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PwC Business School launches new programme

April 13, 2021, 3:00 pm
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PwC Business School launches new programmePwC Business School launches new programmeTap into unmatched potential The new mentorship programme focuses on how to start or build your business purposefully in your own unique way. Unmatched Potential’s philosophy encompasses the believe that being authentic is the key to success. Carlin Schumann – As part of PwC’s efforts to expand its Business School initiatives, we’ve joined forces with Unmatched Potential (Pty) Ltd and the founder and CEO Etienne Raymond to launch a new exciting next level business coaching programme.

With 16 years of experience in business mergers, takeovers and general business management, Raymond is one of South Africa’s renowned business mentors. With his strategic intent to build the number-one entrepreneurial school, he challenges traditional business philosophy with modern methods.

Unmatched Potential’s philosophy encompasses the believe that being authentic is the key to success. Raymond helps businesses and organisations to discover uniqueness, purpose and being entrepreneurial in order to unlock true potential.

With its passion for empowerment through coaching, Unmatched Potential can assist you to achieve this potential by coaching and mentoring you to use our holistic, authentically integrated methodology.

CORE

The core of the programmes is to facilitate the process for entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential with establishing your application as an entrepreneur with your unique talents though in-depth assessments.

The assessment guides the focus areas for the entrepreneur, to understand the optimal outcome in relation to the inputs according to your unique strengths. The process also involves the development of the person’s thought processes - how to be more effective in terms of thoughts translating into actions and overall results.

In collaboration with Unmatched Potential, the PwC Business School is launching the Build Your Business mentorship programme.

This practical outcome-based coaching, mentoring methodology and processes will be what entrepreneurs need to set the course for navigating through the challenges posed by the modern business environment.

FOCUS

The programme is focused on discussing how to start or build your business purposefully in your own unique way. Our proven approach unlocks your potential as well as your businesses to the extent you engage with it. The course involves:

· CliftonStrengths 34 and Builder Profile 10 assessments

· Authentic Entrepreneur Workbook

· 6 x weekly mentoring sessions via Zoom

For more information on Unmatched Potential and the courses, please feel free to visit the website, https://www.unmatched.co.za

The Business School will be sharing more information on the Build Your Business course over the next few weeks, so be on the lookout on our social media pages, Facebook and LinkedIn.

For more information contact us directly at na_busschool@pwc.com

Carlin Schumann is the senior administrator of PwC Namibia’s Business School. Contact her at na_busschool@pwc.com
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10 cents for every N$1 awaits SME Bank depositors

April 13, 2021, 3:00 pm
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10 cents for every N$1 awaits SME Bank depositors10 cents for every N$1 awaits SME Bank depositors OGONE TLHAGE



WINDHOEK

Depositors of the now defunct SME Bank can expect to receive just 10 cents on N$1, the Master of the High Court, Elsie Beukes, indicated.

They were also in the final stages of verifying details of account holders of the SME Bank to finalise payment of monies to debtors of the bank, Beukes said when approached for comment by Namibian Sun recently.

SME Bank liquidators Bruni and McLaren would, however, not comment on details related to payments.

A debtor of the SME Bank, Daniel Nyangwa confirmed that while payments had been made periodically, he was expecting a paltry N$400 from the bank for Monitronics Success College, which he heads.

Money meant for students’ tuition fees had been deposited into the bank by the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), The Namibian reported in 2017.

According to Nyangwa, money had been paid to the college every six months.

N$1b in claims

A whopping 23 259 claims had been made against the bank - to the combined value of over N$1 billion.

High Court judge Collins Parker concluded that N$247 million had been stolen from the bank before its liquidation in 2017.

The Bank of Namibia had placed the former lender under curatorship after between N$181 million and N$196 million had been invested in questionable securities in South African financial instruments.

The former deputy chairperson of the SME Bank, Enoch Kamushinda, his company World Eagle Investments and another other minority shareholder, Metbank, were found to be responsible for the liabilities of the bank amounting to N$1 billion.
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Israeli dribbles C-Sixty in diamond deal

April 13, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Israeli dribbles C-Sixty in diamond dealIsraeli dribbles C-Sixty in diamond dealWalenga and partner left trailing in the dust Local partners in a sanitation entity controversially handed a multimillion-dollar government diamond valuation contract were left licking their wounds after an Israeli partner stripped it of its technical expertise. OGONE TLHAGE







WINDHOEK

A fallout between local diamond valuation outfit C-Sixty Investments and its Israeli technical agent has led to the company nearly being stripped of its lucrative multimillion-dollar contract by government, before the same agent bought out the local partners to secure the contract for himself.

C-Sixty, a sanitation outfit owned by Swapo businessmen John Walenga and Tironnen Kauluma, had Nuska Technologies as its technical partner for a job to evaluate diamonds of state-owned Namdia.

Nuska, run by Israeli national Doron Cohen, has since been accused of going behind C-Sixty’s back by approaching mines minister Tom Alweendo with a proposal to take over the diamond valuation contract.

This move infuriated the C-Sixty bigwigs, leading to a fallout with Cohen, who then bailed on C-Sixty with all his technical equipment – leaving the local sanitation outfit unable to continue with the valuation contract.

With government threatening to end its contract with C-Sixty for no longer being able to honour its contractual obligations, C-Sixty entered into negotiations with Cohen to buy the local partners out.

Originally, C-Sixty was backed by Israeli company Sarine Technologies’ valuation technology to do work for Namdia – which is to determine the prices of diamonds. Nuska is the local agent for Sarine Technologies.

Trouble brewing

The rift between Nuska and C-Sixty was thrust into the spotlight yesterday when Windhoek mayor Job Amupanda released invoices submitted by Nuska to the mines ministry for payment.

