Namibian Sun

Mining: ‘Continue dialogue on value addition’Success mutually beneficial, says Alweendo The mining sector will continue to be an important contributor to the economy, but only if new mines are found. We also know that exploration is a high risk investment. – Tom Alweendo, Minister: Mines and Energy

The mining sector can be leveraged to strengthen the productive capacity of the Namibian economy and value to minerals before they are exported in raw form, the minister of mines and energy, Tom Alweendo, has said.

Speaking at the Debmarine stakeholder engagement on Friday, Alweendo said value addition would strengthen the productive capacity of the economy, thereby serving as a catalyst for more investment in the economy.

He said there was no reason why the country had to continue exporting all of its raw materials in raw form when some could easily be value-added.

Therefore, comprehensive dialogue between relevant parties in the mining sector was needed to discover what is in the best interest of all parties, including the realisation that a successful value addition scheme is mutually beneficial to both the investors and the state.

Investment

Alweendo added that the mining sector would continue to be an important contributor to the economy, but only if new mines are found.

He also urged industry players to do everything possible to attract investment in mineral exploration.

“Without exploration, no new mines can be discovered. We also know that exploration is a high risk investment. When you invest in mineral exploration, there is no guarantee that you will discover mines,” Alweendo said.

Diamond mining contributed 8.2% of nominal gross domestic product (GDP) from 2013 to 2017, which shows that it is a substantial contributor compared to other sectors, he added. - Nampa

Golden jubileeAI Steenkamp celebrates 50 years From humble beginnings, AI Steenkamp Primary School has gone from strength to strength.

Michelline Nawatises

AI Steenkamp Primary School started with 13 classrooms, 227 learners and five teachers 50 years ago.

Currently the school has over 1 400 learners, 49 teachers, six institutional workers, two secretaries.

The school has groomed learners who are great leaders today.

It celebrated its 50th anniversary or golden jubilee under the theme ‘Appreciating the past, celebrating the future and inspiring the future’.

Many can testify that former pupils are occupying high-flying jobs in offices and are the backbone of the country's economy, as well as the education, political and development spheres.

The school has a unique formula for educational success. This includes expectations, academically and behaviourally, no excuses and no exceptions.

The common denominator underlying every well-performing school and teacher is having a strong will and high expectations to bring out the best in students, whether at a public or private institution.

AI Steenkamp sets the bar high and holds everyone accountable and to the same level, in order to get results. Economic hardships and vulnerability doesn't have to resign the students to academic failure.

Ben Amadhila, a retired politician and a product of Augustineum, now known as A I Steenkamp, was a guest speaker and was delighted to join the school its celebration.

He shared with parents, teachers and learners his recollection of some of the things that mattered during his education

Augustineum was the creation of missionaries from various parts of Europe, principally German missionaries, and the name Augustineum was taken from the town of Augusta Treverorum.

“Let me equally take this opportunity to congratulate you as a school on your 50th anniversary, it is quite an achievement when we look at the circumstances under which we are operating and the background we are coming from,” he said.

“All of us sitting here at one stage or another, were at a level that you are today to learn, to learn and to learn.”

Amadhila said nobody came in this world with the skills and understanding and experiences.

AI Steenkamp principal Rudolfine Kamahene overflowed with joy as she showed the audience the previous principals.

“Dearest learners of AI Steenkamp I want you to remember today… I want to see each and every one of you being high-flyers in your generation.”

Shoprite/Checkers contributes to education

Shoprite/Checkers Namibia awarded five students N$10 000 each towards their education. My Zone invited these students into the Namibia Media Events Studio on Friday to get to know them and their study plans. Karen Smith, the divisional human resource officer for Shoprite/Checkers, says they believe in the potential of young people, thus the reason for further investing in them. “Our youth should always be a priority as they are our future leaders. We need to believe in them in order to keep on inspiring others,” she said. In the photo, from left is recipient Justin !Aebeb, Karen Smith, recipient Renathe Kangandi, recipient Herbert Mouton and Christiana Angermund, from Agency Desk at Namibia Media Holdings (NMH).PHOTO JUSTICIA SHIPENA

Brexit threatens meat exportsNew agreements urgently needed The United Kingdom's planned withdrawal from the EU could prove devastating for the Namibian meat industry.

Namibian meat exports to the United Kingdom are in jeopardy unless new trade agreements are signed before Britain officially leaves the European Union.

Brexit would have dire consequences for Namibia if trade agreements were not renegotiated in time, the Meat Board of Namibia said at its Livestock Marketing Committee meeting last week.

According to the Meat Board the Southern African Customs Union is negotiating with the United Kingdom in the hope of finding a solution.

The EU, UK and Norwegian markets account for 43.2% of Meatco's sales by volume, while South Africa and Namibia make up 55.72%.

According to statistics provided by Meatco a total 37 000 tons of beef were exported in 2017 of which 9 400 tons were exported to South Africa and the European Union, the UK, Reunion and Norway received 9 500 tons.

