Namibian Sun

SA Fishrot lawyers still on tenterhooksHome affairs ministry appeals Arrested after it was discovered that they didn’t have the necessary papers to work in the country, the South African lawyers were here to represent some of the Fishrot accused.

ESTER KAMATI

WINDHOEK

The case of two South African lawyers who were initially found guilty in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court of working in Namibia illegally – and later cleared by the High Court – is back in the spotlight after the home affairs ministry approached the country’s apex court to challenge the High Court ruling.

The ministry is appealing the June High Court judgement and orders of Acting Justice Collins Parker after he ruled in favour of South African lawyers Michael Hellens and David Joubert, who appeared in the High Court after having been arrested in Windhoek due to immigration issues in 2019.

They were in the country to represent some of the Fishrot accused persons who remain behind bars while awaiting trial.

Joubert and Hellens were arrested after it was discovered that they did not have the necessary papers to work in the country. They subsequently successfully appealed the conviction, which Judge Parker nullified, stating that their arrest was unlawful.

In a notice of appeal seen by Namibian Sun, the home affairs ministry is appealing Collins’ judgement which states that the duo was unlawfully arrested.

It further said that the judge had made a mistake in ruling out the magistrate’s decision based on the circumstances of arrest, while both prosecution and defence allegedly failed to raise these circumstances of the arrest and detention before the said magistrate.

No jurisdiction

The home affairs ministry also claimed that issues raised in the criminal appeal and the review before the judge were different, adding that the court did not have jurisdiction to entertain the application of appeal.

The ministry further questioned that the respondents were in fact entitled to be in Namibia at the time of arrest.

While the appeal has been filed with the Supreme Court, a date has not yet been set for the case to be heard.

ester@myzone.com.na

Farmers find fertile ground in North AfricaChallenges are on the supply side Despite the challenges, the sector has surged in Tunisia since the turn of the millennium. We lack water, like all farmers, and to get organic seeds and plants we have to do everything ourselves. Sarah Shili, Farmer: Tunisia

KAOUTHER LARBI AND FRANÇOISE KADRI

Proudly displaying her freshly picked pomegranates, Tunisian farmer Sarah Shili says going organic is "the future of farming" and as demand surges in North Africa and beyond, the sector is blooming.

Shili runs Domaine Elixir Bio, a 94-hectare farm near Tunis that produces organic-certified vegetable, fruit and cereal crops in a way she said "respects nature".

The farm's revenues have surged thanks to strong demand and the growth of online sales, multiplying five times in as many years to hit 100 000 euros in 2020.

That is despite the higher price of organic products in a middle-income country where many people's wallets have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and years of economic crisis. Indeed, with export demand also on the rise, Shili says the main challenges are on the supply side.

"We lack water, like all farmers, and to get organic seeds and plants we have to do everything ourselves," she told AFP.

Despite the challenges, the sector has surged in Tunisia since the turn of the millennium. In 2001, just 16 000 hectares were dedicated to organic farming a figure that has multiplied 20-fold over two decades.

The number of producers and venders has grown at a similar pace to some 8 000, said Samia Maamer, in charge of organic products at the agriculture ministry. Maamer said the sector has helped diversify the country's economy and now makes up 13 percent of food exports.

Exports

Out of 250 categories of organic products grown in Tunisia, around 60 are exported mainly olive oil but also dates, aromatic and medicinal plants as well as some vegetables and fruit.

Despite its small size, Tunisia ranks 30th in the world and first in Africa in terms of area certified for organic farming. Maamer said that apart from its chronic water shortages, "the climate in Tunisia is very favourable" to the trade.

She added that only five percent of the country's two million hectares of olive groves had been treated with pesticides, meaning the remainder could potentially win organic certification.

"It's a sector with ongoing and growing international demand," said Maamer. And due to the coronavirus pandemic, people began increasingly looking for organic products "because they don't contain artificial chemicals", she added.

While there is strong demand in the US and Europe for bio products, they are also gaining attention among 25–30-year-old Tunisians "who are well-informed" about their benefits, she added.

As the market grows, Tunisia hopes that by 2030 the sector will contribute to help develop tourism, renewables and handicrafts, she said.

Bio farming is also on the rise in Morocco, where the area of farmland certified for organic production has more than doubled since 2011 to reach over 10 300 hectares.

However, "that's far behind the potential of a farming country like Morocco," said Reda Tahiri, who heads a union for organic farmers.

The majority of the country's olive, citrus and almond groves are in the southern area around Marrakech and near the capital Rabat in the north-west.

EU

But given the country's 300 000 hectares of aromatic and medicinal plants and the iconic argan tree, there is potential for going organic.

Moroccan authorities are trying to develop the sector with the Green Morocco Plan, which helps farmers cover the costs of getting certified. For exports to the European Union to be labelled as organic, they must be inspected once a year by an EU-licenced certification agency.

Tahiri said certification for export to European or North American markets can cost up to 1 000 euros per hectare annually.

