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Kansela a popile efuto lyomboloha yaIri Ivari

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Kansela a popile efuto lyomboloha yaIri IvariKansela a popile efuto lyomboloha yaIri Ivari Kansela gwoshikandjohogololo Guinas, Elias Kainda Marthinu okwa popi kutya okwa futu omboloha yaLucas Tsamseb, a tseyika nedhina Iri Ivari, molwaashoka aavali ye oye mu lilile opo a vule okumangululwa a shune koskola. TUYEIMO HAIDULA

OSHAKATI



Uumwayinagona uwali waMarthinu mboka tawu tamanekwa pamwe naTsamseb owa futilwa mo mondjeedhililo kaavali yawo na inashi kala shi li nawa sho ye a kala mondjeedhililo omolwa onkalo yoluhepo sho kape na ngoka te mu futilemo.

Marthinu okwa futile Tsamseb oshimaliwa shooN$2 000 konima yiiwike ya thika pu itano sho ye nayakwawo yaali ya tulwa miipandeko muJanuari taya tamanekelwa oshipotha shekwatonkonga lyomukiintu gwoomvula 18.

Konima sho mboka ya pewa omboloha yakwawo yaali oya futilwa koofamili dhawo.

“Uunona mboka uwali kamwe oka valwa komumwamemekadhona omanga okakwawo ka valwa komumwamememati,” Marthinu a holola nokugwedha po kutya Tsamseb okwa ethiwa a kale modholongo omanga yakwawo ya mangululwa.

Tsamseb, ngoka e na oomvula dhili pokati ko18 no 21 sha landula omakonaakono ngoka a li a ningilwa nale, okwa kala mondjedhililo molwaashoka ofamili ye itayi vulu okufuta oshimaliwa shooN$2000, shoka ya pewa onga omboloha.

Momaandaha, Marthinu okwa futu omboloha yaTsamseb, ngoka a tameke otundi poskola yedhina Ondera Primary School moshitopolwa shaShikoto.

Okwa tamekithwa oskola omvula ya piti kuuministeli wuukashike kookantu ihe onkambadhala dhokumuzula odha ponyo.



Ita popile ekwatonkonga

Tsamseb, Moses Marthinu oshowo yakwawo yaali mboka itaya vulu okutumbulwa komadhina molwaashoka oye na oomvula ooshona otaya tamanekelwa ekwatokonga lya ningwa mesiku lyOmvula ompe momudhingoloko gwaDamara moshivelo.

Aanona mboka yoomvula ooshona oya mangululilwa mesiloshisho lyaakuluntu yawo, ngaashi Ompango yoChild Justice Bill yomo 2018, tayi pitika.

Marthinu okwa popi kutya shimwe shoka shemuthiminike opo a fute omboloha yaTsamseb oshoka kutya aakwashigwana mboka taye mu indile oomboka ye mu hogolola woo.

“Osha tashi ulike tandi popile ekwatonkonga ihe hasho. Onda futu omboloha ndjoka a pewa kompangu. Okuli moomvula dhokuya koskola na ota kala natango tayi koompangu.

Aavali itaya vulu okufuta oshimaliwa shoka na oya pula ndje ndi ya yambidhihe.”

Sho a pulwa ngele okwa yi tuu a ka tsakanene nanakuninga oshihakanwa, Marthinu okwa zimine ta popi kutya okwa kala nokutalela po nakuninga oshihakanwa opo a tale ngele okuli nawa, nokumutsa omukumo kutya akshi shi epuko lye sho a ningi oshihakanwa onkene ina pumbwa okukala tiipe uusama. Okwe mu pula woo opo a talelepo ombelewa ye kehe ethimbo ta pumbwa ekwatho.

Kansela okwa yelitha kutya ye keshi omunawino mehungomwenyo, nanakuninga oshihakanwa ota kala nokuningilwa ehungomwenyo muuministeli wuuthikepamwe.

Okwa tsikile kutya AaNamibia inaya dhimbwa kutya ngashiingeyi Iri Ivari op e na mboka ya tala kuye unene aanyasha nokumu pa ehungomwenyo ta pumbwa oshi li omukalo guli mondjila.

Okwa popi kutya okwa popi naye sho e ke mu tala kondjeedhililo nokumu yelithila kutya oshimbuluma shoka ta tamanekelwa oshinene na ota vulu okulundulula onkalamwenyo ye nokuyanda okulongitha iikolitha.

Omupipiliko gwOpolisi, Omupeha Komufala, Kauna Shikwambi, okwa li a popi kutya opolisi oyali ya tulamo oshipotha shoka molwaashoka nakuninga oshihakanwa okwa tindi okutulamo oshipotha.

Oshipotha osha undulilwwa komasiku 16 gaMaalitsa.

– tuyeimo@namibiansun.com
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'Aanona yekondjelomanguluko' taya futitha epangelo lyaSA

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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'Aanona yekondjelomanguluko' taya futitha epangelo lyaSA'Aanona yekondjelomanguluko' taya futitha epangelo lyaSA OGONE TLHAGE

OVENDUKA



Ehangano lyoAssociation of War Orphans of the Liberation Struggle of Namibia olya popi kutya omamonitho giihuna, omadhipago gakiinahenda, omakwatonkonga, ekuthoko lyevi nuufuthi oyimwe yomiinima ya ningwa ketanga lyaakwiita nalelyaSouth African Defence Force.

Ehangano ndyoka otali pula egandjo lyombili yopambelewa okuza kOmupresidende gwaSouth Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa omolwa omiyonena niimbuluma mboka ya longwa ketanga lyaakwiita lyaSA omanga Namibia ina manguluka.

