Opportunities for corrupt to steal must be taken away - Amupanda

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Opportunities for corrupt to steal must be taken away - Amupanda NAMPA



WINDHOEK

City of Windhoek mayor Job Amupanda says for the city council to change Windhoek, a lot needs to be done -including taking away opportunities to steal from those who are corrupt.

Amupanda made these remarks on Thursday during a council ordinary meeting.

He said it is clear that to change Windhoek, there is a lot of taking to be done - from the corrupt, the opportunity to steal and loot must be taken away. Thugs and criminals must lose their freedom to terrorise and harass people, and lazy ones should lose their opportunity to sit idle doing nothing, he said.

“From the greedy, we must take away the very machinery that allows them to accumulate at the expense of the poor masses of our people. From the conservative defenders of the oppressive status quo, we must take away their very framework and comfort from which they seek to dominate our society based on old formulas which perpetuate the suffering of our people.

“Indeed, from the authors of the suffering masses of our people, we must take away the very pens and inks used to author the pain and misery of our people,” Amupanda said.

Providing more opportunities

He added that for every economic opportunity council takes away from the community, 10 more should be provided. Thus, a drug dealer should be turned into an honest entrepreneur, a thug must be rehabilitated and become a community leader one day, a greedy person must be turned into a generous resident and a conservative must become a transformer of Windhoek, the mayor said.

“Where our efforts take away from our residents, we must at all times endeavour to add in one way or the other. This requires of us all to learn, unlearn and relearn because an exercise of giving rather than taking is not easy, nor is it one this city is used to,” Amupanda said.

He added that the city’s leadership is transformative, a leadership that meets the needs of its residents at their point of need, saying it is ready to commit to the path it has chosen.

Meanwhile, the City has issued a warning to residents with outstanding water and electricity bills to pay up or risk their services being disconnected.

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Pay up first, council tells ministry

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Pay up first, council tells ministry Erwin Leuschner



SWAKOPMUND

The health ministry wants to use additional municipal bungalows in Swakopmund for quarantine purposes. While the town council has approved this, the condition is that the ministry first settles an outstanding bill.

Given the second wave of Covid-19 that hit Namibia, the ministry asked for the additional accommodation.

“In the region, especially in the Swakopmund district, there was an exponential increase in new infections during the holiday season,” a January-dated letter from the Erongo Region health director, Anna Jonas, to the town council said.

For this reason, she requested the use of 25 additional municipal bungalows.

This topic sparked debate at last week’s council meeting after the executive decided at the beginning of the month that the bungalows could be used by the ministry at a lower rate – but only if the ministry pays an outstanding bill first.

N$1.5m outstanding

According to a draft resolution, the ministry was allowed to use 112 municipal bungalows at a lower rate during the first wave of the virus in June 2020. Additionally, council made 78 extra rooms available for quarantine purposes free of charge.

The ministry used the 112 bungalows for two and a half months, which cost more than N$3.6 million - despite the significantly reduced tariff.

Of this amount, N$1.5 million is still outstanding.

“Are we not focusing too much on resources than on the health of our residents when we make this requirement?” Swapo councillor Erikki Shitana wanted to know yesterday.

“What should we do when a person must be quarantined, but the ministry has not yet paid? Where must the person be housed?”

‘Too tough’

Shitana urged council members to sign an agreement with the ministry. Fellow Swapo council member Heinrich Hafeni agreed, saying: “The demand to have to pay first is too tough”.

To this, chairman of the executive branch Wilfried Groenewald replied that the number of new infections in Swakopmund has fallen significantly and is currently very low.

“The ministry also has enough time to pay,” he said.

Given the pandemic, many companies find themselves in financial difficulties, while several others have already closed their doors.

“The debt keeps piling on. This should serve as a reminder to government that it also has a responsibility to pay,” Groenewald said. “It is the ministry of health’s turn now.”

Most council members agreed with Groenewald.

Finalise empowerment bill – Alweendo

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Finalise empowerment bill – AlweendoNamibia’s investment attractiveness falls Meant to be tabled in 2018, the Bill has hit hurdles, including the requirement that businesses owned by previously advantaged Namibians should cede 25% of their ownership to previously disadvantaged Namibians. OGONE TLHAGE







WINDHOEK

Mines minister Tom Alweendo says there is a need to finalise the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Bill (NEEEB) and a revision to the Investment Promotion Act.

He made the comments in response to an assessment by the Fraser Institute about Namibia’s attractiveness as an investment destination for the mining sector.

Namibia saw its attractiveness fall as a consequence of the perceived outcomes when the empowerment bill becomes law.

“It goes without saying that the government must do everything necessary to attract investors, both local and foreign. It’s thus important that we finalise the necessary stakeholders’ engagement in relation to NEEEB and the Investment Promotion Act soonest,” Alweendo said.

The mines minister, however, felt that the assessment of Namibia’s attractiveness was not fair.

“At times, the negative perceptions are, unfortunately, informed by some investors’ desire to obtain benefits that are not beneficial to the host country. When that happens, albeit in few cases, we do engage the investors to explain to them that we only welcome investment that is mutually beneficial,” he said.

Let’s evaluate

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently also expressed willingness to evaluate and make comments on the empowerment bill.

