Namibian Sun

Aspen to partner with IFC

A group of global finance institutions led by the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC) said on Wednesday they would help to facilitate an increase in vaccine manufacturing know-how in Africa by partnering with South African Aspen Pharmacare.

As a first step, the IFC, French development institution Proparco, German development finance institution DEG and the US International Development Finance Corporation jointly loaned 600 million euros (US$712 million) to the company.

The initiative comes days after the WHO announced setting up a technology transfer hub in South Africa to give companies from poor and middle-income countries on the continent the know-how and licenses to produce Covid-19 vaccines.

Advanced countries in North America and Europe have been criticized by scientists and politicians for hoarding vaccines, thus making it difficult for poor African countries to purchase vaccines and inoculate their citizens.

Africa currently has among the world's worst vaccination rates, with South Africa, the region's' most industrialised economy, having partly vaccinated only 4% of its entire 60 million population. - Nampa/Reuters

Eskom seeks funding for emissions plan

South African state power utility Eskom, Africa's biggest greenhouse gas emitter, is pitching a US$10 billion plan to global lenders that would see it shut the vast majority of its coal-fired plants by 2050 and embrace renewable energy.

Discussions have already started with development finance institutions like the World Bank and the African Development Bank, a senior Eskom official told Reuters.

"South Africa can offer you the biggest point source of carbon emissions reduction in the world," said Mandy Rambharos, general manager at Eskom's Just Energy Transition office.

Eskom, which generates more than 90% of the country's electricity chiefly by burning coal, is looking for around US$7 to US$8 for every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent it cuts from its greenhouse gas emissions.

The utility is already looking at "repowering" its Komati coal plant using solar and battery storage and could present the project at COP26 to show it is serious about curbing emissions. - Nampa/Reuters

Angola owes energy giant Sonangol

Angola has accumulated around US$1 billion in debt to Western oil companies operating its oilfields, with the bill prompting the African country's recently launched sale of stakes in its flagship offshore blocks, three industry sources told Reuters.

The magnitude of the debt, built up over several years, is a sign of deepening financial woes at state oil giant Sonangol, one of Africa's largest companies, due to underinvestment in declining offshore fields that worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It comes as global companies rethink their presence in high-cost ventures worldwide in order to meet their climate targets more quickly and could make Angola with its ageing and complex offshore fields a less attractive prospect.

An asset auction announced by Angola on June 14, the sources added, is tied to its previously unreported failure to pay so-called cash calls to which it is contractually bound in order to maintain the fields.

"Sonangol has been unable to meet its financial requirements in some of the blocs most needing investment," a banking source told Reuters, adding the international firms had in some cases taken Angola's share of production in lieu of money owed. - Nampa/Reuters

Ethio Telecom's mobile money lures 4 mln

Ethio Telecom has signed up 4 million Ethiopians for a mobile money service that it launched in May, a document published by the Finance Ministry said, as the government seeks to sell a stake in the state-owned company.

The Telebirr service allow users to send and receive money, deposit or take out cash at appointed agents, pay bills and receive cash from abroad, mirroring services that have spread elsewhere in Africa where many people do not have bank accounts.

Ethio Telecom launched the service as the government seeks to sell a 40% stake in the company, part of a broader plan to liberalise its largely closed economy. A tender for the stake sale was issued this month.

"Ethio Telecom's mobile money services will provide a valuable opportunity for upscaling the financial inclusion of the unbanked population," consultancy firm Deloitte wrote in the document on the stake sale published on the Finance Ministry's website.

Telecom’s operators have expanded mobile financial services across Africa after the idea was pioneered by Kenya's Safaricom with its M-Pesa service in 2007.- Nampa/Reuters

Orange sees role for Huawei in 5G rollout

Orange, France's largest telecoms firm, will avoid using equipment from Chinese vendors when developing Europe's 5G networks, opting for suppliers such as Ericsson and Nokia instead, its chief executive said.

But the company sees no issue in working with Huawei in Africa, where the Chinese company dominates as a supplier of equipment to many telecoms’ operators.

"We're working more and more with Chinese vendors in Africa, not because we like China, but we have an excellent business relationship with Huawei," CEO Stephane Richard told Reuters at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Tuesday.

European governments have tightened controls on Chinese companies building 5G networks following diplomatic pressure from Washington, which alleges Huawei equipment could be used by Beijing for spying.

Some countries, such as Britain and Sweden, had banned the Chinese vendors outright, while others have encouraged telecom operators to opt for European suppliers, particularly in the core parts of their networks. – Nampa/Reuters

N$3m allocated for Rundu dumpsite revampCouncil to outsource waste management The Rundu town council is seeking a private contractor to run its solid waste management. KENYA KAMBOWE

RUNDU

The Rundu town council has sought approval from the urban and rural development ministry for outsourcing the management of the town’s dumpsite.

Approached for comment on the deplorable state of the dumpsite, Rundu CEO Olavi Nathanael said the project would include fencing, a security gate, and resurfacing the access road.

“The council plans to revamp the dumping site completely and we have written a letter to the ministry to give as a go ahead to lease it to one Samaritan who is willing to renovate the whole dumping site at a cost of N$3 million,” Nathanael said.

The successful contractor will also have to initiate a recycling project as part of the town’s waste management strategy.

Free-for-all

The dump on the outskirts of Rundu has become an environmental disaster, with the access road to the site turning into a corridor of rubbish.

The fence around the site has been vandalised and vehicles now enter it from any direction.

The council is not collecting rubbish from households and businesses, and residents resort to using their own vehicles to dump waste in an uncontrolled fashion.

