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Charcoal association warns against veld fires

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Charcoal association warns against veld firesCharcoal association warns against veld fires STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

The office of the Namibia Charcoal Association (NCA) at Otjiwarongo has received complaints about veld fires at Hochfeld, Kalkfeld, Outjo and Wilhelmstal.

It is a known fact that many veld fires are caused by charcoal production.

Last year, the directorate of forestry introduced new measures for charcoal production that must be adhered to, especially during the dry season.

The NCA calls on all charcoal producers to immediately apply these new measures, as the excessive grass in large parts of the country poses a massive fire risk.

“We appeal to all charcoal producers and non-charcoal producers to familiarise themselves with the veld-fire prevention guidelines for charcoal, to jointly manage the risks and prevent unnecessary veld fires,” the NCA said.

Report offenders

The association said farmers who observe that charcoal producers do not apply these measures and where risk should approach the relevant landowner or charcoal producer.

“Where this is not possible or where the conversation did not go according to plan, offenders should be reported to the NCA, with photographic evidence, if possible.”

The NCA office will pass it on to the relevant regional forestry offices, which will then inspect the farms.

Offenders' harvest licences can immediately be suspended.
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Agronomists reflect on challenges

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Agronomists reflect on challengesAgronomists reflect on challengesFocus on soil and crop efficiency It is imperative for crop farmers to understand their soil, what kind of nutrients they may be lacking, soil chemical risk levels, and when to plant seeds, says soil expert Dr Chris Schmidt. STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

The Agronomy Producers Association (APA) held its annual member meeting at Grootfontein recently.

The meeting served as a platform for producers to reflect on the previous year’s challenges and achievements and devise a plan of action for the year ahead.

The event was well attended by different role-players in the industry such as producers, the Namibia Agronomic Board, Agricultural Trade Forum, various input suppliers, millers and the Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) as the umbrella union.

The highlight was a presentation by soil expert Dr Chris Schmidt on soil fertilisation during and after a good rainy season. He gave an overview of how producers can enhance crop efficiency.

This was followed by a field visit with a demonstration of crop and soil analysis.

Improving yields

The presentation highlighted that crop yields are an essential aspect of every producer, impacting how profitable it can be.

According to the NAU, learning how to improve crop yields is key to successful farming.

“It is imperative for producers to understand their soil, what kind of nutrients they may be lacking, soil chemical risk levels, and when to plant seeds. All of this will positively affect the outcomes.”

The union says that the concept of high-performance agriculture is key in understanding the importance of crop yields.

“How much you can produce within a given amount of land is how efficient you are as a producer. In today’s economy, being able to do things efficiently is as important as ever.”

Although maximum crop yields are not the only determining factor of efficiency, it is the bottom line.

Schmidt mentioned other essential actions that producers need to take note of, such as measuring soil chemical status as comprehensively as possible, setting yield targets against historical data, incorporating microelements into the programme, using appropriate fertiliser blends and side-dressing or pre-planting.

The main sponsor of the event was Namib Mills, with co-sponsors Agra, Agrigro and Aqualand.
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South African Uber drivers at risk

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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South African Uber drivers at risk South African Uber drivers at risk Lack of training and safety equipment Uber will be increasing the frequency to ensure more drivers know of the safety offerings available to them. We prioritise the safety of everyone who uses our app and we work hard every day to be the best we can be. Samantha Fuller, spokeswoman: Uber in sub-Saharan Africa. KIM HARRISBERG

Uber South Africa pledged to increase safety campaigns for food delivery drivers and review the insurance they provide following a Thomson Reuters Foundation expose about the mounting risks faced by drivers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The expose published earlier this month found a lack of training and safety equipment as rising numbers of mainly migrant drivers take to the roads to earn a living, and poorly advertised and often insufficient insurance cover.

Figures obtained exclusively by the Thomson Reuters Foundation showed a 30% jump in road accidents involving food couriers in May and June last year as South Africa eased its lockdown and the numbers of drivers rose.

"As a business we prioritise the safety of everyone who uses our app and we work hard every day to be the best we can be, but there is always room for improvement," said Samantha Fuller, spokeswoman for Uber in sub-Saharan Africa.

Although these campaigns were already planned, Uber confirmed that they will be increasing the frequency to ensure more drivers know of the safety offerings available to them, such as emergency assistance and injury protection.

Of 27 delivery drivers interviewed by the Thomson Reuters Foundation all of whom were migrants and involved in accidents only five knew of any insurance scheme by gig platforms, including one who got compensation for lost income.

This compensation was from local grocery delivery company, Checkers Sixty60, but the driver in question said the amount of R5 200 was not enough to cover his medical costs. - Nampa/Reuters
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Israeli diamantaire threatens to sue newspaper

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Israeli diamantaire threatens to sue newspaperIsraeli diamantaire threatens to sue newspaperEditor refuses to retract story Nuska Technologies' Doron Cohen's lawyers gave this publication until 21 April to retract a story about a Namdia diamond valuation deal gone sour. STAFF REPORTER



WINDHOEK

An Israeli-owned diamond firm currently valuating Namdia diamonds has threatened to sue this publication over an article published earlier this month.

On 14 April, Namibian Sun reported that a fallout between C-Sixty Investments and its technical agent, Nuska Technologies, last year 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, which belonged to businessmen John Walenga and Tironnen Kauluma at the time, had Nuska as its technical partner for a job to evaluate diamonds for 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.

Following the publication of the article titled ‘Israeli dribbles C-Sixty in diamond deal’, Nuska’s lawyers Kangueehi & Kavendjii Incorporated threatened to sue Namibian Sun over the report.