"So, the total cost of production is higher than in conventional agriculture, but without the producer getting any guarantees of higher prices for the products," he said. As well as state help on these costs, Tahiri says that for the organics market to develop, "we need to raise awareness among consumers and ensure better profit margins for producers".

Morocco's agriculture ministry said it has prioritised organic agriculture and is hoping to reach 100 000 hectares of certified farmland by 2030, with 900 000 tonnes of produce per year two-thirds of it for export. By comparison, Algeria is trailing.

The semi-official economics and development think tank CREAD said that in 2013 just 1 200 hectares were being farmed organically.

Although there are no recent statistics, in the past few years some shops have been offering customers organic vegetable boxes delivered straight from small producers. -Nampa/AFP

No factions in PDMYL - Katjirijova Elective congress looms Katjirijova said he would not seek re-election to lead the movement in future, adding that he is not qualified to do so.

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

The outgoing secretary of the Popular Democratic Movement Youth League (PDMYL), Benson Katjirijova, says there are no factions in the youth movement - despite jostling for positions ahead of its elective congress next month.

He made the comments after a press conference yesterday.

“There are no factions, there is nothing about that. We might differ on many kinds of decisions but there are no divisions,” he said.

Members of the party, Katjirijova said, are allowed to seek higher office within the movement.

“We are in a democratic process. Let any person who wants to express his or her right, let people come, but we must talk about the organisation. Let people have a right for them to lead, it’s not a problem,” he said.

Not interested

Katjirijova also mentioned that he would not seek re-election to lead the movement in future, saying his two terms were sufficient.

“I am not going to run for re-election. First thing, I am not qualified and, also, if I was qualified, I served for two terms, in politics you must just come and go. Allow others to come on board,” he said.

Highlighting his achievements, he said the youth league had been instrumental in the good performance the party had achieved in the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The PDM had seen its number of seats increase from five in 2014 to 16, marking the addition of 11 seats.

“It was not the impact of [Dr Panduleni] Itula. We stand on our own, the national party list [number of seats]… It was PDM on its own,” Katjirijova said.

N$17m to renovate school Seven classrooms, one administration block and one multi-purpose hall “With these new facilities, learners can now study and receive education in safe and comfortable facilities.”- Carvin Muchila, director of planning at the ministry of education

Enzo Amuele

Okakarara

The ministry of education, arts and culture officially received renovated school infrastructure at Okakarara Secondary School on 5 November from the principal-agent, who was responsible for supervising the project.

The renovations began in 2020 and include seven classrooms, one administration block and one multi-purpose hall, at the cost of over N$17 million.

The facilities are part of the ministry’s implementation of a five-year Agency of Education and Training Quality Improvement Project, which started in March 2018.

According to the director of planning in the ministry, Carvin Muchila, the government received a loan of N$1 billion to develop infrastructure in the country. “Fortunately, the education sector was identified to benefit from the loan, and this also includes road infrastructure, and agriculture projects,” he said.

Muchila called on other stakeholders to put their hands together in upgrading the infrastructure of Namibian schools for the future generation.

“With these new facilities, learners can now study and receive education in safe and comfortable facilities,” he said.

The CEO of the Okakarara municipality, Ernst Katjitundu, said the journey to renovate the facilities was not easy.

“We had a series of meetings and it was always hectic; some of us have been accused of not utilising the funds appropriately. Today I am happy to witness that the facilities are officially done,” he said.

Katjitundu urged the learners, teachers and school management to take care of the newly renovated structures and avoid vandalising the properties.

Principal Rodger Katjivikua said the school has been in existence for 47 years and the infrastructure was worn down.

“On behalf of the whole Okakarara community, we are thankful to have benefitted from the project, as this is the only secondary school in Okakarara and it accommodates a large number of learners,” he said.

Katjivikua added that the infrastructure will be properly taken care of to ensure durability for future generations.

Vox - Your take on prize-giving ceremonies at school

As the academic year draws to a close, prize-giving ceremonies are on the agendas of many schools to reward learners and teachers for fruitful year. The Zone spoke to learners at Nuuyoma Secondary School in Oshikuku to find out their take on these ceremonies and why they should be held.

Johannes Gustav

In my opinion, I think prize-giving ceremonies should be held at schools to motivate learners and build a better version of themselves. It is always a wonderful experience to witness greatness.

Fritz Nghiishililwa

Prize-giving ceremonies are an opportunity for parents to come and witness their children’s success. Learners also feel good when awarded for their hard work and it encourages others to work just as hard.

Ndeupewa Nghidinwa

It is always inspirational when success stories are told. Hard work should be rewarded and the events are always filled with joy and happiness. Parents are also happy to see how well their children have performed during the year.

Naftali Taapopi

For those who did not manage to work hard, they will always be inspired and encouraged to be in the same position as those who were awarded. Sometimes, we all need an extra push so we continue to work hard.