A resident who spoke to Namibian Sun at the site after dropping of his waste said it is a disgrace for the local authority to fail in its mandate to maintain the dumping site.

“We the residents of the town do pay for refuse removal but as you can see, I had to bring my own waste here. This is totally unacceptable and the council must get serious about their work,” the source said.

Namibian Sun also observed people sorting waste at the dumpsite in order to sell reclaimed material.

kesnya@namibiansun.com

199 submissions for NWR social media influencer programme ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) received 199 submissions for its first-ever social media influencer programme, which will take place from 1 July to 31 October.

Each submission was subjected to criteria that include the authenticity of the influencer, the overall quality of their posts, their demographics and their level of engagement on their social media platforms.

Additionally, each influencer had to highlight an alignment to NWR's values before they could be considered.

These values are accountability, integrity, passion, excellence, innovation and environmental awareness.

"Due to the significant number of submissions, we ended up selecting 10 social media influencers with whom we will collaborate with for the next four months. It truly pains us that we could not choose more influencers due to the high quality of submissions we received," Mufaro Nesongano, NWR’s corporate communications, online media and sponsorships manager said.

Bringing something unique

The 10 NWR will collaborate with are: Elizabeth Amunyela, Lourens Gebhardt, Li Rossouw, Kyle Lewin, Pukuu Rijatua, Maggy Lenga, Tjuna Kauapirura, Marsy Rita, Elizma Burger and Nakanyala Ndapewa.

“Each one of these influencers bring a unique aspect that will greatly benefit us. As NWR, we made sure not to limit ourselves to just established influencers but to look at individuals who embody our values and, most importantly, have something unique and innovative to offer," Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, NWR managing director said.

For the duration of this programme, each influencer will have an opportunity to visit any five NWR establishments under the company’s different classifications.

Each influencer will receive complimentary accommodation, meals and activities, excluding drinks. In return, the influencer will be expected to post about their experience on their social media page(s) using the hashtag #NWRMoments.

"It is unfortunate that our industry was so negatively impacted by Covid-19 because we would have wanted to remunerate each influencer for their time and transport costs they are going to put towards the realisation of this programme. We are thus very grateful to each one of them for accepting our offer and seeing an opportunity to further build their brand with us," Nesongano said.

Serving the frontline in style Fit Medics Wear (FMW) creates comfortable, stylish medical scrubs The all-female team of Fit Medics Wear (FMW) aims to create an environment where healthcare workers can fight the pandemic in comfort and style.

Mariselle Stofberg

With immense pressure being placed on healthcare workers across the world, Fit Medics Wear (FMW) aims to support healthcare workers by creating comfortable, durable and stylish medical wear.

FMW is a medical scrub line brand under FMW Medical Clothing Trading CC which sells unique jogger medical scrubs for healthcare workers in Namibia.

“What makes these scrubs unique and special is their athleisure-inspired style and durable material that is a top range four-way stretch fabric, thus providing a comfortable fit and breathable feel,” says Magdaleena Mbadhi, the founder and CEO of FMW.

Clothing Trading.

Mbadhi says healthcare is one profession where employees spend half of their lives, some even more, at their workplace. She then had the idea to design and introduce something for Namibian healthcare professionals that was just as superior in quality and easily accessible to them in the country.

Authenticity and excellence

In March 2020, the team officially got to work and compiled extensive research on the market and finally officially launched in February 2021.

“Our purpose is to provide quality and best value products to our customers. While providing quality service, we aim to create committed and lasting relationships with our customers. This healthcare provider-inspired brand is committed to authenticity and excellence,” Mbadhi says.

Their vision is to revolutionise healthcare uniforms in the region. Their attention to detail and continuous strive to learn and innovate inspires them to provide quality products and a unique shopping experience.

“I remember one of the reasons it took me so long to establish this is because I was not always confident that I could do it all as a woman. To be in school, work, and run a business? It didn’t seem possible. Being in an environment with all females is truly inspiring. The support and communication make the company environment so much more enjoyable. It truly changed my perspective on what I believed is achievable for women, even if married with kids.”

With Mbadhi at the helm, Kalenga responsible for crunching numbers as the finance manager and Shiinda who brings the creativity as their creative executive, this team is motivated to make a difference within their community.

“I don’t know if I want to give away our plans just yet! But broadly, our goal is to establish a bigger footprint in Namibia and beyond. This is just the beginning!” Mbadhi says.

Measuring success

“Initially, when I started this business, much of the guidance I received was that the more money you make, the more successful your business is. While I cannot dispute the importance of growing financially for any business, I developed a different impression of what measures our success.”

Shiinda says FMW is a dream and being part of this is an honour. “I remember calling Magdaleena one day excited after I told her about a business idea that she advised me to venture into flourished. I was very excited and I told her, ‘Girl if you ever have a business idea and you would like to partner up I’m your girl.’ Long story short, a few weeks later she called me with this amazing idea of starting a scrub line. With her experience in the medical sphere she brought forward the problems she faced with the current scrubs in the market,” Shiinda says.

“Magdaleena, being the perfectionist she is, wanted to go by the books in everything; she wanted to make sure this idea is a success. We then decided to partner up with Liina. With Magdaleena the brains behind the brand, my experience in the fashion industry and Liina’s experience in finance, we got together and came up with a suitable fabric, design, fit and price that today defines the brand. This was the beginning of building the all women owned medical scrub clothing.”

