N$100 000 for wildlife-related human deaths

July 2, 2018, 4:00 pm

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N$100 000 for wildlife-related human deathsNew policy is in place Compensation for losses coupled with human-wildlife conflict has been vastly increased but, comes with responsibilities on the farmer's side.

Namibia's revised national policy on human-wildlife conflict (HWC) management that was launched yesterday includes a steep increase from N$5 000 to N$100 000 of the funeral and related expenses payout category for accidental deaths of people caused by wild animals.

Minister Pohamba Shifeta at the launch of the new policy yesterday said the increased amount is for funeral expenses and related costs, and forms part of government's moral obligation to assist families who suffer loss by certain species.

Shifeta also said the ministry is investigating a 'Human-Wildlife Conflict Insurance Scheme' and other preventative, protection and mitigation measures to address HWC contained in the policy.

Costs related to loss of human life, livestock or crop losses will be paid through the 'Human-Wildlife Conflict Self Reliance Scheme' and is aimed at financially supporting bereaved families to cover basic funeral costs but is “not in any way intended as compensation for loss of life”, the policy document notes.

The policy objectives of the self-reliance scheme are aimed at offsetting the losses of communities or individual farmers caused to livestock and crops and to “meet the moral obligation of government to support a family who has lost a family member to certain species of wild animal under conditions where the affected person could not reasonably have been expected to defend themselves or avoid the incident.”

Payments under the scheme are made to cover livestock losses at rates which do not cover the full value of the animals concerned but “aim to partially off-set the loss to the farmer,” the document states.

It targets both conservancy and non-conservancy areas on state land and resettlement farms, but not private land. Other payments that will be handled through the HWC self-reliance scheme include N$10 000 for injury with no loss of body part, N$30 000 for injury with loss of body part and N$50 000 for disability as a result of the injury.

Livestock loss payments have also increased under the revised policy, with the payment for cattle increasing from N$1 500 to N$3 000, goats from N$200 to N$500 and sheep from N$250 to N$700.

Payment for a killed horse is going up from N$500 to N$800, for donkeys from N$250 to N$500 and for pigs from N$250 to N$700.

The revised policy document notes that the ministry will further explore possibilities for payment of damages to property, including fences and water points, but that this is “highly dependent on the availability of funds.”

In terms of crops, the revised policy states that damages will be paid only if they are caused by elephants, buffaloes and hippopotamus.

The amount for crop damages for one quarter of a hectare has been slightly increased from N$200 to N$250 dollars, whereas the per-hectare payment has increased to N$1 000, compared to N$800 previously.

Shifeta yesterday underlined that human-wildlife conflict in Namibia has increased as a result of human and wildlife population growth, unplanned agricultural activities and the expansion of agricultural and industrial activities.

Moreover, the drought that has plagued many areas in Namibia for three years has added pressure on humans and wildlife competing for the same resources. “The ministry regards human-wildlife conflict as a serious challenge, that if not addressed appropriately, treated with necessary understanding and respect, and managed effectively, has the potential to harm and destroy conservation efforts and tourism benefits for the country,” Pohamba said yesterday.

He said the revision of the HWC policy was spurred on by the “scale and the urgency of the problem”.

The revised policy contains 12 strategies, that include research and monitoring, duty of care, land use planning and integrated measures to avoid HWC, human capacity and resources, community care and engagement, delegation of decision making authorities, removal of problem causing animals, and appropriate technical solutions.

Moreover, the policy addresses protected disaster management, application of revenues from problem causing animals to avoid future conflicts and how to address the losses of affected persons, areas neighbours and residents, management schemes and public awareness, stakeholder engagement and coordination.

The Human-Wildlife Conflict Insurance Scheme that is being investigated by the ministry would provide payments to affected parties whose family members die or are severely injured as a result of HWC. A livestock insurance scheme is also being investigated.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Trustco: An ongoing concern

July 2, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Trustco: An ongoing concernGroup says it is in negotiations over loan terms Trustco operates from three business segments - insurance and investments, resources and banking and finance. “During the year under review, the board recommended that no dividend be declared for the financial period ended 31 March 2018.” - Trustco

NDAMA NAKASHOLE

After warning of massive revenue drop last Wednesday, Trustco Group Holdings (Trustco) released its financial results for the year ended 31 March 2018, which reflect a huge drop in some major figures on its statements.

During the period under review Trustco’s revenue dropped massively by hundreds of millions, compared to the revenue the company recorded the previous year.

Not only did the company record a drop in revenue, the cost of sales went down. Gross profit dived massively by almost half compared to the previous year ended 31 March 2017.

At the end of the reporting period, the company was in breach of certain covenant rations, it said.

A loan covenant is a condition on a commercial loan or bond issue that requires the borrower to fulfil certain conditions or which forbids the borrower from undertaking certain actions, or which possibly restricts certain activities to circumstances when other conditions are met.

According to Trustco, the loan terms have not been renegotiated. The group said negotiations had, however, commenced subsequent to year-end.

“Management is confident that an agreement will be entered into, but at the time of this report the parties are still in the discussion phase,” the company said in its going concern paragraph.

Cash flow

According to the Trustco’s financial results, the company’s net cash flow generated by operations before working capital changes stood at N$32.9 million as compared to the N$651.3 million of the previous year. Changes in working capital was recorded as N$53.6 million, as compared to the previous year’s N$219.2 million. The net cash utilised in operating activities during the period under review was N$317.7 million, which is far higher than the N$72.6 million recorded during the previous year.

The company’s net cash used in investing activities was way higher at N$439.6 million during the period under review, as compared to N$79.6 million recorded the previous year.

Other notables

During the year under review, the board recommended that no dividend be declared for the financial period ended 31 March 2018.

Trustco purchased over N$2.9 million treasury shares at an average price of N$7.58 during the year under review, and at the reporting date, the market value of its treasury shares was N$400 million.

Trustco disposed of 20% of its shareholding in Legal Shield on 29 March 2018 for N$1.2 billion. At the reporting date, the group had already received 70% of the purchase consideration in cash.

‘Hope’

Trustco said in its business review: “With the group well capitalised and management positive that the Namibian economy is poised for a recovery, the group is well positioned to take advantage of said recovery in future.”

