Namibian Sun

Virus hits South Africa border post Angry crowds were stranded Beitbridge port officials detected more than 100 cases of Covid-19 in just four days this week, raising concern over the health implications of border delays. I don't think I can afford to pay at each and every border. Wallace Muzondiwa, Truck Driver: Zimbwabwe

SOFIA CHRISTENSEN

Zimbabwean truck driver Wallace Muzondiwa queued four days in his vehicle to enter neighbouring South Africa after thousands of people rushed to the border to escape new Zimbabwean movement restrictions this week.

The surge overwhelmed immigration authorities at the Beitbridge border post, South Africa's second-busiest entry port, where angry crowds were stranded by the backlog.

"The situation is hectic," said Muzondiwa, desperate to get back on the road after officials finally approved his coronavirus test and additional pandemic-related paperwork.

Flustered travellers hurried past with their luggage, hopping into minivan taxis parked alongside sizzling barbecue stands selling chicken wings on the go.

Coronavirus has complicated cumbersome land border crossings in southern Africa, where trucks can sometimes wait days to get through sluggish customs.

"What causes the delays at the borders are the documents," explained South African driver Sinki Tshangise, 44, who has criss-crossed between Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe for almost a decade.

Negative Covid-19 certificates often expire before arrival, he added, forcing drivers to pay for more testing on the road.

Affordability

"I don't think I can afford to pay at each and every border," said Tshangise. "It's a real struggle."

At Beitbridge, truck drivers joined throngs of travellers queuing for rapid-diagnostic nasal swabs provided by the South African government.

Health workers said they had struggled to keep up with the influx from Zimbabwe at the start of its second lockdown earlier this week.

Lines of border-crossers spilled over onto the single bridge across the Limpopo River, which naturally divides the two countries.

Travellers and trucks crowded together along the narrow concrete strip with little leeway for social distancing.

Zimbabwe reintroduced movement restrictions to stem a surge in confirmed coronavirus cases, which have more than doubled to over 18 000 since the start of November.

"People who said they tested negative that side in Zimbabwe tested positive because they were on the bridge for more than four days," he told AFP.

Beitbridge port officials detected more than 100 cases of Covid-19 in just four days this week, raising concern over the health implications of border delays.

South Africa is already grappling with the continent's worst coronavirus outbreak and a spiralling resurge in cases attributed to a new virus strain. - Nampa/AFP

Seychelles began vaccinating its population

The Indian Ocean archipelago of the Seychelles began vaccinating its population against the coronavirus on Sunday, the first African nation to do so.

The country's president, Wavel Ramkalawan, was the first to receive the jab, an event broadcast on live television at a hospital in the capital Victoria. Several dozen other public figures joined him.

"It's exactly as if I was getting any vaccine," he said, encouraging all the people of the island nation to get the injection.

The country is using the Chinese vaccine developed by the Chinese pharma giant Sinopharm with its subsidiary the China National Biotec Group (CNBG).

Health Minister Peggy Vidot said the country had received a donation of 50 000 doses of the vaccine from the United Arab Emirates.

The Seychelles hopes to vaccinate 70 percent of its population within two to three months, at a rate of 1 000 per day.

The archipelago of 115 mostly uninhabited islands and islets has a population of 98,000, and initially appeared to have staved off the pandemic, initiating a swift lockdown in April last year which was lifted a month later with only 11 cases recorded.

However, cases have jumped since December, with a total of 508 now recorded, one of which was fatal. The number of daily cases is rising, with 57 recorded on Saturday.

Ramkalawan said the country was also expecting delivery at the end of January of another 50 000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, a donation from the Indian government. - Nampa/AFP

SME Bank inquiry eyes more individuals OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

More individuals linked to the SME Bank looting scheme are expected to be summoned to testify in front of an inquiry set up to help recover over N$247 million stolen from the bank.

This was confirmed to Namibian Sun by the chairperson of the SME Bank commission of inquiry, Advocate Natasha Bassingthwaighte, yesterday.

“Whether other persons will be called in will depend on the liquidators and the evidence led so far,” she said.

She added that the commission has not completed its probe and that she could not provide a date by when the enquiry will be finalised.

“It is a confidential inquiry; it is not complete [yet] but I cannot give you any details,” she said.

SME Bank was closed down after it was unearthed that well-connected officials - ranging from politicians, business personalities and bank managers - were part of a group of individuals who benefitted from the bank, despite not meeting its criteria.

Most of these people used the money to buy luxury cars and posh apartments, and to bankroll their opulent lifestyles.

Some beneficiaries, such as personal assistant to agriculture minister, Esau Mbako, and Development Bank of Namibia chairperson Tania Hangula have already been brought in for questioning.

The two got a joint N$8.1 million from the bank.

SME Bank liquidators Ian McLaren and David Bruni already obtained a court judgement to attach assets of Mbako in order to recover over N$900 000 he received from the bank.

‘No safety threats’

When High Court judge Hosea Angula granted an inquiry into the demise of the bank meant to help small- and medium-sized enterprises in 2018, there were fears regarding the safety of the officials who would form part of the enquiry.

Asked about her safety as chairperson of the inquiry, Bassingthwaighte told Namibian Sun that she did not think it was compromised.

“There have been no safety threats,” she said.

Million-dollar demise

The demise of the bank was sealed in 2017 when the Bank of Namibia placed it under curatorship after it had been established that between N$180 million and N$196 million had been invested under questionable circumstances in South Africa.

