Namibian Sun

Nigeria could launch pilot digital currency

CAMILLUS EBOH

Nigeria's Central Bank is preparing a digital currency pilot that could launch as early as the end of this year, its director of information technology said.

Nigeria barred its banks and financial institutions from dealing in or facilitating transactions in cryptocurrencies in February after exponential growth in monthly cryptocurrency transfers to and from Africa.

Central Bank director of information technology Rakiya Mohammed said the project to create some form of digital currency had been in the works for two years, and more announcements were likely in the coming weeks.

"We're all aware that about 80% of central banks in the world exploring the possibility of issuing central bank digital currency, and Nigeria cannot be left behind," Mohammed said in the June 10 virtual briefing with bankers.

The Central Bank communications team shared a recording of the briefing with Reuters. She said the system would expand digital inclusion, make remittances from the diaspora easier and smooth international purchases for Nigerians.

"If you have a central bank digital currency that is backed by the government, then people can make transactions online without fear of any default," Mohammed said.

Europe and the United States are working on regulating digital assets and their providers, while some other countries, including China, Britain and Russia, are also considering launching their own central bank digital currencies. - Nampa/Reuters

Congo says investor Gertler's permits not validGertler denies any wrongdoing The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Gertler, accusing him of leveraging his friendship with former Congo President Joseph Kabila to secure lucrative mining deals. Oil of DR Congo remains committed to working with all parties to resolve the force majeure. Spokesperson: Oil of DR Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo said exploration permits from companies controlled by Israeli investor Dan Gertler for two huge oil concessions near the eastern border with Uganda were no longer valid, but the companies said they still held the rights.

Congo's hydrocarbons ministry said in a letter dated June 16 and reviewed by Reuters on Sunday that the permits granted to two of Gertler's companies in 2010 for Blocks 1 and 2 near the Ugandan border had expired.

The companies have not entered into production in either of the two blocks, which are thought to contain potentially more than a billion barrels of oil.

The letter, sent to Oil of DR Congo, which oversees Gertler's oil interests in Congo, also said a production-sharing agreement reached in 2010 was being ended. It asked the companies to transfer all technical data and pay charges due under the contract. It did not say how much was owed.

A spokesperson for Oil of DR Congo said the status of the blocks could not be changed, because of a force majeure that was declared last year due to the government's lack of progress in securing a way to export the oil.

"The force majeure was subsequently confirmed in May 2021 by the State Council and therefore remains in place until the reasons for the force majeure are resolved, by law," the Oil of DR Congo spokesperson said.

"Oil of DR Congo remains committed to working with all parties to resolve the force majeure, identifying a competitive evacuation system, and bringing these assets towards production."

The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Gertler and more than 30 of his businesses in December 2017 and June 2018, accusing him of leveraging his friendship with former Congo President Joseph Kabila to secure lucrative mining deals. Gertler denies any wrongdoing.

Finding export routes from central Africa is a major challenge to bringing oil projects in the Albertine Basin into production.

Neighbouring Uganda, whose adjacent oil blocks are being developed by France's Total and China National Offshore Oil Corporation, signed a deal in April with those companies and Tanzania to build a pipeline to the Indian Ocean. Congo is not a part of the deal. - Nampa/Reuters

Leadership at core Uplifting and investing in the lives of young people of Ongwediva constituency

She is passionate about mentoring and grooming young girls

Enzo Amuele

Gift Dapewa Amwaalwa (26) is an aspiring young leader who believes in improving the lives of those around her and in the community as a whole.

She spends most of her time touching lives and uplifting and investing in the young people of the Ongwediva constituency.

A Community Development Committee (CDC) member of the constituency, she said her constituency councillor Andreas Uutoni gives her so much hope and fuels her to work hard.

“He is uplifting the Ongwediva inhabitants by giving youth projects in rural villages in Ongwediva constituency, like bakeries, fixing workshops and many others in line to be awarded and around everywhere in the community,” Amwaalwa said.

She is currently the vice chairperson of the Ongwediva Constituency Youth Forum and the Oshana branch of the Namibia National Students Organisation’s (NANSO) executive committee and is currently working on a project to teach young mothers in her community how to be the best parent at a young age.

Over weekends, she arranges for social workers to talk to the high school learners about peer pressure and career guidance and to encourage them to study hard.

During her free time, she writes letters to learners to cheer them up and encourage them.

She is passionate about mentoring young girls around her and grooming them to be better people.

Under the young mothers training programme, she shares her experiences of parenting at a young age and encourages those who are thinking of giving up and depending on other people to stand up for their kids and be strong for them.

She believes leadership is the practice of growing others and bringing change that benefits everybody.

Amwaalwa is a graduate of the University of Namibia and she’s pursuing another degree in secondary education, majoring in accounting and economics at the same institution.

She further added that as a young leader and a young mother, she feels she has the responsibility to help those in need and to grow younger ones.

Volunteering provides a natural sense of accomplishment for her and her engagement in community service provides students and other young leaders with the opportunities to become active in their communities as well and to have a lasting positive impact on society at large, further volunteering to enhance personal growth and knowledge. This also creates special bonds with the people being served and increases social awareness and responsibility.