The company said its operations in Sierra Leone are expected to intensify and the group expects a full year of production “that will see its success enabling the other segments to expand their reach into the Namibian market”.

During the year under review, the group’s operations in the West African country contributed N$275 million in revenue and N$139 million in profit.

Trustco said banking and finance have systems readied to enable operations as a full commercial bank, while the insurance segment is apparently set to explore any and all synergies with its new minority partner.

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Quote of the day

July 2, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Quote of the day Quote of the day

“Nigeria is an example where in due course one would hope to have a profitable, pragmatic free trade agreement.” - Charles Bowman , Lord Mayor, London

Stat

N$1.7b

Namibia’s Q1 2018 imports from China increased significantly to register N$1.7 billion which was attributed mostly by boilers.

-Namibia Statistics Agency

Focus

Budget

Slash on Garment factories allocation

Government has cut the allocation towards the construction of garment factories project by more than half to N$10 million in 2018/19.

-Ministry of Finance

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NTB staff discontent boils over

July 2, 2018, 4:00 pm

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NTB staff discontent boils over

Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) staff members will hold a peaceful demonstration this morning, to amongst others, enquire about the missing Kora millions.

The demonstration is also being held in an attempt to secure a 10% salary hike, while other in-house matters will also be laid bare publically. The employees are also taking to issue with the fact that the NTB does not currently have a legal expert and pays excessively for legal fees.

The NTB employees will also air their displeasure over the fact that approximately N$10 million was used on its enterprises resourcing planning system, which can only be used by one person at a time.

“N$10 million was spent on the NTB's enterprise resource planning system which was not serving its purpose. Further to that, only one person could use the system at a time,” reads the petition seen by Namibian Sun. The NTB employees are also not happy that its board and CEO, Digu //Naobeb, went ahead and employed a pensioner to head its finance department. According to the petition, this goes against the NTB's policy. The employees also claim the human resources department is not involved in recruitment processes. The employees also say that the total cost to company principle the NTB is using to pay its employees was forcefully implemented without union concerns or staff agreement being taken into consideration, adding the basic plus remuneration policy, an outdated model, was still being used.

The NTB staff also say there is no transparency in terms of what their salaries are.

The salaries are said to change often. The staff pinned this on the fact that the NTB does not currently employ a payroll administrative officer. Board resolutions, they say, are not being shared with staff members through their labour union, despite a commitment by the NTB board chair to share such resolutions.

//Naobeb claims witch-hunt

//Naobeb, however, dismissed the claims raised by the NTB staff members and said they were part of a campaign to discredit him. According to //Naobeb, the petition was also being championed by some senior staff members who do not want disciplinary action to be taken against them. On the issue of the failure of the NTB to appoint a legal representative, //Naobeb justified the decision saying: “NTB has no company lawyer employed with the organisation. Thus it has outsourced its legal services. It is only logical that any organisation must be assisted by lawyers in legal matters.”

According to him, even big corporate entities use outside legal expertise in complex legal matters.

//Naobeb also defended the appointment of the NTB's 61-year-old financial manager, Freddie Scholtz.

“There is nothing illegal about appointing a retired person, as long as the person is not over 65 years of age, as per the Labour Act. Mr Scholtz is appointed on a fixed-term employment contract of two years, as opposed to permanently employed staff members, to whom the stated human resources policy applies,” said //Naobeb.

He added that in terms of the NTB Act under section 16 dealing with the powers of the board, subsection (k), the NTB board has the total discretion to employ persons on such terms and conditions as the board may determine necessary to conduct its affairs.

“Mr Scholtz appointment was so done in consultation with the board, thus [this] was done above board (sic),” said //Naobeb.

He further defended Scholtz's appointment, saying: “NTB paid the required security by the court and the matter is still ongoing. Mr Scholtz has a proven track record, hence NTB hired him. It would have been irresponsible for the company to operate without a financial expert and he has assisted greatly in ensuring that the finances of the company are up-to-date and has been very prudent.”

The Namibian reported last month that the NTB had two financial managers on its payroll, Scholtz and dismissed employee Ndapewa Kankondi.

Kankondi challenged her dismissal and subsequently won, The Namibian reported.

//Naobeb also not dispute that errors were picked up with the payroll system.

“We do not dispute this. Indeed this problem existed, which we have now rectified. There is no one organisation that has as a standard to pay the same salaries as the other,” said //Naobeb.

“The human resources department has wrongly and erroneously paying staff wrong salaries, which amounted to N$250 000 in overpayments and N$105 000 in underpayments, which staff members are not entitled to.

“We must now negotiate with the Government Institutions Pension Fund to seek refunds, which is very embarrassing error,” he added.

NTB human resources manager Benedict Nakuta, //Naobeb felt, should undergo a disciplinary process because of the errors in the payment system.

It was also not true that board resolutions were not being shared, //Naobeb said.

“Contrary to what is reported, my executive team shares annual work plans with their staff members, and even seek their input. However, all inputs cannot be taken on board. The executive committee must apply their minds as to the feasibility of such ideas and funds. Thus, staff cannot expect that any idea that they come up with must be accepted, as some are for self-interest, at times to collect subsistence and travel allowances,” //Naobeb said.

According to //Naobeb, staff members through the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) were demanding an excessive pay hike, leading to a deadlock in negotiations.

“It is not true that staff are demanding an 8% salary increase. What is on record is that the wage negotiation deadlock has been reached. Staff through Napwu are standing firmly at 10%, whereas in this economically challenging times, the NTB is looking to ease the burden of its employees and offered 6% despite inflation being way below 4%,” he said.

Union representative Gabes Andumba said the demonstration was being held in good faith. According to him, Napwu, of which he is deputy secretary-general, was mandated to stage the demonstration.

He said the NTB was not honouring a recognition agreement it had entered into. Andumba added the union could have reported the NTB to the Labour Commissioner but was seeking an amicable outcome.

OGONE TLHAGE

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Farmers fight for red line

July 2, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Farmers fight for red lineAngolan grazing more important than exports Northern communal farmers say adequate grazing, which is currently being found in Angola, is their main need, and not the export of beef to international markets.

Stakeholders in the northwest farming areas say they will not support the erection of a border fence between Namibia and Angola for the removal of the infamous Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF), known as the red line.