The bank’s provisional liquidators were in August 2018 granted a lifeline through a court order in the South Gauteng High Court to recover money suspected to have been syphoned to that country.

In terms of the order, four bank accounts, holding a combined N$43.8 million, have been frozen until further legal proceedings. An amount of N$12.5 million is in one of the accounts in the name of the company Moody Blue Trade and Invest 14, according to First National Bank (FNB), where the account is held.

The other three accounts, all in the name of the company AMFS Solutions, are also at FNB, and hold amounts of N$29.7 million, N$1.3 million and N$230 000, The Namibian reported in August 2018.

Swapo enters Cheetah Cement fray

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Swapo’s Otjiwarongo branch has entered a labour dispute involving Cheetah Cement and its employees after calling for a meeting to hear from those affected.

The decision to enter the squabble, its coordinator Imms Namaseb said, was to avoid a situation where the party could lose members who felt that it was not sympathetic to their concerns, as well as to illustrate to employees of the plant that the party was interested in the professional well-being of its members.

A meeting between employees and Swapo is scheduled for tomorrow, 14 January, a notice released by the branch indicated.

“We want them to know that we are there with them. We are mindful not to interfere. I want the parties to come to one table. Swapo will not abandon you; we don’t want people to be exploited,” Namaseb said.

Mass exodus fears

According to Namaseb, an ideal outcome would be for the issues to be ironed out between Cheetah Cement and its employees.

“We as a party would like to know what the issue is. We are looking at the issue as some are Swapo members. We don’t want to play a mediating role; we will tell our members if they are wrong if they are wrong,” he said.

The other decision for the party’s involvement was to avoid a situation where it lost voters because it had not reacted proactively to issues its members were being subjected, he explained. Namaseb said the party’s leadership in Otjiwarongo was determined not to see voters siding with opposition parties as was the case in the Erongo Region as a consequence of the Fishrot corruption scandal.

Unfair labour conditions

Workers speaking under anonymity told Namibian Sun that the mines ministry had failed them despite various attempts to ensure an amicable solution to the problems they were facing.

“The key issue is that our recognition agreement we signed is not being honoured. The Chinese workers have better working conditions,” they said telephonically.

Another issue of concern to the employees was that they get housing subsidies as low as N$60 per month, while employees claimed that they were being paid a maximum of N$2 000 in some categories despite being skilled and holding suitable qualifications.

Baby’s body in box explained“We didn’t have money for a coffin” – uncle A man says digging a grave for his sister’s stillborn baby at Oshikuku was the longest 30 minutes of his life.

TUYEIMO HAIDULA

OSHIKUKU

The man who appeared in a video holding a box containing the corpse of his sister’s stillborn baby at the Oshikuku Roman Catholic Hospital’s cemetery in Omusati Region said they did not have money for a dignified burial.

Uleinge Whilliam (33) made trended on social media over the weekend when he was recorded by a passer-by holding a box in his hands in the company of his sister Veronicka Michael.

Namibian Sun yesterday traced Whilliam at his work site in Oshikuku for details of what transpired.

He and Michael are born in Namibia but grew up at Amahona village in Angola, he said.

His pregnant sister visited the Onheleiwa clinic in Omusati at the end of December from Angola and was informed that her baby is not moving, he said. She then proceeded to Oshikuku hospital for further medical treatment.

Whilliam said the sister was induced and the baby was stillborn.

Humble burial

“She sent me a message that she gave birth to a stillborn. She then said the nurses said she must ask a family member to come help her bury with someone from the side of the father,” he narrated.

Whilliam said on Saturday, 2 January, he travelled from Onheleiwa to Oshikuku but arrived at around 14h00, which was late as the cemetery was already closed for burials.

They were instructed to return on Monday, 4 January, to carry out the burial.

Whilliam said they told the hospital that they did not have money for a coffin and they were informed that they would be given a box as per the norm for those who find themselves in the same situation.

“The hospital nurse then told me to dig a hole as deep as my knees so the dogs cannot dig out the body. We went to the cemetery and they allocated us space. I dug the hole for about 30 minutes.

“This was the longest 30 minutes of my life. I told myself it’s life and I had to do this and be strong on behalf of my sister who didn’t say a single word the entire time,” he said with tears in his eyes.

After the burial, he gave his sister money to travel back to Angola and returned to work, he said.

Reburial offered

In a statement issued on Monday, health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe said the ministry is willing to, in consultation with the family provided that the necessary order is granted by a court of law as required, exhume the recently buried body of the baby and to provide a dignified reburial for the newborn to reaffirm the sanctity of human life and the Namibian government’s commitment to assist the most vulnerable members of society.

Whilliam, however, said this won’t be necessary.

Nangombe added that the ministry complies with the legal provisions regarding the handling of human remains. Where a family is unable to conduct a funeral, provision is made to conduct what is known as ‘a pauper’s burial’. This is provided for in the bylaws of local authorities.

Meanwhile, Nangombe has requested for assistance from members of the public to help identify the person who recorded and narrated the unfolding event.

tuyeimo@namibian.com.na

IMF board approves US$487.5 mln pay-out to Angola

DAVID LAWDER

The International Monetary Fund said on Monday its executive board approved a disbursement to Angola of about $487.5 million after completing a fourth review of the African oil exporter's US$3.7 billion loan program.

The Fund said that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact Angola's economy and population, while oil production and prices remain weak.

