Namibian Sun

Fitch: Nam remains junk, outlook negative

Fitch Ratings has revised its outlook on Namibia's long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) to negative from stable, and has kept the country at sub-investment grade (BB+).
“The revision of the outlook to negative reflects Namibia's weak growth performance and our downward assessment of growth prospects with adverse implications for the government's ability to stabilise the public debt trajectory,” Fitch says in its report.

Fitch revises outlook on Namibia to 'negative'

Fitch Ratings has revised the outlook on Namibia's long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) to negative from stable, and affirmed the IDR at 'BB+'.
The revision of the outlook to negative reflects Namibia's weak growth performance and our downward assessment of growth prospects with adverse implications for the government's ability to stabilise the public debt trajectory.
The economy is yet to rebound from the downturn that followed the 2010-2015 mining and construction boom. Our previous expectation of a gradual growth recovery in 2018 has not materialised. GDP declined for the 10th consecutive quarter in 3Q18, and Fitch now expects it to have contracted by 0.4% in 2018 versus our earlier forecast of 0.6% growth, following a 0.9% fall in 2017. The contraction reflects weak domestic demand, due mostly to fiscal consolidation, lower private investment and soft disposable income growth, as well as sluggish activity in neighbouring South Africa and Angola. This was only partly offset by robust activity in mining mostly due to the ramping-up of the Husab mega-mine's production of uranium.
We now expect a more tepid economic recovery in 2019, given the weaker starting point and persistent headwinds. We forecast GDP to grow by 0.7% in 2019 (versus our earlier forecast of 1.8%) and 2.0% in 2020, well below the current 'BB' median of 3.2%. The pick-up in activity will be driven by continued growth in mining, while domestic demand will slowly bottom out, lifted by a rise in public investment supported by a ZAR4 billion loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB, AAA/Stable).
The medium-term outlook is subdued, and Fitch does not expect growth to recover to 2010-2015 average of 5.7%, due to the lack of fiscal space, sluggish outlook for activity in the region, the absence of large mining investment projects, and expectations of lasting weakness in Namibia's export commodity prices. Potential growth is also held back by persistent structural bottlenecks, including low education outcomes and a business climate that is somewhat weaker than rating peers.
We project the central government (CG) deficit to narrow modestly to 4.1% of GDP in fiscal year 2020/2021 (FY20/21, year to end-March 2021) from a forecast level of 4.6% in FY18/19. The government plans to proceed with gradual fiscal consolidation through savings on recurrent spending from efficiency gains, hiring restraint and incomplete adjustment of wages and allocations to inflation. It is also considering a set of minor tax measures.
-Fitchratings.com

Ancestral land commission appointed

President Hage Geingob this afternoon announced the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into claims of ancestral land rights.
The second national land conference adopted 169 resolutions to be implemented by government and among them was the issue of ancestral land claims and restitution.
The members include High Court Judge Shafimana Uietele as the chair, Faneul Kapaama as deputy, Neels Kooper, Anna Fredericks, Willem Konjore, Ryno van der Merwe, Inge Murangi, Jeaneth Kuhanga, Uhuru Dempers, Helmke von Bach, Nadia Le Hane, Joseph van der Westhuizen, Professor Lazarus Hangula, Marius Kudumo and Chief Immaneul /Gaseb.
Geingob reminded the members to be mindful of the complexity of ancestral land claims in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in Namibia by ensuring that the fundamental rights and freedoms contained in our constitution are not infringed upon.
“I ask you to be mindful of the fact that work you are expected to carry out should be evidence-based and enriched by national, regional and international experience while never losing sight of the unique characteristics of Namibia’s past experience of colonialism and apartheid occupation. I expect you to be impartial in the execution of your responsibilities as members of the commission,” he said.
JEMIMA BEUKES

Ex-senior cop gets 36 years

A former senior police officer, who was found guilty of killing a teenager and wounding a woman at Gobabis in 2016, was today sentenced to 36 years imprisonment.
Oscar Awaseb, 51, was a detective inspector at the Gobabis Police Station in the Omaheke Region at the time of the incident.
High Court Judge Dinah Usiku handed down the sentences, where on a charge of murder in respect of the circumstances that led to the death of 18-year-old learner Odilo Motonane, Awaseb was sentenced to 28 years imprisonment.
On the charge of shooting and wounding his former girlfriend, Mildred Haoses, Awaseb was sent to prison for eight years.
Furthermore, the former senior police officer was sentenced to two years on each count of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
He received a further six-months-custodial sentence on a charge of malicious damage to property after furniture and other household items were damaged at Haoses’ house during the shooting incident.
All the sentences imposed in connection with the last three counts were ordered by the court to run concurrently with the punishment of eight years imposed on the second charge of attempted murder.
In the result, Awaseb was sent to jail for a total of 36 years and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm for a period of five (5) years after the completion of his sentence.
According to the information provided by the prosecution, Awaseb caused the death of Motonane on 22 March 2016 when he found the teenage boy in bed with the 22-year-old Haoses.
On the same day, Awaseb also shot and wounded Haoses.
Awaseb and Haoses had been in a relationship since 2015 and at that stage, Haoses was apparently already involved in a relationship with Motonane.
She ended her relationship with Awaseb earlier in March 2016.

NAMPA

Struck off the rollYoung African boss Ngarizemo says he's not giving up Young African boss Marley Ngarizemo has vowed to continue fighting for his club to be reinstated in the premier league, even if he endures several setbacks.

Young African's attempt to be reinstated in the premier league suffered a setback yesterday after the Windhoek High Court struck their urgent application off the court roll.

Out of the 22 to respondents scheduled to attend the case, only African Stars and the Namibia Premier League (NPL) representatives were present.

Judge Claudia Klazen based her decision on the fact that the applicants (Young African) and their lawyers failed to appoint a deputy sheriff to summon all respondents to court.

The club's lawyer instead only sent emails to all the respondents, which Klazen said was not an acceptable court practice.

Young African was represented by Murorua Kurtz Kasper Inc, while the Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc represented the NPL.