Maria Absalom

Hard workers need a day of appreciation to thank them. Teachers are also given the platform to be awarded as they also play an equal role in producing good results.

Victoria Amuyagele

In my opinion, prize-giving ceremonies are very important in schools because they serve as a motivation to learners for them to excel academically. They also show how teachers and learners have worked hard to obtain quality symbols.

Arts Festival in Otjomuise

The Otjomuise Live Arts Festival (OLAF) is taking place at the UN Plaza in Windhoek from 6 to 13 November. The theme for this year’s festival is ‘bridging life and arts in the city’. The event looks to bring Namibian artists together and to share Namibian art locally and internationally. PHOTO RIVALDO KAVANGA

EDITORIAL: The chickens are coming home to roost If some of the evidence led by the State yesterday in the Mike Nghipunya bail application hearing contain any grain of truth, Namibia is in deep trouble.

This is a significant phase in our country’s history and the interest shown by the public is testimony to that. The details, that officials trusted with one of the most sacred resources of our country – fish - created proxies to steal millions of dollars for personal gain, are jaw-dropping.

But there is a silver lining. By all indications, Fishrot, despite the pain and harm it has caused us, is a milestone in our country’s effort to combat corruption.

If we needed a PowerPoint presentation on the destructive nature of corruption, Fishrot is Exhibit A. It’s crime against humanity when thousands of fishermen were sacrificed at the altar of greed – losing their jobs because fishing quotas were snatched from their employers and used as bait for bribes.

We are all in pain, but the greatest of it all is borne by those fishermen and their immediate families. As was reported in the press, some were deserted by their wives whom they could no longer cater for. Others committed suicide.

All that to simply fill the pockets of a select few. These are well-to-do individuals who could simply not quench their insatiable greed and were prepared to sacrifice anyone for their own parochial sake.

Climate to devastate poorest economiesHeatwaves, drought, floods and storms To date, rich governments have committed only modest sums to help poor countries adapt to climate impacts. Policy choices that we make right now are crucial for preventing further damage. Marina Andrijevic, Author: Humboldt University

MARLOWE HOOD

The 65 most vulnerable nations will see gross domestic product (GDP) drop 20% on average by 2050 and 64% by 2100 if the world heats up 2.9 degrees Celsius, according to a report released Monday at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.

Even if global temperature rises are capped at 1.5C, in keeping with the most ambitious Paris Agreement goal, the same countries would take a GDP hit of 13% by 2050 and 33% by the end of the century, the study commissioned by Christian Aid said.

To date, Earth's average surface temperature has risen 1.1C compared to late 19th-century levels.

The findings from Christian Aid show that more than a third of the world's nations urgently need help to build up resilience if their economies are to withstand the onslaught of heatwaves, drought, floods and storms made more intense and deadly by global warming.

"The ability of countries in the Global South to sustainably develop is seriously jeopardised," said lead author Marina Andrijevic from Humboldt University in Berlin.

"Policy choices that we make right now are crucial for preventing further damage." Eight of the top 10 most affected countries are in Africa, with two in South America.

Policy

All 10 face GDP damage of more than 70% by 2100 under our current climate policy trajectory, and 40 percent even if global warming is capped at 1.5C.

The country facing the worst GDP loss is Sudan, which in September was left reeling from heavy rains and flash floods affecting more than 300 000 people. The country would see a GDP reduction of 32% by 2050, and 84% by 2100 compared with if there was no climate change.

The countries covered by the report make up two key negotiating blocs at the UN climate talks, which run through Friday: The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Small island states are especially vulnerable to storm surges made worse by rising seas.The study does not take into account adaptation measures, which could potentially alleviate some of the damage.

To date, rich governments have committed only modest sums to help poor countries adapt to climate impacts.

"Africa has the done the least to cause climate change yet this report shows it will face the most severe consequences. That is deeply unjust," said Mohamed Adow, director of Nairobi-based climate and energy think tank Power Shift Africa. -Nampa/AFP

ECOWAS imposes sanctions on Mali

CHRISTIAN AKORLIE

West Africa’s main political and economic bloc-imposed sanctions on Sunday against Mali’s transitional leaders after they informed the organisation, they would not be able to hold presidential and legislative elections in February.

Mali’s interim government, which took power following the military’s overthrow of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020, had promised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to oversee an 18-month transition back to democracy culminating in elections on Feb. 27, 2022.

But it has made only fitful progress toward organising the vote and repeatedly suggested it might be delayed, in part because of an ongoing insurgency by Islamist militants.

ECOWAS said in a statement following a summit in Ghana that the interim authorities had informed it “of their inability to meet the transition deadline of February 2022”.

The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes on all members of the transitional authority and their family members, the statement said, adding ECOWAS would consider additional sanctions in December if no progress is made. A spokesperson for the interim government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Borders

ECOWAS first imposed sanctions, including border closures, immediately after last year’s coup but lifted them less than two months later after the coup leaders agreed to the 18-month transition.