But it said that Angolan authorities "have maintained a robust policy response in the face of these challenges and remain resolutely committed to the program," noting the December passage of a 2021 budget that includes non-oil revenue gains and restraints on non-essential expenditures.

Angola's finance minister, Vera Daves de Sousa, told the Reuters Next conference on Monday that she expected more than US$700 million in the next IMF tranche after securing three years of payment relief from Chinese creditors.

Angola last September secured a US$765 million augmentation of total access under the Extended Fund Facility program, which was initially approved in December 2018.

"The stabilization of public finances remains the cornerstone of the Angolan authority’s strategy," IMF Deputy Managing Director Antoinette Sayeh said in a statement.

"The authorities achieved strong fiscal adjustment in 2020. Their 2021 budget consolidates the non-oil revenue gains and expenditure restraint of the 2020 budget, while protecting priority health and social spending."- Nampa/AFP

Weed control an integral aspect of crop productionCapitalising on good rainfall Weeds can negatively affect the growth of crops and vegetables grown in crop fields by competing for essentials such as water, nutrients, sunlight and air.

HANKS SAISAI

Crop production is a form of primary agriculture that provides many Namibian households with staple food. In most rural areas of Northern and North-Eastern Namibia, staple grains such as maize, pearl millet commonly known as mahangu and sorghum are milled into a powder that is used as a staple porridge in many homes.

Gratefully, Namibia continues to receive adequate rainfall in most parts of the country ensuring that soil moisture is readily available to support plant growth.

When growing crops, it is of great importance to note that as soil moisture is maintained there will be an emergence of other unwanted plants amongst crops grown by a farmer. Undesired plants that grow in a crop field or garden are known as weeds.

Weeds can negatively affect the growth of crops and vegetables grown in crop fields or gardens by competing for essentials such as water, nutrients, sunlight and air. When crops are deprived of the essentials needed for growth, they experience stunted growth.

Moreover, some weeds are hosts for pests and diseases that can attack the vegetables or crops grown by farmers. It is thus of great importance that weed control is practiced by farmers who cultivate fields in order to successfully grow crops.

To ensure that crops are grown successfully, it is the farmer ‘s responsibility to apply weed control measures as soon as possible. On small-scale gardens, weeds can be manually removed by pulling them out of the soil by hand, but this must be done at a stage where the crops are about 40 mm to 50 mm above the ground. Weeds can also be controlled at the soil preparation stage whereby the soil is ploughed to loosen it using a digging fork or on commercial scale production basis a tractor.

Modern methods

In traditional crop fields that are popular in Northern and North-Eastern Namibia, weeds are removed by mechanical means of manual labour using hoes to cut and dig out weeds growing in between the Maize, Sorghum and Mahangu rows. Once the weeds are dug up, they are laid on top of the soil to dry and decompose. When operating big commercial plantations, manual weeding with hoes becomes an impossible task, hence the use of chemicals to control weeds becomes effective. Herbicides are chemicals that are mixed with water and sprayed on fields or gardens to kill weeds. However, when using herbicides such as 2-4D it is essential to use selective ranges that only target certain weeds such as couch grass. Moreover, herbicides should be ecologically friendly for them not to harm useful micro-organisms such as Ladybird bugs. Another effective way of controlling weeds is to introduce crop rotation practices to ensure that one crop is not grown on the same piece of land each year. When a farmer’s harvest maize from their field and decides to grow beans the next cropping season, they will break the life cycle of the weeds that attack maize in that field.

To ensure that crops can grow from planting to harvesting, it is essential to remove all the unwanted plants that will grow in the garden or field. Remember that weeds can be controlled by first preparing the soil well by loosening it with a plough or digging fork. When weeds are removed, crops utilize the essentials needed for their growth optimally with no interruptions.

Prime-Rose – the rookie on the music scene

MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

With her first single, Never Lose, gaining momentum online, allow us to introduce you to the next lady of house and R&B, 17-year-old Prime-Rose.
Produced by Araaffath Muhuure, the single was recently complemented with a music video directed by Eric Mule Production.
The teen describes her music as grounded in R&B and pop, but on Never Lose, she tapped into the house music market.
“My music is an expression of who I am and the trials and tribulations I and other people experience on a daily basis.”
She sings in her native Khoekhoegowab as well as English and said her music is mostly catered to the youth and the young at heart who appreciate good music.

God-given talent
“My mission is to connect and unify humans from all walks of life,” Prime-Rose said.
“I allow myself to artistically express myself while creating meaningful music that also speaks to the needs and desires of my fellow Namibian performers,” she said, adding that she perceives her talent to be from God and she intends to share it with the world.
Sharing her musical history, the singer said she attended keyboard classes when she was young and in 2019, she participated in a gospel competition, making it to the top 10. “Not only was I immensely proud of myself for being the youngest in the competition, but also for making it that far. It made me realise the amount of practice, persistence and hard work it takes to be a musician,” she said.
Never Lose is available for streaming on iTunes and Apple Music, while the video is available on YouTube.

Sport to go ahead without spectatorsAgents implored to take caution Local sport activities can go ahead but without any spectators, it was announced yesterday.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Yesterday's address by health minister Kalumbi Shangula stated that sport events can continue, but without spectators.

This announcement eased the fears of local sports federations and clubs that are looking to start the year afresh amidst the ever-escalating Covid-19 pandemic.