According to the lawyers, Cohen never went behind C-Sixty’s back to take over the contract. They, however, did not deny that he submitted a proposal to the ministry.

Retract – or else

The lawyers further stated in their demand letter - dated 20 April 2021 - that the article implies that Cohen is greedy, corrupt and inappropriately landed the valuation contract.

They also feel the article created the impression that Cohen conspired with certain people in the mines ministry to take over the valuation contract.

“It is our firm and unequivocal instructions to - on an urgent basis - demand that you publish an unconditional apology and retraction before close of business on 21 April 2021, failing which we shall bring legal action against the Namibian Sun newspaper without further notice,” the letter further read.

Namibian Sun editor Toivo Ndjebela responded to the demand letter saying “we will not retract our story or apologise to him”.

“If Mr Cohen has alternative facts to what we have published - the very facts we sought from him for three months - we guarantee him his right of reply in our newspaper,” Ndjebela said.

Deal suspended

The controversial diamond valuation arrangement - to which former mines minister Obeth Kandjoze committed government - will no longer be needed when it runs out in September, Namibian Sun has learnt.

Alweendo earlier this month made it clear that his ministry will not be needing such services any more, and this is said to be a tactic to reduce the ministry’s expenditure.

According to the details of the current deal, the ministry is responsible to pay C-Sixty’s valuation costs, the company which was handpicked in 2016 to conduct the services for five years.

It is still not clear why Kandjoze sanctioned the ministry to foot the bill instead of Namdia. He did not reply to questions sent to him.

Kandjoze’s successor was seemingly not happy with the arrangement when he took over the ministry in 2018.

Alweendo last year notified C-Sixty that the contract would be discontinued.

He told Namibian Sun two weeks ago that “the ministry will not need such services”.

His Cabinet colleague, public enterprise minister Leon Jooste, said Namdia will have to put the contract out on tender if they wish to continue using external valuators.

“At this stage, Namdia feels that they won’t need this any further,” Jooste said.
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Movement accuses Geingob of ‘black apartheid’ tactics

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Movement accuses Geingob of ‘black apartheid’ tacticsMovement accuses Geingob of ‘black apartheid’ tacticsPresident’s visit ‘shrouded in secrecy’ The tragedy birthed the Namibia Lives Matter Movement, which has for months advocated for justice for the lives of the slain men and other Namibians who have died at the hands of the BDF. Kenya Kambowe







RUNDU

The Namibian Lives Matter Movement has accused President Hage Geingob of applying what they term ‘black apartheid’ divide-and-rule tactics.

This, apparently, to turn the Nchindo family and various traditional authorities in the Zambezi Region against members of the movement, they said.

Tommy, Martin and Wamunyima Nchindo were shot and killed last November alongside their cousin Sinvula Muyeme, a Zambian national, when members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) found them in the southern channel of the Chobe River.

The Nchindo men’s mother, Alphonsina Mubu, died five days later, while their sister was hospitalised for shock.

The tragedy birthed the Namibia Lives Matter Movement, which has for months advocated for justice for the lives of the slain men and other Namibians who have died at the hands of the BDF.



Meanwhile on Monday, presidential spokesperson Dr Alfredo Hengari issued a press statement denouncing the movement, and detailed how Geingob - along with a delegation - met with traditional leaders in Zambezi and visited the Nchindo family at Impalila Island.

‘We will continue to fight’

Geingob’s visit to Zambezi has been met with surprise by members of the movement, who said the move was shrouded in secrecy.

In a statement yesterday, the movement accused Geingob of applying tactics likened to the apartheid regime.

“The divide-and-rule tactics Hage is using are reminiscent of black apartheid. We denounce them and condemn them,” the statement read.

“The president thinks he can use our traditional authorities against us; he is mistaken. We also know that some people are not pleased to see [the] Namibian Lives Matter Movement uniting the region.

“The movement will continue fighting for justice for all slain residents of the region and will not allow the BDF to continue taking lives of innocent people,” the statement read.

kenya@namibiansun.com
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N$127k raised through ‘problem’ elephant hunt

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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N$127k raised through ‘problem’ elephant hunt N$127k raised through ‘problem’ elephant hunt ELLANIE SMIT



WINDHOEK

A rogue elephant that was hunted this weekend would have died a painful death if it was not killed by a professional hunter.

A total of N$127 500 was raised to hunt the problem elephant in the area between Otjiwarongo and Otavi, where the animal damaged fences on farms as well as in the Waterberg National Park.

However, professional hunter Jofie Lamprecht has denied reports that he hunted this elephant over the weekend.

Lamprecht confirmed that the animal was ethically and cleanly hunted on a permit under the guidance of a registered Namibian professional hunter from another company with his international client.

Of the proceeds raised from the hunt, N$20 000 will go to the environment ministry’s game products trust fund, while N$107 500 will go to the Platveld Farmers Association for damage caused by the elephant. All the funds were handled through a lawyer’s trust bank account and can be fully accounted for, Lamprecht said.

Relocation not possible

He added that the destruction of fences in the area, where disease-free buffalo occur, puts buffalo at risk of being infected by cattle-borne diseases.

“This is unacceptable for this valuable Namibian natural resource,” he said.

On why the elephant was not relocated instead of being put down, Lamprecht said since Namibia’s elephant population is already well above sustainable numbers in most of their ranges, moving the animal would have harmed the biodiversity and environment.

“At what cost would this elephant have been removed by darting and translocating it, and to what end?”

He stressed that the elephant bull was not collared and further said it had a car tyre stuck around its right foot.