Northern communal farmers say their main need is not to export beef to international markets, but is rather the issue of grazing opportunities within the Northern Communal Areas (NCA).

They say once the Angolan border is closed, this will leave them without grazing opportunities, while all the farms south of the red line are fenced off, which will make it difficult for them.

Over 30 000 head of cattle belonging to Namibians are said to be grazing in Angola and it is also believed that about 2 800 Namibians either own homesteads or farm in communal areas in the neighbouring country, while others cross the border with their livestock every morning for grazing and return to Namibia in the evenings.

This practice would have to stop of the red line is moved to the Angolan border.

More than half of the country's 3.8 million cattle are in the NCA.

The meat from these animals is not exported to the European Union (EU) because the NCAs are considered high-risk and prone to animal diseases, especially lung sickness and foot-and-mouth (FMD).

It was reported a recent study completed by the World Organisation for Animal Health found that erecting a fence of about 240km between Namibia and Angola, and doing away with the red line, would be the most viable option for the future of Namibia's livestock industry.

Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) president Jackson Emvula said the majority of farmers in the NCAs depend on Angola for grazing.

This was because the NCAs cannot feed all the cattle owned by farmers.

“The NCAs are regarded as high-risk and prone to animal diseases because of our free movement with Angola and closing the border will not be a solution. What needs to be done first is to enforce vaccination campaigns in Angola, where Namibian farmers are grazing.

“There is not enough grazing in Namibia and that is why people are seeking grazing in Angola. As the NNFU we are not really advocating for an international market for NCA beef, but we are advocating for the Growth at Home strategy,” Emvula said.

He said local farmers need to be supported by the local business community, instead of crying for an international market.

“As a leader of the farmers' organisation I am not crying for an outside market, but I am crying for the internal market. All the businesses operating within the NCAs must be open to meat products produced within the NCAs. For now, they bring us meat from the south of the red line and disgrace our own products. Once our meat products gain access to local markets, we have created a market for our products instead of crying for the international market,” he said.

Senior Oukwanyama Traditional Authority councillor, Nghidinihamba Urias Ndilula, said what NCA farmers' need the most is grazing areas and not meat exports.

He said removing the red line will not benefit them. Ndilula said at the moment, farmers along the border - from Ruacana up to Kavango - have free access to grazing in Angola and they cannot afford to lose such a gesture.

“Even if the red line is removed it will not benefit us. In the NCAs we need grazing and all the farms beyond the red line are fenced off. Who is going to allow you to graze in their farms, while they are already fenced off? It is better we have an open border, than removing the red line,” Ndilula said.

He said the removal of the red line will only be best if the government is considering resizing commercial farms to make room for the NCA farmers. He said there are many commercial farmers who do not fully utilised their farms and if they can share with others from the NCA, it will be a good, and this could help when closing the Angolan border.

“The government can identify all the unused commercial farms and allocate NCA farmers to graze inside them, and then we are talking,” he said.

The chairperson of the Mangetti Farmers' Association (MFA), Ismael Shailemo, said with the current happenings in Ondonga, grazing space at the Mangetti area has also become a challenge, as people have started grabbing land and setting up homesteads, while the area is meant for small-scale farming.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Family massacre: Suspect wanted money

July 2, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Family massacre: Suspect wanted money

The 18-year-old boy suspected of killing five family members in cold blood at Rundu's Ndama location on Sunday is alleged to have committed the senseless killings out of frustration, after he was denied money by his sister.

According to the police crime report, it is alleged the suspect, who is said to be mentally challenged and at the same time a drug addict, killed his grandmother, mother and three nephews with a stick.

Their lifeless bodies were discovered in the early hours of Sunday by a relative. The suspect fled the scene, only to be arrested later in the afternoon.

“The motive behind the suspect's actions is allegedly that he demanded to be given money earlier during the day. However, the money was not given to him and as a result he assaulted the sister. The sister went to report the matter to the police and that agitated the suspect, who then assaulted his family, killing them instantly with a stick,” the crime report reads. The deceased's name cannot be revealed to the public yet, as he is due to appear in the Rundu Magistrate's Court today. The names of the deceased have not yet been released. The police said there were allegations on social media that the sister had reported the incident twice to the police. However, they could not assist due to a lack of transport. “These allegations are deemed very serious and the inspector-general of the police has directed the internal investigation directorate to investigate any form of negligence from the police at the Rundu police station,” a police spokesperson said.

Police blamed

Meanwhile, members of the public, including the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Women's League, have partly placed the blame for the family massacre on the police.

PDM Women's League secretary-general Loide Iipinge said they condemn what had transpired.

“It is unfortunate that despite the matter having been reported before the act, the law-enforcement agents did not exercise their right to protect and serve the people, which could have acted as a deterrent in this particular case,” Iipinge said.

“The PDM also feels that more measures could also have been implemented, such as whistleblowers, if people feel there is a looming case of violence, and counselling for affected women, children and men, for them to make informed decisions about their daily conduct.”

Kavango East police crime coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, did not deny or confirm the allegations levelled against the police officers, saying an internal police investigation has started.

Kanyetu called on members of the public to assist the police in combatting crime, especially in informal settlements.

He said most criminal activities take place in informal settlements, where it is dark and the police cannot exercise their duties effectively, in some circumstances.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Suspected human remains found at Rössing Mountain

July 3, 2018, 2:38 am

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Suspected human remains found at Rössing Mountain

The manager of Omega security on Sunday discovered suspected human remains in the vicinity of the Rössing Mountain.
According to the investigations coordinator of the Erongo police, Detective Inspector Daniel Gurirab, the discovery was made at around 15:30 about 30 km from Swakopmund towards Arandis.
Members of the Arandis police and the crime scene unit were dispatched to the scene. Upon their arrival, they found the bones scattered over a large area. The skull and bones are suspected to have been washed to the surface by a river during the recent rains in the area.
According to Gurirab, there is an old cemetery at the upper part of the river from where these bones may have come from.
“This is not the first time that the human bones have been discovered in the area. The remains have been taken to the Walvis Bay morgue,” said Gurirab.