Boxing ready to start the year

Some sport codes like boxing are eager to start their activities. The MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Academy says its plans for 2021 are clear:

“We need to give Jeremiah 'Low-Key' Nakathila a shot at the world title, whether he fights American professional boxers Jamal Herring or Carl Frampton.” Herring and Frampton are scheduled to fight each other for the WBO belt in London on 27 February. Frampton will attempt to become a three-weight world champion when he fights WBO world super-featherweight champion Herring. Tobias said they would also like to take on Shakur Stevenson. “We are ready to take over this division and declare this as Africa's time when it comes to the WBO Jr Lightweight title.

It's a difficult year with Covid-19 now going into the second phase which seems much worse than the first phase. But we will work smarter going forward and keep our boxers active in a safe way.

“The future is bright for this academy.

We have at least four rising prospects that are now ready to fight for continental titles in their respective divisions. We look forward to making our mark in 2021,” said Tobias.

Runners up for a challenge

In athletic circles, the Namibia Schools Sports Union is expected to announce its plans for the new season, with schools expected to open on 26 January.

Footballers hungry for action

Domestic football could restart with a pre-season tournament next month, according to Mabos Vries. The plan is to gradually reintroduce local footballers to the game after close to a year of no action.

Netball court set

Netball action will also return soon, right after the Khomas annual general meeting slated for early next month. Dimitri Bittler from Afrocat Lions Netball Club said that Covid-19 has been hard on sports and that they have delved into live streaming in order for spectators to catch the action.

He further said that they are looking at reducing match numbers on weekends and to play matches on weekdays instead. With these activities planned it is imperative that local sport codes look out for the health minister's next address on 3 February and plan their activities accordingly.

A year of extra financial needs

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

WINDHOEK

Namibia's sport fraternity now needs the corporate sector's support more than ever before, says Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) chief administrator Freddy Mwiya.

Sport codes have always relied on financial aid from companies and the government.

Associations and federations have continued to plead with potential sponsors for sponsorship over the years. Some of corporate companies have heard their cries and sponsored events and sport codes.

Mwiya lauded all the companies that remain committed towards sport but cautioned that they might be required to provide more given the current situation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

Hosting of sport events now costs more, given the precautions that have to be taken to guard against the virus.

This means that athletes require testing, sanitising and facilities will need constant disinfecting.

“As a country we will need to adjust to the new normal because I believe we were all taken by surprise last year when the pandemic hit.

“We are now however living in the new normal and we just have to adjust to that.

“That is why it is important to note that sport associations and federations, including clubs, will need the corporates more than ever because of the cost that will come with hosting events in the midst of the pandemic,” Mwiya said.

Mwiya believes that the only way sport in Namibia can continue during these trying times is if funds are made available specifically for coronavirus-related matters when hosting an event.

He urges corporate Namibia to add extra funds to their sponsorships whenever they sponsor an event or association.

“We know it is not also easy for corporate companies during these times and their budgets are tight.

“People in the sport fraternity will however appreciate and remember the efforts of those companies that will continue keeping the dreams of many athletes alive by committing towards helping out,” Mwiya noted.

Capacity

The chief administrator admitted that the country and some sport codes will struggle to host activities because they might not have the capacity during the pandemic. He encouraged all those in the sport fraternity to continue working hard in ensuring that sport events are hosted in Namibia despite the challenges. “Yes, we lack capacity but that should not be an excuse for us not to do anything about it. “I want everyone in the fraternity to remain positive because things will eventually change for the better.”

Liverpool clash comes at perfect time for leaders Man Utd – SolskjaerPogba in favour with United Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his side's visit to defending champions Liverpool on Sunday could not have come at a better time after moving top of the Premier League for the first time in three years.

NAMPA/AFP

Manchester United's Paul Pogba's deflected strike earned the club a hard-fought 1-0 win at Burnley on Tuesday to move three points of clear of Liverpool, who have failed to win in their last three league games.

“It's a brilliant position to be in,” said a smiling Solskjaer, whose future as manager had been under threat just a few months ago after a slow start to the season and group stage exit from the Champions League.

“We know we are going to the champions; they've had an unbelievable three-and-a-half seasons, we know that's going to be a difficult game, but we're ready for it.

“We couldn't be going there at a better time to play them because we are in good shape, good form, hungry, these boys want to get better and that's a test again.”

Pogba in praise

In recent weeks Pogba has become an increasingly important influence in United's first serious title challenge since Alex Ferguson's retirement as manager in 2013.

The French World Cup winner dominated midfield in the second-half at Turf Moor and fittingly got the winner when his strike from the edge of the box took a deflection off Matt Lowton to wrong-foot Nick Pope.

Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has spoken openly about wanting to move his client on at the end of the season, but Solskjaer insisted the 27-year-old is a major part of his plans.

“I've always said Paul is a big, big player for us,” added Solskjaer.

“He is a good character in the dressing room, he is always one the lads look to (because) he's a world champion.

“We are seeing the best of Paul at the moment. He's getting better and better every game.”

Omudhimba gwokanona mokapakete gwa yelithwa Omulumentu okwa popi kutya okufula ombila yohanana yamumwayina mOshikuku, osha li oominute o 30 oonde noonkondo monkalamwenyo ye.

