measures, and a potential US$27 million deferred penalty. - Nampa/Reuters

Nissan joins GM in exiting auto group

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co joined General Motors Co in exiting a group of automakers that had backed US President Donald Trump in his bid to prevent California from imposing its own vehicle emissions rules.

GM last week reversed course in an ongoing court fight and abandoned the outgoing Republican president, winning praise from Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office on Jan. 20.

“We are confident that productive conversations among the auto industry, the Biden administration and California can deliver a common-sense set of national standards that increases efficiency and meets the needs of American drivers,” Nissan said in a statement.

GM had joined Nissan, Toyota Motor Corp, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and other automakers in October 2019 in support of Trump effort’s to bar California from setting its own fuel-efficiency rules, or zero-emission requirements, for vehicles separate from federal requirements.

Others still backing Trump include Mazda Motor Corp, Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors Corp Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Subaru Corp and the National Automobile Dealers Association. The industry still remained split on how to move forward after it held a meeting Tuesday. - Nampa/Reuters

Ford delays Bronco SUV launch

Ford Motor Co is delaying the launch of its Bronco SUV next year to the summer from the initial spring target due to coronavirus-related issues with its suppliers, a company spokesman said on Friday.

“Deliveries will begin the summer rather than the spring. That’s being driven by Covid-19 related challenges some of our suppliers are experiencing,” Ford spokesman Said Deep said.

The suppliers, which Ford did not identify, have had development work for tooling delayed by the pandemic, Deep said. Asked whether the launch could face further delays, Deep said Ford was monitoring the outbreak closely.

The pandemic caused the US auto industry to shutter plants for two months earlier in the year, but since production restarted automakers have been largely successful in preventing the spread of the virus within their facilities.

Ford still expects to begin building the Bronco at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan in the spring, Deep said. The Dearborn, Michigan-based company is already shipping the smaller Bronco Sport, which is built in Mexico. - Nampa/Reuters

Sinovac secures funding to boost production

China's Sinovac Biotech has secured US$515 million in funding from a local firm to double production capacity of its coronavirus vaccine, the companies said on Monday, as it expects efficacy data of its experimental shot this month.

The investment deal also comes as Sinovac expands supply deals and trials of its experimental Covid-19 vaccine CoronaVac with more countries following positive results from early to mid-stage clinical trials.

China's Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited said yesterday a business unit will invest US$515 million in Sinovac Life Sciences, a subsidiary of Sinovac, to help development and production of CoronaVac.

The investment will give Sino Biopharmaceutical a 15.03% interest in Sinovac Life Sciences, Sino Biopharmaceutical said in a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Sinovac said in a separate statement that it would be able to manufacture 300 million vaccine doses annually and aims to complete construction of a second production facility by the end of 2020 to increase annual Covid-19 vaccine production capacity to 600 million doses. - Nampa/Reuters