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Hepatitis E hits Erongo

July 3, 2018, 3:27 am

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Hepatitis E hits Erongo

Erongo health authorities have confirmed the outbreak of Hepatitis E in the region today, the third region to be impacted after the Khomas and Omusati regions reported cases over the past eight months.
A brief statement by Erongo's governor Cleophas Mutjavikua confirmed the outbreak today, in a letter to the mayors of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties Bay and Arandis.
No further details have been released on how many patients are affected.
A Hepatitis E virus (HEV) outbreak in Windhoek was declared on December 14, 2017 following nine laboratory-tested positive cases of Hepatitis E.
As of June 21, there are now 1 569 epidemiologically-linked cases of HEV, including 15 deaths (six maternal), health authorities confirmed last week.
Namibian Sun in June reported that the outbreak has spread from the Khomas Region to the Omusati Region.
At the time of reporting, on 8 June, authorities stated that 15 individuals showed symptoms and remained under medical observation.
The region recorded one death at the time, among the 11 confirmed hepatitis E cases.
JANA-MARI SMITH

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Yuan forms 1% of Namibia’s foreign reserves

July 3, 2018, 5:21 am

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Yuan forms 1% of Namibia’s foreign reserves

The Chinese yuan currency made up one percent of Namibia’s foreign reserves at the end of last year, but offered a competitive risk-adjustment return, the deputy director for corporate communications, Kazembire Zemburuka, said.
Zemburuka said the competitive risk-adjustment return linked to the yuan’s higher yields and low correlation to other currencies that were already held at the time of inclusion.
The central bank included the yuan as part of its foreign reserves in November 2016. This followed a decision by the International Monetary Fund’s executive board to include the yuan in the special drawing rights basket of currencies in October 2016.
Zemburuka said the addition better aligned the structure of foreign reserves to Namibia’s foreign obligations and trade composition.
The IMF reported on Friday that China’s share of allocated currency reserves increased for a third straight quarter to 1.39%.
Zemburuka said the BoN’s decision to add or remove foreign reserve currency is influenced by patterns of foreign trade and obligations, which directly represents the potential calls on foreign exchange reserves.
Currently, the official foreign exchange reserves are denominated into three major reserve currencies, namely the rand, the euro) and the US dollar. - Nampa

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N$1.4m Skorpion Zinc Cup launched

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

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N$1.4m Skorpion Zinc Cup launchedFifth edition of youth soccer tourney slated for August The much-anticipated fifth edition of the Scorpion Zinc Under-17 Cup was launched yesterday in Windhoek and will take place from 24 to 27 August.

Zinc mining giant, Skorpion Zinc Namibia, and the Namibia Football Association (NFA) have announced that this year's Scorpion Zinc Under-17 Cup has received a N$1.4 million cash injection, just like the previous year.

The cup will feature 14 regions, with the Omusati Region being the defending champions, having also won the cup in 2014 to 2015. The Khomas Region was the inaugural winner in 2013.

Sports minister Erastus Uutoni who officially launched the championship, said youth football competitions are very important as they enhance the development of talented young players to grow sport countrywide and unlock new opportunities.

Uutoni said he recently visited the Kavango East Region and had a meeting with stakeholders.

“One of the views shared was the social responsibility of many of our companies toward sport development. The concern is that only a handful companies contribute to sport development and many others don't despite making massive profits from the nation.

“It is therefore no secret that sport is poorly funded in our country and we thus need to appreciate all efforts by stakeholders such as Skorpion Zinc, because they ensure that our youth play the game they love and that develops their talent to the benefit of our country's national teams,” the minister said.

He further elaborated that for the past five years, the championship has created an opportunity for all participating teams to learn from each other, share ideas and build lasting relations.

“I therefore urge all participating players to take full advantage of this opportunity and use it to develop their skills, both on and off the field, as well as build new lasting relations with and amongst themselves.”

Uutoni added the sponsor understands that sporting activities have a major social, political and economic significance in a contemporary society.

“We fully acknowledge your past contributions in sponsorships and thank you in anticipation of your future commitments.

“We believe that the investment we are making as a government and as corporate Namibia in partnership with NFA in availing platforms for the development of the game will go a long way in keeping the game alive and worthy indeed.”

Uutoni further appealed to other corporate giants, individuals, and the community at large to follow the gesture of the sponsor and extend a helping hand toward the development of sport in the country.

Meanwhile, it was also announced that women's football will receive N$700 000 to perform sports activities.

The NFA Women's Desk has been struggling to source funds from potential sponsors for the women's league and to carry out its tasks.

The Omulunga Stadium in Grootfontein will host the Skorpion Zinc Cup.

Group A features Kavango East, Hardap, Otjozondjupa, Oshana and Kunene, while Group B comprises Kavango West, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omaheke and Erongo.

//Karas, Omusati, Khomas and Zambezi will do battle in Group C.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Nakathila encourages youth

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Nakathila encourages youth

Namibian boxer Jeremiah Nakathila has sung the praises of the Stone Boxing Club, which hosted a tournament in Omaruru last week.

The tournament saw boxers from the Erongo Region trading leather for honours at the town.

Nakathila, who was an invited guest, said he was pleased with the boxing club's initiative.

“We all know that boxing in this country is a very important sport and that is why I am happy that the boxing club came up with such a brilliant idea.

“My purpose was to motivate the upcoming boxers and I did that with pleasure,” Nakathila said.

He also went on a roadshow with the officials from the boxing club.

“I felt very special because the whole of Omaruru was screaming for me, as I was parading through the town.

“I feel honoured about all this because I have supporters from as far afield as Omaruru.”

Nakathila said he was also pleased with the quality of the boxing displayed.

He felt that many of the boxers have the potential to become future world champions.

“I would like to thank Stephanus Shivambo of the Stone Boxing Club for inviting me over and also the business community of Omaruru who made that event possible.”

Nakathila encouraged more boxing clubs to stage tournaments of this kind in remote towns, in order to keep children off the streets.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

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Otjinene, Epukiro win All-Stars tourney

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Otjinene, Epukiro win All-Stars tourney Otjinene and Epukiro won the netball and football categories respectively during the Namibia Rural Sports Development Federation (NRSDF) All-Stars tournament that ended in the capital on Sunday.

In the first netball semifinal, the ladies from Otjinene defeated their Aminuis counterparts by 29-19.