“Abscesses had already formed and it is the opinion of several people that this tyre would not have come off unless, at great cost, the elephant was sedated and the tyre removed.”

Lamprecht said the injury to the elephant’s foot would, however, have caused the animal great pain and a prolonged suffering.

Maintaining wildlife populations

“Problem animals in Namibia will continue to occur, and we can only hope to raise revenue with these animals to cover the damage caused. We have reduced these animals’ home-range, which is us as humans’ fault, with many large mammals not being able to co-exist within the growing human range.

“We should protect what we have with animals in their wild ranges, where they belong, undisturbed by man,” Lamprecht said.

“It is our intention as hunters not to devastate wildlife populations, but to maintain to them for future generations to see the wonder and majesty of all of Africa’s species.”
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MTN, Safaricom bids for operating licence

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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MTN, Safaricom bids for operating licenceMTN, Safaricom bids for operating licenceOpening up Ethiopia's telecoms industry Vodafone, Vodacom, the United Kingdom's CDC Group and Japan's Sumitomo Corporation are also part of the consortium. We will select the winners after technical and financial evaluation is completed. Balcha Reba, Director General: Ethiopian Communications Authority Ethiopia's finance ministry said on Monday it had received two bids, from South Africa's MTN and a consortium including Kenya's Safaricom, for new telecoms operating licences.

The announcement is the latest step in the Horn of Africa nation's efforts to liberalise its economy. The country of 110 million people has one of the world's last closed telecoms markets.

Vodafone, Vodacom, the United Kingdom's CDC Group and Japan's Sumitomo Corporation are also part of the consortium, the finance ministry said in a tweet announcing the two bids it had received.

Brook Taye, a senior advisor at the finance ministry, told Reuters that it should not take more than a week for the winners of the licences to be announced.

"We will select the winners after technical and financial evaluation is completed," Balcha Reba, director general of the Ethiopian Communications Authority, said at a press conference on Monday.

The licences will pave the way to open up Ethiopia's telecoms industry, which is considered the big prize in the country's push to liberalise the economy.

Liberalisation

The liberalisation will also involve the sale of a 45% stake in Ethio Telecom, which has said it also plans to launch mobile money transfer services.

"It seems companies like Orange and Etisalat are more interested in buying a stake in Ethio Telecoms," Brook said, referring to the French and the United Arab Emirates mobile operators.

Kenya's Safaricom said in a statement that "for structuring purposes, the respective consortium members may invest through special purpose investment vehicles".

The company estimated in 2019 that it would have to pay about US$1 billion for a new licence. Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said the consortium had submitted a "strong tender".

MTN had no immediate comment. The bid winners will secure full operating licences, but they will not be allowed to operate mobile phone-based financial services, government officials said last year.

They will also be required to set up their own network infrastructure, such as cell phone towers, they said. - Nampa/Reuters
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Muniaro dispels politics as reason for water cut

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Muniaro dispels politics as reason for water cut Muniaro dispels politics as reason for water cut Ageing pipes to blame The Swapo-affiliated union, which recently had its electricity cut, owes the City of Windhoek N$3 million for water. OGONE TLHAGE







WINDHOEK

The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) has discovered that ageing water pipes are the reason for its astronomical water bill, the union’s secretary-general, Job Muniaro, says.

This bill was also the reason its electricity had been disconnected, he explained.

The Swapo-affiliated union owes the City of Windhoek N$3 million for water alone, Muniaro said.

He dismissed suggestions that the disconnection of its water and electricity was a politically motivated decision by the opposition-controlled city council.

“I don’t want to comment on that. If the water was not paid, it is only fair for them to do that. It has nothing to do with politics. If politics was the intention, then it is known to them alone,” he said.

Work as usual

The real reason, he said, was leaking underground pipes that neither the union nor the City had been able to detect.

“You have almost every month a water bill of N$90 000… We did an investigation with the City of Windhoek; they did not detect anything. We could not observe all the pipes,” Muniaro said.

Despite the water and electricity disconnection, the union was continuing its work, he said.

“We will live with it; we have other offices where we will operate from.”
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EDITORIAL

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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EDITORIALEDITORIAL The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has gone fishing. Its leader, Panduleni Itula, whose eloquence captivated the nation ahead of both the 2019 and 2020 elections, has also vanished from the radar.

With so much happening in the country, IPC - which for context is the ruling party in the Erongo Region - is nowhere in national discourse. The only time the party’s name is mentioned is when its members desert it.

Namibia cannot be saved by deafening silence and non-activeness. IPC functionaries argue that they are doing their things in silence, whatever that means. The party was not voted for its own sake but to help shape the narrative and direction of the country in practical terms.

For a party eyeing improvement at the ballot box in 2024, IPC is slowly disappearing into obscurity. The fear that gripped its competitors is slowly fading and confidence is building again.

Namibians are dying to know what IPC’s policy position is on the myriad of challenges confronting us every day, but the party is as silent as a morgue. It has deserted Namibian voters in their hour of need - the need for inspiration and promise for a better tomorrow.

What IPC does with its time and resources is their own prerogative. But it must account for each promise it made to the Namibian populace, especially now that it is ruling in some parts of the country.
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Vivo Energy Namibia celebrates ISO certification

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Vivo Energy Namibia celebrates ISO certificationVivo Energy Namibia celebrates ISO certificationQuality assurance The standard provides a model for the oil marketer to build and maintain an effective quality management system. The certificate awarded to Vivo Energy Namibia is a testimony that the company executes its business activities in a consistent manner. Chie Wasserfall, CEO: NSI STAFF REPORTER

Vivo Energy Namibia, the company that distributes and markets Shell branded fuels and lubricants in Namibia, has been awarded ISO 9001: 2015 certification for implementing a recognised Quality Management System (QMS).

ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognised quality management standard developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The standard provides a model for the oil marketer to build and maintain an effective quality management system. The standard is based on several quality management principles, including having a strong customer focus, commitment from the company leadership, an outlined process-based approach, and continual improvement of the QMS.

The scope of Vivo Energy Namibia's certification includes receiving of hydrocarbons and lubricants, supply and distribution, storage and handling, transportation to the retail and commercial industries, and the supply of industrial chemicals.

Activities at Vivo Energy Namibia’s corporate headquarters, its fuel depots in, Windhoek and Tsumeb, and its satellite office and lubricants warehouse in Walvis Bay are included in the physical scope of certification.

Efficiency

Vivo Energy Namibia's ISO 9001:2015 certification was issued by the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI), a specialised agency responsible for promoting standardisation and quality assurance in the industry, commerce and the public sectors in Namibia, with the aim of improving product quality, industrial efficiency and productivity, and to promote trade.

Chief Executive Officer (CE) of the NSI, Chie Wasserfall applauded Vivo Energy Namibia for being the first company to be certified by the NSI in the petroleum and fuels sector in Namibia. “After auditing Vivo Energy Namibia’s quality management system, the NSI has found it to be in compliance with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard”, Wasserfall said. “The certificate awarded to Vivo Energy Namibia is a testimony that the company executes its business activities in a consistent manner and proves that the company commitment to quality is a streamlined approach”, she added.

The Managing Director (MD) of Vivo Energy Namibia, Edward Walugembe noted that the ISO 9001:2015 certification was a great honour for the company, as it seeks to become the most respected energy business in Namibia. “The attainment of this certification is another key milestone for us at Vivo Energy Namibia, especially as we enter into the 10th year of our presence in the Namibian market as a Shell Licensee”, Walugembe stated.

“The assurance that we would like to give the NSI and all our customers is that we will continue to live by the principles in this standard throughout our operations as we bring our products and services to Namibian motorists”, he added.
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Zambezi movement accuses Geingob of ‘black apartheid’ tactics

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Zambezi movement accuses Geingob of ‘black apartheid’ tacticsZambezi movement accuses Geingob of ‘black apartheid’ tactics Kenya Kambowe



RUNDU

The Namibian Lives Matter Movement has accused President Hage Geingob of applying what it terms ‘black apartheid’ divide-and-rule tactics.

This, apparently, to turn the Nchindo family and various traditional authorities in the Zambezi Region against members of the movement, they said.

Tommy, Martin and Wamunyima Nchindo were shot and killed last November alongside their cousin Sinvula Muyeme, a Zambian national, when members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) found them in the southern channel of the Chobe River.

The Nchindo men’s mother, Alphonsina Mubu, died five days later, while their sister was hospitalised for shock.

The tragedy birthed the Namibia Lives Matter Movement, which has for months advocated for justice for the lives of the slain men and other Namibians who have died at the hands of the BDF.



Meanwhile on Monday, presidential spokesperson Dr Alfredo Hengari issued a press statement denouncing the movement, and detailed how Geingob - along with a delegation - met with traditional leaders in Zambezi and visited the Nchindo family at Impalila Island.

‘We will continue to fight’

Geingob’s visit to Zambezi has been met with surprise by members of the movement, who said the move was shrouded in secrecy.

In a statement yesterday, the movement accused Geingob of applying tactics likened to the apartheid regime.

“The divide-and-rule tactics Hage is using are reminiscent of black apartheid. We denounce them and condemn them,” the statement read.

“The president thinks he can use our traditional authorities against us; he is mistaken. We also know that some people are not pleased to see [the] Namibian Lives Matter Movement uniting the region.

“The movement will continue fighting for justice for all slain residents of the region and will not allow the BDF to continue taking lives of innocent people,” the statement read.

kenya@namibiansun.com
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50% of NBC jobs under threat

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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50% of NBC jobs under threat 50% of NBC jobs under threat OGONE TLHAGE



WINDHOEK

Half of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) employees could lose their jobs if the subsidy from the state remains the same, the broadcaster’s board chairperson Lazarus Jacobs said yesterday.

For the current financial year, the NBC received N$127.5 million from state coffers in statutory funding. If the broadcaster gets the same amount next year, up to half of its workforce could be threatened, Jacobs said.

“If the subsidy remains, 50% of the workforce will have to be let go. Our war is not about increases, it’s about jobs,” he said.

Jacobs added that while the workforce could be cut, this is not something the broadcaster is considering.

“It’s not impossible to cut the fat; the board is seized with saving jobs given the current financial situation. We face an existential threat - will we be able to pay N$17 million per month?” he asked.

Not a priority

Meanwhile, NBC board deputy chairperson Tim Ekandjo said salary increments should not be seen as a priority.

“We cannot invest money into salaries. You cannot give money to salary increases while you cannot pay salaries. NBC is in no financial position to pay salary increases, let’s get rid of the history,” he said.

Director general Stanley Similo added that the national broadcaster’s wage bill could balloon to N$284 million if it gave in to workers’ demands. He further said it was up to government to decide how much to give to the NBC.

“In principle, it is not a problem if you can afford it,” Similo said.

Affecting the public

Furthermore, the Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU) has warned that the NBC strike is limiting the flow of information.

“NAMPU notes that the unresolved labour stand-off continues to negatively affect the flow of crucial information to the public. This is a wake-up call to the NBC and various owners and stakeholders in the media - including those who claim to be champions of press freedom but never talk about the welfare of journalists and media workers - to recognise and take cries about poor working conditions and underpayment of journalists seriously, or face the music,” its secretary-general Sakeus Ileka said.