During an interview with Namibian Sun, its newly elected president Bisey Uirab said the chamber had been informed the bill would be available in draft form soon.

“We have been advised that the document will soon be available. We believe it is important for various entities to participate in giving comments. The commitment we were given is that it will soon be available,” he said.

Meanwhile, spokesperson in the Office of the Prime Minister, Saima Shaanika, said final consultations were being made when contacted for comment.

“The Bill is with the public sector for consultation. Thereafter, it will head to Parliament,” she said.

Hit by snags

The NEEEB, which was meant to have been tabled in 2018, has hit hurdles for a number of reasons, including the requirement that businesses owned by previously advantaged Namibians should cede 25% of their ownership to previously disadvantaged Namibians.

However, during a Cabinet briefing, President Hage Geingob said the 25% ownership pillar should be done away with because it would not translate into broad-based empowerment.

Critics argued that the removal of this clause would provide policy certainty to foreign investors as well as appease local private businesses who threatened to leave the country in the face of this arrangement.

Two-horse race for Rundu CEO post

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Two-horse race for Rundu CEO post Kenya Kambowe



RUNDU

The Rundu town council has finalised the recruitment process for a substantive accounting officer after an interview panel recommended that either Nathaneal Olavi or Christophorus Kudumo be considered to lead the cash-strapped local authority.

Namibian Sun has learnt that Olavi, who is currently employed as the finance and asset management manager at Karibib town council, and Kudumo, a former teacher and a Rundu councillor, are the names forwarded to urban and rural development minister, Erastus Uutoni, for consideration.

The Rundu town council has been without a CEO since Romanus Haironga’s contract expired in July 2018.

Confirming the completion of the recruitment process, Rundu mayor Gabriel Kanyanga said the names of the recommended candidates have been forwarded to the line ministry along with the minutes, which speaks to due processes which were followed.

“Now we are just waiting for the minister to look at our recommendations,” he said.

60% in interview

The recommended candidates scored more than 60% in the interviews, Kanyanga earlier said, though at the time, he could not shed light on names of the candidates. Namibian Sun established that six candidates were shortlisted for the CEO position.

The current acting CEO, Sam Nekaro, said he was not amongst those who applied.

Meanwhile, Kanyanga stressed the importance of the local authority having a substantive head as it reduces the number of challenges local authorities are faced with.

Rundu does not have a good record as far as harmony between the office of the CEO and the elected council office-bearers is concerned, as infighting and squabbles have been common in the past, resulting in poor or no service delivery to the electorate.

Whoever the ministry approves will have a daunting task to turn around the council’s misfortunes.

Apart from being known for failing to deliver services, the local authority owes over N$100 million NamWater.

kenya@namibiansun.com

Land desperation escalates at Dordabis

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Land desperation escalates at Dordabis JEMIMA BEUKES



DORDABIS

Landless people living at the Dordabis settlement demanded urgent attention to their plight on Saturday, which has gone unheard despite three visits by the Ancestral Land Commission.

The community claims to have been living on an overcrowded 10-hectare plot for the past 30 years, and said their calls for assistance and intervention have fallen on deaf ears.

“We have met with every governor, every minister and every regional councillor for the last 30 years to discuss our horrible living conditions and we were promised that our case enjoys priority and will be resolved soon, but our situation is just getting worse and we feel abandoned by our government and the leaders we elect,” a petition read.

No title deeds

Languishing in make-shift shacks, the community cannot build proper houses through saving schemes such as the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia because they do not have title deeds to the land they live on.

Community chairperson and activist Albertus Rooi said the situation is dire as more and more people are dumped to the area daily by neighbouring farmers.

“We are overcrowded as more than 1 500 inhabitants share this land with the school, clinic and police station staff members. Three to four generations of families are forced to scramble on top of each other on the small land that has no proper sanitation,” he said.

The community also claim to starve of hunger because they are unemployed and cannot make a living through keeping livestock on the land.

‘Inhuman’, ‘deplorable’

“There is no space for gardening because the space is small. Even to collect firewood is a crime in this town that we consider home. We continue to survive in inhuman and deplorable conditions after 30 years of independence,” Rooi said.

The petition was addressed to lands minister Calle Schlettwein, yet by Sunday he was unaware of the protest.

Windhoek Rural constituency councillor Piet Adams could not receive the petition and assigned an official in his office to do so.

jemima@namibiansun.com

High Court dismisses Esau, ‘Fitty’ bail appeal

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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High Court dismisses Esau, ‘Fitty’ bail appealMatter removed from roll According to the magistrate, the duo has a strong case to answer to pertaining to a number of unexplained money transfers, and the court is not convinced that they will not abscond or interfere with the investigation. JEMIMA BEUKES







WINDHOEK

The High Court on Friday dismissed Bernhardt Esau and son-in-law Tamson Hatuikulipi’s appeal against the refusal of bail by Windhoek Magistrate Duart Kesslau, stemming from last year.

The matter has now been finalised and removed from the roll.

During his judgment last year, Kesslau said Esau and his son-in-law's refusal to be cross-examined has left the court with many unanswered questions.

Kesslau emphasised that sworn statements are used to save time during urgent applications, but the duo had enough time to answer under cross-examination in order to give the court an opportunity to observe their demeanour.

