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Key moments of Covid-19 pandemic

December 21, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Key moments of Covid-19 pandemicKey moments of Covid-19 pandemic The upcoming New Year's Eve will mark the second anniversary of the first reported Covid-19 case in Wuhan, China.

Since then, more than 272 million cases of the disease have been reported worldwide and over 5 million people have died of Covid-19.

To combat the health crisis, countries around the globe have administered more than 8.5 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccine and drugmakers have developed new treatments.

Here are some of the key moments of the Covid-19 pandemic from the past two years:

DEC. 31 2019

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, China, reported a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, the capital city of the Hubei Province.

JANUARY 2020

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Chinese authorities have determined the outbreak was caused by a novel coronavirus. Soon after, Thailand reported the first confirmed case of the coronavirus outside China.

China on Jan. 23 announced a lockdown in Wuhan, and at month-end the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern."

FEBRUARY 2020

The WHO named the novel coronavirus SARS-COV2, an acronym for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It named the disease caused by the virus as Covid-19, an abbreviation for Coronavirus Disease 2019.

MARCH 2020

The WHO described the coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic for the first time.

Italy's Lombardy region became the single deadliest coronavirus hotspot on the planet, with more than 3 000 deaths that eclipsed those in China's Hubei.

"The whole of Italy is closed now," read a headline in the Corriere della Sera newspaper after Rome imposed the most severe controls on a Western nation since World War II.

Several other countries, including Spain, France, Thailand, South Korea, Australia and Malaysia, also imposed lockdowns.

On March 13, the United States declared the pandemic a national emergency to free up US$50 billion in federal aid. Later that month, California became the first US state to issue a "stay-at-home order", while New York closed non-essential businesses.

India announced a nationwide lockdown on March 24, the same day when the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan were postponed.

On March 27, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for the coronavirus.

APRIL 2020

Covid-19 infections crossed 1 million and the WHO reported evidence that transmission from an infected person could occur before symptoms showed.

JULY 2020

On July 7, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested positive.

Later that month, Moderna and Pfizer launched large clinical trials of their respective COVID-19 shots.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Death toll from Covid-19 crossed 1 million, less than a year after the virus was discovered in China.

OCTOBER 2020

On Oct. 1, then-US President Donald Trump tested positive for Covid-19, a little more than a month before the presidential election.

NOVEMBER 2020

Pfizer and German partner BioNTech said their experimental Covid-19 shot was more than 90% effective in preventing the disease, the first successful interim data on a Covid-19 vaccine from a large-scale clinical test.

Moderna Inc became the second U.S. company to demonstrate success of its Covid-19 vaccine, reporting that its shot was 94.5% effective in preventing the disease.

DECEMBER 2020

Britain approved Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, making it the first country in the world to begin mass inoculations against the coronavirus.

On Dec. 11, the United States authorised the Pfizer-BioNTech shot for emergency use for people aged 16 and older as deaths from Covid-19 in the country neared 300 000.

New variants of the coronavirus were detected in Britain, South Africa and India. The WHO classified the variants from the UK and South Africa as variants of concern. It later named the strains Alpha and Beta.

JANUARY 2021

The WHO classified the P.1 variant, first found in Brazil in November 2020, as "variant of concern" following a surge in cases and deaths in the country. It was later named the Gamma variant.

MARCH 2021

Brazil's most-populous state Sao Paulo announced a partial lockdown to combat surging infections, driven in part by a patchy vaccine rollouts.

MAY 2021

The WHO declared the B.1.617.2 variant, first detected in India, as "variant of concern" at a global level. The variant fuelled a second wave of infections in the country, driving daily cases above 300 000 and crippling India's healthcare infrastructure.

The WHO later named the variant as Delta.

JUNE 2021

Global COVID-19 related deaths crossed 4 million as the Delta variant became the dominant strain across the world.

JULY 2021

Israel the became first in the world to step up efforts against the Delta variant by rolling out booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged over 60.

AUGUST 2021

The US FDA authorised a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for immunocompromised individuals.

SEPTEMBER 2021

US regulators cleared booster shots of Pfizer's vaccine for those 65 and older, all people at high risk of severe disease and others who are regularly exposed to the virus.

OCTOBER 2021

The United States authorised Moderna vaccine boosters for some sections of its population and boosters from Johnson & Johnson for individuals 18 years and above. It also backed the use of a different shot from the original inoculation as a booster.

Worldwide Covid-19 deaths surpassed 5 million.

NOVEMBER 2021

On Nov.4, Britain became the first country in the world to approve an oral Covid-19 antiviral pill jointly developed by Merck & Co Inc and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.

The United States expanded eligibility for booster shots to all adults, even as the WHO voiced concerns about equitable supply of shots globally.

A new COVID-19 variant, later termed Omicron, was detected in Hong Kong and Southern Africa.

DECEMBER 2021

On Dec. 12, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa tested positive for Covid-19.

As of Dec. 20, there have been 273 900 334 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 5 351 812 deaths, reported to WHO. As of 19 December 2021, a total of 8 387 658 165 vaccine doses have been administered. - Reuters
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Omicron now dominant in US

December 21, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Omicron now dominant in USOmicron now dominant in USWHO urges greater effort to end pandemic As the pandemic gathers pace, weary populations are faced once again with new rounds of restrictions and cancellations of big events. We have to focus now on ending this pandemic. - Tedros Ghebreyesus, DG: WHO Becca Milfeld - The fast-spreading Omicron variant is now the dominant strain of Covid-19 in the United States, health authorities reported Monday, as the WHO called for greater efforts to ensure the pandemic ends next year.

The new variant has helped fuel record case surges, forcing a return to harsh restrictions in some countries. But in the United States, president Joe Biden does not plan on "locking the country down," press secretary Jen Psaki said earlier in the day.

Omicron now accounts for 73.2% of new US cases over the past week ending Saturday, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said. In some regions of the country - the Pacific Northwest, South and parts of the Midwest - it already comprises more than 90% of new infections.

Early data suggests Omicron could be more infectious and possibly have higher resistance to vaccines, despite indications that it is not more severe than the Delta variant.

Since it was first reported in South Africa in November, Omicron has been identified in dozens of countries, dashing hopes that the worst of the pandemic is over.

‘REDOUBLE EFFORTS’

WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for nations to redouble efforts to help end the pandemic, calling for new year events to be canceled because it was better to "celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later.

"We have to focus now on ending this pandemic," he said.

