Maternal and child healthcare at its best

August 5, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Maternal and child healthcare at its best Dr Emvula is the founder and medical mind behind OB-GYN Practice. The medical practice advocates in the pursuit of excellence in women’s healthcare.

Wetumwene Shikage

Dr Emvula describes his journey as a doctor as exciting. He says he has been dreaming of the day he could finally have a practice of his own. “Having spent most of my practice in the public sector, I learned different skills to act on. These include learning to manage the clinical and business side of running a private practice.”

Passion

It is not everyone who has a dream and brings it to life. Dr Emvula describes this achievement as a great milestone. “Seeing our first patient was memorable and it will always be a greatly held memory which I will cherish for the rest of my career.

“I describe myself as very passionate about maternal and child healthcare, hence my specialised training in obstetrics and gynaecology. During my training I developed a passion for reproductive medicine and endoscopy surgery,” he says.

Dr Emvula began this journey as he attended Oshuulagulwa Primary School and Ella du Plessis High School. His qualifications include a Master of Medicine (MMed): Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the University of Pretoria; Fellowship of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of South Africa: FCOG (SA) from the College of Medicine of South Africa; Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Pretoria.

Just like any other career, Dr Emvula says he has had ups and downs which he can now look back on and be grateful for the moulding they have done to his profession and overall understanding of the medical field.

“Starting a new practice during a pandemic has been the hardest, which not only encourages my team to work harder and promoting our services but educating the public around our expertise when many are just trying to survive daily,” he says.

Short term goals

The medical practice advocates in the pursuit of excellence in women’s healthcare. “Our aim is to create awareness of cervical cancer screening programmes and we are hoping to reach out to all women in Namibia. Cervical cancer is preventable, and no woman should die because of cervical cancer. We would also like to raise awareness on male factor infertility, which contributes about 40% of all infertility cases,” he says.

Dr Emvula says one of his proudest moments was to safely deliver the first baby at OB-GYN Practice on 23 May 2021.

A typical day for Dr Emvula starts at about 06:00 with a prayer, followed by ward rounds at private hospitals at around 06:30. He thereafter has a daily audit meeting at Katutura state hospital, and then delves into public sector work such as clinics and major operations. By mid-day, depending on how busy the day is, he starts work at the OB-GYN practice until it is time to go home.

When he has free time, he enjoys cycling, watching soccer, spending time with family or travelling.

10 facts about Dr Emvula

1. He is friendly

2. Honest

3. Passionate academic

4. He is a cyclist.

5. Manchester United fanatic.

6. His favourite colour is white.

7. He mostly listens to gospel music.

8. Motivated and flexible

9. Tenacious & efficient

10. Genuine

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Maternal and child healthcare at its best

August 5, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Maternal and child healthcare at its best Dr Emvula is the founder and medical mind behind OB-GYN Practice.

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Is the pandemic increasing the usage of digital money?

August 5, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Is the pandemic increasing the usage of digital money?

Kehad Snydelwel

The pandemic has overwhelmed the globe and Namibia has not been spared. The acceleration of certain developments and the innovations have also occurred because of Covid-19, as adversity always breeds innovation.

One such innovation and development was highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO): “Greater adoption of mobile payment innovations should be at the heart of preventive and curative interventions aimed at reducing Africa’s burden of infectious diseases.” This statement came from Ahmed Hamani, the finance officer at the WHO regional office for Africa.

It’s actually a smart way of approaching the problem. Money is dirty; going from hand to hand. It falls on the floor, is stuffed into pockets, wallets and bags to keep it safe. Digital transactions allow people to be paid on time without having to be physically there.

It works for people without bank accounts. A real-world example of harnessing digital solutions is with frontline workers involved in immunisation campaigns. It strengthened the response to diseases in Africa through rapid and efficient payment. Money is a great motivator and the people working out in the field battling and vaccinating people need to have their allowances on time.

This is FinTech in all its glorious form in action. We just need to implement it here. The banks have recently mentioned that NamPay will bring these solutions, but we need it now!

We need to understand that ‘mobile money’ is based on complex and secure technology. When digital currency and money is available to anyone in society, it will be a great equaliser.

This has especially been the case in Africa, where the unbanked now have access to money, to payments to and from them. But it goes much further, just as the man from WHO said. Paying your workers in the field, knowing they getting their money on time and making people feel financially included, that possibly weren’t before. It’s a game changer.

In time we will really see digital payments and transactions of all sizes in Namibia. Just as electric cars once seemed a pipedream, look at the automotive industry now. Progress is inevitable and a force for good when it comes to digital money.

We must just have the will to tackle this complex and very diverse challenge. It’s not just banks pursuing this technology, service providers like PayPal, but also locally here in Namibia we have our very own National Payment Solutions, with many new forms and applications waiting to launch. The power of Fintech really lies with the consumer.

