Namibian Sun

Booys denied bail NAMPA

WINDHOEK

Former Okahandja regional councillor Steve Biko Booys, who stands accused of rape, was denied bail when he appeared in the Okahandja Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Booys stands accused of raping a 20-year-old woman in January this year and has been in custody since February.

During the formal bail application, public prosecutor Veruka Njembo argued that he would abscond if granted bail and said the investigation was still in the early stages as the court is still waiting on lab results.

“The refusal to grant bail and the detention of the accused shall be in the interest of justice… The investigating officer places it on record that the State has a strong case against the accused person and that there was medical proof that the complainant had recent sexual intercourse,” said Njembo.

The case was postponed to 14 July 2021 to allow for further police investigation and for the lab results and evaluation reports to be made available.

Magistrate Khaepriums Swartz presided over the case, while legal representative Vernon Lutibezi represented Booys in the matter.

NHE staff demand resignationsNo confidence in CEO, board chair, finance manager National Housing Enterprise employees say there has been no progress at the parastatal in the last five years. OGONE TLHAGE

WINHDOEK

Employees of the National Housing Enterprise are up in arms at the fact that company CEO Gisbertus Mukulu’s contract has been renewed.

The employees have also requested newly appointed Namibia Revenue Agency chief Sam Shivute to step down from his position as board chair, saying that it has not been steered to success in the last five years.

NHE staff members had last week written several petitions speaking out against Mukulu’s continued stay at the enterprise and his performance since his appointment as CEO.

Company secretary Ntalemo Ntalemo said the concerns over Mukulu’s had been brought to the attention of Shivute.

“We requested that the current board of directors resign and leave the board of the NHE. We stated that the position of the CEO must be advertised and filled, in the interim we could appoint a CEO,” said Ntalemo.

According to him, NHE management wanted to present their grievances to urban and rural development minister Erastus Utoni.

“We required from the board a meeting, management and the board to sit together and hear the board’s position. We addressed these issues, then the board through the chairperson alone, he said look, you have no powers to fire the board, you should take it with the line minister and the president,” Ntalemo said.

Finance manager

The board also requested the resignation of FNB finance manager Oscar Capelao.

“On the issue of the CEO’s renewal, the chairperson did not express himself and simply glossed over the issue of conflict of interest because we required him to step down now that he vacate the board and also Mr [Oscar] Capelao because he works at FNB [commercial bank] and they do in some cases on housing finances compete with NHE,” Ntalemo said.

“On those issues Sam still refused and advised there is no conflict in terms of him serving on the board. The board announced the reappointment or the renewal of the CEO and that shocked us quite a lot because we were going to put out evidence in terms of how NHE has performed over the period of five years so that we demonstrate to them the direction that NHE is taking because in our view, NHE is not doing well,” Ntalemo said.

Zimbabwe seeks new investors for ZISCOBoosting output from the mining sector ZISCO owns an iron ore mining unit with an installed capacity of 2.16 million tonnes of ore a year as well as a wire products company. The successful investor would be expected to contract out at least 35% of engineering, procurement and construction business to locals. Martin Manuhwa, Chairman: ZISCO

Zimbabwe's state-controlled iron and steel company ZISCO has invited new investors to help revive operations at the company that has been the target of interest from Indian and Chinese investors in the past, a company document seen by Reuters showed.

Essar Africa Holdings, a unit of India’s Essar Group, agreed to invest up to US$4 billion in Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (ZISCO) in 2011 but the deal collapsed.

An agreement by China's R&F to invest US$2 billion in 2017 also fell apart after Harare authorities sought to renegotiate the deal.

ZISCO acting chairman Martin Manuhwa said in a circular seen by Reuters on Tuesday that the firm was again looking for new investors "who would be interested in availing funds to resuscitate" the company.

Interested investors should submit their expression of interest by April 30. Successful investors would then be invited to participate in the bidding process for the funding.

Capacity

The successful investor would be expected to contract out at least 35% of engineering, procurement and construction business to locals, Manuhwa said.

ZISCO owns an iron ore mining unit with an installed capacity of 2.16 million tonnes of ore a year as well as a wire products company.