The N$3.4 million invoice - dated 18 March - was for the valuation of diamonds worth just under N$120 million, a process that was completed within five days.

Namibian Sun understands trouble between the two entities started brewing in July 2020 when Cohen approached the mines ministry behind his partners’ backs in an attempt to replace them.

Cohen on 6 July 2020 submitted an unsolicited proposal to the ministry offering diamond valuation services.

The ministry responded two days later informing him that his proposal was declined.

“We have studied your unsolicited proposal submitted to our office. Despite that the proposal strives to address [government] valuation needs on a cost-effective manner, we regret to inform you that your proposal could not be entertained at this moment,” wrote diamond commissioner Miina Gahutu in a letter dated 8 July 2020.

According to Gahutu, government at the time had valid contracts with two government diamond valuators to carry out diamond valuation and training of staff members of the ministry.

“Further, kindly take note that goods, works, consultancy and non-consultancy services by government offices, ministries and agencies are procured through applicable procedures under the Public Procurement Act,” Gahutu added.

Double blow

Upon learning that Cohen had approached the mines ministry behind their backs, Walenga and Kauluma allegedly clashed with the Israeli, which led to the working relationship being strained.

But while coming to terms with the fact that their technical partner was eyeing their contract, C-Sixty was dealt another blow just two months later when Alweendo wrote to Kauluma, who is the company’s managing director, informing him that the contract would not be renewed upon expiration.

A source familiar with the partnership said Nuska and C-Sixty cut ties shortly after Alweendo gave notice that the Namdia valuation would not be renewed when it runs out in September.

Upon learning that C-Sixty did not have the capacity to conduct valuations without Nuska, the mines ministry allegedly halted the valuation works and informed C-Sixty that the contract will be terminated if they fail to honour their contractual obligations, which includes manual and automated valuations.

“C-Sixty was stuck so they seemingly opted to sell their shareholding to Nuska as a going concern, which included debts over N$7 million. Nuska basically took over the contract,” a ministerial official, who chose to remain anonymous, said.

There are talks that the transfer of shares from Kauluma and Walenga to Cohen was meant to service debts owed by C-Sixty to Nuska.

Questions sent to Cohen on the series of events went unanswered, while Kauluma also kept mum on the state of affairs between the companies.

Namibian Sun previously reported that C-Sixty landed the contract after former mines minister Obeth Kandjoze and former attorney-general Sacky Shanghala exercised their powers to commit Namdia to C-Sixty without going on a public tender.

Walenga is a former member of the Swapo central committee, while Kauluma is the nephew of former Cabinet ministers Helmut Angula and recently sacked Peter Vilho.
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Trainee doctor rapes male patient at Katutura hospital

April 13, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Trainee doctor rapes male patient at Katutura hospital Trainee doctor rapes male patient at Katutura hospital TUYEIMO HAIDULA



OSHAKATI

An intern doctor at Katutura State Hospital has been arrested for allegedly raping a patient at the hospital on Sunday who was admitted for head injuries.

The doctor is the son of a prominent public official, but his name cannot be revealed until he appears in court today.

Namibian Sun understands that the patient was involved in a car accident in March and was admitted to Katutura hospital for medical attention. Details on the patient’s admission dates are still sketchy.

The trainee doctor allegedly sodomised the patient. An unused condom was found on the scene, which prompted investigations.

The doctor recently completed his studies at the University of Namibia’s school of medicine and started training this year at the hospital.

It is understood that the doctor booked the patient out of hospital, and another doctor found the unused condom with the patient.

“After further investigations, it was found that the patient was raped by the doctor in the anus. The doctor is arrested and detained,” a source said.

‘Horrible ordeal’

Health ministry executive director Ben Nangombe confirmed that the incident, which he termed of “serious nature”, has been reported to his office.

He said appropriate action has commenced to gather the facts and bring the culprit to justice.

“The Namibian police was informed through the Gender Violence Protection Unit, which is fully involved. We thank them for prompt action. The reported incident is of a serious nature. It is being dealt with as such,” he said.

Nangombe called on the media to respect and protect the privacy of the patient and the family during this “horrible ordeal”. He added that it is not appropriate for the ministry to release any further details at this stage.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, also confirmed the incident, saying: “The GBV [gender-based violence] office is indeed dealing with such a docket”.

The age of the victim is unknown.

tuyeimo@namibiansun.com
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Namibia’s new vehicle sales speeding

April 13, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Namibia’s new vehicle sales speeding Namibia’s new vehicle sales speeding Consumer, businesses confidence on the move Total commercial vehicles sales accelerated both year-on-year and month-on-month by 23.8% and 22.3%, respectively. We expect these trends to foster business confidence levels, mainly through corporate instalment credit extensions. Simonis Storm (SS) PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

For the first quarter of 2021, Namibia’s new vehicles sales increase by 12.3% when compared the first quarter of 2020 amounting to 2494 units.

Similarly, new vehicle sales increased by 20.3% year-on-year at the end of March 2021 and marginally, 1.7% month-on-month, according to Simonis Storm (SS).

The 908 monthly sales units reached a 17-month high. The largest determinants for annual expansion were extra heavy, light commercial and passenger vehicles recording growth of 81.3%, 25.7% and 13.7% respectively.

The passenger vehicles category accelerated by 13.7% year-on-year and recorded a contraction of 13.1% month-on-month, with 357 units sold in March 2021, SS added.

Sales to car rental agencies contracted 38.5% month-on-month as only 40 units were acquired by rental agencies compared to 65 units acquired in the previous month, nonetheless it is a notable expansion when compared to the 15 units acquired in the comparable period last year.

Similarly, an 8.4% year-on-year contraction of passenger vehicles acquired through dealerships was recorded. The Toyota brand accounted for a third of total passenger vehicles sold, replacing Volkswagen brand as the most popular passenger brand for the month, SS pointed out.