In the second semifinal, Ovitoto played Epukiro and the match ended 36-26 in favour of Epukiro.

The two Omaheke neighbours produced an excellent display in the final and Otjinene emerged and defeated Epukiro by 36-35, winning N$6 000 plus 12 gold medals. Epukiro pocketed N$3 000 plus 12 silver medals as runners-up, while Ovitoto and Aminuis each took home N$1 500.

In the football category, Otjombinde overcame Okondjatu by 5-4 on penalties in the first semifinal.

Epukiro played Aminuis in the second semifinal, which Epukiro won 1-0.

In the final, Uetuura Kambato scored the only goal of the match for Epukiro to win against Otjombinde.

Epukiro skipper Apolo Hangero thanked his coach, Mukuviro Siririka, for the training techniques and commended his fellow players for listening to him.

“Cooperation was the order (of the day) from day one of this tournament,” Hangero said.

The organiser of the tournament, Ngatuuane Hange, was happy with the competition and thanked the participating teams.

“We are hopeful that some players will be seen in the premier league next season, due to their displays,” Hange said, adding the behaviour of the fans was exceptional, while urging more sponsors to come on board to develop sport in the country.

NAMPA

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Lions off to Brazil

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Lions off to BrazilLocal Neymar Jr's Five winners to represent Namibia The Lions team from Oshakati will represent Namibia in Brazil on 21 July at the Neymar Jr's Five soccer tournament.

The Oshakati-based Lions, who will be representing Namibia at the Neymar Jr's Five soccer tournament, hope their performances will catch the eye of Brave Warriors gaffer Ricardo Mannetti.

Lions captain Pieter Hailombe said it will be a dream come true if the senior national coach Ricardo takes interest in the squad, after they beat talented players in the country to emerge as the Namibian representatives for the Brazil tournament.

Hailombe said they have been training every day and will not only be participating in Brazil.

They hope to compete alongside the world's best and to make the sponsors, as well as the country, proud.

“It has not been easy. I still can't believe we have made it this far. This will be the first time for us to fly out of Namibia. We are just a group of aspiring professional footballers from the Khuse Football Club, who decided to form a team after seeing the soccer advert.

“At this moment I cannot wait for the Fifa World Cup to end in Russia, so that we meet Neymar Jr. It is truly just a dream,” Hailombe said.

He added they will play their hearts out, so that great opportunities can come their way.

“Some of my teammates are studying and two are employed. There is really a future for us in football, if we do this right,” the soft-spoken captain said.

In the final match, Lions were up against fan favorites, Windhoek based Bethlehem United.

Bethlehem United started off strongly and almost outplayed the Lions. The Windhoek team came close to scoring on multiple occasions, but it was not their day.

The Lions, on the other hand, kept their composure and remained focused until the last minute.

The match ended in a 0-0 draw, and a result, a one-on-one competition was used to break the tie.

Hailombe netted the crucial goal that will now take his team to Brazil.

Bank Windhoek chief financial officer, James Chapman, who witnessed the finals, said: “This is a great success story for our country and this has been a brilliant tournament since the beginning. Congratulations Lions. Go and make us proud in Brazil. As a sponsor we will be there with you throughout the journey.”

Themed 'Outplay Them All', the Neymar Jr's Five is a Red Bull initiative co-sponsored by Bank Windhoek. Snickers, Fresh FM and NBC, are also sponsors of the tournament.

The Lions will be vying with 64 other countries for the chance to play against the most expensive soccer player in the world, Neymar Jr, who is currently in great form, as he represents Brazil at Russia 2018.

For more information, log on to www.neymarjrsfive.com.

The Lions team members are as follows:

Captain Pieter Hailombe (26), Johannes Kashiwapala David (22), Onesmus Ndinelago Ashipala (22), Erastus Kulula (21), Josua Inga Mekela Jesus David (20), Absalom Nghiiyelekwa Hatutale (20), France Tangeni Shivute (26).

LIMBA MUPETAMI

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Belgium eye Brazil after great escape

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Belgium eye Brazil after great escape

Belgium made an incredible comeback against Japan to seal their place in the quarter-finals of the Russia World Cup.

It took a great escape in injury time to get there after being two goals down to Japan, but Belgium can now view their quarterfinal against Brazil free of the weight of expectation.

“When you play against Brazil, you need to understand they are the best team in the competition,” coach Roberto Martinez said, after a final charge up the park four minutes into stoppage time gave Belgium a 3-2 win and a tough date in Kazan on Friday against Brazil.

“We can enjoy it from the first minute,” the Spaniard said, describing the fixture as a childhood dream for footballers. “I don't think anyone expects us to go through to the semifinals.” In a goalless first half on Monday, where the Japanese gave a side ranked third in the world by Fifa no space and threatened on the break, his players displayed “a fear of not being able to fulfil the tag of being favourites”, said Martinez.

Only once they were 2-0 behind with half an hour to play and “nothing to lose” did the Red Devils “almost enjoy the opportunity of getting back into it”, he added.

So against Brazil, “we can really enjoy it from the first second”.

He refused to take questions on his tactics, praising the Japanese and the “hunger” of his own players, though Belgians at home are asking plenty of questions about the strength of his three-man defensive line and the sharpness of an attacking force which had knocked in nine goals in three games in the group phase. Brought in from Everton after quarterfinal disappointments at the last World Cup and Euro 2016 to provide some premier league collective steel to a “golden generation”, Martinez silenced any critics with a double substitution.

Yannick Carrasco and Dries Mertens had danced past lesser opposition in support of Eden Hazard and striker Romelu Lukaku, but the Samurai Blue's pressing left them at sea. On 65 minutes, Martinez threw on West Bromwich Albion winger Nacer Chadli and Marouane Fellaini, the towering Manchester United midfielder.

Within 10 minutes, after a lucky goal from Tottenham Hotspur fullback Jan Vertonghen, Fellaini had headed the equaliser.

As extra-time loomed, a quick throw-out from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, a run through the middle by Kevin De Bruyne to feed Thomas Meunier on the right and a cross that Lukaku deftly left for Chadli, had the Belgians in heaven in just 10 seconds.

“Miracle men,” was the simple headline in Brussels' Le Soir. Friday's encounter with Brazil will test whether they can make good on tactical and technical promise, but the 'miracle' of Rostov suggests Martinez has brought mental steel and strength in depth.