ZISCO is 89% owned by the government. In 2018, Zimbabwe's parliament approved a bill that allowed the government to take over about US$500 million of debt owed by ZISCO to local and foreign creditors.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, under pressure to deliver on his promise of jobs, has anchored a revival of Zimbabwe's economy on boosting output from the mining sector.- Nampa/Reuters

Covid-19 hits Rehoboth school hard62 children quarantined in hostel Staff and parents at Rehoboth complain about the handling of an outbreak of Covid-19 at the local high school. JEMIMA BEUKES

The Rehoboth High School (RHS) hostel, where more than 62 learners are quarantined, has reportedly turned into a breeding ground for Covid-19 due to poor services provided by the health ministry.

The ill learners are kept at the hostel where they mingle with other learners and hostel staff because the government has no alternative facilities.

The learners are quarantined in different blocks and are supervised by hostel staff and the matron, who administers the medication.

Hardap education director Gerhard Ndafenongo yesterday confirmed that the learners are in the hostel as recommended by the health ministry.

According to him health concerns were raised with his office but queries in this regard must be directed to the ministry of health.

School principal Johanna Ferreira vehemently denied these concerns and said they were trying their best to handle the situation but they could not be expected to operate like a private school.

“People are complaining non-stop. There is not a single hostel staff member who has tested positive for Covid-19; it is just me and three management members and one teacher,” she said.

Parents in fear

Hostel staff say it is a daunting task handling the situation because the learners were never isolated after their tests, which were delayed for weeks and so exposed other people to Covid-19.

“The supervisors are also positive now because they have worked with these learners without wearing any personal protective equipment (PPE).

“They risked their lives. There was even a case when some of the learners experienced difficulty breathing at night and we had to boil water for them to drink. We called the health officials but they only came the next day,” one staff member said.

Katrina Kapia, mother of one of the learners, said she was unhappy because healthy and infected children were all holed up in the hostel, albeit on different floors.

“My child is negative and she is still in the hostel and they are in regular contact. They use the same bathroom and we are not sure if the toilets are properly cleaned,” she said.

She was also worried about the upcoming exams because learners have not attended school for the last two weeks.

“I am very worried about mathematics because they haven’t had maths lessons since the start of the year,” she said.

Ndafenongo said there are no examinations scheduled for April.

jemima@namibiansun.com

US government donates equipment for Covid-19 testing NAMPA

WINDHOEK

The United States government has donated laboratory equipment to the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) to support the ministry of health and social services in its ongoing efforts to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.

The equipment, valued at N$6.2 million, consists of 30 centrifuges, 15 vortex mixers, 12 biosafety cabinets, 10 refrigerators and 10 freezers.

The equipment will be distributed throughout Namibia and will strengthen laboratory capacity, provide a safer working environment for laboratory staff, and increase the availability of temperature-controlled storage for samples and tests.

The donation, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is part of the N$100 million Covid-19 assistance for Namibia from the US government, which the US embassy announced in April 2020.

It said the lab equipment was procured by USAID’s supply-chain partner Chemonics and handed over to NIP, the largest diagnostic pathology service provider in the country, to enhance the capacity to screen and test for Covid-19 nationwide.

US ambassador Lisa Johnson said: “The lab equipment donation delivers on the United States’ promise to assist Namibia as we all battle this virus. We are in this together. America remains committed to contributing to global health security and humanitarian assistance worldwide, including here in Namibia.”

The ministry of health and social services has laid the groundwork in making sure the country is prepared for any impact from Covid-19, the people of Namibia have played an active role in taking the required precautions and implementing regulations to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, she added.

Johnson further said that today’s challenges necessitate continued cooperation not only between the two governments but with other donors, the business community, civil society organisations, and the people of Namibia.

Johnson also expressed appreciation to healthcare workers for their selflessness by putting their lives on the line for others.

LPM won’t lead Swapo – Mumbala JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

Swapo has boycotted council meetings where the //Karas regional council management committee was supposed to be elected because it will “never bow down” to the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), which makes up the members of the committee.

The committee - chaired by LPM’s Joseph Isaak - has been in limbo for five months because two additional members could not be elected.

The impediment to these elections was the absence of Swapo councillors, who simply submitted apologies for their absence.

The ordinary members were, however, nominated and elected from LPM members who were the only councillors present at last week’s council meeting.

Swapo //Karas regional coordinator, Matheus Mumbala, said it is unthinkable that Swapo councillors should be led by an LPM-chaired management committee.

