Namibian Sun

Picasso painting on sale in NamibiaFamous painter's artwork goes for N$418m The painting’s inclusion at the local auction has raised questions from artists, with Martina von Wenzel from the Swakopmund Fine Art Gallery saying its price tag was "wishful thinking".

Erwin Leuschner

SWAKOPMUND

A painting by acclaimed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso was offered for sale at an auction in Namibia for the record starting price of N$418 million. No bid was entered, though. The painting, titled the ‘Femme assise au chapeau de paille’, is currently being kept in a safe in Europe.

The Swakopmund auction house Bay Auctioneers, which also has a branch in Walvis Bay, over the weekend offered the painting as its most expensive item to date. The online auction started on 31 March and ran until yesterday.

“No, it wasn't an April Fool's joke,” auctioneer Quintin Jonck said yesterday after several people asked him about it. According to him, a South African agency which has the rights to sell the painting put it on the market.

The agency, which deals in antiquities, has in the past bought items from his auction house, as he regularly auctions gold coins and more.

“The authenticity of the painting was proven with documentation, which is why I thought ‘why not?’ It was a showcase item,” he said. The owner of the painting is unknown.

Some interest

According to Jonck, the agency determined the reserve price of US$32 million (N$469 million). He set the starting price at N$418 million. He’s not surprised that no bid was entered, he said.

“There were a few interested people, though. One person intends to travel to Europe and to see the painting in person,” Jonck said.

The painting has been cited as one of the most attractive and alluring of Picasso's many portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter - one of his mistresses.

It is one of three portraits he painted of her in July 1938. All three remained in his private collection until the early 1960s. It was painted using oil on canvas and measures 65 cm by 54 cm.

The artwork last changed hands in February 2004 at a Sotheby’s auction in London for around US$4.5 million (about N$65 million).

“We sell a lot of valuables once the auction finishes if they were not sold,” Jonck said. In the case of this painting, interested parties can continue to make an offer.

“Who knows, maybe we’ll sell the piece in the next few days,” he said.

Wishful thinking

The painting’s inclusion at the local auction has, however, raised questions from artists. “Why the painting is not sold at a renowned art auction house such as Sotheby’s is quite strange,” Martina von Wenzel from the Swakopmund Fine Art Gallery said.

She organises annual auctions, and has customers all over the world.

“If this piece was on auction in Europe, it would have reached real art collectors and the right audience. I think there was a lot of wishful thinking about the price,” she said.

EDITORIAL Increasing numbers of Swapo members are calling - publicly and under the cover of darkness - for the ruling party to self-correct or risk being blown away by the winds of change like its role model United National Independence Party (Unip) of Zambia.

A combination of leadership and strong decisions is the perfect tonic Swapo needs to achieve its self-correction mission. The role of leadership in this mission would be to place the party on a path of uprightness.

Strong decision-making would mean ridding the party of corrupt elements and incompetent leaders who have dragged Swapo’s legacy into the mud by not delivering on its mandate and promises.

Swapo is trapped in the bondage of blind loyalty, which has served narrow interest and the survival of a few, while robbing the party of its institutional strength, credibility and even safety from perishing.

The ANC in South Africa was decisive in giving its secretary-general Ace Magashule 30 days to vacate office following damaging allegations of corruption. It’s a painful decision which might even cause internal divisions, but it’s a huge drawcard for liberal voters who form the majority of electorates these days.

The contemptuous attitude and impunity which have characterised the party, where wrong is celebrated and right is punishable, has pushed Swapo to the edge of collapse. The party has a chance to negotiate its way out of the sticky mud by taking a tough stance against immoral acts.

IMF approves US$2.34 bln for KenyaAddressing its debt vulnerabilities Kenyan authorities had taken action to hold the fiscal deficit and debt ratios to 8.7 and 70.4% of GDP, respectively, this fiscal year. The Kenyan authorities have demonstrated strong commitment to fiscal reforms during this unprecedented global shock. Antoinette Sayeh, Deputy Managing Director: IMF

ANDREA SHALAL

The International Monetary Fund on Friday said its board had approved new three-year financing arrangements for Kenya valued at US$2.34 billion to help the African country continue responding to the Covid-19 pandemic and address its debt vulnerabilities.

Approval of the new loans under the Fund's Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility will enable immediate disbursement of about US$307.5 million that Kenya can use for budget support, adding to US$739 million it received in emergency Covid-19 aid in May 2020, the Fund said in a statement.

The IMF said Kenya’s debt remained sustainable, but it was at high risk of debt distress, and authorities should focus their near-term agenda on urgent structural policy challenges.

For nearly two years, Kenya has abandoned expensive commercial debt to cut back on ballooning repayments, while revenue collection has been squeezed by the pandemic.

It also faces huge budget deficits that have been deepened by the coronavirus crisis. "The program supported by EFF/ECF arrangements with the Fund provides a strong signal of support and confidence," IMF Deputy Managing Director Antoinette Sayeh said in a statement.

Reforms

"The Kenyan authorities have demonstrated strong commitment to fiscal reforms during this unprecedented global shock, and Kenya’s medium-term prospects remain positive."

Kenya was hit hard at the onset by the Covid-19 pandemic, but its economy has been picking up after likely posting a slight contraction of 0.1% in 2020, the IMF said.

It said it forecast a sharp swing to growth of 7.6% in 2021 and 5.7% in 2022, but said Kenya continued to face challenges in the return to durable growth, and its past gains in poverty reduction had been reversed.