If the consumer demands digital payment methods; banks, entrepreneurs and companies will find a way to make it happen. Government will legislate accordingly. Embracing it as a government will empower each and every consumer, whatever their income and wherever they are in the Land of the Brave.

We need the banks, the regulators and the public to work together to make digital payments and mobile money available, usable and accessible for all. The ICT-organisations are raring to go and willing to be part of creating the new payment formats and applications.

With organisations like WHO pushing mobile payments and digital currency as well as many countries and their banking systems embracing it, it demonstrated that it is safe. With the added bonus of combating the spread of Covid-19 and making Namibia safer.

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Welcome to my world - Benson

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Welcome to my world - Benson NAMPA

Namibia’s first Paralympic Games gold medallist, Johanna Benson, has joined the list of well-wishers for two of Namibia’s youngest athletes to ever represent the country at the Olympic Games.

Christine Mboma became the first Namibian woman to win silverware at the Olympics when she won a silver medal in the 200-metre sprint in a time of 21.81 seconds, which is the new national record and the World Under-20 record.

Fellow 18-year-old sprinter Beatrice Masilingi finished sixth in the same 200m final with a personal best of 22.28 seconds.

Benson, who became the first Paralympic athlete to win a gold medal for Namibia when she competed in the T37 200m sprint event at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, welcomed the athletes to her world.

“My little sister Mboma, welcome to my world. Watching your race was like watching mine in London, you gave me butterflies during your race and congratulations, my little sister,” she said.

Benson added that Masilingi made her proud with her performance, because there are many athletes who did not make the semi-finals or finals of their event.

“Beatrice, you made it and remember three things in life, have faith, believe in yourself and be positive because you will always be my groot kat (big cat) and you will always be in my heart because I love you,” said Benson.

Masilingi and Mboma competed in the 200m final on Tuesday, with Mboma breaking the 25-year medal drought for Team Namibia at the Olympics. The last time Namibia won Olympic medals was in 1996 at the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, where Frank Fredericks won two silver medals, in the 100m and 200m.

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Sport ministry’s meddling raises eyebrows

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Sport ministry’s meddling raises eyebrowsScramble for relevancy starts The ministry of sport’s attempts to act as middleman in the flurry of sponsorships for Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi has been scorned by the public. LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

The ministry of sport, through the Namibia Sports Commission, on Thursday conveyed via WhatsApp text message that it had formed a preparatory task force to keep track of the sponsorships pouring in for Olympic silver medallist Christine Mboma and 200-metre finalist Beatrice Masilingi.

Social media were abuzz with this news, with most comments calling the ministry green-eyed monsters desperate to control the athletes’ finances and thus trying to sideline their coach, Henk Botha.

The pledges made

First National Bank has pledged $100 000 to Mboma and N$80 000 each to Masilingi and their coach, Henk Botha.

The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia announced that it will give the athletes a Toyota Fortuner, Namdrive Academy pledged N$10 000 worth of driving lessons, and Nictus donated queen-size beds.

These were just a few of the pledges, with many other companies and individuals announcing sponsorships for the deserving athletes.

The biggest sponsor to date is MTC, which sponsored each of the athletes to the tune of N$2 million before they left for Tokyo

The sponsorship breakdown is as follows: MTC will build houses valued at N$300 000 for each of the athletes at their home villages.

MTC will provide two iPhone 12s, valued at N$24 000 per phone, to each athlete and the coach to help them to stay connected during their international travels.

The athletes and the coach will each receive airtime to the value of N$36 000 per year. This translates into a monthly airtime allowance of N$3 000 for each athlete over a period of three years.

Each athlete will receive N$100 000 per year for personal upkeep and expenses over the three-year period.

Each athlete will also receive N$250 000 per year over the three-year period to assist them with event preparation.

NSC to take charge

Salome Iyambo of the NSC said the preparatory task team will safeguard and protect the image rights of the athletes, ensure accountability and acknowledge the benefactors in a coordinated and transparent manner.

“The task team will coordinate, verify pledges’ legitimacy, have data, recognise stakeholders, organise a coordinated event and avoid ambush marketing. Under no circumstances shall the task team collect or receive any of such gifts, donations and sponsorship,” added Iyambo.

She further said that fraudsters have lined up, circulating false sponsorships and they just want transparency as to who is pledging and what the pledge is.

Asked if this meddling was lawful, Iyambo explained that national federations or umbrella bodies receive funds on behalf of government and its people.

“Both athletes and coaches will be accorded the recognition, treatment and support they deserve.”

Her colleague, Challo Chainda, also from NSC, explained that this action is needed as some corporates are taking advantage of the situation, “such that they are now abusing image rights calling the athletes our own product, whilst they never played a role in nurturing the talent.

“Our appeal to you as media is to go assist us by reaching out to them. Some of them are big media TV conglomerates. Ask them why they do it without spending a single dollar, not even to mention broadcasting our sport events,” he said.