Since then, the leader of the initial coup, Colonel Assimi Goita, staged a second coup in May, this time ousting the interim president and taking over the position himself.

Mali’s transition is seen as a key test of West African leaders’ commitment to protecting democracy against a return to the frequent putsches that earned the region its reputation as a ‘coup belt’ in the decades after colonialism ended.

In addition to the two coups in Mali, Guinea’s military also staged a putsch in September, ousting longtime president Alpha Conde. ECOWAS said it was appointing Ghanaian diplomat Mohamed Ibn Chambas as a special envoy to engage with Guinea’s transitional leaders.

Guinea’s interim president Mamadi Doumbouya, who led the coup, has promised a transition back to democracy but not said when he will organise elections. ECOWAS imposed travel bans and asset freezes against the coup leaders in September. -Nampa/Reuters

New touch and feelThe thirst to reach higher levels in the entertainment industry Shaquille Shikwambi, is the chief executive officer and founder of Generation Genesis TV. A broadcasting multimedium content production, distribution, management and marketing.

Monique Adams

Born in Windhoek but grew up in Tsumeb he started his grade one to seven at Elim primary school and completed his high school at Jan Möhr secondary school.

Growing up Shaquille Shikwambi has always been an active, confident and extremely talkative child. “I’ve always been a born leader, so growing up I’d lead my friends and I into the craziest adventures,” Shikwambi says.

When he moved to Windhoek, Shikwambi reflects on how his high school years played a big part of who he is today.

His always been a creative from a very young age, while he was in primary school Shikwambi was a radio presenter and reporter for Uitani Child Line Life Line radio.

This platform spoke about young people and what experience the youth get confronted with. It educated and used fellow children as spokespersons to give it a relatable feel to the show.

At that moment Shikwambi fell in love with the industry. With his fiery passion he was fortunate enough to act in a Namibian short film ‘Dead River’ directed by Tim Hubschle.

This film was also nominated for best upcoming actor and ever since that moment he knew that he should make sure to do exactly this once he completes his secondary education.

The idea of Generation Genesis TV started in 2017 but full operated in 2018.

“Initially my partners and I knew we wanted to create a platform for young people to create. We got together, built a small team, got the paperwork done and is built a five year plan,” he says.

On the Generation Genesis TV, Shikwambi started Namibia’s very first ‘Bro Code’ and go the inspiration from his good friend and himself watching the popular ‘Guy Code’ South Africa on MTV.

“We looked at the show, analysed how they could have done it and we realised that we can make our version. We have equipment, we have the resources so what is stopping us? I spoke to my partners about the idea and the rest is history,” he says.

One of the challenges Shikwambi faced in the industry is proving that they are capable of producing quality content and being consistent enough to stay relevant.

How they overcame challenges they face is working together well to produce quality content.

Shikwambi further speaks on the lack of collaborative efforts in Namibia.

“We unfortunately live in a country where the creative and entertainment industry is not thriving compared to other countries. In a Namibia a lot of creatives choose to fight for the little crumbs the industry is making, instead of coming together and baking a cake big enough for us all,” he says.

His highlight for the year so far was when the guests they had for Bro Code told him that they are and were being stopped in public by strangers to laugh together on something they said or spoke about on the show.

Which shows that people are watching his work and this motivates him and his team to continue creating quality and innovative work.

Interesting facts:

1. He does not like rice, he think its weird food.

2. He is a Capricorn.

3. His a kid at heart.

4. He fears owls.

5. His spirit animal is a Silverback Gorilla.

Advice he would like to share is, “The ability to change the social, political and cultural powers or structures that govern people’s lives is the true heart of development”, this is something my HOD at the college of the arts told me in our first year and it has stuck with me ever since. I do not fully agree with the statement because it speaks from a selfish perspective. I believe that the ability to empower people to change or influence the powers that govern their lives is the true heart of change or development.”

New look and feel The thirst to reach higher levels in the entertainment industry Shaquille Shikwambi is the chief executive officer and founder of Generation Genesis TV, a broadcasting multimedia content production, distribution, management and marketing company. Monique Adams

Born in Windhoek, Shaquille Shikwambi grew up in Tsumeb and started school back in the capital - at Elim Primary School and Jan Möhr Secondary School.

Growing up, he was an active, confident and extremely talkative child.

“I’ve always been a born leader, so growing up, I’d lead my friends and I into the craziest adventures,” he said.

When he moved to Windhoek, Shikwambi reflects on how his high school years played a big part to who he is today.

He’s always been a creative from a very young age, he said, adding that while he was in primary school, he was a radio presenter and reporter for Uitani LifeLine/ChildLine radio.

This platform focused on young people and the experiences they are confronted with. It educated and used fellow children as spokespersons to give it a relatable feel.

At that moment, Shikwambi fell in love with the industry. With his fiery passion, he was fortunate enough to act in a Namibian short film ‘Dead River’, directed by Tim Hubschle.

For this film, he was also nominated for best upcoming actor and ever since that moment, he knew that he should make sure to do exactly this once he completes his secondary education.