According to the magistrate, the duo has a strong case to answer to pertaining to a number of unexplained money transfers, and the court is not convinced that they will not abscond or interfere with the investigation.

Justified

High Court Judge Marlene Tommasi on Friday said Kesslau was completely justified when he refused the duo bail last year.

Tommasi also pointed out that Kesslau was correct that there were many unanswered questions to the effect that Esau and Hatuikulipi did not convince the court that they should be granted bail.

“The witnesses for the State were confronted with certain fact that they could not give answers to or otherwise had to speculate on. The fact of the matter is that the appellants did not testify. Many of the issues that were covered in cross-examination were not stated in their affidavits. Likewise, many of the allegations and facts testified to by the respondents’ witnesses were not challenged or meaningfully challenged,” she said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Rape-accused grandpa denied bail

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Rape-accused grandpa denied bailMother tries to withdraw case The man is accused of raping his teenaged granddaughter on several occasions between March and November 2020, and was arrested in December 2020. LEANDREA LOUW







WALVIS BAY

The bail application of a 67-year-old man accused of raping his 13-year-old granddaughter failed in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court last week.

The accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, is a well-known figure in the Walvis Bay community.

He is accused of raping the minor girl on several occasions between March and November 2020.

The accused was arrested in December 2020 after the girl confided in a friend, who in turn advised her to tell the school. One of her teachers approached the police and a case was opened.

Magistrate John Sindano denied bail and postponed the case to 18 March for plea.

Mother tries to withdraw

The full reasons why bail was denied were not available, however, as part of the bail application, investigation officer Helena Kalipi said the accused faces three counts of rape and that the State is opposing bail on the grounds that the offence is serious and the accused may interfere.

On 18 February, “the victim’s mother approached our office and said she wants the matter to be withdrawn because the accused has been in custody and it is enough,” Kalipi said.

“She said that the accused should be released and that the victim would receive counselling. We told her that the case cannot be withdrawn and that she [the mother] is not the complainant.”

Kalipi said the mother initially cooperated. “The day the case was reported, the victim’s mother cooperated with us.”

‘More susceptible to Covid’

One of the reasons the accused applied for bail was due to congestion in holding cells and because of his age, and that due to this, he may be more susceptible to Covid-19.

“When the accused was arrested, no family member came to me to say that he suffers from a health condition. Looking at his age, it was decided to take him to Narraville holding cells as it has better conditions. The accused did not approach me, neither the station commander,” Kalipi said.

The officer indicated that investigations into the matter are complete, and that “there are no outstanding issues”.

The state was represented by Maggy Shiyagaya, while the accused was represented by Ray Rukoro.

EDITORIAL

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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EDITORIAL A myriad of school-boy errors led to last Friday’s election re-runs in the Hardap and //Karas regions and the taxpayer will cough up heavily for this.

One of the glaring, if unprofessional, transgressions that led to the re-run was about a polling station being closed before authorised time.

This criminal conduct and a pile of other irregular activities led not only to new routine electoral expenditures, but also had the Electoral Commission of Namibia ordered by a court to pay N$50 000 to each political party and independent candidate affected by the re-run.

We do not know what action, if any, had been taken against the officials responsible for these costly mistakes.

If history has taught us anything about this country, it’s that people are hardly held accountable for their actions. Impunity has become our national sport.

It is due to this exact attitude that even government ministries had their power cut off last week because we have adopted a very problematic attitude of simply not taking responsibility for our actions. And then, when punitive measures are taken, we start pointing fingers at everyone but ourselves.

Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein yesterday questioned the supposed double standards of the City of Windhoek’s decision to cut services to ministries like his, while the City itself owes NamWater and NamPower millions of dollars. This level of whataboutism is exactly what is holding our country back.

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Over half of Namibians earn less than N$1 400 – report

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Over half of Namibians earn less than N$1 400 – report JEMIMA BEUKES



WINDHOEK

Inequality in Namibia remains at staggering proportions, with more than half of paid Namibian workers earning a monthly wage of less than N$1 353, while a mere 14% earn more than this amount.

The latest Human Development Report by the United Nations’ Development Programme pointed out that this inequality is underlined by the fact that the majority of the Namibian population are income earners.

According to this report, 687 511 Namibians are employed, of which 448 271 earn an income.

The report pointed out that Namibia remains one of the most unequal societies in the world, despite being classified an upper-middle-income country.

“Some of the policy options could include targeting the lower income groups in Erongo and Khomas in terms of education and health services to break generational poverty and enhance opportunities for future high-income earners. For the rest of the regions, there is a need to identify high earning economic activities away from traditional economic activities of communal farming and low skills jobs. The Hardap, //Karas and Oshana regions, as they are between the high human development regions, and the rest may require a mixture of these policy options,” the report stated.

Land the panacea

This report added that land rights - when implemented properly - give people, especially the poor, an increased sense of security, and that they have the potential to improve people’s economic status.

It suggested that land reform could, therefore, be used as a measure to address and reduce inequality between the rich and the poor, and between genders.

According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, white Namibians and foreigners own 27 million hectares of the total of 39 million hectares of freehold agricultural land. This is approximately 69% of freehold agricultural land, while black Namibians own just 16%.