TUYEIMO HAIDULA

OSHIKUKU

Omulumenu ngoka a monika mokavidio a humbata okapakete mu na omudhimba gwohanana yamumwayina ndjoka ya valwa ya hulitha, momawendo moshipangelo shaOshikuku Roman Catholic Hospital, okwa popi kutya kaye na iimaliwa opo ya ninge efumbiko lyopasimaneko. Uleinge Whilliam (33) okwa monika mokavidio hoka ka topolwa komalungula mehuliloshiwike a humbata okapakete pamwe namumwayina Veronicka Michael. Oshifokundaneki shoNamibian Sun osha yi molukongo lwaWhilliam, pehala lyiilonga ye mOshikuku.

Ye naMichael oya valelwa moNamibia ihe oya kokele momukunda Amahona moAngola.

Mumwayina okwa talelepo okapangelogona kedhina Onheleiwa moshitopolwa shaMusati pehulilo lyaDesemba, okuza moAngola na okwa lombwelwa kutya okanona ke itaka inyenge. Okwa yi nduno koshipangelo shaShikuku opo a ka mone epango.

Okwa mono okanona ihe oka monika ka hulitha.

“Okwa tuminendje etumwalaka kongodhi kutya okwa mona okanona ka pitililapo. Okwa lombwelendje kutya aapangi oya mu lombwele opo a pule omukwanezimo e mu kwathele ya fumbike okanona oshowo gumwe gwomofamili yahe yokanona,” Whilliam a hokolola.

Whilliam okwa tsikile kutya mOlyomakaya yomasiku gaali gaJanuari, okwa zi kOnheleiwa ihe okwa thiki lwopotundi onti 14h00 mOshikuku, a lata nomawendo oga patwa.

Oya lombwelwa opo ya galuke mOmaandaaha momasiku gane gaJanuari opo ya vule okuninga efumbiko.

Whilliam okwa popi kutya oya lombwele oshipangelo kutya kaye na iimaliwa yokulanda oshiketha ihe oya tseyithilwa kutya otaya pewa okapakete ngaashi hashi ningilwa mboka taya iyadha monkalo ya fa yawo.

“Omupangi moshipangelo okwa lombwelendje opo ndithe oshilambo dha thika poongolo dhandje opo oombwa kadhi vule okutha mo olutu. Otwa yi komawendo na oye tu pe ehala. Onda fulu oshilambo uule woominuteo 30. Osha li ethimbo lyuule woominute omi 30 ele noonkondo monkalamwenyo yandje. Onda ilombwele kutya oshi li oshitopolwa shonkalamwenyo na onda pumbwa okukala ndi na oonkondo pehala lyamumwameme ngoka ina tumbula nando oshitya shimwe ethimbo alihe ndyoka,” Whilliam a popi ta zi omahodhi. Konima yefumbiko okwa pe mumwayina iimaliwa a shune koAngola ye ta shuna kiilonga ye.

Momukanda ngoka gwa pitithwa mOmaandaha, omunambelewa omukuluntuwiliki muuministeli wuundjolowele, Ben Nangombe okwa popi kutya uuministeli owa pyakudhukwa, pankundathana nofamili oshowo ezimino lyompangu, opo omudhimba ngoka gu fumbulwemo ko kuvule okuningwa efumbiko lyopasimaneko, nokuulika owino yepangelo okugandja omakwatho kwaamboka taya lumbu moluhepo.

Whilliam, okwa popi kutya shoka itashi pumbiwa. Nangombe okwa pula woo oshigwana shi yambidhidhe mokudhimbulula ngoka a kwata okavidio hoka.

tuyeimo@namibian.com.na

Chinese mine still won't pay RehobothNo rental agreement after 10 years The Rehoboth town council is still trying to get a Chinese-owned mining company to pay rent for the townland where it operates.

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

The Rehoboth town council has been instructed to assess the value of the Chinese African Huaxia Group in a renewed bid to recoup outstanding rent.

Until recently, the council had demanded close to N$15 million from the mine, an amount that is likely to change once the valuation is completed. This was confirmed by the council's chief executive officer, Simeon Kanime, who said the Chinese African Huaxia Group has been operating the mine on townland for close to ten years without paying rent.

“The council must now valuate the mining site and determine a rental amount based on the value of the mine. The position of the council is that that amount should be backdated to the time they started to mine there,” he said. Windhoek law firm Koepp and Partners, which represents the Chinese African Huaxia Group, told Namibian Sun in 2019 that their client did not agree with the amount of money being demanded. According to Kanime, African Huaxia Group is refusing to pay rent, claiming that they never signed a rental agreement with the council.

The company was supposed to pay N$35 000 a month for the land, but no formal contract was ever signed.

The mining company did make sporadic payments for water and electricity, which prompted the council to suspend services.

Namibian Sun understands that the reason why the Chinese company got away with mining without a lease agreement is because it kept insisting on negotiating the terms and conditions and never signed the contract.

Mining operations have since been suspended at the site.

COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

Walmart suspends contributions to US

Walmart Inc, the world's biggest retailer, joined other major companies in indefinitely suspending donations to US lawmakers who voted against President-elect Joe Biden's election certification.

The Arkansas-based company said that in light of last week's attack on the US Capitol, its "political action committee is indefinitely suspending contributions to those members of Congress who voted against the lawful certification of state electoral college votes."

A spokesman for the retailer had said on Sunday that it conducts a review of its political giving after every election cycle and that last week's events would be factored into the company's process. The issue will remain under review over the next few months, the spokesman added.

Blue-chip companies including AT&T Inc, Amazon.com Inc and Mastercard Inc announced similar moves in the past several days.