The European Union approved its fifth Covid-19 jab Monday - from US firm Novavax - with Europe already far ahead of other parts of the world with its rollout of vaccines and booster shots.

Authorisation of the jab, which uses a more conventional technology than other Covid vaccines, has raised hopes that people worried about getting vaccinated might now come forward.

The other vaccines approved in the bloc are from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, and the EU has already signed a deal to buy up to 200 million doses of the two-shot Novavax vaccine.

"At a time where the Omicron variant is rapidly spreading ... I am particularly pleased with today's authorisation of the Novavax vaccine," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.

CANCELLED

London on Monday announced it had cancelled a New Year's Eve event in the central Trafalgar Square for 6 500 people.

Paris has already cancelled its new year celebrations, and Germany is expected to roll out tight restrictions on private parties and close nightclubs, according to a proposal seen by AFP.

"New Year's Eve celebrations with a large number of people are unjustifiable in the current situation," reads the draft document.

Morocco has announced a blanket ban on New Year's Eve celebrations.

But British prime minister Boris Johnson ruled out any further tightening of England's coronavirus rules over Christmas, while pledging to keep the situation "under constant review."

The Netherlands has already imposed a Christmas lockdown, and Von der Leyen has warned that the Omicron variant could be dominant in Europe by mid-January.

DAVOS, SPORTS

As the pandemic gathers pace, weary populations are faced once again with new rounds of restrictions and cancellations of big events.

The World Economic Forum said it was postponing its annual January get-together of the world's rich and powerful in the Swiss ski resort of Davos because of the new variant.

"Despite the meeting's stringent health protocols, the transmissibility of Omicron and its impact on travel and mobility have made deferral necessary," the WEF said Monday.

Israel's health ministry recommended banning nationals from traveling to the United States, and added several European countries to its Covid "red list."

The world of sport continues to be buffeted by the virus spread, with several English Premier League football teams recording outbreaks that forced games to be abandoned in recent days.

However, the Premier League said after a meeting on Monday it had rejected a plan to temporarily halt the season, saying: "It is the League's collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible."

Tennis also continues to suffer major blows, with Spanish star Rafael Nadal the latest player to test positive, throwing his participation in next month's Australian Open into doubt. – Nampa/AFP
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Girl (6) raped on her way home from church

December 21, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Girl (6) raped on her way home from church Girl (6) raped on her way home from church TUYEIMO HAIDULA



OSHAKATI

A six-year-old girl was allegedly raped last Sunday in the Okakango village in the Okankolo area.

She was on her way home from church with her two siblings who managed to run away from the suspect, leaving the victim, who suffers from epilepsy and heart problems, behind.

Oshikoto regional commander commissioner Armas Shivute said the incident occurred around 15:00.

“The suspect grabbed the victim and had sexual intercourse with her in the bushes under coercive circumstances. After that, he threatened her not to tell anyone,” he said.

He added that the victim’s siblings ran home and informed their mother, who found her daughter lying on the ground half-naked. The suspect ran away when he saw the mother.

Shivute said the suspect - whose age is unknown - is a neighbour and not related to victim.

“The suspect has not been arrested as attempts were made but he fled. Investigation into the matter continues and the suspect will be traced soon,” he said.

- tuyeimo@namibiansun.com
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Swapo coordinators praise Geingob

December 21, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Swapo coordinators praise GeingobSwapo coordinators praise Geingob STAFF REPORTER



WINDHOEK

The ruling party’s regional coordinators have heaped praise on party leader, Hage Geingob, whom they lauded for “going out of his way to forge unity within party ranks”.

Swapo’s regional political heads said this in their seasons greetings to all party members released yesterday, and in the process warned against consternation as the party’s elective congress next year draws near.

“While some may claim that the party is divided, our experience reveals the contrary. Under Comrade Geingob’s leadership, we have become accustomed to a new leadership style which is anchored on consultative decision-making and consensus building,” the message read.

When it comes to inclusivity, they said, Geingob “has and continues to walk the talk and those who lack insight into the inner workings of the Swapo Party have accused the president of being dictatorial or being weak, but this could not be further from the truth”.

“All of us have witnessed, first-hand, his open-door policy for senior leaders, youth and all Swapo rank and file. It is a rare situation where Swapo functionaries have access to a leader’s home or office, so we should all appreciate the fact that in Comrade Geingob, we have a leader who is always available, either in person or telephonically,” the coordinators further said.

The message added: “We express our appreciation to our president for being an exemplar of tolerance, which is an important trait of leadership possessed by few".

Play the ball

With Geingob often the subject of intense criticism and insults, especially on social media, the coordinators praised the president “for being a tolerant leader”.

“Many of us have asked Comrade Geingob how he is able to deal with the almost daily barrage of insults, accusations and provocations without reacting or losing his temper. He informed us that one only gets hurt when a statement is made by someone one respects,” the statement read.

With Swapo’s elective congress set for next year, debate is rife whether Geingob will stand for party presidency or not.

The coordinators are of the view that they will “cross that bridge when we get there”.

“In the lead up to this important congress, it is also necessary to revisit the past, not to stir up any negative emotions, but as a means to draw lessons which may serve the party well going forward,” they said.

“One lesson we can draw from Geingob’s experience is that he has taught us the concept of playing the ball and not the person.”
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Back home after 17 years

December 21, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Back home after 17 yearsBack home after 17 yearsCorruption threatens to destroy country, emigrant says Struggling to find a decent job and on the brink of losing her home, the then-42-year-old left kith and kin behind to build a better life for herself abroad. JEMIMA BEUKES







WINDHOEK

With a local bank threatening to repossess her home, jobless Ester Kershaw left Namibia 17 years ago to pursue a better life overseas. But back then, she had no idea what life on the other side of the world would be like.

The Namibian, who left her motherland at the age of 42 to look for a better life in the United Kingdom (UK), cautioned young Namibians that without education, living abroad can be difficult.

Seventeen years later, she returned home for holidays recently, and said she is pleasantly surprised that the country she left is improving.

Kershaw, a committed Christian, was well-known in the church amongst the Ovaherero community almost two decades ago and had been firmly settled, but packed her bags when she was on the brink of losing her house and struggling to find a decent job.

“I left the country to go and find a job, but it was too late for me, they took the house. But I stayed in the UK to work as a carer and it is good for me. When I left Namibia, things were not looking so good but now I see a lot of development,” she said.

Kershaw said if government steps up and addresses corruption head on, Namibia can easily compete with the UK in terms of quality of living.

