Namibian Sun

Green Scheme projects management reviewed

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

The agriculture and public enterprise ministries are reviewing the management model for Green Scheme projects due to underperformance of some projects.

The review is aimed at attracting private-sector investment.

Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein, who was responding to questions posed in Parliament, explained that the ministry developed 11 Green Scheme irrigation projects across the country, of which eight are under direct operation and management of Agricultural Business Development Agency (Agribusdev).

The other three are leased out to the private sector through Lease-hold agreements as prescribed in the Green Scheme Policy.

Schlettwein said 162 farmers are directly operating and managing farming units on various Green Scheme Irrigation Projects.

“Out of the 162 farmers indicated above 95 are men and 67 are women. These medium and small-scale irrigation projects also employ other members of the communities as casual labourers.”

According to Schlettwein, in addition a total of 320 permanent staff members are employed by Agribusdev and are operating and managing the activities at their eight Green Scheme projects.

Of these 320 permanent employees, 240 are men and 80 are women that are employed at various projects and offices in the regions.

Furthermore, the Green Scheme projects employ on average a total of 1 800 temporary employees, 540 men and 1 260 women. The number may increase or decrease seasonally depending on the type of crops planted. He added that the Etunda Asparagus Green Scheme Irrigation project, which is leased to Otjimbele Agriculture, employs 796 casual workers during the peak production of which 509 are women and 277 are men.

“The project has a permanent staff component of about 105 of which 67 are men and 30 women. It produces asparagus for export and local markets.

In addition, the Mashare Irrigation Project, which is leased to Mashare Irrigation, employs a total of 57 permanent employees of which 51 are men and 6 are women.

During the peak production period the project employs a total of 593 temporary employees of who 150 are men and 403 are women. The project produces blueberries for export and cereals for the local market.

Slump in economy delays Neckartal irrigation scheme

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Due to the economic situation the country has been facing, government cannot proceed with the development of an irrigation scheme at the Neckartal Dam.

In total, 3 970 hectares have so far been identified to be suitable for the development.

However, an additional 1 030 hectares of land must still be confirmed, with the ultimate goal to develop 5 000 hectares around the dam.

This is according to agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein who answered questions about the dam and the irrigation scheme in Parliament.

Schlettwein said the dam is by far the largest in the country, with a total capacity of about 880 million cubic metres of water.

By comparison, the Hardap Dam has a capacity of 330 million cubic metres and is managed at 70%.

The Neckartal Dam has a surface area of 2 500 hectares, with a catchment area of 4.5 million hectares.

“The Neckartal Dam and the Green Scheme Irrigation Project was conceived to be developed in two phases. The first phase being the feasibility study, design and construction of the Neckartal Dam, which was completed last year,” the minister said.

'Not tenable'

Schlettwein said the second phase is the feasibility study, design and construction of the 5 000-hectare irrigation project, of which the feasibility study and design was completed.

“However, due to the economic condition the country has been facing, the government could not proceed.”

The reason for this is that the design of the existing green scheme project entails that government must first identify land, clear the land, fence it off and develop irrigation infrastructure for small- and medium-scale components of the farm, he said.

“It should be noted that such a design will rely on government providing all financial resources required for the development of the medium- and small-scale components. This was not tenable under the current economic conditions.”

According to Schlettwein, the soil suitable for the irrigation project is not in abundance in the area.

The positioning of the project was, therefore, mainly dependent on the location of suitable soil.

He said the ministry then identified three distinct areas with suitable soil for irrigation development around Neckartal.

These are Farm Schlangkopf (1 900 ha), Farm Dagbreek (1700 ha) and Farm Schaapplaats (370 ha)

He said the ministry will continue to identify additional land in the surrounding area to reach the target area of 5000 hectares.

For now, the water reticulation system to the project is not in place, he said. However, water from the main dam to the balancing reservoir is.

“Off take from the balancing dam to the irrigation plots will only be developed during the second phase of the project which is the construction of the irrigation scheme.”

Positive impact

Schlettwein further elaborated on the positive impact the construction of the dam has had.

During the project's peak in March 2018, the project employed approximately 1 486 people, of which 51% were from the //Karas Region, 38% from other regions in the country and 11% were foreign nationals, the minister said.

“Unfortunately, there are no concrete records to provide an overview of the revenue created, but it is known that the contractors and employees based at the construction site procured their basic necessities, construction materials and other equipment locally from businesses in Keetmanshoop.”

He added that foreign nationals and other staff not from the area rented various accommodation facilities, including houses in Keetmanshoop.

COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

Bidvest reports 6% half-year profit rise

South Africa's diversified service provider Bidvest Group reported a 6.1% year-on-year rise in profit for the six months that ended Dec. 31, the company said on Monday.

Profit was lifted by the contribution from PHS, the UK-based hygiene company bought in December 2019. It was also boosted by higher demand for hygiene and facility services, DIY products and bulk commodity services.

Bidvest had embarked on a portfolio clean-up just before the pandemic struck Africa's most industrialised economy its primary market. It unbundled its food services business, booked impairment costs in an airline and disposed of its vehicle transport services.

Its normalised headline earnings per share (HEPS), which excludes some items such as acquisition costs and Covid-19 related expenses, was 651.6 cents for the six months, up 6.1% from the corresponding period a year ago. HEPS is the main profit measure for South African companies.