Young African boss Marley Ngarizemo assured Namibian Sun that his lawyers will use the proper measures for the case to be heard in the High Court.

“From what the judge said, the case has not been dismissed, meaning the lawyers will have to use acceptable measures in order for us to continue with the case,” Ngarizemo said.

Young African was found guilty by the league's disciplinary committee of registering Zimbabwean player Tapiwa Simon Musekiwa with a fake identity document last season.

This resulted in the club being demoted from the league and additionally receiving a N$50 000 fine, after Ngarizemo pleaded guilty in front of the disciplinary committee.

The club has, however, asked that they be granted full NPL status and rights while the Namibia Football Association (NFA) re-establishes its judicial structures.

On 30 January, Young African lodged an appeal with the NFA appeals committee.

Their appeal however fell on deaf ears after former NFA secretary-general Barry Rukoro wrote a letter to Young African indicating that the NFA has no structures, and suggested that the club skip the internal remedy and lodge a direct appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The NFA has been operating on autopilot without executive and judicial committees which could have resolved the Young African matter.

Fifa recently appointed a normalisation committee to run the daily affairs of the NFA until elections can be held for a new NFA executive. This committee is yet to establish judicial structures.

It is for this reason that Young African decided to take the matter to the High Court, given the absence in judicial structures in the country's football governing body.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Vorster to headline star-studded field

Michelle Vorster will be the one to watch at the 2019 edition of the Nedbank Cycle Challenge MTB race tomorrow at the Waldorf School in Avis, which starts at O7:00.

The race will once again double as the elite men and women's mountain bike national champs.

Vorster took home gold in the elite women's challenge race last year and is hoping to repeat her exploits.

The cyclist said she is excited about the new route as it is both technical and challenging. “I had an opportunity to scout portions of the route and it is tough, challenging, and technical. Whoever comes out on top will be a worthy national champion,” Vorster said.

Vorster, who has represented Namibia internationally, commended the Nedbank Cycle Challenge for contributing towards her cycling career. “I will never forget my first-ever Nedbank race, as it left a positive mark in my cycling career. For me this race is like preparing for the world champs,” she said.

Mountain bike cycling has seen a growth in interest over the years with more and more people participating in the mountain bike leg of the Nedbank Cycle Challenge.

“People are becoming aware of the freedom you experience on a bike and the vast possibility of exploring so many beautiful places. But what we enjoy about it is that the whole family can jump on a bike and have fun, be fit and explore. Racing is just part of that fun.

“Also, I think technological advances have a great part to play to make mountain biking more comfortable, safe and enjoyable,” added Vorster. Registration for the race will take place at the Waldorf School today from 10:00 to 13:00.

The Nedbank Cycle Challenge MTB edition comes hot on the heels of the annual road challenge, and will also coincide with a Kids Challenge that will take place tomorrow. The race is open to children between the ages of three and 13 years and will also take place at Waldorf School in Avis. Registration for the kids will take place between 7:00 and 9:45 tomorrow. The race will start at 10:00, and is presented by Cycletec Adventures Namibia.

The co-sponsors of the Nedbank Cycle Challenge include Namibia Health Plan (NHP) and Coca-Cola, in partnership with Rock n Rut Mountain Bike Club, Windhoek Peddle Power and Pay Today.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Bright fired

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has announced it has parted ways with national coach David Bright, following a spell of unconvincing results.

He was shown the door with about 18 months left on his contract. During a press conference last week BFA general-secretary Mfolo Mfolo said: “We have parted ways with the national team coach. We gave him targets to improve the Fifa ranking of the national team by 15 places.

“We have also not qualified for Afcon 2019.” Botswana's Zebras are now ranked 145th in the world, after slipping 24 places from their 121st position in July 2017 when Bright was appointed.

They are also without a win after five matches in the qualifiers for Afcon 2019.

Mfolo explained that given the unsatisfactory performance of the national team “it was prudent that we part ways” with the coach.

He said the BFA will soon appoint an interim technical team that will help prepare the Zebras for their last Afcon qualifier against Angola next month.

NAMPA/ANA

Horse racing for Okovimburu

The second edition of the Epukiro Horse Racing Independence Competition will take place at Okovimburu in the Omaheke Region on 30 March.

Epukiro Horse Racing Club chairperson Iritjiua Murangi told Nampa on Wednesday they have set aside N$40 000 for the hosting of the competition.

“This is one of the more respected sports competitions in our constituency and we have big numbers of horses from various horse racing clubs competing,” he said.

Horses from Botswana will also feature in this year's competition, as well as seasonal horses like Von Trotha, General, Freedom Fighter, Katjutju and Suide Maak Vrede.

“We are expecting young horses from Rona and Hiskia Karumendu to bring excitement to the competition as well,” said Murangi.

The registration fee is N$250 for Nambred horses and N$300 for thoroughbred horses.

A football match between Epukiro Masters and Okakarara Old Bones will keep the crowd entertained before the races start at 12:00 on the Saturday.

Professor and Freedom Fighter won the main races last year.

NAMPA

U-19s eye World CupNational team unveiled for qualifiers Cricket Namibia has announced the names of the players who will take part in the u-19 ICC World Cup qualifiers.

Namibia will host the u-19 ICC World Cup division 1 qualifiers from the 15 to 24 March in Windhoek.

Six countries - Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Tanzania - are set to participate in the competition from which the winner will advance to the 2020 U-19 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to host the qualifiers. This is a big step forward for us to be more recognised and invited to participate in bigger events by the ICC.

“The qualifiers will be an opportunity to celebrate the time and energy our players have devoted to cricket. The u-19s are ready and will put in all they have for this coming event to be a memorable one,” reads a statement by Cricket Namibia.

The selected players are as follows: Henry Brink, Dian Neethling, Divan la Cock, Matthew de Gouveia, Ramon Wilmot, Victor van der Watt, Jan-Izak de Villiers, Erich Wittmann, Eric Wilson, Mauritius Ngupita, Etienne Beukes, Mell Theunissen, Altu Opperman and JC Balt. The reserves are Renier Bosman and Diwan Engelbrecht.

La Cock is the captain, while Van der Watt is the vice-captain.