The idea of Generation Genesis TV started in 2017 but became fully operational in 2018.

“Initially, my partners and I knew we wanted to create a platform for young people to create. We got together, built a small team, got the paperwork done and is built a five-year plan,” he said.

On Generation Genesis TV, Shikwambi started Namibia’s very first ‘Bro Code’ show, and got the inspiration from watching the popular ‘Guy Code’ South African show on MTV.

“We looked at the show, analysed how they could have done it and we realised that we can make our version. We have equipment, we have the resources, so what is stopping us? I spoke to my partners about the idea and the rest is history,” he said.

One of the challenges Shikwambi faced in the industry is proving that they are capable of producing quality content and being consistent enough to stay relevant.

How they overcame challenges is working together well to produce quality content.

Shikwambi further spoke on the lack of collaborative effort in Namibia.

“We unfortunately live in a country where the creative and entertainment industry is not thriving compared to other countries. In a Namibia, a lot of creatives choose to fight for the little crumbs the industry is making, instead of coming together and baking a cake big enough for us all,” he said.

His highlight for the year so far was when the guests they had for Bro Code told him that they were being stopped in public by strangers to laugh together about something they said or spoke about on the show.

This shows that people are watching and motivates him and his team to continue creating quality and innovative work.

Interesting facts:

He does not like rice; he thinks it’s a weird food.

He is a Capricorn.

He’s a kid at heart.

He fears owls.

His ‘spirit animal’ is a silverback gorilla.

Advice he would like to share is: “The ability to change the social, political and cultural powers or structures that govern people’s lives is the true heart of development. This is something my head of department at the College of the Arts told me in our first year and it has stuck with me ever since. I do not fully agree with the statement because it speaks from a selfish perspective. I believe that the ability to empower people to change or influence the powers that govern their lives is the true heart of change or development.”

ReconAfrica: Shifeta assures of environment safety

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta has assured Namibians that government will not allow any activities in the country that have a significant negative impact on the environment.

He was speaking to Namibian Sun from Glasgow, Scotland, where he is currently attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26.

Shifeta was referring to questions about Canadian oil and gas company ReconAfrica, which is engaged in the exploration and development of oil and gas in Namibia and Botswana.

Although the project is only at the exploration stage, there is concern about the potential environmental effects of future extractive exploits.

“Whatever amount of money is there, whatever economic activity, however huge it is, and it contributes the economy, we cannot sacrifice the future of our country and that is assurance I give to Namibians.”

Shifeta pointed out that the protection of the environment is enshrined in the Namibian Constitution.

“So, everything we do, every policy we may come up with, every law and legislation made, including the customary law and the common law that is already in existence, has to be measured against our constitution, our Supreme Law.”

He added that there is no way any government official would allow any activity that contradicts the constitutional protection of the Namibian environment.

Yardsticks

Shifeta said ReconAfrica received an exploration licence from the mines and energy ministry.

“The environmental commissioner, under the environment ministry, has the duty to clear any listed activity, to give the green light whether to go ahead or not.”

He said there are yardsticks that must be measured to make sure that this activity is not damaging the environment significantly.

Shifeta added that the Environmental Management Act is very clear and any aggrieved party who feels that there is damage to the environment is free to follow the steps in the law.

“They have to appeal. And that appeal can even go up to the Supreme Court. So, you will get attention through this process.”

Long process

The minister said no activities that harm the environment will be allowed by the environmental commissioner, and added that he can also appoint an independent consultant to do an Environmental Impact Assessment if there are any doubts about this assessment.

“So, in the case of ReconAfrica, from our side as a ministry that has to protect the environment, we will not be able to abdicate our responsibility.”

Shifeta further stressed that people need to understand that with regards to ReconAfrica, drilling for oil and gas has not started yet, adding that the company is currently just gathering data.

He said the three boreholes they have made is to collect data and then do an assessment to decide whether there is oil or gas, after which they will still need another Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to clear exploration.

“And even after that stage of determining that they have viable oil or gas and that they want to mine, they still need to get another ECC.”

Wasserfall murder accused secure legal representation

LEANDREA MOUERS

WALVIS BAY

Brother-sister duo Steven Mulundu and Azaan Madisia, accused of murdering Shannon Wasserfall, have managed to secure legal aid lawyers.

The case has been postponed twice already due to the fact that they did not have legal representation.

Madisia is represented by Albert Titus and Mulundu is represented by Tanya Klazen.

Both Titus and Klazen indicated that the accused are ready to plea and have done their bail application submissions.

State prosecutor Maggy Shiyagaya said the State still opposes bail at this stage. “We have received the submission for bail. I am consulting with the deputy prosecutor general on a possible date, which will also depend on the court's availability, for the bail application.”

The case was thus postponed to 17 November for plea only.

Magistrate Vicky Nicolaidis said an earlier date is not possible for their bail application, as she is currently the only magistrate on duty.