Despite Chainda’s concerns, one corporate head who refused to be named said there is no policy that gives government the power to direct corporates how to give sponsorships.

“It is not even anywhere in the outdated sports act. Government should stick to its responsibility and let corporates sponsor where they deem it suitable.

“What is happening now is a clear indication of the ministry of sport’s officials and the sport commission not knowing what their job is,” he added.

Ministry’s cracks exposed

The ministry was further crucified with some stating that the officials should rather focus on organising a task team to secure funds to pay athletes their reward bonuses for medals won at international competitions in 2019 and 2020.

Namibian athletes in cycling, archery, boxing and athletics won medals at championships such as the Africa Games in Morocco, the World Athletics Championships in Doha and the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai.

Cyclists Tristan de Lange, Alexander Miller and Vera Adrian, archery's Quinn Redding and Adrian Grobler, boxer Jonas Jonas, marathon runner Helalia Johannes and para-athlete Johannes Nambala are owed close to N$910 000 for their exploits.

The idea of the reward policy introduced by former sport minister Erastus Uutoni was to improve the lives of local athletes and to encourage and motivate the rest to excel in international competitions.

Uutoni left office without the reward policy being approved. The current minister of sport, Agnes Tjongarero, has not continued with those discussions.

There is, however, a two-page reward policy draft from a 2018 cabinet meeting, with no official stamp or signature, stating that individual and team athletes who win medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games will receive bonuses. Individual gold medal winners are to receive N$200 000, the coach is set to receive N$80 000. Silver medallists are to receive N$150 000, their coaches will earn N$60 000 and bronze winners will receive N$100 000 with the coach earning N$40 000.

The public is waiting for the ministry to announce when Mboma and her coach will receive their rewards, or if they will join the queue of silverware winners of 2019.

Mboma, Masilingi and Botha are scheduled to return to Namibia on Tuesday. President Hage Geingob and high-ranking government officials are expected to welcome the team home.

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Long walk finally over for Spain's eight-time Olympian

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Long walk finally over for Spain's eight-time OlympianJesus reaches end of the road Long-distance walker Jesus Angel Garcia of Spain confirmed his retirement on Friday after completing the men's 50 kilometres race walk at his eighth Olympics, a Games record in athletics. NAMPA / AFP

The 51-year-old Jesus Angel Garcia finished 35th in sweltering conditions in Sapporo, crossing the line in 4 hours 10 minutes and 3 seconds, 19:55 behind winner Dawid Tomala of Poland.

All competitors struggled in the heat and Garcia told Spanish media he was sticking with his pre-Games plans to make Tokyo his last Olympics.

"An Olympic legend, it was a pleasure. Thanks for everything," the Spanish Olympic Committee tweeted.

Garcia made his Olympic debut at the 1992 Barcelona Games and recorded his best result when he came fourth in Beijing 2008.

Turning to podiatry

He said before the Tokyo Games that he wanted a final Olympic experience before retiring to become a trainer and resume his podiatry practice.

"Eight Games are enough. I just want to enjoy once more the Olympic magic and then retire to a quieter, more relaxed life," he said.

The Spanish strider's eight Olympic appearances are the most in Games track and field, although Canadian equestrian Ian Millar has the all-time attendance record with 10, reaching double figures at London 2012.

Other Olympic veterans in Tokyo include 52-year-old Georgian shooter Nino Salukvadze, on her ninth appearance and Uzbeki gymnast Oksana Chusovitina, 46, on eight.

Australian equestrian Andrew Hoy picked up a silver medal and a bronze in eventing at 62 years of age in his eighth Olympics.

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Floods in Sudan damage thousands of homes

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Floods in Sudan damage thousands of homes NAMPA

Khartoum

Thousands of homes have been damaged in Sudan after torrential rains caused heavy flooding, with many streets in the capital Khartoum deep in water, AFP correspondents said Sunday.

Heavy rains usually fall in Sudan from June to October, and the country faces severe flooding every year, wrecking properties, infrastructure, and crops.

In Atbara, a city in Sudan's north-east, the official news agency SUNA reported that a number of houses had "collapsed" due to the heavy rains.

On Thursday, the UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said some 12,000 people in eight out of the country's 18 states had been affected.

"Over 800 homes have reportedly been destroyed and over 4,400 homes damaged," the UN said.

Last year, heavy rains forced Sudan to declare a three-month state of emergency, after flooding affected at least 650,000 people, with over 110,000 homes damaged or destroyed.

In 2020, the Blue Nile -- which joins the White Nile in the Sudanese capital Khartoum -- floodwater swelled the river to its highest level since records began over a century ago.

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UN condemns Zimbabwe child marriages

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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UN condemns Zimbabwe child marriagesOne in three girls married before turning 18 The death of 14-year-old Zimbabwean girl after she gave birth has sparked outrage among citizens and rights activists. NAMPA

HARARE

The United Nations has condemned the practice of child marriage in Zimbabwe following the death of a 14-year-old girl after she gave birth at a church shrine, an incident that caused outrage among citizens and rights activists.

