Zaaruka battles family over land

March 6, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Businessman Ben Zaaruka has turned to the High Court to evict a family of 30 currently occupying a piece of land he claimed he bought from the Ongwediva Town Council in 2010, but for which the family was never compensated.

The family is demanding N$3.7 million for the piece of land but only received an offer of about N$10 000 for the plot.

Zaaruka lodged an urgent application interdicting Lukas Johannes from the occupation of Erf 6315 in Ongwediva's Extension 13, on which the businessman wants to extend his shopping mall.

The land in question measures about two hectares and forms part of the mahangu field of Johannes and his family of 30.

Zaaruka claimed he had signed pre-contracts with various international companies to lease phase two of Oshana Mall by August this year.

He also confirmed retrenching about 150 workers this week because of the stalled construction.

Documents seen by Namibian Sun show that the council offered Zaaruka's company, Stantoll Properties, the land for a purchase price of nearly N$1.4 million in September 2010. Johannes yesterday claimed his family was never compensated for the land and questioned how the town council managed to sell it to Zaaruka without their consent.

He further claimed that the council had offered him a measly N$10 500 for the land. “The question we keep asking the council is how they managed to sell our land to Zaaruka.

They never compensated us. We are not against development but things must be done the right way.

“We have been asking for answers and they keep telling us they will get back to us but they never do that,” Johannes said.

Oshana governor Clemens Kashuupulwa has also been drawn into the dispute, with Ongwediva mayor Angelina Angula requesting a meeting with him over the matter in a letter dated 1 March 2018.

“A deadlock has been reached between the council and the land occupants and as such, no consensus could be reached in order for council to acquire land for the urgent and much needed development,” Angula wrote to Kashuupulwa.

Yesterday workers retrenched by Zaaruka also petitioned the Oshana governor, demanding his intervention in the matter to save their jobs.

The petition was delivered to the governor before the urgent application was lodged.

Kashuupulwa expressed disappointment with Zaaruka's conduct when he learned about the court case.

“It was just yesterday [Monday] when he [Zaaruka] came to my office informing about the issue wanting my office to intervene and yet he goes to the courts.

“What am I supposed to do now? Because if something is before the court we let the rule of law take effect,” Kashuupulwa said.

Ongwediva spokesperson Jackson Muma said he was unaware of the court case, stressing that negotiations were continuing with the affected family.

“We are still negotiating with the family on compensation,” Muma said.

A council report dated 1 March shows fruitless meetings have been held with the family since 2016.

“The council is disturbed by the reluctance of the occupants to make way for development, given all the efforts to provide explanations of the importance of the development,” the report read.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Youth games to attract 1 800

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Youth games to attract 1 800Athletes from 14 regions to descend on Windhoek The 9 to 12 May sporting spectacular will see youth athletes from around the country showing off their talents in Windhoek, as the nation moves towards its goal of producing more world champions.

A total of 1 800 athletes under the age of 20 will be take part in the first edition of the Namibia National Youth Games, which was launched yesterday in the capital.

The multidisciplinary sports event will attract local athletes who will be representing their respective 14 regions in 10 different sport codes namely football, netball, volleyball, boxing, tennis, judo, athletics, as well as para-athletics and swimming from 9 to 12 May.

The games with the slogan 'Enhancing the future of a sporting nation' was launched by Freddy Mwiya, chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), as well as chairperson Joel Matheus. Mwiya said organising an event of such magnitude to take place over three days is not an easy task. However, he added that the NSC enjoys the support of all the regions and have consulted the government as well as various private companies to help with sponsorship and planning.

“We all understand that to produce athletes of elite level, youth sports development cannot be compromised, therefore it is no secret. Funding from state is and will be a challenge for years to come, however this cannot be an excuse not to put this dream into action,” said Mwiya.

He further said that the project will run annually, based on financial contracts the NSC will enter into.

Mwiya called upon all the regions to prepare well and to ensure that their teams are registered before 11 April, through their newly established regional structures. Matheus said they undertook regional visits earlier this year, which were earmarked for sports officers, convenors, stakeholders and all the governors within the 14 regions.

As a result all these stakeholders pledged their support towards the endeavours of the NSC, including the National Youth Games.

“They pledged their support towards logistical arrangements like transport, team attires and support during regional trials.”

Matheus said further that the NSC is starting on a path that will create opportunities for young sportsmen and women in the country. “For the last two decades we have excelled at sports in the international arena, with the past five years highlighting the areas of Paralympics, boxing, wrestling and rugby.

“We are dedicating and moving into greater strides with the aim of making sports in Namibia the most sought-after industry, which creates opportunities for all Namibians,” Matheus said.

The athletes will be housed at various hostels in the city and the games will take place at the University of Namibia (Unam), while the swimming events will be held at the Olympia Swimming Pool.

In addition, the games will also serve as preparation for the Region 5 Games, which will take place in Botswana in December.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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BA to confront Pirates in epic derby

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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BA to confront Pirates in epic derby

Old foes Black Africa and Orlando Pirates will confront each other on Friday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, in what promises to be an exciting affair.

Two of the most prominent clubs in domestic football, led by Lucky Richter from BA, and Pirates headed by Ivan Namiseb, will meet to see which of them will collect the points on the night.

BA sits second on the log with 40 points, following African Stars that 47 points. Their arch-rivals Pirates sit 11th on the log with 24 points.