Its revenue for the period grew by 3.4% to R44.4 billion (US$2.95 billion), the company said. Bidvest, which provides business-to-business solutions in cleaning, hygiene, travel, catering, freight, and logistics, declared an interim dividend of 290 cents per share, up 2.8%. - Nampa/Reuters

Standard Bank to assess East Africa oil pipeline

South Africa's Standard Bank has hired an independent environmental and social advisor to help assess its involvement in Total's East African Crude Oil Pipeline that environmental groups have opposed, it said on Monday.

About 263 civil society organisations from around the world, have urged the chief executives of 25 banks not to participate in loans to fund the construction of the US$3.5 billion East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline.

They have argued in an open letter that this pipeline would pose immense threats to local communities, water supplies, and biodiversity in Uganda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya.

Standard Bank acknowledged receipt of the letter, saying it was following its own internal processes and had retained the services of an independent environmental and social advisor.

"As part of this process, the advisors will visit the project area and will issue a full environmental and social due diligence report, at which time Standard Bank Group will make a decision on the way forward," it said in an emailed response. -Nampa/Reuters

South Africa's Steinhoff in talks with insurers

South Africa's Steinhoff International Holdings NV is in talks with insurers to help settle lawsuits instituted against the retail group by claimants who lost money when it revealed holes in its accounts in December 2017, the firm's CFO said on Monday.

Litigation remains a significant outstanding challenge for the retailer, which has proposed a US$1 billion global lawsuit settlement plan to settle about 90 separate legal claims in the Netherlands, Germany and South Africa.

The combined claims of those who have quantified their alleged damages are in excess of R136 billion (US$9.12 billion), Steinhoff has said.

A court must now set a date for convening a creditors' meeting in which the litigants must vote on the proposal, which the company has indications would be supported by claimants.

Steinhoff has "received positive indication from a lot of litigants that they will support" the proposal, Group Financial Officer Theodore de Klerk told Reuters in an interview. - Nampa/Reuters

ADQ assets estimated at US$110 billion

Abu Dhabi's state holding company ADQ is worth US$110 billion, sovereign wealth fund tracker Global SWF said the first publicly available estimate of ADQ's assets under management.

Established in 2018, ADQ has gained prominence over the past year as Abu Dhabi consolidated several government assets under its banner.

ADQ, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, owns Abu Dhabi Ports, Abu Dhabi Airport and bourse operator ADX.

It has also built up a portfolio of food and agriculture businesses and last year agreed to acquire an indirect 45% equity stake in commodities trader Louis Dreyfus Co.

Global SWF said on Monday that ADQ, the third-largest sovereign fund in Abu Dhabi, has US$110 billion in assets under management, most of them domestic. -Nampa/Reuters

CoStar sweetens deal to buy CoreLogic

Commercial property data vendor CoStar Group Inc on Monday sweetened the deal to buy CoreLogic Inc by adding US$450 million more to the original offer.

Under the terms of the new proposal, CoreLogic shareholders would receive $6 per share in cash and 0.1019 shares of CoStar's common stock in exchange for each share of CoreLogic.

CoStar had made a US$6.9 billion all-stock offer for CoreLogic last month, gate crashing a smaller buyout deal between the real estate data provider and two private equity firms.

The offer is higher than the US$6 billion deal CoreLogic and private equity firms Stone Point Capital and Insight Partners had agreed on last month.

Reuters reported last week that CoreLogic had asked peer CoStar for more assurances that it can complete their combination should it attract antitrust scrutiny.

CoStar on Monday said the merger does not present any meaningful antitrust concerns, adding, it will agree to an antitrust covenant that it will take all actions to obtain the required antitrust approvals. - Nampa/Reuters

Preventive measures to keep your farm safe

STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

When it comes to farm safety, prevention is better than cure.

Thinus Pretorius, chairman of the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO), gives elementary prevention measures that farmers can apply on their farms to ensure a certain degree of safety on a daily basis.

The most prominent advice is to have communication networks in place. It is imperative to join networks and forums, such as WhatsApp groups or radio networks in the area, to improve communication with the outside world.

“Here you can, in case of emergency, quickly ask for help. The bigger your support network, the better you are geared to handle any emergency,” says Pretorius.

The presence of the Joint Crime Prevention Forums in all the regions is also vital in this instance.

“In the event of a farm attack, the law states very clearly that you have the right to protect your life and the lives of your loved ones from minimum violence.”

However, prevention remains better than cure.

Safety tips include being prepared, knowing your surroundings and being aware of any changes. Aids such as security fences, alarms, movement-sensitive lights, dogs, and burglar bars should be installed in strategic places.

Farmers are also advised to keep relationships with employees on a healthy footing. They should express misunderstandings, and if they do not resolve the problem, further legal action should be taken.

Farm gates should be locked every night before sunset.

Every farm must also have an emergency plan in place, because every farm setup and routine is different, so each farmer must compile a unique emergency plan for their farm.

The Joint Crime Prevention Forum proposed an example of such a plan, which can be requested from the Namibian Agricultural Union's offices.

Affordable medical care for farmworkersNAU investigates options State health services and facilities, on which farmworkers are currently dependent, are usually inadequate and not of an acceptable standard.

STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

The Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) has investigated the possibility of affordable medical assistance for farmworkers, which will give them access to private doctors and hospitals.

The investigation was at the request of the Okahandja Farmers’ Association.

According to the NAU, the state's medical services and facilities, on which they are currently dependent, are usually inadequate and not of an acceptable standard.