The Covid-19 shock had also exacerbated the country's pre-existing fiscal vulnerabilities, the IMF said, although Kenyan authorities had taken action to hold the fiscal deficit and debt ratios to 8.7 and 70.4% of GDP, respectively, this fiscal year.

Support from a Group of 20 moratorium on debt service payments and development partners will help Kenya close its financing gap in 2021 along with financing from capital markets.

Sayeh said Kenya was taking steps to reduce debt-related risks, but should continue to provide necessary support to the economy and focus on urgent structural policy challenges, including financial weaknesses in some state-owned enterprises.- Nampa/Reuters

Walvis owes municipality N$300m

LEANDREA LOUW

Outstanding water debts as at 7 February:

• Walvis Bay - N$119 722 536

• Meersig - N$16 379 426

• Narraville - N$22 753 20

• Kuisebmond - N$83 101 662

• Tutaleni - N$13 169 203

• Langstrand - N$14 419 886

• Dolphin Beach - N$30 886 491

WALVIS BAY

Residents and businesses in Walvis Bay owe the municipality N$300 432 404.

According to communications officer Anita Kaihiva, this amount includes a current debt of N$38 million, which was due by 7 February.

“A high proportion of our consumers are employed by the fishing industry. Most are seasonal workers whose income fluctuates. We are also dealing with Covid-19 and many have lost their jobs. This situation affects our debt management position.”

Kaihiva noted that a high percentage of consumers in the high-income level areas such as Langstrand and Dolphin Beach are absentee landlords and that these consumers settle their accounts infrequently.

At the ordinary council meeting, Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes said the outstanding debt currently stands at N$416.5 million, providing the following breakdown: Narraville - N$21 million; Kuisebmond - N$76 million; Walvis Bay - N$261 million; Dolphin Beach - N$261 million; Langstrand - N$13.2 million, and Meersig - N$13.3 million.

Interest amnesty

Kaihiva said various factors - including water leaks - influence the accumulation of debt.

“Each case has its own merit and is dealt with individually depending on arrangements and other factors.

“Due to Covid, there have been no cut-offs since March 2020. We recently notified all residents whose accounts are overdue that disconnection of outstanding municipal accounts will commence. Rate payers are requested to pay their accounts or make suitable arrangements to avoid their services being disconnected,” she advised. The Walvis Bay municipality also announced an interest amnesty period applicable from 23 February to 31 December.

“The interest amnesty is aimed at assisting customers who are struggling to settle their municipal bills. It is not aimed at writing off customers’ capital debt, but rather to pardon accrued interest.”

‘Heartbreaking’

Community activist Ryan Gordon said it is heartbreaking to see residents’ water supply being cut off.

“There are residents who want to pay their water bills, but simply cannot do so because they have no source of income.”

He added that they are trying to provide relief by filling 25-litre bottles with water and handing these out to those whose water has been disconnected.

Gordon said a request was forwarded to the municipality to meet some residents halfway.

“The amount owed to the municipality by some is huge - between N$15 000 and N$25 000. The residents feel that some of these water bills need to written off. All we ask is that they look at installing prepaid water meters and, if possible, write off all or 50% of the water debt owed by pensioners.

“The other 50% can be recovered by deducting N$15 from every N$100 when those who are in debt buy water.”

Gordon also urged those who can make payments to do so.

“Pay what you can so that the municipality sees payments are being made, no matter how small,” he said.

- leandrea@republikein.com.na

Vahekeni on ACC, PG radar

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is still occupied with an investigation into alleged corrupt practices by health ministry senior pharmacist Fabiola Vahekeni - despite the ministry having exonerated her on the same matter.

ACC spokesperson Josephina Nghituwamata confirmed that the investigation had been concluded and said the matter was submitted to Prosecutor-General (PG) Martha Imalwa with its relevant information.

“Thereafter, the docket was referred back to the ACC with instructions. The commission up to this point conformed to the instructions; subsequently, it will soon be sent back to the PG’s office,” Nghituwamata said.

Meanwhile, the health ministry has concluded an internal investigation and cleared Vahekeni of any wrongdoing. This was prompted by a previous investigation by the finance ministry, which urged its health counterpart to charge Vahekeni for misconduct.

Vahekeni stood accused of using her position to help her friends land a medical tender to import unlicensed anti-retroviral (ARV) medicines worth N$7 million in 2018.

A probe was launched after a container carrying medicine imported by NM Medicals, owned by Vahekeni’s friends and former business partners, was seized by customs authorities due to an expired import licence.

‘Nothing wrong’

Health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe yesterday insisted that their investigation found nothing wrong.

“The ministry conducted an internal preliminary investigation as required by the Public Service Act before a staff member may be charged with misconduct. The investigation found that there was no wrongdoing or violation of procedures or the Public Procurement Act. The ministry is not privy to the investigations and has not been apprised of the progress of investigations by the ACC,” he said.

However, in a letter to the health ministry, acting finance ministry executive director Phineas Nsundano pointed out several wrongdoings and even stated that Vahekeni was the person responsible for the transaction and authorised amendments to contracts awarded without review of the procurement committee and without the accounting officer’s approval.

“It has been discovered that Fabiola Vahekeni may have indirect interest in the matter that NM Medicals is owned by very close friends, being Naamob Taimo Amakutuwa and Meameno Kamea Nghikembua, all pharmacists who studied together,” he wrote.

He further said: “The probability that Fabiola Vahekeni could have used her office to indirectly gain from this or cause anyone else to gain from this is quite high.

“There is no logical explanation as to why Fabiola would allow NM Medicals to engage the Chinese supplier without verifying that they complied with the tender specifications”.