“Now you want to tell me, my two councillors, they should sit in a management committee chaired by LPM? How can the minority chair a meeting? If they want us to be part of the management committee, then they must be out from the management committee or two or three Swapo and one LPM.

They are arrogant, did you see the leader in Parliament who said for five years they will not negotiate with Swapo?

“We know LPM cannot move without Swapo but they do not want to form a government. Swapo has their reason why they didn’t attend,” he said.

Waived their right

The chief regional officer Beatus Kasete confirmed that the three-member management committee is now made up of only LPM members.

According to him, magistrate Elzabe Konjore in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate's Court advised that because Swapo councillors were absent from all scheduled meetings after the swearing-in ceremony, they automatically waived their right to be part of the election.

“The magistrate informed us that since they were invited and gave written apologies, they waived their right, meaning they cannot be nominated or elected [to] any position because they cannot affirm their availability,” he said.

Swapo !Nami#Nus constituency councillor Susan Ndjaleka declined to comment and referred questions to Kasete.

An LPM councillor and member of the management committee said it was a very unfortunate situation because for five months the region was in limbo.

“/Karas region now has a management committee and we are now going to work for our people. We were already behind with four months. We want to work for our people,” he said.

Konjore declined to comment on the matter, saying she cannot speak about her work.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Vivo Energy Namibia rewards top retailersExcellence awarded and loyalty lauded A night of champions Charmaine Indongo, Retail Manager of Vivo Energy Namibia - “Every morning somewhere in Namibia, a Customer Champion, Quality Marshall or Shop Attendant wakes up to go and attend to motorists at close to 70 Shell service stations countrywide. Today we want to reward and recognise these core frontline team members that proudly carry the Shell brand on a daily basis.” Staff reporter

Vivo Energy Namibia, the marketer and distributor of Shell branded petroleum and lubricant products in Namibia, recognised and rewarded top performing retailers in a glitzy ceremony held at the Windhoek Country Club last Thursday night.

Despite the 100-person limit imposed on social gatherings by government, close to 60 retailers attended the awards while the event was also livestreamed on Vivo Energy Namibia’s Facebook page.

Celebrating champions

In her welcoming remarks, retail manager of Vivo Energy Namibia, Charmaine Indongo, spoke of the value that retailers bring to the overall Shell business. “Every morning somewhere in Namibia, a Customer Champion, Quality Marshall or Shop Attendant wakes up to go and attend to motorists at close to 70 Shell service stations countrywide. Today we want to reward and recognise these core frontline team members that proudly carry the Shell brand on a daily basis.”

She added that staff play a key role towards the success of the business and that rewarding and recognising them helps to ensure that staff feel valued, appreciated, and motivated.

Vivo Energy Namibia Managing Director Edward Walugembe acknowledged the resilience of Shell Service Station Retailers amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, lauding them for keeping up with the pace of change in the business that 2020 brought forth.

“I would like to thank all of our Retailers for not only heeding the call from the Namibian government with regards to Covid-19 preventative protocols, but also for going the extra mile and delivering the promise that has now become a swiftly adopted culture across the Vivo Energy Group. Our Clean and Safe Sites campaign continues to be the hallmark of our service offering and one of the reasons people prefer the Shell brand,” Walugembe said.

“It is also due of our Retailers’ willingness to continuously change and evolve with the business that we are now able to adopt and rely on innovations such as online and virtual platforms, contactless payments, and that we are able to take on increased opportunities for partnerships in the retail space,” he added.

Best of the Best

The winners of the Night of Champions and related prizes are as follows:

• Site of the year: Ndama Service Station, Rundu (Retailer won a weekend away for two to the value of N$6 000 and all site staff won N$4 300 cash each);

• HSSE Site of the Year: Vineta Service Station, Swakopmund (Retailer won a weekend away for two to the value of N$6 000 and all site staff won N$2 900 cash each);

• Territory Manager of the Year: Innocent Mutumbulwa (A weekend away for two to the value of N$6 000);

• Quality and Hygiene Marshall of the year: Caroline Ouses from Vineta Service Station, Swakopmund (N$4 300 cash); and

• Convenience Retail Site of the Year: Echo Service Station, Rehoboth (Retailer won a weekend away for two to the value of N$6 000 and all shop and kitchen staff won N$2 200 cash each).