The remainder was acquired through the Land Resettlement Programme.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Swapo whipped in southern election re-runs

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Swapo whipped in southern election re-runs ELIZABETH JOSEPH



AROAB

Swapo has conceded defeat in elections held in the //Karas and Hardap regions on Friday, and says it will start working hard to win back the support it lost to the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) in the regions.

After a botched process during the original elections held last November, the Electoral Court ordered a re-run at Koës, Stampriet and Aroab local authorities, as well as Mariental Rural constituency.

LPM’s Densia Swartbooi was proclaimed the winner for the Mariental Rural constituency.

Swartbooi won with a total of 1 099 votes, while Swapo’s Simon Kooper trailed behind with 854.

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM)'s Stephanus Bloodstaan gained 97 votes, while independent candidate Desmond Tjipanga received a total 46 votes.

At Koës, LPM won three seats with 376 votes, while Swapo won two seats with 274 votes. At Stampriet, LPM led with three seats after garnering 353 votes, while the ruling party gained 272 votes, enough for two seats.

At Aroab, both LPM and Swapo gained two seats. Either party may seek a coalition with PDM, which won the remaining one seat, to determine a majority on council.

Irregularities

The re-run for the constituency seats came as a result of irregularities involving ballot papers and a separate polling team that left its station earlier than required during the November 2020 regional council elections.

Swapo’s regional coordinator for //Karas, Mathew Mumbala, said the elections were fair and now it is time for the work to begin.

“I am very happy with the results,” he said concisely.

LPM’s Andrew de Juy said although his party did not get the number of votes it anticipated, it will still fulfil its electoral promises to the people.

“It’s okay, LPM is a young party, but we did quite well in the elections. The most important thing is that we will bring the change that will benefit the people,” he said.

Anguish as footballers die in Henties crash

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Anguish as footballers die in Henties crashSurvivors recall fatal accident One of the injured soccer players narrated the horrific accident, which took place on Saturday evening near Henties Bay. IRÉNE-MARI VAN DER WALT AND FRANCOISE STEYNBERG







SWAKOPMUND, WINDHOEK

Young soccer players from Henties Bay endured a horrific ordeal on Saturday night when an accident claimed the lives of two of their teammates, 17-year-old Fillemon Armas and 15-year-old Given Geingob, a few kilometers from their hometown.

The accident took place at about 20:30 when a blue Citi Golf apparently collided with the back of the white Ford single-cab bakkie the 12 soccer players were travelling in.

The footballers were on their way back from the Genesis football tournament in Swakopmund.

According to Erongo crime investigations coordinator, deputy commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, the bakkie veered off the road and overturned after the collision.

"Two footballers died and the others - all aged 15 – sustained injuries ranging from light to serious. Mervin Halweendo (15) was seriously injured.

"The driver of the bakkie, Desmond Gowaseb, was seriously injured and could not speak at the scene of the accident," Iikuyu said.

Broken pelvis, arm

The team’s manager was also a passenger in the bakkie and sustained light injures, the deputy commissioner said.

"The 42-year-old driver of the Citi Golf broke his pelvis and arm. His only passenger, a 36-year-old man, broke his right leg, but is stable," Iikuyu said.

The injured were taken to the Swakopmund State Hospital by ambulance, he added.

Teen narrates ordeal

A sorrowful cloud hung over the Swakopmund State Hospital yesterday morning where the injured were admitted.

"I’m very hurt," one of the injured soccer players, Jean-Carlo van Wyk, a Grade 9 pupil from the Kamwandi Combined School in Henties Bay, said.

"We drove to Swakopmund that morning to play football and the tyre burst," Van Wyk said, explaining why they drove back with another vehicle.

"When we had to drive back in the evening, there was not enough space in the minibus for everyone and our coach said the younger children had to ride in the minibus and the older children in the bakkie," he said.

Just moments before the accident, the team was in high spirits. "We were talking and singing and just after we started singing, I heard a ‘boom’ sound and saw we were in the air.

"I felt myself bumping my head and scraping my back and left shoulder. The next thing I knew, I was sitting up straight.

"I got up and saw everyone lying around. I was confused and uncertain about what happened and I then saw the blue car," Van Wyk said.

He said the driver of BMW called the ambulance, and they only later found out that two of their teammates had died.

Dirty linen

Natalia Amunyonge, mother of another injured footballer player Emmanuel, said her son borrowed someone's cellphone to let her know he was in hospital in Swakopmund.

She said she is unsure whether the boys are getting good treatment at the state hospital because the linen is dirty and she had to bring her child clean bedding, but could not do the same for all his teammates.

Van Wyk apparently asked for a clean blanket, but the dirty linen was still lying on the corner of his bed yesterday morning. Despite this, he praised the hospital for its good treatment.

He said he was the first of the team to be treated at the hospital.

A case of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving has been opened.

The deceased’s relatives have been informed, and the investigation continues.

Lost future

Meanwhile, Namibia Sports Commission chief administrator Simataa Mwiya only found out about the accident yesterday.

“It’s very unfortunate that this happened and a life lost is indeed painful for both parents and community members.

“For us in sports, it is painful as these are young boys who had a future for our sports.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we convey condolences to the bereaved family of the two and wish a speedy recovery to those still in hospital . We are really in deep grief with all family members,” he said.

irene-mari@erongo.com.na

francoise@republikein.com.na

Company news in brief

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Company news in brief MTN to appeal Syrian court ruling

South Africa's MTN Group said on Friday it intended to appeal a ruling from the Administrative Court of Damascus to place the company's Syrian business under judicial guardianship and was also considering other steps.