On Tuesday evening in an interview with Nampa, Richter said there is still hope that his side can clinch an 11th Namibia Premier League (NPL) title this season.

Richter said this after his team's 2-1 win against Unam at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Tuesday.

The coach said if they focus, nothing will stop them from becoming champions again. “As a team, our objective is to focus on our course which is winning our games. The bigger picture will sort itself out,” said Richter. He said log leaders African Stars still have to play Tura Magic and Tigers and that they are travelling out of town this weekend, which means that no points are guaranteed and that anything can happen.

The coach added the most important thing at the moment is for his side to keep their momentum in their remaining nine league games.

“We have a game on Friday and what will be nice is to add more pressure on African Stars by winning that game and reducing the gap to four points, ahead of their Saturday away match,” he said.

Namiseb on the other hand is adamant that they will collect maximum points on Friday night.

“Our run has not been good but we are positive to pick up points. The players need a lot of motivation when it comes to derbies and we are giving them that. I have a few injured players but the medical team is assisting them.” The Pirates coach added he aims to finish in the top five. “Winning two matches does change the dynamics for the team, so we will fight and get those wins.”

He urged local fans to swarm the stadium and show support to the players, even though the results are not always positive. The match kicks off at 20:00.

-Additional reporting NAMPA

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Swallows smell round of 32

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Swallows smell round of 32Debmarine prelims deliver nail-biting encounters A penalty shootout win sent Swallows Football Academy fans into ecstasy, as their team won the Khomas Debmarine Cup prelims, but they could technically still be drawn to play a further elimination encounter.

Swallows Football Academy have emerged as the winners of the Khomas preliminaries for the 2018 Debmarine Namibia Cup.

They defeated last year's Khomas prelim winners Eleven Champions on penalties to advance to next stage of the most lucrative football cup competition in the country.

In the final match played at the Independence Stadium on Sunday, Swallows and Eleven Champions faced off, and after playing to a 3-3 draw, the encounter went down to the wire.

Swallows' youngsters emerged victorious in the end, after holding their nerve and winning the shootout 4-3.

They took home N$20 000 in prize money.

As regional winners, Swallows will have to wait and see if they are drawn to play an additional knockout encounter that will pit two regional winners against each other for a place in round 32.

Only 13 second division clubs will advance to the next round.

Swallows reached the final of the Khomas leg of the preliminaries during their first attempt.

They defeated favourites, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) 4-2 on penalties, after a one-all draw in the quarterfinals.

The saw off Young Ones 3-2, again on penalties, after a two-all draw in the semi-finals.

The Katutura-based team that has dominated youth leagues in the Khomas Region for some time now are in their maiden season in the Khomas second division.

They are third on the log table after six games, with 11 points.

Eleven Champions, the 2017 regional winners, had the beating of Africa Rassaps 2-1 in the quarterfinals and defeated Kingston 5-4 on penalties after a one-all draw in the semi-finals.

The elimination rounds for the first and second divisions, countrywide, are taking place between 3 and 11 March.

Each regional winner walks away with N$20 000, while the losing finalists gets N$10 000 and each losing semi-finalist receives N$5 000.

NFA

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Semenya faces Ugandan challenge

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Semenya faces Ugandan challenge

Caster Semenya will face the Ugandan challenge of Winnie Nanyondo and Halimah Nakaayi today at what should be an action-packed second Liquid Telecom Athletix Grand Prix Series meeting at Tuks Athletics Stadium in the seldom run 1 000m.

This will be a first for the entire line-up as not one of these athletes has raced in a competitive 1 000m. Semenya should start as favourite based on her personal best times, however this is a non-standard distance and will affect pace judgement.

Nakaayi won the 800m at the first Liquid Telecom Athletix Grand Prix Series meeting last Thursday in Roodepoort, ahead of her countrywoman, Winnie Nanyondo.

However, all bets are off as the duo look to take the biggest scalp of their careers.

Semenya, who won the gold medal in the 800m and bronze in the 1 500m at the 2017 IAAF world Championships in London, is looking forward to the encounter, in particular in front of the crowd at Tuks where she is now training.

“It is always a pleasure to run here. This is now my home and I love racing in front of the people at Tuks. They are always very supportive,” said Semenya.

On the Ugandan challenge, Semenya is relishing the chance to take on international athletes at home. “It is exciting. I am always racing international competitions in Europe or America, never at home. So to face Winnie and Halimah at home is fantastic for the sport. And I know they will want to run fast. I saw them run in Roodepoort and they mean business.”

A few weeks ago, Semenya hinted at chasing the South African record of 2:37.2 run by Ilse de Kock Wicksell in 1983, if the pace was right.

“I did mention that maybe the (SA) record could be on the cards a few weeks ago, but now with the Ugandan girls, I know it will be a hard race.”

Both the Ugandan athletes are keenly anticipating the race against Semenya.

“This is why we came to South Africa. We want to race against Caster on African soil. It is important to us,” said Nanyondo.

“You know this will be an aggressive race with Caster in the mix,” said Nakaayi, the winner of the 800m in Roodepoort.

“She is not scared of pushing the pace, so we know this will be a hard race.

SUPERSPORT

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Early title could hurt City's CL campaign

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Early title could hurt City's CL campaign

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan believes winning the Premier League title early might not be a good thing for the club's Champions League ambitions as any drop in intensity could derail their European campaign.

City, who won the League Cup last month, need a maximum of only four victories from their remaining nine league matches to wrap up their first top-flight title under Pep Guardiola.