The awards also recognised long service awards for staff that have served for more than 25 years at the various Shell sites across the country, including Champions such as Fillipus Haufiku from Omaruru Engineering Works service station, who celebrated 32 years in service.

Child-slapping boy in Outapi court today• Viral video leads to arrest A 17-year-old boy who assaulted a five-year-old girl on a video clip is facing two criminal charges.

TUNOHOLE MUNGOBA

ONGWEDIVA

Omusati police have confirmed the arrest of a 17-year-old who was seen in a video clip assaulting a five-year-old girl.

The video has gone viral on social media and the boy is appearing before the Outapi Magistrate's Court today on two charges - assault and contravening the Child Care and Protection Act.

The assault happened at Oshaala village in the Onesi constituency on 6 April.

“It is alleged that the suspect beat the victim with open hands until she fell to the ground and allegedly further instructed a friend to take a video clip and also circulate it on social media. The elders were not home during the incident,” said Omusati police commissioner Moses Simaho.

The suspect is being detained at the Tsandi police station. He is a grade 8 learner at Oshaala Combined School. The police investigation continues.

Our conflict diamonds Our diamonds have become conflict diamonds. Conflict in the local definition which implies the scramble to enrich well-connected people.

The tender to valuate Namdia diamonds was nothing but an 'eating' scheme by the politically connected. There is now common consensus that once the current Nuska contract to valuate diamonds ends in October, the whole function of outsourcing diamond valuations will be discontinued.

What this consensus tells us is that the scheme was not necessary in the first place – and that it was simply introduced as a clandestine cash cow, birthed by former mines minister Obeth Kandjoze and his cohorts in the deal.

The fact that President Geingob never acted in this matter also leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of a common man – but it shouldn't surprise anyone.

First, why was this contract – worth between N$600 million and N$1.5 billion – never put on public tender for all interested parties to apply?

Second, how was a sanitation entity, devoid of history let alone capability in this field, thrust into the job? Who presided over this award and what did they base their award decision on?

Third, how did Doron Cohen, a flamboyant Israeli with well-documented State House links, land the contract - or better yet, how did he get involved in the first place?

What is sad in Namibia is not just the existence of grand-scale corruption. The fact that people entrusted with fighting corruption simply look the other way is the greatest act of betrayal anyone can commit against the republic.

Otjiwarongo Municipality's budget approvedBudget of about N$143 million N$8 million be spent on land development, while N$9 million will go toward community and social projects. As a council it is our mandate to improve the lives of our residents by not only supplying them with services. Godhard Hoko, Chairperson: The Otjiwarongo Municipality

The Otjiwarongo Municipality’s local authority councillors on Tuesday approved the municipality’s 2021/22 capital and expenditure budget of more than N$131 million during a special council meeting.

The council in 2020 tabled a budget of about N$143 million dollars.

Chairperson of the Otjiwarongo Municipality management committee, Godhard Hoko, tabled the budget, which was unanimously approved by six other local authority councillors who attended the meeting, including Mayor Gottlieb Shivute.

Hoko in his official statement said before the budget was tabled, the municipality’s management committee and top officials engaged in extensive discussions and considerations in order to bring about meaningful change in the town.

“As a council it is our mandate to improve the lives of our residents by not only supplying them with services, but also by improving their living conditions,” he said.

Hoko said it was agreed that N$8 million be spent on land development, while N$9 million will go toward community and social projects.

The construction of a new fire station, the resealing and upgrading of roads and upgrading of public parking facilities and bus stop stations are also mentioned in the budget.

Hoko also announced a zero percent increase in rates and taxes during this financial year.

“The council will also continue to subsidise pensioners and recipients of government social grants on their monthly bills for water, sewerage and sanitation services provided by the municipality,” said Hoko.

The budget will be forwarded to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni for final approval before it is implemented. - Nampa

NamRa

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Rape accused healthcare worker Dennis Noa will be moved to the Seeis police holding cells outside Windhoek, Magistrate Johannes Shuuveni ordered yesterday at the accused's first court appearance.

Noa, a medical intern, is accused of raping a male patient at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital on Sunday after the patient had been admitted for head injuries.

An unused condom had been found at the scene of the incident, prompting investigations.

State prosecutor Filemon Nyau requested that Noa be remanded in custody, arguing that granting him bail would not be in the interest of the administration of justice and that he would be a flight risk.