Shiinda’s main agenda is to protect their designs and ideas. “To ensure a high level of quality, I closely worked together with Magdaleena to assist in the design creation that includes sampling unit, quality control, and quality assurance. Currently, Namibia still has a lot of limitations due to the lack of raw materials. That is one of our agendas that we are passionately working towards and thus aim to address the gap of material resources in the country. I love working at Fit Medics Wear with the amazing team we have. I have the freedom to work freely and express ideas.”

Kalenga’s role is to manage and monitor the financial transactions and advice on decision-making of the business. FMW is still a baby company that penetrated the industry with the aim of growth and to serve its clients with passion and quality products and services.

Kenya's economy to bounce back this year Risks and uncertainties remain The projection for this year's growth is based on firms boosting production and investments. The near-term economic outlook for Kenya, as elsewhere, remains unusually uncertain and contingent on the course of the pandemic. World Bank

Kenya's economy will grow by 4.5% this year as vaccinations and lockdown easing help it recovers from a coronavirus-induced slump last year, although it still remained highly vulnerable to the pandemic, the World Bank said on Wednesday.

Growth for the East African nation which relies on farming and services like tourism, is expected to climb to above 5% in the subsequent two years, the bank said in a biannual report.

The projection for this year's growth is based on firms boosting production and investments as lockdown measures are lifted, a slight recovery in the services sector due to vaccinations, and adequate crop harvests, the bank said.

The main risks include a slow vaccination programme caused by supply shortfalls and logistical challenges, as well as any weakening in the global economy which could curb demand for Kenya's exports.

"The near-term economic outlook for Kenya, as elsewhere, remains unusually uncertain and contingent on the course of the pandemic," the World Bank said.

It urged the government to enhance bank supervision after the quality of assets was hit by the impact of the coronavirus crisis, and to stick to its debt reduction path through raising more revenue and cutting wastage. - Nampa/Reuters

Protected areas in central Africa under threat

Nearly half of the 206 protected areas in central Africa are under threat from the oil and gas industries, a report published Tuesday by the Central African Forest Observatory (OFAC) said.

If mining is included, it swells to 60% or some 800 000 square kilometres said Georges Belmond Tchoumba, regional coordinator of the World-Wide Fund for Nature's forestry programme in central Africa.

The protected areas of Central Africa cover 15% of the land area and five percent of the marine area of the region.

"Permits have already been allocated for 27% of protected areas" in 10 African countries, including Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon, Tchoumba told an online conference.

Experts are urging governments in the region to explore using their natural resources more responsibly, striking a compromise between conservation and economic development.

"We are aware of the significant pressure of the extractive industries on protected areas in particular, but also on conservation areas broadly speaking," Tchoumba said.

The extractive industries constitute an economically powerful sector. Meanwhile, several mineral-rich countries such as the Central African Republic are among the world’s poorest.

Experts recommended the banning of extractive industries in areas rich in biodiversity. They said these industries could be allowed in other areas under strict guidelines with monitoring to assess their environmental impact. - Nampa/AFP

Phosphate mining licence remains valid – NMP ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Namibian Marine Phosphate (NMP) says its mining licence for the planned Sandpiper marine phosphate project near Walvis Bay has been confirmed by the High Court of Namibia.

This follows a court order issued on Wednesday that no activities may proceed without an Environmental Clearance Licence (ECC).

According to NMP, its mining licence (ML170) and the rights conferred to the company thereunder are not affected by the findings of the court and remains valid.

The High Court declined to declare the licence invalid.

The legal proceedings were aimed at challenging the validity of NMP’s ML170, which was issued by the ministry of mines in July 2011.

Judge Harald Geier made the court order on Wednesday with regards to the legality of the ECC, which the company applied for after it received its mining licence.

The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations, the Namibian Hake Association, the Midwater Trawling Association and Omualu Fishing brought the legal action in 2016 against the company.

No ECC

In their court application, they requested the court to order that NMP did not apply for the ECC within a prescribed period in terms of the Environmental Management Act - one year calculated from 6 February 2012. They, therefore, said the ML170, issued on 8 July 2011, expired on or around 5 February 2013, and is thus invalid and of no force and effect.

Greier in his order said NMP did not apply in the prescribed manner for an ECC during the relevant time and is currently - in any event - without an ECC.

He, therefore, declared - in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Management Act - that NMP may not undertake phosphate mining operations until such a time that it has obtained a valid ECC in relation to such activity.

The company agreed with the ruling.

“NMP’s shareholders, legal team and management are pleased with the High Court’s ruling in respect of the ML170 and now look forward to developing what is an extremely promising project for Namibia.”

The project has been in limbo since 2012, owing to environmental objections, with its ECC having been set aside after being awarded in 2016.

Tourism industry on pins and needlesNew restrictions ‘do not look good’ for sector Renewed enthusiasm to get vaccinated will get us out of what is probably the worst time for tourism, the Hospitality Association of Namibia CEO said. ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Namibia has suffered millions in losses since June due to tourist cancellations, with new travel restrictions announced this week.

CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (Han), Gitta Paetzold, said the announcement of the new restrictions made by President Hage Geingob on Wednesday was to be expected.

Geingob announced that no travel will be permitted between regions, however, travel within regions will be permitted. It was further announced that all road and air public transport operators will not be permitted to travel between regions, including long-haul operators and aircraft. Under these restrictions, tourists may, however, enter a zone for tourism purposes if they present a negative PCR test result upon entry into the country.

According to Paetzold, the tourism industry had a trial run of what was to come over the past two weeks with the Khomas Region travel restrictions.

“While we fully agree and support that such stringent measures are absolutely necessary to bring down the spike of Covid-19 transmissions, we would like to appeal to all Namibians to strictly adhere to the measures, such as social distancing, wearing masks and hygiene, so that we can stop the spread of the virus.”