Trend

Total commercial vehicles sales accelerated both year-on-year and month-on-month by 23.8% and 22.3%, respectively.

“Noteworthy, is that this is the second consecutive month we are seeing an expansion in the annual growth rate in over a year and the first double digit growth since September 2020,” SS pointed out.

Busses and heavy commercial vehicles subcategories were the only two categories to record contractions on an annual basis of 75% and 11.1%, respectively.

Extra-heavy and light commercial vehicles subcategories recorded the largest increase in sales on an annual basis, expanding by 81.3% and 25.7%, respectively.

Moreover, the largest growth rate was recorded in the month-on-month expansion of the medium-heavy commercial vehicles which posted 84.6%. “We expect these trends to foster business confidence levels, mainly through corporate instalment credit extensions,” SS said.
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Employment affected relatively less than revenue

April 13, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Employment affected relatively less than revenueEmployment affected relatively less than revenue PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

The impact of the Covid-19 related regulations on employment was not as severe as on the company’s revenue.

According to the private sector development survey (PSDS) for 220/2021, over 600 businesses from all regions were surveyed, of which 55.9% of respondents indicated that there had been no change in the number of employees. This holds throughout all categories of companies in different sectors.

However, 36.1% of companies indicated that they had to reduce employment levels by between 50% and 100% and an additional 5.8% by up to 49%.

Only 1.6% of the total respondents increased employment by up to 25% and 0.7% of the businesses by more than 25%, the survey pointed out.

Employees of micro enterprises were most at risk of being laid off. The survey indicated that 41% of micro enterprises reduced the workforce by 50%. Enterprises in the small, medium and large categories indicated that they had to reduced their workforce each by 36.1%,20% and 11.1%, respectively.

Employees in the construction, accommodation and restaurant sectors faced the highest risk to lose their jobs, while mine workers faced the lowest risk.

Revenue

Revenue of 40.1 % of responding businesses dropped by 90%, while for a further 41% between 50% and 89%. Hence, 81.1% of businesses experienced a decline in r4evenue of at least 50%.

85.9% of micro enterprises experienced a decline in turnover of at least 50%. The main beneficiaries of the rising turnover were businesses operating for 10 years and more. A quarter of mining companies experienced an increase in turnover and 9.5% of agricultural business.

Respondents from the transport, financial services and education sectors reported declining turnover with 90% of businesses in the education sector experiencing a drop between 50%, 100%, and 88.2% for the transport sector. As for the hospitality sector, 85.7% of the respondents also experienced a decline in turnover. Only 2% of respondents in the hospitality sector did not experience any change in turnover.
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Aching for development

April 13, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Aching for developmentAching for developmentHealth spending on a drip As government struggles on its fiscal consolidation path, health infrastructure remains on shaky ground. Currently Namibia does not have a national public health laboratory that safeguards the country from outbreak detection and threats. – Development budget 2021/22 Jo-Maré Duddy – For every dollar government spends in 2021/22, only half a cent will go towards the development of health infrastructure in Namibia.

Total government expenditure for 2021/22 is estimated at about N$67.95 billion, of which around N$360.5 million has been set aside for the ministry of health and social services in the development budget. That is 0.53% of government’s total budget for the current fiscal year.

Development has been the casualty of government’s fiscal consolidation strategy it started embarking on in 2016 to try and ensure macroeconomic stability. The chunk allocated to the development budget as a whole and the health sector in particular has been shrinking as a result.

DWINDLING

In 2015/16, about 15.4% of total government expenditure was allocated to the development budget. This dropped to 10.6% in 2016/17. From 2017/18 to 2019/20, the development budget on average made up 8.5% of total expenditure.

In 2020/21, an estimated 9% of the total budget was spent on development. This year, the projected figure is 8.2%, followed by an estimated 10.4% in 2022/23 and 9.9% in 2023/24.

In 2015/16, about 0.75% of total expenditure was allocated to the development of health infrastructure. Health’s share reached a low of 0.28% in 2019/20.

Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi’s latest budget - tabled in March under the theme, “Boosting Resilience and Recovery” – shows 0.68% of total expenditure will be geared towards the development of the public health sector over the medium-term framework (MTEF) from 2021/22 to 2023/24.

NO MONEY

A national public health laboratory (NPHL) for Namibia has been on the budget cards since 2013.

The NPHL will be a centralised laboratory in Okahandja that coordinates all public health tests including disease surveillance, outbreak detection, response and integration of laboratory data among other specialised reference testing, according to budget documents.

The development budget for 2021/22 states: “Currently Namibia does not have a national public health laboratory that safeguards the country from outbreak detection and threats and other events of public health importance.”

Yet, despite the Covid-19 pandemic which has already claimed the lives of more than 570 people in Namibia, government allocated no money for this project in 2020/21 or 2021/22.

Only N$1.3 million was spent on the NPHL project up to 2019/20. The current development budget shows government intends to spend N$5 million on the project both in 2022/23 and 2023/24. The funds will be for the “documentation on the construction” of the project.

‘KAPENA OSHIMALIWA’

According to the latest development budget, government also doesn’t have money for seven hospital projects this year, some of them dating back to 2007.

The construction of a district hospital in Ondangwa, to provide relief to the overwhelmed Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, has been part of the development budget since 2014. Not a single cent has been spent on the project so far though.

The project has once again been put on the back burner in 2021/22.

When the minister of health and social services, Kalumbi Shangula, was asked about it in parliament last week, he referred to the small development budget allocations in the past three years, saying the money was mainly spent on constructing new and upgrading clinics, upgrading health centres and various components of hospitals.