She has attended a leadership programme with the youth ministry in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the National Youth Council.

Encouragement

Participating in community service not only makes a difference to the organisation and the people being served, but also makes difference to every career prospectus.

“I encourage my other aspiring student leaders and young leaders at large that community service enhances student resumes by allowing them to obtain work-related skills before graduation. It builds good references for employers in regards to community involvement and provides a forum to network with future potentials,” she said.

Geingob’s vaccination status is unimportant – Hengari

JEMIMA BEUKES AND OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Presidential advisor Alfredo Hengari says questions over when President Hage Geingob is expected to get vaccinated for Covid-19, and which vaccine he ultimately chooses, are unimportant.

“In light of the emergency we are facing, these questions about the president and which vaccine are unimportant,” Hengari said when asked about the president’s choice of vaccine.

Geingob had in February said he would be willing to be first in line to receive his Covid-19 jab in an attempt to quell any concerns regarding the vaccines.

“I will be willing, in public, to be the first one, but I hope nobody is going to say 'oh, elites have lined up and left the people dying in the streets',” Geingob said.

His counterparts, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa and Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa, have already been vaccinated, while Namibia’s founding president Sam Nujoma has gotten the jab as well.

Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos recently tested positive for Covid-19. Both are now in the clear.

Not anti-vax

Meanwhile, Geingos last week said she intends to get vaccinated soon and denied that they are opposed to getting vaccinated.

“Neither of us have an anti-vax philosophy. We wanted to get vaccinated.”

She admitted that “in hindsight, I should have been vaccinated earlier”.

Namibians are now questioning the efficacy of the existing vaccines after health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said they are not suitable for the president.

The Astra Zeneca vaccine is advised for the elderly, which is the category 79-year-old Geingob falls under.

Political analyst Ndumbah Kamwanyah felt it was important for the first couple to be vaccinated to dispel any concerns.

“They should address the issue to stop all these conspiracy theories as to why he did not take the jab. One thing is clear: Silence from his side is creating room for those who don't believe in the vaccine to boost their case,” he said.

He added that, as it stands, “the official messaging about the vaccine seems not to be winning, especially about the need for people to take the vaccine”.

“A lot of people, for whatever reason, are not heeding the call to get jabbed,” Kamwanyah added.

A total of 104 199 first doses of the Sinopharm and Astra Zeneca vaccines have been administered as at 20 June, while second doses of both vaccines currently administered stand at 19 865.

Rukoro successor only to be elected in 2022

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

After a marathon meeting, a transitional committee was established over the weekend to hold the fort in the office of the Ovaherero Paramount Chief while plans are made for a successor for the late Ombara Otjitambi Vekuii Rukoro, who died last week.

Rukoro, who served as the country’s Attorney-General, was one of the Constituent Assembly members.

He took over as Paramount Chief after the death of Kuaima Riruako.

The secretary-general of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA), Professor Mutjinde Katjiua, who chairs the newly established committee, said elections for the new chief are only expected to take place next year due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

“We have had consultations with all the chiefs in the regions, because most are not in Windhoek and the Covid-19 regulations restrict movement. The committee will have its powers to operate and run the organisation. When time allows to convene the chief’s council, they will deliberate on the issues of succession and modalities and announce a date of election,” he said.

Consensus-based

The committee is constituted by Chief Vipiura Kapuuo of the Ovitoto communal area, Chief Boas Roree Tjingaete of the Otjombinde communal area and Chief Uazukuani Rukambe of the Okamatapati communal area.

The senior advisors are Mac Hengari, Amon Ngaveteni, Lourensia Katjitae, Katjiua and Nandiuasora Mazengo, who is an as ex-officio member.

Mazengo, who is currently the chair of the Ovaherero Genocide Foundation (OGF), will take over as the acting secretary-general of the OTA during this time.

“This structure is a transitional structure to manage the operations of the office of the Paramount Chief. We opted for that structure to put in place more consensus-based decision-making as opposed to putting the executive powers in an acting Paramount Chief,” Katjiua said.

jemima@namibiansun.com

US intel confirms Shanghala, Esau ‘corruption’New details emerge in ex-ministers’ US ban There are suspicions that the move by the US to blacklist the two is aimed at curtailing alleged sinister plans to aid the accused persons in their quest for freedom.

MATHIAS HAUFIKU

WINDHOEK

The United States of America government says it has obtained credible information to conclude that Bernhardt Esau and Sakeus Shanghala were involved in "significant corruption" during their time as Cabinet ministers.

This comes after Namibian Sun asked the US embassy in Namibia why only Esau and Shanghala – amongst all the Fishrot accused – were blacklisted, despite not being found guilty by the courts.

The ban is also extended to Esau’s wife Swamma and son Phillipus.

The embassy’s spokesperson Walter Parrs on Friday said “the designations send a strong signal the United States stands with all Namibians in support of democracy, the rule of law, and anti-corruption”.

“The decision to announce the designations was made now because the Secretary of State has obtained credible information regarding Esau and Shanghala’s involvement in significant corruption while serving in official capacities for the government of Namibia.