“The two medical funds that endorse the NAU and that many farm employers belong to confirmed that the traditional medical aids have no cheap medical plans for farmworkers,” says the union.

The NAU says the reason for this is that private doctors and hospitals are very expensive, and inexpensive premiums cannot cover such expenses.

According to the union, management members of the Khomas Medical Centre visited the Agricultural Employers' Association (AEA) in February about a product that they are introducing.

This product can bring private medical services within reach of farmworkers.

New fund

The NAU says the Khomas Loyalty Fund is a fund that allows farmworkers and their families to be treated by a private doctor at a private medical centre.

Patients can choose the centre they want to visit - either in Windhoek, at the coast, at Tsumeb or Outapi.

They will get a file and build up a medical history. For only N$230 per month, a worker and his family of up to five members will receive annual medical cover, including several free services.

This includes 15 general practitioner consultations per family per year, N$150 acute medication per consultation, N$1 500 per year for essential blood tests, death cover of N$5 000 for the main member and N$1 000 per dependent.

Farmers' associations that need this for their members' workers can contact the NAU office for further information.

The NAU says if there are enough participants from regions that do not currently have these medical centres, the services might be extended to other regions.

Dying NPTH eyes Swakop Hotel

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Despite its winding-up being in the works, Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH) is eyeing the potential purchase of the Swakopmund Hotel.

Namibian Sun is in possession of an email thread in which the services of a consultant is being sought to evaluate the business and the financial viability of the hotel following a request by NPTH CEO Kristofine Itembu, sent to consultants for them to submit their bids.

“NPTH would like to engage the services of a competent consultant to provide a quotation for a business and financial performance review and property valuation of a hotel and entertainment (casino) property in Swakopmund – four-star hotel,” Itembu wrote.

Hotel in sight

The action was prepared on Monday.

When approached for comment, Itembu confirmed that NPTH was eyeing the hotel and justified the purchase saying it had a property portfolio.

Government has announced its plans to wind-up NPTH, which holds shares in Telecom, NamPost and MTC on behalf of the state.

“As you might be well aware, NPTH has a property management company and the exercise will be conducted for our internal assessment. In addition, the exercise has no bearing on the dismantling of NPTH,” Itembu said.

The company also purchased the Roads Contractor Company property in Windhoek’s Southern Industrial Area last year.

Noticeable struggles

In January, The Namibian reported that the hotel’s employees had not been paid for seven months - since May 2020.

In April 2020, employees' salaries had been cut by 25%, and in the following months, salaries were cut by a further 25%, but have not been paid to date as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic started to take a toll on the economy.

“In light of the above, we request any creditor of our employees to be patient and assist our employees by giving them relief on any monies owed until an agreement has been reached between the shareholders,” a letter drafted by Swakopmund Hotel’s personnel and training manager Pieter Loubser read.

The hotel’s shareholder TransNamib had also been forced to abandon its shareholding following a High Court judgement.

TransNamib sold the hotel to its partner Stocks and Stocks for N$5 million last November. The hotel’s assets amount to N$64 million, while its liabilities amounted to N$110 million as at November 2020.

Protesters set ultimatum for magistrate’s ouster

Tunohole Mungoba

OSHAKATI

Community members yesterday took to the streets of Oshakati to protest against the involvement of local magistrate Leopold Hangalo in the sentencing of rape convict Sindano Hango whom the same magistrate had earlier acquitted, amid unverified claims of an exchange of bribes.

Upon review of an appeal brought by the State, the Oshakati High Court found Hango guilty of raping his cousin and referred the matter back to Hangalo for conviction.

Hango (38) was convicted of rape on 18 February and is currently out on N$10 000 bail while awaiting sentencing.

The protesters claim Hangalo will be biased during the sentencing.

In addition, they are against Hango being out on bail as the complainant was not informed to be present in court and give her views on bail as it is a domestic violence matter.

The group marched from Yetu Complex to Oshakati Magistrate’s Court and the petition was received by chief legal clerk Hilma Nangombe.

‘Incriminating evidence’

“Magistrate Leopold Hangalo acquitted Sindano Hango, despite incriminating evidence including evidence of SMSes printed out from MTC where he apologised for the act, plus tangible statements from eye witnesses that were valid enough to convict him,” read the petition.

“Why did the regional court magistrate grant the convicted rapist bail and with no conditions attached? What could happen between now and the sentencing date? Only God knows. What protection - if any - will be afforded to the complainant up until the sentencing stage, taking into consideration the history of this case?

“The background of this case should have been a valid reason to remand the rapist in jail,” one of the protesters, Iyaloo Nghandi, said.

Corruption

The petition also made reference to an ongoing corruption case registered against Hangalo where it is alleged that he received bribe money to give an acquittal judgement in the rape case.

The protesters also claim the first investigating officer of the case, Lavinia Shilongo, received bribes of N$10 000 to “play delaying tactics in having the offender arrested, trying to talk out the complainant from pursuing the matter and coercing her accept the bribe offered by the offender and his family”.

“As if she was not conflicted enough, Lavinia Shilongo then went further to testify on behalf of the accused during the trial in the regional court. What happened to the case that was opened against Lavinia Shilongo when she was attempting to defeat and obstruct the course of justice?” the petition asked.

The protesters have given the Magistrate’s Commission and all relevant offices seven working days to respond to their concerns.

According to a court report, the rape took place on 10 October 2014 at Uuvudhiya in Oshana Region. Hanga claimed the sexual intercourse was consensual and the victim seduced him after asking for money to see her boyfriend in Keetmanshoop, it read.

