Written by Patience Nyangove and Max Hamata
Thursday, 26 November 2009
PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba has ordered two state-of-the-art S600L Mercedes Benz costing taxpayers about N$10 million - equivalent to the annual salaries for 20 specialist doctors or Anti-retroviral drugs for 26,000 people per month, Informanté has unearthed.
The shocking revelation comes just shortly before Pohamba would be confirmed Namibian President for his second term next week when the results for the Presidential and Parliamentary election are announced.
His decision to acquire an armoured Mercedes Benz S600L and an unarmoured one with optional extras worth N$127,000, is in contrast to Pohamba’s zero tolerance on wasting of public resources according to his declaration when he was sworn as President on 21 March 2005.
“That’s a lot of money to squander on luxurious items like cars and could build a full medical laboratory, supply ARVs to HIV positive women and even cover annual salaries of 20 specialist doctors,” said a medical doctor who asked not to be named.
An inside source at the Office of the President told Informanté that the Presidency was advised against purchasing new vehicles as the conditions of the current Mercedes Presidential motorcade was still good and since he had just bought six new Toyota Land cruisers to beef up his motorcade.
The source added that the Office of the President was also advised to use an idle armoured Mercedes Benz bought shortly before former President Sam Nujoma had demoted former Prime Minister Geingob to a ministerial level.
“Hage’s vehicle is still parked and nobody is using it,” said the source.
Documents in possession of Informanté show that Ndeutala Angolo, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President ordered the Ministry of Works and Transport to acquire one Mercedes Benz S600L B6/B7 protection auto (armoured) and one Mercedes Benz S600L unarmoured.
In a letter dated 18 August 2009 addressed to Ministry of Works and Transport’s Permanent Secretary, George Simataa, under reference 5/1/1, Angolo requests the Ministry to assist with the acquisition of the two vehicles.
A quotation dated 22 September 2009 from M+Z Motors, Windhoek, shows that the Mercedes Benz S600L Guard/Armoured costs a staggering N$6,212,000 inclusive of value added tax and with extras that include a folding table in the rear seat which costs N$23,000 with a driving assistance package which costs a further N$34,000 bringing the total price to N$6,269,000.
The second vehicle, an unarmoured Mercedes Benz S600L costs N$1,626,000 and comes with options of a refrigerator in the rear seat costing N$13,000, folding table in rear costing N$23,000 and a driving assistance package valued at N$34,000 with the end total coming to N$1,676,000.
Informanté has it on good account that the costs will escalate to N$10 million with transportation and import duties.
When contacted for comment, Angolo said she was not aware of the acquisition of the cars although a letter in possession of Informanté plainly shows that she is the one who wrote to the Ministry of Works and Transport seeking their assistance.
“Those are Government cars and it’s the responsibility of the Ministry of Works and Transport. We are just users and we pay to use those cars and so I have no news on this,” she said.
Minister of Transport and Works, Helmut Angula professed ignorance over the acquisition of the two vehicles saying he did not know anything about the cars.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Geingob gets his Volvo, Toyota land cruiser approved
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 26 November 2009
GOVERNMENT has bowed to pressure to buy a Toyota station wagon Land Cruiser valued at N$900,000 for Swapo Vice-President also Trade Minister Hage Geingob and re-spraying his recently acquired grey official Volvo S80 into black at an estimated cost of N$20,000.
The flamboyant Minister’s Permanent Secretary, Malan Lindique, demanded from Permanent Secretary of Works and Transport, George Simataa, to re-spray the Volvo S80 at a cost of between N$16,000 and N$20 000 and acquire a private number - MTI 01 NA - which is distinct from other Minister’s car registrations.
After Simataa refused to budge to what he considered as unreasonable demands from the Trade Minister, Cabinet Secretary Frans Kapofi forced Simataa to enforce Geingob’s wish saying, “The current Minister of Trade and Industry is fairly senior to other Ministers given the fact that he was the First Prime Minister of our Republic.”
In his response on 23 September 2009, Simataa says the reason why Geingob’s colour is different from the other Ministers is because “at the time of purchasing the vehicle, the Ministry of Works and Transport was put under pressure by your Ministry”.
Simataa further explains that consultations were made with the Trade and Industry Ministry regarding the grey colour before it was ordered and they agreed to the colour.
“However, should you wish the vehicle to be re-sprayed to a black colour to ensure uniformity with other GRN Volvos, arrangements could be made at the expense of your Ministry,” Simataa says.
The decision to purchase the 4x4 for Geingob, according to documents, was made in March this year by the Ministry of Works and Transport at the Minister’s request.
The documents further reveal that Geingob did not want the standard Toyota double cab bakkie commonly used by other Ministers.
When contacted for comment Geingob professed ignorance over the matter.
“I don’t know anything about it, so you can write what you want. I am tired of Informanté nonsense. You think I am a kid, I am in kindergarten? I drive my personal Land-Rover,” he said.
Although the Minister of Works and Transport Helmut Angula said he did not know anything about the story, he further said there was nothing unusual with Geingob’s request for a 4x4 vehicle.
“I don’t understand what this story is about. There is nothing special with a Minister requesting a Nissan Navara. We had those cars until two years ago before they were replaced with Toyota vehicles because they were found to have many defects,” he said.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
GOVERNMENT has bowed to pressure to buy a Toyota station wagon Land Cruiser valued at N$900,000 for Swapo Vice-President also Trade Minister Hage Geingob and re-spraying his recently acquired grey official Volvo S80 into black at an estimated cost of N$20,000.
The flamboyant Minister’s Permanent Secretary, Malan Lindique, demanded from Permanent Secretary of Works and Transport, George Simataa, to re-spray the Volvo S80 at a cost of between N$16,000 and N$20 000 and acquire a private number - MTI 01 NA - which is distinct from other Minister’s car registrations.
After Simataa refused to budge to what he considered as unreasonable demands from the Trade Minister, Cabinet Secretary Frans Kapofi forced Simataa to enforce Geingob’s wish saying, “The current Minister of Trade and Industry is fairly senior to other Ministers given the fact that he was the First Prime Minister of our Republic.”
In his response on 23 September 2009, Simataa says the reason why Geingob’s colour is different from the other Ministers is because “at the time of purchasing the vehicle, the Ministry of Works and Transport was put under pressure by your Ministry”.
Simataa further explains that consultations were made with the Trade and Industry Ministry regarding the grey colour before it was ordered and they agreed to the colour.
“However, should you wish the vehicle to be re-sprayed to a black colour to ensure uniformity with other GRN Volvos, arrangements could be made at the expense of your Ministry,” Simataa says.
The decision to purchase the 4x4 for Geingob, according to documents, was made in March this year by the Ministry of Works and Transport at the Minister’s request.
The documents further reveal that Geingob did not want the standard Toyota double cab bakkie commonly used by other Ministers.
When contacted for comment Geingob professed ignorance over the matter.
“I don’t know anything about it, so you can write what you want. I am tired of Informanté nonsense. You think I am a kid, I am in kindergarten? I drive my personal Land-Rover,” he said.
Although the Minister of Works and Transport Helmut Angula said he did not know anything about the story, he further said there was nothing unusual with Geingob’s request for a 4x4 vehicle.
“I don’t understand what this story is about. There is nothing special with a Minister requesting a Nissan Navara. We had those cars until two years ago before they were replaced with Toyota vehicles because they were found to have many defects,” he said.
Girl admitted in mental hospital after rape
Written by Patience Nyangove and Joseph Naluwe
Thursday, 26 November 2009
A 12 year-old girl who was allegedly raped three years-ago by her uncle has been admitted at the Windhoek Central Hospital Mental Health Centre suffering from depression.
The girl, whose father is dead, alleges that her uncle Elia Aula (40) a cleaner at Omaruru Primary School raped her in March 2006 and threatened her with witchcraft if she reported the incident to other family members or the police.
The girl said when she went to report the case the following day at Omaruru Police Station, she was allegedly told by the police to bring along her aunt whose husband had allegedly sexually abused her.
She alleges her aunt also threatened her that if she reports the case her husband would bewitch her and her entire family.
“My life has been a living hell since my grandmother died. I was moving from one house to another like a ball kicked from one direction to another,” the girl said in a letter to Informanté.
The girl said after the alleged rape, she was told by her aunt and husband to leave their home.
“I realise that life was not meant for me. I was always crying, sometimes blaming my mother and sometimes blaming myself. I used to ask myself why life was so unfair and asking God what crime I have committed to deserve all this.
“When that thing (the alleged rape) happened to me I was told by my aunt to leave the place and they took me to my (other) aunt’s house, even though they remind (sic) of the past, life has coming (sic) better,” she said.
The young girl says because of her problems she almost committed suicide by strangling herself with her school tie.
“I took out the tie and started crying. I realised that there is a bright future for me there ahead. I give myself this name Faith so I can always have faith in everything I do and never to give up,” she says.
Aula denied ever sexually abusing his niece however admitting that he fondled her breasts.
“I asked her whether we can sleep under the same blanket and she said no. I only fondled her breasts,” he said.
However, when contacted for comment her aunt said her husband only fondled the girl’s breasts but never raped her.
She said she believed her niece is cooking up the story.
According to a family member who talked to the Informanté on condition of anonymity, the raped minor has been suffering from depression and swollen legs since the alleged sexual abuse.
The family member said they had to take her to hospital to get professional help as her hair was also falling off and she was finding it difficult to relate to male relatives.
The girl, the relative said failed to complete her matriculation because of ill health.
An uncle to the girl Andrew Nambahu said he will not rest until his niece gets justice despite the fact that the police and Women and Child Support Network are allegedly not showing interest in assisting her.
“I have gone everywhere to get help for my niece but it is proving difficult to convince the police to take up the case as they are saying the victim has to be present when I report the case.”
Thursday, 26 November 2009
A 12 year-old girl who was allegedly raped three years-ago by her uncle has been admitted at the Windhoek Central Hospital Mental Health Centre suffering from depression.
The girl, whose father is dead, alleges that her uncle Elia Aula (40) a cleaner at Omaruru Primary School raped her in March 2006 and threatened her with witchcraft if she reported the incident to other family members or the police.
The girl said when she went to report the case the following day at Omaruru Police Station, she was allegedly told by the police to bring along her aunt whose husband had allegedly sexually abused her.
She alleges her aunt also threatened her that if she reports the case her husband would bewitch her and her entire family.
“My life has been a living hell since my grandmother died. I was moving from one house to another like a ball kicked from one direction to another,” the girl said in a letter to Informanté.
The girl said after the alleged rape, she was told by her aunt and husband to leave their home.
“I realise that life was not meant for me. I was always crying, sometimes blaming my mother and sometimes blaming myself. I used to ask myself why life was so unfair and asking God what crime I have committed to deserve all this.
“When that thing (the alleged rape) happened to me I was told by my aunt to leave the place and they took me to my (other) aunt’s house, even though they remind (sic) of the past, life has coming (sic) better,” she said.
The young girl says because of her problems she almost committed suicide by strangling herself with her school tie.
“I took out the tie and started crying. I realised that there is a bright future for me there ahead. I give myself this name Faith so I can always have faith in everything I do and never to give up,” she says.
Aula denied ever sexually abusing his niece however admitting that he fondled her breasts.
“I asked her whether we can sleep under the same blanket and she said no. I only fondled her breasts,” he said.
However, when contacted for comment her aunt said her husband only fondled the girl’s breasts but never raped her.
She said she believed her niece is cooking up the story.
According to a family member who talked to the Informanté on condition of anonymity, the raped minor has been suffering from depression and swollen legs since the alleged sexual abuse.
The family member said they had to take her to hospital to get professional help as her hair was also falling off and she was finding it difficult to relate to male relatives.
The girl, the relative said failed to complete her matriculation because of ill health.
An uncle to the girl Andrew Nambahu said he will not rest until his niece gets justice despite the fact that the police and Women and Child Support Network are allegedly not showing interest in assisting her.
“I have gone everywhere to get help for my niece but it is proving difficult to convince the police to take up the case as they are saying the victim has to be present when I report the case.”
Otavi Village Council under fire
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 26 November 2009
OTAVI Informal Settlement residents are demanding information about the Otavi Village Council expenditure for the past four years including money spent on a trip to Europe.
In a petition to the village council over poor ablution facilities, the residents question why the village council has not done anything to address the issue of blocked toilets two years after a team from the Ombudsman’s office investigated the issue of health hazard condition at the camp.
“A report was submitted to the Ministry of Regional, Local Government and Housing, the Regional Health Directorate in Otjiwarongo and the Otavi Village Council.