Okupitila muhahende gwawo, Kadhila Amoomo, ehangano ndyoka olya popi kutya oomvula o 31 dha piti ngashiingeyi oonakuninga iihakanwa yomiyonena nomamono giihuna ngoka inaya mona ombili ya sha okuza kepangelo lyaSouth Africa, na oye li taya lumbu nonkalo moka yiiyadha muyo onga oshizemo shomiyonena dhka ya longelwa

Ehangano ndyoka olya popi kutya nonando ongaaka South Africa onkene ta mono uuwanawa okuza moonzo dhaNamibia, nonando emono lyuuwanawa ndyoka olya li lya ningwa sheeli pampango, an osha ningwa paongitho lyoonkondo pethimbo lyuukoloni, pethimbo iimbuluma mbyoka nomakuthoko lyomaliko lya ningwa kaakwiita yepangelo ndyoka.

Ramaphosa okwa pewa omasiku 30 opo a kale a yamukula nuuna a ndopa nena otashi ka etitha ehangano li katuke oonkatu dhopaveta.
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Shoprite in contempt of court

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Shoprite in contempt of courtShoprite in contempt of courtIgnored order on replacing strikers Nafau says it hopes Shoprite judgment will deter employers from defying strike rules. NAMPA

WINDHOEK



Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union secretary-general Jacob Penda has said he hopes the court judgment charging Shoprite with contempt of court would deter employers from defying the rules of a strike and sends the message that Nafau will fight for employees' rights.

Shoprite Holdings and its local subsidiaries were on Monday charged with contempt of court and intentionally disobeying a court order granted on 8 January 2021 by the labour court to stop using 'fixed-term' or any other workers, including managers, to perform the functions and duties of their employees who were on an industrial strike.

High Court Judge Collins Parker on Monday ruled that Shoprite was in contempt of court and presented no evidence to the court tending to establish that the breach was casual, accidental, or otherwise unintentional. He said the company's legal team, including some of its senior managers, were present during the delivery of the judgment on 8 January and understood it.

Parker went on to say the company however chose, without any justification, to disobey the order made by the court, adding that Shoprite breached the order and continued to do so at least from 08 January until 13 January 2021. Sentencing or punishment for Shoprite in this regard is yet to be determined by the court and the case has been postponed to 18 February for a hearing.

“We hope this sends a message to all employers that rules of strike are legally binding and any party that ignores them will face legal consequences. We hope this a clear message to those who think they have resources to manipulate the system that we are ready to fight for the rights of employees,” Penda said on Tuesday during a press conference.

He added that they will seek damages from Shoprite for not only defying the court order, but also for betraying their employees.

Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave employees went on a nationwide strike from 23 December 2020 until 22 January for wage increments and better working conditions.

During the strike, Nafau filed an urgent application with the High Court asking the judge to order Shoprite to stop using temporary employees or anyone else from doing the jobs of those on strike and to abide by the strike rules.

Although the court ruled in favour of Nafau, Shoprite allegedly continued to use temporary staff, prompting Nafau to lodge another urgent application asking the court to charge Shoprite with contempt of court.
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Communication failure threatens rock art

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Communication failure threatens rock artCommunication failure threatens rock art JANA-MARI SMITH



The environment ministry denies any knowledge of a resolution to withdraw the environmental clearance certificates (ECCs) issued to mining companies accused of the annihilation of prehistoric rock art in the Erongo Region.

“The ministry is not aware of the decision. Maybe that is the intention of the National Heritage Council of Namibia,” ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said on Friday.

Muyunda explained that an ECC can only be withdrawn “if all the impact cannot be mitigated. This process must be initiated by the concerned party to the environment commissioner who will assess whether or not the concerns warrant a withdrawal.” During a stakeholder meeting with the Otjohorongo community this past weekend, the Heritage Council confirmed that a joint stakeholder meeting held in November 2020 resolved for the “ministry of environment, tourism and forestry [to] withdraw all ECCs at both sites and thereafter engage the affected parties in those areas.”

The sites include the Otjohorongo granite hills and Farm Gross Okandjou. Moreover, that these archaeological sites “should be classified and demarcated as a 'withdrawn areas' from prospecting and mining licences.”

The Heritage Council said the resolutions included the decision that all mining activities should “cease in conjunction with the commencement of the rehabilitation process at both sites.”A team that investigated the impact of mining at Otjohorongo granite hills and Farm Gross Okandjou last year found that archaeological resources in these areas had “already been destroyed in the course of mining. Such damage is irreversible, which translates to permanent loss of archaeological resources.”

The basis for the withdrawal of the ECCs is centred not only on the destruction of archaeological heritage resources, but also on incomplete environmental impact assessments.

The team found that the ECCs were issued on assessments that failed to assess the potential impact of mining on heritage components, as required by law. In response, Muyunda confirmed that “this in one area that requires to be strengthened in the overall process of issuing EIAs.” He added however that the withdrawal of an ECC “is usually the last resort. For now, companies are required to comply to the conditions imposed by the National Heritage Council of Namibia in regards to the protection of these sites.”

The assessment on the impact of large-scale granite and marble mining activities found that there had already been cases of “outright destruction” of the prehistoric art in the areas. Both sites were deemed important archaeological sites with local, regional and global importance.

Muyunda last week confirmed said “where ECCs were issued, any malicious observations must be reported to the office of the environmental commissioner or relevant stakeholder.” The Heritage Council last year confirmed that the environment ministry, the mines and energy ministry and the Heritage Council held joint meetings to discuss the destruction of prehistoric art by mining activities in February and November. Community activist Abiud Karongee expressed concern about the contradicting information given by the authorities.

In addition, he praised the Heritage Council for their proactive stance to assist the community in having the area declared a no-go zone for mining, and to designate them as protected areas. The community however say the battle is not yet won.

Karongee said reports have been made that mining is ongoing at some sites. “Trucks are going in and out, they are in full steam. No one has really been officially informed. Only the environment ministry can act.”

He said the community was waiting for an official document declaring the area a no-go zone.

