Husselmann's cycling crusade for TB

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Land purchases half of Agribank's loans

≪ Previous: Second State of Logistics Report launched

$

0

0

Husselmann's cycling crusade for TB TUYEIMO HAIDULA

OSHAKATI



Karin Husselmann joined in on Namibia's fight against tuberculosis (TB) on Thursday by cycling 60 km - from Oshikango to Eenhana - to create awareness on the disease.

The 50-year-old nurse and TB survivor said she is committed to creating public awareness about the devastating effects of TB, especially in children. She was diagnosed with TB in 2006 and was cleared after six months of treatment.

“This is my maiden ride, and I have themed it #Pedal4PaedsTB. 'Paeds TB' is short for paediatric TB, which also refers to childhood TB.

“I decided to use my voice and gear my advocacy efforts in the area of childhood TB. I thought it may be more impactful to use cycling as a mode of information sharing, because children are generally quite connected to cycling,” she said.

Her cycle crusade comes a day after World Tuberculosis Day, which is commemorated on 24 March.

The theme for this year's global event is 'time is ticking!', and in Namibia, the day was commemorated at Oshikango Open Market on Friday.



Join hands

Earlier this month, health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula told the National Assembly that Namibia is among the countries in the world with a high TB burden. He told Namibian Sun this week that the country can win the fight against TB if all stakeholders join hands, as he believes many of the factors contributing to TB infection lie outside the health sector.

He added that stakeholders outside the health sector must be mobilised to play their role in alleviating the burden in the country.

Currently, Namibia is ranked eighth globally and fifth in Africa among countries with a high TB rate, and with an incidence rate of 486 per 100 000 people.



End the neglect

Husselmann said there has been a lot of neglect locally and globally in diagnosing and treating children with TB, and now is the time for this neglect to be rectified.

She said as a TB survivor, she noted that the discrimination comes with emotional turmoil.

“Experiencing the negative attitude of my community towards me caused emotional wounds and filled me with grave concern about the effects of ignorance and the apparent lack of knowledge and empathy for people with TB.

“It was only my strong faith and the support of my family and close friends that pulled me through, combined of course with the right medicines,” she said.

She has been committed to advocacy work since 2016 when she worked as a special diseases coordinator for the Karasburg district, she added.

Husselmann said she is hopeful her campaign will bring about much-needed awareness to TB.

“With every pedal, I literally think and pray for children who suffer from TB, and trust that as the action of pedalling propels me forward on the bicycle, so will the information-sharing equip communities on how to treat children with TB in the future,” she said.

tuyeimo@namibiansun.com

---

Land purchases half of Agribank's loans

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Swakop bans high-rise buildings

≪ Previous: Husselmann's cycling crusade for TB

$

0

0

Land purchases half of Agribank's loans ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Outstanding loans for land purchases represented nearly 50% of Agribank's loan book by last year.

According to the bank, development finance increased from N$250 million in 1990 to N$3 billion in 2020.

“The bank's loan book for land purchases stood at N$1.5 billion accounting for about 49% of the total land book,” Regan Mwazi, the bank's marketing and customer strategy executive manager, said.

He said the loan book represents the value of loans extended to clients which are still outstanding and excludes loans that have been fully paid up over time.

“Over the past five years, the bank has advanced loans worth over N$1.5 billion to commercial and communal farmers, including some without any collateral for various farming enterprises.”

Mwazi explained that Agribank is a government agency for implementation of land reform initiatives through credit of disadvantaged Namibians to acquire farmland ownership.



Affirmative Action

He said the Affirmative Action Loan Scheme (AALS) is one of the land reform interventions, initiated shortly after independence in 1992.

During the period between 1992 to 2020, Agribank granted loans valued at N$784.3 million to AALS beneficiaries, resulting in 3.41 million hectares being financed under the scheme.

According to Mwazi, commercial banking institutions, on the other hand, represent an alternative source of private capital in the agriculture sector.

He said based on the latest available figures, the total credit extension by the commercial banking institutions stood at N$4.4 billion, while the combined credit extension for commercial banking and Agribank accumulated to an amount of N$7.5 billion as at the end of September 2020.

“By implication, Agribank holds a larger share of the total agriculture credit extension, recorded at 40% at the end of September 2020.”



Advisory services

He said in addition to loan advances, Agribank introduced agriculture advisory services for farmers in 2017 through training and mentorship activities.

Mwazi said the key objective of these interventions is to develop and improve farmers' skills and to improve on-farm productivity on a sustainable basis.

He said a total 25 852 farmers, of which 40% are women, have been trained by Agribank's Agriculture Advisory Services Division's capacity development interventions, focusing on the transfer of know-how, knowledge, skills and competencies using different methods such as face-to-face training courses, published articles, radio broadcasts, mobile phone and social media learning.

Moreover, 84% of short-training courses conducted have focused on building capacities in diversified farm enterprises to enhance farmers' resilience to climatic shocks and sustain farm production.

The total investment in Agribank training and mentorship interventions has amounted to N$25.4 million between April 2017 and March 2021, Mwazi said.

Swakop bans high-rise buildings

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Namdeb set to evict tenants

≪ Previous: Land purchases half of Agribank's loans

$

0

0

Swakop bans high-rise buildings• Controversial urban planning concept repealed Thanks to the town council repealing a controversial urban planning concept, the future of an envisaged high-rise building at the Mole hangs in the balance. ERWIN LEUSCHNER

SWAKOPMUND



A controversial town planning scheme (Scheme 61) was repealed by the Swakopmund town council during its meeting on Thursday.

