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Six years of sewage issues

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Six years of sewage issuesSix years of sewage issuesPamwe residents unhappy with services Residents of Okakarara’s Pamwe location are disgruntled about the town’s municipal services as they have been complaining about a sewage problem for six years. ESTER KAMATI

OKAKARARA

Sewage floods the backyard of one of the houses in Okakarara’s Pamwe location, and sometimes it flows into surrounding yards too.

The smell is unbearable, says Veronika Amwele, one of the occupants of the affected house.

She says she is frustrated because the issue has been there since she moved to the area three years ago.

She says municipal workers sometimes inspect the situation but they do not provide an explanation of the problem or why it has not been fixed.

“The children cannot even play outside. And the smell is terrible. How can they expect us to live like this?” she says.

Another resident, 64-year-old war veteran Isaack Mbapha, says he is unhappy with the unhygienic conditions that service providers are exposing him to.

He says these conditions are breeding ground for diseases.

Mbapha has been complaining about the issue for years but to no avail.

The pensioner has resorted to not paying his municipal bills until the problem is solved.

“I will not pay until it is rectified. How can I pay for poor service?” Mbapha says.

Working on it

When approached for comment, the chairperson of the local council’s management committee, Golden Katjatako, said he was aware of the problem and promised it would finally be solved this year.

He explained that the machine for pumping out the sewage was broken and had to be replaced with a new one.

Then the council realised that the machine was not the problem but rather the presence of solid waste in she system which needs to be cleared manually from the pipes as it cannot be pumped out by the machine.

According to him, the council has been engaging companies who can provide this service.

An assessment was made last week and they expect to complete the process by Thursday this week. He said this process would cost roughly N$60 000.

“I don’t know what the problem was for the last six years but when we took up office in January, we started working on it,” he said.

He added that for a small town like Okakarara, which has about 6 000 residents, the municipal revenue is also small, but assured that the people of the town are a priority.

ester@myzone.com.na
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Mystery surrounds new film production

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Mystery surrounds new film productionMystery surrounds new film production ADOLF KAURE

SWAKOPMUND

The producers of an international feature film are tight-lipped about the project they are working on in Swakopmund.

Namibia Media Holdings tried to obtain information about the production after an audition for extras was advertised on social media.

The post stated that extras from Swakopmund and Walvis Bay were needed.

“We are looking to cast especially German, Ovaherero and Nama people and males aged between 18 and 40 to play the roles of German soldiers in an upcoming production,” the post read.

The film would apparently be filmed at locations all over Namibia from August to October this year.

One of the producers, who did not want to identified, said that the production crew did not want any media coverage of the project.

“We don’t want any publicity, ever,” she said, and was surprised to hear that the advertisement had been circulated on social media.

“We did not post it and never wanted so many people to come to audition. Now look! There are too many people here,” she said.

Containers with equipment were offloaded at the youth hostel in the Swakopmund town centre.

The hostel yard has become a hive of activity, with carpenters working on film sets.
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Illegal fishing nets destroyed at Sikunga fish protection project

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Illegal fishing nets destroyed at Sikunga fish protection projectIllegal fishing nets destroyed at Sikunga fish protection project NAMPA

WINDHOEK

More than 70 kilometres of fishing nets were recently confiscated from illegal fishermen and destroyed by the Sikunga fish protection project guards.

Fourteen people fishing illegally were arrested, according to a media statement issued on Friday by First National Bank (FNB) Namibia.

FNB donated N$200 000 to the project earlier this year through its FirstRand Namibia Foundation to help keep the project afloat.

The statement said during the patrols, the guards confiscated 13 canoes used for illegal fishing in the Zambezi River and this has helped conserve fish stocks in the river.

“In June and July illegal netting increased as the level of the river began dropping. Our team did a fantastic job on their patrols. We are also happy to report that the ministry of fisheries and the Namibian Police have joined the fish guards on their patrols and are doing a great job. They intend to join the fish guards for more patrols in the future,” it said.

The Sikunga project was established in 2018 for the purpose of protecting fish stocks and other natural resources.

It started as a voluntary endeavour and has since grown to a permanent programme with permanent employees.
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Global dementia cases forecasted to triple by 2050

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Global dementia cases forecasted to triple by 2050Global dementia cases forecasted to triple by 2050 New analysis shows a decrease in prevalence due to education countered by increase due to heart health risk factors. Positive trends in global education access are expected to decrease dementia prevalence worldwide by 6.2 million cases by the year 2050. Meanwhile, anticipated trends in smoking, high body mass index and high blood sugar are predicted to increase prevalence by nearly the same number: 6.8 million cases. Both according to new global prevalence data reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2021 in Denver and virtually.

With these forecasts incorporated, researchers with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington School of Medicine reported at AAIC 2021 that they estimate the number of people with dementia will nearly triple to more than 152 million by 2050. The highest increase in prevalence is projected to be in eastern sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East.

"Improvements in lifestyle in adults in developed countries and other places -- including increasing access to education and greater attention to heart health issues -- have reduced incidence in recent years, but total numbers with dementia are still going up because of the aging of the population," said Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer's Association chief science officer. "In addition, obesity, diabetes and sedentary lifestyles in younger people are rising quickly, and these are risk factors for dementia."

The U.S. National Institute on Aging estimates people over the age of 65 will make up 16% of the world's population by 2050 -- up from 8% in 2010.