Captain Hazard confessed it felt like Euro 2016 all over again, when a couple of key injuries saw the Belgians surrender 3-1 to a modest Wales. Meunier, too, admitted that he had thought, “It's all over.”

Against Brazil, he said: “We'll have more tough moments. But it will be a great game. It's now or never for Belgium to show we have the talent and what they call the 'golden generation'.”

NAMPA/REUTERS

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Ehiilitho lyoofaalama dhepangelo tali limbilike

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Aanafaalama ya topoka omolwa omusinda omutiligane

≪ Previous: Belgium eye Brazil after great escape

Ehiilitho lyoofaalama dhepangelo tali limbilike

Ngoloneya gwoshitopolwa shaShikoto, Henock Kankoshi oku li a limbililwa kaanafaalama yomoshitopolwa she mboka taya topola oofaalama dhawo nokudhiga ndja po kuyakwawo, inaku landulwa omilandu dhomondjila.

Kankoshi okwa lombwele oNamibian Sun, moonkundathana ndhoka a ningwa naye kutya, oshitopolwa she osha taalela omukundu moka, oonakupewa oofaalama taya hiilitha po iitopolwa yimwe po yoofaalama kaantu yalwe, omanga inaya ninga shoka tashi uthwa kompango, ta popi kutya omukalo ngoka ogwa pumbwa okuhulithwa po.

Ehiilitho yoofaalama dhepangelo okuza kwaamboka ya tulululwa moofaalama ndhoka, osha ninga ngaashigeyi omukalondjiigilile okuza koonakupewa oofaalama moNamibia.

Ompango yoAgricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act of 1995, otayi utha kutya ofaalama yomatulululo otayi vulu owa okuhiilithwa uuna kwa gandjwa ezimino okuza kominita.

Kankoshi okwa popi kutya shoka otashi ningwa kaantu mboka inaya simanea oompango.

Okwa tsikile kutya uuna aantu ya tulululwa ohaya tseyithila oompangu nuuthemba wawo, shoka taya vulu okuninga naashoka inaya pitikwa okuninga.

Kankoshi okwa popikutya oku na owino kutya oonakutulululwa ohaya tseyithila kutya okuhiilitha ofaalama inaku gandjwa epitikilo inashi pitikwa. Okwa gwedha po kutya ngele osha monika mo mwene gwofaalama ndjoka oha pewa ekunkililo nongele okwa ndopa okugwanithwa po nokutula miilonga ekunkililo ndyoka, nena otashi vulika a kanithe ofaalama ndjoka.

KENYA KAMBOWE

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Aanafaalama ya topoka omolwa omusinda omutiligane

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Uuministeli womidhingoloko wa tula miilonga omusindalandu omupe

≪ Previous: Ehiilitho lyoofaalama dhepangelo tali limbilike

Aanafaalama ya topoka omolwa omusinda omutiliganeIta ya popile etulo lyodhalate koongamba dhaAngola Aanafaalama yomonooli yoshilongo oya popi kytya uulithilo mboka haya mono monooli yaAngola, owo unene wu na oshilonga kuyo okuyelela netumo lyonyama momalanditho gopauyuni.

Aakuthimbinga oyendji moshikondo shuunafaaama monooli itaya popile etulo yondhalate oongamba dhaNamibia naAngola, omolwa ekutho po lyomusinda omulitigane ngoka hagu ithanwa Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF).

Aanafaalama mboka oya popi kutya shoka yahala unene kashi shi okutuma onyama momalanditho gopondje ihe uulithilo mboka tawu adhika monooli.

Oya popi kutya ngele oongamba odha tulwa odhalate nena otashi ke ya ningila oshidhigu opo ya mone uulithilo molwaashoka moNamibia konyala oofaalama adhihe odha tulwa meni lyomaloogololo.

Konyala oongombe dha thika po 30 000 dhaakwashigwana yaNamibia ohadhi lithwa meni lya Angola na otaku tengenekwa kutya AaNamibia ye thike po 2 800 oye na omagumbo meni lyaAngola nenge oofaalama, omanga natango yamwe haya taaguluka oongamba kehe esiku taya ka konga uulithilo meni lyaAngola na ohaya galukile moshilongo kongulohi.

Omukalo ngoka ogu na okuhula po ngele okwa tokolwa okukuthwa po omusinda omutiligane, ngoka gwa topola aanafaalama moNamibia.

Oongombe dha thika poomiliyona 3.8 otadhi adhika monooli yaNamibia.

Onyama yoongombe dhomonooli ihayi tumwa momalanditho gopondje yoshilongo ngaasni miilongo yaEuropean Union (EU) molwaashoka onooli yoshilongo oya talika ko kutya ehala lya nika oshiponga noonkondo ngele tashiya komikithi dhiimuna ngaashi epunga oshowo omukithi gwekondo nelaka.

Olopota yoWorld Organisation for Animal Health oya pititha kutya etulo lyondahalte oongamba dhaNamibia naAngola, oshimwe shoka tashi ka longa monakuyiwa yaNamibia moshikondo she shuuniimuna.

Omupresidende gwoNamibia National Farmers Union (NNFU), Jackson Emvula okwa popi kutya aanafaalama oyendji yomonooli oyiikolelela kuulithilo waAngola, molwaashoka uulithilo womonooli itawu gwana aaniimuna ayehe.

Emvula okwa popi kutya onooli oya talika ko onga ehala lya nika oshiponga kuundjolowele wiimuna omolwa emanguluko lyokweenda lya manguluka pokati kaNamibia naAngola. Okwa tsikile kutya epato lyoongamba ndhoka hasho tashi kala ekandulepo lyomukundu ihe ongele taku tulwa miilonga omahwahwameko giikonga yoontutila yiimuna meni lyaAngola moka Aanamibia haya kalitha iimuna yawo.

“Kamu na uulithilo wa gwana moNamibia, naashoka osho tashi etitha aantu ya ka lithe iimuna yawo meni lyaAngola. Onga NNFU itatu hwahwameke unene elandithp lyonyama pondje yoshilongo ihe otatu hwahwameko ekoko lyuunafaalama meni lyegumbo,” Emvula a tsikile.