‘Quite serious’

According to Nsundano, the procurement was carried out as an ‘emergency procurement’, but no alternative arrangement was made by the Central Medical Stores when they learnt of the shortages experienced by NM Medicals.

He also added that it would appear that Vahekeni and her friends at NM Medicals were colluding.

“The fact that NM Medicals sought to bring in unregistered medicines after having their application to have it registered declined by the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council in July 2018 is quite serious.

“Counterfeit medication is quite a serious issue as it threatens the lives of people,” he said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Shanghala, Esau lose Swapo positionsSwapo top leadership finally pull plug on trial-awaiting duo The party is set to publicly announce the removal of the two former ministers from its top echelons following a high-level party meeting last week.

MATHIAS HAUFIKU

WINDHOEK

The ruling party’s top leadership has resolved to remove its incarcerated leaders Bernhardt Esau and Sacky Shanghala from their central committee and politburo positions.

Swapo executive director Austin Samupwa yesterday refused to confirm this when he appeared on Namibian Sun’s talk show The Evening Review, but confirmed that an announcement in this regard will be made soon.

Shanghala and Esau are currently trial-awaiting prisoners facing corruption, money laundering and fraud charges related to the Fishrot scandal.

Namibian Sun can confirm that top party leaders, including President Hage Geingob, met last week in Windhoek to seal the fate of the two disgraced former ministers who resigned after the multimillion-dollar bribery scandal came to light.

Shanghala is a central committee member, while Esau is both in that structure as well as the politburo of the party.

Since their arrests in November 2019, and despite recalling them from Parliament following the emergence of the scandal, Geingob and his leadership have vehemently defended their decision to keep the duo in their respective positions, saying it cannot take action unless they had been proven guilty by the courts.

The move to evict them from Parliament before elections was seen as a ploy to hoodwink voters into believing that the party did not condone their alleged acts, but the fact that it has not acted internally - leaving Shanghala and Esau as part of the decision-makers - gives a different impression.

Thrown under the bus

Shanghala and Esau played a key role at Swapo’s 2017 congress to help Geingob and his Team Harambee slate emerge victorious at that heated convention, which saw the party being split into two rival camps.

Now, just weeks before the two appear in court on 22 April for the start of their trial, which has drawn global attention, Swapo decided to pull the plug on the two men’s positions in the echelons of the party.

At a meeting last week, the party’s politburo allegedly decided that the two should be recalled, after leaders satisfied themselves with laws guiding their decision.

It is understood that Shanghala’s leaked document in which he warns the party to modernise its “outdated political programme or face extinction” accelerated the decision to remove him and Esau from the said positions.

“What broke the camel’s back was that long thing that Shanghala wrote,” a Swapo insider said.

“The letter didn’t sit well with the leadership, which felt thrown under the bus. So, they are paying the jailbirds in their own coin by also throwing them under the bus…”

Through his lawyers, Shanghala in December 2020 submitted an application to the Attorney General’s (AG) office seeking legal help. He wanted government to provide legal representation or pay his legal fees, saying he acted in his official capacity when he did what he was charged for.

The AG’s office, which has been reviewing the application for months now, is yet to decide on the matter.

Efforts to get comment from party secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa and spokesperson Hilma Nikanor on Swapo’s pending announcement proved futile.

Namibia Revenue Authority officially operationalAddressing tax evasion, avoidance An amount of N$79 million was reserved for the establishment of NamRa, on top of the budgetary allocations to the existing departments. It is not easy to move from one taxman to another and the ministry wanted to ensure that there is no interruption in tax collection. Tonateni Shidhudhu, Spokesperson: Ministry of Finance

PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

The long-awaited Namibia Revenue Authority (NamRA) is finally operational, following the notice by the Minister of Finance Ipumbu Shiimi on 01 April 2021.

Ministry of Finance spokesperson, Tonateni Shidhudhu confirmed to Market Watch that the launch will take place at the Windhoek County Club and Resorts today and is to be officiated by President Hage Geingob.

The event will also see Shiimi handing over the power of revenue collection to Sam Shivute who was appointed NamRA Commissioner last year.

Over 1200 staff members from the ministry of finance mainly from the inland revenue department and the customs and excise directorate are expected to be transferred to NamRA.

Shidhudhu explained that the delay to make the revenue agency was delayed because of the systems that needed to be put in place first, saying it is not easy to move from one taxman to another and the ministry wanted to ensure that there is no interruption in tax collection.

So far three executives who will form part of exco have been appointed of which two are from the Ministry of Finance. The recruitment process is still ongoing and more appointments are to be announced soon. Shidhudhu said NamRA will still operate from the Ministry of Finance and use government vehicles until all the systems are fully functional. The launch will be streamed on social media.

Last month, finance ministry Ipumbu Shiimi in his budget speech mentioned that an amount of N$79 million was reserved for the establishment of NamRa, on top of the budgetary allocations to the existing departments.

Overall, the ministry of finance was allocated an amount of N$4.7 billion for the 2021/22 financial year (FY), about 7.9% of the total non-interest expenditure.

South Africa collects trillions in taxes

South Africa collected R1.25 trillion (US$85 billion) in tax revenue in the financial year ended March 2021, around 12% less than the government's original target of R1.425 trillion, the revenue service said.

The economy, in recession even before the coronavirus struck, shrank by 7% in 2020, while unemployment also soared, leading to a record budget deficit as the government was starved of revenue while forced to spend more to fight the virus.

The initial 2020/21 target of R1.425 trillion was set by the National Treasury before the coronavirus pandemic struck in March last year.

Treasury revised the estimate down to R1.112 trillion in October, but then upped it to 1.212 trillion in the February 2021 budget.