The case has brought to the fore the practice of child marriage within Zimbabwe's apostolic churches, which also allow polygamy.

The government has traditionally turned a blind eye to the practice of child marriage. Zimbabwe has two sets of marriage laws, the Marriage Act and Customary Marriages Act.

Neither law gives a minimum age for marriage consent, while the customary law allows polygamy.

A new marriages bill that is before parliament for debate seeks to synchronise the laws, ban marriage of anyone below 18 years and prosecute anyone involved in the marriage of a minor.

Forced marriages

The UN in Zimbabwe said in a statement that it "notes with deep concern and condemns strongly" the circumstances leading to the death of Memory Machaya, the 14-year-old girl from rural Marange in the east of the country.

"Sadly, disturbing reports of the sexual violation of under-age girls, including forced child marriages continue to surface and indeed this is another sad case," the UN said.

One in three girls in Zimbabwe was likely to be married before turning 18 years, said the UN, whose office in Zimbabwe groups all 25 UN agencies operating in the country.

Police and the country's state gender commission said they were investigating the circumstances that led to the girl's death and burial.

Local media have reported that the girl died last month but the case came to light only last week after angry relatives, who were barred by the church's security from attending her burial, told their story to the state-owned press.

Reuters could not reach Johanne Marange church for comment.

The apostolic churches, which shun hospitals, attract millions of followers with their promises to heal illnesses and deliver people from poverty.

Zimbabweans took to social media to express their outrage.

"What you see today, i.e. a young girl forced to marry, get pregnant, & dies, is not an aberration! It is part of the same continuum. Female persons are not seen as fully human, with individual rights, choice, rights to control our own bodies," Everjoice Win, a feminist and rights activist, wrote on Twitter.

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Food systems under pressure

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Food systems under pressure

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Global food systems are facing challenges such as ongoing climate change, slow global economic growth and the Covid-19 pandemic.

About two billion people do not have regular access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food, which has led to food insecurity and malnutrition, says Bernadette Arnold, policy analyst at the agriculture ministry.

She was speaking at a national dialogue session on the food system in Namibia, which began in preparation for the United Nations (UN) World Food Systems Summit in September.

“Globally, food systems are key in ensuring food security and nutrition, providing livelihoods to farmers and other value chains, providing environmental sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protection of animal welfare,” said Arnold.

Reforms needed

She said key policy measures as well as reforms are therefore critical in enhancing Namibia’s food systems, because whatever effects are at the global level, they are also affecting Namibia.

One of the challenges facing the food system in Namibia is inadequate access to markets due to high cost of transport and long distances.

Other challenges that Arnold mentioned are inadequate storage facilities for farmers to store their farm produce, high cost of agricultural inputs, unfavourable climatic conditions and inadequate transport for extension officers to reach remote areas.

She said the ministry recommends several policy measures to improve food systems.

“The objective in the National Agriculture Policy, which is to improve food and nutrition security, should be highly promoted by providing adequate resources for implementation.”

Arnold said there is also a need for adequate funding to ensure diversity in seed types through capacity building, alignment of policies to regional standards and accreditation to international organisations.

“There is need for review and provision of institutional support to the Dryland Crop Production Programme so as to build farmers’ capacity to produce diversified food products which will strengthen completion in the market.”

Arnold added that there is a need for investments in research and development as well as technology and extension services, because these have been identified as key areas affecting productivity.

“There is need to put systems in place that effectively raise awareness on climate change and its potential impacts on social and economic development, livelihoods and ecosystems and promote resilience in Namibia’s food systems.”

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Water potential in irrigation sector not utilised

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Water potential in irrigation sector not utilisedInfrastructure development is crucial A third of Namibia’s water goes to irrigation, and there is plenty of room for expansion.

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

The demand for water in the irrigation sector is expected to reach nearly 500 million cubic metres by 2030, while the sector has the potential to use almost 300 million cubic metres more water per year than it does currently.

In addition, for the greater Namibia, potentially a billion cubic metres of water is available annually, but the necessary infrastructure must first be developed to utilise it.

At present, the national demand is about 334.1 million cubic metres of water per year.

This is according to Maria Amakali, the director for water management in the agriculture ministry and the acting deputy executive director in the water department, who added that water is a key driving force within a food system.

Water in perennial rivers on Namibia’s borders in particular should be utilised, she said.

She made the remarks during a national discussion on the food system in Namibia, which started last week in preparation of the United Nations (UN) World Food Systems Summit in September.

Room for expansion

About 135.2 million cubic metres (33%) of the available water in Namibia goes to irrigation purposes, while up to 415.02 million cubic metres of water has been allocated for it, Amakali said.

Although areas such as Nossob-Auob, Omaruru-Swakop and Ugab-Huab are already almost fully utilising their potential for irrigation, there is plenty of room for expansion, she said.

