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Independent Namib
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Issue 193 - Thursday, 14 Apr 2016 to Wed, 20 Apr 2016
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We are very proud of this project, which was a huge challenge, but the botanical garden has turned out better than expected
We are to aggressively encourage innovations and breakthrough thinking from our young scientists to manufacture locally produced ICT solutions in Africa
Johan Steyn, Superintendent Municipal Parks & Gardens on the establishment of the first ever 'Namib Botanical Gardens' in the Erongo Region See Page 4
Minister of Information and Technology (MICT), Tjekero Tweya in his keynote address to CRASA See Page 5
Namibia appoints Tshatumbu for IMO
See Page 6
Art students deliver strong anti-corruption message
Winners of the first Anti-Corruption poster competition held in the Erongo region, won by three Namib High learners seen with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), delegates, sponsors and Government officials. (Photo Donna Collins) - See full story on page 2
Lung Clinic on the cards for Swakopmund Maria Davel-Wallis The well-known Namibian medical doctor, Wotan Swiegers, who recently retired as the Director of the Namibian Uranium Associations Uranium
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Institute, has expressed his joy this week over the news that the services of the Namibian Lung Clinic – currently in Walvis Bay will now be extended to Swakopmund. TheNamibian Lung Clinic
Land grabbing is illegal: Kashuupulwa Absalom Shigwedha
(NLC) is the brain child of Dr Swiegers, Mr Matthias Braune (Erongo Medical Group) and the Namibian-born Swiss Pulmonologist, Prof Christophe von Continued on Page 3
The Deputy Police Chief in Erongo region said emphatically that land grabbing is an illegal act and that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Walvis Bay, following the violent unrest that erupted recently. Ottilie Kashuupulwa, the Deputy Police Commissioner for Erongo region, was reacting to the recent land grabbing on the outskirts of Walvis Bay, which led to some people injured and several arrested, when the Police clashed with violent angry land grabbers.
“We have warned them that Land grabbing is illegal and the law will take its course,” said Kashuupulwa. The Special Reserve Force of the Namibian Police was called in when the crowds turned violent injuring police, damaging the Police Station near Tutaleni as well as police vehicles. The Affirmative Repositioning group has blamed the situation on the Walvis Bay's Chief Executive Officer, Muronga Haingura, saying the issue could have been avoided if people were allocated land temporarily. Continued on Page 3
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOTICE: ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE APPLICATION A notice is hereby given to all Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application will be submitted to the Environmental Commissioner in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations: Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Act No. 7 of 2007). Nangula Amutenya-Amatsi has been appointed to undertake this application and related assessment. Project Nature/Description: Environmental Scoping Report & Environmental Management Plan for an existing gravel mining.
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Namib High anti-corruption message Donna Collins
A first ever anti-corruption poster competition held between dozens of coastal schools and initiated by the Anti-Corruption Commission Erongo Region, represented by Tobias Amoonga (ACC Chief Public Education Officer), last week witnessed some of the powerful anticorruption messages delivered by ten of the top winning learners. The prize giving event was held in Walvis Bay at the Atlantic Hotel, where all prize winners and organisers proved that by combining art to raise awareness of the damaging impact that corruption has on our society, was a fruitful exercise in encouraging our youth to participate in the fight against this dishonest practice. Launched in September with guidelines set down from the ACC, over 30 schools in the Erongo Region participate in the anti-corruption competition. Namib High walked off with all top ten placements, after a huge effort was made by the school's art department, with cash prizes as well as tablets and cellphones won. The posters are going to be reproduced, framed or laminated and displayed in strategic places throughout the region. The ACC are hoping to drive the point home to the public by means of these lively posters that corruption needs to be "booted out", as was the slogan of the winning poster painted by young grade nine Namib High learner Setson Neumbo. "In any corrupt education system, youth don’t acquire the skills and knowledge that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to their country’s economy and society. Instead, they learn from a young age that a lack of integrity is an acceptable way of life, "said Amoonga. "Our objects however, are to engage the youth as one of the key stakeholders who can support ACC in raising awareness on corruption and solicit public support in fighting it, as the best cure for corruption is prevention.
Erongo Governor Cleophas Mutjavikua in conversation with John Savva "We need public and private institutions and the public at large to become our partners and ambassadors in fighting corruption by not only reporting corruption but to abstain from corrupt practices. "These learners’ shows not only interest in topics about corruption, but they also demonstrated that they have a role to play in fighting corruption in Namibia," he continued. "By raising awareness and effective implementation of preventive measures, can help address the risks of corruption at the root, before the crime is committed, before assets are stolen, before public funds are misused and before bribery and other forms of corrupt practices are committed." One of the main sponsors of this competition, well known businessman John Savva and Vice President NCCI Walvis Bay, said that by empowering and encouraging young people to participate in the fight against corruption is creating a greater sense of accountability and transparency within our society for future generations to come. "Our youth can be the most import agents of change, together with our business community in combating corruption, and with this active engagement of school learners to spread hard hitting messages against this crime, we will harness interest of the youth as they seek to enter the workforce in the future," said Savva. "Businesses have a legal responsibility to follow the law and avoid dishonest dealings," he added. "The implementation
Project Location: Nonidas, Swakopmund Project Proponent: Quick Investment 48CC T/A Quality Sand & Stone Registration of I&APs and submission of comments: All interested and affected parties are hereby invited to register in terms of the assessment process to give input, comments and opinions regarding the project in writing via email on or before 02 May 2016. Contact details for registration and further information: Nangula Amutenya Amatsi Environmental Assessment Practitioner Tel:+264 (0) 81 2024059 Email: nangula.a@gmail.com
Roulla Savva during her welcome speech at the ACC poster competition
Competition winner Namib High Grade nine learner Setson Neumbo of meaningful and effective anti-corruption programmes such as the inclusion of our youth is an investment like other business investments, and such endeavours need to be supported." Meanwhile the Erongo Governor Cloeophas Mutjavikua said that corruption on the African continent leads to suffering and misery, because money provided for the needy end up not reaching the targeted groups. Drawing attention to the recent disruption over the land and housing issue in Walvis Bay, he cited that the Government’s intention was to provide relief to the Namibian people by providing affordable housing, but instead money made available for such a project, unfortunately did not end up addressing the problem due to misappropriation of funds. "Instead people were buying luxury cars and mansions, which denied the very basic needs of our people the right to have houses to live in," he said sternly. "In Omaruru those houses built have to be demolished because they are of such a sub-standard and the roads are already broken. "Let us make sure Namibia takes a stand against corruption, and with such involvement of the youth, it is encouraging to know that these young minds which are the future of this country, will take the right message forward."