NBC workers are demanding an 8% increase, but in a statement this week, the corporation said it is facing serious financial challenges, due to its budget allocation being reduced by 62%.
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‘Special treatment’ for billionaire murder accused

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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‘Special treatment’ for billionaire murder accused‘Special treatment’ for billionaire murder accusedBrit hides behind injured hand to avoid custody The English businessman, who has not spent a single night behind bars for the murder of his employee in February, is living in a posh Windhoek retirement home ahead of his bail application. FRANCOISE STEYNBERG







WINDHOEK

Namibian authorities are under the microscope for the perceived special treatment of British billionaire Harvey Boulter, who has not spent a single night behind bars since being indicted for the killing of his employee in February.

When the matter returned to court at Outjo this week, Boulter was not in attendance, rather delegating his legal team to appear on his behalf.

After allegedly injuring his hand in the scuffle that took the life of his employee Gerhard van Wyk (54), Boulter spent a short period in MediClinic hospital in Windhoek, before moving into upmarket retirement village, Auas Hills.

Van Wyk’s legal team has argued that while Boulter is being kept out of jail supposedly due to his injured hand, Auas Hills is not a hospital but a residential facility.

Police chief, Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga, has strongly denied allegations that the British billionaire was receiving special treatment from authorities.

Not surprised

The influential businessman is facing trial for the murder of his farm manager and will formally apply for bail in the Outjo Magistrate's Court on 5 May.

Boulter (51) appeared in absentia in the Kamanjab Magistrate's Court on Monday.

His legal representative, Evert Gouws, appeared on his behalf before Magistrate Immanuel Udjombala. Pendapala Hamunyela appeared for the State.

According to a public prosecutor from Otjiwarongo, John Kalipi, an accused may appear in absentia, for instance when the accused is ill or hospitalised and cannot appear in court.

Kalipi said in such a case, the accused's legal representative can appear in court on behalf of the client after a formal application.

Jan Wessels, who represents the family of the deceased, said he was not surprised that Boulter appeared in absentia on Monday.

"It cannot be denied that he is receiving special treatment. Auas Hills is not a hospital," he said.

"During the bail application, a lot of valuable information will come out, but that is to say if the State will oppose bail. This man has a lot of power and money,” Wessels said.

Boulter has a permanent right of residence in Namibia because of his investments in the country.

Tragic evening

The Brit was arrested on his farm exactly two months ago on the evening of 27 February after the shooting incident.

Van Wyk died on the way to Outjo State Hospital from a stomach wound, which was allegedly inflicted by Boulter during an argument. Boulter was admitted to the same hospital under police surveillance after he allegedly shot himself in the hand during the incident.

He appeared in the Outjo Magistrate's Court on 2 March on a murder charge and was denied bail, after which he was admitted to hospital for treatment. He was then admitted to the Auas Hills clinic in the capital.

Van Wyk's wife Alta and son Gerhard also work at Kaross.

Who is Harvey Boulter?

Namibian Sun previously reported that Boulter wanted acquire an additional 50 000 hectares of land adjacent to Kaross when he bought the farm in 2012.

Boulter bought the 9 109-hectare Farm Kaross from Tammy and Uwe Hoth in 2012. The farm was previously known as Kavita Lion Lodge.

He later also bought a neighbouring farm called Pionier from the Hoths.

The deed of transfer shows that two portions of Farm Kaross were bought by Boulter through a company known as Grace Investment 15 for more than N$19.25 million.

As CEO of the Porter Group, Boulter had close ties with the British defence ministry and his security clearances apparently ranged from "secret" to "top secret".

It appears he has also rubbed shoulders with world leaders such as Bill and Hillary Clinton. Information that emerged in a lawsuit in which Boulter was involved in 2011 with 3M led to the resignation of the then secretary of defence in Britain, Liam Fox.

According to the London newspaper, The Times, Boulter led a luxurious life in Dubai and owned, among other things, a yacht and private jet.
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NASRIA declares millions in dividends

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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NASRIA declares millions in dividends NASRIA declares millions in dividends The only special risks insurer in Namibia The company had positive returns on its fixed income investments, with total interest income of N$29.3 million We suffered capital losses of N$2.5 million due to falling markets at the time of reporting. Adrianus Vugs, Board chairperson: NASRIA PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

Despite the harsh economic conditions, Namibia Special Risks Insurance Association (NASRIA) still managed to stay true to their mandate and bring positive results to the shareholder.

The only special risks insurer in Namibia which serves as a special niche that is imperative for national development by providing cover against damage on property and labour disturbances, amongst others, declared dividend of N$6.8 million to the government on Monday.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Adrianus Vugs, board chairperson of NASRIA notes that despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the company remains financially sound with sufficient financial reserves to mitigate the risks underwritten.

“In terms of Insurance operations, gross written premiums increased by 12% to N$62.1 million while the net written premiums increased by 14% to N$48 million. Net premiums earned increased by 8% resulting in an underwriting surplus increase of 21% to N$38.4 million,” Vugs pointed out.

In terms of investments, the company had positive returns on its fixed income investments, with total interest income of N$29.3 million. Dividend income from listed equity investments rose to N$2.5 million.

“We suffered capital losses of N$2.5 million due to falling markets at the time of reporting and we are not immune to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which had a global impact financially,” he said.

Outlook

The chairperson encouraged small and medium enterprise’s (SME’s) to take advantage of the Namibia Financial Sector Strategy Credit Guarantee Scheme as it functional through all local commercial banks.