“It will not be implemented and will be put on hold until all issues have been resolved in a satisfactory manner,” according to a draft resolution.

The decision was passed unanimously.

The urban planning scheme was originally approved by the Council in 2016 and confirmed in the Government Gazette in November 2017, although the Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) had objected to it. The concept includes the height, volume and density restrictions in the urban area.

Since then, volume restrictions have been completely abolished, while the permissible construction height for the development of many land uses has been changed from 8, 10 and 13 metres to 40 metres, which is equal to between 12 and 13 storeys.

The SRA had objected to the concept, since the construction of high-rise buildings in the historic town centre has since been permitted, which could negatively affect “the flair of the town” and make Swakopmund less attractive.

The council was also criticised for not asking residents their opinion.



Infrastructure

Moreover, Swakopmund does not have the necessary infrastructure, including sewerage and adequate water pressure, to enable the construction of high-rise buildings.

Although the concept has been in place for more than three years, no high-rise has been built yet.

The first Swakopmund building, which was originally supposed to be over 40 metres tall, is the planned development on the site of the former Swakopmund indoor swimming pool at the Mole (Erf 4747).

The latest design of the development, previously known as Sur la Plage, includes a building that towers 30 metres. This design will probably no longer be allowed to be implemented.



Railway

Along with the drastic decision, the council also ordered a meeting with the ministry of works and transport to “discuss the relocation of the railway line and other matters”.

The draft resolution states that “all matters” already enjoy the attention of the responsible institutions.

“Problems with urban planning concepts can have legal consequences. If the council wishes to comment on this, it is suggested that it be made by the council's legal team,” it said.

Namdeb set to evict tenants

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Judgment on phosphate licence next month

≪ Previous: Swakop bans high-rise buildings

$

0

0

Namdeb set to evict tenants• We've given you ample time, company says Workers have been given until 30 April to find other accommodation, or risk facing legal action. OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



Diamond mining company Namdeb is set to evict employees from houses it owns in Oranjemund. Workers who have not submitted offers to purchase the properties have been given until 30 April to find other accommodation, or risk facing legal action.

The company said it has given the employees ample time to sign agreements with the adoption of its accommodation strategy, in which it intends to offload various properties.

“It is a well-known fact that Oranjemund currently does not have sufficient appropriate accommodation for the accommodation requirements of the town. The implementation of Namdeb's accommodation strategy has indicated a significant need from Namdeb employees to buy a house in Oranjemund; more than the houses currently being occupied by Namdeb employees,” a letter by the company read. It afforded tenants living in its houses the opportunity to purchase the properties, the company said.



Get out

“Following numerous extensions for private tenants to exercise their First Right of Refusal to purchase their current properties, the company has now exhausted this venture and thus will not offer [the] same any more after 30 April (sic),” the letter said.

“Given that you have not submitted your offer to purchase your property to date, Namdeb hereby invokes its rights in terms of the termination clause of your lease agreement whereby 30 days' notice, which is effective from 1 April 2021, to vacate the premises you are occupying, no later than 30 April.

“Failure to comply with this termination notice by the said date will result in Namdeb exercising its right to institute legal action against you so as to take possession of the properties,” the letter added.

Judgment on phosphate licence next month

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: 'It was not me'

≪ Previous: Namdeb set to evict tenants

$

0

0

Judgment on phosphate licence next month ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Namibian Marine Phosphate (NMP) will have to wait until 12 April to find out what the court ruling is with regard to the validity of its mining licence for the Sandpiper marine phosphate project near Walvis Bay.

The High Court on 8 March postponed the delivery of the judgment in the application launched by the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Association and three other parties, challenging the legitimacy of NMP's limited mining licence.

In a statement, NMP management said with one of the world's largest underdeveloped phosphate resources, establishing a phosphate-based industry could position Namibia to meet the future global demand for phosphate to fuel the electric vehicle (EV) battery market. “NMP would be only one company within a new phosphate-based industry and this new industry has the potential to contribute up to 9% to Namibia's gross domestic product and create over 50 000 direct and indirect jobs,” it claimed.

NMP said, according to the Chamber of Mines, the size of Namibia's phosphate resource can support sustainable mining and related industries for more than 100 years.



Shift

NMP said the shift from coal and gas power to wind and solar power, in combination with the shift from combustion vehicles to EVs, is driving the new demand for minerals.

“Phosphate is a key component in LFP batteries, which are required for electronic vehicles. The use of phosphates is also expected to lessen the use of cobalt and, therefore, reduce both the cost and environmental concerns of LFP batteries.” Estimates indicate that EVs are expected to make up over half of all passenger vehicle sales by 2040, with many governments committing to support the production of EVs in a bid to decrease their dependency on oil and gas.



Protect the ocean

According to NMP, the environmental work it carried out has been described as “some of the best in the Benguela current system”, which has been put together by internationally reputable consultants independent from NMP. “Supporting Namibia's mandate to protect the ocean, NMP enlisted internationally renowned scientists to conduct 28 studies, costing over N$28.7 million, and ensured all the experts have worked in some capacity on the Benguela coastal system.”

Shareholders claim they have invested more than N$780 million in NMP and the Sandpiper project, while an annual revenue of N$4.2 billion is expected from it.

NMP is majority-owned by Al Barwani, who has an 85% stake through his company Mawarid Mining LLC, while Namibian middleman Knowledge Katti owns 15% through Havana Investment. The Sandpiper project is located about 120 kilometres southwest of Walvis Bay.

Following widespread controversy, the environmental clearance certificate for the project was set aside in 2018 by the environment ministry.