“We are waiting for the area to be put under protection officially. So, while we wait for the environment ministry to act, we can assist to help monitor and stop any unethical and illegal activities within these protected areas. We need documents however, otherwise, we can't do anything.”
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City pre-allocates land

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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City pre-allocates landCity pre-allocates land3 033 plots in informal settlements Mayor Job Amupanda says the plan is to deliver 5 000 plots within the next three years. JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK



The Windhoek city council has resolved to pre-allocate 3 033 plots in the city's informal settlements as part of its plan to alleviate landlessness in the city.

Mayor Job Amupanda said the plan was to deliver 5 000 plots within the next three years.

In the meantime, a group of town planning interns have been contracted to work through the waiting list of applicants, digitise and clean the list to remove those who already own land.

Pre-allocation of land is an initial allocation of land based on the council's proposed layout plan before the statutory planning process has been completed.

According to Amupanda, the allocation will be done in line with the council's Development and Upgrading Policy for lower-income residential areas, which was approved in 2019.

“It is worth noting that for nearly a decade, the delivery of serviced land in informal settlements almost ground to halt, mainly due to a lack of funding and a protracted land development value chain.

“The residents residing in informal settlements and those on the waiting list are frustrated with a slow land delivery process that stands in their way of securing land tenure and its associated benefits,” said Amupanda.



Humanitarian

The city council has also approved procedures for handling humanitarian and shelter requests due to the deteriorating living conditions in the informal settlements. According to Amupanda, the City's response to natural disasters in informal settlements has been delayed because of a lack of common operating procedure. “In case of fire, flooding or similar incidents, temporary relief in form of blankets and mattresses is provided by the emergency response team. While this is a good gesture, the intervention does not go beyond temporary relief. It is reasoned that hazards or unfortunate events are a permanent fixture in every society,” he said.

jemima@namibiansun.com
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Armoured crickets in Omusati threaten crops

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Armoured crickets in Omusati threaten cropsArmoured crickets in Omusati threaten crops ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



An outbreak of armoured crickets has been reported in the Omusati Region, while an outbreak of brown locusts was reported in the //Karas Region.

According to a notice issued by the agriculture ministry, the armoured crickets are still immature but once they are adults, they may cause damage to crops.

They have been reported in the Anamulenge and Onesi constituencies in the Omusati Region. Farmers in the //Karas Region are requested to be on the lookout for brown locust swarms.

The hat core breeding areas are in the !Nami#Nus Constituency, Aus townlands and surrounding commercial farms, Karasburg East and West, with the emphasis on Warmbad townlands and the surrounding commercial farms.

The ministry also received reports of African migratory red locusts in the Kavango West and East regions.

“Outbreaks of the above pests must be reported to the nearest Directorate of Agricultural Production, Extension and Engineering Services offices of the agriculture ministry.”
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COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEFCOMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF BHP sees robust China demand

BHP Group on Tuesday reported its best first-half profit in seven years and declared a record interim dividend, as top metals user China's strong appetite for iron ore to support its infrastructure push kept prices elevated.

China's reliance on commodity-intensive stimulus measures to sustain economic growth has sent prices of the steel making ingredient to multi-year highs, while the Covid-19 vaccination push has brightened outlook for global trade this year.

The world's largest listed miner said in a statement it expects a continuation of strong Chinese demand in 2021, and recovery in the rest of the world's global crude steel production.

"It's a pretty solid result," said portfolio manager Andy Forster of Argo Investments.

"Relative to expectations, it looked pretty good, strong cash flows and dividend, projects operationally performing well," he said. "Strong iron ore and copper should set it up for a pretty good second half as well."

BHP is the first of its Australian peers to report this week, with all expected to cash in on sky high prices for iron ore. Rio Tinto reports on Wednesday and Fortescue on Thursday. Last month, BHP forecast record annual iron ore output. -Nampa/Reuters

Glencore reinstates dividend

Glencore reinstated its dividend and flagged possible further pay-outs on the back of strong commodity prices as billionaire Chief Executive Ivan Glasenberg prepares to hand over the reins of the trading and mining giant.

Having scrapped its dividend in August after a pandemic-driven first-half loss, Glencore recommended a distribution of US$0.12 per share for 2021, representing a bigger than expected total pay-out of US$1.6 billion.

Glasenberg, Glencore's second-largest shareholder, is handing over to Gary Nagle in the first half of the year after 18 years at the helm but reiterated he plans to keep his 9% stake.

"I have no intention of selling my shares. I hope Gary will do a good job to ensure he keeps paying dividends," he said told reporters.

Nagle, who moves into the CEO hot seat from the company's coal business, said Glencore was a complicated company with many assets but he does not plan to make major changes to the structure. - Nampa/Reuters

South African retailer SPAR's sales rise

South African grocery retailer SPAR Group said on Tuesday group sales rose by 9.8% in the 18 weeks ended Jan. 29 but the country's ban on alcohol hit liquor sales, sending its shares down more than 5%.

SPAR, which has more than 4 300 stores across Southern Africa, Ireland, Poland and Switzerland, said group sales rose to 42.99 billion rand (US$2.98 billion) from 39.15 billion rand in the previous corresponding period.

South African retailers had largely soft trading at Christmas and in "Black November", an extension of Black Friday when retailers offer discounts, as shoppers spent less on groceries.

Total sales in Southern Africa, SPAR's largest market, which include grocery, liquor and building materials, rose by 3.4%, reflecting weaker consumer spending and lost liquor business, the retailer said.

Its core SPAR grocery business in the region increased sales by 2.8%. Liquor sales fell by 17.9%, adversely impacted by the ban on the sale of alcohol in South Africa imposed late in December as part of C-19 lockdown restrictions. - Nampa/Reuters

South African Airways granted US$346 mln

South African Airways (SAA) has received a further 5 billion rand (US$346 million) from the Department of Public Enterprises to help make severance payments to laid-off staff as part of its rescue plan, administrators of the plan said yesterday.

SAA entered a local form of bankruptcy protection in December 2019 after roughly a decade of financial losses, with its fortunes worsening after the Covid-19 pandemic grounded flights.