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Lung Clinic on Land grabbing is the cards for illegal: Kashuupulwa Swakopmund Continued from Page 1
Attacks on the custodians of peace and security are highly regrettable, as these are the very same persons expected to protect communities from criminals, said Rural Development Minister Sophia Shaningwa who spoke at the Kuisebmund stadium on Saturday. She stressed that Government will never allow or condone illegal land grabs but in the same vein will no longer tolerate the slow implementation of agreed-upon strategies to resolve these issues. The Minister called on the residents of Tutaleni to be patient while the Government is addressing the shortage of serviced and affordable land. She said there is currently about 1,000 residential serviced erven in Walvis Bay, which will be allocated through the “first-comefirst-served,” but no shack will be allowed to be erected on serviced land. She further informed the approximately 1,500 landless people that the allotted 1,000 erven have been successfully serviced in Walvis Bay and will be allocated by the municipality soon. The minister expressed the hope that the municipality was in possession of a clear list of applicants so that plots could be allocated in a transparent manner. This will be done without any discrimination and favouritism on
a first-come, first-served basis and only one plot will be allocated per person she said at a meeting at the Kuisebmond soccer stadium on Saturday. Shaningwa said her ministry would devise a mechanism to ensure that landless people acquire land, pay for the construction of their own houses and honour their financial obligations. “Government is fully aware of the people’s plight and instructed the municipality to start with the distribution of plots with immediate effect,” she said. “This must however be done at affordable cost which will be a determining factor to enable the municipality to service the next batch of erven for the benefit of other needy persons. “Namibia is faced with a housing backlog of approximately 100,000 units and this everincreasing number can be attributed to rural-urban migration fuelled by the availability of employment opportunities, and that the government acquires land to expand towns by purchasing and not grabbing it.” Shaningwa reiterated that the construction of shacks would not be allowed on the serviced plots and stressed that those who receive land would not be allowed to sell it. “We need to reduce the backlog and see affordable houses being
Continued from Page 1
Rural Development Minister Sophia Shaningwa constructed. Occupants have to determine which type of house they want within the level of their affordability. “We have a budget and will continue to service more land throughout the country. There shall be no compromise,” said Shaningwa, adding that Local and Regional Authorities no longer have the luxury of time and are required to act with the urgency the issue demands. “Government remains steadfast in its resolve to address the backlog in development and availability of serviced land and affordable housing and basic services, especially for the ultra-low and low-income groups of society.”
Swakop Residents Association slam Government for neglect of buildings
News reporter The Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) have slammed those responsible in the Government for the little or no maintenance of the deteriorating and crumbling buildings, schools and hostiles in town which belong to them, whilst at the same time splurging on lavish office blocks for their Ministeries. In their latest newsletter they stated that they are creating a negative
image of this beautiful town, and that it was a "scandal to see the condition some of these buildings are left in." In addition a debate in parliament regarding the construction of the new parliamentary premises at costs estimated to be as high as N$2 billion has raised many eyebrows. This has been labelled as "elitism and reckless spending of taxpayers’ money". Instead, it was pointed out that that the money should rather be used to upgrade the current buildings, plus
establish more low-cost housing, decent schools and hostels for our youth where there is a dire need. The SRA have urged to not let any stone be unturned in convincing central government to improve their buildings and eradicate the shameful sight of some of them. Pictured here is the ultra modern Ministry of Mines and Energy headquarters in the Erongo Region which is the start of bigger things to come in Swakopmund.
Dr Wotan Swiegers and the Mayor of Swakopmund, Her Worship Paulina Ndahafa Nashilundo, at the event where she bestowed the Freedom of the City of Swakopmund upon him. Garnier. With the blessing of the Minister of Health, and with the support of the Paul Coulson Foundation and others, the Namibian Lung Clinic was opened in 2012. Dr Swiegers will anchor this clinic which has a particular focus on occupational medicine and Prof von Garnier will visit the Namibian Lung Clinics regularly. The new clinic will work very closely with local doctors and with the lung clinic in Walvis Bay, and with Windhoek specialists, Dr Willie Bruwer and Dr Gunar Gunther, who visit the coast regularly. Other specialists from Bern in Switzerland will continue to assist the project. Dr Swiegers says many people want to know why it is deemed so important to have such facilities here. He says they have found the Walvis Bay-Swakopmund climate to be conducive to the prevalence of more allergies, more asthma, and in Walvis Bay specifically, more cases of TB under people. He says in his field of expertise, Occupational Medicine, the lung is a very important target organ, and he is therefore excited to know Swakopmund will soon have its own clinic, where screening, diagnosis and treatment can be done according to the latest international methods and standards assisted by high level specialists. The widely respected Dr Swiegers, who served as the Director of the Namibian Uranium Institute from its inception in 2009, until February this year, and who has also been serving as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Board of Namibia for many years, was recently awarded the Freedom of Swakopmund by the town’s Mayor, Paulina Ndahafa Nashilundo, at a special event in town the past week. He says it came as a big surprise. He was asked to attend a meeting in town last Tuesday. When he arrived, it became clear that the “meeting” was
actually a party held in his honour, attended by many dignitaries, friends and colleagues. He says at the end of the evening, Swakopmund’s Mayor “unexpectedly bestowed upon me the Freedom of the City of Swakopmund.” He says he was humbled and delighted, because he cares deeply about Swakopmund and its people. Dr Swiegers says he is proud of the achievements of the country with regards to responsible management of the Uranium-sector. He says the approach of government and the industry, to manage and monitor pro-actively, has been an example to the world. He calls the Uranium-industry “a controversial industry” where especially in the past it was not always perceived positively and, looking back, in some instances; people had reason to be sceptical and worried. That is why government and the industry over the last decade have worked hand in hand to ensure that all stakeholders adhere to and comply with national and international laws, regulations and procedures, and manage the industry responsibly and transparently to ensure safety, as well as sustainability on all levels, and the preservation of the country and its people’s natural and environmental assets. Of great interest is the fact that the University of Manchester and Rio Tinto will soon engage in an in-depth scientific study of the Uranium industry in Namibia. Dr Swiegers says, through this scientific research project, which will be done over a couple of years; one will at last be able to ascertain the real impact of the industry on the health of people. He will be involved in a reviewing capacity, together with representatives of Labour and other governmental departments.