'It was not me'

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: SA ministers urged to help Namibian twins Maya and Paula

≪ Previous: Judgment on phosphate licence next month

$

0

0

'It was not me' KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU



Former Swapo Rundu Rural constituency councillor and National Council member Michael Shikongo, who stands accused of assaulting his cousin, has pleaded not guilty in the Rundu Magistrate's Court.

Shikongo said in a statement read on his behalf by lawyer, Thomas Appolus, that he was present when the complainant, Kristine Tjarura Likakatere (63), sustained injuries to the face and chest on 24 June 2020. But he claims that the assault was committed by the victim's “mentally challenged” son.

The incident happened at Tyeye village in Kavango East Region.

Shikongo admitted that there was an altercation between him and the victim over a piece of land which he had inherited. He testified that the complainant's son joined the conversation, which erupted into an argument between mother and son.

Shikongo said he tried to intervene when the son picked up a stick and threatened his mother, but he was overpowered and unable to protect the victim.



Different version

When the complainant took the stand, she was adamant that it was Shikongo who had assaulted her and not her son. She testified that Shikongo punched her in the face and kicked her in the chest until she coughed up blood. When asked if she had any intention to lie to the court, Likakatere said she would not falsely accuse Shikongo as she was one of the people who raised him. The trial continues. Shikongo's case was struck from the court roll last October after his lawyer persuaded the State that the complainant was unfit to stand trial and that a witness statement was mere hearsay.

Days later, the Office of the Prosecutor-General ordered the matter to be placed back on the roll.

Shikongo was granted bail of N$3 000 last year.

kenya@namibiansun.com

SA ministers urged to help Namibian twins Maya and Paula

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: IMF warns of 'diverging recoveries' post-pandemic

≪ Previous: 'It was not me'

$

0

0

SA ministers urged to help Namibian twins Maya and Paula JANA-MARI SMITH

Windhoek



The South African Democratic Alliance (DA) is pushing the South African ministers of immigration and international relations to take a stand against Namibia's refusal to allow newborn twins Maya and Paula Delgado Lühl entry into Namibia.

In a statement issued on Friday by Darren Bergman, the DA shadow minister of international relations and cooperatio, urged the South African government “to act on its foreign policy which is centred around the protection and promotion of human rights on the African continent.”

He stressed that Namibia's refusal to issue travel documents to the twin daughters of Namibian citizen Phillip Lühl and his Mexican husband Guillermo Delgado, reeks of human rights violations.

“The DA calls on the South African government to intervene in the Namibian government's refusal to issue travel documents to [the twins], who were born in South Africa via a surrogate.”

He argues that their refusal to issue the documents necessary to reunite the twins and their father with their family in Namibia is “due to the homophobic laws of the country which do not recognise same-sex marriages.”

He underlines that the twins were issued with authentic South African birth certificates and that their surrogacy was approved by a South African High Court recognising the spouses as the parents of the girls.

Bergman asked that Naledi Pandor, minister of international relations and cooperation, and home affairs minister Aaron Motsaelidi take action to address the plight of the family.

He argues that their diplomatic intervention is key to “stop this discrimination and infringement on the human rights of this couple and other same-sex couples across the continent.”



Battle after battle

The urgent application brought by Lühl to bring back his daughters is not the couple's first turn in the Windhoek High Court. They are awaiting judgment in another case related to their claim for citizenship by descent for their son Yona, who was born two years ago in South Africa to a surrogate.

In another case, Delgado turned to the court last year when he was forced to leave Namibia on short notice after an immigration official noticed he was married to a man.

While he was allowed to return, the couple have taken the case to the Supreme Court after Delgado was denied domicile in Namibia in a recent judgment. He currently resides in Namibia on a work permit.

In the case of their twins, judge Thomas Masuku will deliver his decision on 19 April.

The home affairs ministry on Friday issued a statement in which they strenuously denied that their refusal to issue travel documents was in any way discriminatory.

“The notion that the minister or the ministry is homophobic or do not care about the children is false.”

IMF warns of 'diverging recoveries' post-pandemic

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Windhoek Central Hospital suffers blackout

≪ Previous: SA ministers urged to help Namibian twins Maya and Paula

$

0

0

IMF warns of 'diverging recoveries' post-pandemicStruggle despite vaccines The global economy is set to lose US$22 trillion from 2020 to 2025 due to the pandemic. We are seeing … many countries and people, too many, still left behind. - Gerry Rice, Spokesperson: IMF Washington - The IMF has warned of "diverging recoveries" among global economies as they struggle with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, even as vaccines are approved.

"We are seeing overall improvement in the global economy, but with many countries and people, too many, still left behind," the Washington-based crisis lender's spokesman Gerry Rice said on Thursday.

"We have described it in the past as diverging recoveries and countries being at very different levels, and I think we're still seeing that broad picture."

The International Monetary Fund will on April 6 release new growth forecasts for the global economy, after in January predicting it would see a strong rebound of 5.5% this year after contracting 3.5% in 2020 as Covid-19 sealed borders and disrupted businesses.

‘EXTRAORDINARY UNCERTAINTY’

However, the lender warned the outlook is beset by "extraordinary uncertainty," and said the global economy was set to lose US$22 trillion from 2020 to 2025 due to the pandemic.

The fund this month said the US$1.9 trillion relief measure US president Joe Biden signed will boost growth both in the world's largest economy and internationally, and expand US GDP by five to six percent over three years.

It will also increase demand, helping other countries sell more products to US consumers.