It is, however, the high levels of corruption threatening to destroy Namibia and leave the country destitute, she said.

Namibian Sun spoke to her yesterday at Commando Hall No 2 where locals collected parcels that arrived via sea in a container. The items ranged from furniture and electronic equipment to clothes, cutlery and other household items sent by relatives abroad.

Youth need support

While she observed the youth to be organised and entrepreneurial, she is worried they may not have the support they need to help them build good businesses.

The Old Location native said her heart was warmed when she returned to find good services and improved health infrastructure.

“I had a flu when I arrived and I was advised to just go to the Donkerhoek Clinic and not a private hospital, and I was so surprised to find proper toilets without broken parts. The way people are talking about things when we are abroad, I thought things were falling apart, but it is even cleaner here and service was really impressive,” she said.

She added that life is very competitive and expensive in the UK and while one can make lots of money, it would be better to stay home and build a home and good life.

Bilateral agreements

She advised government to sign bilateral agreements with the UK to allow young Namibians to work in that country on a four-year working holiday so they can make money to start building a good life.

“I can advise them to go into business, but a business needs start-up capital, so how can they start without that?

“I can see that the youth are really business-minded, but they don’t have the money and even their mom and dad cannot help them,” she said.

jemima@namibiansun.com
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Commodities: What’s in store for 2022?

December 21, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Commodities: What’s in store for 2022?Commodities: What’s in store for 2022?Macro headwinds to continue Commodities outperformed other assets this year and are due to remain competitive in 2022. Copper is likely to remain volatile and vulnerable to macro moves. – Morgan Stanley Commodities outperformed other assets this year as a recovery from the pandemic boosted demand though gold's poor showing dented investor appetite.

Heading into 2022, commodities, which often perform well late in economic cycles, are due to remain competitive with equities as global growth extends its upward trek, analysts said.

"We like both equities and commodities and we have an overweight view for both in 2022. It's hard to say which one will do better," said Koen Straetmans, senior multi-asset strategist with NN Investment Partners in the Netherlands, which had 298 billion euro (US$336 billion) under management at end September.

The S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index has surged 35% this year, trumping the US equity index S&P 500 for the first time in a decade.

Benchmark US crude oil has surged 40%, copper has added 21% while gold has fallen, sliding 5%, partly due to expectations of interest rate rises.

GOLD

Gold is a top focus among general investors and its erosion after gaining 25% in 2020 has hit flows into investment vehicles.

US exchange traded funds (ETFs) in commodities have seen net outflows of US$5.5 billion this year after inflows of US$41 billion in 2020, Morgan Stanley data showed.

JP Morgan said its forecast for significantly higher US real yields by the end of 2022 drives its bearishness on gold and silver prices over the next year. “We see gold prices steadily declining over the course of next year to a 4Q22 average of US$1 520/oz," JP Morgan said.

Spot gold was trading at US$1 797 an ounce on Monday.

According to UBS: "Precious metals continue to face cross currents - the effects of recent hawkish comments from Fed chair Jerome Powell have been offset to some degree by expectations for US inflation surprises and the equity market volatility caused by Omicron. Hence, we believe a neutral position is appropriate for now until more clarity emerges."

ENERGY

Credit Suisse expects oil prices to stay supported, as demand has further room to catch up, but supply competition could increase as more non-OPEC volumes return.

“Hence, spot prices may moderate somewhat as 2022 progresses, with performance mostly driven by roll yields," Credit Suisse said.

Koen Straetmans from NN Investment Partners said: "In the short term, the next couple of months, there's still some undersupply, so we're still positive on oil prices over the winter months. Going into next year, I anticipate quite a supply response ... so the market will shift in principle to a surplus."

INDUSTRIAL

In 2022, top commodity consumer China is due to see weaker growth, but the government is likely to balance a crisis in the property sector with moderate stimulus, analysts said.

"Copper is likely to remain volatile and vulnerable to macro moves, with low inventories and relatively light positioning, while new rules in Malaysia are tightening scrap markets. We see downside to prices from 2H22 as supply grows faster than demand, tipping the balance into surplus," according to Morgan Stanley.

CITI remains “very bullish on back-end aluminium prices and see around 40-50% upside over the next three years in our base case”. It added: “Aluminium supply will likely be constrained by decarbonisation and thus aluminium is highly leveraged to global growth."

Next year, as logistics disruptions ease, global commodity demand should be robust as industry catches up with restocking, but this may be offset by more plentiful supply of many raw materials.

"There will also be a number of macro headwinds, which should limit further upside for the commodities complex," ING analysts said in a note. - Reuters
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Nketiah hat-trick fires Arsenal into semi-finals

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Nketiah hat-trick fires Arsenal into semi-finalsNketiah hat-trick fires Arsenal into semi-finals NAMPA/AFP

Eddie Nketiah scored a hat-trick as a much-changed Arsenal marched into the League Cup semi-finals by beating Sunderland 5-1 on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old striker is out of contract at the end of the season and gave potential suitors in the January transfer window a reminder of his predatory prowess in front of goal.

Nicolas Pepe and Charlie Patino on his debut were also on target for the Gunners as the match went ahead at the Emirates without any restrictions on crowd numbers despite London mayor Sadiq Khan declaring a "major incident" in the English capital due to spiralling coronavirus infection numbers.

Arsenal were one of just eight sides in Premier League action last weekend as the wave of Covid cases caused by the new Omicron variant decimated the English football calendar.

Mikel Arteta made nine changes from the side that thrashed Leeds 4-1, but Arsenal were never in danger of suffering an upset.

Nketiah opened the scoring on 17 minutes as he bundled the ball home from close range after Rob Holding's header was parried by Sunderland goalkeeper Lee Burge.

Pepe remains Arsenal's record signing, but has been dropped down the pecking order this season due to the form of youngsters Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.

The Ivorian took his rare chance to shine as he exchanged passes with Cedric Soares before seeing his strike deflected past the helpless Burge.

Nathan Broadhead pulled a goal back for League One Sunderland before halftime.

But Nketiah quickly restored Arsenal's two-goal advantage five minutes into the second half, flicking in a Nuno Tavares cross at the near post.

Nketiah completed his hat-trick in impressive fashion soon afterwards as he backheeled Pepe's cross beyond Burge.

Arteta then handed the highly-rated Patino his debut 10 minutes from time.

And the 18-year-old rounded off the scoring when he slotted home another Pepe pass.