“In 2008, a reassessment was done by the team from the Ombudsman. The obligation of the village council has not been fulfilled until today,” the petition points out.
The report from the Ombudsman, according to the petition, noted that there was no political will to improve the conditions at the settlement.
“No funding was available for the devastated water or lights installation for more than 10 years. No cleaning materials and no supervision for the toilets but the CEO and the chairlady of the council travel unauthorised abroad and take a loan on the municipality account,” the petition alleges.
The petition further demands that the village council should explain and provide proof of funds invested in the last four years’ meant for the toilets; a summary of travel allowances and related transport costs for the village councillors; and to say what the villagers gained from the trips.
In a separate letter to the Ombudsman, Uwe Rathmann notes that there are two toilets which serve about 1,120 people and that all the 16 bowls are blocked and overflowing with human waste.
Rathmann further says, “The walls, floors and doors is (sic) covered with dirt and the municipality workers don’t enter the buildings anymore. In the surrounding (sic) of the buildings is standing water and urine.”
He added that people are now using bushes even when it’s dark since there are no lights.
Chairlady of the Otavi Council Ndapewa Nambili, said this was part of poor politics being spearheaded by white people who are not happy with the Swapo led council.
“This is poor politics. I am not working for certain groups. I was elected to serve everyone. These white men had an opportunity to change the living standards of the people but they failed, now they are trying to block what the Swapo supported council is trying to build.
“These white men are trying to cause confusion among the residents besides in an informal settlement you are lucky to have toilets,” she said.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
OTAVI Informal Settlement residents are demanding information about the Otavi Village Council expenditure for the past four years including money spent on a trip to Europe.
In a petition to the village council over poor ablution facilities, the residents question why the village council has not done anything to address the issue of blocked toilets two years after a team from the Ombudsman’s office investigated the issue of health hazard condition at the camp.
“A report was submitted to the Ministry of Regional, Local Government and Housing, the Regional Health Directorate in Otjiwarongo and the Otavi Village Council.
“In 2008, a reassessment was done by the team from the Ombudsman. The obligation of the village council has not been fulfilled until today,” the petition points out.
The report from the Ombudsman, according to the petition, noted that there was no political will to improve the conditions at the settlement.
“No funding was available for the devastated water or lights installation for more than 10 years. No cleaning materials and no supervision for the toilets but the CEO and the chairlady of the council travel unauthorised abroad and take a loan on the municipality account,” the petition alleges.
The petition further demands that the village council should explain and provide proof of funds invested in the last four years’ meant for the toilets; a summary of travel allowances and related transport costs for the village councillors; and to say what the villagers gained from the trips.
In a separate letter to the Ombudsman, Uwe Rathmann notes that there are two toilets which serve about 1,120 people and that all the 16 bowls are blocked and overflowing with human waste.
Rathmann further says, “The walls, floors and doors is (sic) covered with dirt and the municipality workers don’t enter the buildings anymore. In the surrounding (sic) of the buildings is standing water and urine.”
He added that people are now using bushes even when it’s dark since there are no lights.
Chairlady of the Otavi Council Ndapewa Nambili, said this was part of poor politics being spearheaded by white people who are not happy with the Swapo led council.
“This is poor politics. I am not working for certain groups. I was elected to serve everyone. These white men had an opportunity to change the living standards of the people but they failed, now they are trying to block what the Swapo supported council is trying to build.
“These white men are trying to cause confusion among the residents besides in an informal settlement you are lucky to have toilets,” she said.
Municipality divided over rezoning issue
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 26 November 2009
THE Municipality of Windhoek has once again failed to agree on the rezoning of residential areas into business units with councillors alleging that others within council had interest in the issue.
The heated debate that resumed during the last session of the council last week Thursday has been going on since last year following complaints by residents in Windhoek North and West who experienced an influx of Congolese and Angolan businesses in their residential suburbs.
Last week’s debate was triggered by an application for rezoning of ERF, C/O 2 Joseph Wood and Hebenstreit Streets, Klein Windhoek, owned by a certain A Graham, from residential to business.
There was also another application by a certain D Howard to have ERF 1330, 8 Joseph Wood Street, Klein Windhoek rezoned into business offices.
Chairperson of Management Committee of the City of Windhoek, Ellaine Trepper moved the motion saying residencies cannot continue to be sacrificed at the expense of businesses.
Trepper said it was vital to consider the residents’ opinion and for council to start developing new business areas to deal with the contentious rezoning issue.
Councillor Gerson Kamatuka said council cannot be held at ransom and there is need to make further consultations with both residents and businesses before a resolution is passed.
He also raised the issue of morality behind the issuing of business stands in residential areas and whether some councillors were interested parties. Councillor IIme Schneider said there was need to second residents who are against having businesses in residential areas.
She added that residents had a right to privacy and by allowing businesses into residential areas, council is helping in the invading of privacy.
She urged the Mayor to engage businesses, council and residences as a way to come up with a comprehensive decision.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
THE Municipality of Windhoek has once again failed to agree on the rezoning of residential areas into business units with councillors alleging that others within council had interest in the issue.
The heated debate that resumed during the last session of the council last week Thursday has been going on since last year following complaints by residents in Windhoek North and West who experienced an influx of Congolese and Angolan businesses in their residential suburbs.
Last week’s debate was triggered by an application for rezoning of ERF, C/O 2 Joseph Wood and Hebenstreit Streets, Klein Windhoek, owned by a certain A Graham, from residential to business.
There was also another application by a certain D Howard to have ERF 1330, 8 Joseph Wood Street, Klein Windhoek rezoned into business offices.
Chairperson of Management Committee of the City of Windhoek, Ellaine Trepper moved the motion saying residencies cannot continue to be sacrificed at the expense of businesses.
Trepper said it was vital to consider the residents’ opinion and for council to start developing new business areas to deal with the contentious rezoning issue.
Councillor Gerson Kamatuka said council cannot be held at ransom and there is need to make further consultations with both residents and businesses before a resolution is passed.
He also raised the issue of morality behind the issuing of business stands in residential areas and whether some councillors were interested parties. Councillor IIme Schneider said there was need to second residents who are against having businesses in residential areas.
She added that residents had a right to privacy and by allowing businesses into residential areas, council is helping in the invading of privacy.
She urged the Mayor to engage businesses, council and residences as a way to come up with a comprehensive decision.
SPYL, NUNW comments about police unfortunate - NamPol
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 26 November 2009
NAMPOL has described last week’s statements by the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) that the security and law enforcement agencies require a complete overhaul because some police officers are partisan as very unfortunate.
Addressing a joint press conference last Thursday SPYL secretary, Dr Elijah Ngurare together with Evilastus Kaaronda, secretary general of NUNW said they bemoan the reactionary and individual tendencies of some police officers whose conduct is more political than doing the actual police work.
Ngurare said of late police resources were being wasted through meaningless escorts to some “political cry babies” everywhere.
“We cannot be fooled any longer that there is absolute impartiality in the police force. Put simply, the Police in the conduct of the forthcoming elections must be above board and do so with absolute impartiality and root out those bad elements in the Namibian Police who are tainting the good image of the Namibian Police. And we know them very well,” Ngurare said.
Police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Hofni Hamufungu said although Ngurare’s statements might have been directed at individual police officers, this may not augur well with the public’s image of the police. Hamufungu said the police force has an open door policy whereby its Police Inspector General and all its members have granted audiences to anyone who feels they are aggrieved. “We would therefore expect the SPYL and NUNW to take recourse through our normal channels of communication which they made use of in the past. It’s unfortunate to learn from the media that these are the allegations made by the two.”
Hamufungu said police are doing escorts as part of their legal obligation in terms of the law to protect life and property and they do this without looking at one’s colour, tribe, race, political inclination because it’s a statutory obligation trusted upon them by the Namibian nation.
“Nampol is guided solely by the legal instruments in its conduct and operations whenever and wherever we feel there is a potential threat for crime to occur we take preventative measures.
“Similarly where anyone makes themselves guilty by violating any of Namibia’s laws we effect arrest and we don’t ask for your political membership card. We arrest people for crimes they commit and not for who they are and that goes for the provision of escorts especially during this period of campaigning to those we feel might attract attacks or any other illegal hindrances,” Hamufungu said.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
NAMPOL has described last week’s statements by the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) that the security and law enforcement agencies require a complete overhaul because some police officers are partisan as very unfortunate.
Addressing a joint press conference last Thursday SPYL secretary, Dr Elijah Ngurare together with Evilastus Kaaronda, secretary general of NUNW said they bemoan the reactionary and individual tendencies of some police officers whose conduct is more political than doing the actual police work.
Ngurare said of late police resources were being wasted through meaningless escorts to some “political cry babies” everywhere.
“We cannot be fooled any longer that there is absolute impartiality in the police force. Put simply, the Police in the conduct of the forthcoming elections must be above board and do so with absolute impartiality and root out those bad elements in the Namibian Police who are tainting the good image of the Namibian Police. And we know them very well,” Ngurare said.
Police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Hofni Hamufungu said although Ngurare’s statements might have been directed at individual police officers, this may not augur well with the public’s image of the police. Hamufungu said the police force has an open door policy whereby its Police Inspector General and all its members have granted audiences to anyone who feels they are aggrieved. “We would therefore expect the SPYL and NUNW to take recourse through our normal channels of communication which they made use of in the past. It’s unfortunate to learn from the media that these are the allegations made by the two.”
Hamufungu said police are doing escorts as part of their legal obligation in terms of the law to protect life and property and they do this without looking at one’s colour, tribe, race, political inclination because it’s a statutory obligation trusted upon them by the Namibian nation.
“Nampol is guided solely by the legal instruments in its conduct and operations whenever and wherever we feel there is a potential threat for crime to occur we take preventative measures.
“Similarly where anyone makes themselves guilty by violating any of Namibia’s laws we effect arrest and we don’t ask for your political membership card. We arrest people for crimes they commit and not for who they are and that goes for the provision of escorts especially during this period of campaigning to those we feel might attract attacks or any other illegal hindrances,” Hamufungu said.
RDP denies members’ defections to Swapo
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 26 November 2009
RALLY for Democracy and Progress Councilors for Tobias Hainyeko Constituency, Erasmus Kaptein Endjala and his wife Martha who were said to have defected to Swapo last week dismissed the claims saying they would never ever rejoin Swapo again.
Speaking at an RDP star rally on Saturday in Windhoek, Endjala and his wife, denied ever going back to Swapo as was alleged by Swapo.
“We will never ever go back to Swapo because the party doesn’t represent the interests of the majority,” Endjala said.
President Hidipo Hamutenya, who was the main speaker, described the ruling party’s parading of purported former RDP supporters at its rallies as hogwash.
Hamutenya said it was in fact the RDP which was attracting more former Swapo members at its rallies.
He said at their rallies in Outapi, RDP recorded 150 former Swapo members, in Opuwo 180 while in Gobabis there were 40.
“People are not defecting from RDP, people are in actual fact joining RDP from Swapo,” Hamutenya said.
He said there is a plan by Swapo to unveil a big number of supposed former RDP supporters at one of the party’s last rallies the election campaigns draw to an end.
“There is absolutely no such thing that our people are defecting to Swapo. This is designed to look as if people are defecting. We are confident about our popularity and our appeal as such.
“We don’t see why there is such a claim. RDP is a new party and there is no reason for people to defect. If, indeed, there are people defecting, then they were never RDP members but rather political hitchhikers,” Hamutenya said.
Hamutenya said the party currently has 390, 000 members on its database.
The Swapo party has been parading people purported to be former RDP members at some of its rallies across the country who had deserted the new party on the pretext that RDP had nothing concrete to offer the electorate, that the party is rocked by infighting, foot soldiers are being forced to campaign offering unrealistic promises and that the party had lost the hype it had when it was formed two years ago.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
RALLY for Democracy and Progress Councilors for Tobias Hainyeko Constituency, Erasmus Kaptein Endjala and his wife Martha who were said to have defected to Swapo last week dismissed the claims saying they would never ever rejoin Swapo again.
Speaking at an RDP star rally on Saturday in Windhoek, Endjala and his wife, denied ever going back to Swapo as was alleged by Swapo.
“We will never ever go back to Swapo because the party doesn’t represent the interests of the majority,” Endjala said.
President Hidipo Hamutenya, who was the main speaker, described the ruling party’s parading of purported former RDP supporters at its rallies as hogwash.
Hamutenya said it was in fact the RDP which was attracting more former Swapo members at its rallies.