The government committed to providing 10.5 billion rand to bailout the airline in October's mid-term budget.

The business rescue practitioners (BRP) hired to restructure the airline said they had received 7.8 billion rand from the government including the latest payment.

The administrators, who have proposed a plan which includes reducing the airline's staff by around two-thirds, said the money allowed them to pay cabin crew and ground staff that had accepted voluntary severance packages in August.

More than 3 000 SAA employees have accepted severance packages, while 1 300 are still in negotiations, the administrators said. -Nampa/AFP

Southwest forecasts slower cash burn

Southwest Airlines on Tuesday forecast slower cash burn in the current quarter as leisure bookings and demand improve in February.

The US budget carrier said it expects average core cash burn to be about US$15 million a day in the first quarter, compared with the US$17 million it estimated previously, sending its shares up more than 2% in trading before the bell.

Southwest, however, said business travel demand and bookings remained depressed. US airlines expect demand to improve this year as vaccines become more widely distributed but have warned that the strength of any rebound will depend on the pace of vaccine rollouts and the easing of travel restrictions.

So far, the US vaccine roll-out has been patchy and many European countries are discouraging travel and implementing more travel curbs to contain the spread of new infections.

Southwest late last month reported an annual loss of US$3.1 billion, its first such loss since 1972, and said it was facing stalled demand in January and February, driven by high levels of Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations. - Nampa/Reuters
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We are muzzled – LPM

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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We are muzzled – LPMWe are muzzled – LPM• 'System' forbids questions The Landless People's Movement says its city councillors are being prevented from asking questions at council meetings. JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK



The Landless People's Movement (LPM) has accused the City of Windhoek 'system' of stifling its councillors and keeping them from interrogating items on the council meeting agenda.

Speaking during a press briefing yesterday, LPM Windhoek councillor, Sade Gawanas, said she had been told by the system not to ask questions. Instead, the party is being forced to conform to standing rules and procedures. Gawanas further said LPM will not allow anyone to use its presence to push agendas without proper consultation and engagement.

“We are being conformed to how the system is already running and not allowed to express any opinion or ask relevant questions regarding the agenda. What I am saying is that let us give the relevant time needed for any agenda on the table and discuss it thoroughly,” she said.

She added that LPM has not been given a platform to put questions to the organisations behind some items on the agenda.

“We cannot just be given an agenda from a department and not be allowed to ask questions. If I approve in council then I am accountable to that decision,” she said.



Toothless

Meanwhile, LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi said LPM councillors are becoming conformists.

“Councillors have to act up. The City needs to be shaken. Councillors are becoming part of the process and not part of the transformation.

“They are not radical enough. They are too conformist to the status quo,” he said.

He urged the councillors to make radical decisions such as cutting the budget of City Police and investing the money in the upliftment of Katutura.

jemima@namibiansun.com
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Two nabbed for narcotics

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Two nabbed for narcoticsTwo nabbed for narcotics ADOLF KAURE

WALVIS BAY



The police in the Erongo Region have made two arrests relating to narcotics.

The first suspect, a 30-year-old man, was to have made his first appearance before the Swakopmund magistrate's court yesterday.

The regional crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, said drugs valued at N$425 000 were seized.

“He was arrested at a house in Mossie Avenue, Tamariskia. The man was found in possession of five medium as well as seven large parcels of cannabis weighing 8.5 kg,” he said.

The second arrest took place in Omuthiya Street in Kuisebmond. It involved a 28-year-old man who was found in possession of cannabis (180g) valued at N$9 000. The accused made his first appearance before the Walvis Bay magistrate's court yesterday.

Investigations into both matters continue.

adolf@erongo.com.na
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Paratus and Telecom join forces

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Paratus and Telecom join forcesParatus and Telecom join forces STAFF REPORTER



Paratus and Telecom Namibia on Tuesday signed an agreement to land the subsea cable, Equiano, in Namibia.

The move is expected to provide Namibian networks and their customers with greater capacity, enabling more product options that can stimulate economic growth and support a competitive telecommunication sector.

The deal was revealed in a press statement on Tuesday evening.

“Paratus and Telecom Namibia have made a significant investment in landing the Equiano cable in Namibia,” the two said in the joint statement. Paratus Group CEO Barney Harmse described the move as a milestone for Paratus.

“We are honoured to be co-investing with Telecom Namibia on the Equiano subsea cable project because this matches our goals of delivering unlimited connectivity and building Africa's quality network with all the Internet capacity it needs,” he said.



Additional capacity

Harmse said the additional capacity offered by the Equiano cable, the largest on the African continent, further strengthens the Paratus SADC footprint and European network connection, as well as the operator's long-term growth strategy.

Telecom Namibia CEO, Dr Stanley Shanapinda said the collaboration affirms that strategic partnerships between local network providers will greatly promote economic growth and digital transformation, while accelerating Namibia's participation in the fourth industrial revolution.

“We are very proud to be an investor in the Namibian branch,” he said.



Cooperation

The cooperation between Paratus and Telecom Namibia reflects the spirit and objectives of the Communications Act, as envisioned by the Namibian government. Collaboration by local operators is proving that the benefits of cooperation are far-reaching not only for customers but also for the entire ICT market in Namibia and beyond.

Paratus also announced that it has joined forces with private licensed operator, Demshi Investment Holdings as a significant capacity investor.

Demshi Investment Holdings CEO, Werner Shilunga said: “Our investment in the Equiano cable capacity means that we will be able to offer our clients international internet capacity, a much-needed diversified route, security of supply and unmatched quality of service.”
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Zambia cuts projects to reduce debt exposure

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Zambia cuts projects to reduce debt exposureZambia cuts projects to reduce debt exposureIMF talks ‘cordial’ Zambia’s gross international reserves declined by US$117.7 million in the fourth quarter to US$1.2 billion. Weak recovery is projected in the medium-term. - Christopher Mvunga, Governor: BoZ Chris Mfula - Zambia has scaled back, postponed or cancelled projects to reduce the southern African copper producer's debt exposure as it holds talks to secure a programme from the International Monetary Fund, the central bank governor said yesterday.