She said only when this is achieved can Namibia hope to present itself as a safe travel destination again.

“This together with renewed enthusiasm to get vaccinated will get us out of what is probably the worst time for tourism in the past 15 months.”

Millions of losses

Paetzold said the sector already suffered losses of millions in cancellations of tourists who planned to visit Namibia from July to September. According to her, it will be very difficult to make up for these losses before the end of the year.

“We are thus grateful that in announcing the strict measures, government reiterated that there will be special dispensation for tourists to allow them to conduct their tours as planned through Namibia under the existing public health measures, and we are keen to see that all authorities and law enforcers, including those at the road blocks, will provide the necessary customer service and guidance to tourists to ensure that the few still in the country and those coming in the next few weeks will have a pleasant experience and be able to share this and market our country as a safe and ideal destination going forward.”

Not looking good

Joseph Kafunda, the chairperson of the Emerging Tourism Enterprise Association, said the restrictions do not look good for the tourism industry.

“We need to understand what the measures are that have been put in place for tourism. Are we allowed to travel between regions? It restricts you from all road and air transport, so we need to understand exactly what is the way forward for tourism. We need more clarity.”

He added that government also needs to fight for the tourism sector internationally. “In July, I had two tours, both cancelled. August cancelled, now I have September, I am hoping it will be better.

“Everyone is losing hope; we are losing houses, cars, businesses to collaterals. And the banks are not being understanding that we are facing a pandemic and some of us have not worked for a year and nine months,” he said.

Meanwhile, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano said it is important to acknowledge that the current situation the tourism sector finds itself in is unprecedented and that the government in its wisdom has done its utmost best to manage the health of fellow countrymen and -women to ensure that the livelihood of the nation is sustained under these challenging circumstances.

“We are in full support of them. As for our customers who redeemed their Black Friday vouchers, these have been extended until 31 August. We sincerely believe that this should provide sufficient time for our clients to travel.”

He added that the domestic tourism market has been incredibly supportive towards NWR’s specials during this period.

A smooth sea never made a skilled sailorTo an amazing 42 years working at sea Captain Marek Lipowski retires after many memorable years with the Debmarine Namibia family.

Monique Adams

Marek Lipowski never saw himself working in an office or sitting in traffic; rather, he always wanted to work outdoors and away from the busy city life. Working at sea was his first choice and if that failed he would have gone into forestry, but it didn’t fail.

After completing matric in 1979, he joined the merchant navy with Safmarine and travelled to all the continents for eight years with them.

After that he joined the South Africa Agulhas for one year and five months, during which he travelled to Antarctica, Marion, Gough and Tristan da Cunha islands.

Then he did De Beers sailing on the Shearwater Bay, Douglas Bay, Louis G Murray, Coral Sea, Grand Banks, Debmar Atlantic and for the past 24 years on the Debmar Pacific.

In total he has been at sea for 42 years and five months.

Lipowski says his days as a cadet were carefree and enjoyable with minimal responsibilities, but as one moves up the ranks, so does the responsibility grow, especially when achieving a senior rank.

“My aim when going to sea was always to advance to the rank of Master and end my career in this rank. I have never thought of changing to a career ashore, nor have I regretted my career choice,” he says.

He has many memories of being at sea, of which losing three anchors in the space of three days is one of the less pleasant but more memorable, Lipwoski recalls.

On that day they were working in a particularly rough seabed area and a gale-force wind and high swells parted the remaining forward anchor.

He says the one anchor had been recovered previously so the vessel swung around on the remaining aft and they had to pay the entire wire out and sacrifice the anchor to avoid lying with their stern to the sea and swell, which would have damaged the stern and the rudders.

“Luckily I had recovered the drill string before the weather picked up otherwise we would probably have lost the drill. I had also disconnected the wire from the drum so we could slack the wire over the side with no delay. But for these two actions I suspect that we would have sustained major structural damage and possibly injuries as well,” he says.

Lipwoski reflects on a humorous moment he had at sea, during the time when they used to steam 50 miles offshore to refuel from a tanker. The navigating officer on one vessel (not his) managed to work out the courses to the rendezvous position incorrectly and ended up in a position about 10 miles away from the correct position. The navigating officer then proceeded to accuse the tanker of being in the wrong position and from that day on he has had the nickname ‘Barthole Dias’.

While being at what he missed the most was his family, pets and his fishing. Once he retires, he will definitely miss his shipmates and being at sea in command of his vessel. On his bucket list he wants to travel extensively, catch a fish larger than the previous one, and to taste as many wines as possible.

“My advice for anyone that would like to follow my career path is you must expect to work long hours. You learn how to work as a team with a group of people that depend on each other and are pulling in the same direction with the same goal. Secondly, there is no better way to see the world and get paid to do it. Thirdly, you will not spend 15 percent of your life stuck in rush-hour traffic. And lastly, when you get to my age and retire you have a lifetime of memories and endless stories that you can tell your children,” he says.

Legal Advisor recently appointed and already making wavesShe is an admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of Namibia Garises was a lecturer at Unam and Nust during 2016-2018

Michelline Nawatises

Memory Garises completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Namibia, where she obtained a Baccalaureus Juris degree in 2011 and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree in 2013. She had a keen interest in pursuing her career in the commercial law field and was sure that she wanted to work in the financial services industry.

While reading the local newspapers, Garises saw a bursary advertised by the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa). Having done her research on the reputable financial services regulator, she applied for and was awarded the Namfisa bursary. The bursary enabled her to further her postgraduate studies and in 2014 she graduated with a Master of Laws degree in Commercial Law and a Certificate in Compliance Management from the University of Cape Town.