Okwa tsikile kutya aanafaalama yomoshilongo oya pumbwa omayambidhidho okuza kaanangeshefa yomoshilongo pehala lyokulilila omalanditho gopondje.

Elenga enene lyUukwanyama, Nghidinihamba Urias Ndilula, okwa popi kutya shoka aanafaalama ya pumbwa unene uulithilo ihe kashi shi omalanditho gopondje.

Okwa tsikile kutya okukutha po omusinda ngoka itashi ka gandja uuwanawa washa kuyo.

Okwa tsikile natango kutya aanafaalama yopopepi noongamba ndhoka okuza koRuacana sigo oKavango oye na ompito ndjoka yuulithilo na itaya vulu okuyi kanitha.

“Nonando omusinda ngoka ogwa kuthwa ko itagu ka gandja uuwanawa kutse. Onooli otwa pumbwa uulithilo noofaalama adhihe moshilongo odha tumwe meni lyoodhalate. Olye teke tu pitika tu lithe mofaalama ye, omanga dha tulwa nale moodhalate? Oshihwepo tu kale tu na oongamba dha patuluka pehala lyokukutha po omusinda ngoka omutiligane.”

Okwa tsikile kutya ekutho po lyomusinda ngoka otali ka longa owala ngele epangelo tali shonopaleke uunene woofaalama ndhoka, opo ku gandjwe ompito yuulithilo kaanafaalama mboka kaye na oofaalama.

Omunashipundi gwoMangetti Farmers' Association (MFA), Ismael Shailemo, okwa popi kutya ngashiingeyi mOndonga unene momudhingoloko gwaMangetti, aantu otaya ikuthile evi opo ya tunge omagumbo gawo pomahala mpoka pwa nuninwa uulithilo.

ILENI NANDJATO

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Uuministeli womidhingoloko wa tula miilonga omusindalandu omupe

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Farmers must secure clearances

≪ Previous: Aanafaalama ya topoka omolwa omusinda omutiligane

Uuministeli womidhingoloko wa tula miilonga omusindalandu omupe

Omusindalandu omupe gwiifuta yi na sha niikolokosha pokati kaantu niiyamakuti ogwa tulwa miilonga.

Omusinddalandu ngoka gwopashigwana tagu ithawa human-wildlife conflict (HWC) management ogwa tulwa miilonga niifuta yomayambidhidho gomafumbiko gaantu mboka taya dhipagwa kiiyamakuti oya londo pombanda okuya po N$100 000 okuza poN$5 000.

Minista Pohamba Shifeta pethimbo kwa tulwa miilonga omusindalandu ngoka okwa popi kutya iimaliwa mbyoka oya nuninwa omayambidhidho gomafumbiko oshowo iifuta yilwe, na oyi li oshitopolwa shoonkambadhala dhepangelo okuyambidhidho oofamili ndhoka tadhi kanitha okuza komayonagulo taga ningwa kiiyamauti.

Shifeta okwa popi kutya uuministeli otawu konaakona woo 'oHuman-Wildlife Conflict Insurance Scheme' oshowo omilandu dhilwe dhegameno onga omukalo gwokuyanda iikolokosha pokati kaantu niiyamakuti.

Minista okwa popi kutya iifuta mbyoka otayi ka gandjwa okupitila moHuman-Wildlife Conflict Self Reliance Scheme' na oya nuninwa okuyambidhidha pomafumbiko ihe iifuta mbyoa kayi shi tayi gandjwa onga ongunga yekanitho lyomwenyo.

Iifuta yimwe mbyoka tayi ka ungaungiwa nayo moHWC ongaashi oshimaliwa shooN$10 000 ngele omuntu eehamekwa koshiyamakuti ihe ina kanitha oshilyo she shimwe sholutu, N$30 000 ngele omuntu okwa ehamekwa na okwa kanitha oshilyo she shimwe sholutu, N$50 000 ongele omuntu eetelwa uulema onga oshizemo sheponokelo a ningilwa koshinamwenyo. Iifuta yekanitho lyiimuna onga oshizemo shomaponokelo taga ningwa kiiyamakuti, nayo oya tulwa pombanda. Oongombe otadhi futilwa N$3 000 mongombe yimwe okuza pooN$1 500,iikombo N$500 okuza poN$200 omanga oonzi N$700 okuza poN$250

Iifuta uuna onkambe ya dhipagwa koshiyamakuti oya londwekwa pombanda okuza poN$500 okuya po N$800, oondoongi okuza po N$250 okuya N$500 omanga iingulu okuza pooN$250 okuya pooN$700.

Omulandu ngoka ogwa holola woo kutya uuministeli otawu keetapo omilandu dhokufuta uuna omuntu a yonagululwa omaliko ge kiiyamakuti.

Omaliko ngoka ongaashi unene oondhalate nenge oomboola dhomeya.

Shifeta okwa popi kutya iikolokosha pokati kaantu niiyamakuti otayi londo unene pombanda moNamibia, omolwa omwaalu omunene gwiiyamakuti oshowo iilonga yuunamapya inayi longekidhwa ne nenepeko woo lyiilonga mbyoka.

Oshikukuta shoka sha kala nokudhenga Namibia muule woomvula ndatu dha piti, natango osho shimwe shoka tashi hwahwameke woo onkalo ndjoka. Omusindalandu ngoka gwa talululwa omuna omilandu dhi li po 12, na ogwa kwatela mo omapekaapeko, ekondololo oshowo ekwatonawa nelongitho nawa yevi, oshowo oompangela dhokuyanda iikolokosha pokati kaantu niinamwenyo.

Natango omulandu ngoka ogwa nuninwa okuyanda omaupyakadhi, omulandu gwokumona iiyemo okuza miiyamakuti mbyoka tayi piyaganeke opo ku yandwe omaupyakadhi gomonakuyiwa, nankene ku na okuungaunga nomuntu ngoka yonenwa omaliko ge.

Oskema yoHuman-Wildlife Conflict Insurance Scheme ndjoka tayi konaakonwa kuuministeli, otayi ka kala omukalo tagu longithwa mokufuta aantu mboka ya yonenwa kiiyamakuti ngele oomboka aakwanezimo yawo ya si, nenge ya ehamekwa onga oshizemo shiikolokosha yiiyamakuti omanga. Natango otaku konaakonwa olivestock insurance scheme.