Global Prevalence of Dementia Expected to Grow Rapidly through 2050

To more accurately forecast global dementia prevalence and produce country-level estimates, Emma Nichols, MPH, a researcher with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and colleagues leveraged data from 1999 to 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, a comprehensive set of estimates of health trends worldwide. This study also aimed to improve on prior forecasts by incorporating information on trends in dementia risk factors.

Nichols and team found dementia would increase from an estimated 57.4 (50.4 to 65.1) million cases globally in 2019 to an estimated 152.8 (130.8 to 175.6) million cases in 2050. The highest increases were observed in eastern sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East. Their analysis suggested that projected increases in cases could largely be attributed to population growth and aging, although the relative importance of these two factors varied by world region.

What's more, Nichols and team forecasted dementia prevalence attributable to smoking, high body mass index (BMI) and high fasting plasma glucose using the expected relationship between these risk factors and dementia prevalence. They found an increase of 6.8 million dementia cases globally between 2019 and 2050 due specifically to expected changes in these risk factors. Separately and conversely, the researchers found that expected changes in education levels will lead to a decline in dementia prevalence of 6.2 million individuals globally between 2019 and 2050. Taken together, these opposing trends come close to balancing each other out.

"These estimates will allow policymakers and decision makers to better understand the expected increases in the number of individuals with dementia as well as the drivers of these increases in a given geographical setting," Nichols said. "The large anticipated increase in the number of individuals with dementia emphasizes the vital need for research focused on the discovery of disease-modifying treatments and effective low-cost interventions for the prevention or delay of dementia onset."

Recently published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, Nichols and team used the same data set to estimate that Alzheimer's mortality rates increased by 38.0% between 1990 and 2019.

"Without effective treatments to stop, slow or prevent Alzheimer's and all dementia, this number will grow beyond 2050 and continue to impact individuals, caregivers, health systems and governments globally," Carrillo said. "In addition to therapeutics, it's critical to uncover culturally-tailored interventions that reduce dementia risk through lifestyle factors like education, diet and exercise."

The Alzheimer's Association U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) is a two-year clinical trial to evaluate whether lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target many risk factors protect cognitive function in older adults who are at increased risk for cognitive decline.

Incidence Estimates for Younger Onset Dementia Suggest 350,000 New Cases per Year

Data on younger-onset dementia (YOD), a form of dementia where the onset of symptoms happens before age 65, is extremely limited. To better understand the incidence of YOD, Stevie Hendriks, M.Sc., student at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review of all studies published during the past 30 years that reported figures on how many people developed dementia before the age of 65.

Hendriks and team found that, overall, the global incidence rate was 10 new cases each year per 100,000 persons. They also found incidence increases with age. This suggests that around 350,000 people worldwide develop younger-onset dementia every year. Incidence rates for men and women were similar, and were highest for Alzheimer's disease, followed by vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

"Our findings should raise awareness in healthcare professionals, researchers and policy makers because they show that a significant number of people are newly affected by young-onset dementia every year," Hendriks said. "This shows the need for investment in tailored healthcare for this special patient group and more research into how we can best support but also prevent and treat young-onset dementia."

"People living with younger-onset Alzheimer's face unique challenges when it comes to diagnosis, family, work, finances, future care and -- with the recent FDA action -- possible treatment options. But support and information is available," said Kristen Clifford, Alzheimer's Association chief program officer. "And you have the power to make a new plan and determine how you choose to live your best life with the disease."– www.sciencedaily.com
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Cattle sector performance declines

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Cattle sector performance declinesCattle sector performance declines ELLANIE SMIT



WINDHOEK

Year-on-year, total marketing of cattle declined by 21.15% during the first half of this year, when 94 868 cattle were marketed compared to 126 752 during the first half of 2020. However, on a quarterly basis, the decline was 9.54%.

According to the Meat Board of Namibia, this notable decline is mainly due to a reduced cattle herd following the prolonged drought period.

From the total cattle marketed, 61% were live exports and 25% were taken up by export abattoirs while local class abattoirs enjoyed 14% of the market share. Compared to 2020, local class abattoirs lost 3% of the market share towards live exports and export abattoirs, which gained 2% and 1% respectively.

Up to 97.29% of all live cattle exported on the hoof were marketed to South Africa (56 118 heads out of 57 683), while Angola took 2.69% (1 550 heads) of total live exports.

The Meat Board said of these live cattle exports, almost all were weaners, with 96.57% destined for South African feedlots, 3.43% for farming and none exported to abattoirs.

Weaner and slaughter prices

“Export-approved abattoirs slaughtered 23 495 heads of cattle during the first half of 2021, whereas throughput to export-approved abattoirs during the corresponding half of 2020 stood at 29 783 heads of cattle, showing a decrease of 29.11%.”

It said although weaner prices in each month of the first and second quarter of the year remained higher than those observed in the same period of 2020, there has generally been a sustained decrease in weaner prices from January to June this year. Slaughter prices, on the other hand, stabilised during the second quarter.

Furthermore, the Meat Board said a temporary concession by the Botswana government allowing exports of cattle served to reduce weaner prices for South African feedlots, which traditionally source the majority of required weaners from Namibia.

Sheep sector

Despite a good performance in May and June, the sheep sector had a weak performance during the second quarter due to a slow start at the beginning of the quarter, the Meat Board said.

The weak performance is linked to low throughput at both local and export-approved abattoirs.

Total sheep marketing during the first half of the year decreased by 4.72% in comparison to the first half of 2020.