The latest lawsuit is an added headache for the mobile operator, whose entry into the Middle East has been marred by allegations, which it has denied, that it used bribes to win a 15-year operating licence in Iran and also that it aided militant groups in Afghanistan.

The company said a lawsuit was filed to the court by the Syrian ministry of telecommunications and the Syrian Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority earlier this month, seeking interim measures against MTN Syria.

The Syrian State Council said on Thursday this was after MTN had violated its obligations in its licensing contract, which deprived the Treasury of 21.5% of the total revenues.

This comes as MTN is planning to sell its stake in MTN Syria to TeleInvest as part of plans to exit the Middle East in the medium term. – Nampa/Reuters

Steinhoff agrees sale, lease-back of properties

South African retail group Steinhoff is to sell the properties of its European subsidiary Conforama Iberia and lease them back, it said on Friday, as part of efforts to cut debt and pay back creditors.

Conforama Iberia, a furniture and homeware retailer with operations in Spain and Portugal, has entered into a binding offer of 107 million euro for its properties, Steinhoff said, without naming the buyer.

South Africa-headquartered, Dutch-registered Steinhoff said its EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation), a measure of operational profit, fell by 21% to 578 million euro in the year ending Sept. 30, from 733 million euro in 2019.

Revenue fell 2% to 7.9 billion euro in the period after store closures related to Covid-19.

Steinhoff's Johannesburg-listed shares closed 1.52% lower at R1.95, valuing the group at around R8.4 billion, a dramatic fall for the company that was valued at more than R230 billion before the scandal broke. – Nampa/Reuters

Debswana expects higher diamond output

Diamond producer Debswana aims to increase output by 38% this year to pre-pandemic levels of 23 million carats, a company official said on Friday, as the global diamond market recovers with the easing of travel restrictions and jewellers reopen.

Jointly owned by Anglo American unit De Beers and the Botswana government, Debswana cut production by 29% to 16.6 million carats in 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic hurt demand and global travel restrictions affected trading.

De Beers, which gets on average 70% of its supply from Botswana, says it plans to ramp up production from 25 million carats in 2020 to a guidance of 32-34 million carats this year.

De Beers' first rough diamond sale of the year in January generated US$650 million, an 18% rise year-on-year and the highest amount since 2018, as cutting and polishing firms restocked after the Christmas and Chinese New Year holiday season. – Nampa/Reuters

Agri building project abandoned since 2017

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Agri building project abandoned since 2017N$34-million contract Most projects of the agriculture ministry for the past three years have been affected by the exorbitant charges and penalties arising from the Neckartal Dam project. We can’t see taxpayers’ money going to waste like this. – Calle Schlettwein, Minister of agriculture, water and land reform ONGWEDIVA – The ministry of agriculture, water and land reform will secure sufficient budget allocation during the 2021/22 financial year for further construction on its Ohangwena regional head office at Eenhana.

The deputy director for public relations in the ministry, Chrispin Matongela, said the building was abandoned in 2017 after the contractor left the construction site.

Matongela said the contractor, Spes Bona Construction and Renovations CC, “absconded because of its inability to continue and financial problems” at the time.

“There are no payment disputes, neither outstanding nor unpaid invoices by the ministry.”

Matongela said for the past three consecutive financial years, most ministerial projects were affected by the exorbitant charges and penalties arising from the Neckartal Dam project.

The ministry tender to construct its regional head office at Eenhana was awarded to Spes Bona Construction and Renovations at N$34 million in 2014.

‘DISAPPOINTED’

The minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, during his recent visit to Eenhana expressed disappointment over contractors failing to deliver after being awarded government tenders. He said government will no longer tolerate companies abandoning projects, adding that it wastes taxpayers’ money.

Schlettwein told journalists the construction of the office was supposed to be completed long ago, but the building stands incomplete after construction was started some six years ago.

Through the ministry of works and transport, Schlettwein said his ministry has drawn up a list of unfinished capital projects.

“We have now decided to ensure that all projects are completed as we can’t see taxpayers’ money going to waste like this,” he said.

Approached for comment, a senior representative of Spes Bona Construction and Renovations, who preferred to remain unnamed, said the company abandoned the project due to delayed payment for months on the part of the government.

Although the contract is not yet terminated, “things are tough and the company is thinking of parting ways”, he said.

He concluded by saying the company is proud of the work it did on the building, which is almost complete and “only needs finishing touches”. - Nampa

Transparency push for IMF’s currency reserve

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Transparency push for IMF’s currency reserve Andrea Shalal - The International Monetary Fund on Friday said it would propose ways to improve the transparency and accountability of how its Special Drawing Rights are used, a key US demand for its support of a new issuance of the IMF's own currency.

Geoffrey Okamoto, first deputy managing director of the IMF, said a new allocation of SDRs would boost the reserve positions of all IMF members, calling it "a far superior option to the alternatives" currently available to poorer countries.

"The IMF will respond to the #G20's call for a proposal on a general allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)," he said in a tweet.

"So that countries see maximum benefit from new SDRs, we will propose ways to improve transparency and accountability in how SDRs are allocated and traded," he added. He gave no details.