Noa's lawyer, Janike McLeod-Janser, did not oppose Nyau's arguments but asked that he be moved from the Wanaheda police station to the Seeis holding cells for his own safety. Noa is a son of Anti-Corruption Commission director-general Paulus Noa, and it is feared his safety may be compromised because of his father's work.

Magistrate Shuuveni consented to the move and said a formal bail application could be brought on 19 April.

Villagers retaliate by eating locusts• Food experts say annoying insects are edible It's an “eye for an eye” affair up north, where communities are fighting back at swamrs of locusts by turning them into a relatively unusual delicacy.

TUYEIMO HAIDULA

OSHAKATI

The arrival of massive swarms of locusts in northern Namibia, especially in the Kavango West and East, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions, has been a blessing in disguise for some families who have started eating the insects as a delicacy.

The agriculture ministry responded to the outbreak and ministry spokesperson Jona Musheko confirmed that they are spraying pesticides in the affected areas.

Namibian Sun asked people in the know whether eating locusts was in any way harmful to humans as videos of the villagers consuming the locusts caused a stir on social media platforms.

Eating locusts is also very unorthodox and unusual within many Aawambo communities, some of whom claim it leads to swollen throats.

Celilia Nkuvi, a food scientist, said it is safe to consume locusts. Nkuvi was quick to point out that the only locusts safe for human consumption are those which have not been sprayed.

“The contaminated ones are harmful and people should not even consider consuming them. Those not sprayed are okay as insects are rich in iron and zinc in human nutrition and I would even recommend them for pregnant women,” she said.

A part-time human nutrition lecturer at the University of Science and Technology, Erick Uukule, said one can compare the locusts to caterpillars/omagungu, a well-known delicacy in the Aawambo tradition.

Uukule said locusts are classified as edible insects and they are a good source of protein, with some species reported to contain up to 50g/100g (dry basis) of crude protein.

“Another positive thing is that this protein is much more digestible compared to protein obtained from plant sources, for example. I don't know who exactly is consuming these locusts, but chances are that its mostly people whose income does not allow them access to animal protein, which is far better than plant-based protein. So, consuming these insects is actually good for them,” he said.

Pesticides a concern

Uukule said different pesticides have different time frames/periods over which they break down before the treated food item can be deemed safe for consumption.

“I am not well versed in that regard, but the public should be made aware of that fact and cautioned accordingly,” he said, adding that for now it is safer not to consume locusts which have been sprayed as they are contaminated.

Sharing the same sentiments as Nkuvi and Uukule is Simaneka Mbeeli, a nutrition lecturer at Welwitchia Training Health Centre.

Mbeeli said several articles have featured people in Israel and some African countries consuming locusts with no reported cases of poisoning.

“Some authors have even praised the choice to eat the mentioned insect because it is a good source of protein and calcium, which makes up its exoskeleton. Consumers should however be mindful not to harvest insects that have been exposed to insecticides. Residues of fumigation chemicals may be toxic to humans when they accumulate,” he warned.

tuyeimo@namibiansun.com

Clearing agents fail Namra test

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Less than 20% of the clearing agents who sat for the mandatory competency test to obtain certification passed the test.

There are currently 343 active clearing agents, who act on behalf of importers and exporters and arrange customs clearance of trade merchandise. Under the Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) Act, clearing agents must pass a competency test in order to qualify for a licence.

Official statistics provided to Namibian Sun by Namra indicate that only 29 of the 212 agents who wrote the test managed to pass.

Namra boss Sam Shivute yesterday said the low pass rate was an indication that “there are people serving as clearing agents and their understanding of the Customs and Excise Act and procedures is limited”.

In January, the finance ministry warned agents that failure to comply with the new requirements by 31 March 2021 would result in them losing their licences.

The agents have blamed the government for rushing the launch of the agency without putting in place the necessary structures and systems.

Some also complained that the test was too difficult and that the scope of the test was more for those with a customs background.

“These guys just rushed things but they are not prepared.

“There are even international requirements from the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund that Namra has not met yet, now they are rushing the agents to catch up,” said an agent who chose not to be named.

Another clearing agent said the government introduced a “half-baked” product.

Officials at the agency disagree, saying the agents did not want to be subjected to stringent licensing measures aimed to ensuring tight regulation of the industry which has over the years operated in the dark, a situation that cost the country millions of dollars in lost import and export taxes

.