Biden is expected to unveil a measure to improve US infrastructure that could cost as much as US$3 trillion but potentially also increase the country's high debt and deficit levels.

Rice declined to comment on the proposal. – Nampa/AFP

---

Windhoek Central Hospital suffers blackout

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Equality not for all

≪ Previous: IMF warns of 'diverging recoveries' post-pandemic

$

0

0

Windhoek Central Hospital suffers blackout• Neonatal unit evacuated The Central State Hospital's neonatal ward and operating theatre had to be evacuated because of a power failure yesterday. JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK



The Windhoek Central Hospital's neonatal unit and theatre were left in a state of panic yesterday morning when they were hurriedly relocated to local private hospitals when a sudden blackout occurred at the hospital, leaving premature babies and patients in need of oxygen in danger.

The executive director in the ministry of health and social services, Dr Ben Nangombe, confirmed the incident, saying it was caused by a short-circuit and was being attended to.

He dismissed concerns that it may have been the result of non-payment of water and electricity bills by the ministry.

“It was just a technical problem that occurred and it has affected the neonatal unit and the theatre. We have engaged the municipality; we have engaged the ministry of works which is responsible for the maintenance of government buildings. They were supposed to be dispatched immediately, so the relevant authorities were informed,” he said.

According to Nangombe, affected patients will be returned to the Windhoek Central Hospital once the electricity supply is restored.

It is not the first time that the theatre and some parts of the Windhoek Central Hospital has been plunged into darkness, leaving critically ill patients at greater risk.

In 2016, a baby died moments after being transferred to a private hospital after the Windhoek Central Hospital intensive care unit (ICU) experienced a power outage that lasted several hours.

At the time the back-up power generator worked for just an hour before it failed, prompting medical personnel to use cell phones as flashlights to attend to critically ill patients, while worried relatives sat outside in the dark waiting room.



Contingency

Nangombe yesterday said they have since adopted a contingency plan which allows patients to be transferred to private heath facilities in an emergency.

“We could not risk the lives of the patients and we acted immediately, and we commend the health professionals who acted so swiftly and private health facilities that were ready to assist. That is really what this is all about. We repeat that provision of healthcare is a partnership,” he said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Equality not for all

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: ‘Airports Company not bankrupt’

≪ Previous: Windhoek Central Hospital suffers blackout

$

0

0

Equality not for all As a large country with a low population density and a progressive constitution, Namibia could be the perfect petri dish for an experiment in equality. Thirty-one years ago, the country gained independence based on the notion of racial and economic equality. As we enter the fourth decade of our independence, front page headlines reflect the sad reality that despite the hard-won fight for freedom, there is still much oppression that threatens peace in this country. Poverty is rife, and despite this many Namibians live in astounding ignorance of the daily struggles of hundreds of thousands of Namibians, even though they are often their employers, whether in domestic, farm or service settings. Then there is the casual cruelty against Namibians who are part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities. Their fight to be treated and protected equally has continued to hit one brick wall after another. Women and their bodies are policed, despite the harm that this poses to them when they are forced to obtain back-alley abortions. Although many Namibians often loudly proclaim that children and family and life matter, at the same time they are willing to set aside this ethos when their self-righteousness is triggered. Judgement for another human being's private struggles dims any chance for compassion and learning or understanding. Violence against women and children has become so entrenched their stories rarely hit the headlines anymore.

Thirty-one years ago Namibia celebrated a hard-won victory over its oppressors.

Thirty-one years later many Namibians continue to fight for their equality and dignity over their oppressors whether it is freedom from poverty, abuse, self-determination or who they want to love and have a family with.

‘Airports Company not bankrupt’

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Namibia scrambles for vaccines

≪ Previous: Equality not for all

$

0

0

‘Airports Company not bankrupt’Assets of N$2.7 bn The NAC last year utilised its existing reserves as well as some assistance from the government to fund its operational and capital expenditure obligations. It has never had to borrow from any financial institution and/or capital markets in its entire period of existence from inception to date. – Leon Jooste, Public enterprises minister Despite the bleak global economy and low air traffic, public enterprises minister Leon Jooste on Thursday assured that the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is financially solvent and remains able to pay its debts.

Jooste said this while responding to questions in the National Assembly by Popular Democratic Movement parliamentarian Nico Smit on the insolvency of NAC.

He said as of 31 December 2020, NAC’s total assets were valued at N$2.7 billion, and its current assets were N$253 million, whilst its obligations to third parties were only N$91 million.

“It is noteworthy to take cognisance of the fact that NAC’s financial position is undoubtedly solvent, so much so that it has never had to borrow from any financial institution and/or capital markets in its entire period of existence from inception to date,” Jooste said.

He said it is common cause that the revenue that has been generated by airport operators and other players in the aviation industry has been considerably diminished on account of the Covid-19 pandemic’s devastating impact on the aviation and cognate economic sectors and in most countries, airport operators have relied on government assistance as well as the use of existing reserves.

RESERVES

This, he said, unfortunately, is the same situation with NAC as over the past year NAC has utilised its existing reserves as well as some assistance from the government to fund its operational and capital expenditure obligations.

“Although the effects of Covid continue to be felt, NAC is optimistic that its financial situation, which is not dissimilar to that of other airport operators worldwide, will gradually improve once travelling gradually normalises,” he said.

Jooste added that the fact that airlines such as Ethiopian Airways and Eurowings have resumed passenger services and the Turkish Airline commenced cargo operations, while others have increased the frequency and expanded their operations at airports operated by NAC, Westair and Airlink being cases in point; with the likes of Condor, TAAG and Comair having conveyed their intention to likewise resume operations in April/May 2021 means that NAC’s financial position is exponentially improving, commensurate with the increased aircraft movements.