The decline is associated with a weak posting of slaughter figures at export abattoirs and butchers in the second quarter.

“Despite an overall decline, live exports of sheep grew by 19.93% during the first half of 2021, recording 170 375 heads in comparison to 142 067 heads in the same period for 2020,” the board said.

Growing trend

Live exports increased their market share from 61% to 77%, while export abattoirs and butchers accounted for only 4% and 19% of total marketing respectively.

“There is a growing trend towards the slaughter industry being dominated by butchers as opposed to export-approved abattoirs.”

It added that export abattoir performance has been adversely affected by the reduced sheep flock and producer price competition from relatively high-paying Northern Cape abattoirs.
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City begs residents not to grab land

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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City begs residents not to grab landCity begs residents not to grab land OGONE TLHAGE



WINDHOEK

The Windhoek municipality is pleading its land-starved residents not to grab land, but to rather remain patient while it implements plans aimed at accelerating access to housing.

This is the plea of the municipality’s CEO George Mayumbelo, who cautioned against “illegal means of accessing land as it complicates the formalisation and development process”.

City authorities have not had it easy the past few weeks, with land-grabbing acts taking place almost every weekend.

“The current land invasion is a mixture of genuine need for housing, but, in some instances, [it’s] outright lawlessness. The urgent need for access to land and housing is loud and clear,” he said.

He added: “To develop a city, we need law and order. No city in the world has developed on the backdrop of lawlessness.”

Mayumbelo said City Police and the Namibian police are patrolling land invasion hotspots to stop people from erecting structures and prevent the situation degenerating into chaos.

“We are receiving cooperation from some members of the public who are responding well to instructions by the police. Our call is for all members of the public to corporate,” he said.

He also indicated that “the decision to allow a household to erect a dwelling unit in the informal settlement means that no household should resort to illegal land occupation”.

Under pressure

The municipality has been under immense pressure to deliver land to its residents, with its waiting list currently exceeding 40 000.

At last week’s special council meeting, councillors decided to host a workshop to deal with the housing crisis as rampant land-grabbing continues.

Council members who voted in favour of the workshop argued that the council ought to have a good understanding of the land issue before discussing it.

Councillors from Swapo, the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) and the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) voted in favour of the workshop, with a majority of 10 votes out of 15.

A councillor speaking on condition of anonymity said it was important to have a workshop on the matter.

“All this information cannot be channelled in two or three hours; we cannot rush the process. We must make a thorough consultation,” they said.

There are fears that pushing through agenda items on land without prior consultation would mean the council is offering a ‘blank cheque’ on the matter.

“We cannot discuss issues without looking at the financial implications,” the councillor said.

Confirmed

Meanwhile, City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya confirmed that the workshop would be held, but did not give a date.

“The outcome of the council meeting of 5 August is that the council only approved the item regarding housing and land workshop to be held in August. All other items are to be discussed after the said workshop,” she said.
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Genocide deal on ice

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Genocide deal on ice Genocide deal on ice No date for parliamentary reopening yet During the last session of Parliament, the genocide deal between the governments of Namibia and Germany was shot down by the political opposition, who accused the Swapo government of being “sell-outs”. JEMIMA BEUKES







WINDHOEK

With Parliament on recess until next month, it is difficult to say when the N$18.5 billion genocide reparation deal between Namibia and Germany will be concluded, international relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said yesterday.

The Namibian government accepted the genocide package, despite the deal being rejected as an ‘insult’ and ‘betrayal’ by the affected communities, who were sidelined during official negotiations.

Government is more than ready to sign on the dotted line, however, it must first get past political opposition parties in Parliament, where the deal will be discussed and eventually ratified.

During the last session of Parliament when fired-up opposition members tore apart the deal and poked holes in government’s response, it was clear that it won’t be smooth sailing.

Government, although insisting to have been inclusive, is accused of sidelining affected communities and having concocted a deal to suit only itself.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said she is aware of these sentiments, adding that time will tell how things will turn out.

“I heard what people are saying, but only when Parliament opens will we know what will happen. We don’t have a fixed date; we cannot know until our Parliament meets,” she said.

Wall of resistance

She could also not indicate whether the German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier will still be visiting Namibia to clinch the deal and offer an official apology.

“The German side, we are in communication, but we are waiting to handle it here at home when Parliament starts. Then we will know how we are moving,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

During the last session of Parliament, the deal was shot down by the political opposition, who accused the Swapo government of being “sell-outs”.

This wall of resistance is expected to be reinforced with the return of the now exonerated firebrand Landless People’s Movement (LPM) leaders Henny Seibeb and Bernadus Swartbooi.

jemima@namibiansun.com
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Mali's gold exports ease 0.3% in 2020

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Mali's gold exports ease 0.3% in 2020Mali's gold exports ease 0.3% in 2020 Mali's gold exports eased 0.3% in 2020 because of a drop in exports from artisanal production, external trade data from the country's statistics agency showed on Saturday.

Mining, mostly for gold, is a pillar of the country's economy, accounting for almost 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.

The country exported 65.42 tonnes last year, against 65.67 tonnes in 2019, Diatigui Camara, head of foreign trade statistics at Instat, told Reuters.

The data was published after a lengthy delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing political crisis, he said.

Thirteen industrial gold mining firms operate in Mali, including Barrick Gold Corp, Resolute Mining Ltd , B2GOLD, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, and Endeavour Mining Corp.