The rationale behind the scheme is to ensure that SME’s with excellent prospects for success and have viable business plan, but lack collateral to obtain loans.

Commercial financial institutions require the security of collateral to ensure that their capital is preserved in the event of an SME being unable to repay their loans, he said.

Apart from the Credit Guarantee Scheme, the company is busy with a feasibility study for the Namibia Agricultural Insurance scheme aimed at assessing farmers in rural areas.

The study aims at understanding of risks associated with crop loss, their preparedness and contingency planning in the event of long dry spells and crops being destroyed due to pests and diseases.

Furthermore, the feasibility study will also assess the extend to which prescribed insurance products would be attractive and affordable to farmers, evaluate the demand for insurance products in agriculture and gauge how a good, affordable insurance product can be positioned effectively.
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Agriculture a potential growth engine

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Agriculture a potential growth engine Agriculture a potential growth engine STAFF REPORTER

The agricultural sector is receiving much more policy attention in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns about supply chain disruptions.

According to Simonis Storm (SS), the sector is being regarded as a potential growth engine in Namibia after emerging from years of drought.

The rainy season started well at the beginning of 2021, with most areas receiving above average rainfall that filled all major dams. However, some areas in particular in the north-west are still suffering from prolonged droughts.

Despite the promising start, the outlook is mixed due to various factors. A dry spell after the rainfalls in January raised concerns about the crops that was only mitigated after widespread showers fell in the middle of March also in areas that have so far not received sufficient rain, SS said.

It is expected that crops can recover from the dry spell. Some areas in the north east experienced an outbreak of locusts since the second half of 2020 that the Ministry of Agriculture tries to control. The locusts have moved further to the west affecting crops in the Kavango and central-north regions.

Output

The overall impact on crop output in the communal areas still remains to be seen. Better grazing conditions in most parts of the country will result in further rebuilding of livestock herds that will, however, lead to fewer livestock being marketed and hence less supply to abattoirs and consequently lower exports, Ss added.

The lack of supply is reflected in inflation rates for meat products hovering around double-digit figures since the second half of 2020. Adding to the woes of livestock farmers and meat producers in the northern communal areas was the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that has been brought under control recently, SS pointed out.

This disruption could result in the closure of abattoirs in the northern regions that were just re-opened a few years ago. The sector was one of a few sectors that recorded a positive growth rate in 2020.
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'Frugal innovation' Africa's ticket to green development

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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'Frugal innovation' Africa's ticket to green development'Frugal innovation' Africa's ticket to green developmentResearch investment needed Taking simple local solutions to larger scale could drive climate-smart development and jobs on a continent that needs them. Government is effective sometimes when they get out of the way. - Bright Simons, a Ghanaian entrepreneur Laurie Goering - Cash-short Africa will need "frugal innovation" based on simple, local solutions to deal with serious and growing problems, from climate change to a surging youth population and a lack of jobs, African entrepreneurs and officials say.

The good news is Africans "have frugal reflexes. They have been doing frugal innovation a long time", said Fatima Denton, director of the UN University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa, based in Ghana.

But sparse research funding, government restrictions, a cultural under-appreciation of entrepreneurs and a focus by many governments on large-scale industrialisation as the way ahead are holding back efforts, she and others said.

Tackling such barriers could help Africans create millions of new jobs, find ways to deal with climate threats and spur development, they told an online event during the recent Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship.

"We're really kidding ourselves if we think all the solutions for the Global South will come from the Global North," said Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, a Nigerian entrepreneur who co-founded Andela, a company that trains software engineers.

"The amount of money that typically goes into building infrastructure that will guard the future is billions of dollars, which Africa will not have for a long time. So we will have to pursue frugal innovation," he said.

BOOTSTRAP-STYLE INNOVATION

Africa has already seen its share of bootstrap-style innovation, from the rapid spread of smartphones across a continent with few landlines to apps that can help climate-hit farmers adapt crops in response to seasonal weather forecasts.

Bright Simons, a Ghanaian entrepreneur, has developed verification technology to help buyers detect fake seeds, medicine and other products, a big problem across Africa.

He said African governments could spur more innovation by identifying "moonshots" - thorny problems they want solved - then stepping back to let entrepreneurs try and fix them.

"Government is effective sometimes when they get out of the way," Simons said.

But a dearth of research funding from governments, businesses and other bodies is a serious impediment to testing and scaling up grassroots innovation, he added.

Today, Africa as a region contributes just 1% of global scientific reports and other research "goods", Denton said, largely because it is poorly resourced.

A surge in innovation, particularly in terms of taking small ideas to market, won't happen unless that changes, Simons said.

"Rebalancing that equation is critical to letting frugal local innovations see the light of day," the Ghanaian noted.

PLENTIFUL OPPORTUNITIES

Africa has already missed some opportunities, Aboyeji said.

The idea for ride-sharing giant Lyft developed in part after co-founder Logan Green visited Zimbabwe and noticed widespread ride-sharing there due to a lack of public transport and private car ownership, Aboyeji said.

Now that company is bringing in billions, while Zimbabweans still struggle to get around.

"We don't know the value of what we have," Aboyeji said. "Lyft could have been a billion-dollar African company."

But other opportunities are plentiful, he said.

African entrepreneurs are looking into how to eliminate power-sucking condensers in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, which could slash energy use and make cooling more widely available on a fast-heating continent, he said.

Many African farmers also by default grow organic food, because they can't afford expensive chemical fertilisers and pesticides, Simons said. Hooking them up with organic-hungry buyers in Europe could pay dividends for both.