New regime

Shivute feels “the agents need to up their game and develop a deeper understanding of the customs procedures”.

This, he says, will help to legitimise and ensure that trade is duly facilitated and that traders pay their fair share of customs duties and taxes to the state.

He also indicated that the 31 March deadline has been extended.

“The new date will be communicated to clearing agents and we will create training programmes. Namibia is the only country in SACU that did not require clearing agents to sit for a competency test,” he said.

As for claims that the test was difficult, Shivute said a different approach would be sought, should failure rates remain high.

“Should it be found or confirmed that the content is not easy to understand, it will be reviewed with the aim of making it easy for the agents to understand,” Shivute said.

He did not say whether clearing agents who failed the test would be required to cease operating their businesses.

Half-baked

At least four clearing agents who spoke to Namibian Sun accused the government of rushing the launch of Namra. Most of those who passed the test were former employees of the then Directorate of Customs and Excise.

“The questions are designed for customs officials,” claimed an agent who had taken the test.

“There is a lot of conflict of interest.” Agents added that while there were concerted efforts to help them get acquainted with the knowledge during the previous regime under the ministry of finance, it had now changed with the agency.

“In the past there were workshops and then you go and write the test, now there is no such thing,” officials said.

To pass the competency test, agents must understand international trade frameworks such as the Kyoto Convention, the World Trade Organisation trade facilitation agreement and regional agreements. Agents are also required to master the general principles of risk management. Agents are also required to understand the rules of origin related to trade.

GIPF increases pension benefits by 3%

PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) announced a 3% pension benefit increase, effective 01 April 2021 for all GIPF pensioners.

In the current volatile economic outlook, the Fund continues to provide guaranteed benefits to members. A pension increase serves to cushion pensioners from unexpected changes in their purchasing power and hence the incessant ability to increase members’ benefits annually is driven by the Fund’s collective commitment to guard and grow members’ financial security.

“In awarding a pension increase, the Fund had to strike a delicate balance by considering the volatile investment returns due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, there was also a need to manage the pensioners expectations with regards to pension increases and to ensure that they are still able to live a decent lifestyle above inflation.

The Fund is happy that even during what would be termed as a difficult time, it is still able to provide pension increases above inflation”, said David Nuyoma, GIPF chief executive officer (CEO).

Credit uptake unresponsive to low ratesThe repo rate remains unchanged at 3.75% The successful procurement and quick rollout of Covid-19 vaccination in Namibia will be critical for speed of the economic recovery. The economy remains weak and requires some support. Johannes !Gawaxab, Governor: Bank of Namibia (BoN)

PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

Despite the repo rate being at a historical low of 3.75% to making borrowing attractive, credit uptake by businesses and households remain weak.

Private sector credit extension (PSCE) averaged 2% during the first two months of 2021, much lower than the 6.7% recorded during the same period in 2020.

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) held their second monetary policy announcement for the year and decided to leave the repo rate unchanged at 3.75%. This implies that the prime lending rates for local commercial banks will also remain at 7.50%.

The monetary policy committee (MPC) of the BoN is of the view that the rate remains appropriate to continue supporting domestic economic activity, while at the same time safeguarding the one-to-one link between the Namibia dollar and the South African rand.

In an interview with Market Watch, central bank governor, Johannes !Gawaxab notes that the domestic economy remains weak and requires some support.

He adds that inflation is well contained and the outlook for the rest of the year will be around 3.2%.

Some of the financial developments that led to decision to leave the rate unchanged is the domestic economic activity that contracted severely by 8% in 2020, compared to a contraction of 0.6% in 2019.

Contractions were observed in key sectors such as tourism, transport, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, as well as the public sector, !Gawaxab pointed out.

The contraction was mainly due to the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the sharpest declines in output recorded in the tourism and transport sectors.

Green shoots

On the contrary, activity in the electricity and water, as well as information and communication sectors, recorded positive growth during the same period.

Recent developments in the domestic economy also pointed to subdued activity in most economic sectors during the first two months of 2021, compared to the same period of 2020. Going forward, the domestic economy is expected to grow by 2.7% in 2021, he added.

Annual average inflation increased to 2.7% during the first two months of 2021, compared to 2.3% for the corresponding months in the previous year.

The increase in inflation was mainly reflected in the food and beverages categories during the period under review.