“My colleague is out of the district for work. We will deliberate on a suitable date for your bail application. You are to remain in custody.”

Madisia was the number one suspect implicated in the disappearance of Wasserfall (22), who went missing on 10 April 2020 from Kuisebmond. Months later, on 6 October 2020, Wasserfall’s remains were found in a shallow grave in Walvis Bay after the police received a tip-off.

Mulundu was arrested in November 2020 after he surrendered himself to the police, stating that he allegedly assisted Madisia in disposing of the body. They have both been in custody ever since.

leandrea@republikein.com.na

State unmasks Nghipunya proxiesFormer Fishcor boss’ testimony shreded to pieces The State yesterday produced memorandums of understanding showing how much money Mike Nghipunya is entitled to from entities that allegedly benefitted from Fishrot, although he is not officially registered as owner.

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK

State prosecutors yesterday produced documents detailing Mike Nghipunya’s silent interest in entities that benefitted millions of dollars from the Fishrot scandal.

His perceived proxies in these companies, Phillipus Mwapopi and Otneel Shuudifonya, are in custody awaiting trial in the same case.

During yesterday’s proceedings of Nghipunya’s bail application, it came to light from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that Nghipunya held a 50% silent interest in a company called Wanakadu Investments, on paper solely owned by Mwapopi.

When it comes to profit and revenue sharing, Nghipunya is entitled to money made by the company, the MoU shows.

The MoU, which the State presented to the court, stipulated that “Mwapopi hereby agrees not to claim ownership in part or whole of other funds transferred to the company account from time to time, thereby recognising that such funds are not for day-to-day operations revenue of the company, but belonging to Nghipunya”.

It further read: “Nghipunya agrees not to take ownership in part or whole of operation revenue of the company as that would be shared on a 50/50 basis whenever distributed.”

According to court documents, this MoU was signed in 2016, the same year in which Wanakadu supplied Fishcor with dried fish.

However, Nghipunya said he first started dealing with the company when Mwapopi engaged him to express his interest to supply Fishcor with dried fish products, and in doing business in other areas.

“I have known Mr Mwapopi for a while, dating back to 2010; we have known each other on a social level before 2016. We would meet, we would have mutual friends and that is how far I know him. I would not say we are friends. I have no interests in Wanakadu,” he said, despite the content of the MoU produced in court.

Deny, deny, deny

State advocate Cliff Lutibezi informed the court that an MoU between Nghipunya and Mwapopi was printed from a desktop computer which belonged to Nghipunya.

Recent Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) documents showed that Wanakadu paid N$3.1 million to Flamingo In-Flight Catering, a company owned by former Fishcor board chairman James Hatuikulipi, himself an accused in the matter.

During yesterday’s proceedings, the State also brought to court a statement obtained under oath from Kelvin Kaisi, the managing director of Flamingo, who said Hatuikulipi instructed him to make two payments from their Bank Windhoek cheque account.

Of this money, N$2.1 million was paid to Greyguard Investments, a company owned by Hatuikulipi, while the remaining N$1.05 million was paid to Erf 1980 Kuisebmund.

Nghipunya then vehemently denied that he signed any agreement and instead accused the State of trying to find any chance to link him to certain activities by saying the money went to “my co-accused without pinning me to any of those misappropriations”.

He also pointed out that there is no proof that this agreement with Mwapopi was authored or signed by him, since his signature was missing while the same device from which the agreement was printed contained his electronic signature.

“So, anyone who goes on my computer can forge my signature, but not my handwriting in person. Hence the date was left blank, because they cannot electronically sign or write those words,” he said.

‘Financial engineering agreement’

The State put it to Nghipunya that he would recall a N$10 million payment was made to Fine Seafood Investment Trust, who made transfers to Ndjako Investments CC, which purchased assets on his behalf.

These entities are owned by Shuudifonya. Namibian Sun reported in January that Shuudifonya, Otjozondjupa regional council deputy director for rural services, could not explain how his companies received about N$13 million from Fishrot proceeds.

He has been perceived as a front for Nghipunya, who injected N$1.3 million capital into Fine Seafood. Shuudifonya told ACC investigators that the money was a loan from Nghipunya, which he was obliged to pay back.

Nghipunya yesterday testified that he had no interests in these entities (Fine Seafood and Ndjako) and said there is in fact an explanation for these transactions.

A separate MoU was read in court by State prosecutors, detailing what Nghipunya was entitled to in terms of revenues generated by Ndjako.

According to him, there was an agreement that these two companies would invest in an Angolan project and also co-invest in property development and finance.

“If the properties are in my name, it is to say I hold the property in trust because of access to funds, so if I take out a loan, I take it on behalf of the trust and once the company has paid the loan, the property will be paid to the trust. It is not because they paid assets on behalf of me,” he said.

According to him, this is all above board and is just a ‘financial engineering agreement,’ and had nothing to do with interest held in the companies.

“It is not my trust; it is a trust where I was a trustee.”