Zambia, which became Africa's first pandemic-era sovereign default late last year, began discussions with the IMF last week and has requested debt relief under a new common framework from the Group of 20 major economies.

"Our understanding is that actions are being taken to scale down and reduce the debt exposure of the country, if not stop it for now," Bank of Zambia governor Christopher Mvunga told journalists, adding that discussions with the IMF had been "cordial".

"If I look at the disclosure of the debt portfolio, it's not moving upwards other than probably existing disbursements. So my reading of that is that the matter is being addressed," he said following a meeting of the monetary policy committee.

CENTRAL BANK

The bank raised lending rates by 50 basis points to 8.5% yesterday, saying it was ready to tighten policy further to tame rising consumer inflation driven by "cost-push" pressures and a sharp depreciation in the currency.

Mvunga said annual overall inflation accelerated to a four-year high of 17.6% in the fourth quarter of 2020 from 15.7% the quarter before. Inflation is projected to deviate further from the 6% to 8% target range over the next eight quarters, he said.

The partial easing of Covid-19 restrictions, meanwhile, saw a softer deterioration of private-sector business in the second half of 2020.

"Indicators of domestic economic activity point to a less severe contraction, but weak recovery is projected in the medium-term," Mvunga said.

Gross international reserves declined by US$117.7 million in the fourth quarter to US$1.2 billion, or the equivalent of 2.4 months of import cover, caused mainly by foreign exchange interventions and debt service.

The Bank of Zambia said in December it would begin buying gold from Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals and the state mining firm as it resumed holding the precious metal as part of its foreign reserves.

Mvunga said the bank had purchased 47 kilogrammes of gold from state mining investment firm ZCCM-IH's Zambia Gold Company and aimed to buy 21 000 ounces in 2021.

It will also buy 25 200 ounces of London Good Delivery Gold this year from First Quantum's Kansanshi mine, which produces gold as a by-product of its copper production. – Nampa/Reuters
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Paratus, Telecom bring Equiano ashore

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Paratus, Telecom bring Equiano ashoreParatus, Telecom bring Equiano ashoreMore ICT infrastructure investment Equiano will give Namibia the necessary redundancy as a connectivity backup. Werner Shilunga, Demshi Investment Holdings CEO: “We look forward to participating in a bright future of connectivity in Namibia”. Augetto Graig – Paratus and Telecom Namibia announced their unprecedented agreement to land the Google subsea cable Equiano in Namibia.

Equiano will run along the west coast of Africa to connect the continent with Europe between Portugal and South Africa. Paratus is the landing party for the Namibia branch of Equiano.

“This is important for Namibia,” said Telecom Namibia CEO, Dr Stanley Shanapinda.

The Namibian landing station is to be completed later this year, with the Equiano cable expected to land in the second half of 2022. Equiano will provide Namibian networks with approximately 20 times more capacity and greater flexibility thanks to new technology.

It gives Namibia the necessary redundancy as a connectivity backup; a requirement highlighted when recent WACS and SAT3 subsea cable outages resulted in significant and widespread internet downtime.

Shanapinda said: “We will experience, first-hand, the positive impact this increased capacity and redundancy will have on our country and our economy”.

“It is crucial to highlight that Telecom Namibia does not only carry local traffic, but we ensure internet connectivity for various landlocked countries in the SADC region,” he added.

Paratus Group CEO, Barney Harmse, said: “This is a major milestone for Paratus.”

Extended satellite connectivity

Paratus boasts an extended satellite connectivity network servicing 22 African countries and an additional 4 000 satellite connections across the continent.

“There is a critical requirement to ensure that our network is strengthened with diverse routes across Africa to minimise the impact of any single upstream network dependency,” Harmse said.

Yesterday, Paratus announced a further agreement with private licensed operator Demshi Investment Holdings.

Demshi CEO, Werner Shilunga, said: “Our investment in the Equiano cable capacity means that we will be able to offer our clients international internet capacity, a much-needed diversified route, security of supply and unmatched quality of service. We look forward to participating in a bright future of connectivity in Namibia”.

Elevating industry

“This effectively elevates the ICT industry to be more competitive, which contributes to the country’s economic growth,” Shilunga said. “We can see the ICT market evolving through collaboration. The opportunity to be an investor in such a project was not as openly available as it is now under our new Communications Act. We welcome the objectives of an open and transparent communications regime and the opportunities presented by it,” he said.

Demshi holds telecommunications service licences from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, and is a majority shareholder in Kometsi, a licensed telecommunication company in Botswana.

Demshi is currently rolling out public Wi-Fi networks in various Namibian towns, under the Express Wi-Fi initiative from Facebook. augetto@republikein.com.na
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Debt relief worth N$65 ­billion granted last year

February 17, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Debt relief worth N$65 ­billion granted last yearDebt relief worth N$65 ­billion granted last yearRepo rate remains at a historic low of 3.75% The domestic economy is estimated to have contracted by 7.3% in 2020, before returning to a positive growth of 2.6% in 2021. Namibia's long-term growth potential is unquestionable, we just need to pull the necessary investment. Johannes !Gawaxab, Governor: Bank of Namibia (BoN) PHILLEPUS ­UUSIKU



Namibian commercial banks received about 88 000 debt relief applications and granted relief worth N$65 billion last year. In December alone, N$9.9 billion worth of debt relief was granted.

The top five economic sectors captured approximately 88% of the N$9.9 billion relief granted for the December 2020 period.

Households and businesses took up the largest share of N$ 3.5 billion ­followed by real estate and business services (N$ 1.7 billion, trade and accommodation sector (N$ 1.4 billion), mining sector (N$385.7 million) and other sectors (N$ 1.7 billion).