“I don't know if it would be good to win the (Premier) league that early,” Gundogan told reporters.

“Obviously we want to win it and, if we do, when that happens is not really in our hands.

“But you need rhythm, and to always play seriously. You should always try to play in a serious way. If you are able to win the league quite early, you can lose that seriousness for the Champions League, maybe.

“I don't know if it will be a good thing but we will accept it when it comes,” he said. Before going into yesterday's Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Swiss side Basle at the Etihad Stadium match, City held a comfortable 4-0 lead.

Gundogan accepts City have improved significantly in Guardiola's second season in charge but said they need results against Europe's elite in the latter stages to measure their progress.

“We are still on a journey,” the 27-year-old added. “We are not where we want to be but we are happy with how it's going at the moment. We have more potential to achieve.

“Because we play quite well, people want to put us at the same level as Barcelona or Bayern Munich. We want to be ready if we have to play them.”

SUPERSPORT

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Zaaruka moontamanana dhevi

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Zaaruka moontamanana dhevi Oontamama ndhokadha zi mo 2016 Omunangeshefa Ben Zaaruka, okwa ka konga ekwatho kOmpangu yoPombanda opo ku tidhwe ofamili yaantu o 30 mboka monena yeli poshitopolwa shevi, shoka ta popi kutya okwa landa okuza kelelo lyaNgwediva mo 2010.

Ofamili ndjoka otayi pula opo yi futwe oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 3.7 ihe oya futwa owala oshimaliwa shooN$10 000.

Zaaruka okwa ningi eindilo lyomeendelelo mompangu, ta kondjitha Lukas Johannes, omolwa okukala poplota yonomola 6315 mOngwediva Extension 13, mpoka omunangeshefa ngoka a hala okunenepeka ongeshefa ye.

Oshitopolwa shoka oshuunene woohecta 2 na oshi li oshitopolwa shepya lyaJohannes nofamili ye.

Zaaruka okwa popi kutya okwa ya mookondalaka nomahangano gopauyuni ga yooloka opo ga hiile moshitopolwa oshitiyali shehala lyoongeshefa shOshana Mall, okuya muAguste gwonuumvo. Okwa koleke kutya okwa kutha miilonga aaniilonga 150 oshiwike shika molwaashoka iilonga oya thikama, omolwa oshikumungu shoka.

Oondokumende dha monika koshikundaneki shoNamibian Sun, otadhi holola kutya elelo lyaNgwediva olya landitha po evi ndyoka kehangano lyaZaaruka lyedhina Stantoll Properties, kongushu yomiliyona 1.4, muSepetemba gwo 2010.

Johannes okwa popi kutya inaya futwa omolwa epya lyawo ndyoka lya landithwapo na okwa pula kutya osha ende ngiini opo elelo lyondoolopa li landithe po epya lyawo, omanga yo kaye na ontseyo melanditho ndyoka.

Okwa popi kutya elelo olye mu pe oshimaliwa shooN$10500 moshitopolwa shoka shevi.

“Epulo oondika kutya elelo olya landitha po ngiini evi lyetu kuZaaruka. Ka tu li ompinge nomayambulepo ihe iinima nayi ningwe melandulathano. Otwa kala tatu kongo omayamukulo ihe oya kala noku tu lombwela kutya otaye tu galukile ihe inaye shi ninga.”

Ngoloneya gwoshitopolwa shaShana, Clemens Kashuupulwa naye okwiidhopo moshikumungu shoka namayola gwondoolopa yaNgwediva, Angelina Angula okwa pula opo ya ninge omutumba naye kombinga yoshikumungu shoka, mombaapila ndjoka ya shangwa mesiku lyotango lyaMaalitsa nuumvo.

“Inaku adhika etsokumwe pokati kelelo nooyene yevi, opo elelo li mone evi ndyoka tali pumbiwa meyambulepo lyomeendelelo,” Angula a shangele Kashuupulwa.

Aaniilonga mboka ya kuthwa miilonga nayo oya gandja omukandanyenyeto gawo kombelewa yangoloneya, taya pula opo a hupithe iilonga yawo.

Omukandanyenyeto ngoka ogwa gandjwa kungoloneya, omanga eindilo lyompangu inali ningwa.

Kashuuulwa okwa holola okuuva nayi kwe omolwa omaihumbato gaZaaruka, ta popi kutya Zaaruka okwa li a yi kombelewa ye mOmaandaha opo ya ka kundathane oshikumungu shoka, ta pula woo opo a kuthe ombinga ihe ngashiingeyi okwa ya kompangu.

“Ngashiingeyi otandi ningi ngiini? Molwaashoka ngele oshinima osha yi kompangu nena otaku tegelelwa owala etokolo lyompangu,” Kashuupulwa a popi.

Omupopiliko gwelelo lyaNgwediva, Jackson Muma okwa popi kutya ke na owino yeindilo lyompangu ndyoka lya ningwa, na okwa tsu omuthindo kutya otaya tsikile noonkundathana nofamili ndjoka ya gumwa.

Olopota yelelo lyondoolopa ndjoka yomesiku lyotango lyomwedhi nguka, oya ulike omitumba ndhoka dha ningwa nofamili okutameka mo 2016, ihe inadhi pondola sha.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Meatco a kunkilile oshigwana

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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≪ Previous: Zaaruka moontamanana dhevi

Meatco a kunkilile oshigwana

Ehangano lyoMeatco olya kunkilile aantu opo ka ya kwatakanithe omathano goonyama dhawo dhoongombe nomahokololo getukuko lyombakiteli yolisteriosis ndjoka ya tukuka moSouth Africa.