He said at their rallies in Outapi, RDP recorded 150 former Swapo members, in Opuwo 180 while in Gobabis there were 40.
“People are not defecting from RDP, people are in actual fact joining RDP from Swapo,” Hamutenya said.
He said there is a plan by Swapo to unveil a big number of supposed former RDP supporters at one of the party’s last rallies the election campaigns draw to an end.
“There is absolutely no such thing that our people are defecting to Swapo. This is designed to look as if people are defecting. We are confident about our popularity and our appeal as such.
“We don’t see why there is such a claim. RDP is a new party and there is no reason for people to defect. If, indeed, there are people defecting, then they were never RDP members but rather political hitchhikers,” Hamutenya said.
Hamutenya said the party currently has 390, 000 members on its database.
The Swapo party has been parading people purported to be former RDP members at some of its rallies across the country who had deserted the new party on the pretext that RDP had nothing concrete to offer the electorate, that the party is rocked by infighting, foot soldiers are being forced to campaign offering unrealistic promises and that the party had lost the hype it had when it was formed two years ago.
Farms will not be grabbed Zim way - Piet van der Walt
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 26 November 2009
SWAPO’s candidate in the National Assembly Elections Piet Van der Walt says white commercial farmers have nothing to fear if Swapo gets re-elected because the party is looking after their best interests.
Van der Walt’s statements came on the back drop of a circular which is alleging that white farmers’ land would be taken the Zimbabwean way after the elections and those who refuse to voluntary vacate the farms would be beaten up.
“You have nothing to fear because for the past 19 years you had nothing to fear. You should lend a hand and vote Swapo party,” he said.
Van der Walt said there was still hope for white youth who had assumed that because of affirmative action, Government was going to sideline them.
“I bring hope to the white youth who had no hope because of affirmative action, your hope is in voting Swapo to address your concerns. I hear a cry of a black child dreaming of going to university. I call on white community to take the black child’s hand and bring hope,” he said.
Van der Walt said Swapo paved way for economic emancipation and it’s only through Swapo where black, white and coloured children can work together.
Swapo deputy-secretary general Nangolo Mbumba also spoke about the circular doing rounds among white commercial farmers.
“There is a circular that is being sent to white farmers saying their land is going to be taken and bodily harm done to them after the elections if Swapo wins the elections. Whoever is perpetrating this must come out. We want these cowards to come out,” Mbumba said.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
SWAPO’s candidate in the National Assembly Elections Piet Van der Walt says white commercial farmers have nothing to fear if Swapo gets re-elected because the party is looking after their best interests.
Van der Walt’s statements came on the back drop of a circular which is alleging that white farmers’ land would be taken the Zimbabwean way after the elections and those who refuse to voluntary vacate the farms would be beaten up.
“You have nothing to fear because for the past 19 years you had nothing to fear. You should lend a hand and vote Swapo party,” he said.
Van der Walt said there was still hope for white youth who had assumed that because of affirmative action, Government was going to sideline them.
“I bring hope to the white youth who had no hope because of affirmative action, your hope is in voting Swapo to address your concerns. I hear a cry of a black child dreaming of going to university. I call on white community to take the black child’s hand and bring hope,” he said.
Van der Walt said Swapo paved way for economic emancipation and it’s only through Swapo where black, white and coloured children can work together.
Swapo deputy-secretary general Nangolo Mbumba also spoke about the circular doing rounds among white commercial farmers.
“There is a circular that is being sent to white farmers saying their land is going to be taken and bodily harm done to them after the elections if Swapo wins the elections. Whoever is perpetrating this must come out. We want these cowards to come out,” Mbumba said.
RDP can become the official opposition - Ekandjo
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 26 November 2009
SWAPO party secretary for information and mobilisation, Jerry Ekandjo has appealed to Namibians to make informed decisions not out of emotion but out of conviction on who they will vote for because the task requires a sober and realistic advancement.
Addressing a press conference yesterday Ekandjo said it was not time for experimenting but time for hard work.
Ekandjo said despite tangible results the Swapo Government has managed to do for its people, there is still a group of few people who are trying to cast a shadow of doubt on the Government’s achievements.
He claimed that at some of their rallies across the country, more people were defecting from the RDP party joining Swapo.
Ekandjo said there was need for Namibians to be united because Namibia was like a ship and if it sinks everyone sinks.
“Tribal politics doesn’t count. Let’s stand together united. One-man parties like the All People’s Party (APP), Republican Party (RP), South West Africa National Union (SWANU) and National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) don’t go anywhere.
“Don’t waste your energy voting for opposition parties rather stand in a queue, hungry, thirsty and tired and come 29 November you will rejoice under the blue, green and red banner, “ Ekandjo said.
He also said there is a big possibility of Swapo getting more than 60 seats.
“The possibility of RDP becoming the official opposition is there. They will probably get four seats with other smaller parties getting one or two,” Ekandjo said.
Thursday, 26 November 2009
SWAPO party secretary for information and mobilisation, Jerry Ekandjo has appealed to Namibians to make informed decisions not out of emotion but out of conviction on who they will vote for because the task requires a sober and realistic advancement.
Addressing a press conference yesterday Ekandjo said it was not time for experimenting but time for hard work.
Ekandjo said despite tangible results the Swapo Government has managed to do for its people, there is still a group of few people who are trying to cast a shadow of doubt on the Government’s achievements.
He claimed that at some of their rallies across the country, more people were defecting from the RDP party joining Swapo.
Ekandjo said there was need for Namibians to be united because Namibia was like a ship and if it sinks everyone sinks.
“Tribal politics doesn’t count. Let’s stand together united. One-man parties like the All People’s Party (APP), Republican Party (RP), South West Africa National Union (SWANU) and National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) don’t go anywhere.
“Don’t waste your energy voting for opposition parties rather stand in a queue, hungry, thirsty and tired and come 29 November you will rejoice under the blue, green and red banner, “ Ekandjo said.
He also said there is a big possibility of Swapo getting more than 60 seats.
“The possibility of RDP becoming the official opposition is there. They will probably get four seats with other smaller parties getting one or two,” Ekandjo said.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Iilonga implicated in officer’s victimisation
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 12 November 2009
THE Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Petrus Iilonga has been accused of victimising a senior labour inspector who is a Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) member.
The officer, Jafeth !Auchab, RDP Gobabis District Secretary, alleges that the Ministry transferred him from Omaheke to Khomas Region as punishment for being an opposition party member.
!Auchab further alleges that Iilonga connived with Omaheke Swapo party youth leader Liberius Kalili to remove him from the region ahead of the forthcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections.
He also said Iilonga frequents his office in Windhoek to ask him what he is still doing in the Ministry.
“There was a lot of interference by Swapo almost daily. Being RDP is the reason why they transferred me from Gobabis, the SPYL and it’s regional co-ordinator were threatening me also,” !Auchab alleged.
In letters to the Ministry and Dr Elijah Ngurare, Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) national secretary, Kalili alleged that labour inspectors in the region were being bribed by commercial farmers and business people to ignore the workers’ plight.
Kalili appealed for the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare’s intervention resulting in the deputy Minister’s visit to the region last year in November.
According to a document compiled by the deputy Labour Inspectorate Director Felix Musukubili, labour officers at Gobabis including !Auchab were dragged to the Swapo party regional office despite their refusal to go.
“At the start, the labour inspector in question was not comfortable to attend the meeting at the Party’s offices, to which he said he does not belong to,” the report stated.
Although the report said issues between SPYL and the labour officers especially !Auchab were resolved at the meeting, the Ministry notified him that he had been transferred to Khomas Region.
“They gave me two days to move as if I have no family. I have a disabled daughter and some of my children were in school,” !Auchab said.
He then wrote back to the Ministry asking them to give him time to prepare for the relocation but his request was turned down, ordering him instead to report for duty in Windhoek on 1 August 2009.
“I complied only to find that there was no decent accommodation for me. They put me in a hotel initially but early this month, they asked me to go to a bed and breakfast where I can’t live with my family,” charged !Auchab.
He added that during the first days, he operated from a corridor because there was no office space for him.
“I cannot use resources here. If I want to use a vehicle, I have to fill in several forms because they suspect I would be going on an RDP business. It’s very difficult for me to work now because there is no trust. I have told my supervisor about this,” !Auchab said.
Correspondence between the Director of Labour Services, Valentina Mulongeni, the deputy Minister Iilonga and the Permanent Secretary Ulitala Hiveluah when !Auchab fell ill reveal suspicion that he was faking illness.
“They queried my illness and investigated me with the intention of instituting disciplinary action,” said !Auchab.
He said, “I will stay on. I will remain a member of RDP. I will resign only when the problems become unbearable.”
Iilonga flatly denied !Auchab’s accusations saying it was news to him.
“How can I victimise him? When I return to Windhoek next week Monday, I will call !Auchab, you and the Director of Labour Services and we discuss this issue. People just want to tarnish other people’s images.
“If !Auchab has problems, he should not turn them into my problems. I have never victimised any of my staff. I have good relations with everyone including the cleaners.”
Iilonga also denied playing a part in !Auchab’s transfer saying he does not have powers to do so.
“People should just leave Iilonga alone and stop fabricating stories. If !Auchab is RDP, how many other people are in the Ministry who support other opposition parties? We don’t ask employees of their political parties.”
Kalili said !Auchab was not transferred because he is RDP but because he is incompetent.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
THE Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Petrus Iilonga has been accused of victimising a senior labour inspector who is a Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) member.
The officer, Jafeth !Auchab, RDP Gobabis District Secretary, alleges that the Ministry transferred him from Omaheke to Khomas Region as punishment for being an opposition party member.
!Auchab further alleges that Iilonga connived with Omaheke Swapo party youth leader Liberius Kalili to remove him from the region ahead of the forthcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections.
He also said Iilonga frequents his office in Windhoek to ask him what he is still doing in the Ministry.
“There was a lot of interference by Swapo almost daily. Being RDP is the reason why they transferred me from Gobabis, the SPYL and it’s regional co-ordinator were threatening me also,” !Auchab alleged.
In letters to the Ministry and Dr Elijah Ngurare, Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) national secretary, Kalili alleged that labour inspectors in the region were being bribed by commercial farmers and business people to ignore the workers’ plight.
Kalili appealed for the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare’s intervention resulting in the deputy Minister’s visit to the region last year in November.
According to a document compiled by the deputy Labour Inspectorate Director Felix Musukubili, labour officers at Gobabis including !Auchab were dragged to the Swapo party regional office despite their refusal to go.
“At the start, the labour inspector in question was not comfortable to attend the meeting at the Party’s offices, to which he said he does not belong to,” the report stated.
Although the report said issues between SPYL and the labour officers especially !Auchab were resolved at the meeting, the Ministry notified him that he had been transferred to Khomas Region.
“They gave me two days to move as if I have no family. I have a disabled daughter and some of my children were in school,” !Auchab said.
He then wrote back to the Ministry asking them to give him time to prepare for the relocation but his request was turned down, ordering him instead to report for duty in Windhoek on 1 August 2009.
“I complied only to find that there was no decent accommodation for me. They put me in a hotel initially but early this month, they asked me to go to a bed and breakfast where I can’t live with my family,” charged !Auchab.
He added that during the first days, he operated from a corridor because there was no office space for him.
“I cannot use resources here. If I want to use a vehicle, I have to fill in several forms because they suspect I would be going on an RDP business. It’s very difficult for me to work now because there is no trust. I have told my supervisor about this,” !Auchab said.
Correspondence between the Director of Labour Services, Valentina Mulongeni, the deputy Minister Iilonga and the Permanent Secretary Ulitala Hiveluah when !Auchab fell ill reveal suspicion that he was faking illness.
“They queried my illness and investigated me with the intention of instituting disciplinary action,” said !Auchab.
He said, “I will stay on. I will remain a member of RDP. I will resign only when the problems become unbearable.”
Iilonga flatly denied !Auchab’s accusations saying it was news to him.
“How can I victimise him? When I return to Windhoek next week Monday, I will call !Auchab, you and the Director of Labour Services and we discuss this issue. People just want to tarnish other people’s images.
“If !Auchab has problems, he should not turn them into my problems. I have never victimised any of my staff. I have good relations with everyone including the cleaners.”
Iilonga also denied playing a part in !Auchab’s transfer saying he does not have powers to do so.
“People should just leave Iilonga alone and stop fabricating stories. If !Auchab is RDP, how many other people are in the Ministry who support other opposition parties? We don’t ask employees of their political parties.”
Kalili said !Auchab was not transferred because he is RDP but because he is incompetent.