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) held its first monetary policy announcement for the year yesterday. After reviewing domestic, regional and global economic developments, they decided to leave the repo rate unchanged at 3.75%.

The repo rate is the cost of borrowing by commercial banks from the central bank. This implies that the prime lending rate for consumers will also remain at 7.50%.

This brings great relief to households and bu­sinesses whose operations were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.



Credit uptake

If the central bank make it cheaper for commercial banks to borrow at a repo rate, it means it will also be cheaper for consumers to borrow from commercial banks at a prime lending rate.

However, despite interest rates being low to encourage households and businesses to borrow in order to restructure their operations and eventually stimulate the economy, credit uptake remain extremely poor.

The Bank of Namibia money and banking statistics for December 2020 showed that credit uptake for businesses was back in the negative territory recording -1.2%, while credit extended to households slightly rose to 4.5% at the end of December 2020, from 4.2% at the end of November 2020.

Overall, private sector credit extension (PSCE) growth slowed to 2.0% at the end of December 2020, from a growth rate of 3.1% recorded at the end of November 2020.

Economic ­developments

Speaking at the event, central bank governor Johannes !Gawaxab said the monetary policy committee (MPC) is of the view that the rate remains appropriate to continue supporting domestic economic activity, while at the same time safeguarding the one-to-one link between the Namibia dollar and the South African rand.

Domestic economic activity slowed considerably in 2020 compared to 2019. Contractions were observed in key sectors such as tourism, wholesale and retail trade, mining, manufacturing, construction, as well as transport and storage. The domestic economy is estimated to have contracted by 7.3% in 2020, before returning to an expected moderate recovery of 2.6% in 2021, he pointed out.

!Gawaxab said the agriculture and mining sectors are expected to drive growth as Namibia has received good rainfall.

“Namibia's long-term growth potential is unquestionable, we just need to pull the necessary investment,” he pointed out.

Namibia has exhausted 75% of its drivers for growth with both local and foreign direct investment (FDI) being the only hope to drive growth. However, policy certainty is very crucial in attracting the necessary investment.



Price monster

Annual average inflation declined to 2.2% in 2020 compared to 3.7% in 2019. The lower inflation was mainly driven by the decline in transport and housing inflation, mainly on account of the low international price of fuel coupled with deflationary pressure emanating from the weak rental market, the central bank governor said.

However, Namibia Statistic Agency (NSA) Consumer Price Index (CPI) statistics for January showed that annual overall inflation rate in January was 2.7%, slightly higher than the 2.4% of the previous month.

This has price and income negative effects on consumers as they will be required to make some adjustments to their budgets. They will be required to either cut down on their consumption levels or alternatively increase their budget if the wish to maintain their consumption levels as the domestic currency has lost purchasing power.

– phillep@nmh.com.na
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Charging up your life

February 18, 2021, 5:17 am
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Charging up your lifeCharging up your life Could you take a moment out of your busy life to imagine what would it be like to live without batteries? No more watches, no more cameras; we wouldn’t be able to jump in our cars to go to the shops, nor would we be able to use our mobile phones. We usually don’t give a second thought to these inanimate objects, yet when they give in, we suddenly develop a profound gratitude for something that works nonstop in order to bring so much convenience to our lives.
So, since when have these handy little things been around?
In 1799 there was an Italian scientist named Alesandro Volta who invented the first true battery, which was known as the Voltaic Pile.
However, the disadvantages of the earlier battery types were that they were very bulky and heavy. Moreover, these batteries generated an excessive amount of heat and they could only be used once, and then they had to be recharged.
Luckily for us, modern batteries have come a long way. They are lightweight and compact, fast charging, and they no longer have to be recharged after every use.
The most important modern application must be batteries that are used in cars, boats, trains and airplanes. Without this invention, we would no longer be able to commute, and our lives would literally come to a halt.
If your life suddenly comes to a standstill because your car’s battery decides to give in, it’s time to consider Battery Centre in Windhoek.
Battery Centre was established with Super Tyres in 2002, selling the premium RAYLITE battery brand.
They offer a range of services, including free battery testing as well as a free vehicle charging testing system while you wait. If you would like to make use of their exceptional client service you can find them at no. 15 Dr Michael de Kock Street in the Northern Industrial Area or alternatively contact them at 061-263754.
Since today is International Battery Day, we’re celebrating these amazing gadgets that are not just able to power your vehicle but power an international space station hovering over 400km above you!
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Shikusho chases top spot

February 18, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Shikusho chases top spotShikusho chases top spot LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Tura Magic’s Anna Shikusho will leave no stone unturned until she scoops the top-goal scorer accolade in the Women Super Cup.

The goal-poacher has already scored 13 goals for her club as they lead the pack and gear for the second-leg semi-final at the NFA technical field on Saturday.

Magic will face V-Power Angels at 10:00, with the second match of the day to follow between Khomasdal Nampol and Galz and Goals at 12:30.

Saturday’s action will be a test to see if Shikusho will once again stretch her goal-scoring lead. She is followed in second place by Beverly Ueziua from Galz & Goals with eight goals.

Fiola Vliete from V-Power Angels has seven goals, whereas Ivone Kopped follows in fourth place with six goals. The fifth spot is occupied by Ndina Hailuli (V-Power Angels) and Ignacia Haoses (Namib Daughters) with five goals each.

Shikusho scored a total of 29 goals in the Women’s Super League last season.

Last weekend

In the first-leg semi-final action last weekend, Magic beat V-Power Angels 3-0, whereas Galz & Goals beat Khomas NamPol 1-0.
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Overwhelming response

February 18, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Overwhelming responseOverwhelming responseBarthe Trophy quest right on track The interim CEO of NRU, Theo Grunewald, says they have received an overwhelming response after calling up youthful rugby players for U-20 trials. LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Theo Grunewald says close to 90 players registered through schools and clubs, showing interest in playing for the under-20 national rugby team.