The coach is Dee Thakur, assisted by Gareth Cloete, and team manager is Lauritz Haccou.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Opoloyeka yomidhingoloko yongushu yoobiliyona ya talululwa

Ookuume naakuthimbinga mopoloyeka yopamudhingoloko yongushu yoobiliyona, ndjoka tayi ka tulwa andola miilonga momvula yo 2019 sigo 2023, oya talulula opoloyeka ndjoka, ya nuninwa okukwata nawa omidhongoloko dhetu nokugandja omauwanawa kaakwashigwana okuza moonzo dhopaushitwe.

Opoloyeka ndjoka otayi ka pula oshimaliwa sha thika poobiliyona 1.067 na otayi ka pewa eyambidhidho lyiimaliwa okuza kGlobal Environmental Facility (GEF), melongelokumwe noUnited Nations Development Programme (UNDP) oshowo Namibia.

Opoloyeka ndjoka tayi ithanwa Namibia Integrated Landscape Approach for Enhancing Livelihoods and Environmental Governance to Eradicate Poverty (NILALEG) otayi ka tulwa miilonga kuuministeli womidhingoloko opamwe noUNDP.

Elalakano lyopoloyeka ndjoka okuhwahwameka nokukwatelapo ekwatonawa lyomidhingoloko, momavi guunamapya nomakuti, okuhulitha po oluhepo mokati koshigwana okupitila mekwatoo nawa lyoonzo dhopaushitweunene omidhingoloko, okugamena nokukaleka po omakuti oshoowo omauwanawa gamwe ga nuninwa egameno lyomidhingoloko.

Kwiikwatelelwa koondokumende dhopoloyeka ndjoka,

GEF otaka gandja oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona dhaUS$10.8, omanga iimaliwa ya thika poomiliyona US$65.8 tayi ka monika megongelo lyiimaliwa lyomuhanga okuza kaayambidhidhi nookuume mopoloyeka ndjoka.

Opoloyeka ndjoka oya topolwa miitopolwa itatu moka oshitopolwa shotango sha nuninwa okunkondopeka nokuhwahwameka elongelokumwe oshowo omilandu dhepangelo mekwatelepo lyomidhingoloko. Moshitopolwa moka ekwatakanitho otali ka kwatela komeho metulo miilonga nekondololo lyomalalakano ge yo moshipala lyoluhepo mokati koshigwana, sho shimwe shomiilalakanenwa yopoloyeka ndjoka okushunitha pevi oluhepo moshigwana.

Otaku ka tulwa miilonga omulandu gwopashigwana ndhoka tadhi ka kondolola elongitho lyevi, nekwato nawa lyevi oshowo oku li e ta ponkatu yomondjila.

Oshitopolwa oshitiyali otashi ka tala kekwato nawa nelongitho nawa lyomakuti.

Iitopolwa yuunenewevi woohecta 20 000 otayi ka kalekwa po miitopolwa ya yooloka ya hogololwa momakuti taga adhika miitopolwa ngaashi Zambezi, Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Kavango, Kunene, Otjozondjupa nenge Omusati, na otamu ka kwatelwa omavi gaayehe, omahala giinamwenyo oshowo oofaalama dhomatulululo.

Otaku ka tulwa miilonga etsokumwe lyopakantu yopashigwana opo ku tulwe po nokutothwemo omakuti gopaali ngaashi tashi uthwa mOmpango yOmakuti, nokutula po iikwaniipangitho ya nuninwa ekwato nawa lyomahala ngoka, nokugashuna kondondo yomondjila.

Ondondo ontitatu yopoloyeka ndjoka, otayi ka tala kiiyemo tayi ka pumbiwa mokupulitha komeho opoloyeka ndjoka ya nuninwa ekwatonawa lyomidhingoloko, nokukwashilipaleka kutya oya adha omalalakano ngoka ya nuninwa.

Okupitila moshitopolwa shoka, omayambidhidho gemono lyiiyemo otaga ka kongwa, mwa kwatelwa omayambidhidho gopautekinika oshowo omauyelele gopangeshefa.

Opoloyeka oya nuninwa woo okuya moshipala omaupyakadhi ngaashi embugaleko oshowo okutula miilonga ooprograma dhoshigwana oshowo opoloyeka ya nuninwa aanyasha mboka ihaya longo, na otayi ka ningilwa omalolelo momahala guunafaalama ga thika pugatatu guunene woohecta 1 500.

ELLANIE SMIT

Shifeta a popi kombinga yompango ompeTaku tulwa miilonga olutu ndoka talu kondolola omathigathano ngoka Aanona itaya ka pitikwa we opo ya landithe uutekete wiinyangadhalwa yomathigathano gokugongela iimaliwa yooskola nenge omahanga ga pya, kwiikwatelelwa kompango ompe tayi ithanwa Lotteries Act of 2017.

Kohi yompango ndjoka ompe ,omadhigathano agehe taga ka ningwa moshilongo otaga ka gandja iishoshela koshiketha tashi ithanwa State Lotteries Trust Fund.

Omageelo giifuta yomwaalu gwiimaliwa gwa thika poomiliyona 4 nenge okukala modholongo uule woomvula 20 otaga ka gandjwa kwiikwatelelwa kompango ompe.

Natango ehangano epe otali ka tulwa miilonga na otali ka kala noshinakugwanithwa shokukondolola uudhano womashina goondjekipota, sho oshikondo shoka tashi kiikalekelwa okuza kuuministeli waatalelipo. Shoka osha hololwa pethimbo lyoshigongiilonga sha ningwa noshigwana mOvenduka, kombinga yompango yoLotteries Act of 2017 oshowo Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 2018.

Pethimbo lyoshigongiilonga shoka Ominista yOmatalelelipo, Pohamba Shifeta okwa popi kutya ethimbo olya thikana opo ku ningwe 'shOmusaaaseli nashi ye kOmusaaseri'.

Okwa popi kutya nonando oshikondo shomashina nomadhigathano kashi li miilonga pambelewa moshilongo, omadhigathano ogendji oga tulwa miilonga shaaheli pamulandu gwoompango.