Telecom dragged to court for overcharging
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 05 November 2009
TELECOMUNICATIONS service provider, Telecom has been taken to court by leading departmental store Woolworths Namibia for overcharging on telephone bills to the tune of just over N$1 million.
In its particulars of claim Woolworths says that the defendant (Telecom) included charges in the invoices rendered to the plaintiff for services not rendered, for services previously cancelled and for other amounts not due and payable to the defendant stretching from April 2000 to May 2009.
Woolworths says that during or about July 2006 it came to know that it was being overcharged by the defendant and that it had paid N$1,143,812.39 by mistake.
“The amount of N$1,143,812.39 was not due, owing and payable to the defendant but the defendant nevertheless appropriated the monies.”
Woolworths claims that in July 2006, Telecom admitted that it was overcharging and acknowledged its liability for the money overcharged and agreed to credit Woolworths’ account.
“During or about July 2006 and October 2007 the defendant in fact credited the plaintiff’s account with the amounts of N$128,367.76 and N$143,868.42 respectively.”
Woolworths also said that between July 2006 and May 2009 Telecom also overcharged it again for services not rendered, services previously cancelled and for other amounts not due and payable to the defendant.
“The plaintiff had unwillingly overpaid an amount of N$426,979.74 to the defendant which amount is owed by the defendant to the plaintiff. Despite demands the defendant has, however, failed to pay to the plaintiff the amount of N$426,979.74 overpaid by the plaintiff.”
Thursday, 05 November 2009
TELECOMUNICATIONS service provider, Telecom has been taken to court by leading departmental store Woolworths Namibia for overcharging on telephone bills to the tune of just over N$1 million.
In its particulars of claim Woolworths says that the defendant (Telecom) included charges in the invoices rendered to the plaintiff for services not rendered, for services previously cancelled and for other amounts not due and payable to the defendant stretching from April 2000 to May 2009.
Woolworths says that during or about July 2006 it came to know that it was being overcharged by the defendant and that it had paid N$1,143,812.39 by mistake.
“The amount of N$1,143,812.39 was not due, owing and payable to the defendant but the defendant nevertheless appropriated the monies.”
Woolworths claims that in July 2006, Telecom admitted that it was overcharging and acknowledged its liability for the money overcharged and agreed to credit Woolworths’ account.
“During or about July 2006 and October 2007 the defendant in fact credited the plaintiff’s account with the amounts of N$128,367.76 and N$143,868.42 respectively.”
Woolworths also said that between July 2006 and May 2009 Telecom also overcharged it again for services not rendered, services previously cancelled and for other amounts not due and payable to the defendant.
“The plaintiff had unwillingly overpaid an amount of N$426,979.74 to the defendant which amount is owed by the defendant to the plaintiff. Despite demands the defendant has, however, failed to pay to the plaintiff the amount of N$426,979.74 overpaid by the plaintiff.”
Namugongo’s house up for grabs
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 05 November 2009
EMBATTLED former deputy director in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Sackey Namugongo, could lose his Rocky Crest house after failing to repay a 13-year loan of about N$600,000 he got from SWABOU Investments.
In a default judgment, the High Court granted SWABOU Investments formally SWABOU Bank Limited the right to attach and sell Namugongo’s house Erf 170, Rocky Crest, Windhoek to recover its money.
In its particulars of claim, SWABOU Investments, says Namugongo together with his wife Nghiimbwasha Fousy Namugongo concluded home loan agreements with the company and the plaintiff made payment of the loan under home loan account numbers 3000003052828 and 3000001910021.
SWABOU also says that Namugongo and his wife were given four mortgage bonds from 6 April 1995 to 24 August 2007 with them granting security of their house.
In the first mortgage bond number 1579/1995 Namugongo and his wife, the court papers say, owe SWABOU N$154,777 together with an additional amount of N$31,000.
In the second mortgage bond number B2861/2000 dated 7 June 2000, the defendants owe SWABOU N$42,290 and had to pay an additional N$9,000.
The third mortgage bond is N$221,000 with an additional N$44,200 under mortgage bond number B7298/2005 while they owe N$64,000 with an additional N$13,000 in the fourth mortgage bond number B5549/2007.
“In terms of the agreement between the parties the full amount outstanding is now due and payable as a result of the Defendants’ breach by failing to repay the monthly instalments as they became due and payable,” SWABOU Investments says.
Namugongo is currently facing 20 corruption charges for allegedly receiving more than N$330,000 from people who wanted to apply for gambling house licences that would allow them to operate gambling machines in the country.
Namugongo is also alleged to have received the money from gambling house licence applicants from March to September 2006 when there was a freeze on the issuing of gambling house licences.
It’s also alleged that after receiving the money from the applicants, Namugongo issued them letters signed by himself and told them they could use them (letters) to start operating their gambling houses.
Thursday, 05 November 2009
EMBATTLED former deputy director in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Sackey Namugongo, could lose his Rocky Crest house after failing to repay a 13-year loan of about N$600,000 he got from SWABOU Investments.
In a default judgment, the High Court granted SWABOU Investments formally SWABOU Bank Limited the right to attach and sell Namugongo’s house Erf 170, Rocky Crest, Windhoek to recover its money.
In its particulars of claim, SWABOU Investments, says Namugongo together with his wife Nghiimbwasha Fousy Namugongo concluded home loan agreements with the company and the plaintiff made payment of the loan under home loan account numbers 3000003052828 and 3000001910021.
SWABOU also says that Namugongo and his wife were given four mortgage bonds from 6 April 1995 to 24 August 2007 with them granting security of their house.
In the first mortgage bond number 1579/1995 Namugongo and his wife, the court papers say, owe SWABOU N$154,777 together with an additional amount of N$31,000.
In the second mortgage bond number B2861/2000 dated 7 June 2000, the defendants owe SWABOU N$42,290 and had to pay an additional N$9,000.
The third mortgage bond is N$221,000 with an additional N$44,200 under mortgage bond number B7298/2005 while they owe N$64,000 with an additional N$13,000 in the fourth mortgage bond number B5549/2007.
“In terms of the agreement between the parties the full amount outstanding is now due and payable as a result of the Defendants’ breach by failing to repay the monthly instalments as they became due and payable,” SWABOU Investments says.
Namugongo is currently facing 20 corruption charges for allegedly receiving more than N$330,000 from people who wanted to apply for gambling house licences that would allow them to operate gambling machines in the country.
Namugongo is also alleged to have received the money from gambling house licence applicants from March to September 2006 when there was a freeze on the issuing of gambling house licences.
It’s also alleged that after receiving the money from the applicants, Namugongo issued them letters signed by himself and told them they could use them (letters) to start operating their gambling houses.
Let a priest talk about morality on Chinese bursaries - Mbumba
Written by Patience Nyangove and Max Hamata
Thursday, 05 November 2009
IN what could be a clear admission of wrong doing by the top brass including President Hifikepunye Pohamba whose children benefited from Chinese scholarships, a senior Cabinet minister this week said only a priest can talk about morality.
Addressing a media briefing in Windhoek Monday, Minister of Education Nangolo Mbumba who was flanked by Presidential Affairs Minister Albert Kawana and Information Minister Joël Kaapanda said it was not his responsibility to say whether those who received the scholarships are morally wrong.
“As for morality only a priest can talk about that,” Mbumba said responding to a question whether it was morally right or wrong for senior Government officials to “grab” scholarships at the expense of students from less privileged families.
The three ministers did not deny that indeed President Pohamba’s daughter together with a number of other senior government officials’ children benefited from the scholarships.
Despite the press conference being the third in as many weeks, neither Mbumba, Kaapanda nor Kawana could explain satisfactorily why only senior government officials’ children and relatives benefitted.
Although the Chinese Embassy has repeatedly said the children of the elite who received the scholarships went through the Ministry of Education, Mbumba also repeated his Permanent Secretary, Vitalis Ankama’s denial that they had anything to do with the 22 children and relatives of the top brass in China.
“We can only account for 10 scholarships we dealt with. The Chinese are the best people to explain about the 22. I have no idea on the broad interests of the Chinese. They are not bribing us how can they bribe us with scholarships?” Mbumba questioned.
He said there was no corrupt relationships between the senior government officials and the Chinese because the scholarships were not given to the officials but their children and relatives.
“It’s not the Ministers who are being sponsored by the Chinese,” Mbumba said.
He also claimed that the 22 children did not all leave for China in August but in small groups over a period of time.
However, a list from the Chinese Embassy shows that a majority of the children left this August.
Meanwhile, the Legal Assistance Centre, director, Norman Tjombe, has dismissed government’s explanation on the issue saying it does not add up.
Tjombe said the Namibian Constitution demands that all actions and decisions of the Government be taken fairly and reasonably.
“Frankly, any of the deserving poor students, whose applications for scholarships were rejected by Government, would be able to mount a successful challenge in the courts on the constitutionality of the decisions to award the scholarships to students whose parents are in favourable financial position to pay for the studies. Such awards can never be fair or reasonable (thus are constitutional) considering the high levels of poverty and lack of education amongst the poor in our country.”
Among the high flying government officials whose children and relatives have benefitted are Pendukeni Ithana, daughter to Justice Minister Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana; Nathanael Pashto Nghidinwa, son to Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Rosalia Nghidinwa’s who is studying medicine; Ujama Nujoma and Hiskia Asino cousins to Deputy Justice Minister Utoni Nujoma and Selma Utoni daughter to Director of Mines and Energy, Selma Utoni.
President, Hifikepunye Pohamba’s daughter Ndapanda Pohamba, Justus Namoloh, the Defence Minister’s son; Ernesto Ndeitunga, the Nampol Inspector General’s son; and Phillipus N. Esau, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy’s son.
On the list is also Lenna Ya Kasita, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement’s daughter, Naukalemo Nghimtina, the Minister of Mines and Energy’s daughter; and Patrick Lungameni Mushimba, a relative of the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma.
Thursday, 05 November 2009
IN what could be a clear admission of wrong doing by the top brass including President Hifikepunye Pohamba whose children benefited from Chinese scholarships, a senior Cabinet minister this week said only a priest can talk about morality.
Addressing a media briefing in Windhoek Monday, Minister of Education Nangolo Mbumba who was flanked by Presidential Affairs Minister Albert Kawana and Information Minister Joël Kaapanda said it was not his responsibility to say whether those who received the scholarships are morally wrong.
“As for morality only a priest can talk about that,” Mbumba said responding to a question whether it was morally right or wrong for senior Government officials to “grab” scholarships at the expense of students from less privileged families.
The three ministers did not deny that indeed President Pohamba’s daughter together with a number of other senior government officials’ children benefited from the scholarships.
Despite the press conference being the third in as many weeks, neither Mbumba, Kaapanda nor Kawana could explain satisfactorily why only senior government officials’ children and relatives benefitted.
Although the Chinese Embassy has repeatedly said the children of the elite who received the scholarships went through the Ministry of Education, Mbumba also repeated his Permanent Secretary, Vitalis Ankama’s denial that they had anything to do with the 22 children and relatives of the top brass in China.
“We can only account for 10 scholarships we dealt with. The Chinese are the best people to explain about the 22. I have no idea on the broad interests of the Chinese. They are not bribing us how can they bribe us with scholarships?” Mbumba questioned.
He said there was no corrupt relationships between the senior government officials and the Chinese because the scholarships were not given to the officials but their children and relatives.
“It’s not the Ministers who are being sponsored by the Chinese,” Mbumba said.
He also claimed that the 22 children did not all leave for China in August but in small groups over a period of time.
However, a list from the Chinese Embassy shows that a majority of the children left this August.
Meanwhile, the Legal Assistance Centre, director, Norman Tjombe, has dismissed government’s explanation on the issue saying it does not add up.
Tjombe said the Namibian Constitution demands that all actions and decisions of the Government be taken fairly and reasonably.
“Frankly, any of the deserving poor students, whose applications for scholarships were rejected by Government, would be able to mount a successful challenge in the courts on the constitutionality of the decisions to award the scholarships to students whose parents are in favourable financial position to pay for the studies. Such awards can never be fair or reasonable (thus are constitutional) considering the high levels of poverty and lack of education amongst the poor in our country.”
Among the high flying government officials whose children and relatives have benefitted are Pendukeni Ithana, daughter to Justice Minister Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana; Nathanael Pashto Nghidinwa, son to Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Rosalia Nghidinwa’s who is studying medicine; Ujama Nujoma and Hiskia Asino cousins to Deputy Justice Minister Utoni Nujoma and Selma Utoni daughter to Director of Mines and Energy, Selma Utoni.