He says players submitted their names from all over the country and nominated players have been training twice a day, three times per week, since 8 February, with a group of 40 players having participated in training sessions.

According to a press release by the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU), they will use Saturday to select a group of 35 players for the final training squad at the Hage Geingob Stadium.

These players will then gear up for the upcoming 2021 Rugby Africa Barthés Trophy. Flyhalf Cliven Loubser, who plays for the senior Namibian national team as well as the Utah Warriors, also competed in the competition in the past.

The Kenya Rugby Union will host the tournament from 25 March to 4 April. Apart from Namibia and host Kenya, Senegal and Madagascar will also participate in the competition. The winner is guaranteed qualification to the Junior World Trophy tournament organised by World Rugby and set for September.

Be on time

Players born between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2002 are eligible to be selected for the team. The registration of players will take place on Friday and the first match between Team A and Team B will kick off at 08:00, followed by matches between Teams C and D at 09:50 and E and F at 11:30.

Two teams will be selected thereafter to play a final match at 14:40. All the games will be 20 minutes per half with a 10-minute break.

Teams that played against each other will have to leave the stadium immediately before the next teams will be allowed on the stadium.

Covid-19 regulations will be strictly adhered to and no spectators will be allowed into the venue.
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New Tokyo 2020 chief vows to 'regain trust'

February 18, 2021, 2:00 pm
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New Tokyo 2020 chief vows to 'regain trust'New Tokyo 2020 chief vows to 'regain trust'Sexism row to be forgotten Seiko Hashimoto, a seven-time Olympian, had been one of just two women in Japan's cabinet, serving as Olympic minister before stepping down to take the key post. NAMPA/AFP

Tokyo 2020's new president Seiko Hashimoto yesterday vowed to "regain trust" in the Olympic organising committee after an embarrassing sexism row, with just over five months until the virus-postponed Games.

She replaces 83-year-old Yoshiro Mori, who resigned after saying women talk too much in meetings, sparking outcry in Japan and abroad.

"I'm sure the Games are going to attract more attention related to gender equality, and in this regard I am determined to regain trust, by my fullest endeavours," she said after her appointment.

She pledged to increase the number of women on the Tokyo 2020 executive board from around 20 percent to 40 percent, and urged Olympic torchbearers and volunteers who had quit in protest at Mori's comments to return.

Until Thursday, Hashimoto, 56, was also minister for gender equality and women's empowerment.

"I recognise that there is still a lot of conscious division of roles according to gender (in Japan). What can be done to change that through the organising committee's reforms is important," she said.

She had reportedly been reluctant to take on the job, and will face an uphill struggle to win over the public before the Games are due to open on July 23.

Anti-infection measures should be Tokyo 2020's "top priority", she said, pledging to work to "ensure that the public both domestically and abroad feel this is going to be a safe and secure Olympic Games".

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Hashimoto's years as a sprint cyclist and speed skater winning bronze in 1992 would be good preparation.

"She has experience of competing at the summer and winter Olympics seven times. I want her to work hard to firmly realise the philosophy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics by making use of that experience," he said.

Mori, a former prime minister, resigned after domestic and international outcry over remarks he made in early February to members of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

He apologised for the sexist remarks, while insisting he was repeating complaints made by others, but then dug a deeper hole when he explained that he "doesn't speak to women much".

But Hashimoto is not without baggage and has also been involved in controversy facing a sexual harassment scandal in 2014 after photos emerged of her hugging and kissing a male figure skater over 20 years her junior.

The skater said he did not think he had been harassed by the married Hashimoto, who apologised at the time for any "misunderstanding" caused by the photos.

"My actions seven years ago were deeply regrettable... I am still reflecting about what I did," Hashimoto said after her appointment on Thursday.

Hashimoto's nomination comes after Mori's attempt to handpick his successor he proposed an 84-year-old ex-footballer was nixed following public criticism.

A selection panel with a 50-50 gender split was formed to find the new president, with Hashimoto immediately among the leading candidates.

"The fact that they established five criteria to choose the new president which included an understanding of gender equality and human rights represents real progress," said Kazuko Fukuda, a campaigner for women's sexual and reproductive rights.
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UP Academy trials set for Saturday

February 18, 2021, 2:00 pm
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UP Academy trials set for SaturdayUP Academy trials set for Saturday NAMPA

The UP Talent Academy will hold its football and netball trials at the Tswana Block sports field at Gobabis on Saturday.

The academy chairperson, Uataviza Patire, told Nampa yesterday that the trials are aimed at developing local Omaheke players to become professional players.

“We have youths that need to be developed, motivated, and supported to join top leagues in the country,” Patire said.

The chairperson said the trials would serve as preparation for upcoming tournaments in the region too.

“Since we don't have active football and netball leagues going on, these trials will also help players to be fit for upcoming events,” Patire said.

The event will run from 09:00 to 12:00 and Covid-19 protocols will be observed.

“We will only take 25 football players and 15 netball players between the ages of 15 and 35 and all players must come with their identification documents and sports gear,” said the chairperson.

The Omaheke-based academy was formed in 2015 to promote the talents of young Namibians in sports, modelling and music.
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Indigenous African languages in education - why bother?

February 18, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Indigenous African languages in education - why bother?Indigenous African languages in education - why bother? Dr Selma Ashikuti

Sunday, 21 February 2021 marks International Mother Language Day, and this year, the day is celebrated under the theme, “Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society”. The mother language, often referred to as the first language or native language, is generally defined as the language that one acquires first in childhood and grows up speaking. Typically, such a language/languages is/are expected to be that of one or both parent(s) or guardian(s). Hence, one’s mother tongue is typically expected to be passed on to them by their parent(s) or guardian(s)- intergenerational language transmission. Intergenerational transmission of mother tongues is pivotal, but alone, it can’t preserve indigenous African languages. Although acquired in the home domain, proficiency in a language is further enhanced through its use in other domains such as education, employment, religion etc.