“Omathigathano ngoka oga kala taga kutha iimaliwa moshigwana unene okuza kaathigona,” Shifeta a popi.

Okwa popi kutya epangelo oli wete kutya iiyemo ya monika momathigathano ngoka oya pumbwa tango okugandja eyambidhidho moshigwana kiinima ngaashi omaudhano, uunongo nomidhigululwakalo, uunongononi oshowo eyambulepo lyaanyasha.

“Ompango ompe itayi ka pitika aanona opo ya kuthe ombinga shi na sha nuutekete wiinyangadhalwa yooskola nenge omahanga ga pya. Otashi ka kala epogolo lyompango ngele ooskola tadhi tumu aaona opo ya kalandithe uutekete. Monena aanona ohaya yi noombaapila opo ya vule okuhehela iimaliwa, shoka inashi pitikwa we.”

Shifeta okwa popi kutya olutu ndoka talu ithanwa Lotteries Board otalu ka kondolola omathigathano oshowo edhano lyomashina noosinuka nenge okugandja omikandapitiko kwamboka taye shi ningi oshowo okutotapo State Lottery Trust Fund, opo ya gandje omapitiko kedhano lyomashina oshowo omadhigathano.

Omukomeho gwoshikondo shomatalelipo, Teofilus Nghitila okwa popi kutya oshikondo shongeshefa yomashina oshowo omathigathano otashi ka mona omilandu omipe.

Okwa popi kutya ongeshefa ndjoka ayihe otayi ka kala tayi kondololwa nokugandja woo iiyemo kepangelo.

Okwa popi kutya taku ka gandjwa omageelo kwaamboka taya ka monika taya yi pondje omilandu dhompango ndjoka noondjindikila ndhoka tadhi ka tulwa po.

“Elalakano kali shi okutula oshigwana modholongo ihe oku shi kutha mo mondholongo okupitila mekondjitho lyokuganitha po nokulandula oompango.”

Sho a gandja omaiyuvo kombinga yoState Lotteries Act, Omukomeho gwomatalelepo nomashina muuministeli mboka, Sem Shikongo, okwa yelitha kutya omathimbo gokunana oshigwana nomwaalu omunene gwiimaliwa okupitila momadhigathano otaga thiki pehulilo, sho omwaalu gwopombanda gwomathigathano ngoka inagu pitikwa okuya pombanda yomiliyona yimwe komvula.

Oshiholelwa ongaashi ethigathano epe lyaMTC lyo 888 SMS competition, moka aakuthimbinga ye na ompito yokusindana oshimaliwa sha thika poomiliyona 1.3, omwaalu ngoka gu li pombanda yomwaalu omupe ngoka tagu ka tulwa po.

“Okrismesa oya hula,” Shikongo a popi. Paveta ndjoka ompe, omuntu kehe taka kutha ombinga mongeshefa yomashina nenge yomadhigathano ina pewa epitiko, nena ta ka pewa egeelo lyokufuta oshimaliwa shoomiliyona 4 nenge a tulwe modholongo uule woomvula 20.

Omuntu ngoka taka kengelela mokuninga omalunduluko muutekete nenge omukanda gumwe gu na sha nongeshefa ndjoka otaka pewa egeelo lyokufuta oshimaliwa sha thika pooN$500 000 nenge oomvula ntano mondholongo.

Ompango natango otayi utha egandjo lyegeelo lyoomvula 4 modholongo nenge okufuta oshimaliwa sha thika pooN$400 000, nenge omageelo agehe, kwaangoka taka monika ta landitha uutekete wekuthombinga methigathano lyontumba kokanona.

Ngoka ta ka kutha ombinga momadhigathano ngoka nelalakano lyokwiimonena uuwanawa otaka pewa egeelo lyooN$200 000 nenge oomvula omulongo mondholongo nenge omageelo agehe.

Pahapu dhaShikongo ompango ndjoka yoLotteries itayi ka totapo owala olutu lwelelo nekondololo lyomashina oshowo omadhigathano ga tumbulwa ihe otayi ka gandja oonkondo keuliko lyaakonaakoni mboka taya ka kwashilipaleka kutya ompangu otayi landulwa tuu nokugwanithwa po moshigwana.

Kohi yompango ompe ndjoka tayi tulwa miilonga egongelo lyiimaliwa okutipila moobazaala, omalanditho nenge oondaanisa oyiikalekelwa.

Natango egongelo lyiimaliwa ya nuninwa oshigwana nenge omaudhano, otaku pumbiwa epitiko li li pamushangwa okuza kolutu ndoka talu ka kondolola iinyangadhalwa mbyoka.

Natango otaku ka pulwa ekonaakono lyoondokumende dhiiyemo dhomathigathano.

ELLANIE SMIT

Navigating your finances as a coupleIt is about eggs and the number of baskets As they say, when money walks out the front door, love slips out the back door… so here are some tips for lovebirds.

February may be the month of love, but we all know financial differences can place a huge strain on any relationship. Fortunately, if you approach your finances together and give them careful thought, such difficulties can be avoided. The key is to engage in frank and open discussions about them and calling in the help of an objective professional.

1. Lifestyle aspirations and drawing up a financial plan

A key part of any committed couple's financial life is having a financial plan that covers short- and long-term goals. A financial planner can help you prioritise your goals and create a plan to reach those goals. It's a good idea to have a discussion with your partner before your meeting with the financial planner, covering the kind of lifestyle you would like to live as well as saving for emergencies, retirement, children's education, deposits for big purchases or perhaps a wedding. You should also discuss how to prepare for unforeseen events like death, illness, disability and unemployment.

As a couple it's important to align your future aspirations because the amounts you need to reach your goals is dependent on these.

2. Budget for monthly savings, spending and donations together

Budgeting is an essential tool to understand where one intends to spend money and how much, and for tracking past spending. Discuss with your partner how much is available to save, what you can afford to donate, but also look at where you can free up some cash. Make time to review your budget regularly to ensure you are spending as planned but also to plan ahead for additional future expenses to your budget, e.g. childcare when a child is born or additional money for transport when taking up a job further from home.