The country also has some 350 artisanal gold mining sites, which officially exported 170 kg in 2020, down from 540 kg the previous year, Camara said.

In recent years higher taxes have prompted artisanal gold exporters to avoid official customs channels, a statistic official, who asked not to be identified, said. -Nampa/Reuters
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UN sounds alarm on Tigray harvest

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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UN sounds alarm on Tigray harvestUN sounds alarm on Tigray harvestDesperate need of food aid The humanitarian chief said the main conclusion from his visit was the need to get 100 trucks of aid a day rolling into Tigray. I had a lot of discussions with the local administrators in Tigray, about what they need and they need food. Martin Griffiths, Chief: UN humanitarian ROBIN MILLARD

The desperate need for food aid in Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region will persist into 2022 because the harvest is set to fail, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths warned Friday.

Griffiths, the United Nations' new emergency relief coordinator, sounded the alarm on the scale of the challenges facing the northern region, following a six-day visit to Ethiopia.

He visited the capital Addis Ababa and Tigray and met Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen.

"I had a lot of discussions with the local administrators in Tigray, about what they need and they need food," Griffiths told a press conference at the UN in Geneva.

"The harvest, which has recently been planted, is likely only to produce between a quarter and maximum a half of its likely production. So, the need for food is going to go right through until next year. This is no small effort." Griffiths reiterated his call for the fighting to end.

"The war has to stop and the humanitarian ceasefire is a glaring necessity," he said.

Abiy sent troops into Tigray last November to oust the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front a move he said was in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps.

Though the 2019 Nobel Peace laureate declared victory later that month, TPLF leaders remained on the run, and fighting dragged on.

Findings

Griffiths welcomed Abiy's unilateral ceasefire declaration and added: "Make it reciprocal and give the people of Tigray, and their neighbours now, half a chance of survival in these next months of desperate need."

The humanitarian chief said the main conclusion from his visit was the need to get 100 trucks of aid a day rolling into Tigray. "That's the challenge, is making that pipeline work," he said.

Griffiths said Ethiopia's leaders "all spoke constructively and solidly to me about their efforts to make this work".

UN agencies hit out last week, saying they were facing continual difficulties getting supplies, staff and equipment flowing into the Tigrayan capital Mekele.

"Up until today, we have just seen 178 trucks which were stuck in Afar, the neighbouring region, waiting to go in that have crossed and have now reached Mekele," said Griffiths.

"I gather there's about another 40 waiting to get to their destination."

Griffiths said that if the blockages hindering the flow of trucks into Tigray came to a stop, the UN was ready to roll. "Yes, we are ready to do it," he told reporters.

"The World Food Programme, which leads the humanitarian efforts on logistics, has the trucks and the supplies ready and assure me that the pipeline can keep flowing if it's allowed to."-Nampa/AFP
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Vox pop

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Vox popVox pop The My Zone team asked the youth what they would do if they were the minister of sport for a day. Tchingufu Fernandes

Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi are perfect examples of how far sport can take you. As the minister of sport, I would focus on investing in the athletes more than I would on rewarding them. As the minister I would invest in their training, mindset, nutrition and facilities, as there is a lack of investment.

Kundja Kavari

I would bring on board a few influential sportsmen and women from Namibia, Africa and internationally. That would definitely give motivation to young people to do sport as they would see how sport has changed the lives of these individuals. I would also implement sport development programmes for the youth to get proper training.

Nabot Thomas

The sport ministry is one the Namibian government does not really invest in. As sport minister I would make sure that every sport code in the country is well catered for and that facilities are built where athletes can improve and perfect their skills. Athletes need the support of the local people when it comes to events.

Anna Ndara

If I were the minister of sport, I would ensure that we establish sports academies in urban and rural areas which will focus on training by well-qualified coaches. The prioritising of sport events in the school calendar will be mandatory and will be used as a way to identify hidden talent.

Victor Shipahu

If I was the sport minister, I would promote sport by starting an annual Youth League tournament where young athletes who are not part of any club can get opportunities to get signed by club scouts. This platform will also be used to train young athletes for athletics so that they are able to represent Namibia at the Olympics.

Megamemo Amugongo

If I were sport’s minister, I would be the champion of local support. We saw how Namibia came together in support of Mboma and Masilingi and pushed them to popularity. If we can do this for our own sports, we can achieve a Namibia where a local football club is as big as Manchester United.
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HAPPY FACES BACK TO SCHOOL

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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HAPPY FACES BACK TO SCHOOLHAPPY FACES BACK TO SCHOOL Orwetoveni Primary School welcomed learners back to school after the winter holiday. Here is a glimpse of some of the happy faces.

PHOTO ESTER KAMATI
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Third National Youth Policy launched

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Third National Youth Policy launchedThird National Youth Policy launched Namibia’s youth unemployment rate is expected to reach 50.3% by the end of 2021 Pull Quote: “The youth cannot continue to be only job seekers, but must also become creators of employment and other opportunities to emancipate themselves from the cycles of poverty.” - Agnes Tjongarero, Minister of sport, youth and national service Michelline Nawatises





The ministry of sport, youth and national service recently launched the third National Youth Policy. It outlined strategies to enhance youth empowerment as a catalyst for achieving economic transformation and social cohesion for sustainable development. The policy was launched by sports minister Agnes Tjongarero under the theme ‘Mainstreaming Youth Development into the National Agenda’.