The Meat Board further said that new markets were beginning to be exploited in the United States and China, and the US in particular appeared to be profitable for forequarter meat. Also under discussion was the small-stock marketing scheme, especially mechanisms to force small-stock abattoirs to pay competitive prices.

Other agenda items included the number of buffalo in the Waterberg Plateau Park and measures to reduce this number.

The current drought was also discussed, especially the need for farmers to market their livestock without restrictions in order to reduce the pressure on available grazing. The Meat Board also announced that a request had been sent to the South African authorities to declare Namibia free of bovine tuberculosis (TB) so that testing of meat exports no longer would be necessary.

This request was supported by a qualitative risk assessment by the Meat Board, which confirmed that the risk of TB in cattle exported to South Africa was insignificant, even without testing.

Currently South Africa requires Namibian farmers to test their entire herds for diseases such as tuberculosis before export, which is a costly exercise. The Meat Board's Animal Health Committee discussed the budget deficit of the Directorate of Veterinary Services and how the directorate could be supported to perform its essential services.

At the FANMeat Committee meeting, concern was expressed that producers do not regularly complete and send in their animal health declaration forms.

It was stressed that this is of critical importance, especially in view of the fact that the Directorate of Veterinary Services has no funds to do farm inspections.

Farmers were urged to complete these forms twice a year and submit them to the nearest veterinary office.

ELLANIE SMIT

'Knife-wielding' receptionist in court

An ugly incident at the regional council offices in Okahandja on 21 January had a sequel in the town's magistrate court yesterday.

Kathleen Uri-khos (48) appeared before Magistrate Khaepriums Swartz on two charges of assault by threat.

According to the two complainants in the matter, Basie Tjikune and Petrus Kampaku, Uri-khos, a receptionist at the regional council offices, threatened them at knifepoint on 21 January.

Tjikune is part of a community group that on 11 January protested to demand the removal of Steve 'Biko' Booys as Okahandja constituency councillor.

They petitioned President Hage Geingob, but were referred to urban and regional development minister Peya Mushelenga.

Uri-khos was arrested on 22 January and was granted bail of N$1 000.

According to the prosecutor, Veruka Njemao, the police investigation is complete and they are ready to proceed with the plea and trial.

However, yesterday, Uri-khos indicated that she had only applied for legal aid during the morning before her appearance.

The matter was postponed to 4 April.

Magistrate Swartz instructed Uri-khos to follow up on her application at the Directorate of Legal Aid, so that the matter could proceed.

Her bail was extended.

YANNA SMITH

Give yourself some credit Mariselle Stofberg

Pressure is something we all get used to at some point in our lives. You need to perform, you need to excel, you need to succeed, you need to produce and the list goes on.

We are expected to do a lot of things and sometimes this pressure drives you to achieve more than you thought was even possible. Personally, there is nothing I love more than a challenge. The moment it appears as though the odds are stacked against me, it fuels me to give even more.

The excitement you feel when you know you are stressed for time and the sheer joy of knowing you met the deadline is amazing. My problem, however, is the pressure I put on myself. I set standards for what I want to achieve, which in essence is wonderful, but the problems come in when you set these standards so high you have trouble meeting them. We don’t want to let people down and this in turn puts another layer of stress on you to produce and perform.

Suddenly, because of the internal pressure we put on ourselves to achieve, that adrenaline becomes stress. Suddenly that hill we have to climb looks like a mountain and you have no idea how on earth you will climb it. You are met with seemingly impossible tasks and deadlines, and the more you stress, the more impossible they seem. You start off on a Monday stressed and tired, because you have no idea how you will be able to reach Friday, because you have a million things that need to be done on Monday and that is not even a fraction of the things you need to get done during the rest of the week.

We believe that the smallest mistake on our side will create a snowball effect, and that in turn will have everything crashing down. We stress to such an extent that we see this stress as a weakness, and we decide to keep this to ourselves. This feeling of dread just builds and builds, but we keep this to ourselves, and no one knows we are drowning. We don’t want anyone to think we are weak, so we keep up a front.

We then start stressing because we are stressing, and we start to slide down this slippery slope.

We start off on Monday wishing it was Friday and on Sunday you are already dreading Monday. We get stuck in this cycle and the more you stress, the harder it becomes to free yourself from this cycle.

Someone once told me the most important thing: just breathe. I would laugh and think: “I barely have time to think, let alone to sit and breathe.”

Just breathe. Stop for two seconds and just breathe. Give yourself two minutes and think of everything you have accomplished thus far. You made a decision to get up this morning, despite your feelings of stress and dread, and you decided to take on another day.

You made the decision to get back up again and you decided to give this day everything you have. You got dressed, you made coffee and you picked up your bag. These are small victories, but yes, you have a seemingly impossible task ahead, but guess what, you can do it.

My mother used to say your mind is the most important organ in your body and your mindset has an incredible impact on you and your life. I used to think that’s wonderful, but how on earth will I be able to convince myself I will be able to get everything done?