Mother tongues, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, face numerous daunting challenges in the 21st century chief amongst which are: 1) limited use in key formal domains such as education and 2) negative language attitudes towards them. Many sub-Saharan African countries, including Namibia, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda, have glossy language-in-education policies that stipulate the use of indigenous languages as media of instruction particularly in the early years of schooling. In Namibia, the language policy has set indigenous languages as the media of instruction in the first three years of schooling. However, practically, the enactment of these language-in-education policies results in ex-colonial languages (English, French or Portuguese) taking up the role assigned to indigenous languages. Thus, in many sub-Saharan countries, at surface level, indigenous languages appear to have been assigned space in the formal education domain- even if only at primary school level. However, in practice, such space is often taken up by ex-colonial languages. In this, it appears that ex-colonial languages are usurping upon indigenous languages.

It is important, however, to understand that the adoption of ex-colonial languages at primary school level in the place of indigenous languages is underpinned by factors including paucity of indigenous language resources (including teachers), negative language attitudes towards indigenous languages and preference for ex-colonial languages. For instance, in 2019, Rwanda saw a major policy shift in which the mother tongue policy was reversed, and Kinyarwanda was with English as the medium of instruction in the first three years of schooling. In 2014, similar language policy changes were undertaken in Malawi. This is despite empirical evidence indicating that teaching children in languages that they, 1) had barely or not at all encountered prior to commencing schooling and 2) languages that they do not encounter regularly outside the classroom inhibits learning, contributes to high failure rates, high repetition rates, high drop-out rates and increases inequality. Further aggravating the situation is the fact that teachers expected to educate children in ex-colonial languages often lack sufficient linguistic competence in the languages to deliver quality teaching in the languages. The relationship between language use in education and the resultant snowball effect on school performance, school retention and eventually national development is irrefutable. Nonetheless, in sub-Saharan Africa, many children continue to be educated primarily via English, French or Portuguese with grave consequences resulting from failure to master such languages. In fact, in Namibia, failing English alone at any level of schooling holds dire consequences for learners, and it often results in them repeating grades, dropping out of school or being refused entry to further levels of education.

Negative attitudes towards indigenous languages in Africa are common among education gatekeepers, parents/guardians and leaners alike. These attitudes commonly manifest in a resistance to be associated with the use of indigenous languages in a particular domain. In the home domain, such resistance is observable in the increasing number of Africans proudly raising their children with ex-colonial languages as their sole “mother tongues” even when the parents’/guardians’ mother tongues are indigenous African languages such as Oshiwambo, Shona or Setswana (lack of intergenerational transmission). However, in other contexts, irrespective of where they may find themselves, it is unimaginable to think of a child of French parents/guardians whose mother tongue is anything but French or including French or a child of Spanish parents/guardians whose mother tongue is anything but Spanish or including Spanish. Equally, as noted earlier, in the education domain, resistance to be associated with indigenous languages is evidenced by growing trends of excluding indigenous languages from classrooms. For example, in the education domain, children are often prevented from speaking their mother tongues on school grounds and are punished in various ways for doing so. Overall, in sub-Saharan Africa if indigenous languages are important, the education ecosystem fails to demonstrate it.

What then is the way forward? Closing the door in the face of indigenous languages in the education domain is not and cannot be the solution. Indigenous African languages deserve recognition and respect on the continent because if not here, then where else? It is therefore time to 1) recognise and embrace the value of indigenous African languages especially in education, 2) accord them space, 3) arm them with resources to take up such space and 4) protect and preserve them. Afterall, “If you know all the languages of the world and you don’t know your mother tongue or the language of your culture, that is enslavement. But if you know your mother tongue or the language of your culture, and add all the other languages of the world to it, that is empowerment,” Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

· Dr Selma Ashikuti is an English language lecturer at the University of Namibia. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Reading, UK, and an MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Stony Brook University, USA.
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Multichoice invests in sustainable support for entrepreneurs

February 18, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Multichoice invests in sustainable support for entrepreneursMultichoice invests in sustainable support for entrepreneurs STAFF REPORTER MultiChoice Namibia aims to use entertainment as a means to enrich the lives of people by enabling hardworking, enthusiastic citizens with an interest in technology to pursue a career with MultiChoice Namibia as installers.

Not only does this provide a sustainable income, but it also enables people to pursue their aspirations to succeed and enjoy even bigger business dreams beyond mere installations.

MultiChoice Namibia agent Danny Banda is somebody who is very familiar with this journey. Banda runs two profitable agent stores in Lüderitz and Okahandja, providing a stable income for himself and his family, as well as the families of his six employees.

However, this wasn’t always the case. Banda grew up under difficult circumstances, and moved through vastly different vocations in his life, from positions in the military and the church to opening up a print shop as a self-taught graphic designer.

It was in 2008 that he spotted an opportunity to become a DStv installer, and his life changed. He opened his installation business in Lüderitz, and immediately partnered with MultiChoice Namibia to receive the training he needed to offer as many Dstv products and services as he could. Over time he built up this business, employing two people to assist him with servicing customers in the city.

Shortly after celebrating his tenth anniversary partnering with MultiChoice, Banda identified an opportunity to open a second store, and in June 2019 he opened a branch in Okahandja employing four people.

“It makes me so happy to be able to offer people employment. One of my primary objectives is to empower the local communities I service to help alleviate joblessness. My team and I, we have our communities at heart, and put them first in everything we do,” explained Banda.

He has embraced this philosophy in every aspect of his business, prioritising customer service above all else.

“We want to ease customers’ stress around installing and connecting their new DStv services. To do this, we try remain as accessible as possible to our customers, even taking calls at night to help them where we can. If our customers can’t reach us through the call centre, they phone us on our cell phones. We do this to ensure we continue to provide the best possible service,” he added.

Looking back, Banda acknowledges the long road he has walked to attain the success he has today, and is grateful for the ongoing support of MultiChoice Namibia in helping him achieve his personal and professional aspirations.
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