“Since 2016 the ministry has been in consultation with the finance ministry on financing the projects. Investments from the private sector into the health sector is challenging with regards to return on investment,” Nampa quoted Shangula as saying. Shangula said the ministry will continue to engage the finance ministry to find a funding model for the social sector for the projects to be realised.

LIFELESS

The upgrading and renovation of the Lüderitz hospital too has been on the budget books since 2014. As with previous budget years, no money has been set aside for the project in the current fiscal year.

Upgrades and refurbishments at the referral hospital in Otjiwarongo have been in the pipeline since 2018, but no funds have been allocated yet, including in 2021/22.

A project to upgrade and renovate the hospital in Walvis Bay has been on government’s books since 2007, but has only received N$54 000 up to 2019/20. This year, as last year, there is no money for it.

A similar project for the district hospital at Outapi has been on the development list since 2010, but up to 2019/20 only about N$1.4 million was made available. This year, as last year, no budgetary provision was made for it.

Upgrades to and renovation of the district hospital at Engela will come to a standstill this year as no budgetary provision was made for it. Government has spent about N$5.5 million on the project, which started in 2010.

Upgrades to the district hospital have also been planned since 2010, and nearly N$4.7 million was spent up to 2019/20. No budget was approved for 2020/21, 2021/22 or 2022/23.

ALLOCATIONS

The following hospitals received money for 2021/22: Oshakati Intermediate (N$22 million); Onandjokwe and Swakopmund District (N$20 million each); Katutura Central (N$15 million); Windhoek Central, Keetmanshoop, Mariental and Otjiwarongo District (N$10 million each); Nkurenkuru (N$7 million); Khomas District, Okakarara, St. Mary’s in Rehoboth and Rundu (N$5 million each); Katima Mulilo (N$4 million); Okahao and Omuthiya (N$3 million each); Okahandja (N$2 million); and Gobabis (N$1 million).

Nearly N$10.8 million is available for a new infectious disease and tuberculosis hospital in Okahandja.

N$74.7 million was budgeted for of primary health care centres nationwide, while N$60 million will be spent on the maintenance and repairs of all the health ministry’s buildings, plants and equipment in all regions.
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May the best immune system win

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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May the best immune system winMay the best immune system winCovid precautions unclear Orlando Pirates head coach Woody Jacobs says the excitement about jumpstarting the league is there, but it may prove difficult to avoid coronavirus exposure. LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

The thirst for local football action is noted, but it is not clear how the organisers will minimise Covid-19 exposure during the three months the transitional league will be played.

Three leagues will be played: the mainstream, as well as the first- and second-division leagues. Altogether they will attract close to 220 players.

The outspoken Jacobs said strict and regular coronavirus testing should be the order of the day, just like in the professional leagues.

He said this should become standard protocol because without regular testing the players will get exposed.

Difficult situation

“If matches start, players will be rubbing up against each other; there is sweat involved in this as well. Yes, football should start but on the other hand, it’s like we are saying, ‘let the guy with the best immune system win’. No one is to blame here, but it’s a very difficult situation we are in,” he said.

Asked what he is doing at training to minimise infection, he said they don’t share water bottles or training materials.

Another local coach, who did not want to be named, said players should change their behaviour.

“They should really take caution. Follow rules. We cannot control the movement of grown men, and we can’t put them in camp for the duration of the league. But we can’t preach behaviour chance from them,” he added.

Another concern voiced by two football fans, Moses Pail and Matthew Lawrence, is how the organisers will control the spread of the virus off the pitch, as players who live with their extended families might get infected and in turn infect their teammates.

Uncertainty

A player of Black Africa, Kanene Korupanda, said Namibia has been without football action for about three years and he is ready for the weekend.

In regards to how they are keeping safe at training, Korupanda said that every day, before the training session starts, their temperature is taken.

Namibian Sun also spoke to one of the league organisers, Mathew Haikali, who said the NFA had developed a Covid-19 regulation plan which is currently being reviewed by the medical committee.

Matches will be played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek, Mariental Stadium, Jan Wilkens Stadium in Walvis Bay and the Mokati Stadium at Otjiwarongo. Spectators will not be allowed into the stadiums.

-limba@namibian.com
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Monty Ndjavera Cup launched

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Monty Ndjavera Cup launchedMonty Ndjavera Cup launched JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

WINDHOEK

Namibian businessman Mbiripipo Monty Ndjavera has reiterated his will to keep football at grassroots level alive by pumping N$100 000 into an open tournament.

The Monty Ndjavera Winter Clash administered by Rural Sport Development Federation (NRSDF) and hosted by Chuu-Ve Promotions will come alive on the weekend of 29 May.

Strictly meant for local netball and football teams, the tournament is said to be one of the biggest of its kind sponsored by one individual.

Speaking at the launch of the tournament on Tuesday afternoon at Bayocle Investment premises in Windhoek, Ndjavera expressed his will to keep supporting local sport in order to create a platform for those that are eager to play football and netball.

He hopes that his kind gesture will keep young people off the streets and will create an income for those taking part in the competition.

“The biggest thing which drives me is that I love young people and always want to see them prosper in life.

“This tournament has a theme and it is aimed at helping young people find themselves and not to get lost in the wilderness of this life.

“I hope that this tournament will motivate some of our young people to choose the right path in life and avoid social evils,” Ndjavera said.

Ndjavera acknowledged that many young people do not have jobs and that is why they are involved in a world of alcohol and crime.

It is for this reason he believes sports tournaments can break the barriers.

“Tournaments of this nature like those administered by the federation have been a pathway for many footballers who play the game at a higher level now.

“Football in this country has so many problems and this is why I felt the need to pledge this money in order to make sure that the talent we have does not go to waste,” Ndjavera added.

Veneruru Mieze and Tjiurimo Hange of the Chuu-Ve Promotions assured the teams that they will be treated to a weekend of exciting and well-administered football.