The other three quarterfinals were set to take place yesterday with Tottenham set to host West Ham, Liverpool was to face Leicester and Chelsea was scheduled to take on Brentford.
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Eto'o: Europe did it, why shouldn't we?

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Eto'o: Europe did it, why shouldn't we?Eto'o: Europe did it, why shouldn't we? SUPERSPORT

Cameroonian Football Federation president Samuel Eto'o has made a strong claim as to why the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations should not be postponed.

With the tournament set to start in a few weeks, there have been several rumours that CAF's executive committee was set to meet in Qatar to discuss the potential postponement or cancellation of Afcon 2021.

Responding to the speculation, CAF president Patrice Motsepe told reporters earlier this week that he was in Cameroon to take part in a meeting on Monday and Tuesday, where the prestigious African competition was a topic of discussion, and also said that he was "optimistic and excited" about the tournament, per Kingfut.

The pressure on CAF to cancel or postpone only grew after FIFA president Gianni Infantino seemingly backed the idea that it would be better if AFCON is played in September next year.

Per BBC World Football journalist Osasu Obayiuwana reports, Eto'o was also present at the meeting Motsepe attended, and the ex-Barcelona forward has now shared his view on any possible postponement of the tournament.

"I do not see a convincing reason to postpone the Africa Cup of Nations, the Euro was played during the pandemic with full stadiums," the 40-year-old said, according to Kingfut.

"They played in many cities in Europe, so why shouldn't we play in Cameroon?

"If some think we should postpone the tournament, they need to give a good reason."
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Think out of the box – Mwiya

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Think out of the box – MwiyaThink out of the box – Mwiya‘Seek funding to minimise challenges’ NSC’s Freddy Mwiya urges local federations to think out of the box. LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

The chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), Freddy Mwiya, says it is important for sport federations to commercialise their activities because funding might be a challenge in the future.

Mwiya was responding to a question from Namibian Sun as to what federations can do to improve various sport codes in the country in the coming year.

“They should think away and outside the box,” he replied.

In addition, Mwiya said that athletes’ welfare should take centre stage and those serving Namibian sportsmen and women should differentiate between a self-centred approach and having passion for sport, as without passion in sport one cannot deliver.

“Let us focus on athletes’ achievements. Leaders should come second or last. Athletes are the reason why we have sport. In addition, cheap politics should be rooted out and allow new brooms who have passion for sport to lead sport federations for greater heights,” said Mwiya.

Some of the sports codes that have been doing reasonably well over the years, on amateur and professional level, are boxing, rugby, horse racing, hockey, cycling and netball.

These codes are further aided by the injection of sponsorships totalling about N$67.8 million by corporate giant, MTC.

Mwiya’s sentiments were shared by the secretary-general of Netball Namibia, Imelda Nerongo, who said there should be more collaboration amongst federations.

“We all have brilliant ideas that could help grow each other. Even to the extent of sourcing funds through partnerships and joint projects, competitions and activities.

“We need to hand over the baton of succession smoothly. No infighting, as it brings long-term reputational damage, not only to the persons but the code and affects the players we claim to represent.

“We wish soccer and gymnastics well and hope for solutions. Lastly, we all need to take an athletes-first approach, whilst we teach our athletes to take have national pride above all. We have all learned that corporates invest after [success is achieved], so it’s up to us to prove that sports are a worthy investment,” concluded Nerongo.
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Ohangwena tayi pewa olusheno

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Ohangwena tayi pewa olushenoOhangwena tayi pewa olushenoOoskola hamano tadhi ka pewa olusheno Oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 14 otashi ka longithwa mokwaandjakaneka olusheno momidhingoloko dhomomikunda moshitopolwa shaHangwena. TUYEIMO HAIDULA

OSHAKATI

Oshitopolwa shaHangwena shoka shi li shimwe shomiitopolwa yahepa moshilongo oshi li momusholondondo gwaamboka taya mono uuwanawa wolusheno okuzilila mopoloyeka yongushu yoomiliyona 14 kehangano lyoNampower.

Opoloyeka ndjoka ya tameke omwedhi nguka na okwa tegelelwa yi kale yamanithwa okuya momwedhi Sepetemba gwomvula yo 2022, otayi ka kwatelamo etungo lyosasiyona yoonkondo dholusheno momahala ngaashi Omauni, Onghalulu, Okanghalulwena moshikandjohogololo Okongo.

Moshikandjohogololo Epembe omidhingoloko dhoka tadhi ka mona olusheno ongaashi Omishe, Loide Nadunya oshowo Hafyenanye.

Moshikandjohogololo Eenhana, omahala ngoka taga ka mona olusheno ongaashi Onaisaati omanga moshikandjohogololo Endola otaku ka gandjwa olusheno kOshali Shakanalelo.

Omunambelewa omupopiliko gwoshitopolwa shaHangwena, Panduleni Nepembe okwa popi kutya opoloyeka ndjoka oya kwatelamo etungo lyoongodhi dholusheno dhookondo dho 33kV, dhuule woshinano shookilometa 50, nokutula olusheno mooskola.

Nepembe okwa popi kutya olusheno ndoka otalu ka topolelwa iiputudhilo yepangelo ngaashi ooskola, ooklinika oshowo omahala ganuninwa okunkondopeka eliko moshitopolwa.

Ooskola dha thika puhamano otadhi ka pewa olusheno, omahala gahetatu goongeshefa oshowo oombelewa dhepangelo miikandjohogololo ine moshitopolwa.

Iilonga yomatungo oya pewa ehangano lyoMulti Solution omanga Lithon Project Consultant otayi ka longa pehala lyaNamPower.
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Hunger continues to rise in Africa

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Hunger continues to rise in AfricaHunger continues to rise in AfricaConflict, climate change and economic woes Hunger on the continent has worsened substantially since 2013, and most of this deterioration occurred between 2019 and 2020. STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

A new, interactive digital report shows that the number of hungry people in Africa continues to rise, spurred by conflict, climate change and economic slowdowns including those triggered by Covid-19.

The African Union Commission (AUC), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) launched the digital report as the latest update to their annual reporting on the state of food security and nutrition in Africa.

Hunger on the continent has worsened substantially since 2013, the report states, and most of this deterioration occurred between 2019 and 2020.

The situation is expected to have deteriorated further this year, with no easing of hunger’s main drivers.

The three agencies behind the report are calling on African countries to heed the call for agri-food systems transformation.