Well, the moment I decided I will not allow myself to wallow in this hole of self-pity, I started feeling that maybe I can do this. I decided that asking for help does not make me weak; instead I believe it takes an incredible amount of guts and strength to admit that you need help.

I realised that I wasted so much time each day stressing about the things I need to get done. I could have actually used that time to get the things done that I’ve been stressing about. I started giving myself just a bit of credit each day, knowing I was trying my best. I started telling myself that that impossible mountain only needed the right gear and some company.

Don’t be under the assumption that you need to be independent to the point where you push others away, just to prove you can do this by yourself. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for, but you’re not a superhero.

Take every day step by step, plan your day to allow yourself the necessary time to work efficiently, but still have a few moments to just sit back and breathe. It’s amazing what effect a little breathing has on you.

Usakos wants speedy decision on TransNamib projectLocomotive renovation plant Cabinet is divided on the funding of the project of more than N$1 billion. Close to 60% of the town’s youth are unemployed and we are hoping … a number of jobs will be created.” – Ivan Lombardt, CEO: Usakos town council

Isabel Bento – The management of the Usakos town council has appealed for a speedy Cabinet resolution regarding TransNamib’s N$1.1 billion locomotive renovation plant project planned for Usakos.

The government has plans to build a railway factory in Usakos, which is expected to renovate about 33 TransNamib locomotives.

However, Cabinet members are divided between accepting proposed funding of N$1.1 billion from Malaysian Rail Company SMH, for which a bank guarantee needs to be provided, or to source external funding worth N$ 1 billion to which a guarantee would be provided through TransNamib’s property portfolio.

In an exclusive interview with Nampa on Friday, Usakos chief executive officer, Ivan Lombardt, said the delay in reaching this important decision is costing the town developmental opportunities.

“Close to 60% of the town’s youth are unemployed and we are hoping that with this proposed project, a number of jobs will be created and employment made available in the process,” Lombardt said.

The CEO emphasised on how, unlike its neighbouring towns, Usakos has no mine and depends mainly on the railway and has a big railway history.

“Our town is further behind in infrastructure development and if this project is to kick off as soon as possible, things could change for the better and the project could give the town a facelift,” he said.

Slow development

In the same interview, Usakos mayor Akser Mwafangeyo stressed that one of the reasons infrastructure development is slow in the town was due to the fact that most of the land in Usakos belongs to TransNamib.

“We are hoping that with this agreement, things will change in terms of scenery and how people look at the TransNamib infrastructure. We see this initiative as something that will turn things around, not only by creating job opportunities but also improving living conditions as well as the housing situation,” Mwafangeyo said.

The mayor added that they equally believe that in return, TransNamib will generate revenue from the land they own there, which has been idle and underutilised.

According to the CEO, the project contract should have been completed and signed during this month already, while construction was to commence in April 2019.

“We do not have a problem with Cabinet trying to make a choice which is in the best interest of the country, however as a town, we need this as a matter of urgency and we can no longer take the delay,” Lombardt reiterated.

SMH Rail is Malaysia’s largest privately-owned rolling stock manufacturer and service provider, which was established in 2000 to undertake railway engineering projects.

The company currently has permanent presence in various overseas locations including India, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Thailand and Cambodia. - Nampa

Parkade upgrade completed

Officially regarded as one of the highest parkades in Windhoek, the Alexander Forbes House parkade now hosts 350 parking bays following the addition of 168 bays over the past 12 months. Ohlthaver & List Group subsidiary, Broll Namibia – the owner and manager of the Alexander Forbes House - says Broll Namibia invested N$23 million in the upgrade. “This is one of the first parkades in Namibia that works with a traffic indicating system. The system indicates oncoming traffic around corners by way of a red and green light system. This allows a safe journey for users when driving up or down the parkade,” says the managing director of Broll Namibia, Marco Wenk. Photo Contributed

Housing must be a priority

In the midst of an ongoing housing crisis, government in 2015 decided to pull the plug on its own mass housing programme. The programme, launched at the end of 2013 by then president Hifikepunye Pohamba, had intended to build 185 000 affordable houses by 2030, in line with the national long-term development blueprint, Vision 2030. To this date, only 3 958 houses have been completed countrywide, while 1 107 units are still in the process of being finished, according to the ministry of urban and rural development, under which the project now resorts. In an interview with Namibian Sun last week, Nghidinua Daniel, the executive director at the line ministry, claimed government was in the process of refining the project. “The ministry has commissioned a comprehensive review of the mass housing blueprint as well as the drafting of the ministerial implementation plan. The outcome policy documentation and implementation will guide the national housing development initiatives and provide clarity on the role of the state and other roleplayers going forward,” Daniel was quoted as saying. We must acknowledge that the housing crisis is worse than it has ever been and there is no doubt that in today's topsy-turvy housing market, cash rules. Many Namibians are shut out of the property market because rising prices have encouraged “buy-to-let” landlords, who continue to snap up many properties on the market, while government watches on with folded arms because its lack of failure to prioritise this critical social issue. Thousands in the middle- and low-income groups have expressed their anguish over the escalating property prices, but nothing cohesive is being done to address this. No wonder it is taking this government four years to fix a national housing initiative. Equally, the lacklustre performance of government in this critical area creates the impression that the authorities are not really bothered by the over 300 000-unit national housing backlog. Housing must be a priority and a national plan, with quarterly updates on progress, should be implemented as soon as possible.

