OfficialWorkingVisitStrengthens Namibia-AngolaRelations

Eileen van der Schyff

postponedto31Julyforlegalrepresentation.The accusedisonbail.

VilonelJosephJohannesJacobus(35),appeared on charges of reckless or negligent driving and drivingwithanexcessivebreathalcohollevel.The matterwaspostponedto16Augustforlabresults. Theaccusedisonbail.

A 15-year-old boy, appeared on charges of robberyandrape.Thematterwaspostponedto31 Julyforfurtherinvestigation.Theaccusedremains incustody

Mario Eiseb (37), appeared on a charge of possession of potentially dependence-producing substance. The matter was postponed to 16 Octoberforpleaandtrial.Theaccusedisonbail.

Peter Mwahaluka (55), appeared on a charge of malicious damage to property The matter was postponed to 11 September for continuation of trial.Theaccusedisonbail.

Naftal Nikolaus (34), appeared on charges of displayingalicencediscnotapplicabletoamotor vehicleandbribery Theaccusedisatlarge,anda warrantofarrestwasissued.

Yvan Gluim (27), Ziggy Nawaseb (26), and Bongani Tsuseb (30), appeared on a charge of robbery The matter was postponed to 30August forcontinuationoftrial.Theaccusedareonbail.

EltonMatheus(20),appearedonachargeassault withintenttodogrievousbodilyharm.Thematter waspostponedto18Septemberforcontinuationof trial.Theaccusedisonbail.

Eddison /Auxab (32), appeared on a charge of possession of potentially dependence-producing substance.Thematter was postponed to 8August forfixingoftrialdate.Theaccusedisonbail.

Dawid Guiseb (22), appeared on a charge of malicious damage to property The accused is at large,andawarrantofarrestwasissued.

BillClintonKapukare(24),appearedonacharge of theft of a motor vehicle. The matter was postponedto29Augustforlegalaid.Theaccused remainsincustody

Jason Mvula (35) and Samuel Kanime (36), appearedonachargeofhousebreakingwithintent tostealandtheft.Thematterwaspostponedto23 Augustforlegalaid.Theaccusedisonbail.

Matheus Vatileni Nuuyoma (47), appeared on charges of assault common read with the provisions of the domestic violence act, act 4 of 2003, and malicious damage to property The matter was postponed to 5 September for legal representation.Theaccusedisonbail.

Andreas Tate Bunda (40), appeared on a charge of receiving stolen property (common law). The matter was postponed to 23 August for further investigation.Theaccusedremainsincustody

Atutale Shanungwa (33) and Angula Herman (32),appearedonachargeifresistingamemberof the police. The matter was postponed to 27 September for plea and trial. The accused are on bail.

FollowingthefruitfuldiscussionsbetweenHon.Dr.DiamantinoAzevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola, and Namibian officials during his visit to Namibia inApril 2023, a Working Group was established to operationalise the actions outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 29th November 2022. As a result, the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Hon. KorneliaShilunga,accompaniedbyadelegation,paidanofficialworking visit to Luanda, Angola that started on 18 June and concluded on 27 June.

The visit, at the invitation of Hon. Dr Diamantino Azevedo, aimed to strengthen the existing relations between Namibia and Angola The delegation's schedule was packed with various engagements, which beganonnMondaythis week. The group was divided into two teams, with one focusing on learning from their Angolancounterpartsin the oil and gas sector, whiletheotherexplored Angola's diamond cluster One of the key objectivesoftheDeputy Minister and her delegationistogaininsights into Angola's expertise in the oil and gas industry, including skills development, the legal framework, policy guidelines, and operational models employed in the sector Andreas Simon, spokesperson for the Ministry, emphasisedtheimportance of understanding An- gola's unique qualities as a long-standing producer country, with companies operating for over 70 years. The delegation also aims to identify key players, including oil and service companies, and explore potential areas ofcollaboration.

Discussions included the possibility of the Namibian government acquiring shares in the Lobito refinery, although any commitmentswillbesubjectto Cabinet approval after thorough assessment of conditions, benefits, andrequirements.

Inadditiontotheoiland gas sector, the Namibian delegation visited renowned diamond companies such as Endiama, Sodiam, and ADPA to gain valuable insights into Angola'sdiamondvalue chain.Thefocuswason benchmarking and understanding the full scope of Angola's diamond hub, from upstream operations to downstream activities suchassorting,cutting, polishing, sales, marketing, logistics, and security Namibia plans to establish its own diamond hub and views Angola's expertise as crucial in this endeavour Andreas Simon expressed confidence in Angola's continued support and expertise, stating, "We hope to learn from Angola, as they have excelled in these sectors, and we trust and rely on their assistance."

The official working visit serves as a significant step towards enhancing cooperation and knowledge-sharing between Namibia and Angola. By building on existing relations, both countries aim to further develop theirrespectivesectors and foster mutual growthandsuccess.