“Countries must engage in and leverage the outcomes of the United Nations Food Systems Summit, the Nutrition for Growth Summit and the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26),” FAO assistant director-general and regional representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel said with William Lugemwa, UNECA’s director of the Private Sector Development and Finance Division, and Josefa Sacko, African Union commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment, in the report’s joint foreword.

Common vision

“A common vision, strong political leadership and effective cross-sectoral collaboration, which includes the private sector, are essential to agree on trade-offs and to identify and implement sustainable solutions that transform agri-food systems,” they said in ‘Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2021: Statistics and Trends’.

The digital report allows readers to get a better understanding of the scope of hunger in Africa.

In 2020, 281.6 million Africans were undernourished, an increase of 89.1 million over 2014, the report shows. There is significant variation in the levels and trends of hunger across the subregions.

About 44% of undernourished people on the continent live in Eastern Africa, 27% in Western Africa, 20% in Central Africa, 6.2% in Northern Africa, and 2.4% in Southern Africa.

Short-term measures to address the hunger challenge include countries providing humanitarian assistance and effective social protection measures, the report says.

Over the longer term, countries will need to invest in agriculture and related sectors, as well as in water, health, and education services.
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Company news in brief

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Company news in briefCompany news in brief Massmart flags wider annual loss

South African retailer Massmart Holdings flagged a wider annual loss, due to store damages and lost trading income suffered due to looting in July during protests over former president Jacob Zuma's imprisonment.

The retailer, majority-owned by Walmart Inc, said its headline loss per share, the main profit measure in South Africa, will be at least 40% worse than the reported headline loss per share reported in 2020 of 426.8 cents.

Headline earnings included the impact of the significant inventory write-off because of the looting that erupted after Zuma turned himself in to be jailed for contempt of court in July. The looting directly impacted 43 of its stores, with brands such as Game and Makro.

In total the looting cost R2.5 billion in stolen goods and damaged assets, with an accounting loss of around R650 million after insurance proceeds.

The retailer said it was considering selling 15 inadequately performing Game stores. - Reuters

Eskom splits off transmission division

South African power utility Eskom said it had executed the separation of its transmission division, subject to certain conditions, in line with an end-December deadline set in a restructuring plan.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in 2019 that the debt-laden utility would be split into three divisions - generation, transmission and distribution - to improve management of a company that has relied heavily on government bail outs and frequently implements nationwide power cuts.

Under the plan, its generation and transmission units had to be separated by the end of December 2021 and the distribution division by December 2022.

Eskom said in a statement to debt investors it had now executed an order to transfer the transmission division to wholly-owned subsidiary the National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Limited.

It said this remained subject to conditions, including obtaining the applicable consents from creditors. - Reuters

Maersk agrees logistics deal in HK

Container shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk has agreed to buy Hong Kong-based LF Logistics for US$3.6 billion in an all-cash deal, it said yesterday, as it seeks to expand beyond its core ocean freight business.

The deal is one of the group's largest takeovers to date and follows a series of acquisitions including e-commerce firms, a freight forwarder specialised in air freight and its smaller rival Hamburg Sud.

"The acquisition will further strengthen Maersk's capabilities as an integrated container logistics company, offering global end-to-end supply chain solutions to its customers," the company said in a statement.

LF Logistics provides land-based logistic services such as warehousing and trucking across Asia to over 250 global customers.

The deal is expected to close in 2022, Maersk said. - Reuters

BlackBerry revenue beats estimates

BlackBerry Ltd, beat Wall Street estimates for third-quarter revenue, helped by sustained demand for its cybersecurity and Internet of Things products.

Demand for cybersecurity software has been robust as more businesses and government organisations migrate to cloud-based solutions to support remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

BlackBerry posted third-quarter cybersecurity revenue of US$128 million and forecast that to be between US$125 million and US$135 million in the fourth quarter, below an estimate of US$143 million by one analyst, according to Refinitiv data.

BlackBerry reported a net profit of US$74 million in the third quarter, compared with a loss of US$130 million a year earlier.

Revenue fell to US$184 million for the quarter ended Nov. 30, from US$218 million a year earlier, but beat analysts' average expectation of US$177.25 million, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. - Reuters

Embraer shares soar on listing news

Shares of Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA soared on Tuesday after the company said it had agreed to combine its electric aircraft subsidiary Eve with Zanite SPAC and list it on the New York Stock Exchange.

The transaction values Eve's equity at US$2.9 billion and will include the combination with Zanite Acquisition Corp and an additional investment by a group of investors that includes Embraer, Zanite, financial investors and strategic partners such as Azorra Aviation, BAE Systems, Republic Airways, Rolls-Royce and SkyWest Inc.

After the transactions, Eve - which will be listed on NYSE under the ticker EVEX - will have a US$512 million cash position that will be used to develop its flying taxi. The firm is expected to start trading in the second quarter of 2022, after the closing of the deal with Zanite.

Eve already has an order pipeline of more than US$5 billion. Among the customers with pre-orders are lessors, helicopter operators and ride-sharing companies.

Embraer will own more than 80% of Eve after the SPAC combination and additional investment from the group. Eve's cash position is expected to be enough to fund the flying taxi development through its certification, expected for 2025, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto said. - Reuters
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Things to consider when buying seed

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Things to consider when buying seedThings to consider when buying seed ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Seeds are an essential input resource that farmers must procure to successfully grow crops.

Agribank’s technical advisor for crops and poultry, Hanks Saisai says that when one is to buy seeds, there are key considerations that must be kept in mind.

According to him the first factor one must consider is the cultivar of the specific crop one intends to grow.

“By definition, a cultivar is a type of plant that people have bred for desired traits. These are reproduced in each new generation by methods such as grafting, tissue culture or carefully controlled seed production.”

For instance, if a farmer chooses to grow maize there are many cultivars on the market to choose from.

“To this end, it is always advisable for the farmer to buy a maize cultivar that suits their local weather conditions. Such conditions range from sporadic rainfall, drought and occasional overcast conditions that may have a significant effect on the growth rate of crops.”

Sowing

Secondly, he says that a crop farmer should understand the importance of knowing the right season in which the seeds are to be sown to achieve optimum germination.

He says the third aspect to consider, whih is also indicated on the back of most seed packets, is the ideal growing condition for the specific cultivar.

“Most seeds will indicate whether to grow them directly under full sunlight, semi-shade or under shade net conditions for good growth rates.”

A fourth consideration, according to Saisai, is the sowing method a farmer will use to ensure that the seeds germinate into seedlings that grow into mature crops.