3. How to formalise finances in your relationship to allow for unforeseen events

A will and antenuptial contract are some of the important legal documents that can help you manage the distribution of assets or debt in the event of death, insolvency or divorce. The type of marriage contract you choose will also affect how financial and physical assets and debt, which existed before and after the marriage, are distributed. Your financial planner, working together with a legal advisor, can help you decide the best route to plan your estate.

4. Separate or joint bank accounts?

There are pros and cons to both options. But whichever you choose, you must allow some level of independence in making financial decisions to maintain a healthy relationship. The typical banking account options to choose from are:

A joint account: One partner takes on the role of main account holder and the other partner has signing rights. All the household expenses are then paid from this account. However, if the main account holder passes away, the account will temporarily be frozen and the money will be inaccessible to the other partner.

Separate accounts: If you choose this route, you need to frequently discuss and agree how to split the financial responsibilities. Such responsibilities may need to be adjusted for job losses, career breaks or other life-changing events.

A household bank account: It can be useful to have one household account, without a credit facility, to which you both contribute on a monthly basis.

It can be used for debit orders and day-to-day household expenses. With this option you can keep separate personal accounts and thus avoid the limitations of a joint account.

“Your responsibility to your partner is to be financially responsible for yourself and to communicate regularly. You should both be empowered to handle finances. Work on forging a financial future together, with the big picture in mind, and follow the guiding principles of transparency and trust.”

*Hilaria Graig is the marketing and communications manager at Sanlam

HILARIA GRAIG

Finally, a win for #TeamVanCoke!Grade 11 opera singer steals his heart The Voice is heating up as coach Francois starts building his team.

Coach Francois van Coke won his first four-chair singer in the exciting third episode of The Voice South Africa Season 3, doubling #TeamVanCoke's numbers to two singers! But with #TeamRiky in the lead with seven team members, followed by #TeamLIRA and #TeamRiana with six each, Francois still has a lot of catching up to do.

First up to impress the coaches this week was 35-year-old Christiaan Baartman, a full-time musician from Pretoria. Accompanying himself on the acoustic guitar, Christiaan performed Chris Stapleton's Tennessee Whiskey, and coach Francois van Coke, who still only had one singer in his team at this point, turned for him immediately. But, as always, he had to go head-to-head with coach Riky Rick and once again, #TeamFrancois lost a potential champion to #TeamRiky.

The Voice SA is all about discovering the best voice, nothing else, and who better to embody that ethos than 64-year-old grandmother Stephne Rose, who wants to use her singing talent to build a better life for the three grandchildren in her care. Granny Rose thrilled the studio audience with the Tom Jones classic It's Not Unusual, but sadly, not one coach turned for her. LIRA gave her a big hug and explained that there's so much going through a coach's head in their big red chair, “but I want to tell you, you were exceptional,” she told Granny Rose, and requested a mic to do an impromptu duet encore performance with the gutsy granny.

Rayleen Padayachee (27) from Benoni tried her hand at Alicia Keys' challenging If I Ain't Got You, and LIRA hit her big red button within the first bar. Coach Riky Rick waited to see how Rayleen handled the high notes before he, too, turned his chair, followed closely by Francois. Francois fought hard for her, but Rayleen threw her lot in with fellow Benonite LIRA. “If I had a tail I would be wagging it!” LIRA gloated happily.

Thirty-year-old Francois Viljoen started his singing career in the Drakensberg Boys Choir as a youngster, and his passionate rendition of the Robbie Williams hit Feel earned him the fifth spot on #TeamRiana.

Next up was an 18-year-old Grade 11 schoolgirl, Morgan Beesley, who confided to the cameras how she used to be bullied at school for singing opera and “not fitting in”. But her angelic performance of the Pie Jesu from Fauré's Requiem gave the coaches goosebumps, and Riky Rick was the first to turn for her, followed at the last minute by LIRA. Morgan took a chance on the rapper and became the seventh member of a very diverse #TeamRiky.

Music student Mbali Motha (25) from Soweto hoped for a place on #TeamLIRA or #TeamRiana, but unfortunately not one of the coaches turned for her confident rendition of Malaika's Destiny.

The next performer was a 21-year-old beatboxer from Kempton Park, Jedd Willson, who said he was eager to join #TeamRiky to learn more about hiphop. He performed Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise, expertly accompanied by his own beatboxing and backing vocals, but not one of the coaches turned in time. “This is 'The Voice',” Riky Rick explained to the disappointed studio audience. “We're coming here for voices.”

Twenty-three-year-old Ilan van Staden from Krugersdorp missed his shot at The Voice SA Season 2 because auditions clashed with his sister's wedding day. He got to try again this year with Francois van Coke's own song Ek Skyn (Heilig) and both Francois and Riana turned their chairs for him at the very last moment. But then, despite being a devoted Francois van Coke fan since childhood, Ilan chose to be on #TeamRiana. “What must I do?” a frustrated Francois exclaimed. “You've got to turn on the charm,” Riky teased him good-naturedly.

Francois had only two more chances to gain a second team member and he turned immediately for 29-year-old Lora Joplin from Port Elizabeth, singing Amy Winehouse's Back to Black. But unfortunately for him, so did LIRA. Riky Rick personally took charge of the coaches' pitches to the singer, but not even that helped Francois as Lora became the sixth member of #TeamLira.

Ending the episode on a high note was 18-year-old Tasché Burger from Brackenfell, singing the Koos Kombuis classic Lisa se Klavier. Francois, LIRA, and Riky turned for her almost immediately, but Tasché really wanted to be #TeamRiana, and she broke into a massive smile of relief when Riana turned at the very last moment. And then she chose to go with #TeamVanCoke, after all! “I feel like I might cry!” Francois admitted as Riky lead the crowd in a chant of “Francois, jou lekker ding!”