He said non-aeronautical revenue generated from retail activities at NAC airports is also expected to correspondingly increase in light of increased passenger numbers, which will enable NAC to collect more revenue to buffer its reserves, thereby continuing to be a going concern, as has always been the case. - Nampa

Namibia scrambles for vaccines

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Americans seek N$2.3bn payment for aircraft lease

≪ Previous: ‘Airports Company not bankrupt’

$

0

0

Namibia scrambles for vaccines JEMIMA BEUKES

Windhoek

Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula is in Switzerland where he has met with director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and with the Covax facility coordinators to discuss the global effects of Covid-19, vaccines and capacity building.

This visit comes at a desperate time for Namibia, which has not yet received a single dose of vaccine through the Covax facility despite being one of the first countries on the continent to have paid their contribution.

Dr Ghebreyesus has in the meantime called on countries with Covid-19 vaccine doses that are approved by the WHO for emergency use to donate as many doses as they can. He also urged manufacturers to help ensure these countries can rapidly donate those doses.

“Getting all countries started with Covid-19 vaccination by day 100 is a solvable problem. Covax needs 10 million doses immediately as an urgent stop-gap measure so the remaining 20 countries can start vaccinating their health workers and older people,” he tweeted.

Kalumbi confirmed his visit to Switzerland but said he could not talk about it and would issue a statement once he returned to Namibia this week.

“As the chairman of the Programme Coordinating Board of UNAIDS, I went to conduct the Special Session from 24 to 25 March 2021. I also had a meeting with the director-general of WHO as well as the Covax Facility. Details will be in the press statement,” he said.

Namibia launched its national vaccination plan last week, but so far it has relied on donations made by the Chinese and Indian governments.

The Chinese-manufactured Sinopharm is not yet approved for emergency listing by the WHO, but the WHO office in Namibia confirmed that its assessment of Sinopharm and Sinovac was at an advanced stage.





This was confirmed by the WHO representative to Namibia, Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses.

“Currently the process of EUL approval for Sinopharm vaccine is ongoing and we expect the outcome anytime soon. WHO remains committed to supporting the government in its Covid vaccination efforts and will continue to assist in acquiring the vaccines through the Covax facility,” he said.

Meanwhile, the health ministry issued a statement over the weekend regarding the use of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine and the demographics to be excluded.

Those excluded are people below 18 years, pregnant women, those with immune suppressed conditions such as HIV/Aids, as well as people who suffer from severe allergies which require hospitalisation.

Those with uncontrolled epilepsy and uncontrolled chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart or kidney failure are also excluded.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Americans seek N$2.3bn payment for aircraft lease

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Man arrested for murder of friend

≪ Previous: Namibia scrambles for vaccines

$

0

0

Americans seek N$2.3bn payment for aircraft lease• N$2.4 billion more owed to Irish firm The Americans, who rejected attempts to exit an agreement that earned them N$32 million monthly from Air Namibia, are seeking final payment from the Namibian government, which was bonded to the lease agreement as a guarantor. STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK



Government is busy negotiating terms of paying N$2.3 billion for two aircraft leased from an American company by liquidated Air Namibia.

Air Namibia was officially liquidated on Friday after no opposing papers were filed against a liquidation application brought by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), which the national airline owes N$714 million.

And while many Air Namibia creditors will queue up to file for claims against the defunct airline, American aircraft leaser Castlelake will wait for its billions, after then minister of finance Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila bonded government to the deal as guarantor to the costly lease.

Castlelake bought Intrepid Aircraft Leasing LLC, which originally leased the planes to Air Namibia. With liquidation wrapped up, the Americans now want their planes back – as well as the N$2.3 billion owed to it by government after Air Namibia stopped paying for the leases.

According to the lease agreement, Air Namibia had to pay US$1.1 million (N$16 million) per aircraft per month – a figure the national airline could not consistently keep up with.



.

Agonised by the huge payments, public enterprises minister Leon Jooste in 2019 jetted to the USA to engage executives of the leasing companies with a view to exit the agreement, something that the Americans seemingly rejected because there was no exit clause in the agreement.

Approached for comment yesterday, Jooste said: “We are in the process of negotiating a settlement.” He did not detail what the nuts and bolts of the said settlement entail.



Irish planes to jet out

Meanwhile, two aircraft belonging to Irish company Air Lease 80 are set to leave Namibia. The planes, the largest in Air Namibia's fleet and which serviced the Windhoek-Frankfurt route, were scheduled to leave Namibia on 26 March but Namibian Sun can confirm that they remain parked at Hosea Kutako airport.

Air Lease 80 has ordered that its two 244-seater planes be delivered soonest to Leipzig, Germany.

The owners demanded the return of the planes after the government officially announced its intentions to liquidate Air Namibia.

Air Namibia's lease agreement on the Airbus plane stretched from May 2012 to October 2025, but the government's decision to shut the national airline down means this agreement would have to be cancelled – at a cost of around N$2.4 billion, The Namibian reported last month.



End of the flight

What remained of Air Namibia's wings was clipped on Friday when the High Court formalised the liquidation, after no opposition to this was filed against NAC's application. Liquidators Bruni & Mclaren have been instructed to oversee payment of creditors, who have to lodge their applications against the liquidated national airline.