President, Hifikepunye Pohamba’s daughter Ndapanda Pohamba, Justus Namoloh, the Defence Minister’s son; Ernesto Ndeitunga, the Nampol Inspector General’s son; and Phillipus N. Esau, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy’s son.
On the list is also Lenna Ya Kasita, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement’s daughter, Naukalemo Nghimtina, the Minister of Mines and Energy’s daughter; and Patrick Lungameni Mushimba, a relative of the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma.
Namwater taken to Ombudsman over telephone bill
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 12 November 2009
A switchboard operator at Namwater, Erika Namaseb, has dragged her employer to the Ombudsman’s office after the company deducted over N$3,000 for alleged private calls from her salary.
Namaseb alleges that between January 2009 and June 2009, the company accused her of incurring N$6,000 in private calls and she made arrangements with her supervisor to deduct N$200 from her salary monthly.
However, she alleges the Human Resources manager, Beata Muteka, deducted N$3,300 from her salary without informing her.
Namaseb claims that Namwater management accused her of being the only employee at the company who makes personal calls.
“They said I am the only one, ...the whole company that uses the company phones to make my own private calls so I should settle the bill. I requested for an itemised bill but they refused to hear me.
“It’s not true that I am the only one who uses company phones to make private phone calls,” Namaseb said.
Eileen Rakow, Director of Investigations at the Ombudsman’s office confirmed receiving a complaint from Namaseb.
“Namaseb did lodge a complaint with us and we had a meeting with the Namwater management and we made a few suggestions. The preliminary inquiries have been done. However, investigations on the case are still ongoing,” Rakow said.
Namwater, acting Manager: Corporate Communications and Public Relations Tommy Numbala said Namaseb had accrued N$6,026.70 in her private calls while conducting her husband’s private business.
“Although the investigations into misconduct are not yet completed, it was established and confirmed by the employee, that she used the company phone to connect her husband who is not a company employee to various customers of his to conduct his private business.”
Numbala said Namaseb accepted responsibility for the calls and marked the N$6, 026.70 worth of calls and signed for the amount.
“Mrs Namaseb confessed that the calls were made in favour of her husband. She agreed to pay back the money to the company. The employee was informed that arrangements had to be made to pay back the money and the employee offered to pay back the money in instalments of N$200 per month.”
Numbala said Namwater did not accept the N$200 monthly instalment suggested by Namaseb because she committed a bad act, which in terms of the company policy is tantamount to fraud.
He also said the company was going to deduct the money owed within the shortest possible time, however, the amount deducted should not exceed a third of her gross earnings.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
A switchboard operator at Namwater, Erika Namaseb, has dragged her employer to the Ombudsman’s office after the company deducted over N$3,000 for alleged private calls from her salary.
Namaseb alleges that between January 2009 and June 2009, the company accused her of incurring N$6,000 in private calls and she made arrangements with her supervisor to deduct N$200 from her salary monthly.
However, she alleges the Human Resources manager, Beata Muteka, deducted N$3,300 from her salary without informing her.
Namaseb claims that Namwater management accused her of being the only employee at the company who makes personal calls.
“They said I am the only one, ...the whole company that uses the company phones to make my own private calls so I should settle the bill. I requested for an itemised bill but they refused to hear me.
“It’s not true that I am the only one who uses company phones to make private phone calls,” Namaseb said.
Eileen Rakow, Director of Investigations at the Ombudsman’s office confirmed receiving a complaint from Namaseb.
“Namaseb did lodge a complaint with us and we had a meeting with the Namwater management and we made a few suggestions. The preliminary inquiries have been done. However, investigations on the case are still ongoing,” Rakow said.
Namwater, acting Manager: Corporate Communications and Public Relations Tommy Numbala said Namaseb had accrued N$6,026.70 in her private calls while conducting her husband’s private business.
“Although the investigations into misconduct are not yet completed, it was established and confirmed by the employee, that she used the company phone to connect her husband who is not a company employee to various customers of his to conduct his private business.”
Numbala said Namaseb accepted responsibility for the calls and marked the N$6, 026.70 worth of calls and signed for the amount.
“Mrs Namaseb confessed that the calls were made in favour of her husband. She agreed to pay back the money to the company. The employee was informed that arrangements had to be made to pay back the money and the employee offered to pay back the money in instalments of N$200 per month.”
Numbala said Namwater did not accept the N$200 monthly instalment suggested by Namaseb because she committed a bad act, which in terms of the company policy is tantamount to fraud.
He also said the company was going to deduct the money owed within the shortest possible time, however, the amount deducted should not exceed a third of her gross earnings.
Former Walvis Bay CEO drags The Namibian to court
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 12 November 2009
FORMER Walvis Bay CEO, Augustinus Katiti is suing The Namibian newspaper for N$300,000 for injuring his dignity, feelings, self esteem, self respect and reputation after the paper published an article on 21 November 2007 headlined Katiti charged for theft.
In his particulars of claim Katiti listed Free Press of Namibia that published The Namibian as first defendant, editor of the daily, Gwen Lister as second defendant, third defendant as Adam Hartman, the author of the story and the fourth defendant as Regina Cynthia Kotchanova for communicating the allegations contained in the article.
Katiti claims that because of the story which alleged that he had been charged with theft after he allegedly breached a contract he signed early 2007 when the Remax franchise was sold to him and his business, Beauhomes Real Estate.
The Namibian quoting Kotchanova reported that Katiti as per the sale agreement would buy and take over the business with all the equipment and furniture as from 1 June 2007 and pay the last instalment of N$775,000 in September.
Kotchanova in the story claims that Katiti failed to pay her because she owed the Receiver of Revenue money.
The story also alleged that Katiti had sold office equipment and furniture valued at about N$100,000.
In his claim Katiti said the story was understood by readers to mean that he had been charged of theft; was being criminally prosecuted; he is a thief and an alleged criminal; that he does not honour his contractual obligations and is therefore an amoral and untrustworthy person.
He further said the story was understood by readers to mean that he illegally sold office equipment and furniture which did not belong to him for personal gain and that he would be possibly be facing further legal action as a result.
“The aforesaid report, alternatively article, alternatively comments are per se defamatory and injurious to the Plaintiff...” Katiti said.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
FORMER Walvis Bay CEO, Augustinus Katiti is suing The Namibian newspaper for N$300,000 for injuring his dignity, feelings, self esteem, self respect and reputation after the paper published an article on 21 November 2007 headlined Katiti charged for theft.
In his particulars of claim Katiti listed Free Press of Namibia that published The Namibian as first defendant, editor of the daily, Gwen Lister as second defendant, third defendant as Adam Hartman, the author of the story and the fourth defendant as Regina Cynthia Kotchanova for communicating the allegations contained in the article.
Katiti claims that because of the story which alleged that he had been charged with theft after he allegedly breached a contract he signed early 2007 when the Remax franchise was sold to him and his business, Beauhomes Real Estate.
The Namibian quoting Kotchanova reported that Katiti as per the sale agreement would buy and take over the business with all the equipment and furniture as from 1 June 2007 and pay the last instalment of N$775,000 in September.
Kotchanova in the story claims that Katiti failed to pay her because she owed the Receiver of Revenue money.
The story also alleged that Katiti had sold office equipment and furniture valued at about N$100,000.
In his claim Katiti said the story was understood by readers to mean that he had been charged of theft; was being criminally prosecuted; he is a thief and an alleged criminal; that he does not honour his contractual obligations and is therefore an amoral and untrustworthy person.
He further said the story was understood by readers to mean that he illegally sold office equipment and furniture which did not belong to him for personal gain and that he would be possibly be facing further legal action as a result.
“The aforesaid report, alternatively article, alternatively comments are per se defamatory and injurious to the Plaintiff...” Katiti said.
Education splashes tax-payers’ money defending Chinese scholarships
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 12 November 2009
IN another bid for the umpteenth time to explain why only children and relatives of high ranking Government officials benefited from the Chinese Government scholarships the Ministry of Education this week Monday placed an N$6,000 advert.
The advert is a reproduction of a speech Education Minister, Nangolo Mbumba made last week Monday at another press conference where he tried to explain to the nation over the “Chinese Scholarships saga”.
An advertising sales rep at The New Era where the colour double page advert was placed said the advert cost N$6, 689.14 in tax payer’s money.
At the press conference Mbumba who was flanked by Presidential Affairs Minister Albert Kawana and Information and Communication Technology Minister Joël Kaapanda said it was not his responsibility to say whether those who received the scholarships are morally wrong.
“As for morality only a priest can talk about that,” Mbumba said responding to a question whether it was morally right or wrong for senior Government officials to “grab” scholarships at the expense of students from less privileged families.
Two weeks before, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Vitalis Ankama’s had called for another press conference where he denied the ministry had anything to do with the 22 children and relatives of the top brass who got the Chinese scholarships.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party of Namibia’s Secretary General, Gert Jansen said Mbumba together with other Government Ministers had failed to provide the nation with the relevant answers they needed.
“Hon. Mbumba and all the other Swapo Government ministers have unfortunately not addressed the real issue and it is obvious that, as is frequently the case, they are trying to mislead the Namibian nation.
“The issue here is the fact that the Chinese government made bursaries available, one would assume for those students whose families cannot afford to pay for their studies, but then the bursaries were allocated amongst others to the daughter of the President, the one person who most definitely should be able to afford to finance the education of not only his daughter, but a number of other students.
“The Hon Minister can carry on trying to defend the allocation of the Chinese bursaries much as he wants, but what is wrong is wrong,” he said.
Among the high flying Government officials whose children and relatives have benefitted are Pendukeni Ithana, daughter to Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana; Nathanael Pashto Nghidinwa, son to Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Rosalia Nghidinwa who is studying medicine; Ujama Nujoma and Hiskia Asino cousins to Deputy Justice Minister Utoni Nujoma and Selma Utoni daughter to Director of Mines and Energy, Selma Utoni.
Others are President, Hifikepunye Pohamba’s daughter Ndapanda Pohamba, Justus Namoloh, the Defence Minister’s son; Ernesto Ndeitunga, the Nampol Inspector General’s son; and Phillipus N. Esau, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy’s son.
On the list is also Lenna Ya Kasita, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement’s daughter, Naukalemo Nghimtina, the Minister of Mines and Energy’s daughter; and Patrick Lungameni Mushimba, a relative of the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
IN another bid for the umpteenth time to explain why only children and relatives of high ranking Government officials benefited from the Chinese Government scholarships the Ministry of Education this week Monday placed an N$6,000 advert.
The advert is a reproduction of a speech Education Minister, Nangolo Mbumba made last week Monday at another press conference where he tried to explain to the nation over the “Chinese Scholarships saga”.
An advertising sales rep at The New Era where the colour double page advert was placed said the advert cost N$6, 689.14 in tax payer’s money.
At the press conference Mbumba who was flanked by Presidential Affairs Minister Albert Kawana and Information and Communication Technology Minister Joël Kaapanda said it was not his responsibility to say whether those who received the scholarships are morally wrong.
“As for morality only a priest can talk about that,” Mbumba said responding to a question whether it was morally right or wrong for senior Government officials to “grab” scholarships at the expense of students from less privileged families.
Two weeks before, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Vitalis Ankama’s had called for another press conference where he denied the ministry had anything to do with the 22 children and relatives of the top brass who got the Chinese scholarships.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party of Namibia’s Secretary General, Gert Jansen said Mbumba together with other Government Ministers had failed to provide the nation with the relevant answers they needed.
“Hon. Mbumba and all the other Swapo Government ministers have unfortunately not addressed the real issue and it is obvious that, as is frequently the case, they are trying to mislead the Namibian nation.
“The issue here is the fact that the Chinese government made bursaries available, one would assume for those students whose families cannot afford to pay for their studies, but then the bursaries were allocated amongst others to the daughter of the President, the one person who most definitely should be able to afford to finance the education of not only his daughter, but a number of other students.
“The Hon Minister can carry on trying to defend the allocation of the Chinese bursaries much as he wants, but what is wrong is wrong,” he said.
Among the high flying Government officials whose children and relatives have benefitted are Pendukeni Ithana, daughter to Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana; Nathanael Pashto Nghidinwa, son to Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Rosalia Nghidinwa who is studying medicine; Ujama Nujoma and Hiskia Asino cousins to Deputy Justice Minister Utoni Nujoma and Selma Utoni daughter to Director of Mines and Energy, Selma Utoni.