The N$100 000 will be broken down into administration fees and prizes for the teams and players.

Netball received a budget of N$20 000, while football gets a budget of N$60 000, and N$40 000 is reserved for administration costs.

The tournament will see football and netball teams battling it out for the ultimate prize of N$20 000 for football and N$10 000 for netball.

Organiser Coleca Hange said there will be more prizes to be won.

“The runners-up of the netball tournament will take home N$5 000 and 15 silver medals, while the teams that lose in the semi-final will be compensated with N$2 500 each.

“The football team which loses in the final of the competition will get N$10 000 and 20 medals, while the semi-final losers take home N$5 000 each,” Hange said.
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From Wuhan roof to China football saviour

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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From Wuhan roof to China football saviourFrom Wuhan roof to China football saviour NAMP/AFP

Wang Shuang was locked down and left kicking a ball on a rooftop in the coronavirus epicentre of Wuhan when China's women's football team began their Olympic qualification campaign 14 months ago.

But the midfielder was hailed as the saviour of Chinese football after hitting a classy winner in extra time on Tuesday in Suzhou to send them to this summer's Tokyo Games.

Wang's strike in a 4-3 aggregate win over South Korea, having also scored the winner with a penalty in the first leg, embellished her reputation as the face of Chinese women's football. The opposition coach called her "world-class".

More than that, it was a badly needed boost at a time when China's footballing reputation has taken a major hit with the financial collapse of men's Chinese Super League champions Jiangsu FC.

"Thank you Miss Wang Shuang! You not only helped the Chinese women's team get an Olympic ticket, you saved the currently sluggish Chinese football!" renowned journalist Ma Dexing wrote.

Wang is still only 26 but it is another chapter in an eventful life that was upended by the divorce of her parents when she was five and saw her consumed by loneliness as a child footballer trying to make it far away from her family.

Since turning professional and then making her China debut in 2013 there have been successful stints abroad, first in South Korea and with Paris Saint-Germain in 2018-2019.

After scoring on her debut for PSG, French newspaper Le Parisien declared: "Wang Shuang has already conquered Paris."

She scored eight goals and made seven assists in 27 games for the French team, but was homesick and drawn back to Wuhan.

She found herself stranded there when coronavirus emerged in the city and it was placed under lockdown the world's first in January 2020.

It meant China had to conduct the bulk of their Olympic qualifying campaign without their star player, who was meanwhile videoed on top of a building firing balls against a wall to keep fit.

"I thought a lot during that time," Wang said of those long 76 days marooned in Wuhan.

When the domestic league belatedly kicked off in a virus-secure "bubble", Wang helped her local team win the Chinese championship.

"The title belongs to the city of Wuhan," she said.

"It has not been easy on any of us."

As a little girl, football was an escape for Wang.

After her parents divorced and left Wuhan, a young Wang was sent to live with an aunt and uncle, whom she regards as her mother and father.

"I loved football because it allowed me to express myself and get attention," she told The Players' Tribune website in 2019.

"And at that time, after my parents' divorce, I needed that."

As a young player of obvious promise, Wang was enrolled at a national training school in Beijing, more than 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away from Wuhan.
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Strong on Fridays

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Strong on FridaysStrong on Fridays JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

WINDHOEK

Fitness trainer Onai Mutizwa has dedicated a part of her life to making sure that citizens remain fit and healthy.

Thinking of closing off your week with a blast of a workout? Try a walk in nature in the valley between State House and Farm Windhoek, finishing it off with a Strong workout.

This is what a vibrant Onai Mutizwa likes to do and she does it for free.

As a push towards the health and wellness of the community, Zumba and Strong instructor Onai decided to give these free outdoor classes.

“It is always important to have fit citizens and that is why I do these things to make sure that I contribute my knowledge in fitness to those citizens that are interested.

“My lessons combine body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training moves synced to original music that has been specifically designed to match every single move,” Mutizwa said.

She states that every squat, every lunge, every burpee is driven by the music, helping those that she trains get through the sessions.

“In times like we are in, fitness serves as a great mood booster so why not take it to the people.”

The classes are open to everyone and all fitness levels and no sign-up is required.

Those interested joining the trainer are encouraged follow and get more information on Facebook and Instagram; zumbabyonai or contact her at 081 391 8174.
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Khomas netball season starts

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Khomas netball season startsKhomas netball season startsWanderers 1 to confront Wanderers 2 Netball players will return to the courts this coming weekend for the start of the season. JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

WINDHOEK

The 2021 Khomas netball season will kick off this weekend following an agreement by stakeholders at the region’s annual general meeting (AGM).

The Khomas Netball Federation announced that the name of the league has changed to Khomas Netball Super 10.

“What used to be the Premier League in Khomas now becomes Khomas Super 10 Netball. The first and second divisions remain the same,” officials announced yesterday.

It was also announced that relegation zones in the Super 10 and first division will remain positions nine and 10, irrespective of the number of teams registered with only a maximum of 10 team per division except for the second division which is unlimited and has no relegation.

First and second positions will automatically be promoted to the higher division.

The clubs who fail to register for the season will automatically forfeit all matches and fall in the relegation zone.

“Please note change of games or postponement due to unavailability will results in game being scheduled during the week and/or towards the end of the season.”

Competition rules

The league officials noted that no premier league player will be allowed to play in the Khomas League.

All teams are entitled to three fixed dates which are submitted prior to the season and during the season and a team may only ask for postponement twice.

“If all dates have been depleted only national duty may be a reason to postpone or reschedule a game.

“New players should be registered no later than Wednesday at 12:00. Team must be accompanied by team return and player cards, if not the team will not be allowed to take the court,” officials added.