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) said improved economic activity, higher collections company tax, especially mining firms, and greater tax compliance, had led to better collection than the February target.

Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswatter said the agency would focus on stricter compliance, especially by high net-worth individuals, to close the gap.

"Sars is aware of increasing number of south Africans who have financial assets offshore they have more than R400 billion in offshore accounts. We've identified around 10% of that, but we believe there's still a lot to be explained," Kieswatter told a news conference.

Kieswatter said the bans on the sale of alcohol and tobacco during the strictest period of the coronavirus lockdown cost the country around R14 billion in lost excise taxes. - Nampa/Reuters

Boxers’ time to shine

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

WINDHOEK

Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias says boxers who fight for titles will have their own journey to the top.

“If you are disciplined, things will happen for themselves,” the promoter, who is hosting another boxing bonanza this weekend, said.

Fighters will trade leather at the MTC Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy showpiece, titled ‘Together as One Part 3’, which will take place at the Windhoek Country Club on Saturday.

The main fight of night will involve two Namibians duking it out for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa supermiddleweight title over 10 rounds.

Paulus ‘John John’ Njolonimus and Anthony Jarman have it all to fight for when they square off for the prestigious title.

Namibia’s Nathaniel Sebastianus will also battle Hassan Milanzi of Zimbabwe for the WBO Africa featherweight title.

Attractive event

“This is going to be a very attractive event because we have to local boys fighting for an international title.

“These are the kind of chances these boxers have now.

“Every boxer in the world wants to fight for the world title, but there is a process and this is the process we put these kids up against,” Tobias said.

The winners of the big fights will get into the top 50, making it easier for them to get a chance to fight for world titles.

No fans

There will, however, be no spectators allowed into the venue.

“We respect that the number restrictions due to Covid-19 protocols are 100 and we will therefore only allow invited guests inside. Those who are not able to be at the event can watch it live on NBC,” Tobias said.

The event will see a total of 13 bouts taking place, and will kick off at 15:00.

Meanwhile, MTC’s Fikameni Mathias urged boxing lovers to remain patient.

“We hoped that the numbers would increase from 50 to 250, but it is only to a 100.

“Namibians have been deprived of sport in terms of attendance, but there has been provision made in terms of the national broadcaster and many other social media platforms.

“As MTC, we are delighted that boxing stables are working together,” he said.

Ready to serve with honourMengo preaches harmony The new members hope to run the board in a harmonised way.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Windhoek

New chairperson of the Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (NPBWBC) Magreth Mengo has her sights set on ensuring that the board does not experience infighting and resignations like the previous one.

Mengo was speaking at the official unveiling of the new board, which will serve for the next three years.

Jason Naule (boxing), Sebastian Shatuleni (doctor), Veruschka de Le Harpe (lawyer) and Irene Sheba (finance) are among those who will serve with Mengo.

“I believe it is important that we adhere to principles which are accountability and honesty.

“I also believe in concern to communication; I think communication and honesty are vital principles one needs to adhere to as a board.

“Consistency and treating all the promoters and partners equally will be critical in the new board’s operations,” Mengo said.

Troubled waters

Problems at the previous board began last year after one of its members, Trevor Mills, tendered his resignation.

Mills’ resignation was followed by that of lawyer Saima Nghihalwa and Maria Pogisho.

Appointed in October 2019, the former board members’ term was due to run for three years.

The board was, however, deemed unfit to run the affairs of boxing after remaining with only two members.

This resulted in former chairperson Bernard Haufiku calling for its dissolvement, which sports minister Agnes Tjongarero eventually agreed to.

Act needs to change

Tjongarero congratulated the members on their appointment and encouraged them to get working in order to bring positive changes.

One of the immediate things the minister encouraged the board to do is to get the ball rolling as far as changing the Boxing Act is concerned.

She said she hopes the board will also work well with all the promoters and stakeholders.

“The boxing act is ancient. In the ministry, we are busy amending the Sport Act and I would love the new board to also connect with those responsible for the amendment, so that you can put whatever you want to be in this Act also.

“Please get your act together so that you can have an Act which talks to the times that we are in now,” Tjongarero said.

‘We don’t want problems’

The minister further advised the new board members to adhere to legal boundaries at all times.

She said she believes the board will only be able to fulfil its mandate when the members work with principles.

“When you go out of your lane, it causes problems and we do not want problems.

“The boxing board had issues in the past and it was because members did not stay in their lanes, so please do that.”

ICC readies pandemic backup plan

NAMPA/AFP

Cricket's governing body has a plan B in case the Covid-19 pandemic prevents India from staging the Twenty20 World Cup this year, but is still months from a final decision, its interim chief Geoff Allardice said yesterday.

India is scheduled to host the World Cup in October and November but a new surge in coronavirus cases has prompted health concerns.

"We are certainly proceeding on the assumption that the event is going ahead as planned," Allardice told reporters at the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarters in Dubai.

"Cricket is being played in a number of countries around the world and we are taking the lessons from all of those," he added.

Allardice, who took temporary charge of the ICC after disciplinary proceedings were started against Manu Sawhney, said the governing body had a World Cup backup ready if needed.

"At this stage, we have not activated those plans because we are preparing to go ahead with the event in India as scheduled," he said.

But he added that there are still "a number of months to be able to see how the situation is and how cricket events are being run".

Strict bio bubbles

The Indian Premier League, the world's richest T20 club event, starts on Friday with all eight teams in strict bio bubbles. But four players have tested positive in recent days.

India is currently recording more than 100 000 new virus cases a day and the number of daily deaths has doubled in the past two weeks to more than 600 nationwide.