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Namib Botanical Garden the pride of Swakop Municipality
The newly established Swakopmund Municipality Botanical Gardens (Photo Donna Collins)
Julia Hetimba (Nursery Assistant), with Johan Steyn (Superintendent Municipal Parks & Gardens) and Fifi Ndeilenga (Foreman Municipal Parks and Gardens) a later stage, which will provide relevant information regarding each and every plant. "We are very proud of this project, which was a huge challenge, but the botanical garden has turned out better than expected, and once it is properly established will provide a wonderful scenic and educational place to walk through." The Swakopmund Municipality has extended a big thanks to all those who contributed their services, plants and
infrastructure towards making this one of a kind botanical garden - something that the town can be proud of for generations to come. They are: the Ministry of Environment and Tourism for granting the permit to harvest the different species of flora, Klein Plasie Nursery, Pam van der Meer of Namib Desert Nursery in Uis, Roger Dausab for donating the white stones, and Refuse Solutions for time spent on the project, amongst others.
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groups. A lot of the plants were transported from the Brandburg and Uis areas, as well as rocks of all shapes and sizes donated by Peter Sassenberg of Gecko Construction. The team commenced with the first phase of the Namib botanical gardens in January, with the second phase of an all 'Southern African Indigenous Plants' landscape being started by the second half of the year. According to Johan, all plants will eventually be indexed, numbered and identified for publication in a booklet that is going to be printed at
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Beautifying Swakopmund has been taken to a whole new level, with the establishment of the first ever 'Namib Botanical Gardens' in the Erongo Region, which has been laid out in front of the modern Swakopmund Municipality building. The sprawling green space was recently given the finishing touches by the team from the Municipal Parks and Gardens department, under the guidance of landscaper and horticulturist Johan Steyn (Superintendant Parks and Gardens).
Steyn was responsible for designing the approximately 5,000 square meter portion of open space, and together with his team have created a spectacular attraction of natural rocks, dry riverbeds, indigenous trees, walk ways, shrubs endemic protected plants, and other features. A total of 35 different species of Namib flora were harvested from the Brandburg, Uis and other areas to create an authentic feel of the vast variety of natural Namibian flora, which is going to become amongst others a tourist attraction and an educational walk about for school
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Donna Collins
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Thursday, 14 April 2016
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All Namibians must benefit from ICT Donna Collins
Swakopmund was host to over 60 delegates from around the SADAC region last week, when the Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) held its two day AGM and Pre-AGM events hosted by Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, In his keynote address, the Minister of Information and Technology (MICT), Tjekero Tweya emphasised that the mission for members in attendance is to position ICT (Information Communication Technology) as a catalyst for socio-economic development which is to include all Namibians. "The Government will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to ensure the narrowing of the digital divide and thus ensuring that all Namibians benefit from that which ICT can offer," said the dynamic Minister. He said that at least 80% of Namibia's population must be covered by broadband services
2020, with usage connections to all schools to allow e-learning. In addition 100% broadband connection must be available to implement e-health, plus all sector agencies by 2020, as well as 100% coverage of digital TV and radio broadcasts should be available to all households. "Nobody should feel left out of the Namibian house", stressed the charismatic Tweya, addressing the 11 CRASA member countries in the SADC region. The AGM was hosted under the theme, “ICT a catalyst for socio-economic development�, with delegates, representing Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe in attendance. "I'm sure you will agree with me that in this day and age, information is a pivotal and sought-after commodity, as it has been transformed as the currency of this age, therefore we must be inclusive allowing all citizens the opportunities and affordable services, especially the poor and
Minister of Information and Technology (MICT), Tjekero Tweya joined some 60 delegates from the SADAC region for the CRASA AGM in Swakopmund. (Photo Donna Collins) marginalised. He urged the regional regulators to apply breakthrough thinking and find creative ways to contain exorbitant ICT costs in SADAC such as roaming, as our SME's which consist mainly of local people are unable to conduct business due to expensive charges. "Too many of our rural citizens find themselves in darkness, and I urge regional regulators to apply breakthrough thinking so that information and communication technology is accessible to all Namibians, and I encourage expansion of IT infrastructure to the unserviced or underserviced areas. "As overseers of this industry, we must enable the poor by supporting policies that will improve their lives, and focus specifically on targeting the rights, interests and needs of all our citizens, poor, vulnerable, employed or unemployed, young and old."