Finance officials from the Group of 20 major economies on Friday expressed broad support for boosting the IMF's emergency reserves after US officials dropped the previous administration's opposition.

LIQUIDITY

Italy, which heads the G20 this year, is pushing for a US$500 billion issuance of SDRs, a move backed by many other G20 members as a way to provide liquidity to poor countries hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic without increasing their debt levels.

US Treasury secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday expressed her qualified support, but called for greater transparency about the trading and use of SDRs.

SDRs are supplemental foreign exchange reserve assets issued by the IMF much as a central bank prints money. They can be cashed in by members in exchange for hard currency, without condition, to pay for vaccines, equipment and other needs.

Namibia last year applied for SDR192 million (more than N$4 billion) through the IMF’s Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to help it address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country.

Oxfam International, one of many groups pushing for an SDR allocation, welcomed the G20's support and said IMF shareholders should approve the move at their spring meeting in April.

Senator Dick Durbin, who has introduced legislation calling for a US$2 trillion SDR allocation, urged the Biden administration to back "the largest issuance possible without any delay". –Nampa/Reuters and own report

AMTA launches Katwitwi milling plant

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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AMTA launches Katwitwi milling plantN$500 000 invested in equipment AMTA is expanding its business to diversify its commodities to include meat, chicken, fish and other value-added products. AMTA’s contribution to the sector can only be realised if this public entity is governed and managed professionally. – Leon Jooste, Public enterprises minister KATWITWI – The Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) launched its Katwitwi milling plant in the Kavango West region on Friday.

Giving the keynote address on behalf of the minister of public enterprises, Leon Jooste, the chairperson of the National Council, Lukas Muha, said the milling facility was established with the strategic objective to add value to the grains and be able to serve the public.

“This facility is very important in that it will present a much needed opportunity for grain producers to market their grain,” Muha said.

Ministries and agencies, as well as commercial traders will also source milled products for distribution to consumers.

AMTA is marketing and trading fresh produce, grains and grain products as well as eggs.

“As we speak the agency is further expanding its business to diversify its commodities to include amongst others meat, chicken, fish and other value-added products such as diced fresh produce, milled products, soup and tomato soup,” Muha said.

The establishment of market, business and product development division plans are also underway to expand services to producers and consumers through the establishment of distribution centres in regions. This is being executed in line with AMTA’s five-year integrated strategic business plan of 2020 to 2025.

BRAND

Agriculture is a vital sector and is one of the main pillars in the Harambee Prosperity Plan, Jooste’s speech continued.

“AMTA’s contribution to the sector can only be realised if this public entity is governed and managed professionally. From my ministry’s side we are doing everything possible to see to it that our public enterprises are supported to make the desired contribution to the country’s development agenda,” he said.

Meanwhile the agency also launched the AMTA Golden Fresh Brand which is described as the “pride of the quality and freshness identity of the value-added products”.

AMTA chairperson Desiderius Tshikesho said the agency was mandated to manage these facilities in order to maintain food safety and to attain food security in the country.

The equipment in the milling plant are valued at N$500 000. - Nampa

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Bit brighter green shoots forecast

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Bit brighter green shoots forecastBoN expects growth of 2.7% in ‘21 Despite a better outlook for 2021, the Namibian economy remains exposed to risks, especially from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Risks to domestic growth remain dominated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the domestic economy, mainly regarding the success of vaccinations in Namibia and around the globe. – Bank of Namibia Jo-Maré Duddy – Bountiful rains over large parts of Namibia, as well as better prospects for diamond mining and transport convinced the central bank to up its economic growth forecast for 2021 from 2.6% to 2.7%.

Releasing its latest Economic Outlook on Friday, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) said the slight improvement from December last year was “attributed to broad based base effects as well as better growth prospects for diamond mining, agriculture and transport sectors from 2021 onwards”.

The BoN said “information obtained from the latest consultations with industries indicated that growth is likely to be broad based”.

Namibia’s economy is estimated to have grown by -7.3%, the largest contraction in the country’s history. Preliminary growth figures by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) are only expected after the end of April.

The BoN now expects the economy to grow by 3.3% next year, compared to its forecast of 3.2% for 2022 in December.

RISKS

Risks to Namibia’s economy remain dominated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the BoN said. These mainly regard the success of vaccinations in Namibia and around the globe, the bank said.

“Travel restrictions are still in place in many countries, exacerbated by the second wave of coronavirus infections.”

According to the BoN, other “notable risks to the domestic growth outlook include the persistently low international prices for some of Namibia’s export commodities such as uranium, as well as climatic swings. Namibia is prone to floods in the northern parts of the country, which are likely to occur in 2021, following good rainfalls received.”

REST OF THE WORLD

Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to strengthen to 3.2% and 3.9% in 2021 and 2022, respectively, from a contraction of 2.6% in 2020, the BoN said.

The 2021 growth projection is 0.1 percentage point higher relative to the October 2020 forecast of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Nigeria’s growth is projected to increase to 1.5% in 2021 from a contraction of 2.3% in 2020. Growth in South Africa is also projected to strengthen to 2.8% in 2021 from a contraction of 7.5% in 2020 before moderating to 1.4% in 2022.