Allardice said the ICC was also concerned about the impact that bio-bubble environments were having on players who are spending months at tournaments and on test tours.

He said cricket authorities hoped the growing use of vaccines around the world was "going to be an important step for us to head back toward some normality in the way cricket is run”.

"Moving forward, we would be trying to wind back [the bio bubbles] but continue to provide a safe environment."

Zebra, Keja win Okozonduzu tourney NAMPA

Epupa Zebra Stars from Opuwo and Chief Keja United from Okondjatu emerged victorious in the football and netball categories of the Okozonduzu annual tournament over the Easter weekend.

Held at Okozonduzu in the Otjozondjupa Region, the tournament - which attracted 28 football teams and 20 netball teams - started on Friday and ended Monday.

Speaking to Nampa in an interview on Tuesday, tournament organiser Ngatuuane Hange hailed the tourney a success at rural level, adding that since professional football in the country has faded, such tourneys have kept sports stars together and busy with their favourite sport codes.

He said rural sporting events have over the years played a vital role in sports development, especially at grassroots level where talent often gets overlooked.

Netball stars

The netball category semi-final games saw Kwasa-Kwasa from Okotjitundu losing 75-25 to Chief Keja from Okondjatu, while !Naire yaKatupapa from Okondjatu defeated Otjeue City from Aminius by 35 to 31 points.

In the final game, Chief Keja defeated !Naire yaKatupapa by 35 points to 31 points, earning them N$ 6 000, a trophy and 12 gold medals as champions, while the team from Okatupapa received N$3 000 as runner-up. Both semi-final losers got N$1 500.

Football heroes

The semi-final games for the football category saw Epupa Zebra Stars from Kunene beating Ohoze Osopke from Okondjatu 2-0 while the second semi-final witnessed the team from Otjituuo, Tuckline Bucks, defeating Otjeue City from Omaheke by five goals to four on penalties after drawing one-one on regulation time.

Epupa Zebra Stars showed enough strength and courage during the final match by defeating Tuckline Bucks by a one-goal margin.

As champions of the 13th edition of the annual Okozonduzu tournament, Epupa Zebra Stars walked away with N$13 000 and a trophy, with Tuckline Bucks collecting N$ 8 000 as runner-up. The semi-final losers each walked away with N$3 500.

Hange said all Covid-19 protocols and measures were observed throughout the long-weekend tournament.

De Bruyne extends City stay Midfielder signs contract extension De Bruyne has had a glittering spell since joining the club from Wolfsburg in 2015, winning seven major trophies, which could rise to 11 by the end of the season if City are successful in their hunt for the quadruple.

NAMPA/AFP

Kevin De Bruyne has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Manchester City until 2025, the Premier League club announced yesterday.

The Belgium international, whose existing deal was due to expire in 2023, is turning 30 in June and now looks set to see out most of the remainder of his career at the Etihad Stadium.

"I could not be happier," De Bruyne said. "Since joining City in 2015, I have felt at home. I love the fans; my family are settled here in Manchester and my own game has developed really well.

"This football club is geared for success. It offers me everything I need to maximise my performance, so signing this contract was a straightforward decision.

"I am playing the best football of my career and I honestly feel there is more to come."

Same philosophy

He said he and manager Pep Guardiola had the same football philosophy.

"Having that relationship with a manager is so important to me because our objectives are totally aligned, and we want the same things," he said.

City director of football Txiki Begiristain hailed De Bruyne as one of the best players in world football.

"His performance level has been remarkably consistent since coming to City, and in the last few years he has developed into one of the game's elite players," he said.

"His talent is unquestionable but he is also a consummate professional whose dedication to Manchester City during his time here has been nothing short of remarkable."

Kwaningwa omalunduluko methindikilo lyaanenentu OGONE TLHAGE

OVENDUKA

Omukomeho gwOpolisi yaNamibia, Sebastian Ndeitunga okwa popi kutya etokolo okuhulithapo ethindikilo lyaanenentu taku longithwa oopolisi yamuni, kali shi etokolo lyaningwa sho omalelo gamwe goondoolopa taga lelwa koongundu dhompilameno ihe osha ningwa onga omukalo gwokushunitha pevi elongitho lyiimaliwa.

Okwa popi ngaaka nonando okwa hololwa kutya epangelo ihali futu uuna tali longitha omayakulo ngoka.

Oshiwike sha piti, Ndeitunga okwa gandja elombwelo koondoolopa ngaashikOvenduka, Keetmanshoop, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Otjiwarongo oshowo Katima Mulilo kutya elongitho lyomayakulo gopolisi yomalelo goomuni methindikilo lyaanenentu olya hula okutameka mesiku lyotango lyomwedhi Apilili.

Kakele kondoolopa yaTjiwarongo oshowo Katima Mulilo ndhoka tadhi lelwa kuSwapo, oondoolopa adhihe dhoka odhili kohi yomalelo goongundu dhilwe dhopolotika.

Moonkundathana dhopangodhi a ningwa naye Ndeitunga okwa popi kutya elongitho lyomayakulo gaapolisi yomoondjila yomalelo goondoolopa olya li tali pula oshindji okuza kepangelo.

“Itatu ti inatu ya pumbwa ihe hakehe ethimbo. Uuna twe ya pumbwa otatu ya longitha,” Ndeitunga a popi. Omalelo goondoolopa gamwe oga pula Ndeitunga a popye oshili nokulombwela oshigwana kutya omolwashike omayakulo ngoka ga hulithwapo

Yamwe oya popi kutya etokolo ndyoka olya ningwa omolwa uutile womatilitho gopapolotika.