No bail for 'herbalist'Grew cannabis to produce oil A Swakopmund woman, who claims that she grows dagga to ease the suffering of her ill husband, has been charged with drug dealing.

Cheryl Antoinette Green (51) yesterday appeared before Magistrate Conchita Olivier in the Swakopmund Magistrate's Court on a charge of dealing in a dependence-producing substance.

She was arrested at her home on Saturday for having 71 cannabis plants with an estimated value of N$21 104.

Public prosecutor Beata Mwahi opposed bail.

Olivier postponed the case to 20 March for further investigation and in order for Green to bring a formal bail application.

Green indicated that she would conduct her own defence. She claimed that she cultivated the cannabis for medicinal use and said none of it had ever left her yard.

She said her husband was suffering from a life-threatening disease and depended on the cannabis oil she produced.

Green's arrest followed that of her son (20) by members of the drug law-enforcement unit and the neighbourhood watch during a stop-and-search operation.

Eight grams of dagga with an estimated street value of N$80 were found on the young man.

He was charged for possession of dagga but has not appeared in court yet.

He subsequently led the officers to the home in Kramersdorf where they found his mother and questioned her.

They conducted a search and found the dagga plants (weighing about 3.5 kg), plus 26 grams of seeds and cannabis oil.

OTIS FINCK

Catch of the dayRikus is a master angler Rikus van Staden is a grade 11 learner at Windhoek High School and the World Angling Games junior section bank angling champion.

Michelline Nawatises

Rikus van Staden has been fishing since a young age. His major highlight in angling by far was the recent World Angling Games held at the Vaal Dam in South Africa, where he won the junior section for bank angling.

Another highlight was being selected for the Region 5 team in August of 2018.

Rikus believes his main strength is always being well-prepared.

He feels he needs to improve his casting, which is one of the greatest skills needed to fish competitively.

“I will always practice casting. Distance and accuracy will keep you in the game,” he said.]

Another important area he needs to improve on is speed angling.

Rikus started fishing when he could barely walk. He was introduced to both fresh and seawater angling by his dad.

“At the age of nine I started to compete in national competitions (freshwater bank angling). At the World Angling Games the first two days are set out for practising, specifically to determine distance and different types of baits.

“I determined during those two days that fish were caught constantly at a distance of 55m to 110m,” he says.

This was followed by a rest day when all competitors prepares for the next three official test days.

During the test day’s rain caused the fish, which were initially feeding at 55m, to move to a deeper distance of 85m and later fish were only caught at 110m. “Because of this change in feeding distance, I drastically needed to change my game plan. Fish were also biting really fast, and I needed to adapt to a quick tempo.

“The team captain and team reserve assisted me in helping to land the fish and preparing for the next cast. The wind was blowing right from the front. I ensured that my casting stayed accurate and managed to reach 110m, even though I changed to a heavier casting weight. This is where accurate casting comes in handy!

“I got the upper hand by being able to reach my casting spot in the fierce wind, whilst my opponents struggled to achieve the same,” Rikus said.

On test day one Rikus caught a total fish bag of 28kg, beating the closest opponent by almost 10kg. This secured him a first spot on the bank overall. On test day two, the same happened, with him land a bag weight of 34kg and over three days he caught a whopping 82kg!

Rikus has taken part in national competitions for eight years.

He was the under-13 overall champion (penkop) and in 2018 the u-20 (junior) overall national champion. He had the privilege to compete in two Region 5 tournaments between Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and the big one, the World Angling Games.

Rikus also thrives on mathematics as well.

When he does not fish, he enjoys hunting with his dad. He has other interests as well. He plays rugby but fishing always comes out tops and whenever he gets the chance to go to the coast, saltwater fishing is a top priority!

Rikus in his own words:

· I like being competitive in almost all areas of my life!

· Fishing is an extremely competitive sport and at the same time teaches you loads of patience.

· I think of myself as being disciplined both in school and on the sports field.

· Apart from fishing, I also play rugby for WHS.

· Being respectful at all times is non-negotiable and I have compassion for the elderly.

· I am grateful for my talents and opportunities and strive to be a better person each day.

· My parents keep me firmly grounded and they are my greatest mentors!

Innovation to increase intra-Africa trade

There is a need to find innovative ways of increasing intra-Africa trade, the deputy prime minister and minister of international relations and cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said yesterday.