The Kunene, Kavango-Omatako, Orange-Fish River as well as the Zambezi-Kwando-Linyanti area in particular offer strong potential for expansion when it comes to irrigation. Most green schemes can also expand and place much larger areas under irrigation.

This includes the Neckartal Irrigation Scheme, where up to 5 000 hectares can currently be irrigated.

According to Amakali, green schemes have so far only developed irrigation infrastructure on 3 392 hectares (29%), while a total of 11 531 hectares are still available.

In Namibia, 60% of the water used comes from underground sources. These include aquifers in the Karst area, Ohangwena II, the lower Kuiseb, Omdel, Koichab, Otjiwarongo, Windhoek and Stampriet. Namibia's groundwater is generally of good quality, except that it is brackish or salty in the central north and far south.

Amakali explained that the agricultural sector currently uses up to 66% of the available water in the country - for both livestock and irrigation purposes. Townships, which include manufacturers, absorb about 19.7% of available water, while the tourism and mining industries use only 5.9% and 4.8% respectively.

Future of the sector

In 2008, the irrigation industry used approximately 135.3 million cubic metres of water. This demand is expected to triple by 2030, when the industry is expected to need up to 497.2 million cubic meters.

Amakali said for the future, coordination in the irrigation sector will be very important.

“The overall objective for the irrigation sector is to improve water use efficiency, crop production and value addition to enhance economic growth as well as increase food security and exports from Namibia, provided that the environment and water resources are not compromised,” she said.

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Company news in brief

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Company news in brief

AngloGold: Pandemic hits earnings

Shares in AngloGold Ashanti slumped more than 10% on Friday after it trimmed its 2021 production estimate and posted a 10% drop in headline first-half earnings due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and increased bullion mining costs.

Africa's top gold producer revised its full year production guidance to 2.4-2.6 million ounces in 2021 against an earlier target of 2.7-2.9 million ounces, citing the suspension of underground mining activities at the Obuasi Mine in Ghana following a fatal accident in May.

However, its interim chief executive officer said it planned to boost the quality of gold it produces and the lifespan of its mines to counter the big discount at which its shares trade versus its estimated real value.

AngloGold's headline earnings for the first half declined to US$363 million compared with US$404 million posted in the same period a year earlier, and it declared an interim dividend of R0.87 per share.

Production for the first half was down to 1.2 million ounces against 1.32 million ounces last year partly due to the suspension of underground mining activities at Obuasi.

Shares in all global gold companies have fallen so far this year after surging on record high gold prices last year, but AngloGold has been the worst performer and lost more than half of its market value since July 2020.

Like many other gold producers, South Africa-listed AngloGold has largely focused on mining lower grades of ore as they became viable amid higher gold prices. – Nampa/Reuters

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Temperature in Nam to rise more than global average

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Temperature in Nam to rise more than global average

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Temperatures in Namibia are set to rise much more rapidly than the global average.

For each 0.5° C increment in the global temperature, the mean temperature for Namibia will increase by 0.5 to 1° C more.

As the global temperature increases by 1.5° C and more, climate models project that Namibia will experience increasing frequency and intensity of climate extremes, Dr Simon Angombe, the dean of faculty for agriculture and natural resources at the University of Namibia (Unam), said.

He made the remarks during a national dialogue session on the food system in Namibia, which began in preparation of the United Nations (UN) World Food Systems Summit in September.

He made a presentation with regards to climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and what global warming of 1.5° C and higher means for Namibia.

Angombe said with its dry and hot climate, Namibia is already vulnerable to climate variability, and without adaptation, climate change will heighten this vulnerability.

“For Namibia, local warming and drying will be greater than the global average. So, even a 1.5° C increase in global temperature will have severe local impacts, negatively affecting water supply, agriculture, health, and other vulnerable sectors.”

More heat waves

Angombe said as global and local mean temperature rises, temperature extremes will change as well. Hot days and nights will increase sharply and warm spells and heat waves will also be much more frequent and last for longer.

He added that increasing temperatures will increase heat stress in Namibia’s vulnerable sectors, and will also increase the severity of droughts in the country.

Furthermore, at increasing levels of global warming, total annual rainfall is projected to decrease across the country.

“The largest relative decrease in rainfall will be experienced in the hyper-arid and arid south zones, which will experience decreases of 6% and 7% respectively at 1.5° C.”

It was further explained that temperature increases will lead to an increase in evapotranspiration in Namibia, placing considerable strain on water by reducing soil water, groundwater and surface water availability.

Global temperature increases of 1.5° C and 2° C will result in 10 to 14% more evaporation in the country, with further increases of up to 20% by 3° C.

Meanwhile, surface run-off will decrease by approximately 19% and 30% at 1.5 and 2° C respectively.

Extremely vulnerable

Angombe added that Namibia’s agricultural sector is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of 1.5° C warming and higher.