Others are President, Hifikepunye Pohamba’s daughter Ndapanda Pohamba, Justus Namoloh, the Defence Minister’s son; Ernesto Ndeitunga, the Nampol Inspector General’s son; and Phillipus N. Esau, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy’s son.
On the list is also Lenna Ya Kasita, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement’s daughter, Naukalemo Nghimtina, the Minister of Mines and Energy’s daughter; and Patrick Lungameni Mushimba, a relative of the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma.
Tough time for top cops as political pressure piles
Written by Patience Nyangove, Max Hamata in Windhoek and Merja Iileka in Oshakati
Thursday, 05 November 2009
POLITICAL pressure is piling up on the Namibian Police to clampdown on the force’s top cops believed to be sympathetic to the opposition party, Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP).
This comes in the wake of recent death and transfer threats on the Oshana and Wanaheda police chiefs.
The latest police political casualty is Wanaheda Police head, Chief Inspector Andreas Nelumbu, who is facing an impending transfer from Namibia’s largest police station on suspicion of being an RDP sympathiser.
Although it is not clear why several death threats have been levelled against the Oshana Regional Commander, Chief Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa, it is suspected that the threats are of a political nature.
With a few weeks remaining before the National Assembly and Presidential elections kick off, there has been mounting pressure on Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga to whip some of his top cops into towing the ruling party’s line.
Sources within the upper police echelons told Informanté that Ndeitunga is under undue political pressure to move some of his level-headed top cops in areas mainly viewed as political battlefronts between the Swapo Party and the RDP.
Ndeitunga has, however, told Informanté that he is not aware of Nelumbu’s transfer saying if he was going to be transferred, it would not be political.
“I don’t dictate or investigate which political party members of the force should (one) be aligned to as long as they don’t bring politics into their work. Nelumbu is a hardworking police officer and if he is being transferred it’s not linked to politics,” Ndeitunga said.
Nelumbu said he was aware of some senior government people who were linking him to the RDP and that he knows the people behind the smear campaign but refused to divulge their names.
“I have heard of those rumours. I am aware of it all. I have names of those who are behind that. I will dwell on that at the appropriate time,” Nelumbu said.
However, reliable sources have linked the issue of Nelumbu’s transfer to the arrest of a senior Swapo member (name provided) for drunken driving on two occasions by Wanaheda police.
They also say the transfer was a revenge on Nelumbu for the May 2008 disruption of an RDP branch meeting by Wanaheda Police when several RDP supporters were driven to their homes for fear they might be assaulted by Swapo activists.
A source close to the issue who spoke to Informanté on condition of anonymity said it was so bad that Nelumbu, whom he described as a level headed and hard working police officer, was being treated in such a way.
“These people are seeking revenge and it’s not nice the way they are crucifying Nelumbu.”
Thursday, 05 November 2009
POLITICAL pressure is piling up on the Namibian Police to clampdown on the force’s top cops believed to be sympathetic to the opposition party, Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP).
This comes in the wake of recent death and transfer threats on the Oshana and Wanaheda police chiefs.
The latest police political casualty is Wanaheda Police head, Chief Inspector Andreas Nelumbu, who is facing an impending transfer from Namibia’s largest police station on suspicion of being an RDP sympathiser.
Although it is not clear why several death threats have been levelled against the Oshana Regional Commander, Chief Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa, it is suspected that the threats are of a political nature.
With a few weeks remaining before the National Assembly and Presidential elections kick off, there has been mounting pressure on Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga to whip some of his top cops into towing the ruling party’s line.
Sources within the upper police echelons told Informanté that Ndeitunga is under undue political pressure to move some of his level-headed top cops in areas mainly viewed as political battlefronts between the Swapo Party and the RDP.
Ndeitunga has, however, told Informanté that he is not aware of Nelumbu’s transfer saying if he was going to be transferred, it would not be political.
“I don’t dictate or investigate which political party members of the force should (one) be aligned to as long as they don’t bring politics into their work. Nelumbu is a hardworking police officer and if he is being transferred it’s not linked to politics,” Ndeitunga said.
Nelumbu said he was aware of some senior government people who were linking him to the RDP and that he knows the people behind the smear campaign but refused to divulge their names.
“I have heard of those rumours. I am aware of it all. I have names of those who are behind that. I will dwell on that at the appropriate time,” Nelumbu said.
However, reliable sources have linked the issue of Nelumbu’s transfer to the arrest of a senior Swapo member (name provided) for drunken driving on two occasions by Wanaheda police.
They also say the transfer was a revenge on Nelumbu for the May 2008 disruption of an RDP branch meeting by Wanaheda Police when several RDP supporters were driven to their homes for fear they might be assaulted by Swapo activists.
A source close to the issue who spoke to Informanté on condition of anonymity said it was so bad that Nelumbu, whom he described as a level headed and hard working police officer, was being treated in such a way.
“These people are seeking revenge and it’s not nice the way they are crucifying Nelumbu.”
Wife accuses Deputy Minister of adultery
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 29 October 2009
DEPUTY Defence Minister Victor Simunja is embroiled in a messy divorce with his wife in which he is accusing her of sexually starving him over a long period of time while she counter-claims that he was a player.
Margret DikeingeSimunja neeShilongo countered that the Deputy Defence Minister denied her conjugal rights (the rights, especially to sexual relations, regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in marriage) and disrespected her by calling her a witch.
In his claim papers Simunja also accuses his wife offailing to respect him both at home and outside by swearing and insulting him in the presence of the couple’s children and acquaintances.
Simunja says that Shilongo doesnot play her role as a parent and as a result fails to provide for the children at home, is violent and ever inviting confrontations and deserting him.
The lawmaker also accuses his wife of maliciously and falsely tarnishing his name by causing negative stories that were published in The Namibian of 19 December 2004 and Informanté of 8 September 2006 and that of 25 January 2007.
“The Defendant has since indulged and engaged in inviting media personnel to come and take photographs of our common home including the inside, which actions endangerthe plaintiff’s life and evades his privacy,” Simunja said in the court papers.
Simunja also accuses his wife of removing almost 75% of utensils and other goods for reasons unknown to him.
However the case was struck off the court roll after Simunja failed to turn up for court on Tuesday.
In her counter claim papers submitted at the High Court where Simunja is seeking restitution of conjugal rights or a decree of divorce Shilongo accuses the Defence Deputy Minister of having an adulterous relationship with one Maria Texteira during December 2003, which was still persisting.
Shilongo accuses Simunja of having other extra-marital relationships with various other women.
Simunja’s wife accused him of denying her marital privileges, demonstrating no love and affection towards her, assaulting her physically on various occasions in which criminal cases have been laid with the Namibian Police and also failing to communicate with her.
“The Plaintiff, insulted, belittled and swore at the defendant on various occasions in the presence of the minor children and other persons,” she says.
Shilongo claims that Simunja stays away from home for long periods of time without providing a reasonable explanation to her while showing no interest in continuing the marital relationship.
Shilongo concludes in her counter claim by accusing Simunja of deserting her adding that from their three children the couple had together she must be awarded custody and control.
She has asked the court to grant her a final order of divorce or restitutionof conjugal rights, failure to comply a decree of divorce.
She says the court must order Simunja to pay N$1,000 maintenance for their minor child and N$1,500 for her while also paying school fees and medical aidfor the other children.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
DEPUTY Defence Minister Victor Simunja is embroiled in a messy divorce with his wife in which he is accusing her of sexually starving him over a long period of time while she counter-claims that he was a player.
Margret DikeingeSimunja neeShilongo countered that the Deputy Defence Minister denied her conjugal rights (the rights, especially to sexual relations, regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in marriage) and disrespected her by calling her a witch.
In his claim papers Simunja also accuses his wife offailing to respect him both at home and outside by swearing and insulting him in the presence of the couple’s children and acquaintances.
Simunja says that Shilongo doesnot play her role as a parent and as a result fails to provide for the children at home, is violent and ever inviting confrontations and deserting him.
The lawmaker also accuses his wife of maliciously and falsely tarnishing his name by causing negative stories that were published in The Namibian of 19 December 2004 and Informanté of 8 September 2006 and that of 25 January 2007.
“The Defendant has since indulged and engaged in inviting media personnel to come and take photographs of our common home including the inside, which actions endangerthe plaintiff’s life and evades his privacy,” Simunja said in the court papers.
Simunja also accuses his wife of removing almost 75% of utensils and other goods for reasons unknown to him.
However the case was struck off the court roll after Simunja failed to turn up for court on Tuesday.
In her counter claim papers submitted at the High Court where Simunja is seeking restitution of conjugal rights or a decree of divorce Shilongo accuses the Defence Deputy Minister of having an adulterous relationship with one Maria Texteira during December 2003, which was still persisting.
Shilongo accuses Simunja of having other extra-marital relationships with various other women.
Simunja’s wife accused him of denying her marital privileges, demonstrating no love and affection towards her, assaulting her physically on various occasions in which criminal cases have been laid with the Namibian Police and also failing to communicate with her.
“The Plaintiff, insulted, belittled and swore at the defendant on various occasions in the presence of the minor children and other persons,” she says.
Shilongo claims that Simunja stays away from home for long periods of time without providing a reasonable explanation to her while showing no interest in continuing the marital relationship.
Shilongo concludes in her counter claim by accusing Simunja of deserting her adding that from their three children the couple had together she must be awarded custody and control.
She has asked the court to grant her a final order of divorce or restitutionof conjugal rights, failure to comply a decree of divorce.
She says the court must order Simunja to pay N$1,000 maintenance for their minor child and N$1,500 for her while also paying school fees and medical aidfor the other children.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Namibians deserve underpayment, they are lazy – Chinese manager
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 29 October 2009
A Chinese manager with Jiangsu Zhengtai Construction Group operating in the country says Namibians are lazy and they do not deserve to be paid highly.
“They cannot sustain the production level we want and are not experienced,” David Wang whose company has several construction jobs said yesterday.
According to copies of agreements Wang’s company availed to Informanté, they are underpaying workers by about N$45 per day.
The agreements show that the workers are paid N$25 per day working nine hours for five and half days per week. This is far less than the N$72 per day stipulated by Government.
Namibia’s minimum hourly rate is N$9,30 but Zhengtai Construction Group and several other Chinese companies pay N$2,78 per hour.
Apart from underpayment, most Chinese companies have been accused of ignoring safety measures at work by failing to provide protective clothes such as overalls, safety belts and shoes as well as helmets.
The Chinese have also been allegedly firing workers who would have joined trade unions to enable them to effectively collectively bargain for better wages.
Workers employed by Chinese companies say they are being denied access to loans, training schemes and employment schemes and disability pension.
It is also alleged they do not have valid Affirmative Action Compliance Certificates in breach of the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act of 1998.
Chinese businesses are allegedly breaching six Namibian laws that include the Labour Act: Act 6 of 1992, the Labour Act: Act 11 of 2007, the Collective Agreement, the Social Security Act, the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act 29 of 1998; the Foreign Investment Act, Act 24 of 1993 and in the process the Foreign Investment Act, Act 24 of 1993.
General secretary of the Metal and Allied Workers Union (Manwu) Bernard Milinga accused Chinese contractors of deliberately refusing to adhere to the country’s laws.
“But to our surprise they are the ones who are getting the tenders,” Milinga said.
He also said the majority of workers employed by the Chinese contractors are not registered with the Namibian Building Workers Pension Fund despite Government in a 1990 ruling that all workers in the construction industry must be registered with the pension fund.
“We are trying to engage Government, however the answer we got from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs we are not happy with it. They say we should go with our grievances to the Ministry of Labour and yet they are the ones facilitating these people to get work permits without first meeting the country’s laws.
“The Government should also involve us in the Tender Board so that we ensure they meet conditions that benefit the Namibian worker otherwise we are sitting on a burden. I have never heard of any worker being trained by the Chinese, the Affirmative Action law is only on paper.”
Labour Resource and Research Institute, Senior Researcher Herbert Jauch confirmed that the Chinese were breaking the country’s laws with the Government doing nothing about it.
“The Government must step up its oversight function and monitor what is happening at those companies. When laws are violated these companies should be severely punished,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Petrus Iilonga said while Chinese are not angels, they were not any worse than other local contractors.
Iilonga accused some white owned construction companies of embarking on a campaign to discredit the Chinese when they were also breaking the same Namibian laws.
He also blamed the Namibian workers for allowing the Chinese to underpay and ill-treat them by not being united amongst themselves.
“If you find that you are not being given money you want, why are you continuing to work? They should stop going to work and those Chinese will change. Workers are also not organised. They must not just complain without taking action.”