Govt eyes N$13m from elephant auctionNamibian, SA bidders scramble to purchase The ministry advertised the 170 elephants for sale last December. It said the sale was in response to an increase in the elephant population, which had led to conflict with local communities.

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

The environment ministry wants to generate at least N$13 million from the sale of 170 elephants - for which it has received five bids - mostly from Namibian and South African buyers.

Speaking to Namibian Sun yesterday, environment minister Pohamba Shifeta insisted that there is nothing secretive about the bidding process, however admitting that it is “sensitive”.

The ministry is still negotiating with bidders on the sale of the elephants, he said further explaining that a minimum bid per animal was agreed upon to dispose the identified herds.

Shifeta said they would only sell at a lower price if any of the elephants remained unsold.

Blind bidding

The minimum bid has not been disclosed.

“The problem of announcing bidding amounts for every bidder is also that some bidders may have put up an amount double than the minimum, which will demoralise others.”

He said that could result in them withdrawing their bids, as a contract of sale was not yet in place.

“Even if we do have a bidding contract in place, you cannot force someone to buy if he tells you some problems came up with the permits and no retaining deposit is paid. We have experienced that in the past.”

According to Shifeta, 95% of the bidders are Namibian and some are from South Africa.

Shifeta added that due to the mounting opposition to the sale, the ministry has been careful not to disclose the identity of the bidders because of safety concerns.

Outrage

The ministry advertised the 170 elephants for sale at the beginning of December last year. It said the sale was in response to an increase in the elephant population, which had led to conflict with local communities.

The sale sparked widespread opposition, with online petitions calling for it to be cancelled and conservationists speaking up against it.

The elephants for sale are from the Omatjetje area (30), the Kamanjab commercial farming area (50), the Grootfontein-Kavango cattle ranch area (60) and the Grootfontein-Tsumkwe area (30).

The ministry said it would sell the animals to anyone in Namibia or abroad who met the criteria, which included quarantine facilities and a game-proof fence certificate for the property where the elephants would be kept.

International media reports have alleged that the sale is linked to corruption and that Namibia is covering up its true elephant population figures.

The environment ministry has dismissed these concerns as baseless and misleading.

The ministry said proceeds from the auction will be deposited into the Game Products Trust Fund for use in conservation and rural development projects.

Namibia’s elephant population is estimated at around 24 000.

Team Namibia worried about loopholes in NEEEBComprehensive economic impact analyses crucial Despite strides made since national reconciliation began 30 years ago, inequality remains entrenched in Namibia. The framework sets the stage for substantive abuse of power, corruption, nepotism and mismanagement. Economic Policy Research Association

PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

Team Namibia did not spare its voice and joined other industry and private sector players in questioning the latest National Equitable Economic Empowerment Bill (NEEEB) as an appropriate economic strategy.

Given the current economic crisis, Team Namibia believes the document which was introduced in 2017, revised in 2019 and 2021 include concepts which will stop money coming into the country thus meaning less jobs.

Despite strides made since national reconciliation began 30 years ago, inequality remains entrenched in Namibia.

According to Team Namibia’s chairperson Pieter van Niekerk, “economic empowerment is not a new concept in Namibia, and most residents and business people support it. When we have prosperity for all, there is a lesser burden on the state for social safety nets, more skilled workers in the labour pool, greater local support of local goods and services, and lower crime rates. However, in its current form, NEEEB goes against any concept of unity.”

Some preliminary analyses have been done by organisations on the final draft of NEEEB, questioning its constitutionality and describing the document as “vague and draconian”.

Loopholes

According to the Economic Policy Research Association (EPRA), the current framework puts the most disadvantaged Namibians at risk, because it “sets the stage for substantive abuse of power, corruption, nepotism and mismanagement. It actively discourages foreign and domestic investment and encourages capital outflow.”

In 2019, a high-level panel of economic experts, appointed by President Hage Geingob to develop a strategy for national economic recovery, delivered a huge final report which stated: “Creating policy certainty and removing bottlenecks will result in an improved economic and investment climate, which is paramount for job creation.”

The panel further explained: “The key to sustainable and inclusive growth in Namibia will entail increasing the participation and employment of more people into the private sector and in particular, in more complex industries that have the potential to sustain higher wages.”

However, this explanation fails to acknowledge that when security of ownership is threatened, fewer new investments are made, private sector disinvests over time and employment opportunities are further reduced, EPRA said.

CPBN appoints new board members

Seven new board members of the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) were sworn by the High Court here on Monday, to serve for a period of three years.

The new board members were sworn in by Deputy Judge-President of High Court, Hosea Angula and they include Julinda !Garu-Oas, Amon Ngavetene, Martin Kambulu, Ono-Robby Nangolo, Efaishe Nghiidipaa, Hilya Nandago-Herman and Epafras Shilongo.

The board members who have joined their chairperson Patrick Swartz and his deputy Lischen Ramakutla are appointed on a five-year contract, effective 01 March 2021 to 28 February 2024 and were appointed in terms of section 11 of the Public Procurement Act of 2015.

At the oath taking ceremony Swartz said the board is mandated by the Act to procure on behalf of public entities in a competitive and transparent manner.

Swartz noted that about 67% of procurement tenders’ awards given out between 2017 and January 2021 benefited Namibians, noting that the aim of the new board is to increase the number of Namibians benefiting from procurements.