In 2015, she was enrolled with the Justice Training Centre at the University of Namibia for theoretical training as a candidate legal practitioner and was appointed at Clement Daniels Attorneys (now FB Law Chambers) for her practical training in the same year. She is an admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of Namibia and a member of the Law Society of Namibia since 2016.

Garises started her professional working career as a trainee legal officer at Namfisa, in accordance with the requirements of the bursary agreement in 2016. During this period, she rotated within the Complaints and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance, Capital Markets, Pension Funds and Friendly Societies, Insurance and Medical Aid Funds and Legal Services divisions of Namfisa. Garises was appointed at Namfisa on 1 June 2021 in the capacity of legal advisor in the Legal Services Division.

She was appointed as a legal officer in the Insurance and Medical Aid Funds Division in 2018. On 1 June 2021, she was appointed as a legal advisor in the Legal Services Division. Garises lectured Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Law of Evidence, on a part-time basis, in the law faculty of the University of Namibia during the period 2016 - 2018. She also lectured Commercial Law at the Namibia University of Science and Technology in 2018.

Garises was appointed on 11 May 2021 as a tutor/tutor marker at the Centre for Open, Distance and eLearning of the University of Namibia. She also tutors legal drafting to candidate legal practitioners in preparation for their justice training qualifying examinations. Garises also served as a member of the Ethics and Investigation Committee of the Law Society of Namibia in 2019.

The ambitious Garises is currently pursuing membership of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners and enrolled at the North-West University of South Africa for a short learning programme in commercial forensic investigation. The modules forming part of the course are commercial forensic accounting, commercial forensic information technology, commercial forensic investigation, commercial forensic law as well as commercial forensic practice and fraud risk management. She is currently also pursuing a certificate in insurance with the Chartered Institute of Insurers.

Garises is very adventurous, loves travelling and is always excited about experiencing the activities on her bucket list. Lastly, she is a firm believer in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, loves people and loves serving in the local church, Christian Revival Church (CRC Windhoek).

South Africa hospitality stocks sink Covid-19 restrictions tightened South Africa is the worst-hit on the African country in terms of recorded cases and deaths. People get fearful when news flow is bad as it is at the moment. Varshan Maharaj, Portfolio Manager: Allan Gray.

South African hospitality, grocery retail and gym stocks sank alongside the rand currency after the government tightened Covid-19 restrictions to cope with new coronavirus infections.

The travel and leisure index tumbled 7.53% to a one-month low and recorded its biggest daily decline in just over a year, with City Lodge, Tsogo Sun Gaming, Tsogo Sun Hotels and Sun International down between 6.70% and 9.83%.

"Sentiment is very low on these businesses. People get fearful when news flow is bad as it is at the moment," said Varshan Maharaj, Portfolio Manager at Allan Gray.

Investment firm Brait SE, which holds just under 80% of Virgin Active gyms, fell 6.10%, while wines, spirits and cider producer Distell slipped 0.69%.

Grocery retailers who sell alcohol Massmart, Woolworths, Shoprite, Pick N Pay and Spar Group fell between 0.80% and 5.26%. The Johannesburg All-Share index fell 0.61%, while the Top-40 index dropped 0.53%.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced tighter Covid-19 restrictions on Sunday for 14 days saying the current containment measures were insufficient with the country, the worst-hit on the African continent in terms of recorded cases and deaths, in the grip of a third wave of infections.

Under the measures announced, all gatherings are prohibited, there will be a curfew from 9 p.m. to 4 A.M., gyms, cinemas, casinos and entertainment facilities must close and the sale of alcohol will be banned.

In the currency market, the rand weakened 0.55% to 14.2050 against the dollar by 1505 GMT.

"This scenario, although necessary, is likely to hamper an already faltering economy, and the rand is likely to remain under pressure, with any strength in the local unit likely to be met with fresh demand for USD," analysts at Nedbank wrote in a note.

Government bonds strengthened slightly, with the yield on the instrument due in 2030 falling 3 basis points to 8.960%. - Nampa/Reuters

Northern governors urge youth to invest in agriculture Food security drops, food prices increase due to Covid “We should defeat the notion of being consumers but not producers, and stop relying on imported food for our consumption,” the governor said. TUYEIMO HAIDULA

OSHAKATI

The regional governors of Omusati and Oshana have urged young people to treat agriculture as a lucrative business and not just a hobby, and focus on reviving the economy which has been left limping by Covid-19.

Erginus Endjala of Omusati and Elia Irimari of Oshana made these remarks in their recent state of the region addresses, saying the effects of Covid-19 have also created business opportunities.

Endjala said food security has dropped drastically, while food prices have increased.

“By treating agriculture as a business, we will improve in food self-sustenance. We should defeat the notion of being consumers but not producers, and stop relying on imported food for our consumption,” he said.

Unlock opportunities

Endjala said it is his wish to formalise the informal market to enable it to enter into the national procurement system.

“Equally, I urge our local financial institutions to be innovative through unlocking agricultural potential in our region, especially in manufacturing and agro-processing areas that have the potential to create job opportunities for our youth,” he stressed.

Irimari said efforts towards economic transformation and industrialisation are focused on cushioning and supporting businesses to survive the negative impact of Covid-19.

He said the ministry of trade has registered 484 new businesses, of which 421 were close corporations and 63 were sole proprietorships.

Irimari said the same ministry also financed the production of 42 393 fabric facemasks at a cost of N$847 860 in the region.