Wife accuses Deputy Minister of adultery
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 29 October 2009
DEPUTY Defence Minister Victor Simunja is embroiled in a messy divorce with his wife in which he is accusing her of sexually starving him over a long period of time while she counter-claims that he was a player.
Margret DikeingeSimunja neeShilongo countered that the Deputy Defence Minister denied her conjugal rights (the rights, especially to sexual relations, regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in marriage) and disrespected her by calling her a witch.
In his claim papers Simunja also accuses his wife offailing to respect him both at home and outside by swearing and insulting him in the presence of the couple’s children and acquaintances.
Simunja says that Shilongo doesnot play her role as a parent and as a result fails to provide for the children at home, is violent and ever inviting confrontations and deserting him.
The lawmaker also accuses his wife of maliciously and falsely tarnishing his name by causing negative stories that were published in The Namibian of 19 December 2004 and Informanté of 8 September 2006 and that of 25 January 2007.
“The Defendant has since indulged and engaged in inviting media personnel to come and take photographs of our common home including the inside, which actions endangerthe plaintiff’s life and evades his privacy,” Simunja said in the court papers.
Simunja also accuses his wife of removing almost 75% of utensils and other goods for reasons unknown to him.
However the case was struck off the court roll after Simunja failed to turn up for court on Tuesday.
In her counter claim papers submitted at the High Court where Simunja is seeking restitution of conjugal rights or a decree of divorce Shilongo accuses the Defence Deputy Minister of having an adulterous relationship with one Maria Texteira during December 2003, which was still persisting.
Shilongo accuses Simunja of having other extra-marital relationships with various other women.
Simunja’s wife accused him of denying her marital privileges, demonstrating no love and affection towards her, assaulting her physically on various occasions in which criminal cases have been laid with the Namibian Police and also failing to communicate with her.
“The Plaintiff, insulted, belittled and swore at the defendant on various occasions in the presence of the minor children and other persons,” she says.
Shilongo claims that Simunja stays away from home for long periods of time without providing a reasonable explanation to her while showing no interest in continuing the marital relationship.
Shilongo concludes in her counter claim by accusing Simunja of deserting her adding that from their three children the couple had together she must be awarded custody and control.
She has asked the court to grant her a final order of divorce or restitutionof conjugal rights, failure to comply a decree of divorce.
She says the court must order Simunja to pay N$1,000 maintenance for their minor child and N$1,500 for her while also paying school fees and medical aidfor the other children.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
DEPUTY Defence Minister Victor Simunja is embroiled in a messy divorce with his wife in which he is accusing her of sexually starving him over a long period of time while she counter-claims that he was a player.
Margret DikeingeSimunja neeShilongo countered that the Deputy Defence Minister denied her conjugal rights (the rights, especially to sexual relations, regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in marriage) and disrespected her by calling her a witch.
In his claim papers Simunja also accuses his wife offailing to respect him both at home and outside by swearing and insulting him in the presence of the couple’s children and acquaintances.
Simunja says that Shilongo doesnot play her role as a parent and as a result fails to provide for the children at home, is violent and ever inviting confrontations and deserting him.
The lawmaker also accuses his wife of maliciously and falsely tarnishing his name by causing negative stories that were published in The Namibian of 19 December 2004 and Informanté of 8 September 2006 and that of 25 January 2007.
“The Defendant has since indulged and engaged in inviting media personnel to come and take photographs of our common home including the inside, which actions endangerthe plaintiff’s life and evades his privacy,” Simunja said in the court papers.
Simunja also accuses his wife of removing almost 75% of utensils and other goods for reasons unknown to him.
However the case was struck off the court roll after Simunja failed to turn up for court on Tuesday.
In her counter claim papers submitted at the High Court where Simunja is seeking restitution of conjugal rights or a decree of divorce Shilongo accuses the Defence Deputy Minister of having an adulterous relationship with one Maria Texteira during December 2003, which was still persisting.
Shilongo accuses Simunja of having other extra-marital relationships with various other women.
Simunja’s wife accused him of denying her marital privileges, demonstrating no love and affection towards her, assaulting her physically on various occasions in which criminal cases have been laid with the Namibian Police and also failing to communicate with her.
“The Plaintiff, insulted, belittled and swore at the defendant on various occasions in the presence of the minor children and other persons,” she says.
Shilongo claims that Simunja stays away from home for long periods of time without providing a reasonable explanation to her while showing no interest in continuing the marital relationship.
Shilongo concludes in her counter claim by accusing Simunja of deserting her adding that from their three children the couple had together she must be awarded custody and control.
She has asked the court to grant her a final order of divorce or restitutionof conjugal rights, failure to comply a decree of divorce.
She says the court must order Simunja to pay N$1,000 maintenance for their minor child and N$1,500 for her while also paying school fees and medical aidfor the other children.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Chinese bursary scramble widens
Written by Max Hamata and Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 22 October 2009
THE list of top government officials’ children who have benefited from the Chinese educational scholarships lengthened this week with the unearthing of more names.
It has emerged that Pendukeni Ithana, daughter to Justice Minister Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana; Nathanael Pashto Nghidinwa, son to Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Rosalia Nghidinwa’s who is studying medicine; Ujama Nujoma and Hiskia Asino cousins to Deputy Justice Minister Utoni Nujoma and Selma Utoni daughter to Director of Mines and Energy, Selma Utoni, were beneficiaries of the scholarships from the Chinese government.
Informanté last week revealed that high profile figures ranging from former President and founding Father, Sam Nujoma; current President, Hifikepunye Pohamba; Government ministers overseeing the procurement of multi-million dollar deals with the Chinese Government; senior military and several government officials are snatching scholarships meant to benefit mainly students from less privileged families for their children and relatives.
Among those students who left for China in August this year were Ndapanda Pohamba, the President’s daughter, who commenced studies at the Beijing Language University courtesy of the Chinese government scholarships; Justus Namoloh, the Defence Minister’s son who is studying at the Huazhong Normal University; Ernesto Ndeitunga, the Nampol Inspector General’s son who is also studying at the Huazhong Normal University; and Phillipus N. Esau, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy’s son who is at Tonji University.
On the list too is Lenna Ya Kasita, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement’s daughter at the Huazhong Normal University, Naukalemo Nghimtina, the Minister of Mines and Energy’s daughter; and Patrick Lungameni Mushimba, a relative of the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma, studying at the Tonji University.
When contacted for comment yesterday over her daughter’s scholarship Ivula-Ithana accused Informanté of abusing the children.
“You are abusing those children at the same time castigating their parents. Informanté is a credible newspaper why are you writing such stories? It’s those children whom you are hurting more than their parents. You wrote this story last week why are you continuing to write about it, what is driving you to do this? There are better stories like that where GIPF lost N$5 billion why can’t you report on that one?”
Ivula-Ithana’s deputy Nujoma after realising he was talking to a journalist from Informanté when contacted for comment hung up before ignoring our phone calls.
However a relative who responded to our phone calls at his Windhoek home confirmed that Ujama and Hiskia are Nujoma’s cousins.
Hiskia is understood to be in China together with his wife Ilona whom Informanté could not establish at the time of going to print whether she was also studying courtesy of the Chinese bursaries or was doing something else.
Hiskia’s brother Mika who is the acting CEO at the Airports Company of Namibia told Informanté that Hiskia was employed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and had accessed the Chinese scholarship to do his postgraduate studies through his employer.
The Home Affairs minister who, besides her son Nathanael who is studying in China, is believed to have another son, Maxwell, studying in Egypt.
Efforts to get a comment from her were fruitless as she was said to be out of the country.
What opposition parties said
Pohamba should take a lead and pay school fees for his daughter and give that scholarship to a deserving child.
The DTA demands that Minister Nangolo Mbumba should resign forthwith. He has failed miserably to meet the expectations of the young people who depend on him and his Ministry to look after their educational well-being.
These bursaries were supposedly meant for the disadvantaged young people of Namibia to further their studies in China. Not for the Swapo elite.
This scam simply reaffirms what the DTA has been saying for 20 years: Swapo leaders abuse their positions and influence in Government to selfishly enrich and benefit themselves and their families at the cost of Namibia’s poor – DTA general secretary McHenry Venaani who also described the scramble as a conflict of interest because the beneficiaries are the ones who award tenders and contracts to Chinese companies.
When we accuse Swapo, people say we are against the ruling party, but that is not true. It’s because the ruling party is not for all. Look at those who benefitted, they are from the Oshiwambo speaking people - UDF president Justus Garoeb also questioned why most of the beneficiaries are Oshiwambo
They are robbing the poor. Those who can afford should pay up fees for their children. Ministers, members of Parliament and the President should do the same. If we pay ourselves we leave the scholarships for the poor - CoD leader Ben Ulenga
The relationship between the Chinese government and the Namibian government was one founded upon and nurtured by corruption – CoD’s Young Democrats Natji Tjirare in a statement this week.
Additional reporting by Renthia Kaukungwa
Chinese bursaries: What Nam youth are saying
Written by Comments compiled by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Informanté last week exposed high ranking Government officials who grab education scholarships meant for the disadvantaged for their children and relatives. The story raised a lot of debate and below are postings on Facebook by Namibian youth.
Imms Nashinge: What’s your take on the bursaries awarded to the politicians KIDS?
Kenneth Da’Goodnez Goodman : Foolish!
Meita Hakaye: changed my ‘vuma’ to go vote....seriously!
Lahja Samuel: Osho ike ngaho musu.. Not da first time! Hmmm Swapo... Swapo
Imms Nashinge: This is an individualism issue not a Swapo issue! Please go vote Cde HAKAYE!
Mwatile Ndinoshiho: It shows that (Tashili ekunde omekunde shili) what is eating the beans is inside it! Our leaders are corrupt! Those scholarships are meant for students from less privileged families. Are they now telling us that the President and other top brass families are less privileged? Lets be realistic my people. If we speak out they say we are misled...
Beaulla Kazondovi: I totally support the remarks of Mwatile, they created the corrupt education system, universities name it, but not even their children study there, how low of them, and our education system needs to be amended.
Meita Hakaye: Mwatile u spoke from my heart... Am too upset to say anything now, these things make a person nauseous...!
Lahja Samuel: Nashinge! A church is people and not a building. Swapo is people and not the name or a flag. Even if it was just one member of Swapo who did that I can still say Swapo. I hope you understand what I am saying. The cake of freedom and honeymoon should be a taste of every citizen. Oshili!
Veronica Tuulikefo: I am not going to vote because only certain people benefit.
It is a Swapo issue my comrade! The names mentioned are for our Swapo leaders! They all got those positions on a Swapo ticket! As long as Swapo leadership doesn’t fire the corrupt ones it means they are condoning what they are doing! They are always saying let the law take its course - yes it will take its course on poor people like Mwatile!
Let’s wait.
Imms Nashinge: Cde Mwatile if all of us were like you this country is going to prosper! When Cde Ngurare talks about rural development most of us look away when issues like these arise we all want to say something... that’s how ignorant we are! So now what’s the way forward? I personally think they should come back home and give these bursaries to those who deserve them full stop! This is very sick! I know many young people seating at home with 42 points because they can’t afford university fees! Africans oh!
Lahja Samuel: I personally love what Swapo did in the past. It got such a rich history. But seriously if things are going on like this then my village and other villages that I don’t want to mention here such as Okamwandikamadhinga will still be the same, no water, neither electricity, one clinic with one nurse assisted by a cleaner ...
Samuel Sivil Linyondi: It’s about time we speak up. This is b***sh*t!
Mwatile Ndinoshiho: Cde. I gave my input on the youth empowerment issue when Cde Ngurare asked for our views. I still have to do my research on what constitutes a rural area in Namibia. We have good programmes and policies but they are never implemented or not rightly implemented. Those entrusted with those are busy making their millions at the expense of our votes.
Tawanda Kanhema: Do we see a connection between the scholarships and mining licences, EPLs, contracts granted to Chinese companies? Who pays these kids’ daily living expenses in China?
Renthia Nancy Kaukungwa: I don’t understand why Informanté is being blamed for everything it contains…doesn’t the slogan “you conceal, we reveal” clarify that we don’t suck news out of our thumbs?
Phillip Nduuvu Esau: I see this week you guys had nothing to talk about!
Jemima Jeanetter Beukes: Aagh people will also blame and who better than the media!
Renthia Nancy Kaukungwa: Aye Nduuvu…people bring the stories to us…we just investigate and report…PERIOD! Not as if that story makes the paper a good paper too, we’ve established a good readership long before your story.
Phillip Nduvuu Esau: Ja sure man whatever!