Meatco okwa popi nomuthindo kutya iilongomwa ye inayi kwatakanithwa netukuko lyombakiteli ndjoka ya dhipaga aantu 180 moSouth Afrika.

Ehangano ndyoka olya popi kutya olya haluka sho ethano lyonyama yawo yongombe ndjoka yi li mondooha yoEloolo, yi li momathano ngoka taga topolwa moshigwana, taku gandjwa ekunkililo omolwa etukuko lyombakiteli ndjoka.

Momaandaha Namibia okwa shunitha iilandomwa ayihe mboka tayi kwatakanithwa nombakiteli ndjoka yuuzigo wiikulya, na okwa tula mo oondjindikila opo iilandomwa mbyoka kayi e twe moshilongo.

South Afrika okwa kuthamo moostola dhe iilandithomwa yoonyama ndhoka ihadhi pumbwa okutelekwa unene omihaka, sha landula sho aanongononi ye ya dhidhilike ombuto yuuzigo wiikulya ya nika oshiponga ndjoka taku popi wa kutya oya zilila mofakitoli yokulonga iikulya yoEnterprise Food Production moPolokwane.

Oofakitoli dhilwe dhoEnterprise moGermiston moEast Rand, oRainbow Chicken moFree State, nandho odha tothwamo kutya omo mwa zilila ombuto ndjoka okutameka muJanuari.

Meatco okwa pula oshigwana opo shi hulithepo etopolo lyomathano giilongomwa ye, ta popi kutya iilongomwa ayihe yehangano ndyoka ka yi li moshiponga shombakiteli ndjoka. Oya popi kutya iilongomwa yawo ayihe oyi li pandondo yopashigwana na ohaya ningi omakonaakono kehe esiku puutomeno wawo, pauyelele mboka wa pitithwa komunambelewa gwongushu yiilongomwa mehangano ndyoka, Rosa Katjivena. Omandhindhiliko gombakiteli ndjoka, oshimvu, sha fa ekunku pamwe noshimela, oshimvu, olutu talu ehama, onkungo oshowo okwaahena oonkondo. Omukithi ngoka ohagu pangwa,naamboka taya dhidhilike omadhililiko ngoka oya pumbwa okumona omundohotola meendelelo.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Tribal agenda must end

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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≪ Previous: Meatco a kunkilile oshigwana

Tribal agenda must end We find it extremely disturbing and shocking that a political leader and a constituency councillor finds no fault in demanding that the country be divided according to tribal lines. These uncalled for remarks were made by Nudo politician and Okakarara constituency councillor Vetaruhe Kandorozu on national television on 26 February this year. His party has since distanced itself from the remarks made by one of its leaders. In a statement this week, Nudo president Asser Mbai said Kandorozu's views do not reflect the position of the party. As a national leader Kandorozu should have in some way or another taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia. And as a sober-minded person, he is equally aware that tribalism remains one the major obstacles in our country and a cancer that continues to threaten the very fabric of our society. His utterances on national television, nogal, are clearly driven by selfish interests meant to create divisions along tribal lines. It must therefore be denounced by all peace-loving Namibians. This country was founded on principles of unity and co-existence. This should not be taken for granted, as much as we have deep-seated political differences. Kandorozu is basically advocating for the Bantustan system used by former white oppressors to segregate Namibians. Our people have gone through very painful past experiences and the scars of apartheid brutality remains fresh in their memories. Kandorozu's tribal agenda that he is pursuing for personal gain should therefore not be entertained. Kandorozu must tackle the real issues and the many challenges faced by fellow Namibians in his respective constituency. Every Namibian, including the political leadership in this country, has a moral obligation to tackle the issue of tribalism with the contempt it deserves. The nonsense of isolating ourselves behind our tribes while rendering others' useless and less important must end now. It is our duty to despise the evils of tribalism and hold those accountable who have made it their mission to spew insults, name-call and throw irritating tantrums.

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Shot of the day

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: High hopes: Dutch company launches flying car

≪ Previous: Tribal agenda must end

Shot of the day

A DOG'S LIFE: A poodle runs in an orchard in the village of Brenchley in southeast England. A blast of Siberian weather dubbed 'The Beast from the East' sent temperatures plunging across much of Europe last week, as commuters braced themselves for further travel chaos. Photo: NAMPA/AFP

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High hopes: Dutch company launches flying car

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: New electrics, but don't forget the horsepower

≪ Previous: Shot of the day

High hopes: Dutch company launches flying car Makes debut at Geneva Motor Show Along with the Terrafugia and Lilium, the PAL-V Liberty is one of several flying cars being developed around the globe.

Robert Dingemanse has heard the comparisons many, many times. The Jetsons, Harry Potter, James Bond.

As CEO of a Dutch company developing a flying car, he's used to curious people whose only frame of reference for his new vehicle comes from cartoons or movies.

But as of this week, Dingemanse’s dream of letting commuters (albeit well-heeled ones) choose whether to drive or fly to work comes a significant step closer. He is unveiling the first production model of the PAL-V Liberty, a three-wheeled, two-seat car and gyroplane rolled into one, at the Geneva motor show.