Credible information is gathered from a variety of sources. Of note, numerous media outlets have reported extensively on the two individuals’ corrupt activities,” Parrs said.

He added that the US government is committed to helping Namibia realise its full economic and democratic potential by tackling corruption.

Unlike Esau, Shanghala has past US ties tracing back to the years that his father, Bishop Josephat Shanghala, spent years there for theology training.

He lived in the US for just over two years in the 1980s when his parents were there for studies.

Sinister plans

Namibia’s deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who also serves as the country’s international relations minister, yesterday said there were no consultations between the two governments before the decision to blacklist Shanghala and Esau was made.

“As you know they [Shanghala and Esau] are no longer in the government service, so there was no ground for consultations. Of course they are citizens of Namibia, but the USA has their own laws,” she said.

Apart from the duo, no other Namibian officials or their immediate family members are currently banned from entry into the United States under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of Congress.

The section provides that officials of foreign governments and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States when the Secretary of State has credible information that the foreign official has been involved, directly or indirectly, with significant corruption and/or a gross violation of human rights.

There are suspicions that the move by the US to blacklist the two is aimed at curtailing alleged sinister plans to aid the accused persons in their quest for freedom.

An official source who spoke to this publication said "it seems the Americans know something we don't, and at this stage, one suspects they probably suspect that there are plans to help the guys get out of jail".

‘Perception as strong as conviction’

Public policy expert Dr Marius Kudumo said the move by the US government has nothing to do with the legal process currently underway.

“Political issues are not legal issues. In Namibia, we always wait for legal processes to be finalised, but in this case, the two [Shanghala and Esau] are political office-bearers. We all know that a perception is as strong as a conviction, hence it needs to be managed,” he said yesterday during a telephonic interview with this publication.

Kudumo, who is the director of international relations at Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), said the societal standing of the two former ministers also played a role in the decision, and added that the “US surely thinks there is a strong case”.

“Although they have not been found guilty, on basis of perception you need to manage the process, especially the ethical part thereof. Of course, in terms of the legal process it is not fair, but the ethical consideration of public office-bearers is important because of the potential damage perceptions can cause,” he said.

“That is why you see in the developed world, if a public official is accused of wrongdoing, they resign or are fired even if the legal proceedings have not been concluded.”

Construction sector becoming less relevantMassive decline in both units and value The nominal value of the building plans completed during April 2021 amounted to N$145.4 million compared to N$181.3 million recorded in the previous month.

PHILLEPUS UUSIKU

The composite index of building plans completed (Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Ongwediva) recorded a declined monthly growth rate of 19.8% in April 2021 when compared to a growth rate of 28.3% in March 2021.

According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), the nominal value of the building plans completed during April 2021 amounted to N$145.4 million compared to N$181.3 million recorded in the previous month. While, the value of building plans completed for April 2020 stood only at N$1.7 million.

The zero valuation of buildings plans completed observed for April 2020 were mainly attributed to the construction sector that was under total lockdown, therefore resulting in most of activities not being recorded and due to restrictions of Covid-19 regulations put in place to curb the pandemic, NSA said.

In Walvis Bay, the building plans completed index registered a monthly decline of 65.9% in April 2021, lower than a growth of 5.5% recorded in the preceding month.

The year-on-year performance showed a growth rate of 1 326.2%. The decline recorded month-on- month were mainly reflected in the nominal value for new living units, while the increase recorded year-on-year was attributed to new units of residential buildings completed.

The nominal value of building plans completed in Walvis Bay stood at N$24.5 million in April 2021 compared to N$71.8 million and N$ 1.7 million recorded for March 2021 and April 2020, respectively, NSA pointed out.

Windhoek

In Windhoek, the building plans completed index declined monthly by 0.6% compared to the growth of 76.7% recorded in the preceding month. The decline recorded month-on-month was mainly reflected in the nominal value of building plans completed for houses.

The nominal value of building plans completed in Windhoek for April 2021 amounted to N$95.6 million compared to N$96.1 million recorded for March 2021. There were no building plans completed in April 2020, NSA added.

In Swakopmund, the building plans completed index went up on a monthly basis by 73.0% in April 2021, better-off when compared to a reduction of 8.4% recorded in the preceding month. The increase recorded month on month were mainly reflected in the nominal value of the additions and alterations for residential building plans completed. The nominal value of building plans completed in Swakopmund stood at N$21.7 million in April 2021 compared to N$12.5 million recorded for March 2021. There was no valuation done on completed properties for the month of April 2020, NSA pointed out.

Furthermore, in Ongwediva, the building plans completed index registered an increase of 308.5% on a monthly basis, better-off when compared to a reduction of 82.9% recorded a month earlier. The increase recorded month-on-month was mainly reflected in the nominal value of additions and alterations for residential building plans completed. The nominal value of building plans completed was N$3.7 million in April. There was no approval of any building plans completed for the month of April 2020, NSA said.

Nothing to be ashamed of – TobiasNakathila gracious in defeat Local promoter Nestor Tobias says Jeremiah ‘Low Key’ Nakathila has nothing to be ashamed of after losing his fight against Shakur Stevenson of America.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Two weeks ago, Namibia’s Jeremiah Nakathila clashed with Shakur Stevenson of America for the WBO interim junior lightweight title, which the latter won.