On a monthly basis, overall inflation stood at 2.7% in February 2021, the same as the previous month. Overall inflation is projected to average around 3.2% for 2021, he said. The next meeting of the MPC will be held on the 15th of June 2021.- phillep@nmh.com.na

Inflation heats up

Phillepus Uusiku
Consumers will have to pay more for the same quantity of goods as the overall annual inflation rate for March 2021 increased to 3.1% compared to 2.4% recorded in March 2020, an increase of 0.7 percentage points.
Last month, the rate was 2.7%.
With regard to the zones, Zone 3 (//Kharas, Erongo, Hardap and Omaheke) recorded the highest inflation rate of 3.7% from 2.5% recorded in March 2020.

Local sport is lekkerAction-packed weekend lined up Sports is slowly returning to normal despite strict public health regulations.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

This weekend athletes will take to the stage, competing in athletics, hockey, netball and football.

In no particular order, elite Paralympic athletes Ananias Shikongo and Johannes Nambala will be familiar faces when the senior athletics championships take place at the Independence Stadium this weekend.

It has been a while since these athletes stepped onto the track. Michael Hamukwaya, the secretary-general of the Namibia Paralympic Committee, says not only will the elite athletes feature, but there will be a new group of talent coming forth.

“Different regions will be represented as this is one of the last chances for qualification. The relay team might also feature,” said Hamukwaya.

He added that it is important to see that Athletics Namibia (AN) has included para-athletes in their event and that other federations follow suit.

Records and trendsetters

On the side of the able-bodied athletes, the likes of Beatrice Masilingi and Christine Mboma will be in action. The two young sprinters will not push themselves too much and will take it easy, according to their coach, Henk Botha.

“This is just to give back to the Namibian supporters; do not expect great times,” he said. The young athletes are setting records which many believe will restore Namibia's name in track and field after a drought that followed the retirement of Frank Fredericks.

The two youngsters recorded two fastest 400-metre times in the world this year, with Mboma breaking a 30-year world under-20 record. The record still has to be verified by World Athletics.

This weekend's event will be hosted by AN and will serve as qualifier for the Tokyo Olympic Games set for 23 July 2021 to 8 August, as well as the Paralympic Games which will follow right after from 24 August 2021 to 5 September.

Other sports events that will take place over the weekend include the Africa Indoor Hockey qualifiers. Namibia will be represented by the senior women's team, who are looking to defend their title against hosts South Africa and Botswana. The men's senior side will also feature and will face competition from Botswana and Zimbabwe.

The games will serve as qualifiers for the 2022 Indoor Hockey World Cup in Belgium. The MTC Namibia Football League will see action-starved footballers returning to the scene. The matches are set for Windhoek's Sam Nujoma Stadium, the Mariental Stadium, the Jan Wilkens Stadium in Walvis Bay and the Mokati Stadium at Otjiwarongo. Namibia Media Holdings will broadcast the matches live on the Namibian Sun Facebook page, cross-shared on the Sport Wrap page.

Super 10 take to the field

Netball is also on the agenda for the weekend, with the Khomas Netball Super 10 set to start today with action between Wanderers 1 and Wanderers 2 to open the season at the Wanderers Sport Field.

Rugby action will also take place over the weekend in Windhoek and Rehoboth.

For all the action mentioned above, see detailed fixture log for the time and place the matches will commence.

Semenya wins 5 000m race• Falls short of Tokyo qualifying time Semenya trimmed nearly 15 seconds off her personal best by crossing the line in 15 minutes and 52.28 seconds - 42.28 seconds outside the Tokyo qualifying time of 15:10.

NAMPA/AFP

Double Olympic 800-metre champion Caster Semenya moved closer to qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Games in a new event after defending her South African championships 5 000m title in Pretoria yesterday.

The race was staged at an altitude of 1 339 m and Semenya is considering running the same distance at sea level, where the air is less thin and times generally faster.

“If the guys in Durban (sea-level city) do something in May, I might run,” Semenya said after her victory.

The qualifying deadline for Tokyo is June 29 with the Games scheduled from July 23 to August 8. Semenya cannot defend the 800m title in Japan as she refuses to abide by World Athletics' testosterone-reducing regulations covering distances from 400m to the mile.

The South African is among a minority of female athletes who have an unusually high level of testosterone, which gives them added strength.