It provides for a process of deciding what should be achieved, what should be done to achieve it, how to achieve it efficiently and economically, and apportions responsibilities.

The basis for the development of the policy is to address challenges undermining youth development in Namibia so that the youth can take their rightful places in building a united, inclusive and prosperous society. This policy was formulated through extensive consultations with the youth across the 14 regions of Namibia.

It extends from 2020 to 2030, giving the nation 10 years to implement its strategies. The implementation must, however, not be left to the ministry alone, but must be cross-sectoral, aimed at effecting positive youth development outcomes.

As part of the implementation of the policy, different offices, ministries and agencies will be expected to report to Cabinet on the progress made.

“The youth cannot continue to be only job seekers, but must also become creators of employment and other opportunities to emancipate themselves from the cycles of poverty,” the minister emphasised.

Sheila Roseau, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country representative, mentioned what the youth policy achieved since 1993 - the year the first National Youth Policy was adopted by government. Every region in Namibia has one or more vocational training centres, offering short- and long-term courses aimed at empowering youth through technical and vocational training, she said.

“Namibia is the only country in Africa with a presidential advisor on youth matters and continues to witness youth being appointed as part of the legislative and executive organs.”

She added that not all young people face the same reality when it comes to their education, employment and health, and one of the contributing factors is limited access to healthcare services, especially for the poor, persons with disabilities, unemployed and out-of-school youth. Meanwhile, when it comes to employment, according to Trading Economics Global, Namibia’s youth unemployment rate is expected to reach 50.3% by the end of 2021.
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SADC Ordinary Summit to be held in Malawi

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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SADC Ordinary Summit to be held in Malawi SADC Ordinary Summit to be held in Malawi Limited number of in-person attendees The session will take place under the theme ‘Bolstering Productive Capacities in the Face of the Covid-19 Pandemic for Inclusive, Sustainable, Economic and Industrial Transformation’. JEMIMA BEUKES







WINDHOEK

The 41st session of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government will be hosted in Malawi on 17 and 18 August, with a limited number of attendees allowed under strict Covid-19 protocols.

The session will take place under the theme ‘Bolstering Productive Capacities in the Face of the Covid-19 Pandemic for Inclusive, Sustainable, Economic and Industrial Transformation’.

During the session, Malawian president Lazarus Chakwera is expected to take over as SADC chair from incumbent Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, president of Mozambique.

Another highlight will be bidding farewell to SADC executive secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax after serving for eight years, while her successor will be sworn in at the same occasion.

According to a media statement, the summit will be followed by a council of ministers meeting which will also be held in a hybrid fashion, allowing delegates to attend in person as well as through virtual platforms.

The theme of this session seeks to accelerate the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, in particular the industrialisation and market integration pillar.

Taking stock

“The summit will take stock of progress made in promoting and deepening regional integration in line with SADC’s aspirations as espoused in the RISDP 2020–2030 and Vision 2050, which envisage a peaceful, inclusive, competitive middle- to high-income industrialised region where all citizens enjoy sustainable economic well-being, justice and freedom,” the statement read.

jemima@namibiansun.com
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EDITORIAL: Strong men vs strong institutions

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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EDITORIAL: Strong men vs strong institutionsEDITORIAL: Strong men vs strong institutions"No country is going to create wealth if its leaders exploit the economy to enrich themselves, or police can be bought off by drug traffickers. No business wants to invest in a place where the government skims 20% off the top, or the head of the port authority is corrupt.”

Former US President Barack Obama, arguably one of the best heads of state that country has had, made those remarks while visiting Ghana in 2009.

The debate whether Africa must have strong men or strong institutions is as old as the continent itself – and stupid too.



Strong men, who have created family dynasties to control and loot what are meant to be resources for all, have taught us enough lessons on why institutions must always prevail.

Where institutions are dwarfed by the power of men, the masses have suffered untold pains of particularly hunger and deprivation.

Therefore, when the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) took on its councillors at the City of Windhoek – including suspending all of them recently for their perceived role in the mess currently engulfing the city – it is a somewhat good thing to see.

We do not have all the facts, but it’s pleasing to see political formations taking their own functionaries to task, even risking deep-seated divisions, because of perceived unethical conduct.

Holding people accountable, especially in a country gripped by corruption and the strong-man syndrome, is the only way Africans can have hope for the future.
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Equatorial Guinea struggles with drugs shortage

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Equatorial Guinea struggles with drugs shortage Equatorial Guinea struggles with drugs shortage Deteriorated by the Covid-19 pandemic The country is suffering from a perfect storm, in which years-long shortages of drugs have combined with the coronavirus pandemic. We have received almost nothing for the past three years. Francisco Ondo Nsue, Director: Centramed SAMUEL OBIANG

Santos Bimbile has been to four pharmacies in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, and not one of them has the drug that his sister-in-law needs to ease stomach pain.

"It's very difficult to get your hands on certain drugs, and especially for an affordable price," he says.

Bimbile's problem is familiar to many of the 1.4 million citizens of this country a tiny state in central western Africa known for its oil wealth, widespread poverty and iron-fisted regime.

In medical terms, the country is suffering from a perfect storm, in which years-long shortages of drugs have combined with the coronavirus pandemic.

"We have received almost nothing for the past three years," Francisco Ondo Nsue, director of Centramed, a government agency that supplies Equatorial Guinea's hospitals and pharmacies, said in early July.