“The subdued global trade could be a major reason, as it has impacted African economies differently. Some through falling commodity prices and others through the shrinking demand for manufactured goods. [Thus] we need to find innovative ways of increasing intra-Africa trade,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the opening of the third session of the Namibia-Ghana Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC).

The Namibia-Ghana JPCC has made progress and signed a significant number of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen their economies, she said.

“We have signed six agreements and MoUs and 14 more are set to be negotiated during the third session of our JPCC covering a wide range of sectors.”

Business environment

The minister added that it is a priority to improve the business environment, promote investments and support the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking at the same event, Ghana’s deputy minister for foreign affairs and regional integration, Charles Owiredu, said the JPCC needs to encourage private investment as well as trade between the two countries.

“We must encourage private sector investment in our respective countries and improve trade between our two countries, taking advantage not only of our bilateral agreements but also the multilateral ones such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), of which both countries are signatories,” Owiredu said.

He invited the Namibian private sector to take advantage of the incentives being offered in Ghana. - Nampa

Foreigners dominate bids25 companies in running for airport road, railway tenders Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Spanish, Portuguese, Botswana and South African firms are among those in line to rake in billion-dollar Namibian tenders.

A total of 25 companies have been shortlisted for the construction and upgrade of the Walvis Bay-Kranzberg railway line and the construction of a new road to Hosea Kutako International Airport.

A Chinese firm, China Harbor Engineering Company, was shortlisted for both projects.

It submitted a joint bid with local company Roadhart CC for the rail project. The other local company to be selected for the rail project is D&M Rail. It submitted a joint bid with China Jiangxi and China Henan.

Only two local companies were shortlisted for the airport road project - NCR and Top International Engineering Namibia. The other companies shortlisted include Portuguese, Spanish and Indian firms, while 12 Chinese companies complete the list.

In total 16 firms were shortlisted for the airport road and nine for the railway project, with 17 Chinese companies featuring either as sole bidders or in joint ventures with others. D&M Rail Construction was appointed in 2014 by TransNamib to rehabilitate the Kranzberg-Tsumeb railway line in a deal worth N$200 million, The Namibian reported.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) initially required companies to have an average turnover of N$631 million, which effectively excluded local firms. Companies were also required to have a monthly cash flow of N$53 million.

These requirements were relaxed after finance minister Calle Schlettwein intervened.

Roads Authority CEO Conrad Lutombi would not comment when approached for comment.

Works ministry executive director Willem Goeiemann told Namibian Sun that the process of selecting a contractor was still ongoing.

“We are not done yet, we have not even briefed the ministers. The process is not complete,” Goeiemann said briefly.

Both projects are being partially funded by the African Development Bank through a N$2 billion loan granted in December 2017.

Last year the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) asked the government to lobby the AfDB to relax the requirements set for the two tenders.

“The tender requirements... are of such a nature that they automatically preclude all Namibian contractors,” said CIF general secretary Bärbel Kirchner.

The upgrading of the railway track between Walvis Bay and Kranzberg would speed up freight and passenger traffic.

The current railway, of Cape Gauge standard, was last upgraded in the 1960s and, in its current condition with speed restrictions, is an infrastructure bottleneck, resulting in increased transport costs.

After improvement, freight trains will be able to travel at up to 80 km/h and passengers will enjoy speeds of up to 100 km/h. The rail upgrading will be done over three years.

As for the planned airport road, a new dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, which will incorporate an option for a third lane in the future, will be constructed over a period of 42 months. The existing road will be retained as an alternative to service local traffic.

The Chinese government has granted N$10 billion in infrastructure funding to the Namibian government through its Belt and Road initiative. If taken up by the government, a portion of that would finance the planned upgrading of Hosea Kutako International Airport.

OGONE TLHAGE

Brazil paroles Namibian drug mules

Five Namibian women, who were convicted in Brazil on drug-related charges between 2016 and 2018, have been released from prison.

The Namibian police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Edwin Kanguatjivi, confirmed yesterday that the women, aged between 30 and 33, who had been released on parole, were doing community service in Brazil until they complete their five-year sentences. The women were arrested at São Paulo International Airport on drug-trafficking charges. Kanguatjivi said the women were recruited in Windhoek to collect parcels of Brazilian hair extensions, shoes and clothing. “On exiting Brazil they were apprehended at the airport, charged and ultimately sentenced to five years' imprisonment.”

Kanguatjivi said the Namibian police had repeatedly warned against such activities, but this message apparently did not reach its intended audience.

“As such, we once again appeal to our young women to be vigilant and not to fall prey to drug dealers,” said Kanguatjivi

Incidents of Namibian women being used in such crimes are becoming more common.

Recruiters are reported to target desperate girls, paying them nominal fees while retaining the bulk of the smuggling fee.

Kanguatjivi warned the public against syndicates that recruit young, unsuspecting Namibian women to become drug mules.

Namibian Sun reported in 2017 that security experts had warned that more locals might be persuaded to act as drug mules because of the desperate economic situation.