The Namibian team just recently returned from Las Vegas, with Tobias saying that his boxer is gracious in defeat because the fight was an experience best described as a learning curve and one that will only make Nakathila a better boxer.

Nakathila fought a former Olympian and WBO featherweight world champion and arguably one of the best boxers, often dubbed as the new Floyd Mayweather.

The fight was technical

Tobias described the fight as very technical.

“Both boxers were acutely aware not to commit any mistake and the level of concentration was extremely high.

“Stevenson moved quite a lot during the fight using his excellent footwork to stay clear of Nakathila’s power while the latter was avoiding his hand speed, which is his trademark to finish off so many of his opponents.

“Nakathila caught Stevenson very early on with solid and powerful shots and that is why he was always on the run, making this a very technical and difficult fight, in addition to fighting a left handed boxer which made the clash of feet inevitable and uncomfortable.

“At the end of the day, Nakathila has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of because he did very well against a top-class boxer, but what is important is the lessons gained from this fight to make him a better boxer as the sky is the limit for him,” said Tobias.

On to the next

Nakathila, on the other hand, said he was happy to be back home after a three-day flight delay.

“We unfortunately had to stay in Vegas for three extra days because of flight issues by the airline, but I’m happy to be back home.

“It was a very technical fight and I lost against an extremely good boxer and I want to congratulate him on his victory over a tried and tested opponent, and arguably the toughest fight of his life.

“In most cases such defeats are the end of boxers. This defeat signals the beginning of big new things for me because I will go out there even more hungry and better because I learned so much from this fight and I will be back in the ring soon,” added Nakathila.

Kordom headed to Cyprus

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Namibian international and Brave Gladiators midfielder Annouschka Kordom has signed a professional contract for a season with women’s club Aris Limassol in Cyprus.

The midfielder is joining the new club from Israel’s Hapoel Be'er Sheva Women’s Football club (WFC), a top ranked football club in that country. Before that she also played for Corban University (Corban Warriors) in the United States.

Bagging more than just football

This is where she also graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and sports management last year.

The midfielder is a proud product of the Galz & Goals development programme and a former Women Super League player with Tura Magic.

She spoke about her experience playing for the clubs, saying that she learned a lot.

“My time at Corban was truly a life-changing experience. I grew in my faith, made life-long friendships and got to experience what it was like to be part of an amazing, God-loving community.

“On the other hand, playing for WFC was a really good club. They take good care of their players; they have great facilities and offer quality training.

“It’s unfortunate that things didn't work out for both of us, and that we had to part ways, but I really enjoyed my time at the club, even though it was such a short period, I got a glimpse of what the life of a professional looks like.”

Hard work will pave the way

She added that she was extremely thankful to them for introducing her to the world of professional football. With the experiences she has picked up, Kordom said that she now wants to just do her best at her new club and leave a great mark by working hard and being the best she can be.

Planning on buying a pre-owned vehicleNegative correlation between age and distance The higher the mileage, the higher the wear and tear, but mileage is not the only factor affecting a vehicle’s condition. Naturally, there are advantages to buying a newer model vehicle as they feature the latest technology in terms of engines, infotainment and safety. Corné Venter, CEO: Motus Retail and Rental SA

When shopping for a pre-owned car, buyers need to find the optimum balance between age and mileage. Understanding how these factors impact a car’s overall condition and which is more important is vital when making a purchasing decision.

In most cases age and mileage work against each other in the manner that the market prices pre-owned vehicles. While mileage drives down the price, the newer the vehicle the higher the price will be.

Two identical cars with the same mileage, but differing by a year in terms of their first registration could differ as much as R50 000. Mileage directly relates to how much a vehicle was driven.

A good rule of thumb is 15 to 20 000km per year, anything more than this is considered high mileage.

The higher the mileage, the higher the wear and tear, but mileage is not the only factor affecting a vehicle’s condition.

When inspecting a vehicle, it is important to try and ascertain how it was used. A bakkie that has high mileage from highway driving will most probably be in better condition than a bakkie that has a lower mileage but spent its life on dirt roads.

Care

How vehicles were stored and cared for can also have a bearing on their condition. A high mileage vehicle that was washed regularly and parked undercover will be in a much better condition than a low mileage vehicle that was not cleaned regularly and spent its life in the sun.

Cars with high-mileage in relation to their age might very well have many years of trouble-free use in them still, especially if they have been properly maintained. It is therefore very important to enquire whether the vehicle in question has a full-service history and if any major components have been replaced. Well maintained vehicles can continue to serve their owners reliably assuming that you continue with the routine of regular maintenance.

“Naturally, there are advantages to buying a newer model vehicle. New cars will feature the latest technology in terms of engines, infotainment and safety and if that is important to you, it could be worth paying the premium,” says the CEO of Motus Retail and Rental SA, Corné Venter.