Fatima Nsang is standing outside the Los Angeles pharmacy, one of the best-known in Malabo, with her six-month-old baby in her hands. He is struggling to breathe.

"I'm looking for drugs they prescribed seven to me at the hospital but I can only find two of them," she said.

Ocheku, a Nigerian man aged 40, came out of the store empty-handed, even though he was only hoping to buy painkillers. Esther Ada was unable to find a medication for her diabetes. "We lack many drugs here," said a sales assistant at a hospital in Malabo.

Budget

The health ministry has an annual drugs budget of around two million CFA francs (US$3.6) but "only three percent is spent," said Ondo Nsue.

The meagre sum allocated for drugs is also under pressure to help meet other needs, including the Covid pandemic.The situation could soon worsen if the ministry fails to buy drugs quickly, Ondo Nsue said.

The health ministry and other branches of the government did not respond to an AFP solicitation. Equatorial Guinea has been ruled for more than 42 years by Teodoro Obiang Nguema.

The 79-year-old is the world's longest-serving sitting president and is frequently accused by rights groups of abuses.

In 1979, he ousted his uncle Francisco Macias Nguema, who had ruled the country since independence from Spain in 1968, and had him shot by firing squad.

Revenue

The discovery of oil in 1991 caused the country's coffers to explode, but most of the wealth was spent on big infrastructure projects rather than health and education, say watchdogs. In 2019, life expectancy was just 59 years, according to the World Bank.

Government revenue is 90 percent dependent on oil and has slumped since the price of crude tumbled in 2014.

"Despite being considered an upper middle-income country, Equatorial Guinea's healthcare system continues to suffer from many of the ailments that typically afflict healthcare systems in low-income countries: inadequate staffing, long waiting times, stock-outs of basic medications and medical supplies, and frequent misdiagnoses," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a 2017 report.

Rampant price rises and the worrying emergence of counterfeit drugs are signs of how profiteers are meeting the needs of sick people.

"Frenadol, an anti-flu drug now costs 10 000 CFA francs compared with 4 000 francs a few months ago," said Ela Anguesomo, leaving a pharmacy.

A customs official at Malabo airport, speaking of condition of anonymity, said, "We have made several seizures from Cameroon and Nigeria of medications that are probably fake."-Nampa/AFP
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NSFAF urges former loan holders to pay back

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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NSFAF urges former loan holders to pay backNSFAF urges former loan holders to pay back#PayBackTheMoney to avoid blacklisting and litigation By not repaying your loan, you are denying a Namibian child his/her right to tertiary education. Pull Quote: “Grade 11s are encouraged to apply for funding if they meet the requirements, as NSFAF will provide financial assistance to students who meet NSFAF requirements and have registered at Institutions of Higher Learning.” - Chris Mwiya – NSFAF’S head of stakeholder liaison. Enzo Amuele

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has called on former students who owe the public institution money to pay it back to secure funding for new applicants.

A high number of students owing NSFAF are not repaying the institution even after successfully securing employment. According to an article in The Namibian dated 26 June 2021, NSFAF is targeting more than 130 000 debt defaulters.

Importance of repaying the loan

According to NSFAF’s chief human of capital and corporate affairs, Olavi Hamwele, paying back the loan ensures that NSFAF can fund new students, making it less reliant on treasury funding.

He says that by not paying back the loan, you are denying a Namibian child his/her rights to tertiary education.

“The allocated budget is not sufficient to finance all students, therefore it is important for the fund to ensure that NSFAF is a revolving fund,” he says.

Hamwele adds that in a situation where the debtor is unable to find employment within six months or intends to continue to a different course, he or she may apply in writing to NSFAF for postponement of the obligation to repay the loan.

Increased points

With the current increased points for admission into tertiary institutions, NSFAF sticks to its debt recovery policy and its procedures. The mandate is to provide financial assistance to eligible students at approved institutions of higher education as provided for under section 4 of the NSFAF Act, 2000 (Act No 26 of 2000).

A student qualifies for financial assistance if that student meets the requirements set out in the NSFAF Student Financial Assistance and Debt Recovery Policy and its Procedures.

Grade 11

According to the fund’s head of stakeholder liaison, Chris Mwiya, the criteria apply to those leaving school after grade 11 too.

“This is because the current Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) - Ordinary Level issued after completing grade 11 is equivalent to the Ordinary Level certificate of legacy grade 12.

“As long as learners who choose grade 11 as their exiting point results meet NSFAF requirements set out in the NSFAF Student Financial Assistance and Debt Recovery Policy and its Procedures, they are eligible to apply for funding,” he said.

He further added that learners in grade 11 are encouraged to apply for funding if they meet the requirements, as NSFAF will provide financial assistance to students who meet NSFAF requirements and have registered at institutions of higher learning.

“Eligibility for financial assistance shall be determined by order of the score based on the selection criteria that take into consideration, but are not limited to, social status, parental or own income, academic performance and priority fields of study,” he concluded.
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Situation worsens for Angolan immigrants

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Situation worsens for Angolan immigrants Situation worsens for Angolan immigrants TUYEIMO HAIDULA



OSHAKATI

The situation has gotten worse for Angolan immigrants living in the Omusati Region, with governor Erginus Endjala forced to seek assistance from humanitarian organisations.

Yesterday, Endjala said they have managed to set up water tanks, ablution facilities and supply the immigrants with water treatment medication through Red Cross Namibia.