"The masks were developed by local small- and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] and donated to the pensioners and vulnerable people in the region," he said.

Irimari pointed out that the pandemic did not spare any sector of the economy.

Informal traders were also adversely affected and challenged to maintain the required hygiene standards.

He added that all these resilient strategies are commendable and have been implemented to make it easier to do business in Namibia.

- tuyeimo@namibiansun.com

EDITORIAL: In the belly of the beast Namibia is within the belly of the Covid-19 beast. As of this week, the country has reached almost 90 000 confirmed cases and over 1 300 deaths, while only over 24 000 people have been fully vaccinated.

Not only are hospitals across the country full, doctors' practices have waiting lists longer than the wait for Jesus’ second coming and clinics are packed to the rafters.

Pharmacies are busy. Medical personnel are either home sick with Covid or on the verge of burning out - often both.

The healthcare system is on its knees. The country is in crisis.

We can no longer look to our leaders to fix things. It is up to us - you and me - to save ourselves and our loved ones.

The vaccine is not a wonder cure, but it'll help you fight this virus. Masks and sanitising and keeping your distance aren't rocket science, but they'll keep you safe. Encouraging those close to you to get vaccinated won't save the world, but it'll protect you and the people you care about.

Do your part. Stop spreading misinformation about Covid-19 and the vaccines. Stop waiting for better days before you get vaccinated. Stop acting like it's business as usual.

It’s time for us to stop talking and start acting. Now. Before it's too late. For all of us.

Cleanest smile in townWhere passion meets determination Selvia Mbariani is a cleaner at Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) who prides herself in delivering quality work with a smile.

hands Selvia Mbariani lemons, she not only makes the best lemonade in town, but she does it with the biggest smile possible.

Mbariani’s loveable nature and pure soul continues to inspire her colleagues daily, and she strives to find ways in which she can help to make the lives of those around her easier and happier.

Mbariani is a cleaner at Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) - a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and is responsible for the cleaning of the Brauhaus. This is where the brewers brew the beer.

“To me, it’s more than just cleaning. It is who I am. A clean environment is a happy environment, and imagine being able to do something that makes you this happy every day,” Mbariani says.

The bright side

She believes in always looking for the bright side in life, and has a way of always smiling, despite challenges and struggles she has faced throughout her life.

“Where you come from and what has happened to you in life does not define you. What matters is where you are going. What matters is hard work, determination and a positive outlook on life,” she says.

She started working at NBL in 2014, and has enjoyed the opportunities the company has created for her to grow and become the best version of herself.

“I love my management, working environment, my colleagues and my work. I enjoy greeting and interacting with my peers and really love a good joke. Life is too short to take everything so seriously,” she adds.

Mbariani was born at Okakarara in 1982, where she grew up on a farm with nine siblings. She has always loved the farm, and riding horses and donkey carts and working with cattle and goats are some of her fondest memories.

“One day I hope to own and run my own farm with my family and become a successful female farmer. I believe, just like the O&L Group believes: Nothing is Impossible. You just need to be honest with yourself about where you are, where you want to be and what you need to do in order to make those dreams a reality,” Mbariani adds.

Power of faith

Her religion plays an important role in her life and a verse she always lives by is Jeremiah 1:19. “My God will always be there to guide me and take care of me. I just need to always keep the faith and trust in Him.”

Mbariani values the experience, skills and knowledge she has been able to obtain whilst working at NBL.

“I continue to learn so much every day. With these two hands of mine I get to work and make a living. Sometimes things don’t work out as you wanted, but I get to create a future for myself and my son. I didn’t complete high school, but I am proof that with the right mindset and perseverance, your life is what you make of it.”

Mbariani believes that balance is a critical part of success. “I try to always balance my personal life, my family and my work. You need to change the way you look at success. It’s not the one or the other. You can have it all if you plan, work hard and continue to find that balance in your life.”

She encourages the youth to grab the opportunities you are given with both hands. “Make the most of every day. Stay focused, but don't forget to smile and live a life worth living.”

Helping you make a bold statement on the roadModern auto detailing through wrapping Being highly motivated to start a business should be the start of something great to be pursued. During these unprecedented times, many entrepreneurs have elevated their businesses in order to make ends meet.

Wetumwene Shikage

Beco Auto Wrap (BAW) is a local business located in Sun Industrial Park, Lafrenz in the capital city of Windhoek. This is a brand created to enhance and protect the beauty of cars. The business was established in November 2020 and has been functional since inception.

“Many other people are inspired to start businesses by their financial situations, but I was genuinely inspired by the beauty of a certain car from south Africa owned by Dj Melzi,” says the founder of BAW, Namupala Fillemon.

He also says that what makes the brand stand out is its uniqueness and the quality of the work. The uniqueness being one of the modern and reliable auto detailing service offered; the quality of the work is evident in the beautifully wrapped vehicle as it makes a bold statement on the road.

Marketing

Businesses may get more clients when they promote their products or services including market research and advertising in different ways. BAW has also used this marketing technique. Even with limited finances, they resorted to an alternative means of advertising which did not include billboards or advertising in malls. They have reached a great number of clients and potential clients through social media marketing. Fillemon says the results have been massive. The business page on both Instagram and Facebook show how effective social media can be just by showcasing a business expertise through clear videos and photographs.

Being located in a developing country comes with its own challenges and may affect sales and productivity in many businesses. “The stigma of new things is one of the great challenges faced by the business. Many people are afraid to try new things which make them sceptical to trust the process,” he says.

Apart from this great challenge, Fillemon says the mere fact that he was successful in starting a business and opening a shop has been his greatest achievement. They have successfully wrapped a couple of customers’ cars.