“Ndjai na popye oshili nokulombwela oshigwana kutya etokolo ndyoka olya ningwa omolwa onkalo yopolotika. Ngiika oye wete sha nika uunkundi kegameno. Iifuta yini ta popi ngele ihaya futu sha?, omunambelewa gumwe ngoka a tindi okutumbulwa kedhina a holola.

Omunambelewa gumwe melelo lyaVenduka okwa popi kutya uule woomvula dha piti epangelo olya kala tali pulwa opo li futile omayakulo ngoka ihe kape na shoka sha ningwa po.

Ndeitunga okwa tindi okupopya ngele etokolo ndyoka olya hwahwamekwa kopolotika nenge hasho, ta popi kutya opolotika inayi tulwa mumwe niilonga yopolisi.

Mayola gwOvenduka, Job Amupanda okwa popi kutya etokolo ewanawa ihe inaku popiwa iifuta molwaashoka omayakulo ngoka inaga futiwa.

Omupopiliko gwiipambele yomupresidende Dr Alfredo Hengari okwa tindi omapopyo kutya etokolo olya hwahwamekwa kopolotika, ta popi kutya olya ningwa onga shimwe shomalalakano gomupresidende okushunitha pevi elongitho lyiimaliwa.

Iitopolwa yahepa ya mono ookota dhoohi ooshonaIitopolwa mbyoka tayi dhengwa koluhepo moshilongo okwa lopotwa ya mono ookota dhokukwata oohi ooshona lela, sha landula etseyitho lyaamboka ya mono uuthemba wokukwata oohi olweetho nduka. Khomas a mono oopresenda dhili pombanda OGONE TLHAGE

OVENDUKA

Kwiikwatelela ketseyitho ndyoka lya ningwa oshiwike sha piti kOminista yOohi nOonzo dhomOmeya, Albert Kawana, iitopolwa ngaashi Kavango East oshowo West, Omaheke, Kunene, Oshana oshowo Zambezi oya mono oopresenda dhuumwene wokukwata oohi inadhi pitilila poopresenda 4 kehe koshitopolwa.

Omaheke oya mono oopresenda 1.4, Zambezi oopresenda 1.3, Kavango West 0.4 omanga Kavango East 0.3.

Sho a popi kegandjo lyookota dhoka ooshona noonkondo, Minista Kawana okwa popi kutya omolwaashoka iitopolwa mbyoka oya ningi owala eindilo lyoohi dhomaludhi gamwepo ngaashi dhoka hadhi ithanwa horse mackerel oshowo hake, omanga iitopolwa yimwe ya ningi eindilo lyomaludhi agehe konyala.

Iitopolwa yimwe ngaashi Khomas okwa pewa oopresenda 11, Erongo 9.9, Omusati (5.9), Otjozondjupa (5.8) oshowo Oshikoto (5.5). Kawana okwa tsikile kutya omahangano ga thika pe 125 oga pewa uuthemba wokukwata oohi na oga kalelapo oopresenda 29.

Omahangano gamwe ngoka ga pewa uuthemba wokukwata oohi dhohake ongaashi Tunacor, Hangana Seafood, Diaz Fishing, Omaru Fishing noNovanam.

Ngoka ga pewa uuthemba wokukwata oohi dhohorse mackerel ongaashi Cadilu Fishing, Huab Fishing, Namibia Fishermen Association oshowo Namibia Marine Resources.

Kawana okwa popi kutya shika oshikando shotango mondjokonona iitopolwa ayihe 14, tayi pewa uuthemba wokukwata oohi.

Katima inferno forensic probe still unfinished

Kenya Kambowe

RUNDU

A forensic investigation into what might have caused a fire that engulfed a multimillion-dollar shopping complex in Katima Mulilo has yet to be completed, the police say.

This was confirmed by Zambezi police deputy commissioner, Evans Simasiku, who yesterday told Namibian Sun that they are still waiting for the forensic investigation report on what caused the fire.

The fire started in the early hours of 25 February when the shopping complex went up in flames, burning a number of shops to the ground.

Outlets such as Pep, Shoprite and Hungry Lion burned to ashes.

At the time, it was reported that about 400 employees’ jobs were affected.

Apart from the damage to the building, the Katima Mulilo town council fire truck, which had come to the shopping mall’s rescue, caught fire in the process.

Meanwhile, at the time of the incident, Katima Mulilo was experiencing a water shortage, with those who managed to put out the fire having to rely on water from the river.

kenya@namibiansun.com

Namibia on brink of classic debt trap - PDM

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) parliamentarian Nico Smit says the Namibian economy is being dragged down by the Swapo administration and the country is rapidly turning into a second Zimbabwe.

Smit, who is the PDM shadow finance minister, said the Swapo government has failed on its promises to solve its budget problems since 2016.

“Our economy is dragged down, not by exogenous factors - as we are so often expected to believe - but by Swapo's intransigence to face reality and to bring the country's financial house in order. We only survive because we live on borrowed money. The government has now really become the elephant in the room, devouring every last little bit of economic life that may be generated by the private sector,” he said.

Speaking in the National Assembly last week, Smit said the government’s accountability report seems to contain fabricated figures and gives no indication how government “squanders” tax money through “sheer incompetence and widespread wastage”.

“Somehow the accountants in the President's Office have managed to balance their expense account to the cent of the N$77 million allocated. The same wizardry happened at the ministry of higher education, training and innovation. They managed this feat on a N$25 986 000 budget, also to the cent. And the biggest praise must go to the accountants of the National Planning Commission, where the reconciled N$80 842 000 matches to the cent of the allocated amount.