He added that they have moved the Angolan nationals to a more conducive area at Etunda Elcin Church centre.

“Initially we did not want to give them tents as that would make the arrangement too permanent, but the situation has become worrisome,” he said.

Ruacana constituency councillor Andreas Shindama said by Monday, the number of refugees stood at 2 352, and more than 1 400 are children under 10.

Shindama said ages have been estimated as majority of the refugees don’t know how to read.

In May, the number of illegal migrants in Omusati stood at 1 250, while Ohangwena hosted 150 Angolan nationals. These are those government managed to record as there might be others who entered the country illegally.

Come home

Cunene provincial governor Gerdina Ulipamwe Didalelwa asked the Angolan nationals to return home so that they can be assisted.

In May, Didalelwa said at first they heard their people are in Namibia searching for jobs and later they established that it was because of the water and food crisis in Angola. She said 590 000 people in that country are affected by the drought.

Endjala said the Angolan nationals have refused to return to their country because of uncertainty, saying their government makes empty promises.

He said the elderly in the group have indicated that they are willing to go back to their country when it starts raining, adding that the Namibian government must provide them with seeds to go and harvest.

- tuyeimo@namibiansun.com
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Recently-deceased man had death certificate for 11 years

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Recently-deceased man had death certificate for 11 yearsRecently-deceased man had death certificate for 11 years TUYEIMO HAIDULA



OSHAKATI

The family of a man who died last month at Ondobe village in the Ohangwena Region discovered that the home affairs ministry had already ‘secretively’ issued a death certificate for him 11 years ago.

Jason Shaalukeni Dila (69) died on 31 July after a short illness at Eenhana State Hospital. His relatives were shocked to discover that he had apparently already died 11 years ago, on 22 March 2010, from cardiopathy, better known as heart disease.

Speaking to Namibian Sun during a telephonic interview, Wilhelmina Ndahafa Silas said when they went to the mortuary to get a death certificate, the home affairs system showed that there was an existing one, signed off by Veronica Tambuleni Ananias in 2010.

Silas said the ministry eventually issued an alternative handwritten certificate to enable the relatives to proceed with burial arrangements, but investigations will have to be done on the existing death certificate.

She added that the family does not know Ananias, whom is reportedly a niece of the deceased as per the false certificate. The accused - who has not yet been arrested - was traced and questioned by home affairs officials and the police. Ohangwena police crime coordinator Zacharia Amakali said the report is still with home affairs and no case has been opened yet.

Overwhelming

“This was overwhelming for us. We were so disappointed and still don’t know what to do to get answers.

“Imagine being told your father - who has been alive - is dead already and instead of starting with the funeral arrangements, you are busy solving puzzles,” Silas said.

Home affairs ministry spokesperson Margaret Kalo told Namibian Sun they will have to get to the bottom of the issue before they can release a statement.

Kalo said fake death certificates can be issued in three scenarios: “Where there is identify theft, or a doctor can work with someone who wants you declared dead and they issue a letter confirming your time and cause of death which the person can present to authorities.

“Administration errors can also lead to someone having an existing death certificate while they are still alive, but is rarely the case as employees make effort and attend to the issuing of these certificates with due diligence,” she said.

Mystery wife

Namibian Sun called Ananias who signed off the first death certificate in 2010, and she confirmed that it is her signature on the document.

Ananias said she did this on instruction of Dila’s ‘wife’ Julia Shapulwa. She said Shapulwa has since died, but has no idea when she died as she did not attend the funeral – she was informed by word of mouth.

She added that Dila has a grave at Etope village graveyard in Omulonga constituency in Ohangwena, but it is unmarked, so locating it would be difficult.

Ananias said Shapulwa informed her of her husband’s death and that he fell ill after returning from the cuca shops celebrating Namibia’s 20th independence, making them suspect that he was poisoned. She said her, Shapulwa and other family members went to sign off and claim his body at the Ohangwena police.

She said she could not confirm whether the body they buried was indeed that of her ‘uncle’ as she “was aged 32 and was very young to view the body” so she relied on Shapulwa’s confirmation to sign it off.

Now 42, Ananias said she has received several calls from officials to query her about the mysterious death certificate. She also denied that she faked her alleged uncle’s death as he was unemployed and only did odd jobs at cattle posts, “so he didn’t have much to offer”.

Dila is survived by 11 children and two wives.

– tuyeimo@namibiansun.com
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Defiant IPC councillor threatens to sue

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Defiant IPC councillor threatens to sueDefiant IPC councillor threatens to sueDavids suspended after disregarding order to resign Lawyers representing axed Desiree Davids say IPC did not provide any shred of evidence from its supposed investigation against the councillor. JEMIMA BEUKES/OGONE TLHAGE







WINDHOEK

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) City of Windhoek councillor Desiree Davids, who was recalled from her position yesterday, said she will drag the party to court if it does not rescind its decision.

Her lawyers Etzold-Duvenhage Attorneys wrote to IPC’s national general secretary Christine Aochamus, demanding that “our client [be] provided with legitimate reasons for withdrawal, failing which our client will have no other alternative but to consider taking legal action”.

Davids, together with council’s management chairperson Fillemon Hambuda, were withdrawn as councillors.

Davids was withdrawn after she applied to buy land in Windhoek’s Rocky Crest suburb earlier this year, allegedly contrary to the party’s principles.

Namibian Sun understands that Davids used the existing scheme that allows Windhoek municipal councillors to get preferential treatment when applying for land in the city – a scheme approved while Swapo was in control of council.