JANA-MARI SMITH

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Farmers must secure clearances

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Savings of 70% with Tree Hog

≪ Previous: Uuministeli womidhingoloko wa tula miilonga omusindalandu omupe

Farmers must secure clearancesNo compensation if papers not in place Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta has warned farmers embarking on projects that without environmental clearances, no compensation will be paid if there is damage by wild animals.

The environment ministry will not pay for damage caused by wild animals to farms and projects in wildlife-prone areas that do not have the required environmental impact certificate.

This was revealed by environment minister Pohamba Shifeta at the launch of the revised national policy on human-wildlife conflict in Windhoek on Monday.

Shifeta said by law, there are listed activities such as farm units and irrigation schemes that are obligated to be established with approval from the environmental commissioner within wildlife areas.

“There are a lot of irrigation schemes established without the approval of the environmental commissioner and later the ministry is held responsible for damage of these schemes. The ministry is not going to compensate for any of these, because people are just doing what they want,” explained Shifeta.

He emphasised that the environmental commissioner gives a clearance certificate after assessing the area and advises accordingly where the farm or project should be established, without hindering wildlife, for instance if it is situated on the migratory path of elephants in the area.

He noted that the Environmental Management Act 7 of 2007 only came into force in 2012, therefore owners of farms and projects that were established before the directive were given time to consult with the environmental commissioner for clearance certificates.

The Act promotes the sustainable management of the environment and the use of natural resources by establishing principles for decision-making on matters affecting the environment.

However, Shifeta noted that there are still people setting up illegal farm units and projects in wildlife areas, who later claim compensation for damage due to wild animals.

Shifeta further clarified that communal farmers do not need a clearance certificate as such farms do not require an environment management plan.

NAMPA

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Savings of 70% with Tree Hog

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: Australia halts Palestinian funding

≪ Previous: Farmers must secure clearances

Savings of 70% with Tree Hog

Tree Hog can cut an orchard's water consumption by up to 70%, with minimum savings starting at 50%, says its inventor Louis Loubser, a farmer in Robertson in the Western Cape.

The device is an injection-moulded plastic case with a micro sprinkler which encloses the base of a tree, and is designed to last up to eight years.

It combines the benefits of micro and drip irrigation.

It is backed by one of the UK's largest fresh fruit suppliers, Primafruit, and over 40 000 units have been distributed.

“Tree Hog turns long hours of irrigating... into roughly twenty minutes,” Loubser told Business Insider South Africa. “It's not difficult to do it, but you need to commit to it.”

Because Three Hog encloses the base of a tree, it drastically reduces typical evaporation, and keeps the soil temperature constant helping a young tree's development.

Unlike conventional drip irrigation systems, Tree Hog wets a much larger area at the base of a tree, helping the tree develop a strong root system.

It also reduces the need for weeding around young trees.

“At first farmers are all sceptical, but after a demonstration they are all believers,” says Loubser.

He developed Tree Hog in 2015 after his farm suffered from severe water restrictions.

“My mother decided to get some new plants for her garden, and I was furious,” Loubser says.

“But, while she was planting, I noticed the sprinklers were already on in her garden, and I saw some of the planting pots were upside down in the bedding. That's when it clicked!”

Louber, who produces the units via his company Louirrigate, believes the success of his invention lies in its simplicity.

“I think our world focuses so much on new technology and how to make our lives easier, that we forget about the basics,” he says.

Loubser is in the process of patenting Tree Hog globally, and says he has already started supplying to farmers elsewhere in Africa, and exporting to Europe and Australia.

He believes the product will improve agriculture across the world, and possibly expand agriculture to previously unusable land.

NEWS24

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Australia halts Palestinian funding

July 3, 2018, 4:00 pm

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Australia halts Palestinian fundingMonies to be diverted to particular charities Australia will no longer provide aid to the Palestinian Authority saying monies could be used for purposes that would be an affront to Australians.

Australia said on Monday that it has ended direct aid to the Palestinian Authority because Australian donations could increase the self-governing body's capacity to pay Palestinians convicted of politically motivated violence.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia had cut funding to the World Bank's Multi-Donor Trust Fund for the Palestinian Recovery and Development Programme after writing to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in late May seeking assurance that Australian funding was not going to Palestinian criminals.

“I am confident that previous Australian funding to the PA through the World Bank has been used as intended. However, I am concerned that in providing funds for this aspect of the PA's operations there is an opportunity for it to use its own budget to (fund) activities that Australia would never support,” Bishop said in a statement.

“Any assistance provided by the Palestine Liberation Organisation to those convicted of politically motivated violence is an affront to Australian values and undermines the prospect of meaningful peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” she added.

Australia's Aus$10 million (US$7.4 million) donation to the trust fund will now be re-routed to the United Nations' Humanitarian Fund for the Palestinian Territories which provides vulnerable Palestinians with healthcare, food, water, improved sanitation and shelter.

Australia allocated Aus$43 million (US$3.2 million) for humanitarian assistance in the region for the current fiscal year, which began on 1 July.

In March, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US government for passing a law that suspended some financial aid to the Palestinians over the stipends paid to families of Palestinians killed or jailed in fighting with Israel.

The Taylor Force Act, named after an American killed in Israel by a Palestinian in 2016, was folded into a US$1.3 trillion spending bill signed by US President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu called the law a “powerful signal by the US that changes the rules” by cutting “hundreds of millions of dollars for the Palestinian Authority that they invest in encouraging terrorism”.

The Palestinians say the families are victims of violence. Palestinian official Nabil Abu Rdeneh condemned the law, saying it doesn't “allow for the creation of an atmosphere conducive to peace”.

Australian government lawmaker Eric Abetz welcomed Bishop's stance.

“Minister Bishop's strong and decisive decision today to ensure that the Palestinian Authority can no longer use our aid to free up money in its budget for state-promoted terrorism is very positive,” Abetz said.

“It is vital that we ensure that our foreign aid is not being spent on, or making money available for, the promotion of terrorism and so funnelling our aid to the Palestinian Territories through the United Nations will provide greater assurance that the Palestinian Authority's clever accounting cannot occur,” he added.

NAMPA/AP

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