The announcements indicate that some corporate donors, which usually give money to Republicans and Democrats alike, are re-assessing their strategy after supporters of outgoing Republican President Donald Trump attacked the Capitol last week, aiming to prevent Congress from certifying Biden's win. - Nampa/Reuters

Visa, Plaid call off US$5.3 bln deal

Visa and financial technology company Plaid said that they would terminate their US$5.3 billion merger agreement following a US government lawsuit aimed at stopping the proposed transaction on antitrust grounds.

The US Justice Department had sued to stop the deal in November, saying that Visa was a "a monopolist in online debit transactions" and that the proposed acquisition "would eliminate a nascent competitive threat" to that monopoly.

The deal, which was proposed in January 2020, was scrapped to avoid protracted litigation, said Al Kelly, chairman and CEO of Visa Inc.

"We are confident we would have prevailed in court as Plaid's capabilities are complementary to Visa's, not competitive," he added.

Visa said in January it had agreed to buy privately held Plaid in a US$5.3 billion deal aimed at boosting the payments giant's access to the booming financial technology sector. - Nampa/Reuters

Tesla to register a company in India

Tesla Inc has moved a step closer to its launch in India later this year by registering a company in the country, a regulatory filing showed on Tuesday.

Tesla Motors India and Energy Private Limited was incorporated on Jan. 8 with its registered office in the southern city of Bengaluru, a hub for several global technology companies.

The filing shows the Indian unit has three directors including David Feinstein, who is currently a senior executive at Tesla, according to his LinkedIn profile.

India's transport minister Nitin Gadkari told a local newspaper in December the US electric carmaker would start with sales and then might look at assembly and manufacturing.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has tweeted several times in recent years, including as recently as October 2020, about an impending foray into India.

The move comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is promoting the production and use of electric vehicles to reduce the country's oil dependence and cut down on pollution.

To boost investment, India plans to offer US$4.6 billion in incentives to companies setting up advanced battery manufacturing facilities, according to a government proposal seen by Reuters. – Nampa/Reuters

GM to launch electric delivery vehicle business

General Motors Co staked its claim in the growing electric delivery vehicle business on Tuesday, with Chief Executive Mary Barra outlining plans for its first BrightDrop commercial vans to be delivered to FedEx by year-end.

The move will put GM squarely in competition in the commercial sector with crosstown rival Ford Motor Co as well as start-ups such as Rivian, Arrival and Canoo that are developing electric commercial vehicles for customers from Amazon to Hyundai Motor.

Fuelled in part by the Covid-19 pandemic, GM estimates the US market for parcel and food delivery will climb to more than US$850 billion by 2025.

Barra said BrightDrop will offer delivery and logistics customers such as FedEx a range of products and services that leverage the automaker's expertise in electrification and fleet management.

The BrightDrop EV600 will use a version of GM's Ultium battery system that will power many of the company's future electric vehicles, including the Hummer EV pickup and the Cadillac Lyriq crossover. Barra introduced BrightDrop in an online keynote address at the annual tech and gadget show CES. - Nampa/Reuters

Google launches US$3 mln fund

The Google News Initiative on Tuesday launched a global open fund to fight misinformation about Covid-19 vaccines, worth up to US$3 million.

The "Covid-19 Vaccine Counter Misinformation Open Fund" aims to support journalistic efforts to effectively fact-check misinformation about the Covid-19 immunisation process, the initiative belonging to Alphabet's Google said in a blog post.

The fund will accept projects looking to expand the audience of fact-checks, particularly to groups disproportionately hit by misinformation.

Applications will be reviewed by team of 14 jurors from across the academic, media, medical and non-profit sectors, as well as representatives from the World Health Organisation.

In December, the Google News Initiative pledged US$1.5 million to fund a Covid-19 vaccine media hub to support fact-checking research. - Nampa/Reuters

Trophy hunting tender an old concession

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

A tender for trophy hunting that was advertised in December involves old concessions already awarded through an auction in 2018.

This is according to the environment ministry, which faces questions about why the advertisement was placed during a time when many interested parties may have missed it.

Last month, the ministry advertised a tender to bid on a wide range of trophy hunting concessions on state land outside communal conservancies.

The closing date to bid was advertised as Friday; however, the ministry said it will likely be extended.

According to the advertisement, all interested parties were to provide a financial offer indicating the price per individual animal.

Elephants, leopards

It said trophy hunting concessions available in the Mangetti National Park and the Western Kavango included two elephants and two leopards over a four-year period.

Concessions for two spotted hyena, six eland, two duikers, two steenbok, three blue wildebeest and five zebras were also up for grabs. In the Khomas Hochland National Park and the Okahandja Nature Reserve, 10 Hartmann's mountain zebra concessions are available as well as three blue wildebeest, six oryx, four kudu, three common impala, two eland and three warthog. “It is important to note that these are not new concessions. These concessions were already awarded through an auction in 2018 with the contracts starting in 2019 for three years, with a possibility of extension for another two years,” the ministry explained. It said even before 2018, hunting took place in these parks and that the concessions were awarded along with Waterberg, Mahango and Namib Naukluft concessions.

Terminated contracts

“Unfortunately, the companies that won the concessions for Mangetti and Daan Viljoen/Von Bach Game Park in 2018 decided to terminate the contract in 2020. Termination of contracts and acceptance of termination by the ministry was only concluded in November 2020, and thereafter, preparations for advertising to get new companies for the concessions started.”