The bail hearing continues.

jemima@namibiansun.com

Minimum wage in the construction sectorN$17.38 per hour Other benefits for employees in the sector include a service allowance equal to 150 hours of his or her wage. We are happy that our negotiated collective agreement for the construction sector has now been gazetted. Bärbel Kirchner, General manager :CIF

STAFF REPORTER

The collective agreement as has been negotiated between the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) and Metal and Allied Workers Union (MANWU), and signed on 28 May 2021, has now been published in Government Gazette No. 7675 of 2 November 2021. This makes the conditions as stipulated in the Collective Agreement applicable and mandatory for everyone operating in the sector. The collective agreement becomes effective on the date of promulgation.

The most significant change was the increase in the minimum wage payable, which is 2.6% for the first year, and 2.6% for the second year. This increase comes at the time, when there had been no increase since 2018. The basis of the increase for the respective categories are the minimum wages as had been determined in the Government Gazette No. 6567, dated 11 April 2018. The current minimum wage payable in the industry as per Government Gazette 7675 is therefore N$17.38 per hour.

Other benefits for employees in the sector, as per the employment categories listed in the collective agreement, include a service allowance equal to 150 hours of his or her wage, which is to be paid as part of the December remuneration before the commencement of annual leave during December.

It is also mandatory that all employees, for whom minimum wages payable are prescribed as per the agreement, are registered by the employer with the Namibian Building Workers Pension Fund (NBWPF). Alternatively, employers can offer pension and retirement benefits that provide for the same as the NBWPF, or indeed better benefits.

Bärbel Kirchner, general manager of the CIF says: “We are happy that our negotiated collective agreement for the construction sector has now been gazetted. This will ensure that there is a level-playing field with regard to wages in our sector; it will minimise the impact of labour costs as a differentiating factor when bidding for contracts.”

“We believe that the increase is within reason considering the current economic environment. It would simply make no sense to increase the minimum wage payable beyond the negotiated level, if employers cannot longer afford an increase. There is a fine line to consider, where an increase can improve the livelihood of one, yet might lead to the retrenchment of another. From the CIF’s perspective, we feel, that at current times, we need to ensure that as many persons possible remain employed. Therefore, we think that since there had been no increase since 2018, that a 2.6% increase, is reasonable”.

Regulation

Conditions for both the employer and the employee will improve once the industry has been regulated through the establishment of a construction council and every effort has been made to optimise the procurement system in favour of maximum engagement of Namibian resources. “Our sector has seen large-scale retrenchments, yet with strategic intent by our government and united, deliberate and conscious efforts, we can work towards a turnaround and improve the performance of our sector to the benefit of our businesses and employees”.

Justina Jonas Emvula, secretary general of MANWU says: “The construction sector since 2016, has been really under pressure, the workers persist to feel financial pressure as prices of basic needs, such as food, petrol, continue increasing. Since 2018, no increasement has been given to the workers, and looking at the situation of the pandemic we are in now, this increasement is accepted by the workers with the view that it can make a difference even though it may not address all the workers’ needs.

“It is our view that, the construction sector has potential to grow. We believe that the sector has full capacity to perform any kind of work available. The limitation of not awarding projects to local contractors is increasing high unemployment and precarious work in the sector. Therefore, our government and private sector clients, should listen to us and start prioritising local contractors to boost our local economy.”

“We therefore calling all contractors and their employees to collectively work together, we understand the frustration of lack of jobs or jobs which are not sustainable, but this increase will make a difference, while we are busy to engage those in power to start prioritising local contractors and the immediate implementation of the Construction Council”.

Man slashes wife with panga, hangs himself

A man allegedly slashed his wife with a panga on her face, head and hand at Ongwediva’s Sky Location before proceeding to hang himself in the wee hours of today.

The wife, who is in critical condition, has been rushed to Oshakati State Hospital for medical care. Oshana police spokesperson Inspector Thomas Aiyambo said the incident happened at around 01h20 at Sky Phase 1 Location. Aiyambo said it is reported that the couple had an argument in recent days because the man suspected and accused his wife of having an affair with someone.

He said before the incident happened their children heard the parents arguing in their room.This, Aiyambo said, was before the man, aged 51, went ahead to cut his 45 year-old wife with a panga on the head, face and hand. “After the man cut his wife he took his own life by hanging in their sleeping room with a rope,” Aiyambo said.
The victim was taken to Oshakati hospital by ambulance and she is in a critical condition. The next of kin of the deceased are informed and the body is taken to police mortuary. Police investigations continue.

Onix Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd The World of Digital Strategy Onix Business Solutions, a leading Digital and Cyber Security Solutions Company and the longest standing Platinum HPE Partner in Namibia, recently held a successful event at the AM-Weinberg Conference Centre. The event was held over two days, 28th and 29th of October 2021. The Onix group has been successfully providing solutions to Namibia and other regional countries for over 20 years.