Newer cars should also be cheaper to maintain in the medium term as they may still be covered by a manufacturers service plan or warranty. Major components like a timing belt, CV joints and shock absorbers, which can be costly to replace as the mileage creeps up, will still have a few years life in them. -MOTORPRESS

COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

Prosus reports better than expected profit

Prosus NV, the international investment arm of South Africa's Naspers, reported a better than expected net profit of US$7.45 billion for 2021 on Monday, driven by strong returns from its big stake in Chinese software giant Tencent.

However, the company reported an operating loss of US$1.04 billion at the companies it owns around the globe in online marketplaces, food delivery and educational software.

Analysts had seen net profit at US$4.63 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, up from US$3.66 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to Refinitiv data.

Prosus owns 28.9% of Tencent and is itself controlled by Naspers, Africa's biggest company by market capitalisation.

Of net profit, US$7.1 billion came from minority investments, dominated by the contribution from Tencent, which grew profit by 33%. Prosus said its operating loss was due to higher employee expenses, and that its businesses had performed well amid the coronavirus pandemic. - Nampa/Reuters

Facebook launches Clubhouse-like live

Facebook Inc on Monday launched its own Clubhouse-style live audio rooms and a way to find and play podcasts on its platform, marking a push into social audio by the world's largest social network.

Facebook's rollout of a potential Clubhouse rival follows the explosive early success of the invite-only live audio app, which became a hit as people stayed at home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was one of the Silicon Valley celebrities who have made appearances on the app, which recently expanded to Android users.

Facebook, which has said it wants to make audio a "first-class medium" on its platforms, joins Twitter Inc and messaging platform Discord which have already launched their own live audio offerings.

Spotify debuted its own version, "Greenroom," last Wednesday. Slack, Microsoft Corp-owned LinkedIn and Reddit are also working on similar products.

Public figures and certain Facebook Groups in the United States using iOS will be able to create live audio rooms, with up to 50 speakers and unlimited listeners. – Nampa/Reuters

Toshiba releases internal report

Japan's Toshiba Corp on Monday promised to drastically improve corporate governance and, ahead of a crucial shareholder meeting this week, released an internal report that had cleared management of wrongdoing.

An independent report published this month found the company colluded with government officials, while the company's internal report in February cleared management of accusations its pressured shareholders to back board appointments.

Chairman Osamu Nagayama will seek to retain his post at a shareholder meeting on Friday in the face of pressure from some shareholders to resign.

The release of the internal report on Monday could help persuade some that when Nagayama opposed shareholders, who called for the internal inquiry in March, he was acting in good faith.

Shareholder advisory groups Institutional Shareholder Services Inc and Glass Lewis have both recommended that Nagayama not be reappointed. Toshiba's No.2 shareholder, Singapore-based 3D Investment Partners also opposes his nomination. - Nampa/Reuters

Morrisons hoping for Clayton to raise offer

Shares in Morrisons surged by as much as a third on Monday on hopes that US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) might raise its proposed offer for the British supermarket group or flush out other bidders.

Morrisons, Britain's fourth-largest grocer by sales behind market leader Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda, said on Saturday that it had rejected a proposed 5.52 billion pounds (US$7.62 billion) cash offer from CD&R.

The approach underlines private equity's growing appetite for supermarkets in Britain, attracted by their steady cash generation and freehold real estate assets.

Morrisons said CD&R's offer of 230 pence per share, a 29% premium to Friday's closing price, "significantly undervalued" the group and its prospects.

Including net debt of 3.17 billion pounds, CD&R's offer price gives Morrisons an enterprise value of 8.7 billion pounds. - Nampa/Reuters

LegalZoom eyes over US$5 billion valuation

LegalZoom is aiming for a valuation of more than US$5 billion in its US initial public offering (IPO), marking the online legal services company's second attempt at a stock market listing, according to a regulatory filing on Monday.

The company, co-founded by former O.J. Simpson attorney Robert Shapiro, plans to sell a little more than 19 million shares priced at between US$24 and US$27 apiece, raising US$516 million at the top end of the range.

Glendale, California-based LegalZoom filed for an IPO in 2012 but later postponed the offering and withdrew it after two years.

LegalZoom was started in 2001 to help people draw up legal documents such as wills, incorporations and trademarks without lawyers and the fees that come with such advice.

It raised US$500 million in a funding round led by Francisco Partners and GPI Capital in 2018, valuing the company at US$2 billion.

The investment also included participation from one or more Franklin Templeton Investments funds and funds managed by Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers. - Nampa/Reuters

18 arrested for crimes against wildlife

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

A total of nine wildlife cases were registered from 7 to 13 June, with 18 people that were arrested.

According to statistics from the environment and tourism ministry and the police, 12 wildlife products were confiscated.

In Windhoek a Namibian, Mateus Iileka, was arrested on 6 June for possession of a giraffe skin. He was charged with the illegal possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

At Otjiwarongo, two Namibians were arrested on 6 June with a pangolin skin. Elias Elias and Nekaus Petrus were both charged with illegal possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

At Oshikango, four Namibians were arrested on 6 June for possession of two rhino horns. Matheus Anooshike Nuuyango, Lisias Iiyambo, Kamati Ndiinekala and Paulus Mavulu were all charged with illegal possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

In a separate incident at Rundu, two Namibians were arrested on 7 June with two python skins. Gideon Haiyambo and Vilho Hausiku were both charged with illegal possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

In Katutura, two Zimbabweans and a Namibian were arrested on 10 June with a python skin. Simbaroshe Muiswarwo, Matthew Boworo and Johannes were charged with illegal possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

Meanwhile at Oshakati, two Namibians were arrested on 11 June for possession of two elephant tusks and their vehicles were confiscated. Johannes Matheus and Junius Nangombe were charged with illegal possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

In another incident at Oshakati, Laurentius Mbendeka, a Namibian, was arrested on 11 June with a pangolin skin.