“Furthermore, the ministry of information and communication technology came to within N$20 000 on a N$21.4 million budget. Now, any one of you who knows how to keep books will know that that is virtually impossible. When figures like these are presented, it is patently obvious that they are thumb-sucked,” he said.

Looting

Smit went on to say that development budgets are viewed as piggy banks that can be looted to balance the books where operational budgets fall short.

According to him, there is nothing in the budget that shows that the finance ministry had gone back to the drawing board to redesign the country’s economic future or to come up with a new plan to restore the economy.

“No one can claim that he or she was ignorant regarding the true state of the economy and the risks that we are facing. This not only pertains to our flawed budgets, but also to how we monitor spending and how many ministries and departments have failed to adhere to the officially-prescribed accounting standards and practices,” he said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Sexual and reproductive rights are rights – Gawanas‘Time has come to openly discuss abortion’ The discussion on abortion must be contextualised so that when everything else fails, a woman will not be forced to give birth to an unwanted child which is dumped in a bush, she said.

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

Advocate Bience Gawanas, former special advisor on Africa for the United Nations, says sexual and reproductive rights information and services should be easily available to make the lives of women easier.

She said the time has come for Namibia to openly discuss abortion, adding that the practice already takes place or is sought outside the country, whether it is condoned by society or not.

“It is painful journey for all of us as Namibians to have to face up to that kind of issue, but unless we discuss the uncomfortable truth, we will always pretend that everything is fine,” she said.

Gawanas has initiated comprehensive campaigns on women’s health and rights and survival of newborns and children on the continent, such as the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA).

According to her, the discussion on abortion must always be contextualised so that when everything else fails, a woman will not be forced to give birth to an unwanted child which is dumped in a bush.

‘No easy decision’

“People should stop speaking on behalf of a woman if they do not appreciate what that woman goes through. There is no easy decision for a woman who opts for an abortion, whether it is safe or unsafe,” she said.

Gawanas added that more open discussions around abortion must be started within the Namibian context.

She said - if legalised - the law will not force anyone to have an abortion, but rather give those who want one the option to have it.

“We must ask whether we care more for the unborn child than for the one that is already born. We have street children; we have neglected children and our adoption services are not the best. We have to look at it in its totality. Abortion is just but one option,” she said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

BP hits US$35 bln net debt target

Energy group BP said on Tuesday it expects to have hit its $35 billion net debt target in the first quarter of this year, sooner than expected and paving the way for it to deliver on its promise of buying back shares.

"This is a result of earlier than anticipated delivery of disposal proceeds combined with very strong business performance during the first quarter," Chief Executive Bernard Looney said in a statement.

Shares in the London-based company, which had previously expected to reach the net debt target in around the fourth quarter of 2021 or the first quarter of 2022, rose as much as 3% to 299 pence in early trade on news it would reach the target sooner.

BP plunged to a US$5.7 billion loss last year and had a debt pile of $39 billion at the end of 2020. It had expected that debt level to rise in the first half of 2021 due to several payments due. However, in the first quarter it generated around US$4.7 billion from sale proceeds.

As part of Looney's plan to shift the focus of the oil major to low carbon energy investments, BP aims to sell US$25 billion of assets by 2025.- Nampa/Reuters

Vitol suffers fall in revenue

Global energy trader Vitol suffered an US$85 billion fall in revenue last year, but its profits were boosted as trading plays offset the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on oil demand and prices.

Many traders benefited in 2020 from extreme oil price volatility and storage opportunities. In April last year, US light sweet crude went negative for the first time and benchmark Brent futures touched two-decade lows before rebounding.

In a statement on Tuesday, Vitol said its revenue dropped to US$140 billion last year from US$225 billion in 2019. The Swiss firm does not disclose its net profit. Bloomberg quoted sources last month saying Vitol made a record net profit of about US$3 billion last year.

Traded oil volumes fell to 7.1 million barrels per day (bpd), compared with 8 million bpd in 2019, as oil demand contracted during coronavirus lockdowns.

Rival Trafigura said its oil and metals trading divisions had record profits in its financial year ending September 2020 while Glencore's trading division had its best year since 2008.- Nampa/Reuters

United Airlines to increase women pilots

United Airlines said on Tuesday it wants women and people of black colour to make up at least half of the 5 000 pilots it plans to train this decade at its new flight school, a push to diversify a career traditionally dominated by white men.

The announcement comes as US airlines resume pilot hiring halted last year during the pandemic and as they find themselves in the crosshairs of politically charged issues involving race.

"We want to make sure that we are tapping into a big deep talent pool and not limiting ourselves to just one section of the pond," Chief Communications Officer Josh Earnest said on a Zoom call with journalists.

Chicago-based United joined Delta Air Lines and American Airlines on Monday in speaking out against voting restrictions following recent legislation in states like Georgia that activist groups say unfairly target Black and other racial minority voters.

United is the only major US airline to own a flight school, the United Aviate Academy, which it bought last year just before vanishing demand because of the pandemic forced the industry to scale back its operations. - Nampa/Reuters

Genworth terminates US$2.7 bln buyout deal

Genworth Financial Inc has terminated a US$2.7 billion buyout agreement with investment firm China Oceanwide Holdings Group Co, the US insurer said on Tuesday.

Originally proposed in October 2016, the merger was stalled for years over concerns about Chinese access to sensitive data of US citizens. Shares of Genworth fell more than 6% in extended trading.