He further stated that broadcasting infrastructure is recognised as an essential input to education, healthcare, business and participation of citizens in the growth of our economy. "The MICT with technical support from the international Telecommunications Union, drafted a policy to provide a frame work for a holistic development of Broadband across Namibia, and an open gateway for all citizens to have unhindered access to information. "We are to aggressively encourage innovations and breakthrough thinking from our young scientists to manufacture locally produced ICT solutions in Africa and the region, by engaging and including each and everyone to inspire development and social progress," he said. He also pointed out that as our children participate in this online society and reap its benefits, we must
NamWater supply to Walvis is on shaky ground Absalom Shigwedha In a time when the country in the grips of a drought crisis, the news that the NamWater supply to Walvis Bay is in a "bad state" has also reached serious implications. A senior official at the Municipality of Walvis Bay Ehrel Maletsky stated that as the demand of water has been on the increase since 2007, but that the infrastructure since then has not been upgraded to meet the high demand of water. He said the main feeder pipes for NamWater are fragile and have deteriorated badly, adding that, NamWater
is planning to attend to this, but will take some time before there are any noticeable improvements. He also attributed the shifting dunes as one of the main contributing factors to pipes breakage, which is currently hampering the water supply to the town of Walvis Bay, Maletsky pointed out. He said the Municipality is currently constructing a 20 mega litres reservoir which is scheduled for completion next year, to supplement the current 10 mega litres and the 4.5 mega litres for NamPort. The February KBMC's meeting also elected an Executive committee, which will serve for three years on a voluntary basis and consists of chairperson, Ignatius
Kauvee from the Namibian Coast Conservation and Management Project and Sue Roux (vice-chair) from the Coastal Environmental Trust of Namibia. Programme Manager for the Strategic Environmental Management Plan for Uranium at Gobabeb, Hiskia Mbura, was elected as the treasurer. Ignatius Sikongo, an official in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry at Walvis Bay who is the Basin Support Officer, will serve as the secretariat to the Executive Committee, but as an ex-officio. Joel Kooitjie from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and Arnold Uwukhaeb are additional members. The Executive Committee of the KBMC has been dormant for a long time after the previous Basin Support Officer left the position to another Directorate in the Ministry in 2013,
not forget to protect them from the hazards lurking in the web, and defend them from cyber dangers as we would from physical harm. Non-Governmental Organisations dealing with child protection and consumer agencies must come together to provide education and awareness regarding Child Online Protection to policymakers focused on maintaining society's values and cultural integrity. The AGM is the highest policymaking institution of CRASA and is the highest decision-making structure of CRASA. According to the minister, the communication regulators of the region must ensure at all costs that information and technology are accessible to all citizens in Africa. For instance, Namibia cannot claim to have breached the digital gap if many Africans have no access to information.
according to Sikongo, who organized the February meeting. The election was conducted by the National Coordinator for the Basins Management Committee in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Aune Amwaama. The meeting also reviewed the 2004 Constitution of the KBMC to be able to address new and emerging challenges in the management of the Kuiseb River Basin. The overall objectives of the KBMC are to ensure efficient and equitable access to water and sustainable integrated use of related resources in the Kuiseb River Basin. These latest developments were released after a meeting of the Kuiseb Basin Management Committee (KBMC) held at Gobabeb Research and Training
Centre on 23rd February 2016, where Maletzky gave a presentation on the water supply challenges in Walvis Bay. Maletsky, according to the minutes, told the meeting that the town gets water from the Kuiseb River, through the NamWater Bulk Water Supply Scheme from Mile 70 and the water supply responsibility of the Walvis Bay Municipality only starts at Mile 7 towards the town and "infrastructure beyond that are the responsibility of NamWater." The Kuiseb River originates just west of Windhoek and runs through the Namib Desert, providing water to the Topnaar community and other communal and commercial farmers who live along it as well as to the coastal towns of Wavis Bay and Swakopmund.
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Thursday, 14 April 2016
Namibia appoints Tshatumbu for IMO
George Tshatumbu Absalom Shigwedha The Deputy Director for Legal and Maritime Affiairs in the Ministry of Works and Transport, George Tshatumbu, has been appointed Namibia's Permanent Representative to the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO). According to a letter approving his appointment seen by Namib Independent and signed by Works and Transport Minister, Alpheus !Naruseb, Cabinet in 2014 authorized the Ministry of Works and Transport to establish the Namibia's Permanent Representative to IMO, as this Ministry is the Focal Point of IMO on behalf of Namibia's waters and security around port facilities. The letter said regular meetings of IMO committees such as the Maritime Legal committee, Maritime Safety Committee as well as the Maritime Pollution Committee, take place from time to time and so far, the staff of the Directorate of Maritime Affairs only attended some of them. Therefore, it says, “there is a need for someone who is knowledgeable in maritime laws, maritime conventions and regulations, to represent Namibia at IMO as this will make it easier for the Ministry to expedite reviews and draft new maritime law for enactment or promulgation.” The Ministry said it was in this light that it has identified Tshatumbu as the suitable and potential candidate to be nominated to honour the Cabinet Directive, to establish the Namibian Permanent Representation to the IMO at a level of a Minister/
Councilor for the duration of more than five years. The position is a diplomatic one and Tshatumbu's office will be located at the Namibia's High Commission in London, in accordance with Namibia's Foreign Service Rules. He will report to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, through Namibia's High Commissioner in London. IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations tasked with the responsibility for measures to improve safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships. Some of his duties will be to serve as a linkage between Namibia and the IMO through marine policy guidance and feedback on policy implementation and to advice the Ministry on all maritime policy and global maritime issues that has bearing on Namibia's interest. Tshatumbu holds a Master Degree of Laws in International Maritime Law
from the International Maritime Organization's International Maritime Law Institute in Malta, a Master Degree in Law from the University of Camaquey in Cuba and a Bachelor Degree in General Education. As part of IMO's national and regional capacity building efforts, Tshatumbu was also identified and recruited by IMO as an assistant consultant to work with the experienced IMO consultant in the process be an understudy and acquire the necessary knowledge on the job needed for drafting maritime legislation and regulations in the future or a specific country, in this case Namibia or for the region. While in the Ministry, Tshatumbu has been Namibia's Focal Point for the Abidjan Convention – the Convention for Cooperation in the Management and Development of the Atlantic Coast of the West, Central and Southern Africa – one the regional sea programs of the Nairobi-based United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Duiker asks for support for NSSU National Championships Maria Davel-Wallis
More than 800 primary and high school athletes from all fourteen regions will converge in Swakopmund next week, for the Namibian School Sports Union’s National Championships, on 22 and 23 April. In an interview with the NSSU’s national coordinator, Solly Duiker, over the weekend, he said all is set and ready for the event. It is the first time that it will be held in Swakopmund. It is a special year for the NSSU – it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Duiker says improvements to the Swakopmund Stadium have been concluded, and they await the busses with athletes from all over
the country. Duiker has reiterated that the event is free so that each and everybody will be able to attend. He has called on the community of Swakopmund and people of all regions, to support the event and the students, and to fill the stadium to capacity. Duiker says from the 820 or more athletes participating, a representative team of athletes, consisting of the winners and runners-up of events at the National Championships, will participate in the Cossasa Championships that will be held in Swakopmund in May. Duiker said they were upbeat and excited about the NSSU National Championships and hope it will be one to remember.