BAW currently has four employees, including Fillemon. He says the company culture is simply quality at all times as they pride themselves as a company which can wrap company cars, government cars or private cars to enhance great new looks.

Fillemon advises aspiring entrepreneurs to make sure that they are 110% ready before they open a business. The process requires real passion, determination and endurance in both good and season. He further says that their greatest way to measure growth is through production and services offered.

“When we have successfully wrapped 100 cars. I will successfully know that we are headed towards the right direction,” he says.

Some of the services offered at the Beco Auto Wrap include colour change, windscreen protection and paint protection. Custom wraps are for individuals who would like to customise their vehicles and make a bold statement on the road.

KC ‘The Big Homie’ ButsheFresh FM station manager Butshe will be relaunching Fresh FM in the immediate future.

Michelline Nawatises

KC Butshe has been an on-air talent for 14 years. He has worked for three established radio brands in Namibia.

“I am currently hosting the Fresh FM morning show and have also taken up the reigns of Fresh FM station manager,” he says.

Butshe’s job is quite diverse in terms of roles and responsibilities but it involves initiating and setting goals for programmes according to the strategic objectives of the organisation.

“There is also the administration aspect that includes building daily logs, curating the station playlist to make sure the music is on brand,” he says.

One challenge is stepping out of being a radio personality whose focus has always been on himself and his radio show to now being the custodian of a brand that has creatives who need the freedom to thrive and yet need to operate within a framework that he oversees.

“My biggest accomplishment has been to celebrate 14 years of being close to something I love, which is radio,” he adds.

The Big Homie’s day

He usually arrives at work around 05:00 to get ready for his morning show, which starts at 06:00. After his show, he catches up on emails from sales, senior management and team members. Then it's either having air checks to conduct, programming duties to execute, or meetings to attend.

“Right now, I am organising a station relaunch so that means thinking about new station music clocks, personnel considerations for the new line-up and the list go on,” he says.

He is inspired by a good story. “I gravitate towards great storytellers and most of all people that explain complex things in a way that's easy to understand. An example would be Malcolm Gladwell or Tim Urban from https://waitbutwhy.com/. Creativity inspires me no end like recently watched Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Gentleman’.”

The advice he would you give to aspiring young people out there is not to believe the hype. “Don't drink the Cool Aid, and take an interest in stuff as random as it maybe you never know when it will come in handy,” he says.

Butshe will be relaunching Fresh FM in the immediate future so he is looking forward to that. “I am also looking to introduce some specialty-type programmes to air,” he adds.

One thing he wishes he knew how to do is to read minds. “Seriously, I wish I knew how to code. Why? because it looks so cool and the gig economy is booming,” he says.

When asked what the best phase of his life has been, he says it is actually right now, because now he has a lot less FOMO than he used to. “I am okay not being places; I don’t mind being at home. Maybe it's because I always have work stuff to do so going out is starting to feel like time wasted. I also am not as into my own social media as I used to be. There really are more important things,” he concludes.

IMF approves loan, debt relief for SudanUnlocking inclusive development, economic growth. Sudan will receive US$1.4 billion immediately under the 39-month International Monetary Fund loan program This is a historic moment for Sudan and its people. Janet Yellen, Secretary: US Treasury

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a US$2.5 billion loan for Sudan, and with the World Bank sealed a landmark deal that unlocks nearly US$50 billion in debt relief for the impoverished African nation.

The announcement came after the International Monetary Fund finalised an agreement with 101 donor countries allowing Sudan to clear roughly US$1.4 billion in arrears to the Washington-based lender the key hurdle to allow access to fresh aid.

"We congratulate the Sudanese government and people for their commendable hard work and progress toward this remarkable milestone," IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President David Malpass said in a joint statement.

Payment of the arrears is the "decision point" that allows access to debt relief under the Heavily-Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative which the officials said will cover US$50 billion or about 90% of the country's foreign debt.

Sudan will receive US$1.4 billion immediately under the 39-month IMF loan program. Washington welcomed the announcement that Sudan is now eligible to receive debt relief from the international lending institutions.

"This is a historic moment for Sudan and its people," US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

"These steps will unlock much-needed financing and will help build the foundation for poverty reduction, inclusive development, and economic growth." Yellen also praised the efforts of Sudan's civilian government to stabilize the economy.

Economy

The new aid comes amid a rapprochement between the United States and Sudan following the ouster of strongman Omar al-Bashir, who was toppled amid street protests in April 2019 after three decades of iron-fisted rule marked by economic hardship, deep internal conflicts, and biting international sanctions that curtailed investment.

In the past two years, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, a seasoned UN economist-turned-premier, has pushed to rebuild the crippled economy and end Sudan's international isolation.

Washington in December removed Sudan from its blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism, removing a major hurdle to foreign investment.

President Joe Biden has continued the thaw in relations since taking office in January, and his administration has taken a leading role in encouraging other governments to join in the effort to provide debt relief.

The US Treasury in March announced US$1.15 billion in bridge financing to help clear Sudan's arrears at the World Bank, after Khartoum's civilian-backed government announced a series of reforms.

Relief

Treasury said the United States also committed to contribute up to US$120 million in grant resources to fund IMF debt relief for Sudan under the first phase of HIPC.

Sudan is the last country to clear arrears with the IMF, which now faces no repayment arrears from its members for the first time since early 1974.

Georgieva praised the government's "strong policy commitment" that has shored up public finances "while channelling assistance to the most vulnerable."

But she said "continued reform commitment will be critical to achieve the program's objectives, as well as to reduce poverty and secure higher and more inclusive growth."