The ministry said because the marketing and sale of the animals for trophy hunting is usually done by professional hunters and safari companies during December to March, they thought it was necessary to go ahead with the advert to give those interested a chance.

It further said given the enquiries they are receiving, interest from various companies is there and the advert appears to have reached everyone interested and involved in the business. “There is absolutely no deliberate attempt to keep anyone from applying, that's why the advert was placed in the available newspapers for anyone to get access to it.”

'Nothing wrong'

The environment ministry stressed that there is nothing wrong with doing trophy or conservation hunting in a park or area where there are rhinos.

“Professional hunters are given conditions on which to operate from, including a condition of security or wildlife protection. Many of the professional hunters or hunting companies play a critical role in wildlife protection. They assist the ministry in wildlife conservation and the protection thereof.

“Mangetti is not the only park where there are rhinos and hunting taking place. Waterberg is another and the rhino population in both parks has been doing very well, and poaching has been almost zero. In fact, even a rhino can be trophy hunted - we have done that before and we will do it again,” the ministry said.

No fraud at Nida, as yet – Jooste

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Three months after the Namibia Industrialisation Development Agency's (Nida) board was given the boot, fraud that may have been committed at the entity has not been discovered yet.

This according to public enterprises minister Leon Jooste, who added that authorities will be quick to move should there be any indications that a probe will need to be instituted against the previous board.

Last September, Jooste removed the newly established agency's board members and its acting executive director - lawyer Frans Kwala, unionist Job Muniaro, Diana van Schalkwyk, former National Development Corporation manager Koos van Staden and Uparura Kuvare - following allegations of irregularities.

Jooste then appointed a temporary board consisting of chairperson Lionel Matthews, deputy chairperson Twapewa Kadhikwa, Beata Muteka, Sikongo Haihambo, Esmerelda Katjaerua and Floris Fleermuys.

The term of office of the new board expires on 28 March.

No wrong-doing as yet

The minister told Namibian Sun that no fraud had been uncovered as yet.

“We have not found any evidence of fraud or corruption yet but will take due action if any is found.”

He said the priority now is to appoint an executive director and that recommendations would be forwarded to Cabinet when it resumes.

“The priority is to appoint a strong executive director and for him or her to appoint a strong executive team to grow this company,” Jooste said.

According to him, Nida's mandate is crucial and it will play a key role in accelerating the achievement of Namibia's development goals.

Snyfontein community fears flooding• Neckartal still a bone of contention About 20 households are facing potential flooding as the water level of the Neckartal Dam continues to rise.

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

Small-scale farmers who had to relocate to make way for the construction of the Neckartal Dam outside Keetmanshoop have accused the government of failing to relocate graves and uplift the now displaced community.

According to the councillor of the Berseba Traditional Authority, Cedric Thomas, government has turned a blind eye to the plight of the community and has failed to engage them in the last 18 months.

He said at least 20 households are facing potential flooding as the water levels of the now completed Neckartal Dam continue to rise.

According to him, these concerns have been brought under the attention of government officials, but have been met with silence.

“The water is just 3.5 kilometres away from Snyfontein when the dam levels stood at 42% of its capacity. There are houses in the lower part of Snyfontein which are in danger. There is a silence from government on this matter. We reported it to the office of the governor Aletha Frederick and we also had a meeting with her, but there is no definite resolution taken during that meeting,” he said.

Graves under water

Nine graves are also under water at the dam after government failed to relocate them as was agreed during consulting meetings between government officials and community leaders prior to the construction of the dam.

“We have been misled. During those meetings, government promised to bring social development projects for the displaced communities but now we are cut off from the 3 900 hectares of grazing land on which the dam was built. They are planning to fence off the dam area which means we do not even have access to the dam for fishing,” Thomas said.

He added that agricultural projects and infrastructural development initiatives were promised, but said these talks have since died down.

“Now we understand that the contract says no provision was made for these development projects. You see, we were misled with these promises so that we could give the consent for the construction of the dam,” he said.

'Attending to this challenge'

Fredericks yesterday said her office is indeed attending to the concerns raised by the Snyfontein community.

She also paid a visit to the Neckartal Dam yesterday to assess the situation.

“I am attending to this challenge of the people of Snyfontein. I visited them after Christmas to assess the situation on the ground and convened a community meeting. I was there on the ground twice. “This morning (Tuesday), a team from my office visited Snyfontein to assess and right now, I am at Neckartal. We are looking at a proposal on how to relocate those people who are staying in the riverbed,” she said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Dwarf giraffe discovered in Namibia

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Two dwarf giraffes were recently discovered in Namibia and Uganda.

Giraffes are known for their immense height, which gives them the ability to reach leaves on the tallest trees, and scientists were surprised when they discovered two of the world’s tallest mammals were half the size of a regular giraffe.

The findings were published by researchers from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) in the BMC Medical Journal in December.

According to the GCF, it represents the first known accounts of dwarf giraffe in scientific literature.

These giraffes were documented in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda and on a private farm in central Namibia during photographic surveys that are routinely conducted by the GCF to determine numbers, population dynamics and the distribution of giraffes throughout Africa.

Stumpy legs

The giraffes have the standard long necks, but short and stumpy legs.

Most giraffes grow to 4.5 to six metres tall, but in 2018, scientists discovered a 2.6-metre-tall giraffe in Namibia. Three years earlier, they had discovered a 2.8-metre-tall giraffe in Uganda.

“Instances of wild animals with this type of skeletal dysplasia are extraordinarily rare,” the lead author of the study, Dr Michael Brown, said.