He noted that the prolonged drought conditions in 2018 - for example - led to the death of 300 cattle and relocation of 17 000 animals in the Omaheke area in the arid north.

He said it is expected that land in the arid south will lose as much as 15% of its carrying capacity for livestock at 1.5° C.

Crop productivity is expected to drop by five to 10% at 1.5° C and 2° C, with a decrease of 20% at 3° C.

“This loss will be even larger for subsistence farmers, with expected decreases of 20 to 80% between 1.5° C and 3° C.

He further noted that livestock productivity is expected to drop by five to 20% at 1.5° C and 2° C, with further decreases of 50% at 3° C.

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11 arrested with eight wildlife products

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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11 arrested with eight wildlife products

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Eleven suspects were arrested in connection with wildlife crime and six new cases were registered last week.

According to statistics provided by the intelligence and investigation unit within the environment ministry and the protected resources division within the safety and security ministry, eight illegal wildlife products were seized as well.

At Okahandja, three Namibians were arrested on 24 July for illegally hunting a wildebeest. Festus Nyama, Staynley Bwendo and Phoster Manyando were charged for violating the Nature Conservation Ordinance Act. A hunting rifle was also confiscated. The case was not reported last week.

In another incident at Kahenge, a Namibian was arrested with two python skins on 26 July. Hamutenya Mutjireni was charged with the illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products.

At Rundu, two Namibians were arrested on 27 July for being in possession of a pangolin skin. Johannes Makayi and Michael Mutangara were both charged with the illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products.

In a separate incident at Rundu on 28 July, two Namibians were also arrested with a pangolin skin. Laurensia Haingura and Michael Kahare were charged with the illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products.

Rhino poaching

Meanwhile at Outjo, a Namibian was arrested on 29 July for poaching a rhino. The poached rhino was reported on 25 July. Kanana Liyeekeni was charged with illegally hunting specially protected game.

At Rundu, a Namibian, Erastus Kashogo, was arrested with two elephant tusks on 29 July. He was charged with the illegal possession and dealing of controlled wildlife products.

In another incident at Otjondeka, Namibian Chept Tjiveze was arrested with an elephant tusk piece on 30 July and charged for illegally being in possession of controlled wildlife products.

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Rain only expected in November

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Rain only expected in NovemberWinter to stay a while longer There is optimism about a good rainy season, but it will start late.

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Little to no rainfall is expected for spring, while outlooks are positive for summer rainfall starting from about November.

This is according to Santam climatologist Johan van den Berg, who added that temperatures will still be below average until at least the second part of August, especially minimum temperatures, while frost may occur until the end of the month.

He explained that the probability for La Niña development has increased and there is an about 60 to 70% probability that it will develop from September to October. “This is positive for summer rainfall.”

He added that favourable Indian Ocean temperatures in combination with La Niña can further enhance the rainfall probabilities and can even assist in an earlier onset of rainfall for the summer.

According to Van den Berg, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has been in a neutral state since about April.

“There was an upgrade in the probability for occurrence to just under 70% for the development of a La Niña event to reign from about October 2021 to March 2022.”

Driving force

The probability for an El Niño event is about zero, with an about 30% to 40% probability of neutral conditions to continue.

“This increased probability from about 50% to 70% for La Nina conditions is very significant, especially for this time of the year,” Van den Berg said.

It is most likely that conditions in the Indian Ocean will be the main driving force of climate and weather patterns over southern Africa in the next summer season, but if the expected La Nina event intensifies, the combined effect can be responsible for increased probabilities of above average rainfall.

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Dairy sector on its knees

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Dairy sector on its knees

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

The long-feared collapse of the Namibian dairy industry seems to be one step closer to reality, with only seven producers remaining in the sector.

Two more dairy producers recently announced their retirement effective from the end of July.

Kokkie Adriaanse, chairman of the Dairy Producers Association, is one of them, while Christo Strydom, management member of the association, is another.

The seven remaining milk producers includes Namibia Dairies' Superfarm at Mariental.

In the year 2000, the industry was still strong, with 45 producers.

According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), in 2019 raw milk production stood at 21 million litres, decreasing to 17 million litres in 2020, while only 12 million litres is expected this year.

End of the road

“The local dairy sector appears to have reached the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, despite continuous efforts by local stakeholders to safeguard the industry, including decades of knocking on government doors to support and protect this vulnerable industry, the sector has reached a point where it must call it quits,” said the NAU.

The union said more and more farmers are bidding farewell to this industry after having been in production for longer than 30 years.

“A collapse will certainly bring an increase in job losses, and finances will flow out of the country for imported dairy products. Livelihoods will be impacted, and dreams will be shattered.

“It is a sad truth that this critical stage for the local dairy industry, which is an important component of the agri-food economy, has been reached.”

The union added that on the other hand, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a situation where Namibians can no longer rely on supplies of basic commodities from elsewhere.