That year several Namibian women were arrested for trafficking drugs from Brazil, including a May 2017 arrest at São Paulo International Airport.

Dedre Anzell Strauss, who was in her early thirties at the time, was arrested at the airport for being in possession of cocaine.

Strauss left Namibia on 17 May 2017 on a South African Airways flight and was on her way back from Brazil on 24 May.

It is alleged that she left the country with her boyfriend, who was from Brazil.

Her arrest followed barely a month after a 33-year-old Namibian woman was arrested for smuggling cocaine into South Africa from Brazil.

In this incident, Lena de Waal was arrested at the end of April at OR Tambo International Airport after travelling from São Paulo.

The South African Hawks discovered 5 kilograms of cocaine to the value of N$2 million, which was wrapped in foil inside her luggage.

In April 2016, Melanie van Niekerk was arrested in Brazil after allegedly being found in possession of drugs at an airport.

A few years ago seven Namibian women were arrested in Brazil for drug possession and were held in São Paulo prisons. The women were aged between 20 and 40, and were arrested during the course of 2011.

They were allegedly trying to smuggle drugs to Southern Africa.

Human Rights Watch has cited Brazil's female prisons for the ill-treatment of women, saying the jail population has increased by 161% in the last decade.

A 2014 study showed that many women incarcerated in Brazil were not Brazilians but foreigners who were caught transporting drugs to and from the country. The study reported that 53% of the foreigners were from the Americas, 27% from Africa and 13% from Europe.

Paladin approves kick-starting Langer Heinrich again

The board of Paladin Energy, the majority shareholder of Langer Heinrich, has approved a prefeasibility study to restart the local uranium mine.
Issuing a statement this morning, Paladin said “the concept study found Langer Heinrich could be restarted relatively quickly in response to strengthening uranium prices”. Subject to the validation in the study, the mine could be back in full production as early as mid-2021, Paladin said.
Langer Heinrich was placed in care and maintenance last May due to the sustained low uranium spot price.

The sinking Sea RobbersFrom NPL giants to whipping boys Orlando Pirates are currently languishing at the bottom of the NPL, and are effectively writing their own obituary, as relegation looms.

There seems to be no end in sight when it comes to Orlando Pirates' woes.

The club sits in last place on the Namibia Premier League (NPL) log with six points so far from 12 matches.

The Sea Robbers, who have always been a force to be reckoned with over the years, were formed in 1963 and have won two league titles - in 1990 and 2008.

They also have a great following of male and female supporters, who have backed them for many years.

However, there is little or nothing to crow about these days. And gone are the days when youthful players and the who's who of local football dreamed of playing for the black and white outfit.

These days' players are storming to other clubs, who seem to have much bigger aspirations, as well as hunger and drive.

Formidable former players like Orlando Haraseb, Rudi Louw and Mohammed Ouseb plied their trade with the giants of Namibian football at some point in the career.

The club is certainly not attracting the same calibre of players now.

“Pirates released all their old players with experience for inexperienced guys and if they are not careful they might well be facing relegation,” said a former player, who refused to be named.

Another source close to the team said Pirates' downfall is a result of poor management and wrong decision-making.

According to him, Pirates is rumoured to be eyeing first division players to sign during the transfer window.

“Just as much as they don't have players, the club does not have the right technical team.

“Look at the coach. He does not have any title wins at all. Also, the leadership of Pirates needs to be questioned. Do they have time for the club?” asked the source.

“The club does not have right structures but they appointed a CEO, namely Niklaas Kisilipile. One does not know who signs players. Is it the coach or the management? There is just chaos there.”

The source added that players are not paid on time and do not have a fixed field to train on.

“I suggest that they bring back the old management if they want to end up in the top eight. They must swallow their pride and recall the old players, who are currently free agents and also avail resources for the team to prosper.”

Another source who was part of the club for years said the club's management is the stumbling block.

“If you tell these guys the truth then you are jealous. The CEO runs everything - from recruiting to scouting players - because structures are non-existent.

“I was part of the club but left because our philosophy differed. 'No one can question my leadership style' is what is happening at Pirates at the moment.”

Breakdown

Not only has the club lost valuable players, but it also parted ways with coaches such as Ali Akan and Erich Muinjo over the years.

“The problem started with Muinjo. They brought in a guy who was out of football for a long time. He was outdated, even though they had a great team.

“When the players complained, those in charge sided with the coach and ended up firing the squad, thus bringing in substandard players. Muinjo couldn't cope until they eventually let him go and they brought in Lucky Kakuva as head coach.

“Kakuva is better, as he has an understanding of football, only he doesn't have silverware to his name. The problem also is that he doesn't have the right standard of players now like Muinjo did,” the source said. He said further that Pirates is a team that should be competing for a top four spot, with the likes of Black Africa, African Stars and Tigers.

“We are a team in transition and people have to see it as such. It's just like a relationship that goes through various stages and sometimes a coach is just good as his players.