“It is another interesting wrinkle in the unique story of giraffe in these diverse ecosystems.”

In Namibia, Nigel the dwarf giraffe was born in 2014 and his unique body shape was first observed when he was about four years old. This is an age when male giraffes are close to maturity and fully grown.

“While the Namibian farmer had spotted Nigel regularly over the years, it was only after our observances that he realised that Nigel was not a juvenile, but a fully grown male giraffe,” Emma Wells, co-author of the study, said.

The GCF said researchers will continue to monitor the two giraffes to see whether any observable variances in their behaviour and social status occur.

Silent extinction

Across Africa, giraffes have experienced significant population declines over the past 30 years.

The GCF said population monitoring efforts like those by its partners in Namibia, Uganda and elsewhere provide critical information to inform conservation efforts and ensure a future for wildlife throughout Africa.

The foundation estimates that there are only about 111 000 giraffes remaining in the wild in Africa.

“Giraffes are undergoing a silent extinction in Africa. The fact that this is the first description of dwarf giraffes is just another example of how little we know about these charismatic animals,” said the director and co-founder of the GCF, Dr Julian Fennessy, said.

“It is only recently that our research has shown that there are four distinct species of giraffe. There is just so much more to learn about giraffes in Africa and we need to stand tall now to save them before it is too late.”

Students with permits can still enter SA

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Namibians who have existing immigration permits to travel to South Africa for studying purposes will still be allowed into the country. However, no new permits will be issued to Namibians for either study or other purposes.

Namibia’s chief of immigration in the home affairs ministry Nehemia Nghishekwa said this was confirmed by his counterpart in South Africa.

This after that country this week announced the closure of all its 20 land borders until mid-February in an effort to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The academic year for most universities in South Africa only starts in March. However, registration at some institutions started as early as 5 January.

Affected border posts

Overland travel into and out of South Africa will only be permitted for certain reasons such as the transportation of goods and for those who hold valid visas.

Under the current regulations, foreign nationals can leave South Africa, but cannot enter unless permitted within the list of exemptions or upon lodging a successful emergency application with the department of home affairs.

The affected land border posts include Alexander Bay-Oranjemund, Onseepkans-Vellorsdrif, Rietfontein-Klein Menasse, Sendelingsdrif, Nakop-Ariamsvlei and Mata Mata.

International air travel to South Africa is still allowed, while all its commercial seaports will remain open and small crafts will be allowed entry.

Essentials only

Nghishekwa said the Vioolsdrift-Noordoewer border crossing remains open for essential travel, which includes the transportation of goods, medical reasons and funerals.

“Business travel and tourism remains suspended until 15 February and the situation will be monitored and we will act accordingly.”

He said although Namibian border posts remain open, passage will only be allowed if the corresponding border of a neighbouring country is also open.

“When it is closed on the other side, we cannot allow entry.”

Meanwhile, tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said tourism will definitely be affected as Namibia relies on South Africa for inbound tourism.

He said although people can still fly in and out of South Africa, many people to drive, adding that around 30% of tourists coming from South Africa and Angola prefer driving.

Covid-19: Nationwide curfew remainsSecond wave overwhelms health facilities “The exponential rise in new cases indicates that there is active transmission of the virus in the community, affecting all age groups,” the health minister said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

The nationwide curfew introduced to curb the rapid spread of Covid-19 will remain in place as Namibia battles a second wave of the virus that has overwhelmed health facilities.

This was announced yesterday by health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula, who added that public gatherings will still be limited to 50 people and that such gatherings should no longer exceed two hours and must come to an end at 20:00.

The wearing of masks remains mandatory in all public settings including public transport, which will be allowed to transport the maximum number of passengers.

Shangula also pointed out that beauty salons and parlors, fitness centres, restaurants, cafes and kapana traders should at all times ensure their patrons and clients wear masks, sanitise their hands and maintain a two-metre social distance.

Meanwhile, the suspension hospital visits has been lifted; however, no more than two close relatives will be allowed per visit, which will not exceed 10 minutes.

‘Infection is life-threatening’

The minister also announced that non-urgent medical procedures will be postponed until further notice.

“The exponential rise in new cases indicates that there is active transmission of the virus in the community, affecting all age groups. “For high-risk population groups, infection is life-threatening. In order to control and suppress the further spread of Covid-19, there is need to implement more targeted public health measures,” Shangula said.

He further announced that the first batch of Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine doses, procured through the Covax facility, is expected to arrive in Namibia by the end of January or early February.

The government has already paid N$29 million and has signed a financial commitment agreement for the remaining N$138 million.

Herd immunity

According to Shangula, 60 to 80% of the Namibian population must be vaccinated to achieve sufficient herd immunity, and government has therefore reached out to countries like China and Russia to secure additional vaccines through bilateral agreements.

Government has also called on the Namibian medical aid industry to assist their members in accessing the vaccine through their schemes. Shangula added that consultations have already started with the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority to explore avenues to fund the vaccine.

“The Covid-19 National Vaccine Taskforce is busy putting mechanisms and logistics in place to roll out the vaccine. We will prioritise frontline healthcare workers and population groups vulnerable to severe Covid-19 disease once the vaccine is available. Inventory of cold chain equipment for storage and distribution of the vaccine is almost complete; however, addition equipment for vaccines that require extreme cold temperatures may be required,” the minister said.

jemima@namibiansun.com