Two legal bids by the South African to overturn the ban have failed and she has taken her fight to the European Court of Human Rights, who have not indicated when the case will be heard.

“I am pretty happy with how I ran (today) - it is all about having fun.

I can't really focus on Tokyo if I'm still building up myself at the moment.”

The 30-year-old winner of the London and Rio 800m Olympic gold medals turned the tables on her training partner Glenrose Xaba, who clocked 15:55.25 and had beaten Semenya comfortably in a regional meet two weeks ago.

Last year, Semenya announced she would pursue Olympics 200m qualification.

But the three-time 800m world champion has changed her mind, believing distance races will lengthen her career.

“I am 30 years old and if I were to do sprints it would be a risk to my muscles. In distance (running), there is more time to find consistency,” said the three-time world 800m champion.

Hertha team in isolation NAMPA/REUTERS

Strugglers Hertha Berlin players and staff were sent into isolation for 13 days after coach Pal Dardai, assistant coach Admir Hamzagic and striker Dodi Lukebakio tested positive for Covid-19, the club said.

Sports director Arne Friedrich, who has the appropriate coaching licence, will provisionally take over as coach with the team living together until then and leaving their designated base only for matches and training.

“We are forced to isolate due to the positive cases,” Friedrich said. “We will limit contacts and have daily PCR tests to have as much safety as possible.”

“We have to accept this challenge as a team and do everything so we can lay the remaining games successfully.”

Hertha are deep in relegation trouble with six games remaining in the season and travel to fellow strugglers Mainz 05 on Sunday.

Hertha are in 15th place on 26 points, as many as 16th-placed Arminia Bielefeld who occupy the relegation playoff spot. (Reporting by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Bank Windhoek awards vehicle sales peopleStriving in a tough economic environment The northern motor vehicle dealers believed that Bank Windhoek's relationship-driven culture worked well for the industry. Let us continue exploring opportunities in the north to take the northern motor vehicle industry to greater heights. James Chapman, Executive for retail banking services and specialist finance: Bank Windhoek

STAFF REPORTER

Bank Windhoek awarded salespeople and dealerships in the motor vehicle industry at its first Northern Selekt Sales Awards ceremony hosted in Oshakati last week.

Ongwediva Indongo Toyota’s Nikanoor Shindombo won the best Salesperson Category, while Indongo Ford Ongwediva’s, Anton Kandjimi, was announced as the second-best Salesperson. The Best Dealership Category saw Indongo Toyota Ongwediva receive the top honour, with Pupkewitz Toyota Oshakati and Indongo Ford Ongwediva walking away as the second and third prize winners.

Bank Windhoek's executive officer of retail banking services and specialist finance, James Chapman, commended the northern motor vehicle's industry resilience and resolve despite a challenging economic environment. He also added that the first Northern Selekt Sales Awards ceremony signifies the Bank's commitment to investing in the northern motor vehicle industry to meet customers' needs and support the Namibian economy.

“As a wholly-owned Namibian bank, we see ourselves as a partner for growth, supporting the Namibian economy. Bank Windhoek will continue supporting you to make the success of the northern vehicle industry," said Chapman. "Thank you for your loyalty, and let us continue exploring opportunities in the north to take the northern motor vehicle industry to greater heights."

Strengthening relationships

Asked how he navigated a challenging 2020, impacted by Covid-19, Shindombo shared that he remained upbeat despite the challenges. “Whatever the situation might be, I did not divert from our direction and mission of assisting our customers 100 percent," said Shindombo, who shared that he will continue to improve and add more value to his profession.

The Dealer Principal at Indongo Toyota Ongwediva, Taati Kamule, said that his team was positive throughout the year to overcome the challenges experienced in the current economic environment. "We pulled together and made the best of the situation," he said. “We made the customers feel comfortable and welcomed them into our dealerships, which significantly contributed to us winning the first prize,” said Kamule.

The Dealership Principal for Pupkewitz Toyota Oshakati, Walter Perestrelo, said: “Taking Covid-19 into account and the global economy's downturn, we had to go out and do the unconventional, by looking for customers and building new relationships, focusing on customer-centricity,” he said.

The northern motor vehicle dealers believed that Bank Windhoek's relationship-driven culture worked well for the industry. They shared that they are delighted to do business with Bank Windhoek and encouraged the Bank to continue providing the best customer service and assistance as a relationship-driven bank.