Seeds can be sown in seed trays and later transplanted into seedbeds, or directly into the seedbeds until the crops are harvested.

Another consideration is the spacing recommendations for growing crops. Under the spacing parameters, one must know the recommended sowing depth for each crop at the time of sowing the seeds, says Saisai.

Irrigation

“Furthermore, one must consider that after sowing seeds it is important to keep the crop field or seedbeds moist by irrigating daily.”

Moreover, the farmer must know that after sowing the seeds will germinate and emerge after 7 to 14 days, as indicated on most seed packs.

Finally, Saisai says that a farmer who grows crops must keep in mind the importance of the growing period and this is indicated on the seed pack.

“Success with crop production relies on numerous factors. However, from a management point of view, a farmer must be familiar with the different considerations that are to be taken into account at the start of each growing season until the harvesting stage to achieve success in their crop venture.”
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Selection is key to optimal livestock performance

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Selection is key to optimal livestock performanceSelection is key to optimal livestock performance ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Every livestock farmer should strive for optimal productivity while keeping the cost of production in check.

Technical advisor for livestock and rangeland management, Erastus Ngaruka, says fundamentally productivity depends on the functionality and performance of the animal, the environmental characteristics, prevailing conditions, and the management regime.

“In essence this means the animal’s genetic abilities can be influenced by its environment and human manipulation. Moreover, the production efficiency of any livestock enterprise is directly linked to the efficiency of livestock selection.”

He says to maximise productivity, a livestock farmer should establish breeding objectives and goals, and implement a selection process that will meet the set objectives.

According to Ngaruka, the purpose of livestock selection and breeding is to improve herd or flock productivity, for example by targeting higher conception and birth rates, higher growth rates and weight gains to meet market demands, and ultimately, increase farm income.

He says there are several factors that hinder livestock improvement, such as high costs and availability of improved breeding animals, that pose a challenge to many farmers.

Other factors include uncontrolled breeding practices, absence of livestock breeding and performance records, lack of skills or knowledge and unfavourable climatic conditions.

Selective breeding

“Selection is key to optimal livestock performance and the objective is to retain and maintain superior breeding materials that will pass the most desired traits onto future generations,” says Ngaruka.

He says to achieve that, three common approaches can be used in combination to help the farmer make a well-informed decision to achieve the desired breeding goals.

These are visual assessment, genetic assessment and classing and culling.

“When it comes to the selection of livestock breeds, farmers need to consider the environmental conditions and individual management abilities to ensure that animals’ performance potential is not compromised by the environment, or by weaknesses in the management regime.

“To this end, what is expected is a productive and adaptive animal, and the management should complement this objective by fulfilling the animal requirements in terms of health and nutrition, and general animal welfare practices.”
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Meat production profitable again

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Meat production profitable againMeat production profitable again ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK

Primary meat product prices have increased by 30 to 40% over the last few years, enabling profitable meat production again.

This is according to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) executive manager Roelie Venter, who said in his festive season message that agriculture in Namibia is in a better place than a few years ago, with farmers reinvesting to increase their production.

Venter said that 2021 started off with good rainfall and enthusiasm and they were looking forward to a normal year, only to have Covid-19 derail a large part of their planning yet again.

“Fortunately, we were able to adjust and proceed as normally as possible, holding virtual meetings to obtain input from the executive council and keep everyone informed at less cost and risk.”

For the second consecutive year, regional meetings were held instead of a national congress, with a very positive participation at regional level.

He further expressed thanks to members of the NAU, all farmers' association management members who make a difference in their communities, the executive council, the managers of the affiliations and also the secretariat for their dedication, professionalism and support.

Venter added that the NAU's vision is to create an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural growth through building human capacity, developing synergy between role players, pursuing profitability for farmers, and managing our natural resources sustainably.

Good rains

Meanwhile, the president of the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO), Piet Gouws, said in his message that generally good rainfall favoured agriculture, resulting in a significantly better farming year than the previous seven years (2013-2019).

“Prices also compensated for reduced marketing. However, we have not been spared pests and plagues and we must once again brace ourselves for surprises in this regard, including the dark clouds of exploration efforts.”

Gouws said he was excited about agriculture in 2022 as there were many initiatives and activities at production and policy level.

“The NAU’s and LPO’s honest vision for agriculture in national interest, without hidden agendas, is starting to bear fruit.”
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NIP receives genomic sequencing machine

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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NIP receives genomic sequencing machineNIP receives genomic sequencing machine ESTER KAMATI



WINDHOEK

The Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) will soon become just the second Namibian institution to carry out genomic sequencing after receiving portable DNA sequencing equipment to the tune of N$270 000 from the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday.

The MinION Mk1C device has the capacity to sequence 96 samples in one run.

Genomic sequencing is a method to determine the entire genetic makeup of a specific organism or cell type, and can be used to diagnose and treat diseases.

Africa CDC representative Dr Francis Chikuse said new Covid-19 waves, presence of variants and low levels of vaccine coverage in Namibia call for continued strengthening of the sequencing network.

NIP will be supplementing the University of Namibia (Unam), the only other institution which conducts such sequencing in the country.

NIP CEO Kapena Tjombonde said they are looking at decentralising the sequencing process in future so that the samples are not all sent to the capital.

“To maintain the integrity and quality of these specimens,” they will be utilising dry ice also donated by the Africa CDC to transport the samples.

“This [machine] is portable. Today it can be used here, tomorrow in Oshakati, another day in Keetmanshoop,” she said.

Training

NIP has sent two scientists to the Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform in South Africa and plan to identify another set of scientists to receive training in January.

With this, the institute hopes to fast-track the research process and generate results in the next few weeks using the new equipment.

“Capacity in Namibia has to improve,” Chikuse said, adding that the Namibian CDC branch is willing to provide higher capacity machinery.

Genomic sequencing is a relatively expensive process, he said, and takes between 48 to 72 hours.

Tjombonde added that this testing will aid in studying prolonged outbreaks and identifying ‘superspreaders’ as well as understanding the behaviours that spread Covid-19.

“Being the research hub in the medical laboratory industry, this technology will empower NIP to monitor structural changes in other pathogens such as tuberculosis and influenza, and to detect mutations that can lead to drug resistance.”

Not ideal

NIP said partnerships with Unam and South African laboratories for DNA sequencing have so far been functional, but not ideal as they are time-consuming. “The acquisition of this sequencing machine empowers the national laboratory to conduct the complete DNA sequencing process in-house,” the CEO said.