Equality

“Under the current economic climate, it is important to focus on Namibians in all areas to get an opportunity to bid for a procurement and if possible, attain it,” he said.

Swartz further noted that one of the new boards’ priorities is to reduce the time it takes CPBN to do procurement, stressing that the current process is unduly long, and given the economic climate there is a need to bring it down substantively.

Swartz emphasised that public entities such as the City of Windhoek, NamPower, NamWater and the ministries have a threshold of N$35 million, noting that services that exceed the verge become the CPBN’s responsibility to procure on behalf of these entities.

He further said there is a need to work closely with various stakeholders such as the media, public entities and the bidders themselves in an effort to educate and create awareness on the functions of the CPBN on an aggregate basis to have more competitiveness. - Nampa

Meatco avails cattle procurement strategy for 2021Aims to buy animals from communal and commercial farmers “Although producers are restocking after the good rains received this season, we cannot ignore our clients’ need to receive products that are of the highest quality,” the company said.

STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

Meatco’s Livestock Production and Value-Addition Department has devised a robust strategy to buy cattle from all Namibian farmers with marketable cattle.

According to Meatco, it is important for the company to sustainably service its local and international markets alike.

“Although producers are restocking after the good rains received this season, we cannot ignore our clients’ need to receive products that are of the highest quality,” the company said.

The department aims to buy animals from communal and commercial farmers through strategically devised platforms, such as permit days scheduled in the communal areas, which allow for mass gatherings where the department can buy many animals.

Buying days

The department also robustly sources animals at communal and commercial auctions organised through farmers’ associations or other organised agricultural entities.

Meatco can also buy animals directly from the farm using a platform referred to as “on-farm permit days”, which is an arranged sale between Meatco and the farmer where the farmer receives payment immediately to avoid additional transportation costs.

According to Meatco, the direct delivery of cattle by communal and commercial producers to its export abattoir is another way they aim to buy animals this year.

Producers can also directly deliver the animals to daily permanent buying points like the Annasruh Feedlot, 30 kilometres east of Gobabis, the Klein Hamakari buying point in the Otjozondjupa Region that is due to open by the end of March, and the Okapuka Feedlot, 25 kilometres from their head office in Windhoek.

Meatco is rolling out a Special Feeders Contract, which will bind farmers to delivering a fixed number of animals per month for the period April 2021 to January 2022.

Imports

Besides these strategies, the company will buy animals from neighbouring Botswana.

“Namibia and Botswana have the same animal health standards, and that country also has access to the European Union market.

“Therefore, sourcing cattle from Botswana will secure raw material for our local market and leave the Namibian cattle South of the Veterinary Cordon Fence for the international markets for the interim,” Meatco said.

It adds that Namibian cattle producers remain an important stakeholder and Meatco will continue to source animals from Namibian producers.

“However, we will not limit ourselves to the Namibian farmers in our quest to secure throughput for our abattoir sustainably.”

EDITORIAL A business ecosystem is described as the network of organisations - including suppliers, distributors, customers, competitors, government agencies, and so on - involved in the delivery of a specific product or service through both competition and cooperation.

It is a community of dependence and co-dependence for economic, or even human, survival.

The current debate about government ministries owing the City of Windhoek millions of dollars is largely detached from the realities of an economic ecosystem, wherein each entity affects and is affected by the other.

While the City’s decision last week to disconnect services to ministries appears to contain crumbs of political ingredients, it remains obligatory to render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, or the entire Roman empire will crumble like a sand castle.

In the slums of Windhoek, a devastating wave of hepatitis E caused havoc before the coronavirus arrived to rub salt into an already oozing wound.

Hepatitis E is a class disease because it is confined to areas where living conditions are inhuman. People contract hepatitis E from drinking water contaminated by faeces of others who are infected with the virus.

The City has struggled to deliver water and sanitation services to the slums, partially because politicians intercepted officials who demanded payment from some debtors from whom funds could be secured to avail services to people in Havana, Babylon and other areas on the edge of civilisation.

Weiss Autobody, the problem solvers Advertorial In more than 30 years of experience, Weiss Autobody Repairs has amassed a wealth of knowledge.

Erongo - residents and businesses can look forward to the provision of friendly, professional service from Weiss Autobody Repairs.

This autobody repair workshop doesn’t just boasts with friendly faces, but state-of-the-art technology and an unbelievable range of Glasurit paint.

Glasurit autobody paint is available in an incredible range of 250 000 shades and offers a lifetime guarantee on every drop.

The first friendly face in the Weiss family is its namesake, Mark Weiss. There is no problem too big or small for Weiss’ capable hands. With 30 years of experience in the industry and a passion for your wheels, Weiss hopes to build meaningful friendships with clients.

“I believe that you deserve the best service, whether you drive a BMW or an old clunker. I really want to set the precedent for our clients,” says Weiss.

Behind every passionate man is a fair lady. In Weiss’ case, this lady is his business partner, Rolé Burger.

Burger offers the brains to complement Weiss brawn. With an eye for the finer details, Burger ensures that clients receive nothing but the best.

GUIDING HAND

Not left to their own mercy, Burger’s parents Willem and Alta Burger offer a loving hand and parental wisdom to guide the Weiss family to make the decisions that are best suited for their clients.

“With their support we can avoid the so-called ‘school fees’ that so many others have to pay in their business ventures. They help us to miss the traps and potholes in our way,” says Rolé Burger.

When making use of Weiss Autobody Repair, clients can expect a friendly face to meet them anywhere in the Erongo region to offer moral support and an on-site quotation.