The following day at Katima Mulilo, Joseph Ndazikokule, also Namibian, was arrested with a hyena skin.

At Nkurenkuru, two Angolans were arrested on 13 June with a live pangolin. Ntsamba Tchivuala and Jamba Kutemba were charged with illegal possession of and dealing in controlled wildlife products.

Covid-19: ReconAfrica donates towards vaccination NAMPA

WINDHOEK

ReconAfrica, through its Namibian subsidiary Reconnaissance Energy Namibia, on Monday donated N$15 million to the Office of the Prime Minister towards the government’s Covid-19 vaccination efforts.

While handing over the donation, ReconAfrica chief executive officer Williams Evans said as part of the company's social responsibility, they found it fit to help Namibian people get through the difficulty of the pandemic.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Namibia during these extremely difficult times and we hope the donation will add some energy to our collective battle against Covid-19,” Evans said.

The executive director in the Office of the Prime Minister, I-Ben Nashandi, said the donation came at a time when the government needed it most, as Covid-19 cases kept increasing daily.

He also urged all Namibians to embrace all health measures in order to save lives.

Covid-19 raises suicide riskFinancial stress, insecurity and isolation add up Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide according to the World Health Organisation, and the emotional strain of the Covid pandemic has increased the risk factors.

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Suicide prevention is even more important now, after many months of living with the coronavirus pandemic, which has brought about many risk factors such as job losses, financial stress and social isolation.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest estimates, published in the just released ‘Suicide Worldwide in 2019’ report.

The report says that more people die yearly because of suicide than HIV, malaria, breast cancer or war and homicide.

In 2019, more than 700 000 people died by suicide: one in every 100 deaths, prompting WHO to produce new guidance to help countries improve suicide prevention and care.

"We cannot - and must not - ignore suicide," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO.

Among young people aged 15 to 29, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death after road injury, tuberculosis and interpersonal violence.

The report notes that rates vary, between countries, regions, and between males and females.

More than twice as many males die due to suicide as females (12.6 per 100 000 males compared with 5.4 per 100 000 females).

Suicide rates among men are generally higher in high-income countries (16.5 per 100 000). For females, the highest suicide rates are found in lower-middle-income countries (7.1 per 100 000).

Suicide rates in the WHO African (11.2 per 100 000), European (10.5 per 100 000) and South-East Asia (10.2 per 100 000) regions were higher than the global average (9.0 per 100 000) in 2019.

Although some countries have placed suicide prevention high on their agendas, too many countries remain uncommitted, the report says.

Currently only 38 countries are known to have a national suicide prevention strategy.

NAMIBIA

Namibian Sun reported last year that 752 Namibians had committed suicide between January 2019 and 31 July 2020, amid the multiple social and economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The statistics shared by the police revealed that in 2019, a total of 486 suicides were recorded in the country.

According to the report, high suicide rates and a lack of evidence-based information on suicide in Namibia prompted the health and social services ministry to conduct a national situation analysis in 2018 to guide prevention and treatment strategies.

The study focused on several outcomes, including prevalence of fatal suicides and non-fatal suicide attempts, prevalence of suicidal thoughts and the causes of suicide.

It also focused on knowledge and attitudes towards suicide and suicide prevention and treatment efforts and the availability and effectiveness of suicide prevention efforts.

The results of the study generated several recommendations and were used to inform the development of a five-year National Strategic Plan on the Prevention of Suicide in Namibia and the development of a policy framework to guide suicide prevention, treatment, management and coordination.

The study indicated that in 2015, an estimated 25 000 people were known to have attempted suicide in Namibia.

World Bank, AU join forces Boosting vaccination The initiative will complement efforts already underway by the COVAX vaccine-sharing program.

The World Bank and the African Union said on Monday they would work together to accelerate Covid-19 vaccinations for up to 400 million people across Africa, bolstering efforts to vaccinate 60% of the continent's population by 2022.

In a joint statement, the World Bank and the African Union said their agreement would provide needed resources to the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) initiative, allowing countries to purchase and deploy more vaccines.

The initiative will complement efforts already underway by the COVAX vaccine-sharing program, which is co-run by the World Health Organization.

A WHO official on Monday said more than half of poorer countries receiving doses via COVAX do not have enough supplies to continue.

The new World Bank initiative comes amid shortages caused in part by manufacturing delays and Indian supply disruptions, with cases and deaths rising as a third wave of infections sweeps across Africa.- Nampa/Reuters

Rainfall supports Ivory Coast cocoa

LOUCOUMANE COULIBALY

Above-average rains last week in Ivory Coast's central cocoa-growing regions will help the development of the last stage of the mid-crop while more downpours were needed in other regions, farmers said on Monday.