And in a continent that will have half the world's working-age population by 2035, finding innovative ways to educate children could have a big payoff in the long run, Aboyeji said.

"How do you educate people on a continent where you have another 400 million children coming and an existing 30-plus million kids already out of school?," he said. "Clearly, the old infrastructure cannot work."

FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Denton said Africa was in a good position to benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focused on a fusion of digital, physical and biological advances.

A 2019 study by her institute found that of the 63 essential elements needed for that revolution and new low-carbon technologies, 42 are found in Africa, particularly rare minerals.

On a continent that has long seen its natural resources harvested to build wealth elsewhere, "how do we make sure this time we are much more savvy and ahead of the curve, and not open to predation?" Denton asked.

Too many African leaders remain focused on industrialising their countries by building steel factories and other heavy industry, when greener and potentially more lucrative alternatives are available, she added.

In an era of growing concern about climate change, "we have a huge responsibility to see how we can develop otherwise", she said.
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Ending gendered patterns of labour

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Ending gendered patterns of labourEnding gendered patterns of labourUnlock African women's potential Women reskilling is vital to position themselves for opportunities in a volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous world. Ekemini Akpakpan - Covid-19 has shown the urgent need to reimagine our world – and more critically, to reimagine it for women. It has exposed the vulnerabilities of livelihoods and persistent inequalities affecting women in the context of the African workforce.

In Africa, women are disproportionately employed in the informal economy in small-scale food processing, subsistence farming and petty food trading, suffering poor working conditions and living standards as a result.

The lack of power willed by women in these sectors – because they are functioning primarily in gendered roles, and still grappling with barriers like unfair land laws and poor access in the food supply chain – puts them at a considerable disadvantage.

These vulnerabilities call for urgent examination of investment in women’s human capital, in order to realise their potential in the workforce and economy in Africa.

The human development approach focuses on advancing human well-being by enriching people, rather than the economy. The focus on creation of opportunities for people to live lives they value, and provision of an enabling environment for people to make choices, will be what allows African women to realise their full potential in a post-Covid-19 world.

Breaking down gender segregation

Gendered patterns of division of labour have already reduced the scope of women’s economic participation across Africa.

Despite that the educational attainment gender gap is nearly closed, this has not translated into new opportunities in the job market for African women. They are mostly placed in service-sector roles like hairdressing, fashion retail and food catering.

The pandemic further exposed the underpinning gender-socialisation constructs, starting with the fact of women’s heavier burden of caregiving during this difficult time. Shouldering more domestic work also exacerbates their poor well-being and working conditions.

Job losses hit African women disproportionately hard during the crisis, with widespread technology adoption in the customer care and administrative roles they predominantly occupy. The impact has been even harder on the ageing female population, who lack the relevant skills to reinvent their careers.

During the pandemic, there was some anecdotal evidence of new opportunities opening up for women in food and agriculture. A Niger Delta study in Nigeria suggested women were better positioned to support their families as key actors in the food and agricultural sector, at a time when their spouses' income in the oil and gas sector declined during the pandemic.

But women’s lack of capability to transform this sector is reinforcing their lack of economic resilience in the longer term. For instance, women in the informal economy are yet to explore technological possibilities in food retail, transforming raw materials to finished food products, meeting standardized food packaging and export practices, and building structured food and agricultural businesses.

Cast in stone

The fact that gender roles are cast in stone, and repetitive across generations, limit prospects for women’s career growth.

Such preconceptions influence women’s perceived value in the workforce, instead of liberating their full potential. It does not let them demonstrate higher skills like independent thinking, autonomy and critical-thinking skills. Understating the value of women in this way continues to promote their use as unskilled labour.

In order to improve their participation, there is a need to promote agency and self-awareness among women and girls. Becoming aware of their potential and capacity for decision-making will lead to better professional outcomes.

They will be able to better take advantage of shifts such as the one that occurred during the pandemic – described by Proshare in the financial sector as “a shift in the strategic deployment of human resources industry-wide by banks”. Women reskilling is vital to position themselves for opportunities in a volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous world.

The power of choice

According to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): “The process of human development seeks to create an environment for people, individually and collectively, to develop to their full potential and to have a reasonable chance of leading productive and creative lives that they value.”

Business and educational institutions play a key role in the realisation of this potential for women in the workforce. The latest Global Gender Gap report recommends that for the future of women’s economic opportunities: “Policies and practices need to proactively focus on overcoming occupational segregation by gender.”

The education system where ideas and beliefs about gendered patterns of division of labour are formed also presents a strategic opportunity for preventing poor female workforce participation. Girls' professional outcomes can be shaped early on through the elimination of gendered practices at school – a root-cause approach.

Comprehensive solutions

Finally, Covid-19 shocks have shown that solutions for women in subsistent agriculture and food systems must be comprehensive in order to help them build resilient businesses.

The ILO Value Chain Development is a proven approach that can be adopted in various parts of Africa. For instance, in Sudan it was used for boosting female hibiscus farming and hibiscus exports. This robust strategy focuses on deeper trade integration, capacity-building for businesses, trade infrastructure, strategic relationships among market actors, climate-resilient agricultural practices and other sustainable practices.

When solutions are integrated into the structures of female-led businesses in such a way, empowering female producers and protecting them from market exploitation, real progress can finally be possible.