NAMPORT slams 'Panama Papers' report News Reporter
In response to the Article entitled “Namport In offshore Panama Papers”, Namport CEO Mr Bisey /Uirab has responded in a statement, which he released on behalf of the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport). The statement says that it was noticed with concern to recent media reports appearing in newspapers and online articles published worldwide regarding the Panama Papers in which Namport's name is referred in relation to activities of certain entities referred to in the said papers. "The pulling together of random and unrelated information that has nothing to do with Namport and forming links that does not concern Namport and borders malicious intent and irresponsible journalism in our view," Bisey said.
He further explained that the tender for the New Container Terminal at the Port of Walvis Bay, being the expansion of the port of Walvis Bay, was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and the procurement process was carried in accordance with the procurement policies and procedures of Namport and the African Development Bank (AFDB), as main financier of the project. Namport and the AFDV did extensive homework, and that the tender was evaluated and both legal advisors of Namport and AFDB confirmed the debarment of CHEC, but only to its road construction companies. A mere review of AFDB guidelines would clearly confirm that AFDB would not fund any project to be undertaken by any company debarred by any of the multilateral financial institutions such as the World Bank and International Financial Corporation.
As with regards to the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) this entity is not a subsidiary of Namport albeit the collaborative relationship between the parties vis-a-vis transport and logistics has formed a strong bond. WBCG has representative offices in Brazil, the DRC, Zambia and South Africa with the primary purpose of these offices being to promote Namibia as a trade hub for the Southern African Development Community SADC region and to channel trade between the world and Southern Africa via Namibian ports and the Namibian trade corridors. The establishment of the WBCG office in Sao Paolo was done simply to harness trade volumes bound from Brazil and destined for the SADC market through Namibian Ports and has absolutely no relevance to the alleged facts quoted in the newspaper article.
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Tyres / Rims / Wheel Alignment Tel: 064 – 204210 / Fax: 064 – 204220 / Pieter: 081 129 4531 / Email: wbfit@iway.na / 91 Circumferential Str, Ind Area / P.O. Box 2087, Walvis Bay
Swakop Uranium, a Namibian world class uranium mining company, invites people who are self-motivated, energetic and wish to work in a High Performance Culture environment, to apply for the following role.
VACANCIES SUPERINTENdENT RAdIATION PROTECTION Location: Husab Site – 67 kilometers from Swakopmund Reports to the SSHER Manager MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB: Review, evaluate and analyse Swakop Uranium’s (SU) mining and work environments, and implement and lead a comprehensive radiation management system to prevent and/or mitigate risk. Manage systems to inspect, monitor, review and enforce compliance to applicable legislation, regulations and directives. Key Performance Areas: • Implement, manage, review and maintain the Radiation Management System, Policies and Procedures. • Implementation of the Radiation Management Plan and compliance monitoring. • Implement, monitor and review radiation monitoring, data analysis and protection programmes. • Investigate radiation related incidents, make recommendations and manage non-conformance and corrective action data. • Conduct inspections and audits to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and directives. • Implement and manage applicable communication and training programmes (internal and external). • Assist and guide line management to implement radiation management systems, standards and procedures. • Radiation budget, reporting, document & data control and administration. • Manage internal and external relationships with all stakeholders (employees, contractors, national and international governing bodies, NRPA, Atomic Energy Board, educational institutions, Uranium Institute and external laboratories used for sample analyses). • Develop and present radiation induction and awareness programmes. • Administration Duties / Statistics / Reports. • People and Performance Management. • Safety, Health, Environmental, Radiation & Quality Effectiveness. Requirements and experience: • B.Sc. degree (physics, engineering, chemistry, geophysics, geology or equivalent qualification) NQA Level 6/7. • UI approved Radiation Safety Officer’s certificate (or equivalent approved qualification) will be an advantage. • Proven ability to communicate with stakeholders. • Minimum of 5 years working experience in a similar field of which 3 years should have been in a supervisory capacity. • Preferably OHSAS 18001 / ISO 14001 Standards / Risk Management implementation experience. • Code B Driver’s License. • Excellent computer literacy skills • Good communication, report writing and interpersonal skills Send your cv’s and other relevant documents to recruitment@cgnpc.com.cn by 29 April 2016. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply.