“We know where Pirates belongs but at the moment factors are not in our favour.

“I need players who can help with my philosophy, as I came in at a wrong time, but as a former player, I want to change the situation,” Kakuva said. He said most of the current squad are not young players per se, but their performances have been inconsistent as they cannot grasp some situations on the field.

“Not all the players we intend to scout are first division guys,” he also explained.

Kakuva further said the second leg of the league will be much different after the transfer window opens.

The club has two matches up next - against Unam and Young Brazilian - and they hope to pick up four to six points.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Kisilipile in pole position for NPL CEO post

Speculation is rife that Orlando Pirates CEO Niklaas Kisilipile is in pole position to be appointed as the new Namibia Premier League (NPL) CEO, despite Irvine Ndjavera being highly recommended following an interview process.

This emerged during Monday's meeting between various league stakeholders and sponsors FNB Namibia and MTC.

According to a report seen by Namibian Sun, Kisilipile, who is the current Orlando Pirates CEO and also an NPL Board of Governors (BoG) member, did not apply for the position. Only Kavezemburuka 'Sieggie' Veii-Mujoro, Lukas Sindere, Donelly Erasmus Nell, Martin Nyambe Limbo, Roy Klassen and Ndjavera were shortlisted for interviews.

Nell withdrew and Limbo did not turn up, without giving any reasons. Ndjavera was strongly recommended for the post, due to his qualifications, work experience and the training he has so far received during his career. His presentation during the interview was also described as excellent, as it featured relevant case studies and outcomes.

Ndjavera is currently employed at the sports ministry and needed to be seconded to the NPL for a specified period, while remaining on the ministry's payroll.

It is alleged by the source that the ministry refused to give the green light to the secondment, resulting in Kisilipile being touted for the post.

Following the interviews, it was recommended that if Ndjavera cannot take up the NPL CEO post, the position would be re-advertised or that someone would be head-hunted. MTC spokesperson John Ekongo remained tight-lipped about what transpired at Monday's meeting.

“The sponsors called a meeting in order to get clarity on matters in the league. It was a closed-door meeting but we will pronounce ourselves at a later stage. All I can say is that the meeting went well,” Ekongo said.

NPL administrator Tovey //Hoebeb said he did not attended the meeting, as there had been a death in his family. He promised to get clarity from colleague who had attended, but did not revert back to Namibian Sun.

During the interviews, candidates where tasked to do a 30-minute presentation on strategic direction, organisational structure, leadership and stakeholder engagement, among others.

The NPL CEO will provide strategic direction to the league, effectively manage fixtures, execute budgets as approved by the BoG, manage sponsor relationships and other stakeholders, and lead and develop brand building.

Also on the agenda of Monday's meeting was the kickoff of the country's first division streams, as this affects the NPL promotion/relegation playoffs at the end of the season.

The simmering issue of Young African and the status of Zimbabwean national Tapiwa Simon Musekiwa, whose visa has expired, as well as the status of Young Chiefs and their premiership ambitions, were also on the agenda.

LIMBA MUPETAMI

Mannetti to announce squadHints at new faces ahead of Afcon qualifier The Brave Warriors are expected to resume training as soon as possible.

Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti has announced he will be announcing his training squad this coming Monday, ahead of a make-or-break Afcon 2019 qualifier.

The away match is slated for 22 March and a Brave Warriors win against Zambia would book a place at the Afcon finals that will take place in Egypt.

Mannetti hinted there may be two or three new faces in the squad.

“I will be announcing the squad on Monday and there might be two to three new faces. We will, however, stick with experienced players, as we have built this team over the years,” he said. The coach acknowledged the improvement of some players plying their trade in the MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL), but who are yet to play for the senior national team.

It is for this reason he believes a call-up for the deserving players is justified. The 2015 Cosafa-winning coach said the new players were unlikely to play against Zambia, given the magnitude of the match.

However, it was up to them to impress during training.

There are a number of players who have been impressive for their clubs this season.

African Stars' centre-back Ivan Kamberipa, Wendell Rudath from Black Africa and Tigers' Deon Tjizumaue are among them.

With the 2019 African Nations Championship (Chan) draw also announced, Mannetti will be required to recruit players from the local premier league, given that the continental competition is only for locally-based players. “Cosafa and Chan are coming and we will most likely use those competitions to blood new players.

“We have built this current core of players for the big stages, like our final qualifier against Zambia,” Mannetti said.

Guinea Bissau are currently leading Group K with eight points, followed by Namibia on eight points.

Mozambique are in third place on seven points, while Zambia are out of the qualification race after securing only four points so far.

The group winners and runners-up will qualify for the 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations, to be hosted from 15 June to 13 July.

A win for Mozambique against Guinea-Bissau and a defeat for Namibia against Zambia will certainly end the country's hopes of reaching the Afcon finals.

Namibia are seeking their third appearance at the tournament, after qualifying for the 1998 and 2008 editions.