* Ekemini Akpakpan is a fundraising and communications consultant at Paper Crown Rwanda - a gender transformative organisation. This article was published on the website of the World Economic Forum.
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International tax 102: Understanding the system

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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International tax 102: Understanding the systemInternational tax 102: Understanding the systemPlanning important Understanding a country’s tax regime is a key element in the success of investment. Anneri Lück - In my previous article dated 22 July 2020, I did an introduction on the four main topics why tax planning is important for your company when you are trading across multiple jurisdictions. In this article I will expand on why it is important to understand the tax system in your planned country of operation/trade.

Understanding a country’s tax regime is a key element in the success of your investment.

Corporate tax rate

This will most often be one of your biggest tax exposures. It is thus not uncommon for companies to be involved in tax planning to reduce their income tax exposure. It is important, though, that the tax planning is allowed within the tax laws and does not amount to tax evasion or avoidance.

Withholding taxes

The reduction to withholding tax rates on payments used to repatriate profits by means of dividends, interest, management fee and royalties, is an important benefit tax treaties provide to investors.

Another consideration is whether there are any local withholding taxes applicable on payments made between group companies in the same jurisdiction as this will also reduce the return on investment.

The cost of compliance

It is common for group companies to have a centralised finance team in one country (e.g. the company has operations in Namibia, but its finance team overseeing all finances is based in the United Kingdom).

With manual submissions, it may cause issues where no local management is in the country of operation. The company may be required to appoint someone in the country where submission is needed, which becomes an additional cost to the company that needs to be provided for.

Furthermore, having a manual submission means that documents can easily get lost and your personnel spend a great deal of their time in ques for submission. Another disadvantage may be the backlog on the revenue authorities’ system because of the fact that the returns should be captured manually.

E-filing, on the other hand, is much more convenient, saves time and you can do submissions from anywhere in the world.

Ease of repatriating funds

Investors would be more willing to invest in countries where, together with a favourable tax regime, it is easy to repatriate their funds out of the country upon disinvestment. Recently, Shoprite Holdings Ltd announced that they are withdrawing from the Nigerian market because of the difficulties to repatriate funds from Nigeria.

Whenever a jurisdiction is considered for new opportunities it is key to understand the exchange control environment with regards to repatriation of funds. In Namibia, repatriation of funds is fairly easy, provided that all the necessary approvals were obtained and processes were followed upon the investment of the funds into Namibia.

Anneri Lück is the senior manager: corporate tax at PwC Namibia. Contact her at anneri.luck@pwc.com
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Shiny first quarter for Otjikoto

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Shiny first quarter for OtjikotoShiny first quarter for Otjikoto B2Gold’s Otjikoto mine in the North produced 23 042 ounces of gold in the first quarter of 2021, 11% or 2 351 ounces above budget. Processed tonnes, grade and recoveries were all slightly better than budget, B2Gold said. As expected, compared to the first quarter of 2020, gold production was significantly lower by 45%, as processed ore is primarily being sourced from existing stockpiles while significant waste stripping operations continue at both the Wolfshag and Otjikoto pits. For full-year 2021, Otjikoto is expected to produce between 190 000 and 200 000 ounces of gold. B2Gold, which is also listed on the Overall Index of the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), owns 90% of Otjikoto through its subsidiary, B2Gold Namibia (Pty) Ltd. The local empowerment company, EVI Mining, owns the rest. Photo Nampa/Reuters
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Bourse Briefs

April 27, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Bourse BriefsBourse Briefs B2Gold Corp (B2G)

B2G, dual-listed on the Overall Index of the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), reported total gold production of 220 644 ounces in the first quarter of 2021, 9% or 18 542 ounces above budget, and consolidated gold production of 205 643 ounces from the company’s three operating mines, 9% or 17 291 ounces) above budget.

Consolidated gold revenue was US$362 million on sales of 202 330 ounces at an average price of US$1 791 per ounce.

For full-year 2021, B2G says it remains well positioned for continued strong operational and financial performance with total gold production guidance of between 970 000 to 1 030 000 ounces, with total consolidated forecast cash operating costs of between US$500 to US$540 per ounce and total consolidated all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of between US$870 to US$910 per ounce.

Based on current assumptions, including a gold price of US$1 800 per ounce, B2G expects to generate cash-flows from operating activities of approximately US$630 million for the full-year 2021.

Paladin Energy (PDN)

PDN, dual-listed on the Overall Index of the NSX, has successfully completed the A$218.7-million equity raise to redeem Paladin’s senior notes and reset its capital structure, the company said in its latest quarterly cash-flow and activities report. PDN provided a notice of redemption to the holders of the outstanding US$115-million senior notes, and the full redemption payment was processed on 12 April 2021.

The notes redemption removes PDN’s legacy corporate debt providing the company with financial security, optionality on future funding structures for the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) restart, and significant benefits for the company’s uranium marketing activities, it said.

PDN continued to progress the critical-path elements of its restart planning at the globally significant LHM during the past quarter, it said.

PDN held US$168.4 million of cash and cash equivalents as at 31 March 2021. Excluding the net equity raise proceeds received to 31 March 2021, cash and cash equivalents at quarter end were US$29.9 million.

Anglo American (ANM)

ANM, dual-listed on the Overall Index of the NSX, first-quarter production rose 3% year-on-year despite some operations running at 95% capacity because of Covid-19 disruptions.

Copper production climbed 9% to 160 000 tonnes in the quarter from 147 000 tonnes in the same period last year, but down from 168 000 tonnes in the previous three months. Diamond output slipped 7% year-on-year, partly due to excessive rainfall in Southern Africa and a Covid-19-related shutdown in Canada.

Iron ore production was up 1% at 16.2 million tonnes in the first quarter, while production of platinum group metals rose to 1.02 million ounces from 955 000 in the same period a year ago. – Nampa/Reuters
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