“There is no doubt that NIP will be able to monitor SARS-COV-2 variants of interest and variants of concern now and in future, true to its public health mandate.”
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Hornkranz lawsuit dismissed with costs

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Hornkranz lawsuit dismissed with costs Hornkranz lawsuit dismissed with costs JANA-MARI SMITH



WINDHOEK

A Namibian civilian has to fork out all legal costs accrued by the government and army after a High Court judge dismissed his N$1 million lawsuit this month in which he claimed he was assaulted by Operation Hornkranz soldiers three years ago.

Judge Orben Sibeya earlier this month found that while Taleni Petrus Manja proved he was assaulted on 31 December 2018, he failed to prove the identity of his assailants.

“This court has found that the plaintiff was assaulted,” Sibeya said, but added that he failed to offer credible evidence that soldiers were the perpetrators.

The judge said the court accepted that the version of events as described by the defendants - who denied an assault took place as they were not in the vicinity of the attack on the night in question - was “probably true” and rejected that of the plaintiff as being “highly improbable and unreliable”.

Manja claimed that he was “forcefully pulled out of a stationary motor vehicle in an aggressive manner” by soldiers at a four-way stop in Babylon on New Year's Eve.

He accused the armed soldiers of kicking him and threatening to kill him.

Success

Meanwhile, Confidence Kubukeli and Edith Mbanga, the guardians of two minors who were unlawfully assaulted and arrested by armed forces during Operation Kalahari Desert for recording an assault by police and soldiers in January 2020 in Katutura, reached a successful settlement with government this month.

The settlement agreement stipulated a payment of N$20 000 to Kubukeli, and N$15 000 to Mbanga, the minors’ mother and grandmother respectively.

The defendants also agreed to pay the legal costs.

The duo sued government in March 2020 for a combined total of N$545 000 with the pro-bono help of human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe.

Their lawsuit said as a result of the assault, the minors “suffered severe injuries on their respective bodies, including lacerations and bruises, feared for their safety and felt humiliated, traumatised and degraded”.

They were also kept in custody for around eight hours before they were released.
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'Strange’ Gustavo judgement criticised

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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'Strange’ Gustavo judgement criticised'Strange’ Gustavo judgement criticisedFishrot accused ‘went out of his way’ to cooperate, judge says High Court judge Herman Oosthuizen’s comments that the Fishrot accused is unlikely to be found guilty of the charges against him have been labelled ‘strange’ and ‘pre-emptive’. JEMIMA BEUKES







WINDHOEK

The comprehensive bail but ‘strange’ judgement of one of the Fishrot accused by High Court Judge Herman Oosthuizen has ruffled some feathers.

According to Oosthuizen, it is unlikely Ricardo Gustavo will be found guilty of all or some of the charges - a position experts have criticised as presumptive.

Oosthuizen said while under oath, Gustavo not only proclaimed his innocence and his intention to stand trial, but also said he would not evade justice or interfere or tamper with state witnesses. He added that he believes Gustavo went out of his way to show that he is willing to cooperate with the State, such as having himself fitted with a GPS device to have his movements monitored around the clock.

“It is true that the State supplied the court with numerous documents it intends to use at the trial. It is also true that on some of those documents, the applicant was at pains to give a compelling explanation indicating innocence per se, but then it was not his duty. At the trial, the State will have the duty to prove that the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”

‘Strange’

Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanya found Oosthuizen’s judgement “strange and pre-emptive”, which may not bode well for the future of the Fishrot trial.

“I think it is very strange to make these remarks in a bail hearing, because it pre-empts the criminal case. That pre-emptory statement is troublesome in terms of the pending case and gives a wrong impression... I am sure from a legal perspective it is something permissible to say, but my understanding is that the bail hearing should solely focus on the bail aspect,” he said.

Analyst Graham Hopwood said the judge is entitled to that view, but added that he thought the prosecution showed they had a serious case during the bail hearing.

“But the decision on guilt or innocence can only be taken by the trial judge on full presentation of the evidence.”

Dismissive

Hopwood added that while it is commonly understood that a judge will base his or her judgement on matters of law and not on public opinion, it was unnecessary to dismiss public opinion and outrage the way he did.

“He didn't need to be so dismissive. He could have just said he is basing his decision on legal principles. It is surely a good thing if people are outraged by alleged corruption and being able to express such views is fundamental to democracy.”

In his judgement, Oosthuizen dismissed social media, public gatherings and protests as barometers of public interest.

Defending his position to grant Gustavo bail, he said he is convinced that “appropriate strict bail conditions serve the public interest” and the “proper administration of justice”, and allows an accused to properly prepare for trial.

jemima@namibiansun.com
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EDITORIAL: The good, the bad and the ugly

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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EDITORIAL: The good, the bad and the uglyEDITORIAL: The good, the bad and the ugly The release of judge Herman Oosthuizen’s judgement regarding the successful bail application of Fishrot-accused Ricardo Gustavo is a classic example of the possible outcomes of any judgement - the good, the bad and the ugly.

While the judgement has been received with mixed feelings, like any other outcome of this nature, the goodness and badness thereof are entirely relative depending on the optics one applies.

If you are a Gustavo sympathiser, surely this is a good outcome. If you are part of those advocating for the incarceration of the Fishrot accused, then the outcome will be bad in your eyes. One thing we are yet to establish, however, is the potential ugliness or ramifications of the judgement, if at all, going forward.

There are public views questioning the independence of the judiciary while others feel the judgement is a precursor for the upcoming trial.

Oosthuizen was not afraid to express himself as he justified why he granted Gustavo bail, saying it is unlikely Gustavo will be found guilty of all or some of the charges.

There is, however, the school of thought that Oosthuizen is more interested on the realities on the ground than in the judgement cast in public courts.

The right to a fair trial as well as freedom are paramount, but while we grant these rights, it would be a grave mistake to ignore the cries of the public.



Public perception is important if we are to ensure a harmonious relationship between government and the general populace.
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Recoveries, reflation and wrecking balls

December 22, 2021, 2:00 pm
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Recoveries, reflation and wrecking ballsRecoveries, reflation and wrecking ballsGlobal markets in 2021 For global financial markets, the second year of the Covid pandemic has been nearly as dramatic as the first. We think US equities are absolutely bonkers. - Tommy Garvey, Asset manager: GMO Marc Jones and Saqib Iqbal Ahmed - The stocks bulls have stayed firmly in charge in 2021, surging energy and food prices have turbo-charged inflation, rattling the bond markets, while China has seen US$1 trillion wipeouts in its heavyweight tech and property sectors.