“We will go to a client anywhere in the Erongo region and give them a quotation,” says Weiss.

Weiss Autobody Repair hopes to do more than just alleviate the weight of your troubles; they aim to solve your problems for you.

You just need to direct them to your car and sit back as this capable team does the rest!

Shoprite/Checkers boasts new Farmer's Deli rangeAdvertorial The delicious range of Farmer’s Deli products is now exclusively available at your local Shoprite and Checkers.

Yochanaan Coetzee - Affordability and appetising, these concepts were somehow never met at a point where you as the customer can enjoy top-class cold meats, without feeling guilty about it a week later.

To help remedy this, Shoprite and Checkers launched a new range of cold meat, bacons and smoked viennas, which have been top sellers since introduced locally in the last few weeks.

“We simply cannot keep up with demand,” says Checkers Grove Mall store manager, Hans Shaniika.

“Since we started stocking the Farmer’s Deli range of products, we’ve seen tremendous interest from shoppers, many even come back and ask for it by name. That’s how we knew that we have a definite winner on our hands,” he added.

ADDED VALUE

On top of their premium, wood-smoked flavour and consistent quality, Farmer's Deli also offers unrivalled value for money, with its premium smoked viennas retailing for twice the volume per packet as other brands. But that doesn’t mean they skimped on quality.

“The fact that the Farmer’s Deli range of cold meat products is sold exclusively at Shoprite and Checkers - which shows that we as a retailer have absolute faith in the products - this is one of the examples of how we are continuously looking at ways where we can bring great value and quality to our esteemed customers across the country,” Shaniika emphasised.

A CUT ABOVE

During a recent visit, we were greeted by an experiential table where customers could sample some of the Farmer’s Deli range. The feedback was more than positive, including on how Checkers Grove went about this process while still being fully Covid-19 containment complaint.

Their range of smoked bacon products was a definite hit, with options such as streaky, back, and diced bacon, which are all rindless, wood smoked, MSG free and most importantly, affordable.

Their Farmer's Deli smoked viennas were also received extremely well and could do well to elevate a quick snack, tasty hot dogs or as part of a meat platter.

Better yet, you can check the Checkers website, where you’ll find a range of recipes to suit any occasion.

Make sure to visit your nearest Shoprite and Checkers to experience this tasty range of products first hand. While you’re there, make it a point to pick up some Happy Cow cheese wedges, which is another affordable treat that is nutritious and high quality.

Muinjangue rapped over knuckles for private office appointments

MATHIAS HAUFIKU and JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) president Utjiua Muinjangue’s leadership is being tested after senior party members accused her of employing her political cronies in her office at the health ministry.

She is facing accusations of nepotism after appointing political ally Elia Kandjii as her personal assistant and the wife of the party’s deputy secretary-general Stefanie Uapingene as her secretary.

Kandjii, the party’s national chairperson, has been Muinjangue’s ally since her journey to the top echelons of the party started.

In a petition to Nudo leadership last month, signed by aggrieved party members, Muinjangue is accused of appointing the duo to advance her political interests.

“[The] national chairperson supported the move [Muinjangue’s appointment] because he had long-term goals of becoming the personal assistant to the deputy minister to gain personally and move to Windhoek where his wife resides. The deputy secretary-general’s wife was employed as a secretary of the deputy minister, which was beneficial to comrade Uapingene,” the petition read.

‘I can appoint anyone’

Muinjangue disputed this, saying she is “not in the business of appointing people”. Instead, appointments are done by the Public Service Commission of Namibia, she said.

“Yes, I have the prerogative to appoint whoever I want as my personal assistant. And, yes, I see absolutely nothing wrong with the appointment of Stefanie, because I can appoint anyone I want to appoint in my office,” she said.

According to her, Kandjii was already part of the system and was appointed because of his ability and qualifications.

Nudo-Swapo marriage

The concerned Nudo members claim Muinjangue’s decision to accept her appointment as deputy health minister was done without consulting the party and that it is a move that is “beneficial to the individuals within the top nine”.

The group’s spokesperson, Benestus Uahupirapi, also accused the party’s deputy president Peter Kazongomuinja of brokering the deal that landed Muinjangue the deputy minister job.

Kazongomuinja is the incumbent councillor of the Aminius constituency after his re-election last year. He is also a member of the National Council from the Omaheke Region.

“This process was again spearheaded by the deputy president because he wanted to get the position of National Council in Parliament, hence he wanted to sell the party’s image simply because of his personal gain,” the petition read.

Swapo currently holds five of the seven seats on the Omaheke regional council, while the remaining seats are occupied by Nudo.

Despite having the control of who to send to the National Council from the region, Swapo sent two of its own councillors and Kazongomuinja from Nudo.

According to the petition, “the deputy president [Kazongomuinja] was instrumental in the negotiations as he was preparing a good relationship with Swapo, hence he wanted [to] buy face with Swapo for them to resend him to the National Council if he was to make it through the Nudo primaries”.

The group also claims that after last year’s regional council and local authority elections, the Muinjangue-led leadership advocated for Nudo’s newly-elected officials to cooperate with Swapo in Okakarara, Gobabis, Omaruru and Windhoek.

Muinjangue said she has not seen the petition, added that the allegations are unfounded and just part of a witch-hunt.

Govt owes Air Namibia N$4m in unpaid flight tickets

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Government offices, agencies and ministries owe the bankrupt Air Namibia N$4.14 million in unpaid tickets.