Teams have been asked to submit their player cards on or before Thursday, 15 April. Player cards cost N$25 per printout.

Wanderers netball club will open the season with a game against Wanderers (2) at the Wanderers sport field.

Fixtures

Saturday 17 April A Court Wanderers Field: Tigers (1) vs Wanderers (1) 13:00

Wanderers Sport Filed: Zebra Force (2) vs Lingua (2b) 14:30

Afrocat (s1) vs Wanders (s2) 16:00

B Court

Nust (1a) vs Nust (1b) 13:00

Gomonate (1) vs NDF (1) 14:30

NSC (2) vs Tigers (2) 16:00
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Europe expresses 'grave concern' over Iran’s enrichment move

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Europe expresses 'grave concern' over Iran’s enrichment moveEurope expresses 'grave concern' over Iran’s enrichment move NAMPA / AFP

PARIS

European powers yesterday expressed "grave concern" over Iran's move to boost uranium enrichment to 60 percent in response to what Tehran says was an attack by Israel against a key nuclear facility.

Britain, France and Germany said the announcement was "particularly regrettable" at a time when talks have resumed in Vienna, including with the United States, to revive the 2015 nuclear deal which Washington reneged on under Donald Trump.

"This is a serious development since the production of highly enriched uranium constitutes an important step in the production of a nuclear weapon," the three countries said in a statement.

They said that the start of talks on reviving the nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers have been "substantive", with the aim of finding "a rapid diplomatic solution".

But they added that Iran's recent moves were "contrary to the constructive spirit and good faith of these discussions".

The step will bring Iran closer to the 90 percent purity threshold for military use and shorten its potential "breakout time" to build an atomic bomb -- a goal the Islamic republic denies.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday accused Israel of "nuclear terrorism", after the blast early Sunday knocked out electricity at the Natanz facility in central Iran.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement but public radio reports in the country said it was a sabotage operation by the Mossad spy agency, citing unnamed intelligence sources.

In possible reference to the attack, the statement by the European powers said: "In light of recent developments, we reject all escalatory measures by any actor, and we call upon Iran not to further complicate the diplomatic process."

Israel has often vowed it will stop Iran from ever building an atomic bomb, which it would regard as an existential threat to the Jewish state.

It is strongly opposed to US President Joe Biden's efforts to revive what it regards as the flawed nuclear agreement between Iran and the UN Security Council's five permanent members plus Germany.
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Covid: South Africa variant surge probably due to person travelling from Africa

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Covid: South Africa variant surge probably due to person travelling from AfricaCovid: South Africa variant surge probably due to person travelling from Africa BBC

LONDON

The outbreak of the Covid-19 variant in south London appears to have been triggered by an individual who travelled from Africa in February, according to documents seen by the BBC.

Surge testing has begun in Wandsworth and Lambeth after 44 confirmed and 30 probable cases were identified.

The country involved was not on the red list for mandatory hotel quarantine at that time, but it is now.

The government said "strong measures" were in place to find new cases.

The prime minister's official spokesman added that the cluster of cases of the South African variant was being taken "very seriously" and the "testing processes that we have in place have been working well".

The link has not been proved beyond doubt, but is the working assumption of contact tracers.

An executive summary of the outbreak published on 12 April at 15:00 BST and marked "Official Sensitive" said the individual did self-isolate and requested a home test after showing symptoms.

It is thought the virus was spread from that individual to members of their household and then to a care home in Lambeth.

Twenty-three cases of the South African variant were detected in the care home - 13 staff and 10 residents.

Vaccination worries

Six of the 10 residents infected had received one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine two or more weeks before their positive test date.

One of the 13 infected staff had a single Pfizer vaccine dose two or more weeks before their positive test.

The timing may raise questions about the vaccination of care home workers at a time when the government is considering making the jab mandatory for that group.

Other clusters related to the first outbreak were detected at two primary schools in Wandsworth.

More than half of the pupils, teachers and their families who could have taken up extra surge testing made available since the cases came to light have now done so.

An examination of wastewater in a small area of nearby Southwark also identified the presence of the South African variant, though that has not yet been linked to the outbreak in Lambeth and Wandsworth.

Targeted surge testing is expected to be put in place in Southwark as a result.

The documents, from the National Covid-19 Response Centre run by the Department of Health, describe the ongoing risk to public health of the outbreak in south London as moderate.

NHS officials previously described the number of cases identified as "significant".

People aged 11 and over who live, work or travel through the affected areas have been urged to take a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, as well as using twice-weekly rapid testing.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the two boroughs were carrying out the "largest surge-testing operation to date", with additional testing sites being opened.

According to government figures, a total of 544 confirmed and probable cases of the variant have been found in the country overall.
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Call for women to 'stick together'

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Call for women to 'stick together'Call for women to 'stick together' A popular social networking forum in China has closed at least eight feminist channels, citing "radical political views". REUTERS

China cracks down on feminist groups

Several Chinese feminist channels on Douban, a popular social networking forum in China, were abruptly shut this week, triggering online anger and prompting calls for women to "stick together".

Douban has closed at least eight feminist channels, citing extremism, and radical political views and ideological content, women's rights supporter Zhou Xiaoxuan wrote on social media.

"I firmly support my sisters on Douban, and oppose Douban's cancellation of feminist channels," said Zhou, who in 2018 filed a sexual assault suit against a national TV anchor, fuelling China's #MeToo movement.

Reuters on Wednesday found that the groups mentioned in Zhou's post were no longer accessible, though other feminist channels and content existed on Douban - one of China's earliest online forums with discussion channels on a host of themes.

Privately owned Douban did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Handmaid's Tale

The deleted Douban channels included groups with links to the so-called "6B4T" movement, a variant of feminism originating from South Korea that urges women to refrain from relationships with men, reject religion and stop buying products such as a corset that are hostile to the female gender.