"Greater clarity about Genworth's future is needed now in order for the company to execute its plans to maximize shareholder value," Genworth's non-executive chairman James Riepe said, explaining the rationale behind the move.

Genworth said its revised plans include a potential partial IPO of its US mortgage insurance business.

The insurer said it will continue to explore partnerships with China Oceanwide to bring long-term care insurance products to the Chinese market. - Nampa/Reuters

Qatar Airways calls for borders to reopen

Qatar Airways called for countries to safely reopen borders on Tuesday, with its chief executive warning that more airlines would need state aid this year to avoid going bust.

Akbar al-Baker said that Qatar Airways, one of the Gulf's biggest carriers, would emerge from the coronavirus crisis as a top global airline.

The state-owned airline received a 7.3 billion-riyal (US$1.95 billion) equity injection last year from the Qatar government to see it through the travel slump.

Airlines around the world are desperate for income but uncertainty over how long some borders will stay closed is making people reluctant to plan or book holidays, leaving many planes grounded or flying near empty.

"We need to get borders safely reopened so people will fly again and with airlines expected to bleed cash at least until the fourth quarter of 2021 there is no time to lose," Baker told an online event.

Baker said he agreed with industry forecasts that passenger demand would not return to pre-pandemic 2019 levels until 2024, a year later than many had initially thought. - Nampa/Reuters

Living with endometriosis: A warrior’s storyOne in 10 women affected Before being diagnosed in 2011, she endured years of unexplained and severe pain she would never wish on her worst enemy.

TUYEIMO HAIDULA

ONGWEDIVA

Lea Nampala lived with chronic pain for years before being diagnosed with endometriosis. Although worldwide one in 10 women are affected by the disorder during their reproductive years (from age 15 to 49), many still don’t know what it is and how it can affect you.

But Nampala has made it her passion project to do the often-lacking education work in this field, and last Saturday, she narrated her journey to Namibian Sun - from symptoms to diagnosis to treatment options, and eventually, thriving again.

While March is Endometriosis Month, Ongwediva Medipark hosted a run last weekend to raise awareness on the disorder, and asked runners to wear yellow in support of those suffering from it. Nampala took part in the run, proudly donning a yellow T-shirt, sneakers and ribbon.

Severe period pain

Nampala said no one believed that her period came with so much pain, and she had to endure years of suffering until she turned 26. At the time, she was studying education at the University of Namibia’s Rundu campus.

She got her first period when she was in grade 11, which was not bad, but the pain steadily got worse as the years went by, she said.

The fact that her extreme pain was not even close to normal did not occur to her for many years, she added.

“Everyone told me that heavy, painful periods were normal for some girls, and I didn’t know any different, so I didn’t question it. But looking back now, I know they weren’t normal.

“Over the years, my periods got worse and I developed more symptoms. I will never wish this pain on my worst enemy,” Nampala said.

Diagnosis

She was properly diagnosed in 2011 when she had constant pelvic pain and was taken for a sonar. This was when doctors detected a cyst on her ovaries. It was removed, but two months later, the pain still hadn’t stopped.

Nampala went back to the hospital and when the doctors found more cysts, they opted to open her up to see what the cause was.

After the operation, she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis.

But instead of easing her pain, Nampala said the procedure worsened it.

At first, she was overwhelmed with anger and feeling helplessness after learning that there’s no cure for endometriosis.

“I decided to have my uterus and ovaries removed because the main cause was starting from there. And even though I wanted to have children in the future, the possibility of me miscarrying is very high because my endometriosis is aggressive. I didn’t want to experience that,” Nampala said. But even after her hysterectomy, the pain persisted.

She had to undergo a fourth operation, during which doctors discovered that the endometriosis had spread to her liver, diaphragm and intestines.

Symptoms

Before Nampala’s doctors discovered her cysts, her main symptom was pelvic pain.

Ongwediva Medipark marketing and communication co-ordinator Katarina Elago said endometriosis symptoms can vary and some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms.

She shared that the main symptoms are lower back or stomach pain, which usually gets worse during your period, as well as period pain that stops you from doing normal activities, pain during or after sex, and pain when peeing or having a bowel movement while on your period.

Other symptoms include a heavy period and difficulty getting pregnant.

For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their lives and may lead to feelings of depression.

Nampala said prior to her laparoscopy,a surgical procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen, she experienced a long list of debilitating symptoms like extreme menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, nausea and vomiting.

‘Turned my upside down’

Living with chronic pain for years and fighting to have her illness taken seriously was mentally exhausting, Nampala said.

“It’s so important to know that endometriosis is not just a gynecological disorder. It can affect a lot of other organs and cause a lot of different symptoms,” she said.

“Endometriosis has turned my life upside down; every aspect of my life has been affected by it. My social life, my relationship, my career, my finances,” she said.

Since her divorce in 2014, she has opted to remain single because she doesn’t “want to be a burden to anyone’s son”.

She added, however, that endometriosis hasn’t taken from her is her confidence.

Treatment

Nampala came across an online support group. Connecting with other people with endometriosis, hearing their stories and getting their advice really helped her to come to terms with her diagnosis, she said.

A teacher by profession, she was struggling at work and had to take a lot of sick leave due to her endometriosis. In the end, she was medically boarded, but has yet to make peace with the fact that she cannot work any more.

Even though she no longer menstruates, the disorder lives on in her body and the pain has remained too. The endometriosis warrior said she got a spinal cord stimulator in 2014 to help in this regard. The pain went away for some time, only to return later. She had the device for four years before it was removed when she started experiencing numbness on the left side of her body. But, not one to ever give up, she said she is going to have the operation again this year.

tuyeimo@namibiansun.com