Of this, N$2.14 million is unlikely to be recovered from the ministry of international relations, with the airline’s liquidation process currently underway.

Air Namibia’s debtors include the ministry of health, which is the biggest government debtor with an outstanding account of N$678 750.

Other notable debtors include the works ministry (N$236 688), the education ministry (N$178 000), the ministry of land reform (N$174 882) and the Office of the Prime Minister (N$124 000).

Other significant debtors are the ministry of trade (N$92 683), the ministry of urban and rural development (N$78 374), the Office of the President (N$67 408), Parliament (N$48 663), the ministry of information (N$44 142) and the ministry of mines and energy (N$40 335).

Various other public entities also owe Air Namibia money: The University of Namibia (N$139 614), Roads Authority (N$66 130), the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (N$52 603), NamWater (N$48 663), the Namibia Airports Company (N$33 714), NBC (N$27 825), New Era (N$15 713), Seaflower (N$14 421), the Namibia Qualification Authority (N$11 894), Telecom (N$11 127), TransNamib (N$7 988), Social Security Commission (N$7 113), Namdeb (N$4 811) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (N$3 451).

The Namibia Football Association also counts as a big debtor, with an outstanding bill of N$420 885.

Some of the private companies on the debtors list include Puma Energy (N$760 000), ST Freight Services (N$218 088), Oshoto Lounge (N$167 816), Welwitschia Travel (N$76 602), PricewaterhouseCoopers (N$43 232), Pescanova (N$18 814) and Shaetonhodi Optometrists (N$18 336).

Liabilities

The airline’s debtors owe it a total of N$44.8 million.

The Namibia Airports Company recently filed for the national carrier’s liquidation on the grounds of a debt of N$700 million.

It joined Belgian company Challenge Air, which filed a claim of N$180 million against Air Namibia.

Public enterprise minister Leon Jooste and finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi declared the airline insolvent, necessitating the decision to file for its liquidation.

PG seizes Shanghala’s engagement ringHigh Court extends seizure of assets The prosecutor-general might have thrown a spanner into the former minister’s nuptials by taking away his beloved’s bling.

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

An engagement ring belonging to former justice minister Sacky Shanghala as well as former Investec manager Ricardo Gustavo’s N$500 000 Rolex watch are among the items and assets of the Fishrot accused persons seized by the prosecutor-general.

The granular details of items seized came to a fore when the Fishrot accused suffered yet another setback after the High Court in January extended the interim restraint granted to Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa to seize their assets to 8 June.

The matter has been postponed to that date for a status hearing, and those accused with companies linked to them must file their answering papers by 31 March.

The assets seized under this order include properties at Farm Finkestein, a Rolex Sky Dweller watch - which averages a price of US$33 500 (N$502466.50 at yesterday’s exchange rate) – and a Mercedes Benz Bluetec C220 belonging to Gustavo.

His assets also include a Tikka Rifle, a Glock pistol, a 14-carat white gold diamond pendant, a nine-carat white gold chain and 14-carat white gold studs as well as cash, which included N$42 200 and US$ 6 812.

His bank accounts at First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank Namibia have also been frozen.

Cars galore

Property belonging to Tamson Hatuikulipi seized by the Prevention of Organised Crime (POCA) unit includes several houses in Ondangwa, Windhoek, Ongwediva, Swakopmund and Gobabis.

Other assets include a Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie, a Land Rover, a Range Rover Sport - number plate JTH NA - several Toyota Quantum busses, a Volkswagen Amarok, three Rolex Datejust 41 watches and a Mercedes Benz sporting the number plate FITLAS NA.

A Mercedes Benz (number plate ETH NA) was also seized, while his accounts at Bank Windhoek and FNB – which includes a trust account and a Money Maximiser account – were frozen.

Time is money

Meanwhile, James Hatuikulipi’s seized assets include property in Windhoek, Cape Town and Melkbosstrand in South Africa.

Other assets include several Volkswagen sedans, two Mercedes Benz vehicles, a Ford Ranger Wildtrack, a BMW 320i, a Mercedes Benz A250 BE Sport and an Izuzu KB bakkie.

The PG’s office also froze several of his bank accounts, including one with the Mashreq Bank in the United Arab Emirates, one with Standard Bank South Africa and another with Point Break investment accounts.

James’ assets further included a Ulysse Nardin Michelangelo watch, a Rolex Superlative Chronometer watch, a platinum claw set diamond protea solitaire ring and earring set and a Breitling Navitmar watch, as well as several iPhones and Apple Macbooks.

The POCA unit also seized a shotgun and a rifle belonging to the former Fishcor board chairperson.

A Grande affair

Seized assets owned by Shanghala include luxury cars like a Jaguar XKR-type coupe, a Mercedes Benz MCL430, a Mercedes Benz C209, a Toyota Fortuner, a Land Rover Discovery and a Range Rover 5.0.

Apart from the engagement ring, other jewellery seized from the former minister include a Rolex and Bell Ross watch, a Jaquet Droz Grande watch, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch as well as a IWC Vintage Pilot watch.

Cash seized from Shanghala included 10 250 Ugandan shillings, two Brazilian reals, 750 Kwacha, fifty rupees, Z$10 million and seven Singaporean dollars, while his bank accounts with Standard Bank and Investec Bank were frozen.

Further assets included a watch winder, cufflinks, a money clip, one pistol and a shotgun.