On top of all that, Turkey exits 2021 in currency chaos, bitcoin and cryptokind have crushed it, small-time traders gave some hedge funds a drubbing and though green has gone mainstream, dirty old oil and gas have been the big winners, up more than 40% and 50%.

STOCKS TILL YOU DROP

MSCI's 50-country world index has piled on another US$10 trillion, or 13%, thanks to Covid recovery signs and the torrent of central bank stimulus that has continued to flow.

There have been some stark differences though. Wall Street is up 23% but roughly 65% of the Nasdaq's gains (3 780 stocks) are thanks to just five stocks - Microsoft, Google, Apple, Nvidia and Tesla, according to Bank of America number crunchers.

European banks have had their best year in over a decade with a 33% gain, but emerging market equities have lost a woeful 7%, led by a 30% plunge in Hong Kong-listed Chinese tech hit by Beijing's moves to limit their influence.

"We think US equities are absolutely bonkers," said Tommy Garvey, a member of asset manager GMO's asset allocation team, adding that valuations in most other parts of the world were also expensive.

OIL TAKES THE SPOILS

Commodity markets have had a blinder as the world's big resource-hungry economies have tried to get back to some kind of normal. Respective 40% and 50% gains for oil and natural gas are their best in five years and left prices well above pre-pandemic levels.

Key industrial metal cooper hit a record high back in April and has jumped nearly 25% for the second year in row. Zinc has seen a similar gain, while aluminium has made 40% in its best year since 2009.

Precious metal gold has dipped but the agri-markets have blossomed with corn up by a quarter, sugar up a tasty 20% and coffee a perky 67%.

BEARS IN THE CHINA SHOP

China's crackdown on its big online firms, combined with a property sector crisis, have wiped over a trillion dollars off its markets this year.

Alibaba, China's equivalent Amazon, has tumbled nearly 50%. The golden dragon index of US-listed Chinese stocks is down 40%, while homebuilder Evergrande has just become its biggest-ever default.

That has sent a wrecking ball crashing into the Chinese high-yield or 'junk' bond market, which has lost roughly 30%. Property firms' bonds account for 67% of the main ICE Chinese high-yield index.

"If home sales keep dropping at the rate they are at the moment you could easily shave another 1% off of [Chinese] GDP," cautioned AXA Investment Managers' head of active emerging markets fixed income Sailesh Lad.

BONDS - NO TIME TO BUY

Booming inflation and big central banks starting to turn off the money taps has made it a difficult year for bond markets.

US Treasuries - the global benchmark for government debt investors - are set to deliver a 2% loss, their first red result since 2013, while the euro's 8% drop this year means German Bunds have lost over 9% in dollar terms.

On the positive side, the riskiest band of corporate 'junk' bonds - those rated CCC and below - have made around 10% in both the US and Europe.

Inflation-linked bonds have also done well, unsurprisingly, with US TIPs returning 5%, euro-denominated equivalents earning 7% and British linkers making 6%.

MEME MADNESS

Retail traders took to Wall Street in a big way this year, driving eye-popping moves and huge trading volume in the so-called 'meme' stocks.

Shares of GameStop rose nearly 2 500% in January, but having given back a lot of the gains, it will end the year up 730%. AMC Entertainment, another meme favourite, is still up about 1 350% for the year, although it was up as much as 3 200% in early June.

Tesla, doyen of the electric car sector, recovered from a skid early in the year. But other funds or stocks linked to innovation – such as the ARK Innovation Fund and some solar energy stocks, BioTech shares and special purpose acquisition companies or SPACs – are down 20% to 30%.

TURKISH BATH

Turkish lira slumps are hardly rare these days, but this year's blow-up has been spectacular even by its standards.

Things started to turn ugly in March when self-declared enemy of interest rates, president Tayyip Erdogan, replaced another central bank governor. But it has gotten even worse since his new head of the bank started slashing rates in September.

There has been a decent bounce this week as the government has sketched out another unorthodox plan to limit the pain, but the lira is still down over 40% for the year and the government's bonds have been hammered.

INFLATION PALPITATIONS

A surge in inflation became a major concern for investors in 2021 as the pandemic disrupted the global supply chain and made it difficult to meet demand for everything from microchips to potato chips.

With US inflation ramping to its highest since the 1980s, the Federal Reserve announced this month it will end its pandemic-era bond purchases sooner than previously expected and the Bank of England became the first G7 central bank to hike interest rates since the Covid outbreak.

Other major central banks are expected to follow next year, but some of the major emerging markets are already well advanced in the process.

SUBMERGING MARKETS

Investors had high hopes for emerging markets coming into the year but it has proved to be almost the opposite. China's struggles and the persistence of Covid have seen EM stocks lose 7%, which looks even worse when you compare to a 13% rise in the world index and the 23% leap from on Wall Street.

Local currency EM government bonds have fared badly too, losing 9.7%. Dollar-denominated bonds have performed a bit better, especially in countries that produce oil, but JP Morgan's EM currencies Index, which excludes China's yuan, has shed almost 10%.

"China was the huge story of the year," said Jeff Grills, Aegon Asset Management's head of emerging markets debt, adding that next year was likely to be all about how quickly and far interest rates rise and how growth holds up.

CRYPTO CRUSHES IT

Bitcoin at nearly US$70 000; "memecoins" worth billions of dollars; a blockbuster Wall Street listing and a sweeping Chinese crackdown: 2021 was the wildest yet for cryptocurrencies, even by the sector's freewheeling standards.

Bitcoin's near 70% jump may look paltry compared to last year's 300% rise, but that has come despite a Chinese crackdown in May which saw it nearly halve in price.

Dogecoin, a digital token launched in 2013 as a joke bitcoin spin-off, soared over 12 000% from the start of the year to an all-time high in May - before slumping almost 80% by mid-December.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) - strings of code stored on the blockchain that represent unique ownership of digital art, videos or even tweets - have also exploded in the mainstream. A digital collage by US artist Beeple sold for nearly US$70 million at Christie's in May, making it one of the top three most expensive pieces by a living artist ever sold at auction.

GREEN DREAM

The dream to go green has remained front and centre this year.

Green bond issuance is set for yet another record year, at nearly half a trillion dollars. The 'ESG' version of MSCI's flagship world stocks index is up more than 2% more than the standard version while China's most environmentally friendly stocks index has surged more than 40% even as other sectors there have crumpled. - Reuters
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