TECHNICAl SUPERINTENdENT Location: Husab Site – 67 kilometers from Swakopmund Reports to the Procurement and Contracts Manager MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB: To support the Supply Chain procurement department by building relationships with Business Unit (BU) Operations and Supply chain function stakeholders. Acting as the focal point for transactional procurement related to strategic and core commodities and technical requirement. The position will also takes up key control over procurement activities related to small and large capital projects. Key Performance Areas: • Synthesizes supply and demand an industry and market analysis in order to develop written value creation strategy to satisfy category objectives; • Ensures that procurement is conducted according to policy and all objectives are met; • Manages suppliers according to policy and procedure; • Supports procurement operations and overall strategic procurement plans and execution of strategic sourcing activity through structured data gathering and transactional procurement; • Monitors and manages the procurement processes in terms of daily/monthly objectives; • Analysis suppliers’ capabilities and positioning in order to identify supplier related levers prior to contracting; • Optimizes procurement expenditure in line with total cost of ownership; • Establishes accurate internal development/running costs versus externally acquired products/ services; • Manages existing, new commercial supplier contracts and outsources relationship and functions; • Ensures compliance to policies, systems and procedures pertaining to procurement at SU; • Prepares the required procurement reports and statistics to comply with all company and statutory/external requirements; • Prepares and reviews reports on outstanding unprocessed items and provide input an data to support on-going budgeting and strategic planning process; • Develops and implements individual training and development plans as well as manages own performance. Requirements and experience: • Grade 12 plus Diploma in Engineering and/or Business Administration or equivalent. Alternatively a relevant combination of formal procurement related qualifications and additional specialized studies.
• • • •
2 years’ experience in Procurement or Contract Management 5 – 10 years’ Engineering Trade experience in a mining environment; 2 – 5 years’ Engineering Project Management experience in a mining environment Valid Code B Drivers’ License.
Send your cv’s and other relevant documents to recruitment@cgnpc.com.cn by 29 April 2016. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply.
Technical co-ordinaTor Location: Husab Site – 67 kilometers from Swakopmund Reports to the Team Leader MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB: The Technical Coordinator is responsible for the execution of the maintenance plans, unplanned breakdown schedules, stores and services of activities between 1 to 2 years in order to support the maintenance teams to achieve optimization of resources and services to achieve the objectives of the engineering section. Key Performance Areas: • Coordinates and executes technical details of various production or service aspects including testing, planning, and execution phases; • Coordinates the maintenance, inspection and repair of related equipment in area of responsibility current under repair with service providers; • Reviews weekly maintenance performance reports and equipment repair history and recommends and implements technical corrective action to optimize plant reliability in support of production throughput ratio, • Coordinates spares, tools and other equipment requirements; • Orders parts and required components in conjunction with the Maintenance Planner, suppliers and contractors, in order to optimize downtime; • Coordinates and monitors and the activities of all subsystems, and is responsible for the overall technical performance, of week ZERO maintenance execution in terms of planned and unplanned maintenance; • Manages own performance and continuously liaises with direct superior and Team leaders on expected deliverables and general performance standards. Requirements and experience: • Grade 12 certificate with 4 technical subjects or N3/L3 certificate in relevant field; • Minimum 5 years post trade Artisan level maintenance experience in the mining industry and at least 2 years in the maintenance planning environment with supervisory experience; • Basic CMMS experience and SAP Plant Maintenance; • Valid Code B/BE Driver’s License. Code C/CE will be an added advantage. Send your cv’s and other relevant documents to psujobs.eng@cgnpc.com.cn by 29 April 2016. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply.
RAdIATION SAFETY OFFICER Location: Husab Site – 67 kilometers from Swakopmund Reports to the Superintendent Radiation Protection MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB: Assist the Superintendent Radiation Protection with the implementation and maintenance of the Radiation Management Plan. Develop and implement a comprehensive radiation management system for Swakop Uranium’s (SU) mining and work environments to monitor exposure doses and prevent and/or mitigate risks. Manage systems in your area of responsibility, including the inspection, monitoring, review and enforcement of compliance to applicable legislation, regulations and directives. Key Performance Areas: • Implement and maintain the requirements as laid down in the Radiation Management Plan. • Develop, implement and maintain the Radiation Management System, Policies and Procedures for your area of responsibility. • Implement, monitor and review radiation monitoring, exposure data analysis and radiation protection programmes. • Investigate radiation related incidents, make recommendations and manage non-conformance and corrective actions. • Conduct inspections and audits to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and directives. • Implement applicable communication and training programmes (internal and external). • Assist, undertake and guide line management to implement radiation management systems, standards and procedures. • Radiation reporting, documentation, data capturing and control, data analysis and data administration. • Present radiation induction and awareness programmes. Requirements and experience: • B.Sc. degree in relevant field is highly desirable, similar qualifications and experience in a relevant field will be considered. • UI approved Radiation Safety Officer’s certificate (or equivalent approved qualification) will be an advantage. • Ability to understand and prepare technical/scientific submissions. • Working knowledge of instrumentation for measuring radiation, and assessing and quantifying radiation in appropriate measuring quantities. • Proven ability to communicate with stakeholders. • Minimum of 3 years working experience in a similar field. • Code B Driver’s License. Send your cv’s and other relevant documents to recruitment@cgnpc.com.cn by by 29 April 2016. Previously disadvantaged Namibians meeting the above criteria are encouraged to apply.
Through its commitment to its people, the company offers a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to work alongside some of the most experienced and dedicated people in the industry. Clearly indicate the position you are applying for as well as your name and surname in the subject line of your application email. Applications received that do not meet this criteria will not be considered. Enquiries can be directed to the Recruitment Team at 064 410 9000. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date of this advertisement and no documents will be returned. Short-listed candidates must be willing to undergo pre-employment selection assessments. For more information on the company, please visit www.swakopuranium.com
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News
Thursday, 14 April 2016
McClunes’s Shuttle Services Windhoek / Swakopmund / Walvis Bay Shuttle
Tel: +264 64 22 1713 | Fax: +264 64 22 1712 Cell: +264 81 128 7916 (Walvis Bookings) Cell: +264 81 628 5010 (Swakop Bookings) Email: mcclunes@mweb.com.na Website: www.mcclunes.com
Visit our new office in Walvis Bay
Bookings are Essential!