Farmer recipe

Former fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau’s seized assets included houses at Swakopmund and Windhoek as well as his farm Dakota, a Volkswagen Amarok bakkie, a Mercedez Benz E-Class and a Toyota Land Cruiser. His bank accounts with Nedbank Namibia, Agribank and Standard Bank Namibia were frozen.

Furthermore, the bank accounts of Nengomar Pesca were also frozen as well as that of Erongo Clearing and Forwarding CC.

- jemima@namibiansun.com

Employers to apply for training grantsRebate available The Namibia Training Authority has paid nearly N$300 million in employer training grants to date. Virginia Kaimu, NTA general manager; “Employers who do not submit applications within the regulated 31-day period will forfeit grants,”

Augetto Graig - The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) has launched its latest call for applications for the vocational education and training (VET) levy grant of up to half of the levies paid by organisations that spend on improving the skills of their staff.

NTA general manager Virginia Kaimu said the authority wants to encourage employers to prepare and submit claims for the employer training grant for the 2020/21 financial year well before the statutory deadline on 1 May 2021.

To date, N$298 million has been paid out in employer training grant payments. The VET ley was instituted in 2014.

“Employers may claim within 31 days after the end of the NTA’s financial year, which is 31 March every year, up to 50% of levies paid. This is on condition that they submit applications which contain evidence of training implemented and the actual cost thereof,” she said. “A further condition is that an employer’s levies are paid for the full financial year and that there is no interest or penalties outstanding,” she added.

“Employers who do not submit applications within the regulated 31-day period will forfeit grants,” she said. Unclaimed grants are transferred to the VET levy key priority funding allocation and used for strategic training interventions already identified.

All Namibian employers with an annual payroll of N$1 million or more are required to register and pay 1% of the payroll as a VET levy to the NTA’s national training fund monthly. Half the fund is for employer training grants, while 35% is for investment in key training interventions and 15% is for NTA administration costs.

HURDLES

In the past one impediment of disbursement of the grant was the lack of evidence provided with applications, but according to Kaimu this has improved over the years.

“Now only about 20% of employers’ applications lack enough evidence,” she said, and added that efforts continue to better educate and prepare applicants earlier. Online applications and automation of the process also help, she said. “The system is much more robust than in the past.”

Lack of supporting evidence also contributed to delayed payments in the past; an issue now addressed with the significant improvement of turn-around times. “We have no outstanding pay-outs at the moment,” Kaimu said and, “all payments are up to date.”

Training must fall under the definition outlined in the relevant regulations to be considered a relevant expense. Essentially all level one to five VET courses included in the National Qualification Framework and accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) or other courses, including short courses, offered by accredited and registered training providers.

Training facilitator costs, materials, assessment and certification costs, travel, subsistence and other expenses incurred by facilitators and trainees are all accepted as relevant evidence. Attendance registers, invoices and receipts are some of the documents to be submitted with claims.

Applications and supporting documentation can be submitted online at httpe://veterp.nta.com.na

augetto@republikein.com.na

Fuel prices to create cost pressure Inflation expected to be relatively low When compared to year ago, petrol and diesel pump prices will still be 3.1% and 4.9% lower respectively. Belts are to be tightened and remember to factor in fuel consumption when decisions are made. Simonis Storm (SS)

PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

Despite the big increase in fuel prices for the past two months, the impact on inflation should be relatively small.

According to Cirrus Capital (CC), the transport line in the Namibia Consumer Price Index (NCPI) basket has been deflationary for eight of the last ten months, including the last four months.

Despite the 80 cents per litre (c/l) increase, fuel prices will still be lower than a year ago. Petrol pump prices will still be 3.1% lower, and diesel 4.9% lower.

The personal transport equipment sub-item which captures the fuel price in the transport line in the NCPI basket contributes about 9.0% to the overall inflation basket.

This means that the personal transport sub-item will be less deflationary than before, and thus will act as less of a drag on inflation, CC pointed out.

Cost pressure, outlook

Fuel is an important input for many goods and services not just for farming and manufacturing, but also for the importation of goods from South Africa and the rest of the world.

Simonis Storm (SS) is expecting higher inflation to come through as cost pressure increases and transferred up the chain to the end consumer.

The already cash-strapped consumer will find it more difficult to make ends meet as they will have to fork out more money for transportation. Thus, increased pressure given evaporating disposable income and the poorest being the hardest hit, SS pointed out.

“We are expecting the global oil price per barrel to rise, on the back of increased demand, following the opening up of economies after the Covid-19 induced lockdowns, deteriorating exchange rate and under-recoveries by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, SS said.

According to Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) NCPI, the transport category weight 14.28 points out of 100. This implies that on average, for every N$ 100 that consumers have in their wallet, N$ 14.28 is likely to be spend on transport.

Mining license loophole closed Jo-Maré Duddy – From the beginning of April this year, Namibians who hold mineral licences will no longer be allowed to transfer it to foreign companies or persons without retaining an interest of at least 15% in local hands.
Current legislation doesn’t prohibit Namibian licence holders to apply to the mines and energy ministry to transfer 100% of these licences to foreigners.
The ministry just released a public notice saying: “In terms of the powers vested in the minister [Tom Alweendo] under section 47(2)(a) of the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act 1992 (Act No. 33 of 1992), the minister hereby determines that as of 1 April 2021, applications submitted by Namibian licence holders for the transfer of mineral licences, or the cession or assignment of interest in a mineral licence may be granted subject to the condition that 15% interest in the licence must be retained by Namibians.”