“Flying cars have been in movies many, many times and they will be available next year,” Dingemanse told Associated Press at an airport near the southern Dutch city of Breda as he stood next to a sleek, black prototype of the PAL-V Liberty.

The PAL-V Liberty is one of several flying cars in development around the world such as The Transition, a folding wing two-seater being developed by US-based Terrafugia, and an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet being developed by German start-up Lilium.

Carlo van de Weijer, director of Eindhoven's Technical University’s Smart Mobility program, doesn’t see flying cars as much more than a niche market.

“It's not really going to be a substantial part of the total mobility industry,” he said. “It's a nice gadget to combine it with a car so ... it might be a successful company in selling quite a few,” he said of the PAL-V.

In the air, the PAL-V is pushed forward by a rear mounted propeller driven by two engines. It is stabilized by a larger roof-mounted rotor that bolsters safety.

“The rotor is not powered,” Dingemanse said, “so it's actually a parachute which is always available.”

Its makers say the PAL-V will drive at up to 170km per hour, fly up to 180km per hour and can fly about 500km on a single tank of regular unleaded gas.

Land it and the rotor and propeller fold away, the tail retracts and the PAL-V is ready to drive. Switching from road to aircraft mode takes about 10 minutes including performing the necessary checks, the company says.

With a price tag expected to be around €500 000 for the first production run of 90, the flying cars are not for everybody, but Dingemanse said he has plenty of buyers lined up. They will have to become certified gyroplane pilots to take their PAL-V into the sky and the company is offering training courses, too.

Just don’t expect this flying car to lift off vertically if it gets caught in a traffic jam. The PAL-V needs a short runway or grass airstrip to take off and land.

With the first production model of the car now ready, the company can begin the final stages of certification with road and aviation authorities in Europe and elsewhere.

The US Federal Aviation Administration said it is constantly working to integrate new technology into its regulations.

“Urban mobility technology is highly promising and we are vigorously working towards the development of policy and regulations to support it,” the FAA said in a written response to questions from AP. – Nampa/AP

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New electrics, but don't forget the horsepower

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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New electrics, but don't forget the horsepower

Global carmakers are showing off a mix of low-emission electric vehicles and high-end sports cars at the Geneva Motor Show.

Many of the new offerings display the battery-electric and autonomous technology carmakers say they need to meet tough emissions standards and cope with an expected shift to cars as a service to be ordered rather owned.

Mercedes-Benz rolled out its EQA concept car, a compact battery electric vehicle with a virtual radiator that changes appearance depending on the selected driving program.

Volkswagen's I.D. Vizzion large electric sedan was shown in an autonomous version without a steering wheel.

Big horsepower and fossil fuels remained very much in evidence however.

Luxury sports car maker McLaren showed off its 340km per hour Senna while Ferrari had the curvaceous, race-car inspired 488 Pista. – Nampa/AP

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Child drowns near Omaruru

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Child drowns near Omaruru The Erongo police have confirmed the drowning of a one-year-old child at the farm Otjiua near Omaruru on Tuesday.

According to Erongo crime investigations coordinator Erastus Iikuyu the incident occurred after four children were left at home when their parents went to work.

“At about 17:00 the heavy rain started and when the parents returned home they couldn't find the children and all the farmworkers started a manhunt,” said Iikuyu.

He said the deceased was found in the bushes along the flowing river.

“The other children were found safe in the nearby bushes,” he said.

Otjiua farm is situated about 30 kilometres from Omaruru on the Kalkveld road.

The next of kin of the child was informed and the body was taken to Walvis Bay police mortuary for a post-mortem examination. Police investigations continue.

ADOLF KAURE

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More rain predicted countrywide

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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More rain predicted countrywide

A parched Namibia can look forward to further rainfall relief, with a 60% chance of showers predicted for most areas.

This comes after heavy downpours in the capital on Tuesday, during which two trucks collided on the road to Hosea Kutako International Airport, causing the road to be blocked for hours amid major traffic congestion.

Both trucks overturned causing a total obstruction of the road and traffic between Windhoek and the airport was left stranded.

The accident happened at about 16:00 and was still not cleared seven hours later.

The clearing operation was hampered by the rain.

Eventually, at about midnight, the road was opened again after the obstructions were removed.

According to Odillo Kgobetsi, chief meteorological technician for forecasting at the Windhoek weather office, the majority of Namibia can still expect good rainfall until this weekend.

Kgobetsi said showers and thundershowers are expected today throughout most of the country, except for the southwest, which will remain dry.

The prediction for tomorrow is that rain will continue to fall throughout the country, except for parts in the extreme northwest and southwest.

On Saturday the dry patches will shift to the south and northwest, while the rest of the country can expect rain. According to Kgobetsi, the chances of rain are about 60% throughout most parts of the country. He said with the moisture in the air, there will also be a cooling in temperatures, with highs of less than 30 degrees Celsius predicted for the north, while the central parts can expect a maximum of about 30 and the south between 32 and 34.

According to the weather office, Ondangwa received 96mm of rain since Saturday, with 64.4mm recorded on that day alone.

Grootfontein recorded 535mm since Saturday, Eros Airport 33.2mm and Windhoek 23.2mm.

Katima Mulilo recorded 35.5mm since Saturday and Rundu 99.5mm since Friday, with 54mm falling on that day.