Ivory Coast, the world's top cocoa producer, is in its March-to-November rainy season when downpours are abundant.

Farmers said heavy rains interspersed with spells of sunshine would be needed from now until late July as farmers look toward the development of the next October-to-March main crop.

The farmers added that the April-to-September mid-crop was tailing off but harvesting could rise from mid-August if the weather is good.

A dearth of buyers has led to a drop in cocoa farmgate prices as farmers offer discounts of up to 13% off the official selling price of XOF 750 CFA (US$1.35) per kg, to attract buyers.

In the centre-western region of Daloa and in the central regions of Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro, where rains were above average last week, farmers said they were happy after two consecutive weeks of abundant rains mixed with sun. - Nampa/Reuters

Understanding livestock licks and feed supplementation STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

Livestock farming has become more expensive and one of the costliest factors is livestock feed and lick supplementation.

Agribank’s technical advisor for livestock and rangeland, Erastus Ngaruka, says some of the predisposing factors to this expense are poor grazing conditions, drought, high feed ingredient prices and improper feed management.

Feed and lick supplementation is aimed at compensating and maintaining the animal’s daily nutritional and feed intake requirements to optimally maintain or improve its body condition, health and productivity.

Ngaruka says the nutrients that livestock require include protein, energy, minerals and vitamins.

He says the cheapest source of livestock feed is the rangeland, which can be supplemented with roughage and concentrated feeds to satisfy their daily requirements.

Roughage feeds have higher fibre content, are slowly digestible, and have a lower nutrient concentration than concentrated feeds.

“The choice of lick and feed depends on the targeted nutrients and intended benefit to the animal,” says Ngaruka.

“Thus, an appropriate lick and feed management plan is important to ensure that livestock productivity is highly maintained at low cost.”

Different nutritional needs

He added that lick and feed should be provided either for maintenance or for production purposes.

Maintenance supplementation is aimed at ensuring survival by maintaining the minimum daily nutritional needs of an animal, whereas production supplementation is aimed at satisfying the high levels of nutritional demands that increases with increasing production level or performance of an animal.

Ngaruka further says that animals in different production stages have different nutritional needs and feeding volumes.

Furthermore, production supplements are targeted to achieve growth, weight gain, milk yield and reproduction.

He says that to manage lick and feed provision effectively, farmers need to understand the daily nutritional requirements of the animal at any production stage, and the recommended daily intake of the supplement.

“These commercial supplements are formulated to satisfy specific nutritional targets where an animal is supposed to eat a specified amount of a particular supplement per day to meet its daily nutritional requirements.”

Production supplements have higher recommended daily intake levels than maintenance supplements.

Furthermore, roughage feed supplementation is also based on the dry mater intake requirement of an animal per day. On that, an animal will at least need to eat an amount of roughage feed equivalent to 3% of its body weight per day.

Budgeting

These estimates will help a farmer to budget and provide supplements effectively given the number of animals targeted.

“Many farmers do not use these estimates, and thus are losing out by either buying more or less than what they need, which in turn compromises productivity and income.”

Lastly, Ngaruka says that farmers need to start relating feed costs to total feed utilisation.

“Any supplement introduced should be effectively utilised by the animal and achieve the targeted production objective. Therefore, ensure that you provide the right supplements at the right time, in the right amount to the right animal.”

Small-stock farmers can suffer huge losses from parasites STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

Small stock production in Namibia faces significant health challenges, mostly associated with parasite infestations, which can result in huge economic losses for farmers.

The parasites are either internal or external and their prevalence is seasonal or depends on prevailing environmental conditions.

For example, internal parasites include tapeworms, roundworms and flukes, whereas external parasites are ticks, lice, fleas, mites and flies.

Agribank’s technical advisor for advisory services, Erastus Ngaruka, says the prevalence of these parasites is seasonal, where some prevail in winter and some prefer the summer months for their survival.

“In addition, parasites are host-specific; their survival or completion of their life cycle is dependent on the host availability.”

Other predisposing factors to parasite infestation are related to poor management of the kraal environment and the absence of or an inappropriate parasite control programme.

Ngaruka adds that parasite infestation results in huge production and economic losses for small-stock farmers in the country.

“Moreover, the control measures are cumbersome to some farmers, who may not understand or have limited knowledge of the types of parasites, life cycles, seasonality, symptoms, and remedial actions to follow.”

He says parasite infestation can be detected by marked symptoms or changes in the animal’s condition and behaviour, and through closer inspection of their presence on the body. Some of the parasite activities on an animal include blood sucking, feasting on skin, hair, and pre-digested feed in the rumen.

The most common symptoms include anaemia, diarrhoea, bottle jaw, runny nose, hair loss, and emaciation.

Year-round vigilance

According to him, the two distinct seasons for Namibian farmers to focus on livestock management programmes are winter and summer, and both present varying challenges when it comes to parasite control.

“With many parts of the country having received a lot of rain in the summer months, parasite infestations were a major concern, especially ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and flukes.”