We operate 7 days a week: Departure Schedules:
Bus stops at spur Restaurant in Walvis Bay
Windhoek
Walvis Bay
Swakopmund
Departure 1: at 07h30 - door pickups start at 06h00
Departure 1: at 07h00 - door pickups start at 06h00
Departure 2 *Express: at 10h00 from Bus stop/ boarding starts 09h30* Bus stop to Bus stop Express
Departure 2 *Express: at 10h00 - Bus stop/ boarding starts 09h30*Bus stop to Bus stop Express
Departure 1: at 08h00 - door pickups starts at 07h00
Departure 3: at 14h00 from Wika/boarding starts at 13h30
Departure 3: at 14h00 - door pickups starts at 13h00
Departure 4 *Express: at 17h00 from Wika Service Station/boarding starts 16h30*Bus stop to Bus stop Express
Departure 4 *Express: at 17h00 - Bus stop/ boarding starts 16h30* Bus stop to Bus stop Express
Windhoek-Swakopmund: N$220.00(one way for door drop offs) * Express: N$200.00(one way) bus stops only
Departure 2 *Express: at 11h00 from bus stop/ boarding starts 10h30*Bus stop to Bus stop Express Departure 3: at 15h00 - door pickups starts at 14h00 Departure 4 *Express: at 18h00 from Bus stop/ boarding starts 17h30Bustop to Bus stop Express
Windhoek-Walvis Bay: N$230.00(one way for door drop offs) * Express: N$210.00(one way) bus stops only
McClune`s Shuttle Started in 2009 and we have grown to be one of the most reputable, safe, reliable and economical means of passenger transport offering a shuttle service between Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvisbay McClune`s offer a Reliable Shuttle service between Whk, Swakop and Wbay that guarantees satisfaction on a local and international scale. This is a true alternative that offers a high level of practical experience and knowledge with regards to passenger transportation services. Clients must know that by making use of McClune`s, is a professional and hassle-free way to reach their destinations safely. Our vehicles are branded and easy to identify, which expresses ownership, legality as well as professionalism. For the convenience of the constant growing population at the coastal towns, Windhoek itself and also with the positive economic development at the coast and the town’s along this route, McClunes have decided to amend its current travel time schedules to accommodate the demand for Save Public Transportation on this route. Our schedules are now ideally created in the sense that it connects well with other departing or arriving connecting transfers in Windhoek. These schedules also provide customers with opportunity to plan their trips, flights and personal appointments for whatever reasons and still return to their respective destinations on the same day. All clients are treated equally with dignity and respect, also no smoking and alcoholic drinks are allowed on the shuttles whilst travelling.
News
Thursday, 14 April 2016
9
FOR ALL YOUR DSTV REQUIREMENTS, PAYMENTS AND INSTALLATIONS
N$ 1299*
Explora Decoder
Decoder + Dish + Installation
N$ 2999*
WALVIS BAY: 064-203318 SWAKOPMUND: 064-403418
Your Logistics Partner in Namibia Providing you an integrated approach to supply chain management, including vessel agency and husbandry services, international freight forwarding, customs brokerage and warehousing.
Masterminding Innovative Supply Chain Solutions
Corner of 2nd Street East & John Newman Syncrolift Industrial Area P O Box 4407, Walvis Bay, Republic of Namibia Telephone: +264 64 276600 | Fax: +264 64 276601 / 602 Email: info@lssnamibia.com Website: www.Lssnamibia.com
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News
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Worldwide
Extinction Prevention Australia is to accept 80 rhinos over the next four years in a world-first conservation effort to protect the threatened species. The first six rhinos will be transferred in August, and spend two months in quarantine at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, NSW. After that they will most likely be relocated to Monarto Zoo's safari park near Adelaide. The six white rhinos set to be relocated later this year, five females and one bull, cost N$1,037,050 each. Behind the mission is The Australian Rhino Project, founded by Ray Dearlove in 2013. He believes Australia's strong border-security, the lack of comparable poverty and
poaching-free history will make it a much safer option. Speaking to Australian Geographic, Mr Dearlove was excited to see his hard work starting to pay off: 'It's been a pretty exciting ride for the last three years,' he said. 'It's now building up – I think we are close to achieving the first of our objectives – it's full on, but it's exciting.' Mr Dearglove added that time and money will be a determining factor into the success of the project, as well as issues like breeding success and predators, starvation and intra-specific competition once they are reintroduced to Africa. Rhino horn is highly valued in
traditional Asian medicine and can fetch up to N$7,407,500 each, meaning record numbers of the animal are being poached. In 2007, only 13 South African rhinos fell victim to poachers, but despite conservation efforts by 2014 that number had increased by 9000% to 1,215. The first six will be the test to make sure the rhinos can be relocated safely. After they are settled, it is hoped another 74 will be flown down under in the next four years. It has not been finalised yet where the remainder will be homed. Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Cancer drug could work as paedophile 'cure'
funding platform to raise enough money to carry out a full study on the drug. The drug, called degarelix, is normally used to treat prostate cancer but was found to have the side effect of reducing sexual arousal. It dramatically lowers levels of the male sex hormone testosterone and lasts between three and four months. So far, several men with sexual fantasies about children have volunteered for the trial. Doctor Christoffer Rahm, who heads the "Priotab" project at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, said: "One in 10 Scientists are conducting the world's first clinical trials boys and one in 20 girls are sexually abused on a drug to treat paedophiles before they sexually abuse during childhood. This issue is hard to deal with but we must, because it affects all of us. children. Researchers are appealing through a British science crowd "Child sexual abuse causes a lot of
suffering for the victims and their relatives, it also has negative consequences for the perpetrator, who risks becoming totally isolated, depressed and sentenced to imprisonment. "Up until now most of the attention has been on how to deal with perpetrators while they're protected by the police or by the authorities, but by this stage children have already been harmed. "With this research project, I want to shift focus and explore methods of preventing child sexual abuse from happening in the first place." Researchers are appealing for N$798,573 on the crowd funding site Walacea in order to carry out a full trial of the drug. They aim to compare 30 men receiving
the drug with 30 others given a placebo treatment. So far, a handful of men who have paedophilic urges, but have never convicted of an offence, have been recruited to trial the drug. Three days after receiving the injection, 97 per cent of treated men had almost no levels of testosterone in their blood. In 2008, more than 100 convicted sex offenders at Whatton Prison in Nottinghamshire received medication to reduce their sex drive. The scheme, which was co-funded and managed by NHS England is now in the process of being implemented nationally. Source: www.independent.co.uk
Toy Story fanatic wins battle to have licence in the name of Buzz Lightyear A Toy Story fanatic has won a year-long battle with the DVLA to get a driving licence issued under his new name - Buzz Lightyear. Buzz, 26, ditched his birth name Sam Stephens but the new identity has caused problems with his car. He feared he may have to revert to the simple Sam Stephens after the DVLA refused to issue him with a driving licence. After battling for the right to drive in his own name, Buzz, of Bideford, Devon, was
thrilled when the agency granted him a licence to match. Buzz's fortunes changed at the beginning of the month when he finally received a new driving licence featuring his new name. He says he was pleased by his victory but maintained that keeping the name "to infinity and beyond" was unlikely due to practical concerns. He said: "It is great. I feel like it is a victory for me as they are a big old company and I still won.