The airline, whose liquidation has divided public opinion, had been bailed out to the tune of nearly N$9 billion over the past decade. President Hage Geingob first hinted at liquidation during his State of the Nation Address last year. This year, Cabinet collectively resolved to liquidate the company, which had over 600 employees.

Liquidating Air Namibia will cost the taxpayer about N$5.6 billion. The company's combined assets are worth just over N$900 million, far too little to cover what is owed to a myriad of local and foreign creditors.

Man arrested for murder of friend

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: 'Economy needs positive wave'

≪ Previous: Americans seek N$2.3bn payment for aircraft lease

$

0

0

Man arrested for murder of friend LEANDREA LOUW

Swakopmund



Swakopmund's community is in shock after the murder of Thomas Frederick (Frikkie) van Schalkwyk (69) who was allegedly strangled by his 36-year-old friend in his house in Swakopmund last week.

Police deputy commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, the coordinator for crime investigations in the Erongo Region, confirmed that Van Schalkwyk, a businessman, was strangled at his home in Camelthorn Street in the Ocean View neighbourhood of the coastal town at about 21:00 on Thursday.

“The deceased and his friend, who is the suspect in the case, were at Van Schalkwyk's house when an argument arose between them. The suspect allegedly strangled Van Schalkwyk to make him lose consciousness, but he died,” Iikuyu said.

“The suspect then locked the house and drove the deceased's green Jeep to a drug dealer's house in Narraville in Walvis Bay where he allegedly exchanged the vehicle with the drug dealer for drugs.”

According to Iikuyu, the suspect turned himself over to the police around 15:00 on Friday. He remains behind bars.

Van Schalkwyk lived alone and the suspect apparently recently arrived from Otjiwarongo to look for work in Swakopmund where he stayed with Van Schalkwyk.





“The deceased's body was found in the living room and his body was taken to Swakopmund State Hospital. The Jeep was taken to the Narraville police station where it is kept in safe custody,” Iikuyu said.

The deceased's next of kin were informed of his death.

The suspect will appear in the Swakopmund Magistrate's Court today on charges of murder and vehicle theft. His name is withheld until his first court appearance.

leandrea@republikein.com.na

'Economy needs positive wave'

March 28, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Weekend recap: Miss Nam top 16 announced

≪ Previous: Man arrested for murder of friend

$

0

0

'Economy needs positive wave'Reforms urgent The onus for Namibia's economic recovery lies with the private sector, but government will have to ensure an environment where private capital can grow. We need to reform aggressively, attract investments both domestic and foreign … Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi Jo-Maré Duddy



Government will have to kick-start Namibia's economy by creating a “positive wave” to enable the private sector be become the primary drivers of growth.

The time is right for the private sector to lead economic growth, but it will not be able to do it alone, according to Standard Bank Namibia's head of public sector and market intelligence, Titus Ndove.

Ndove was part of an online review of the 2021/22 budget on Friday, hosted by PwC Namibia, Standard Bank Namibia, Liberty Life Namibia and Namibia Media Holdings (NMH).

Fiscal constraints are evident from the 2021/22 budget with government only earmarking about N$5.6 billion for development, about 9% of total expenditure or 3% of gross ­domestic product (GDP) – the latter lower than the standard of around 10% of GDP for middle-income countries.

Ndove said the development budget is the engine of economic growth and that projected spending is not sufficient, hence the importance of the private sector to step in.

Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi, also part of Friday's review panel, said government's focus in the next three years will be on how to get Namibia's economy to recover following an expected contraction of 7.3% in ­2020 – the worst he has witnessed in his ­professional career, according to Shiimi. The private sector will be crucial in this process, he emphasised.

Government's role is no longer to pump money into big investment projects, the minister said. It has to partner with the private sector and create a conducive environment for Namibian and foreign business to play its role.

Ndove pointed out that government needs to create an enabling environment for private capital to thrive.



'COORDINATION'

“How do we reform our economy in such a way that, first of all, the existing industries that have the potential to grow, grow?” Shiimi said.

According to him, the answer lies in coordination. “Government's role is really to make coordination more effective and to provide the missing ingredients.” Providing these missing elements won't necessarily be in the form of money, but in the form of coordination and providing the basic services like roads, he said.

Government should provide the “necessary conditions” to ensure the private sector grows and attract both domestic and foreign investors, he added.

Getting the economy to grow and generate tax revenue for the fiscus is part of government's strategy to reduce the deficit and trim debt.

“We need to be aggressive as a country to ensure that we take advantage of the stability we see on the horizon in the global economy. We need to reform aggressively, attract investments both domestic and foreign and target those specific investment opportunities that we think will make a difference and where we think we will be successful as a country,” Shiimi said.

Government's focus is spelled out in the Harambee Prosperity Plan 2 (HPP2) and the idea is to lock in private investment, Shiimi said, emphasising the importance of implementation.



DEBT

Shiimi said government shares private sector concerns about the bulging debt in the budget, evident from the consolidation policy it embarked on in 2016.

Namibia's total debt is set to increase to nearly N$130.1 billion or 70.4% of GDP in 2021/22 – up from N$109.5 billion or 62.6% of GDP in 2020/21. By 2023/24 it is projected to reach N$159.3 billion or 77.3% of GDP.

“Government's strategy is try to trim down expenditure so that you really only spend on things you need to spend on and that's what we have been trying to do aggressively – to the extent that it temporarily had a negative effect on the economy,” he said.

At around 22% of GDP, government is a significant player in the economy. Its withdrawal as a spending superpower from 2016 onwards was a necessary reform to create long-term fiscal sustainability, Shiimi said. The liquidation of Air Namibia, a “difficult decision”, was part of government's reforms to try and reduce expenditure and contain the deficit, he said.