The global economy is projected to grow by 5.5% in 2021 and to 4.2% in 2022, from an estimated contraction of 3.5% in 2020. It represents an upward revision when compared to the IMF of October 2020, where the global economy was expected to grow by 5.2% in 2021.

“The projected stronger recovery in global growth during 2021 and 2022 is based on multiple vaccine approvals, the launch of vaccinations in many countries and additional stimulus policy measures in a few large economies,” the BoN said.

Fuel jumps N$1.30 /l in two months

February 28, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Fuel jumps N$1.30 /l in two months Jo-Maré Duddy – Consumers have to brace themselves for the second fuel price increase in two months with both the price of petrol and diesel increasing by 80c a litre on Wednesday.

Last month, the ministry of mines and energy pushed up the petrol and diesel price by 50c per litre.

The increases are bound to tug at Namibians’ pockets as transport carries the third biggest weight in the national consumer basket. Out of every N$100 in the consumer’s wallet, N$14.28 on average is spent on transport.

The operation of personal transport equipment, which includes the fuel price, has been in deflationary territory since April last year. However, it has moved from a peak of -7.9% in June and July 2020 to -4.7% in January 2021, according to data by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).

Announcing the latest fuel price increase, the ministry of mines and energy said despite a stronger Namibia dollar against the US dollar, “the continuous and significant increases in barrel prices have far more significant implications for local oil consumers”.

The per-barrel-price of petrol across the international product market have in increased from about US$59.49 to about US$66.31 in the past month, while diesel rose from about US$58.98 to around US$65.80.

UNDER-RECOVERIES

This resulted in an under-recovery of about 109c on petrol and some 111c on diesel. In January, the under-recovery was 102c and 105c respectively.

An under-recovery means that fuel was bought at a higher cost than the local set price for landing, or the basic fuel price (BFP). With an under-recovery, fuel is effectively sold to the consumer at a loss, with the National Energy Fund (NEF) subsiding the difference.

According to the ministry, the NEF has funded the under-recoveries for January to the tune of N$122 million, while the under-recoveries for February will cost the NEF about N$98 million.

Commenting on the latest price increase decision, the ministry said “these significant under-recoveries indicate that the current pump prices are not reflective of the actual prices in the market”.

On Wednesday, petrol will cost N$12.65 per litre at Walvis Bay, while diesel will be N$12.68 per litre.

“The ministry is cognisant of the fact that the increases in the local price of fuel will put more inflationary pressures on the prices of goods and services in the economy,” the ministry’s senior public relations officer, Andreas Simon, said.

“However, due to the major dynamics of demand and supply in the international oil market at the present time, demand-side oil price regulators will have to continue making these hard and painful decisions,” Simon said.

Olivier nominated for three jobs

March 1, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Olivier nominated for three jobsLittle interest from stakeholders The executive president of Namibian Gymnastics, Sonia Olivier, is seeking re-election as the day of the vote draws closer. LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Sonia Olivier has been nominated for three positions ahead of the annual general assembly of Namibian Gymnastics set for 27 March.

Olivier, who has fallen out with some gymnastic clubs as well as the Namibia Sports Commission in the past year, is seeking re-election as executive president job (nominated by the Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Club), secretary-general, as well as director of finance (nominated by the Swakopmund Gymnastics Club).

These nominations irked a source who shared the nomination list, saying that it made no sense to nominate the same person for three posts.

Only one job per person

Asked if the association’s constitution allowed this, Olivier explained that the constitution states in numerous articles that one person may only serve in one position.

She explained that the order of elections is as follows: executive president, secretary-general, director of finance, public relations director and gymnastic affairs director.

“Once the top position has been elected, the name of the winner falls off all subsequent ballots. The constitution was amended specifically to ensure that there’s no responsibility vested in just one person. Too much risk and work,” she said.

Asked further why there was just one nomination for each post, Olivier explained that the deadline to submit names was on Friday. However, most stakeholders didn’t submit names.

“Since my name will fall off the ballots for secretary-general and finance, the nomination will be put to the floor during the AGA.

“This places an immense burden on the electoral committee during proceedings, since we will need to vet candidates on the day,” she added.

In addition, Olivier said they would like the results of the elections to reflect the true will of the members.

“Not all our members have reapplied for membership, despite being invited repeatedly.

“The electoral committee needs to grant fair opportunity to fairly assess all applications and reapplications as applications closed on 31 January.

“However, clubs who have not yet applied can still do so, but must submit a written request to the executive council for access to the online platform.

“We would appreciate the support of the media and the public to motivate all members to complete the application process, so that they may be recognised and their gymnast benefit from the membership to the federation,” Olivier added.

Other members who are taking part in the elections are as follows: director of public relations - Corrie Smith, and director for gymnastics affairs - Dione Dichtl.

Registration of grade 11, 12 learners for national examinations

March 1, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Registration of grade 11, 12 learners for national examinations Planning and adhering to deadlines essential Mariselle Stofberg

A discussion on the registration of grade 11 and 12 learners for national examinations took place last week at the communication centre in Windhoek.

Elizabeth Ndjendja, the deputy director of national examinations, said registration entails the capturing of details of learners who wish to write grade 11 or 12 examinations this year.

“To capture personal information means we need to get the name, surname, gender and date of birth of learners, along with additional information on the subjects learners intend to write,” she added.