The closures prompted social media users to create new Douban channels in hopes of resurrecting the groups, while the hashtag "women stick together" sprang up on China's Twitter equivalent, Weibo, garnering almost 50 million views.

"We should stick together," one Weibo user wrote. "Otherwise 'The Handmaid's Tale' will be our tomorrow."

China says it seeks to empower women and protect their rights, but it does not tolerate activities and discourse - online or offline - that it feels could agitate social order or signify defiance to its authority.

Crackdown

In 2015, authorities arrested five activists, later dubbed the ‘Feminist Five’," who were planning to demonstrate against sexual harassment on public transport. They were released a month later.

"Generally, online platforms conclude that the government dislikes feminism, so they tend to restrict feminism," New York-based feminist activist Lv Pin told Reuters.
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Progress made with Constituency Development Fund Bill

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Progress made with Constituency Development Fund BillProgress made with Constituency Development Fund BillAmendments made The Constituency Development Fund Bill was tabled in parliament seven years ago but has not been enacted yet. KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU

The chairperson of the National Council, Lukas Muha, says progress has been made on the Constituency Development Fund Bill, which was tabled in parliament about seven years ago but has not been enacted yet.

Muha was responding to a Namibian Sun enquiry on the progress of the bill, which has collected dust for the past seven years despite its importance as far as development is concerned.

The bill, which is an initiative of the National Council and was tabled on 18 February 2014, aims to fast-track development activities at constituency level and address the issue of some constituencies being marginalised in terms of project funding.

The bill was prompted by criticism that regional constituency offices were not spearheading development, and that challenges such as water and electricity provision were left in the hands of central government.

Amendments

Muha says there have been fruitful engagements between the stakeholders involved, including urban and rural Development minister Erastus Uutoni.

He said amendments to the bill were necessary.

“The bill will become reality,” Muha said.

“We are receiving a very positive response from the National Assembly, more particularly the minister. He is showing keen interest in the bill so it can be enacted.

“There were issues that were considered but could not be considered by the cabinet committee on treasury so as a result the bill is still with the ministry.

“The ministry … found the amendments enough for the bill to proceed back to the cabinet committee on treasury but then on our side we picked up a few hiccups there.

“We have gone through the bill and for two months the bill was with the National Council. This week we will send the amended version to the ministry for them to see how it can advance to the next level,” Muha explained.

kenya@namibiansun.com
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Best Cheer workers on strike

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Best Cheer workers on strikeBest Cheer workers on strike STAFF REPORTER

KARIBIB

A strike was staged at Best Cheer Investments on Monday in a bid to draw attention to the plight of workers at the Chinese-owned company at Karibib where marble is mined and processed.

The workers voted in favour of a strike and set the relevant processes in motion since the issuing of the certificate of unresolved dispute on 17 February.

“We are planning to hand over a letter to the management to reinforce our demands,” regional coordinator of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) George Ampweya said.

“We are disheartened by the intentional disregard for set collective bargaining principles and the disingenuous fashion in which the company negotiation team, led by its legal officer Mr Chris Theron, has conducted themselves.”

‘Total disregard’

Ampweya accused management of refusing to meet the union’s demands for better pay.

Ampweya said the union submitted its proposals in February 2020.

“After only one meeting, management persisted with a zero percent increase, citing a strained economic climate and other Covid-19-related excuses.

“With this is mind, the union revised its initial proposal, which was also categorically rejected by the management negotiation team.

“This led to a deadlock and the union was forced to refer the matter to the office of the Labour Commissioner for conciliation in March 2020.

“We proposed an increase from the current N$3 070 to N$4 270 and an amount of N$700 which would apply as a housing allowance for those who reside in the town areas, and a bush allowance for those who reside on site at the company quarries.”

No comment

He said the company refused to increase salaries, even after two conciliation meetings at the office of the labour commissioner.

This resulted in the parties being issued a certificate of unresolved dispute.

Best Cheer Investments Namibia human resources manager Lovina Plato was contacted for comment, but was driving at the time and promised to return the call once she was able to do so.
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Develop heritage tourism

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Develop heritage tourismDevelop heritage tourism ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

A national strategy on sustainable heritage tourism development and employment creation opportunities at community level will be launched next week in Windhoek.

This will be done through the arts and culture ministry and the tourism ministry in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Spokesperson of the tourism ministry Romeo Muyunda said that the two ministries have a joint responsibility to promote sustainable cultural tourism in Namibia.

He said this strategy was aimed at assessing various economical strategies in heritage tourism to improve the abilities of communities to derive maximum benefits from their heritage resources through sustainable tourism practices.

It also aims to accelerate the creation of jobs and economic growth through heritage tourism at community level and can function as a tool for resource mobilisation for heritage-tourism-related projects.

“Namibia has a wealth of cultural heritage resources, but while some tour operators currently feature some history, heritage sites and events, the robust scope to create a heritage tourism programme has not been developed. This national strategy proposes some strategies and actions to strengthen this component of the tourism offerings in Namibia,” said Muyunda.

He said tourism is an important sector in Namibia, generates a significant number of jobs and is a valuable foreign-exchange earner for the economy.

“As we roll out this strategy, it is important to recognise and strengthen the role of communities not only as mere participants, but also as active and equal partners in defining the role of cultural tourism to development.”

Muyunda said the strategy envisions a vital heritage tourism scene in Namibia, highlighting the country’s rich historical, natural and cultural offerings to attract more visitors and enrich, delight and inspire tourism experiences.

Domestic tourism

He said that with the coronavirus pandemic presenting challenges to global tourism, it is imperative that Namibian strengthens domestic tourism as an alternative revenue base for communities living in and around sites of cultural significance.