Namibia needs to secure its primary production so that it can supply sufficient raw materials to be processed effectively by the rest of the value chain.

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Geingob is my witness – Seibeb

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Geingob is my witness – Seibeb‘He threatened me’ LPM member of parliament Henny Seibeb claims that President Hage Geingob had threatened him in the National Assembly on the day that he was ejected from the chamber. OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

Landless Peoples Movement parliamentarian Henny Seibeb claims he was provoked to act in the manner that he did during the delivery of the State of the Nation Address, adding that President Hage Geingob is his witness in this regard.

Seibeb made the remarks in an interview on ‘The Evening Review’, Namibian Sun’s daily talk show, following a successful appeal in the Supreme Court following his suspension and that of his fellow parliamentarian and party leader, Bernadus Swartbooi.

Seibeb claims that Geingob witnessed how he was instigated to act in the manner he did.

“By the way, my number one witness, because the Speaker [Peter Katjavivi] said we must provide witnesses, is Hage Geingob.

“He threatened me, he said, ‘Seibeb, repeat those things outside where [you] don’t have parliamentary immunity and I will deal with you’.

“That’s what Geingob said and I responded accordingly, in the manner that I know, by tearing up his so-called Harambee Prosperity Plan that has failed so far,” said Seibeb.

According to Seibeb, his suspension and that of Swartbooi was a further means to criminalise the two parliamentarians.

“We were trying to be criminalised, but the judges in fact said, huh ah, to the lawyer of Peter Katjavivi to say, no no; you are overthinking … if you claim these people are violent, where is the evidence, why did you not include it here as part of your documentation,” said Seibeb.

“That is a blatant lie, and I know that lie is being perpetrated by people such as Alfredo Hengari, the usual lapdogs of Hage Geingob; that’s a blatant lie,” Seibeb said.

The events of that day trigged emotional scars in children related to him, Seibeb claimed.

Seibeb was dragged out of the chamber of the National Assembly by Geingob’s head of security, Johan Ndjaronguru, after he had stood up and torn papers.

“I have got family members, kids especially, the ones that are three years old, two years old, whenever they see the parliament building, they start to complain and say that is the place where they were beating up my uncle and when they see Hage Geingob, they say that man is evil, that is the psychological impact,” said Seibeb.

“I hope Hage Geingob sleeps well because he has achieved his goal,” Seibeb added.

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Oil falls in biggest weekly decline in months

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Oil falls in biggest weekly decline in monthsDelta fuels demand worries Global benchmark Brent shed more than 6% last week, its largest week of losses in four months. The Delta variant is now really starting to hit home and you see risk aversion in many markets. - Howie Lee, Economist: OCBC

Laura Sanicola - Oil prices fell about 1% lower on Friday, posting to their steepest weekly losses in months, on worries that travel restrictions to curb the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 will derail the global recovery in energy demand.

Crude futures also came under pressure as the dollar strengthened after monthly US job growth came in higher than expected. A stronger dollar makes greenback-denominated oil more expensive for buyers in other currencies.

Brent crude oil futures settled down 59 cents, or 0.8%, at US$70.70, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 81, or 1.2%, to settle at US$68.28 a barrel.

For the week, global benchmark Brent shed more than 6%, its largest week of losses in four months, and WTI tumbled nearly 7% in its biggest weekly decline in nine months.

"The price action we see now is really a function of the macro picture," said Howie Lee, an economist at Singapore bank OCBC. "The Delta variant is now really starting to hit home and you see risk aversion in many markets, not just oil."

RESTRICTIONS

US president Joe Biden said that Covid-19 cases in the United States, which have climbed to a six-month high, will go up before they come down and that the new Delta variant is taking a needless toll on the country.

Japan is poised to expand emergency restrictions to more regions of the country, while China, the world's second-largest oil consumer, has imposed curbs in some cities and cancelled flights.

"Increased travel restrictions in China have come under the microscope of traders and could become a key oil price mover as this month proceeds," said Jim Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch and Associates LLC in Galena, Illinois.

US oil rigs rose two to 387 this week, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said. Growth in the rig count has slowed in recent months as drillers continue to focus on capital discipline. – Nampa/Reuters

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Smart trucks commissioned

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Smart trucks commissionedFewer trips, greater efficiency The new fleet of smart trucks will replace the previous fleet of 10 interlink trucks, reducing the number of daily trips by nearly half to fewer than fifty.

STAFF REPORTER

WALVIS BAY

Walvis Bay Salt Holdings, in partnership with Unitrans, has commissioned four new performance-based standards (PBS) vehicles, or smart trucks, to move salt from its processing plant south of Walvis Bay to the port.

The new trucks became operational on 18 July. In total, five new trucks will be introduced.

Every year Walvis Bay Salt Holdings (WBSH) transports in the order of 600 000 tonnes of processed salt to the port of Walvis Bay for export to international markets.