So with Francois finally swelling #TeamVanCoke's ranks to two singers, here's how each coach's team stands at the end of Episode 3:

#TeamRiky: Joel Zuma, Keanu Harker, Amy Tjasink, Joshua Parker, Sabelo Mthembu, Christiaan Baartman, Morgan Beesley

#TeamLIRA: Ross Charles, Petro De Villiers, Mo George, Krista Jonas, Rayleen Padayachee, Lora Joplin

#TeamRiana: Lelo Ramasimong, Greunen Parker, Verona Goslett, Siki Jo-Ann Owazi, Francois Viljoen, Ilan van Staden

#TeamVanCoke: Sade Ross, Tasché Burger

Riky Rick is now over the halfway point with only five slots out of a possible 12 left on #TeamRiky. LIRA and Riana Nel are both halfway with six slots still open, and Francois still has ten open slots to fill on #TeamVanCoke.

So the pressure on is for the fourth episode of The Voice South Africa this Sunday!

STAFF REPORTER

Mother & daughter exposedDuo to wow art fundis with exhibition Reflection in Form, hosted at the Omba Art Gallery, showcases the works of a mother and daughter team.

Omba Art Gallery will host an art and sculpture exhibition titled 'Reflection in Form' by talented Namibian mother and daughter artist duo, Elna Venter and Comine Bruwer.

The exhibition will be officially launched at 18:00 on 5 March by Rika Nel, a local artist and assistant visual arts education lecturer at the University of Namibia (Unam) and will run until 29 March 2019.

Venter, a retired teacher and crafter who uses her art to reflect her childhood, will exhibit a variety of abstract calligraphy. These are materials applied to rigid substrates which she makes using the intaglio printmaking technique on high-quality printing paper.

Intaglio is the family of printing and printmaking techniques in which the image is incised into a surface and the incised line or sunken area holds the ink. It is the direct opposite of a relief print.

Venter's abstract works are reflections of a lifetime collection of emotions, memories, experiences and impressions.

Bruwer, on the other hand, is a qualified jeweller and designer.

She is fascinated with 3-D forms and has discovered that sculpting is the ideal vehicle for her to artistically express herself best.

Bruwer's preferred medium for sculpting is bronze but she also incorporates unconventional materials such as resin, clay and glass to add artistic depth and infuse her sculptures with very specific meaning.

Her sculptures show, sincerely and honestly, a highly-developed personal aesthetic reflection through the prism of inspiration she holds up to the light for the observer and her own personal well from which she deeply draws most of her inspiration for her sculptures.

About the artists

Venter began her 16-year-long teaching career at the Windhoek College of Education and has co-authored an arts and crafts guide for teachers as well as participated in group art exhibitions.

She managed a stall at the Namibia Craft Centre after her retirement.

Bruwer, Elna's daughter, is a graduate from the University of Stellenbosch and worked as a goldsmith in South Africa and Namibia for ten years before she moved to Botswana with her husband and children.

About Omba

Omba Art Gallery is a private, commercial gallery situated in the heart of Windhoek.

A small, intimate atrium, Omba is regarded as one of Namibia's premium exhibition venues for art lovers and collectors to connect with artists and savour the highest quality original and locally-produced art.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Upping our gameGetting there one show at a time Y-not's boss chats to tjil about the improvement in the quality and standards of concerts and shows in the country.

Founder of Y-not record label, Fernando Carlos says that in order for event organisers to retain an audience for their future events, they should be creative and portray a sense of professionalism at all times.

In an interview with tjil, Carlos says that people should do away with the perception that people only show up to an event when a well-established artist is in the line-up or an international act is flown in.

He says that it all lies in the production, adding that if an event is well-marketed and if everything was on point, one is very likely to retain that audience for a future event.

“People like nice things - that's a fact. This is why I say if the production is on point and there was creativity involved, the chances of succeeding the next time are very high. It does not matter if it's a local artist or an international act performing, people will go to a show if it's wellmarketed,” Carlos said.

However, Carlos adds that at the moment, the entertainment industry is rectifying the wrongs incurred in the past, especially by the then event organisers.

He pointed out that issues of artists performing on small stages, poor quality sound systems and people not feeling safe at events. These things, he says, are becoming a thing of the past.

“In the past you would hear that people fought at a show where even guns were involved, however, nowadays, it is unlikely to hear of such things happening and this is because the event organisers learnt from past mistakes and try now, by all means, to avoid such incidents,” Carlos said.

Carlos says the wrongs done in the past are the reason why there is a low turnout at events at the moment.

He argues that in Namibian towns have approximately over 80 000 inhabitants but to have an audience of about 500 remains a challenge.

“If you look at a town like Otjiwarongo with about 70 000 inhabitants, luring a crowd of 1 000 should not be a difficult task, however, that is the reality we are faced with and we should work hard to address it,” Carlos said.

Meanwhile Y-Not is one of the record labels in Otjiwarongo which is doing extremely well as they are known for the famous annual show known as the Bush Party.

Carlos said that the Bush Party attracts an audience of about 2 500 people, however, he explained that it is not an easy feat as the cost involved of inviting international acts and well-established local artists is very high, as well as securing a proper sound system.

This forces the label to rely on sponsorships from companies which have over the years supported them very well.

When asked why the Bush Party is always regarded as a success, Carlos said that apart from the international acts on the line-up, the main focus is on the production where they make sure the audience is thrilled.

He said the safety of the audience is also one of the top priorities.

“When it comes to the Bush Party, hard work is key and we always try to provide a better show than that of the previous year. We make sure the security is tight, sound is on point and that our artists are treated with the utmost respect,” Carlos said.

He said that Y-not is currently busy preparing for the Let's Unite Music Concert scheduled to take place at the Otjiwarongo Mokati Stadium on 30 March.

Various Namibian DJs and artists will be performing. Tickets are available at Computicket.

KENYA KAMBOWE

Mandavela reaffirms reggae

Signed under Welwitschia Music Production, Gerson Mandavela, known by his stage name Gerry Dread, has been making waves and has cemented himself with his fellow reggae artists in the music industry.

He recently released his third album titled Ghetto Survival and hopes to launch it in March. The album features new artists Ras Petu and Masiro, who Dread wants to mentor and help get out there. The album has 13 tracks which have a nostalgic feel to it. There are beautiful vocals accompanied with beats that will surely have you bobbing your head. Dread speaks on issues such as poverty eradication as well as the recent mineworker retrenchments in Namibia. All these issues are plaguing the youth of this country. This is more than a feel-good album. As you browse through the brilliantly produced project you realise that there is more to be expected from Dread.