As part of its departure on initiating a holistic focus towards their clients, Onix initiated the Digital Strategy event. The event was held under the theme The World of Digital Strategy. It was certainly a highlight on the event calendar of Namibia’s business landscape, where several key stakeholders across all industries, including digital business industries met to set the agenda for redefining the world of digital strategy.

Several high profile speakers graced the event, including the keynote speaker, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Namibia Mr. J. !Gawaxab and the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Global VP, Service Providers and Cloud28 & Xavier Poisson Gouyou Beauchamps. The list also included the CEO of Pfortner, Aubrey Swanepoel and Nithen Naidoo the CEO of Snode as well as the COO of Snode, Dwain Muller. The office of the Auditor General was represented by the Deputy Director of Information System Audit, Mr. Michael Rivas.

The topics of this event included; the Role of the Central Bank in the Digital Economy and the requirements needed to ensure the inclusion of the Low-Medium Income groups in the Digital Economy, Smart Africa and how the Hybrid Cloud can grow the Digital Economy as well as the Current threat trends in Cyber Security and the Risk to Namibia’s Digital Economy.

Mr. !Gawaxab in his keynote address noted the strides in growth made by the information and communication sector in 2020 was close to 16% while the overall economy contracted by 8.5%. He further stated that the Central Bank has an essential and catalytic role in the advancement of a digital economy and that technology can be the leverage used to exit the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as mitigate the negative effects of disrupted school and teaching.

The Managing Director of Onix, Mildy Samaria described the event as a successful beginning to redefining the space of digital business and consolidating key partnerships. The event was sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (Platinum), Snode Technologies (Gold) and Pfortner (Gold).

Several attendees welcomed the platform and described the event as an eye opener not only to the topics but the role performed by service providers when it comes to digital strategy.

Fresh rugby squad announced

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

For the first time in seven years, the national women’s rugby team will be in action on Saturday at 16:30 with a squad of 23 players being announced yesterday.

None of the players have represented Namibia before, making this a huge occasion for each player.

From the selected squad, six players are from Unam Rugby Club, while five are from Rehoboth Rugby, four are from Wanderers, Okahandja Huskies and Grootfontein Rugby Club are represented by three players each, and two players are from Kudus Rugby Club.

The players were picked by head coach Christel Janet (CJ) Kotze, who is being assisted by Sergio de la Harpe (strength and conditioning), while Jood Opperman assisted with the different facets of forward play.

The Zambian team will land on Thursday afternoon at Hosea Kutako International Airport.

The Namibian squad consists of: Faizal-Lee Tjivava, Mandy Hansen, Elzane-Lee Basson, Rhevonne De Klerk, Lourencia Rooinasie, Tammy Roodt, Mandie van Staden, Litisha Matheus, Euodia Bassingthwaite, Fulchen Bock, Chevonne de Klerk, Astrid van Lill, Merilees Govender, Leventine Bppis, Alicia Gertze, Gabriella Jahs, Ellen Garoes, Ndapanda Kakundi, Pione van Rooyen, Fiola Vliete, Ida Visagie and Roberta Fabio.

Uganda, Proteas, Malawi set the toneNetball fever engulfs Windhoek The Africa Netball Cup tournament kicked off at the Wanderers Netball Courts in Windhoek yesterday.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

The Africa Netball Cup tournament, which will conclude on 16 November, has the following countries participating: hosts Namibia (24), South Africa (5), Uganda (7), Tanzania (no ranking yet), Malawi (6), Zambia (15), Botswana (27), Zimbabwe (12) and Kenya (39).

Uganda and Tanzania kicked off proceedings in the first match of the day. Team Uganda, which on Friday won the Pent Series, thrashed their opponents 77-29. The Ugandan Cranes showed dominance throughout the four quarters.

The second match between Malawi and Zambia ended 70-36 in Malawi's favour. The Malawians yet again showed that they will be a thorn in the flesh after finishing second in the Pent Series.

The Proteas of South Africa also showed incredible class in the third match of the day when they faced Zimbabwe, beating them 68-27. The Zimbabweans put up a great fight but the South Africans were more clinical in their finishes.

The South African team is titled African champions coming fresh from a successful tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland and are in Namibia to defend the title they won back in 2019.

Their head coach of the Proteas, Dorette Badenhorst, said they never underestimate any African team. She added that the Cup is a great opportunity to play as four of her players got national caps.

“Overall it was a great start. We knew that it was going to be a tough and physical match. We successfully kept possession,” she added.

The captain of the Proteas, Bongiwe Msomi, said they expected a little more from the match. She added that it was, however, very physical and that they are here to learn something new every day.

The last match of the day was scheduled to kick off at 18:00 between host Namibia and Botswana. The results of the match are on Namibian Sun as well as the Sport Wrap Facebook pages.

Today’s matches will see Zambia vs Tanzania (9:00), Zimbabwe vs (Namibia) (11:00), Kenya vs (South Africa) (13:00), Botswana vs Malawi (15:00), Uganda vs Zambia (17:00).