Government's updated fiscal strategy indicates a funding requirement of about N$30.1 billion in 2021/22. Shiimi pointed out that not all of this will come from the domestic market borrowings.



FUNDING

According to the updated fiscal strategy document, about N$2 billion will be used from the sinking fund for Air Namibia. About N$169 million will be used from the sinking fund for the GC21, while N$1.5 billion will come from the Eurobond sinking fund. About N$1.5 billion from the listing of MTC will also be used to fund the deficit.

Shiimi said the African Development Bank (AfDB) recently approved a loan of N$1.5 billion to support governance and economic recovery in Namibia. In addition, the country applied for a loan of about N$4 billion under the rapid financing instrument (RFI) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to Shiimi, the application is being processed by the IMF and will be considered by the Fund's board in the “next couple of days. We are positive that we're also going to get support from the IMF,” he said.



DOMESTIC MARKET

According to the updated fiscal strategy, government intends to borrow nearly N$17.9 billion domestically in 2021/22.

Shiimi said government was “not just tapping into domestic sources for two reasons.

“There is a limit to how much you can tap from the domestic sources and also you want to leave some capital available for the private sector as the private sector has to lead the growth.”

He added: “When the economy picks up, private sector will start borrowing and we don't want to compete with the private sector on resources, because that is the capital that is available to the whole economy, not just government. We want the private sector to also have their own share.”

---

Weekend recap: Miss Nam top 16 announced

March 29, 2021, 2:50 am

≫ Next: NUST Ohangwena campus on the horizon

≪ Previous: 'Economy needs positive wave'

$

0

0

Weekend recap: Miss Nam top 16 announced MICHAEL KAYUNDE

WINDHOEK

Miss Namibia held its preliminary rounds on Saturday, 27 March, in Windhoek where the pageant’s top 16 were revealed.
The judges included principal judge Gerine Hoff, acting marketing manager of Pupkewitz Toyota Steve Venter, Miss Namibia 2014 Brumhilda Pachawo, general manager of Janeel Financial Services Innocentia de Klerk and Degasia Kashimbongo from Torga Optical.
Videos of the top 16 contestants are available on Miss Namibia’s official social media accounts. The main event is slated for Saturday, 5 June, in the capital.

Educating through music
In other news, Nigerian musician Yemi Alade is in Namibia. The singer is part of the delegation on a ‘megatour’ from Nigeria, scheduled from 26 to 31 March.
The tour is an initiative by the Namibian High Commission of the Namibia based in Lagos, the home affairs ministry, the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and the Namibia Wildlife Resort (NWR).
“The aim of the tour is to educate and position Namibia to the West African region as an authentic and pristine travel destination and to showcase Namibia’s great success in the travel and tourism industry and the sustainable management of natural resources,” said Paula Olivier, media liaison at NTB.
Alade was expected to be at the coast yesterday and today, and while there, the music star will be filming a music video.

NUST Ohangwena campus on the horizon

March 29, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Making ends meet for the benefit of the students

≪ Previous: Weekend recap: Miss Nam top 16 announced

$

0

0

NUST Ohangwena campus on the horizon Plans to establish a NUST satellite campus in the town of Eenhana, Ohangwena Region, are well under way. It is envisaged that the campus will offer an assortment of programmes, with a particular focus on natural sciences, management sciences, as well as technical and vocational education and training.

Despite the fact that Ohangwena is one of the most densely populated regions in Namibia, there are no institutions of higher learning in this part of the country, with the exception of the Eenhana Vocational Training Centre.

Speaking at a meeting that was held to discuss the establishment of the new campus, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, the minister of higher education, technology and innovation, said the decentralisation of NUST’s services has become a priority.

“Education needs to be taken to the masses of the country. Windhoek no longer holds the masses,” she said.

The patron

Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who was also in attendance, has been selected as the patron of the campus. During the engagement, he highlighted that the Eenhana town council has already indicated a possible area to be utilised for the prospective university.

All hands on deck

The NUST vice-chancellor, Dr Erold Naomab, expressed his confidence in the project’s success, due to his experience in facilitating new establishments.

“I am 110% committed to ensure that this project reaches fruition,” he emphasised.

The meeting was also attended by the NUST chancellor and Speaker of National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, the NUST council chairperson, Florette Nakusera, and senior management of the ministry and university.

The roll-out

NUST will now embark on a vigorous stakeholder engagement process, locally and internationally, to solicit support and funds for the project. The project will then be rolled out in two phases, focusing on programme offerings and infrastructure development.

Making ends meet for the benefit of the students

March 29, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Eagles to host Cranes

≪ Previous: NUST Ohangwena campus on the horizon

$

0

0

Making ends meet for the benefit of the students Pull quote: “We as SRCs want to urge students to pay whatever they can towards their tuition fees.”- Pamela Gertze, Nust SRC president Students must adhere to the payment agreement

Wetumwene Shikage

On Wednesday, 17 March, the student president of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), Pamela Gertze, released a press statement.

In the live announcement, she said the university’s council, management and student representative council (SRC) agreed to grant students reprieves regarding the registration process.

Before this decision was reached, students were prevented from registering for the current semester if they owed the institution fees.

The SRC rejoiced as the plea of many students was heard.

The announcement - made on social media - stated: All senior students will register online provided that they owe the university N$7 800 or less, while students with special circumstances will have to consult the director of student services for guidance or assistance. These terms, once agreed to by students who wish to do so, are accompanied by terms and conditions.