Windhoek reported on Tuesday that 26mm had fallen in Avis, 23mm in Pionierspark Extension One, 24mm in Eros, 25mm in Olympia, 20mm in Suiderhof, 28mm in Cimbebasia and 34mm in Hochland Park.

Furthermore, 23mm was also measured in Tsumeb, 48mm at Otavifontein, 34mm at Omaruru and 16mm at Usakos.

In the area of Karibib, 70mm was measured and 67mm was reported in the Khomas Hochland area.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Kawana's push for law reform

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Kawana's push for law reformSmall-claims courts could lighten burden The new attorney general has a number of priorities on the agenda for improving Namibians' access to justice.

Improving universal access to justice and tweaking the current domestic violence act, among other law reforms on the cards this year, remain a high priority for lawmakers.

Highlighted by several legal experts throughout the first months of 2018, newly appointed attorney-general Albert Kawana added his voice to the matter at a staff meeting held last month.

“I am aware that currently there is a public outcry regarding the prohibitive legal costs charged by the private legal sector. This has resulted in very few of our people accessing the justice system,” Kawana said at the inaugural staff meeting on 22 February.

As justice minister, Kawana had already pushed for improving access to justice, through the launch of a number of projects aimed at opening the doors for ordinary Namibians to access legal counsel at affordable rates.

One of these projects is the implementation at further strengthening the community courts, Kawana told staff, by amending the existing legislation after the consultation process.

“I can say 99% consultations have been done.”

He added that “universal justice can only be achieved by adopting a number of measures,” one of which is to craft legislation on small claims courts. The matter of small claims court has gained momentum in recent months.

Chief Justice Peter Shivute, at the opening of the 2018 legal year in February, said that draft legislation on small-claims courts had been forwarded to the justice ministry, which was working on readying the draft law for tabling to the Executive.

Civil society and others have long urged the justice authorities to implement small-claims courts to broaden access to “simple justice,” as described by Ombudsman John Walters last year. Findings contained in a report by the office of the ombudsman last year noted that “the current legal framework does not provide … equal access to our courts.”

The report further stated that current the legal system is “adversarial, expensive and potentially intimidating”, acting as “a barrier to those seeking justice”.

A 2012 Legal Assistance Centre publication on improving access to justice in Namibia pointed out that work towards the establishment of small-claims courts had begun in 1997, but stalled since then.

Change for justice

Kawana pointed out that a draft bill had been completed, echoing Shivute's statement earlier in February, and said that the AG's office hoped to approach the cabinet for approval “before the law is introduced in parliament.”

Another project under way is to amend the Legal Practitioner's Act of 1995 for the sake of introducing pro bono services by private legal professionals. Kawana said the Law Society had agreed to his request for pro bono legislation and also agreed to draft the amendment, which Kawana said had been done. The Legal Assistance Centre last year explained that the term pro bono means “for the public good.” It refers to instances where legal practitioners volunteer to provide free professional services for good causes or for people who cannot afford to pay for such a service.

The LAC noted that there was currently no pro bono tradition in Namibia, although some individual lawyers do offer these services.

However, in many other parts of the world, pro bono work forms part of most lawyers work.

LAC director Toni Hancox told Namibian Sun recently that the “Law Society of Namibia is currently busy with a Change Project which is investigating the issue of pro bono work as well as how this could be incorporated into practice.”

One example is for legal professionals to have a certain number of continuous professional development (CPD) points per year and that pro bono work could be used to defray such points.

“But this is all just being discussed at the moment. The Law Society does have Free Legal Advice days in conjunction with the ombudsman and the lawyers that assist are doing pro bono work voluntarily,” she added.

A woman's right

Another priority noted by Kawana in February is amending the Combating of Domestic Violence Act to involve more role players in combating domestic violence “with a view to simplify the granting of protection orders, among others.”

In regard to the Maintenance Act, Kawana underlined that numerous amendments had been proposed.

One includes the introduction of offences for falsifying paternity results, another provides for courts and single parents to recover arrear maintenance payments.

Another amendment on the line is the payment of pregnancy expenses, in addition to support of parents by their children.

The fact that the law currently only allows divorces to take place through the High Court is also under review, Kawana said.

“This has enormous financial implications, which force some couples to stay together even if the marriage has irretrievably broken down.”

He cautioned that this has on occasion contributed to domestic violence incidents.

In line with this, regional courts will soon be empowered to preside over divorce cases, which will lessen the financial burden compared to the current system.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Company news in brief

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Company news in brief

FirstRand H1 profit growth slows

First Rand, South Africa's biggest lender, reported a 6% increase in half-year diluted headline EPS, to 224 cent, a substantial slowdown from a year ago.

FirstRand, along with its rivals, has struggled to grow lending at a faster rate, as a stagnant economy and high personal debt levels have hit both investment and spending.

While higher, the rise in FirstRand's EPS was less than half the 14% rise posted in the same period a year before, while net interest income, a key measure of lending profitability, increased 7% to R23.7 billion, it said in a results filing.

FirstRand said it had secured regulatory approval for its 1.1 billion pound (US$1.52 billion) acquisition of British banking newcomer Aldermore. – Nampa/Reuters

Kobe Steel: Fraud went on 50 years

Kobe Steel Ltd admitted on Tuesday its data fraud has been going on nearly five decades and also revealed new cases of cheating, highlighting the challenges facing the 112-year-old company mired in compliance failures and malfeasance.

Japan's third-biggest steelmaker said its CEO will step down to take responsibility for the widespread data fraud scandal that came to light last year, although doubts remain over its corporate culture and the possibility of future fines.