The winter season is mainly characterised by the prevalence of mites, lice, fleas, and tapeworms, but still burdened with summer parasites, mainly the liver fluke.

Other internal parasites to look out for are lungworm and nasal worm, both causing distress in the respiratory system.

Cleanliness

Ngaruka said that the first and cheapest line of defence against parasites and diseases in small stock is to maintain a clean kraal environment.

“Farmers need to regularly observe their animals’ condition and behaviour.”

One of the approaches that any farmer should follow is to carry out basic post-mortem examinations on an animal that is slaughtered at the farm for home consumption Lastly, always consult local veterinarians, experienced farmers, or livestock experts for advice.

Farmworkers spent N$85 million in rural economyMore jobs, higher wages and more spending The Namibia Agricultural Union says improved agricultural productivity can reduce poverty, enhance the livelihoods of individuals, and grow rural economies.

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

It is estimated that commercial farmworkers spent at least N$85 million in the rural economy last year.

The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) says it is essential to note that increased farm wages create a demand for basic non-farm products and services in rural areas, leading to a trickle-down effect of more employment opportunities in off-farm enterprises as well.

The union adds that improved agricultural productivity can therefore certainly reduce poverty, enhance the livelihoods of individuals, grow rural economies, and in that positively contribute to the larger economy, given the necessary support required.

The Agricultural Employers’ Association (AEA) conducts a wage survey every second year to determine wage trends in the commercial farming community and assess the social contribution of that sector to the economy.

During the AEA Wage Survey for 2019, 33.6% of the Namibian Agronomic Union (NAU) members responded to the voluntary survey.

The AEA reported that a permanent employee’s total remuneration package had been N$3 413.50 per month per employee in 2017. That increased by 7.2% to N$3 660 per month per employee in 2019, the cash wage being some N$2 366.70.

More jobs

The average number of employees per employer increased over the years, leaving the 2019 figure at about nine employees per employer.

“This increase in the number of employees came about as farmers started producing bush feed to help animals survive the drought, and charcoal production increased drastically,” according to the NAU.

The NAU says that assuming an existence of 4 000 commercial farmers (IPPR – Democracy Report, Feb 2020), it would mean that in 2019 there were about 36 000 employees on commercial farms.

Using a monetary remuneration figure of N$2 366.70 per month, those workers spent at least N$85.2 million in the rural economy.

Furthermore, the 2019 Wage Survey indicated that on average each employee had an estimate of 2.1 dependents, meaning at least 75 600 individuals were taken care of.

World economy back at pre-pandemic levelVaccination crucial IHS Markit forecast that with 6.0% growth this year, the global economy will post its biggest expansion in nearly 50 years. As recovery from the Covid-19 recession is completed, the global economy is moving into the sweet spot of the current expansion. Sara Johnson, Executive Director: IHS Markit

The global economy has surpassed its pre-pandemic peak, data survey firm IHS Markit said Monday, as the recovery accelerates thanks to vaccination and the end of pandemic-related restrictions.

IHS Markit, which conducts monthly surveys of businesses that are highly valued by the market as a leading indicator of economic activity, forecasts that with 6.0% growth this year the global economy will post its biggest expansion in nearly 50 years.

"The global economy has reached an important milestone in the second quarter of 2021, surpassing the pre-pandemic real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) peak attained in the fourth quarter of 2019," the firm said in a statement.

The second quarter ends at the end of June. The Asia-Pacific region recovered from the pandemic recession at the end of last year thanks to the resilience of China's economy. IHS Markit's economists estimated that US real GDP hit a new peak in May.

The firm estimates that Africa and the Middle East will return to pre-pandemic GDP in the third quarter that begins in July. Europe and Latin America will complete their recoveries in the final quarter of this year.

"As recovery from the Covid-19 recession is completed, the global economy is moving into the sweet spot of the current expansion," said IHS Markit's executive director for global economics, Sara Johnson.

"World real GDP growth is picking up from an annual rate of 1.5% quarter on quarter in the first quarter to rates of 6.0-7.0% over the remainder of 2021," she added.

IMF

IHS Markit's 2021 global GDP growth forecast is in line with that made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in April.

However, the IMF emphasised the unevenness of the recovery and said it expects many nations will not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2022 or 2023.

Both the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and World Bank have also warned about the recovery leaving some nations behind, especially given the lack of vaccines in many countries.

IHS Markit acknowledged that Covid-19 flare-ups remain a risk to economic recovery in places where vaccination has proceeded slowly.

It also pointed to constraints on the recovery posed disruptions in the supply of certain goods, including semiconductors used in electronics goods and cars.

Its survey "found that supplier delivery times lengthened in May to the greatest extent in survey history."

Supply disruptions are one reason behind a jump in prices. IHS Markit said it expects to consumer price inflation to rise to 3.3% this year before dropping to 2.7% next year as supply conditions improve.

Investors have become increasing worried that the rapid recovery inflation may prompt central banks to remove stimulus support and raise interest rates faster than they have stated previously.

"In the United States, the eurozone, and other advanced economies where inflation expectations are well-anchored, monetary tightening can be delayed in the short term but not indefinitely," said IHS Markit's Johnson. - Nampa/Reuters