"It is inevitable at some point I am going to have to change it back. I have had loads of problems with it over the last year. "I think when it comes to getting a mortgage I might have to go back to being Sam again." Buzz said that when he first changed his name he did his research and had contacted the DVLA beforehand about getting a driving licence and did not foresee the problems he faced. He added: "They said as long as deed poll did not flag up the name, there should not be a problem - which there was not. "But the DVLA then refused to issue me. They said because my name is a fictional character and they are a European company, when I went abroad
for example and showed my ID, it would bring the DVLA in disrepute. "But I am sure there are so many Harry Potters who did not have a problem. It did not seem quite fair." Buzz says that without a driving licence he has had difficulty in all sorts of areas. Booking a table at a restaurant or a seat at a cinema has been difficult because people presume the name is a joke and cancel the booking thinking it is a prank. But he said it has not been all bad. He added: "Being called Buzz is always a great icebreaker and I get a few laughs from people when I introduce myself." Buzz officially changed his identity in April last year after he hit a N$41,920 cancer charity fund raising target for the Brighton Marathon. Sam has been a Toy Story fan since the film came out when he was just nine and said he was unashamed to own all the memorabilia. He added: "My friends and family know I do not do things by halves. Buzz Lightyear is a childhood hero of mine. I have all the memorabilia and I am not afraid to admit it." Sam will always have a little Buzz about his person and has a tattoo of his namesake on his leg. Source: www.mirror.co.uk
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Motoring
GWM M4, the cool-looking baby SUV The GWM M4 has nothing in common with BMW’s tarmac-searing sports car apart from its name, but the Chinesemade light crossover, which competes with the Renault Sandero Stepway, Toyota Etios Cross and Polo Vivo Maxx, underwent a revamp early in 2016. Here is what it is like… Sharper styling The GWM M4’s exterior appearance represents a marked improvement over that of its predecessor. The M4 is marketed as a cool-looking baby SUV for trendy, single urbanites, as opposed to merely a raised hatchback with rugged-looking addenda, and it is equipped with numerous SUVlike adornments. It has a more rugged appearance, replete with moulded black bumpers and side sills as well as a band of grey trim around the front bumper’s air intake grille. Standard daytime running lights and front and rear fog lamps set the M4 apart from the competition. Under the bonnet Under the GWM’s bonnet, however, you will not find a source of tremendous speed. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine compares favourably against those of its aforementioned rivals, but maximum power is developed at 6,000 rpm, meaning that you have to rev the motor hard before you feel its extra grunt. The rivals develop power and torque at lower revs than the M4 and that results in lower fuel consumption. The M4 is quite thirsty for a budget-conscious vehicle. Claimed consumption is 7.2 L/100 km in a segment where around 6 L/100 km is the average. The engine is therefore not the strong point of the M4’s arsenal but, if you are happy to potter around at a gentle pace then the M4’s performance is adequate, if not particularly frugal. Inside the cabin The GWM’s interior, features a number of impressive upmarket fitments. The leatherclad steering wheel with red stitching and digital speedo, combined with the analogue rev counter, are easy on the eye. The audio system has a rather plain digital display, but offers USB and auxiliary input sockets as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The facia is even clad in piano black trim, a rare sight in a vehicle that costs less than N$200,000. There is a slight ergonomic issue, however. Taller drivers will probably struggle to get comfortable behind the M4’s steering wheel, which can be adjusted up and down, but not enough to get out of the way of the driver’s legs. It should be noted, however, that shorter drivers do not have a problem with it. Cabin space is acceptable up front and would suit smaller passengers in the back, but the luggage area, which is equipped with a retractable cover, measures 310 litres. Ride and handling The M4 is shod with handsome 16-inch alloys but rides quite harshly on rippled roads and over speed bumps; it becomes tiresome to be jostled about in the cabin. The M4 has a slightly raised ride height and has a ground clearance of 183 mm. It is by no means an off-roader but will hop onto a pavement or travel down a gravel road with ease. The added height does make the M4 feel a little top heavy and it leans when you corner or tackle a roundabout quickly.
Verdict The GWM M4 has improved inside and out, and quite considerably so. The exterior design is quite appealing and pulls off the rugged, baby SUV-look aptly. It is a generously equipped light crossover and its cabin quality looks comparable to that of the Sandero and it is arguably better
than that of the Etios. The weak points of the package lie in the engine and chassis. The M4 is not particularly great to drive when the road gets bumpy or if you are a tall driver, but its exterior packaging and spec should find favour with its target market. Source: www.cars.co.za
Motoring
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