Towards tracks 10 to 13 it is no longer just a typical reggae album - these tracks have a Shambo vibe that will take you straight back to the village days.

Gerry Dread has big expectations for the year as he hopes to be able to share his music internationally because his goals stretch further than just performing for Namibia. He will also be performing at the March for Cannabis in April, so look out for that. He says that Namibia will be surprised by his album launch which will take place in March at the UN Plaza in Katutura.

“I want Namibia and the world to hear our cry and for the reggae industry to keep growing from strength to strength,” he said.

Elizabeth Joseph

Company news in brief

SA to bail out Eskom without taking on debts

South Africa will give power utility Eskom a total of R69 billion but will not take on R100 billion of debt as requested by the struggling firm, finance minister Tito Mboweni said on Wednesday.

In its 2019 budget, the treasury said the first step in splitting Eskom would be to transfer a portion of the utility's assets to a new transmission subsidiary that will invite the participation of strategic equity partners to provide capital and strengthen oversight.

Further financial support to Eskom would depend on economic growth, electricity tariffs and the implementation of the company's strategy, the treasury said.

"Pouring money directly into Eskom in its current form is like pouring water into a sieve," Mboweni said in his budget speech. "I want to make it clear: the national government is not taking on Eskom's debt."

"We have had very very difficult conversations with the ratings agencies ... if we are doing practical things to fix Eskom the electricity sector, in my view, that should be viewed as positive," Mboweni told journalists ahead of his speech. – Nampa/Reuters

Deutsche Bank to rebuild in SA

Deutsche Bank is hiring 26 people in South Africa, a spokesman said on Wednesday, less than a year after scaling back the operation in a broad restructuring of its investment bank.

The spokesman said the lender had appointed a new head of corporate finance in South Africa and the remaining hires would be in corporate finance, fixed income and corporate treasury.

Deutsche Bank, Germany's largest lender that has had a presence in South Africa since 1979, reported its first annual profit in four years this month following a turnaround strategy implemented by chief executive Christian Sewing.

As part of the turnaround, Deutsche Bank announced in June it would shut its corporate broking, advisory and sponsor services in South Africa, meaning a small number of job losses among its workforce of around 70 people.

Rival investment bank Credit Suisse said in November it would pull out of South Africa. – Nampa/Reuters

MTN faces more problems in Uganda

Uganda accused the country's biggest telecoms operator, MTN Uganda, on Tuesday of underdeclaring its sales and causing public revenue losses, in a further souring of relations with the South African-owned company.

Uganda deported MTN Uganda's chief executive Wim Vanhelleputte last week, the fourth MTN official to be expelled from the East African country in less than a month on accusations of compromising national security.

The company is a unit of South African telecoms giant MTN Group, which has also had problems in Nigeria where the central bank last year accused it of repatriating US$8 billion without the correct paperwork. The row was later resolved after the company paid a token settlement.

Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly accused telecom firms in the country of cheating taxes by underreporting the volume of their calls and data sales, but has not named any companies.

MTN Uganda's spokeswoman Justina Ntabgoba said the company had not been given any details of the alleged underreporting of transactions. – Nampa/Reuters

AngloGold looks to streamline assets

South Africa's AngloGold Ashanti said on Tuesday it was putting its interests in an Argentine mine up for sale as it looks to focus on operations with a longer shelf life and ability to deliver higher returns.

AngloGold chief executive Kelvin Dushnisky, Barrick Gold's former president, was appointed to head the firm last year and has rolled out plans to streamline its portfolio, set a 15% hurdle on returns on investment and cut debt leverage targets to a ratio of 1.0 times net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.

The bullion miner, which last year said it planned to sell its interest in its Sadiola mine in Mali, has initiated sales processes for Cerro Vanguardia in Argentina.

AngloGold said its South African Mponeng mine, the world's deepest gold mine, had improved since going through restructuring and there were no immediate plans to sell it.

The world’s third largest gold miner also has new projects on the cards, as it proceeds with a feasibility study for Quebradona, a joint venture with B2Gold, in Colombia. – Nampa/Reuters

Barclays 2018 profit underwhelms as Brexit bites

Barclays reported a lower-than-forecast attributable profit of 3.5 billion pounds (US$4.56 billion) for 2018, as it took a 150 million pound provision against Brexit losses and its trading business weathered a difficult fourth quarter.

Barclays did report signs of progress in its under-pressure investment bank, where profit for the full year increased 15% to 2.6 billion pounds as its equities trading unit saw income rise 25%.

Barclays paid a dividend of 6.5 pence per share and signalled intentions to return more capital via dividend increases and buybacks when it was practical to do so.

The bank's profit of 1.4 billion pounds when conduct and litigation charges were included compared to a 1.9 billion pounds loss in 2017.

Barclays' international division, which houses its investment bank, reported a profit before tax of 3.9 billion pounds, in line with analysts' expectations of 3.95 billion pounds. – Nampa/Reuters

It's a FvckUp!The hustle is real “Shoot your shot,” they said. What they didn't tell you was how difficult it would be, how excruciating the pain of failure feels and how discouraging it is to shoot for the stars and hit the ceiling instead.

People hate showing off their failures and it only makes sense - who in their right mind boasts about trial and error? Even the world tells us to shut up about it and get on with it.

Social media posts feature only the most successful… they paint a picture of perfection, one untainted and errorless, when in reality the self-same individual fails on a daily basis, but gets up and keeps going because they know what they are working and fighting for.

It is for this reason that FvckUp Nights Windhoek wishes to invite you - the young entrepreneur, the ambitious professional and the inquisitive student to a night of educative interaction and networking.

Join the movement on 26 February, at Garden Inn in Windhoek West, 19:00 and come listen to a few of our most successful members of society tell you how they got there, how they had to fall more times than they could stand and how much failure contributed to their success.