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Elelo lyaRundu lya pulwa li longele kumweSwapo e na omukumo kutya ota sindana po omahogololo gopashigwana Okomitiye yiilyo iikuluntu mOngundu yoSwapo oya gandja omayele kelelo lyondoolopa yaRundu opo li dhimbwe shoka sha holoka po monakuziwa,nokulongela kumwe mokugandja omayakulo kaakwashigwana.

Okomitiye ndjoka otayi kwatelwa komeho kuHahende-Ndjai gwepangelo, Albert Kawana oya tsakanene nookansela yoSwapo moRundu, elelo lyoSwapo moshikandjo shoka, elelo lyoshitopolwa shaKavango East oshowo Ngoloneya gwoshitopolwa Samuel Mbambo.

Iilyo yilwe yi li mokomitiye ndjoka ongaashi Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, Hilma Nicanor oshowo James Sankwasa ngoka e li woo omunashipundi gwaaleli mboka ya pewa oshinakugwanithwa shokulela nokukwatela komeho oshitopolwa shakavango East.

Konima yomutumba ngoka gwa ningwa uule woowili 4, Kawana okwa popi kutya okomitiye oya tegelelwa yi ka gandje olopota kelelo lyopombanda mongundu yoSwapo, omanga inayi gandja oshizemo shomutumba ngoka noshigwana. Nonando ongaaka Kawana okwa popi kutya omutumba ngoka ogwa li epondolo enene nongundu oya tegelela nomukumo omahogololo gopashigwana ta popi kutya oye na omukumo kutya Omupresidende Hage Geingob ota sindana po omahogololo nomawi geli pombanda.

Onzo yimwe ndjoka oya lombwele oNamibian Sun kutya omutumba ogwa ningwa nelalakano lyokuhanganitha elelo lyaRundu oshowo okutala komaupyakadhi gamwe ngoka taya topola nongundu yoSwapo moshitopolwa shoka.

Onzo oya tsikile kutya omutumba ogwa tameke nelesho lyomukanda gwiikundaneki kombinga yetokolo ndyoka lya ningwa kelelo lyopombanda lyoSwapo, moka ookansela mboka ya li ya kuthwa miilonga kongudu ya shunwa miilonga nokutsikile niilonga yawo.

Okomitiye ndjoka aniwa oya gandja omayele kelelo opo li hangane nokweetha omananathano gawo nokulongelakumwe mokugandja omayakulo kaakwashigwana.

Onzo oya tsikile kutya iinima yilwe mbyoka ya kundathana ongaashi kutya omolwashike elelo lyoSwapo moshikandjo shaRundu Urban District inali vula okwaadha omwaalu gwiilyo mbyoka ya uthwa okupulutha komeho omutumba, naKawana aniwa okwa pula elelo ndyoka li ningwe omutumba.

KENYA KAMBOWE

PDM wants heads to rollVenaani pushes for parliamentary inquiry Since 2013, more than 600 Namibian students have been granted scholarships to study medicine or dentistry in Russia, Ukraine, Zambia, India, South Africa, Tanzania and Ghana.

Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani says someone in the government must account for the training medical students have received in Europe.

This follows comments by Cornelius Weyulu, the registrar of the Health Professions Councils of Namibia (HPCNA), who said many foreign-trained graduates, especially from China and Eastern Europe, were “poorly trained” and were “found wanting as interns in many a respect”.

Venaani said he would push for a parliamentary inquiry into the approval of bursaries for these students, some of whom had apparently failed Grade 12 and did not qualify for local university admission.

According to him the government has spent on average N$87 000 per month on these students for six consecutive years.

That would translate to N$1 million per student per year.

“We therefore call for a parliamentary inquiry into this matter. It is important that we understand those responsible for the approval of loans at the time and how these so-called 'Grade 12 poor performers' were able to leave the country for further studies on the ticket of government,” he said.

Since 2013, more than 600 Namibian students have been granted scholarships to study medicine or dentistry in Russia, Ukraine, Zambia, India, South Africa, Tanzania and Ghana.

In 2016, the Medical and Dental Council of Namibia implemented pre-internship evaluations after concerns were raised about the skills and knowledge of returning graduates from particularly Eastern European and Chinese institutions, Weyulu's affidavit in a current High Court case stated.

Foreign doctors vs graduates

Venaani also accused foreign doctors who are employed locally and appointed as supervisors to Namibian medical graduates of trying their best to deny them entry into the local market in an effort to protect their own jobs.

“We also understand that some of these foreign doctors are planning to set up their own medical institutions where they will train new doctors. Foreign doctors must therefore declare their interests; we understand that by trying to [deny Namibian graduates] entrance into the market they are protecting their own jobs,” he said.

Scope

According to Venaani graduates complained that they were merely given the scope of the pre-internship test and no study material was made available to them.

Venaani believes that the system is working against these graduates and that the government has spent too much on them to drop them now as incompetent.

Namibian Sun sent questions to Weyulu, who is yet to respond.

JEMIMA BEUKES