The government moved to a market-based exchange rate and removed fuel subsidies in its efforts to secure the deal with the crisis lenders.

In an interview with AFP last month, Hamdok said the widely unpopular moves were needed to secure debt relief and the government was calling on foreign investors to "explore the opportunities for investing in Sudan."- Nampa/AFP

Congo signs deal for solar plants

Democratic Republic of Congo's state-owned utility company SNEL said it had signed power purchase agreements for the construction of two 100 megawatt (MW) solar power plants in the copper and cobalt-rich south-east for more than US$300 million.

SNEL agreed the projects, which are expected to break ground in March 2022 and start operating in early 2023, with developer Financing Access, which is partnered with investment fund Green Power Capital (GPC), the companies said in a joint statement.

A plant in the town of Kolwezi will cost US$148 million, while a plant in nearby Likasi will cost US$157 million.

Less than 10% of Congo's roughly 90 million people have reliable access to electricity, and electricity shortages are a major impediment to building processing factories to add value to copper and cobalt exports.

Congo is Africa's top copper producer and the world's biggest miner of cobalt, which is used in batteries for electric vehicles and other electronic products.

"With the signing of this agreement, we will contribute to securing the energy supply in the major urban and peri-urban centres," Jean-Bosco Kayombo Kayan, SNEL's Director General, said in a statement.

"Similarly, we will be able to ensure the supply of electricity to industrialists in the area, in particular the mining companies which represent the economic lungs of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba (provinces)," he said.

The two plants will provide the Congo's grid with an average annual production of around 500 gigawatt hours, enough to supply electricity to more than 1.25 million people, SNEL said.

The country has long placed its hopes for energy security in plans to expand the Inga dams along the Congo River, which could eventually become the world's largest hydroelectric project, but progress has repeatedly stalled over financing issues. -Nampa/Reuters

Napwu enlists Namandje over NBC jobs OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

The Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu), through prominent lawyer Sisa Namandje, is threatening to drag NBC to court if the national broadcaster continues to delay employing its contract workers on a full-time basis.

NBC employees had embarked on a strike in May, seeking - among other things - better working conditions, a salary increment and the employment of the corporation’s contract workers.

The strike was called to an end after the union and corporation agreed that the contract workers would be fully employed as at 25 May.

Napwu said NBC has not honoured its agreement and threatened the corporation with litigation.

The union had - through its lawyers Sisa Namandje Incorporated - said it has lived up to its terms of an agreement reached with NBC.

“Our client Napwu has fulfilled all its obligations in terms of the agreement and has performed fully. You (NBC) have failed to act and fulfil the terms of the agreement amongst others in the following respects: That you have not yet operationalised the employment of all employees who are on a one-year contract into permanent employees with immediate effect 25 May as agreed,” the law firm wrote.

“You have not established a joint committee comprised of members of the board, management and union and workplace union representatives as agreed, despite several requests from our client.”

Breach

NBC had seven days to table the modalities agreed to but had not, Napwu said through its lawyers.

“You are in breach of the agreement.”

NBC was further asked to provide – on or before 30 June at 12h00 – among other things, a specific date as to when it would operationalise the full-time employment of its contract employees, as well as a specific date when it would establish a joint committee as agreed upon.

If the corporation failed to provide the information, the firm holds “strict instruction to approach the relevant court for urgent enforcement of the agreement,” it wrote.

NBC director general Stanley Similo promised to work on the modalities but informed Napwu’s lawyers that the letter of demand had been received late.

“We will provide your office with our response no later than Wednesday, 7 July, at 16h00,” he responded.

Shafudah announces sudden resignation MATHIAS HAUFIKU

WINDHOEK

The finance ministry’s executive director Ericah Shafudah has announced that she will step down at the end of this month from the position she held for 11 years.

Namibian Sun understands Shafudah made the announcement yesterday during a management meeting with senior ministerial officials, citing personal reasons.

The 59-year-old started her professional career as a teacher and later joined the National Planning Commission (NPC), where she held several senior roles. She moved from NPC to the finance ministry where she started as the under-secretary for treasury.

At finance, she served under three ministers - Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila (now prime minister), Calle Schlettwein (current agriculture minister) and incumbent Iipumbu Shiimi.

While serving as executive director, Shafudah also initiated several philanthropic projects to assist vulnerable school girls through the Ericah Shafudah Financial Management Foundation Trust.

Through the trust, she paid the tuition fees of young girls studying at local universities.

Controversy

However, Shafudah’s tenure has not been without controversy.

In 2017, she got a final written warning for failing to attend technical committee meetings regarding the construction of a multi-billion-dollar fuel storage facility at Walvis Bay.

Expressing his dissatisfaction at the time, Cabinet secretary George Simataa wrote to Shafudah decrying her conduct.

“I have concluded that your conduct into the National Oil Facility project, in particular your failure to attend to meetings of the technical committee, of which you were an integral member, has contributed to the development of a situation detrimental and prejudicial to government,” he said.

Former Attorney-General Sacky Shanghala instructed Simataa to launch an investigation into the tender for the construction of the bulk fuel storage facility after construction costs skyrocketed from an initial N$920 million to over N$5 billion.

The warning was valid for a period of 12 months.

Wasn’t heard

Shafudah questioned the process Simataa used in the investigation, which led to her getting a final warning.

“I have been found guilty, apparently through an investigation, of which the findings have not been availed [sic] to me,” she said, adding that she was not given an opportunity to be heard.

Shafudah said she attended technical committee meetings when she was invited, and has it on record that where she did not attend, an apology was extended.