Kobe Steel, which supplies steel parts to manufacturers of cars, planes and trains around the world, admitted last year to supplying products with falsified specifications to about 500 customers, throwing global supply chains into turmoil.

The company, in announcing the results from a four-month-long investigation by an external committee, said it had also found new cases of impropriety, widening the total of affected clients to 605, including 222 customers overseas.

Inappropriate actions were widespread, and were carried out with the knowledge and involvement of many, including management, the company said. – Nampa/Reuters

Bezos tops Forbes world's rich list

Amazon chief Jeff Bezos is now the world's richest person, having snatched the top spot from Microsoft founder Bill Gates who slips to second place, according to Forbes magazine's annual billionaires list published Tuesday.

Bezos' fortune shot up to US$112 billion, Forbes said, after a 59% rise in Amazon shares over the past 12 months that put him way ahead of the US$90 billion listed for Gates.

After the announcement, Bezos' worth rocketed again to US$127 billion in line with a spike in Amazon stock, widening the gap between him and Gates.

Legendary investor Warren Buffett held on to his number-three ranking, followed by French industrialist Bernard Arnault, who jumped to fourth-richest person from his previous number 11 spot, mostly thanks to euro strength against the US dollar, the magazine said.

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg was fifth on the list. – Nampa/Reuters

Lego sales fall for the first time in 13 years

Lego's sales fell last year for the first time since 2004 as the Danish toymaker struggled with tough retail markets in Europe and North America, highlighting the challenges facing the new chief executive.

The privately-owned company, famous for its colourful plastic bricks, could be facing its biggest test since flirting with bankruptcy in the early 2000s after a sudden halt to more than a decade of strong growth.

Sales fell 8% to 35 billion Danish crowns (US$5.8 billion) in 2017, compared with a 6% increase in 2016 and a far cry from the 25% growth achieved in 2015.

Consumer sales grew in seven of Lego's 12 largest markets in December and that the company started 2018 in a better position. – Nampa/Reuters

WeChat accounts cross one billion mark

WeChat's worldwide accounts have crossed the one billion mark, according to the chief executive of its parent company Tencent.

The all-in-one app is a daily necessity for most Chinese, bringing together messaging, social media, mobile payment, games, news and other services.

The huge user base which Tencent has built up both inside and outside China for its all-in-one app. It compares with 2.1 billion monthly active users on Facebook and 1.5 billion on its messaging app WhatsApp.

The popularity of WeChat - and profits from its addictive mobile games - have pushed Tencent's earnings and share price sharply upwards.

The company surpassed Facebook in market value last year and the 47-year-old Ma has rocketed to near the apex of China's rich list. – Nampa/AFP

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Bull prices skyrocket

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Bull prices skyrocketBonsmara auctioned for N$210 000 Buyers were prepared to pay a premium price for good quality bulls last year at Agra's stud auctions.

The average price paid for bulls at Agra's stud auctions last year was the second highest in two decades, with the most expensive bull selling for a whopping N$210 000.

The average bull price jumped to N$41 473 last year, making it the second highest average price paid since 1998. Only in 2012 a higher average price of N$42 488 was achieved.

In contrast the average price for bulls in 2016 were N$31 786.

According to Agra, buyers were prepared to pay a premium price for good quality bulls last year.

The company explained the significantly higher prices paid for weaners contributed to the fact that buyers were willing to pay more for breeding and herd bulls.

“This increase in the cycle for cattle prices could not have come at a more favourable time and brought financial relief to many livestock producers.”

The most expensive bull at an Agra auction was sold for N$210 000 last year, compared with 2016 when the most expensive bull sold for N$100 000.

The bull that fetched the highest price in 2017 came from Hartebeestloop Bonsmaras. A Brahman bull sold by breeders Günther Hellinghausen and Ryno van der Merwe fetched a price of N$190 000 at Agra's national auction last year.

Agra offered a total of 20 stud auctions and sold 191 more bulls than in 2016. These were the most bulls sold annually since 2015.

Agra Brahman breeders sold the most bulls (270) in 2017, followed by Bonsmara Breeders (112), Simmentaler Breeders (82), Simbra Breeders (46), Boran Breeders (18) and Braunvieh Breeders (10).

The 10 Braunvieh bulls sold last year achieved the highest average price of N$54 000. In contrast, during the previous year, 10 Braunvieh bulls were sold for an average price of N$27 500.

A total of 112 Bonsmara bulls were sold at an average price of N$48 464 in 2017 and the previous year 99 bulls were sold at an average price of N$35 171. Also, one Braford was sold for N$48 000 and in 2016 one bull was sold for N$24 000, while two Sussex bulls was sold for an average of N$44 000 and in 2016 four Sussex bulls were sold for an average price of N$20 750.

According to Agra, 18 Boran bulls were sold for an average price of N$43 888 last year, while five bulls were sold at an average price of N$25 700 the previous year.

A total of 82 Simmentaler bulls were sold for an average price of N$40 378 last year, while in 2016, 48 Simmentaler bulls were sold for an average price of N$25 083.

A total of nine Santa Gertrudis bulls were also sold at an average price of N$40 000 in 2017, in comparison to the one bull that was sold for N$30 000 in 2016.

In 2017, a total of 270 Brahman bulls were sold for an average price of N$39 624, while the previous year 153 bulls sold - on average - for N$31 594.