Gertze urged students to actively work on settling their outstanding fees to avoid further complications including being unable to register in future.

The following rules and regulations apply to students who owe more than N$ 10 000 and, under special circumstances are not still able to bring the amount down to N$7 800:

1. The students must settle the full amount balance current and new owed to Nust by 30 June 2021.

2. Students must pay at least 25% of the balance per month after registration until the indicated date of June.

3. The payment agreement applies for tuition for this semester only.

4. The withdrawal, abandonment or the cancellation of studies from Nust does not release the student from meeting the above said obligations.

5. Failure to make payments as agreed will prevent registration of the future semester.

6. The university is not obligated to remind the student of the due dates; it remains the student’s responsibility to adhere to the dates as indicated to avoid penalties.

“We as SRCs want to urge students to pay whatever they can towards their tuition fees,” Gertze said.

The registration period has been extended to 24 March to accommodate this amendment.

Eagles to host Cranes

March 29, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Hockey teams fired up for challenge

≪ Previous: Making ends meet for the benefit of the students

$

0

0

Eagles to host CranesPlayers gear up for action Cricket Namibia is four days away from hosting the Uganda Cricket Association in Windhoek. Limba Mupetami







WINDHOEK

The Eagles of Namibia will take on the Ugandan Cricket Cranes in a T20 and 50-over tournament at the Wanderers Cricket Ground from 2 to 8 April in the Castle Lite Series.

The Eagles have been actively playing club cricket and the series is a great opportunity to prepare for upcoming tournaments in July, August, September, and eventually the T20 World Cup campaign in India, set to take place seven months from now.

The Namibians last played an international match in February 2020 against Ireland’s Wolves. They will now use the matches to see how combinations are working out and possibly test a couple of fringe players.

Head coach Pierre De Bruyn said they have had excellent training for over a year due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

“It has given us an opportunity to develop in other departments: Physical, mental and skill development. We have worked hard. The excitement is really up there, I can sense it in the players and at training. “Players have put in hours for the last year without any competitive cricket,” he said.

Well prepared

“There is a lot of excitement and it’s up to us to manage that excitement and to have a good start against Uganda on Saturday.

“We are playing at home. We have prepared very well and our chances are good to win the series. But we also know that Uganda is a strong side with dangerous players. They have an experienced coach, so they will come here to compete, but if we play the way we have trained; if we trust that, the score will take care of itself,” De Bruyn added.

The first T20 match against the Cranes will take place on 3 April at 14:30. On Monday, 5 April, at 10:00, another T20 match will follow. Thereafter, another match will follow at 14:30.

On Wednesday, 7 April, there will be a 50-over match at 10:00. This will be followed by another 50-over clash on Thursday, 8 April, at 10:00.

The Eagles squad:

Gerhard Merwe Erasmus (captain), Tangeni Lungameni, JP Kotze, Mauritius Ngupita, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Karl Birkenstock, Ben Shikongo, Bernard Scholtz, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Craig Williams, Michael van Lingen, Stephen Baard, Michau du Preez, Dewald Nell, Divan la Cock, Shaun Fouche and Ruben Trumpelmann.

Following Covid-19 protocol, spectators will not be allowed during the tournament, but matches will be broadcast via Cricket Namibia’s digital platforms.

Hockey teams fired up for challenge

March 29, 2021, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Star teacher of the week

≪ Previous: Eagles to host Cranes

$

0

0

Hockey teams fired up for challenge Jesse Jackson Kauraisa



WINDHOEK

Namibia’s indoor hockey national team captain David Jacobus Strauss has promised the team will do its best to qualify for the world cup.

The men’s and women’s teams will be heading to South Africa where they will compete in the Indoor Africa Cup from 15 to 18 April.

The tournament serves as a world cup qualifier for the teams, given that those who emerge victorious will qualify.

With their wounds still fresh after not qualifying for the tournament last time, Strauss and his teammates are eager to avoid another heart-breaking result this time around.

“We are looking to make sure that we do qualify for the world cup because we did not manage to do that the last time.

“This will be our third qualifier for myself and my vice-captain and from our emotional point of view, we will not be able to take another heartbreak,” Strauss said.

‘MTC came through’

The skipper also lauded sponsor MTC for coming on board.

“I have been part of hockey for 15 years and for the first time we do not have to worry about funding because MTC has come through.

“It takes a massive load off the parents and now we can focus on just what is important, and that is playing hockey,” Strauss said.

The women indoor hockey team player Gillian Hermanus said they are ready to qualify.

“We are ready to go and defend our title and to qualify for the world cup,” she said.

Namibia Sports Commission chief administrator Freddy Mwiya, who handed over the national team colours, encouraged the teams to compete and not just participate.

The Indoor Hockey World Cup will be staged in Japan in the first week of February 2022.

The women’s and men’s teams are among the top-ranking sides in the world.

The women’s team is ranked 10th, while the men’s team is 16th.

Inspire the nation

President of the Namibia Hockey Union Marc Nel said he also expects the team to perform well at the competition.

“Go there and compete and not only to go make up numbers at the competition,” he said.

Last year, the union was one of the recipients of MTC’s multimillion-dollar sports sponsorship.

It was announced that the telecommunications giant would sponsor the union with N$3 million a year for three years, mainly set to focus on national teams.

Meanwhile, MTC’s Tim Ekandjo said he only expects the best from the teams.

“I only have a few words for you: Please go and qualify. Otherwise we will not allow you back in the country,” he said jokingly.

“We want hockey to qualify for the world cup and to inspire the entire nation. We wish you well,” Ekandjo said.