The new fleet of smart trucks will replace the previous fleet of 10 interlink trucks, reducing the number of daily trips by nearly half to fewer than fifty.

WBSH managing director Andre Snyman said the introduction of the new trucks was aimed at promoting safety, innovation and efficiency in transport.

First in Africa

“Together with Unitrans Namibia we are the first company on the continent that has embraced this new A–double PBS transport technology; now we are bringing this to Walvis Bay,” he said.

The trucks were designed and built by AFRIT in South Africa, a BUD Group sister company of Walvis Bay Salt, and boasts a payload of 64 tonnes compared to the 34 tonnes of the current interlink trucks.

Apart from a drastic reduction in the number of daily trips, the new side-tipper trucks also offer other benefits including less load bearing on the road, better turning, less spilling, and a higher rollover stability.

Earlier this year, WBSH sponsored the upgrading of the road surface at the intersection of Nangolo Mbumba Drive and 5th Road in partnership with the town council of Walvis Bay.

WBSH, through its various subsidiaries, is the largest producer of sea salt in sub-Saharan Africa.

Apart from its strategic location with direct access to principal international shipping routes through the Port of Walvis Bay, the company’s focus on efficiency of logistics has been central to its success in the southern African market.

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EDITORIAL: Adapt or die

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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EDITORIAL: Adapt or die There is a sense of frustration and anger in our nation that keeps growing.

The realities faced by many young people, especially those who are unemployed, continue to cast a dark shadow across the country.

On various platforms, including social media, the youth highlight how vexed they are about the state of their nation. This is unsurprising, given that we live in a country with a population of only about 2.5 million, and yet it appears we cannot get to a situation where everyone benefits from opportunities and economic liberation.

It boggles the mind that Namibia, with its vast resources, cannot even create enough jobs for its people. The pain and anguish of ordinary Namibians is tangible and the country has reached a tipping point in terms of political and other choices.

According to the Economic Outlook report for 2020 by Cirrus Securities, this trend was clearly seen in the 2019 elections, where urbanised voters showed a materially lower interest in the ruling party and its presidential candidate than seen at any time post-independence.

The report points out that the election results were largely driven by this young, urbanised group, who are relatively educated but experience crippling unemployment and poor basic service delivery from government.

Clearly for Swapo and its brains trust, it cannot be business as usual, with more and more disgruntled youth becoming the voters who decide elections in the country. It is now up to the ruling party to adapt or die.

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Airline makes Covid shots compulsory for workers

August 8, 2021, 3:00 pm

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Airline makes Covid shots compulsory for workersUnited takes bold step in US The company said they expected some employees would disagree with the decision but added that the instruction was issued to make the workplace safer. The facts are crystal clear: Everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated. - Scott Kirby, CEO: United Airlines

Chicago - United Airlines Inc on Friday became the first US airline to require all its domestic employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The airline said its 67 000 US employees would need to show proof of vaccination, five weeks after the US Food and Drug Administration fully approves any of the vaccines from Pfizer Inc, Moderna Inc or Johnson & Johnson – expected sometime in the fall - or by Oct. 25, whichever is earlier.

United said 90% of its pilots and 80% of flight attendants are vaccinated.

A resurgence of Covid-19 in the United States due to the more infectious Delta variant has prompted the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reinstate indoor mask guidance for most vaccinated Americans. Some companies are requiring vaccinations at workplaces or delaying return-to-office timetables.

"The facts are crystal clear: Everyone is safer when everyone is vaccinated," United chief executive officer Scott Kirby and president Brett Hart said in a letter to employees.

US airlines are rebounding from a brutal 2020 when a slowdown in travel due to the pandemic forced them to cut flights, furlough employees and borrow government money to cover wages.

UNIONS

Kirby and Hart said they expected some employees would disagree with the decision but added that the instruction was issued to make the workplace safer.

Employees who get vaccinated before Sept. 20 and those who have already received their shots will get an additional day of pay.

The mandate coincides with growing concern over the impact of the Delta variant. On Thursday, Frontier Airlines lowered its third-quarter forecast and warned the Delta variant was hurting demand.

United's pilots union, which represents more than 12 000 pilots, said the vaccines requirement requires further negotiation with United, adding that a few pilots do not agree with the mandate.

Some foreign destinations already require vaccines for US airline employees.

The Association of Flight Attendants, the union representing United flight attendants, backed the move.

"There is now too much at risk to not ensure the safety and well-being of United flight attendants," the union said in a statement. "Covid-19 is a threat. There are proven strategies to mitigate that threat. Vaccination is necessary to end the pandemic and the health and economic harm it has caused."

Chicago-based United had reached a deal with its pilots' union in May that does not make vaccination mandatory, but provides extra pay to those who receive it.

Some other major industries like US automakers have reinstated mask requirements but declined to mandate vaccines for employees. – Nampa/Reuters

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