Three Charolais bulls were sold in 2017 for an average price of N$36 666 and in 2016, three bulls were sold at an average price of N$26 000.

Lastly, 46 Simbra bulls were sold for an average of price of N$35 5100 last year and the previous year 39 bulls sold for an average price of N$33 333.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Youth gangs terrorise Windhoek

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Youth gangs terrorise Windhoek The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Youth League has expressed concern over escalating gang-related crime in Windhoek, claiming that some crimes are committed with the full knowledge of corrupt police officers.

The secretary-general of the PDM Youth League, Bensen Katjirijova, says there are a number of notorious gangs in Windhoek and Namibians should be on high alert, as these criminals are active every day.

According to the PDMYL this increase in gangsterism is a direct result of abject poverty and high unemployment among young people.

“In a country with such a small population, we have a high level of crime, which is mostly committed by young people who have no other alternative to survive than to engage in criminal activities.”

He urged gang members to rather get involved in community projects, help build the country's economy and assist their families.

“We have also noted, with the assistance from members of the public, that most of the high-level criminal activities are committed with the assistance of some police officials, in one way or another,” said Katjirijova.

According to him crimes such as street mugging, housebreaking and robbery are being committed in the presence of police officers who turn a blind eye in exchange for a cut of the proceeds.

“We have noted that these cases have been reported to other high-ranking authorities and end up [to be] in vain. People are being robbed under the direct watch of police officers.

“Many of them ... happen in Katutura's Soweto. We call upon the police to carry out a serious operation in the entire Soweto township to ensure that these criminals and all their weapons are seized, and they are prosecuted,” said Katjirijova.

He charged that the police only respond to serious crimes, but that these are the end result of criminal careers that begin with petty crimes such as cellphone theft.

“This is where it all starts. We are no longer safe in our own motherland. Our brothers have become our enemies; they have turned into wild animals and notorious criminals.

“We call upon our government and the private sector to join hands, strongly hold hands and create employment opportunities for young people to reduce crime.”

The PDMYL also urged the safety and security ministry to improve its correctional services to ensure that criminals are properly rehabilitated.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Armyworms 'eat' N$15.2m

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Armyworms 'eat' N$15.2m

The armyworm invasion during the 2016/17 harvest season has resulted in a drop in maize output and a subsequent loss of N$15.2 million in revenue at various state-owned green scheme projects.

This was revealed by agriculture minister Alpheus !Naruseb in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

The minister said maize output from the green schemes dropped from 17 829 metric tonnes (MT) recorded in 2015/16 to 14 437 MT in 2016/17.

The decrease is equivalent to 19%, which in monetary terms is about N$15.2 million.

The invasion was more prominent at the Etunda and Musese green scheme irrigation projects in the Omusati and Kavango West regions, respectively.

At Etunda, maize was suspended entirely and at Musese the ministry was forced to replant almost the entire field of about 450 hectares due to damage by armyworms.

Other green schemes also affected by the presence of armyworms include Shadikongoro, Shitemo, Ndonga Linena, Uvhungu Vhungu (all in Kavango East) and Sikondo (Kavango West).

!Naruseb said the armyworms are endemic and are thus “here to stay”. “Once this pest is introduced in an area or country, it becomes practically impossible to eradicate it,” he said, adding the remaining option for affected countries therefore is to develop a contingency management plan.

To this effect, the ministry plans to, among others, establish a national task force and early warning systems, as well as procure pesticides and train farmers and technicians. To further mitigate the armyworm situation, crop rotation is advised.

“The best intervention to address the armyworms at Etunda is to undertake an aerial spray with a helicopter, which would cost the state anything in the region of N$1 million,” he said.

!Naruseb also said that in view of an “imminent drought situation” in 2018, Government should reserve N$72 million to purchase grain as drought relief food through its green schemes.

“We strongly recommend for the government to set aside funds estimated at N$72 million to buy up the grain for the national strategic food reserves (silos),” said !Naruseb.

The ministry has projected a 16 091-metric tonne grain harvest at all its green schemes for the 2017/18 season, and this will be sold to government to mitigate the effects of the drought.

NAMPA

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Ohorongo Cement continues brick-making training

March 7, 2018, 2:00 pm

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Ohorongo Cement continues brick-making trainingAnti-urbanisation drive The company plans to train at least 40 people per region. The goal is for every constituency in the country to have a brick-making factory. - Esther Mbathera, Spokesperson: Ohorongo Cement

RUNDU – Ohorongo Cement today will conduct brick-making training for the Kavango East Region in Rundu.

Ohorongo’s public relations and corporate communication officer, Esther Mbathera, said the training is aimed at empowering people by transferring brick-making skills, which will translate into better housing, job creation and economic empowerment.

Mbathera said trainees were nominated by the regional council. Each constituency is allowed to nominate at least two people.

She said the company, amongst others, decided to carry out the project to train people in order to discourage urbanisation as a lot of people move from rural areas to urban areas in search of employment.

“The goal is for every constituency in the country to have a brick-making factory,” said Mbathera.

The company plans to train at least 40 people per region.

Training has already taken place in regions such as Oshana, Oshikoto, Erongo and Ohangwena.

Tomorrow, training will be offered for Kavango West candidates, also in Rundu, because Kavango West does not have the proper facilities for the company to conduct the training there, Mbathera said.

Thereafter, they will move to the Hardap, //Kharas and Zambezi regions. - Nampa

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