Registration would have commenced in January, but Covid-19 has delayed this process, although the ministry remains committed to ensuring registration takes place seamlessly.

Ndjendja said registration of learners is twofold. The initial stage is to capture information at the centres, which include schools for fulltime students and examination centres for part-time learners. The process has also started to migrate to the digital sphere. The second stage is the verification of data captured.

Logistics of registration

The logistics of registration for fulltime and part-time learners differ. “With regards to fulltime learners, their teachers manage registration easily, because learners are still in school, but part-time candidates need to take themselves to centres for registration. As a part-time candidate, you need to be guided throughout the year for you to succeed. Institutions like the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) help students who want to re-sit for exams to prepare adequately, but that does not mean you have registered for exams,” Ndjendja added.

Registration started on Monday, 26 February and is expected to end on 12 March. The verification stage starts on 19 April and will continue until 30 April for fulltime candidates, but will end a week later for part-time candidates.

“The registration data is essential to ensure the quantity of exanimation papers printed is correct to prevent over- and under-printing and allows us to adequately plan for marking centres and venues, appointing of markers per subject, and ensuring planning is done in advance and correct for exams which are to be written in October and November,” Ndjendja said.

“We have experienced so many challenges in the past, especially with verification, and we urge learners to not miss these deadlines. Candidates realise just before exams their subjects captured are incorrect, which creates various problems. The directorate of National Examinations and Assessment (DNEA) does not register candidates, we simply work with data captured at centres. Eventually we pass it on to centres to verify if all required data is captured and correct. If you miss the verification you might be left out,” Ndjendja said.

Planning and adhering to deadlines

She added that they usually experience a last-minute rush during the last week of registration, and urged schools and candidates not to wait for a week before the deadline.

Malcolm Kambanzera, the secretary for education, training and research at the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso), said Nanso had analysed the grade 11 and 12 results and seen the resilience of learners.

“Teachers have shown tenacity and determination to assist learners, but it is important to note that results have shown there are those learners who are systematically disadvantaged and have felt the impact of the digital divide that made online or e-learning extremely difficult. You could see they have not had face-to-face education, and it has significantly impacted their grades,” he added.

Kambanzera said Nanso remained committed to ensuring that learners, parents and teachers are sensitised regarding examinations to ensure learners are registered on time.

“We have regional structures throughout the country that will work hand in hand with DNEA and the ministry to go to schools or engage schools virtually to ensure they are informed, and registration is done correctly,” Kambanzera said.

“What the nation needs to understand is that running national examinations and systems which are built on deadlines requires meticulous and extensive planning,” Ndjendja said.

Fact box: Essentials needed for registration

Fulltime candidates – Schools have the birth certificate and identification documents (IDs) of learners, with the subject information of each learner.

Part-time candidates- Need their identity document which is either an ID, voter card or driver’s licence, statement of exams written previously or a certificate that shows exams candidates have taken before. This year you will need to enter your previous candidate number as well. You also need to show proof that you have paid for tuition through Namcol or part-time centres that assisted you throughout the year. You will also need your original ID to enter the exam halls.

Coming together for the Namibian Child

March 1, 2021, 2:00 pm

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Coming together for the Namibian ChildStandard Bank and Let’s Unite make it happen Let’s Unite, in partnership with Standard Bank, last week handed over stationery to schools in the Otjozondjupa Region and part of the Kunene Region. ESTER KAMATI AT OTJIWARONGO

In one day, six schools became recipients of stationery donated by Standard Bank and Let’s Unite in an attempt to ease the burden on parents and ensure that learners are not left at a disadvantage.

Speaking at the handover at Otjiwarongo’s Orwetoveni Primary School, Let’s Unite co-founder and local musician DJ Castro said he was glad that Standard Bank came on board to support the project, which started five years ago with stationery donations from the community which the organisation would then hand over to schools at Otjiwarongo. He added that due to this new collaboration, the project now extends to other parts of the region to benefit more children.

DJ Castro added that he believes in giving back to the community from which he came, adding that “one hand washes the other”. He also shared that he is honoured each time he is able to “put a smile on the face of a person who cannot afford something and who is willing to take their education forward but can’t”.

The Let’s Unite project last year collected N$31 000 worth of stationery.

Standard Bank Namibia public relations officer Isack Hamata stated that Covid-19 has created a problem for many. “Some of our parents lost their jobs and as a result can’t even put food on the table, let alone buy a pen.

“One of the people who are benefiting today can become a leader tomorrow. The moment we withhold that pen or that notepad from him or her, we are denying him or her the opportunity to go further and Namibia would not benefit from what that person is able to do for us”.

A total of N$220 000 has been allocated for the stationary items. “We hope that these will be put to good use,” Hamata said.

In the coming weeks, the team aims to hand over donations to schools at Otavi, Grootfontein and Tsumkwe.

The acting principal of Orwetoweni Primary School, Tjitjahoro Uaaka, received the donation. “These things we received today came at just the right time,” she said, explaining that the school had plans to purchase more stationery to complement what the learners had brought.

The schools that have benefitted include Marsen Primary School at Outjo, Outjo Secondary School, Paresis Secondary School at Otjiwarongo, Orwetoweni Primary School and Okakarara primary and secondary schools.