This, according to a senior IPC national leader who spoke to Namibian Sun yesterday, contradicts the party’s principle that “leaders must eat last”, seeing as there are many ordinary applicants who remain on the city’s waiting list for land.

She is also accused of allegedly using the letterhead of the mayor’s office in an attempt to legitimise her application.

Hambuda and Davids are currently the subject of an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) probe over using their office for alleged wrongdoing.

Hambuda is said to have asked the party to recall him from his post, apparently saying he cannot achieve the IPC mandate at the city council with Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda as mayor.

This is despite Amupanda last month saying he had a good working relationship with Hambuda.

Blowing the whistle

“He was recalled on his own request and the party followed provisions of the Local Authorities Act to effect the request,” a senior party source said.

Others accused Amupanda of blowing the whistle against the IPC pair, but the youthful mayor laughed off the allegation.

“While I am at the forefront of fighting corruption, it is not me this time around,” he said yesterday.

Davids accused party leader Panduleni Itula of victimising her and “now using her case to cushion that of his childhood friend Hambuda who is also reported to the ACC”.

When these allegations were put to him yesterday, Itula only responded by saying “fascinating”.

There are also talks that Itula was remote-controlling councillors.

Namibian Sun understands that some members from the municipality’s management bypass councillors and approach Itula directly when they have issues they want attended to. Itula would then allegedly impose those issues on councillors to raise at council.

IPC spiteful

Davids accused her party of being spiteful because they know there is nothing that implicates her into fraud, which is why they are jumping the gun before the investigation report is released, she said.

She also accused the party’s leadership of bluffing because they reportedly know there is no evidence that she acted fraudulently and has in the meantime tasked her lawyers to write to the IPC to demand solid reasons for recalling her as a City councillor.

“In the absence of my investigation report not being finalised, it is very strange that IPC called me on Saturday, 7 August, and asked me whether I want to resign because the matter was reported to ACC.

“I asked what then, if the matter was reported to ACC, does that make me guilty? Itula could not answer me and said it is either I resign or they recall me. I said no, the report must be finalised. There has to be an outcome of the investigation. Itula suspended me on the basis of allegations in the newspaper. I told him those allegations must be validated and verified,” she said.

Probing

Aochamus, in a statement issued yesterday, said a team had been appointed to spearhead investigations with regards to any wrongdoing regarding Davids’ conduct.

“An investigation was instituted by an IPC-appointed investigation team, which involved conducting interviews with the councillor concerned and other individual administrative officials in the City of Windhoek with the City’s internal audit team,” Aochamus added.

The IPC had requested the release of evidence it said was necessary to help it make a final decision regarding Davids’ conduct.

“Emanating from the interviews, the investigation team and the IPC requested the release of evidential documentations from the City. Regrettably, the City implicitly refused to release the evidential documentation to allow the IPC to conclude the investigation and to make a final decision,” she said.

A decision was then made to withdraw Hambuda and Davids following a series of meetings held in accordance with the Local Authorities Act, Aochamus said.
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Private banking for young professionals launched

August 9, 2021, 3:00 pm
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Private banking for young professionals launchedPrivate banking for young professionals launchedGuidance in making the right financial decisions The campaign aims to provide young professionals with convenient banking, expert advice on saving, managing their finances as well as financing their dreams to ensure their growth. We would like to be a part of the Namibian young professional’s journey, by making their aspirations to financial prosperity a smooth-sailing experience. Liezl Brockerhoff, Head of private banking: Nedbank Namibia STAFF REPORTER

On Friday, 6 August Nedbank Namibia launched its new private banking offering which is specifically geared towards young professionals. The launched took place through a live event on the Nedbank Namibia Facebook page, and gave an opportunity to a diverse panel of young Namibian’s professionals to speak about their current professions and “side hustles”.

It further provided a platform to discuss how they aspire to reach greater heights as well as the challenges they face in the wake of the global pandemic.

In these increasingly complex and uncertain times, Nedbank continues to integrate inclusivity into its operations in order to improve and expand opportunities for young professionals. Speaking at the event, Nedbank head of private banking, Liezl Brockerhoff said, “We would like to be a part of the Namibian young professional’s journey, by making their aspirations to financial prosperity a smooth-sailing experience and assisting them early in their careers with understanding how they can manage their financial resources.”

Speaking on the panel was University of Namibia (UNAM) industrial psychology and political science graduate Kake Kashe, whose love for well-designed spaces lead him into starting a business in the property renovation industry.

Also speaking on the panel was Namibia Nature Foundation environmental communication officer, Disney Andreas, who is also the co-founder of exciting local brands Dololo and Monochrome Magazine and the host of sustainable fashion event the Swap My Look closet exchange.

Social entrepreneur Bernhard Walther, who is also the co-founder of Ebikes4Africa, a start-up that focuses on mobilising through sustainable transport, also spoke at the event.

The Nedbank young professional campaign, which was largely created by local young professionals, features Namibian Rapper Latoya ‘Lioness’ Mwoombola, who is also a medical doctor, and her sister Gina Jeanz Mwoombola who is a music producer, DJ and designer.

The campaign is premised on the five pillars of Nedbank’s client value proposition, which aims to provide young professionals with convenient banking, expert advice on saving, managing their finances, financing their dreams to ensure their growth, as well as adding value to their lives through benefits that matter to them and their families.
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