“Domestic tourism, if promoted strategically, could aid in stimulating the economy and has the potential to create jobs for locals, help alleviate poverty and the high level of poverty.”

The strategy will be launched next Wednesday.
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COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEFCOMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF Tesco reports 2 billion pounds profit

Tesco, Britain's biggest retailer beat its guidance by reporting total adjusted retail operating profit of 1.99 billion pounds (US$2.74 billion) after seeing "exceptionally strong" sales during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The retailer reported a 6.3% rise in group like-for-like sales, including a 7.7% lift in its core British market. UK online surged 77% to 6.3 billion pounds as it doubled capacity to 1.5 million slots a week.

Operating profit, however, fell 14.7% as the company incurred costs in adapting to the pandemic. Chief Executive Ken Murphy said Tesco had shown incredible strength and agility.

"While the pandemic is not yet over, we're well-placed to build on the momentum in our business," he said.

It said that while some of the additional sales volumes would fall away as Covid-19 restrictions ease, it expected a strong recovery in profitability and retail free cash flow as the majority of the costs incurred in the pandemic would not be repeated. - Nampa/Reuters

American Airlines expects 1Q revenue to plunge

American Airlines said on Tuesday it expects its first-quarter revenue to plunge about 62% compared with the same period in 2019, and to post a loss of about US$2.7 billion to US$2.8 billion, excluding the gains from a payroll support program.

The company had previously forecast a decline of between 60% and 65%. Earlier in the quarter, the airline reached an agreement with Boeing to defer delivery of 18 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to 2023 and 2024 from the previous target of 2021-2022, and convert five 787-8 aircraft to 787-9 aircraft.

American Airlines now expects its average daily cash burn rate for the quarter to be about US$27 million per day compared to its previous forecast of US$30 million.

Excluding about $8 million per day of regular debt principal and cash severance payments made, the company's cash burn rate turned positive in March, American Airlines said in a regulatory filing.

It expects to end the first quarter with nearly US$17.3 billion in total available liquidity. - Nampa/Reuters

United Airlines to fund sustainable aviation

United Airlines said on Tuesday it has partnered with global firms including Nike and Siemens in an 'Eco-Skies Alliance' to finance use this year of about 3.4 million gallons of low-carbon, sustainable aviation fuel derived from trash.

Though tiny compared with the 4.3 billion gallons of jet fuel that United consumed in 2019 prior to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the amount triples the roughly 1 million gallons of sustainable fuel it has used each year since 2016.

Airlines have used sustainable fuel since 2008 as part of efforts to reduce outright emissions, but so far this represents barely 1% of the fuel used worldwide, industry groups say.

Chicago-based United did not disclose the cost of the plan, nor how much its 11 partners would contribute. It said the project gives customers a way to help reduce the environmental impact of flying beyond buying carbon offsets.

Air transport accounts for 2%-3% of greenhouse gas emissions, the French aerospace association said on Tuesday. Environmental groups argue the sector's overall contribution is higher. - Nampa/Reuters

Scale raises US$325 mln at US$7 bln valuation

Scale AI said on Tuesday it had raised US$325 million in fresh funding, doubling its valuation to US$7 billion in just over four months, as the artificial intelligence (AI) firm plans to increase hiring and expand its product offerings.

Investment firms Dragoneer, Greenoaks Capital and Tiger Global co-led the Series E funding round, which included new investors Wellington Management and Durable Capital. Existing shareholders Coatue, Index, Founders Fund and YC also took part.

Scale, which counts the US Department of Defense and the US Air Force among its customers, raised US$155 million at a US$3.5 billion valuation in December.

The company uses AI to improve the accuracy of documents processing, categorize products and make logistics paperwork easier to execute.

"The AI industry is at an inflection point where every business is looking to implement an AI strategy and we are starting to see a real-world impact," Neil Mehta, founder of Greenoaks Capital, said in a statement. - Nampa/Reuters

Norwegian Air to raise more money

Norwegian Air now aims to raise up to 6 billion crowns (US$711 million) in fresh capital before emerging from bankruptcy protection next month, more than the 4.5 billion originally planned, the company said yesterday.

"We want to take a conservative approach at a time when the pandemic and travel restrictions continue to create unpredictability in the travel sector," Chief Executive Jacob Schram said in a statement.

Financed largely by debt, Norwegian Air grew rapidly, serving routes across Europe and flying to North and South America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East before the Covid-19 pandemic plunged the airline into crisis.

Courts in Oslo and Dublin have recently given their approval for Norwegian to sharply cut its debt by converting it to stock, but the rulings were conditional on Norwegian raising at least 4.5 billion crowns in additional funds.

The survival plan brings an end to Norwegian's long-haul business, leaving a slimmed-down carrier focusing on Nordic and European routes, but the ongoing spread of the virus continues to hamper the industry. - Nampa/Reuters
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Swakop women tied up, gagged

April 14, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Swakop women tied up, gaggedSwakop women tied up, gagged ERWIN LEUSCHNER

SWAKOPMUND

Three masked and armed men broke into an apartment in Swakopmund’s Vineta residential area yesterday morning, attacking two women.

The burglars have not been an arrested.

According to the Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch (SNW), the incident occurred between 06:15 and 07:00 in Fischreiher Street.

The men, armed with a knife, a panga and a pistol, removed an aluminium window frame and entered through it.

“They surprised, hit and tied up a female caretaker,” the SNW said.

One of the men then confronted an 87-year-old woman in her bedroom and asked for money.

“She pretended to faint and the perpetrator gagged her and tied her hands and feet,” the SNW said.

The perpetrators did not enter another elderly woman’s room, who slept through the ordeal.

The men searched the house and fled with a small safe, around N$400 in cash and cellphones, among other things.
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