The stigma attached to the concept of failure is what the FvckUp team aims to destroy. Not to encourage people to fail or be complacent in their failure, but to maintain an environment that encourages learning from your mistakes, and from those who have walked the path you desire, because only those who have escaped the pit can help you out of it.

It is important for an entrepreneur and business professional to know that failure is but a stepping stone to success, it's not something you ought to be okay with but it's something you need to acknowledge, for it is a reality - it happens, to all of us, irrespective of our careers, business ventures or experiences. Nobody is immune to it and it is certainly not picky of whom it befalls.

About FvckUp

What is Fuckup Nights?

Fuckup Nights is a global movement and event series that shares stories of professional failure. Each month, in events across the globe, we get three to four people to get up in front of a room full of strangers to share their own professional fvckup. The stories of the business that crashes and burns, the partnership deal that goes sour, the product that has to be recalled, we tell them all. Visit fuckupnights.com for more information.

TUNOHOLE MUNGOBA

Witboois on warpathAccuse Hanse-Himarwa of 'deceiving the nation' The storm around the late Chief Witbooi's Bible and whip continues to rage, with the /Khowese Royal House saying that while they support the repatriation, they were not formally consulted.

The /Khowese Royal House has accused arts and culture minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa of deceiving the nation, when she said the Witbooi family had agreed to have the bible and whip of Hendrik Witbooi displayed in the national museum.

They have also demanded that the German and Namibian governments address the methodological reliability and soundness of the repatriation process of the items from Germany and accord the

/Khowese Royal House its legitimate and rightful place and space.

The /Khowese Royal House say this had been done for the Ombalantu people during the repatriation of the Ombalantu ritual stones in 2014 from Finland.

“The reckless and insensitive statements made by the minister through the radio series as if the government is doing the /Khowese Royal House a favour and the Witbooi Traditional Community a grand favour and that we should agree with flawed processes and an irrelevant narrative,” said Kaptein Salomon Josephat Witbooi of the royal house.

“This is disrespectful to us especially emanating from a political high office. The minister must know we know the history and the sequence of all the events as they have unfolded, even before Namibian independence, regarding the artefacts that are being repatriated.”

He added that Hanse-Himarwa is conflicted and is confusing the reparation issue with succession issues in the Witbooi clan.

The storm around the late Chief Witbooi's bible and whip continues to rage, with the /Khowese Royal House saying that while they support the repatriation, they were not formally consulted.

Last week Hanse-Himarwa emphasised that Witbooi was much more than a “small tribesman” but rather “a world icon”, and that government has been in consultation with his descendants regarding the repatriation.

“This bible [is] coming back after 100 years in a new dawn, a new era where we have a legitimate government elected by the people, including the Witbooi and other clans, representing the people of Namibia in its entirety, [which] has the legal standing to represent the people of Namibia at a state-to-state level. States do not negotiate with individuals,” she said. Salamon said this week the /Khowese Royal House supports the return of the artefacts, however they take exception to the manner in with the repatriation is being handled by arts and culture ministry. He said it is disheartening and disrespectful that the ministry can push a narrative that the assets of the late Witbooi are state assets, due to his nation hero profile.

“It is very disturbing that surviving direct descendants, namely the great-grandchildren of Auta !Nanseb, are denied to receive these items on behalf of the Witbooi Royal House and the clan at large.

This is not only ethically flawed but represents a flagrant denial of the final wishes of the surviving elders of the /Khowese clan,” Salamon said.

He reminded the Namibian government that when the bible and whip were stolen at Hornkranz in the Naukluft Mountains, the late Witbooi was neither under a German protection treaty nor a peace accord.

“Therefore the return of these personal artefacts cannot be treated as an exclusive state-to-state handover event, but should embrace the surviving great-grandchildren of Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi.”

This comes at a time when the Nama Traditional Leaders Authority (NTLA) has dug in its heels, saying the repatriation will negatively affect the New York court case regarding reparations for the Nama and Ovaherero genocide of 1904-08. The Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) has also added their voice, saying the artefacts must remain at the Linden University in Stuttgart Germany.

The university posted on its website that on 1 March the family bible and whip that belonged to Chief Hendrik Witbooi (1834-1905), which had been donated to the university in 1902, would be returned to Namibia by the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.

JEMIMA BEUKES

Still no CEO for airports company

The recruitment of a new CEO for the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is continuing, its board chairperson Leake Hangala says.

The NAC has been without a CEO following the suspension of Egyptian national Tamer El Kallawi in 2017.

El Kallawi's suspension was followed by the appointment of acting CEO Lot Haifidi.

Haifidi resigned shortly after his appointment and was succeeded by former presidential spokesperson Albertus Aochamub, who acted as CEO until August 2018.

That marked the return of Haifidi as acting CEO. He is still serving in that position.

Six people have been appointed to head the NAC since 2012, including Ben Biwa, who was appointed in 2012, current NAC executive Toska Sem, and government attorney Matti Asino, who both served in an acting capacity. The list is completed by El Kallawi, Aochamub and current acting CEO Haifidi.

Commenting on the matter, Hangala said: “It is not finalised.” He would not be drawn into commenting on the possible appointment of outgoing Namibia Ports Authority CEO Bisey /Uirab.

Hangala had been quoted as saying that the process would be concluded by month-end.

Both The Namibian and the Windhoek Observer reported that /Uirab was tipped to take over as CEO at the airports company. It was reported that the cabinet had given the nod for /Uirab to be appointed.

The NAC board recently almost appointed accountant Werner Schuckmann but he turned down the offer after demanding a higher salary, The Namibian reported in January.

Schuckman is said to have demanded an annual package of N$2.6 million, including a N$60 000 entertainment allowance, N$10 000 cellphone allowance, 50% bonus and 36 leave days.

Transport minister John Mutorwa was quoted as saying that the government had given the NAC board the green light to headhunt a new chief executive.

The NAC manages eight airports on behalf of the government: the Hosea Kutako and Walvis Bay international airports, Windhoek's Eros airport and smaller airports at Ondangwa, Lüderitz, Rundu, Keetmanshoop and Katima Mulilo.

OGONE TLHAGE