Makafa Shetu Weengodi: I listen to the slogan nigga…if you want to close down Informanté then tell people to stop doing “beep”!
Lebo Liefde Khobetsi: Se hul vriendin. Informanté is da best!
Tangi Tangeni Hamiliton: Whatever you do, shall always come out. Informanté is just helping it come out. Thank you Informanté.
Patrick Usiku Lmao: If in the future any of my clients sue Informanté for criminal defamation or crimen injuria I will just laugh…but anyways, GO Informanté GO!WHOOOP WHOOOP!
Eldon Kaiyamo: www.informante.web.na
Helao Ndeulita Mwapangasha: lmao...exposed.com
Uajorokisa Karuaihe: At least they believe in educating the youth.
Eldon Kaiyamo: Geeeeeeeegeeeeeeeeeeeeee, then I also want a FONK KONG Scholarship...Lmao
Virginia Zee: The best paper in Nam
Helao Ndeulita Mwapangasha: lmao...their youth or what?
Hendrina Kaavela: Fat cats!
Uajorokisa Karuaihe: It just happened to be their children who came across as the strongest candidates.
Olivia Shuuluka: Luckily there was a smart one to come up with it...Conceal and it will be revealed...oumba mehe!
Kelly Tashiya: Twini, I think your name was supposed to be on that list as well. What happened?
Are there strings attached to Chinese scholarships - Ngurare
Elijah NgurareWritten by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 22 October 2009
SWAPO Youth League (SPYL) this week said they would have expected the process of awarding Chinese scholarships to regard rural and urban poor youth.
The organisation was responding to last week’s Informanté exposé about children of high ranking Government officials including President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s daughter who received scholarships to study in China.
Speaking to Informanté this week, SPYL secretary general Elijah Ngurare also wondered whether there were strings attached to the awarding of Chinese scholarships that benefit children of the country’s top brass.
“It would be prudent that everything should be done to find modalities of enabling our young people the opportunity to obtain such scholarships/bursaries based on equitable criteria, designed and perceived to be fair for the children of our peasants and poor people in all 13 regions and 107 constituencies of our land of the brave,” he said.
Ngurare who was very diplomatic in his responses wondered whether the scholarships were given in exchange of favours from the top brass whose children left for studies in August this year.
“Are there strings attached to the awarding of these scholarships in exchange of say current or future favours by our Government to the Chinese government considering that the beneficiaries are individuals in positions that have a material bearing on decisions for tenders/contracts potentially to be awarded favourably to the Chinese companies?” Ngurare asked.
He also said such questions arise because it appears ‘high ranking Government officials had either the exclusive knowledge or access to these scholarships at the expense of the ordinary Namibian who would have desired to study in China or any other foreign country’.
The SPYL, Ngurare said, was not aware of any other individual foreign embassies directly offering scholarships like the case with the Chinese embassy without the knowledge of the Ministry of Education.
Friday, October 16, 2009
It’s scramble for Chinese scholarships among country’s top brass
Written by Patience Nyangove and Max Hamata
Thursday, 15 October 2009
HIGH ranking Government officials are grabbing educational scholarships offered by China for their children and close relatives, Informanté reveals.
Investigations show that high profile figures ranging from former President and founding Father, Sam Nujoma; current President, Hifikepunye Pohamba; government ministers overseeing procurement of multi-million dollar deals with the Chinese Government; senior military and several government officials are snatching the scholarships which are supposed to benefit mainly students from less privileged families for their children and relatives.
Among those students who left for China in August is Ndapanda Pohamba, the President’s daughter, who commenced studies at the Beijing Language University courtesy of the Chinese government scholarships; Justus Namoloh, Defence Minister’s son who is studying at the Huazhong Normal University; Ernesto Ndeitunga, Nampol Inspector General’s son who is also studying at the Huazhong Normal University; and Phillipus N. Esau, Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy’s son who is at Tonji University.
On the list too is Lenna Ya Kasita, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement’s daughter at the Huazhong Normal University Naukalemo Nghimtina, the Minister of Mines and Energy’s daughter; and Patrick Lungameni Mushimba, a relative of the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma, studying at the Tonji University.
Some of the students who make part of the twenty-two students on the list whom Informanté could not verify their relationships with the country’s top shots in government and the military at the time of going to press are Kledura N. Imalwa, Loide N. Kamati, Veikko Uahengo and Ndapandula Nuuyoma among others.
Other names whose links with government officials could not be confirmed are: David Iipinge, Selam Utonih, Maria K. Nantana, Loide N. Kamati, Ndakola Tuyakula Anna Nambahu, Veikko Uahengo, Fimanekeni Ndaivela Mhanda, N. Ndapandula Haulenga, Inamutila Mekondjo Kahupi, R. L. Hamayuli, K. G Kampungu, Petrus E. J. Mbadhi, Letha N. Usko, Lukas Nambinga and Ndapandula Nuuyoma.
When contacted for comment, Defence Minister Charles Namoloh said he couldn’t say why mostly high profile figures’ children and relatives including his son Justus had benefitted from the Chinese scholarships.
“I can’t answer that. However, what I know is the scholarships were advertised and my son applied and was called for an interview and offered the scholarship,” he said adding that his son also got a bursary from the education ministry.
Namoloh said the Chinese scholarships were partial scholarships and he had to fork out N$12,000 for air tickets for his son’s trip to China.
Henock Ya Kasita also admitted to Informanté that Lenna was his daughter.
“Yes she is my daughter. She will only come back home after completing her studies in five years’ time.”
The Police Inspector General, Sebastian Ndeitunga also admitted that Ernesto was his son.
“Oh he is my son; he is now studying in China. He went there in August for studies,” Ndeitunga said from Singapore.
Erkki Nghimtina also confirmed that Naukalemo was his daughter, studying on a scholarship from the Chinese Government. He would not say whether it was morally wrong for well-paid ministers to be privileged with scholarships while some of the poor bright children are denied tertiary education because of their economic status.
Minister of Education Nangolo Mbumba, expressed shock that many senior government officials’ children were benefiting from the Chinese scholarships.
“These scholarships should mainly benefit students from less privileged backgrounds. We will launch an investigation to find out how this came to be. I will ask the scholarship section,” he said.
“These scholarships should mainly benefit students from less privileged backgrounds. We will launch an investigation to find out how this came to be, I will ask the scholarship section,” Mbumba
A Chinese Embassy official who identified himself as Wong, in charge of scholarships said the Namibian Education Ministry was responsible for the selection criteria of the students.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Cuba sends failed Nam students back
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 15 October 2009
CUBAN universities have sent back 16 second and third year Namibian medical students for alleged poor performance in mathematics and physics.
The students who returned home last week Thursday and Sunday were studying for medical degrees in pharmacy, bio-chemistry and biology at the University of Havana while others were at the University of Oriente.
Some of the students have blamed the Namibian education system describing it as poor compared to that of other parts of Africa and the rest of the world.
“Other African students go for Advanced-Level but we only have the HIGCSE which is not taught well,” some of the students who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
“Although we failed, there was a chance of changing careers but our Namibian Embassy in Cuba failed to assist us. We failed two subjects - mathematics and physics - as a result of our poor education system. Most Namibians are failing because of our educational background,” they added.
The students further claimed they only failed once but were sent packing and that the Namibian government failed to negotiate with the universities to afford them a second chance.
A student who identified herself as Leona said the studies were so tough and they wanted to change careers but the Cuban universities refused to allow them.
The students’ representative, David Kahumba, who was studying towards a degree in Microbiology, confirmed that they were chucked out after they performed poorly.
However, he refused to comment further saying he would only do so after briefing the Minister of Education.
When contacted for comment, Minister of Education, Nangolo Mbumba said it was regrettable that the students had failed to perform well. He also said that although the students were coming from a poor background, blaming the education system for their failure was not the best way.
Ministry of Education’s liaison officer, Ester Paulus rubbished the students’ claims that they were not given a second chance to repeat saying they were given opportunities to repeat but failed again.
“The University of Havana has a regulation that a student is only allowed to repeat, once, twice if there are reasons pertaining to health and other relevant reasons. Students that were sent back failed to pass after being allowed to repeat,” she said.
Paulus said some students also claimed they failed because of the language barrier while two of the students from the University of Oriente had their scholarships cancelled.
Paulus said there was nothing wrong with the quality of Namibia’s education and that there are many Namibian students studying at international universities in the same fields who excel in their studies with minimal difficulties.
She said there was no way the Namibian Embassy in Cuba could have helped the students as universities and terms of scholarships cannot be altered.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
CUBAN universities have sent back 16 second and third year Namibian medical students for alleged poor performance in mathematics and physics.
The students who returned home last week Thursday and Sunday were studying for medical degrees in pharmacy, bio-chemistry and biology at the University of Havana while others were at the University of Oriente.
Some of the students have blamed the Namibian education system describing it as poor compared to that of other parts of Africa and the rest of the world.
“Other African students go for Advanced-Level but we only have the HIGCSE which is not taught well,” some of the students who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
“Although we failed, there was a chance of changing careers but our Namibian Embassy in Cuba failed to assist us. We failed two subjects - mathematics and physics - as a result of our poor education system. Most Namibians are failing because of our educational background,” they added.
The students further claimed they only failed once but were sent packing and that the Namibian government failed to negotiate with the universities to afford them a second chance.
A student who identified herself as Leona said the studies were so tough and they wanted to change careers but the Cuban universities refused to allow them.
The students’ representative, David Kahumba, who was studying towards a degree in Microbiology, confirmed that they were chucked out after they performed poorly.
However, he refused to comment further saying he would only do so after briefing the Minister of Education.
When contacted for comment, Minister of Education, Nangolo Mbumba said it was regrettable that the students had failed to perform well. He also said that although the students were coming from a poor background, blaming the education system for their failure was not the best way.
Ministry of Education’s liaison officer, Ester Paulus rubbished the students’ claims that they were not given a second chance to repeat saying they were given opportunities to repeat but failed again.
“The University of Havana has a regulation that a student is only allowed to repeat, once, twice if there are reasons pertaining to health and other relevant reasons. Students that were sent back failed to pass after being allowed to repeat,” she said.
Paulus said some students also claimed they failed because of the language barrier while two of the students from the University of Oriente had their scholarships cancelled.
Paulus said there was nothing wrong with the quality of Namibia’s education and that there are many Namibian students studying at international universities in the same fields who excel in their studies with minimal difficulties.
She said there was no way the Namibian Embassy in Cuba could have helped the students as universities and terms of scholarships cannot be altered.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
HEALTH-NAMIBIA:
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Patience Nyangove
WINDHOEK, Oct 7 (IPS) - Ten years ago, a move to legalise abortion in Namibia failed. The number of unwanted pregnancies remains high, with many people unwilling or unable to use contraception. Despite the risks, illegal abortions remain common.
Misoprostol - a drug used to control ulcers, more usually known by the brand name Cytotec - has become a favoured method for inducing abortion.
The drug costs around $14 U.S. dollars per tablet from a pharmacist and is readily available on the streets of Windhoek. Medical doctors who conduct abortions illegally using the drug charge between 140 and 200 U.S. dollars.
Twenty-two year-old Monisha (not her real name), a student at University of Namibia, decided to have an abortion because her boyfriend is a married man and hence could not marry her.
"My parents would have killed me if they had found out that I was made pregnant by a married man, who can't marry me," she says. "I am also not ready to be a mother, I am still a student."
She was two months into the pregnancy when, with the help of a friend, she bought five Cytotec pills from a drug peddler in Windhoek's Khomasdal suburb.
Monisha says she was charged $113 for the pills, and instructed by the drug peddler to insert three of the tablets into her vagina and swallow two. He told her that if developed any complications during the abortion, she should not seek treatment at health institution but rather come back to him for help.
Fortunately Monisha's pregnancy was successfully terminated without any complications. "It was like a bad period. Off course I felt some pain but I took some pain killers," she says.
Cytotec is classified as a controlled drug and by law should only be sold to people with a medical doctor’s prescription, however errant pharmacists are selling it to anyone who asks for it.
Merja (not her real name either) a pharmacist in Independence Avenue in Windhoek says she only sells Cytotec pills to people referred to her by friends.
"You can't just sell to anyone because you don't know who is a police officer or not. It's quite a risky business but what can we do? We need the extra money and at the same time we are providing a service to our fellow desperate women need.
"It's not like we are killing babies, I only sell Cytotec tablets to those whose pregnancy is less than three months to minimise the risk of fatal complications," she says.
According to Merja she buys a packet of Cytotec tablets containing 56 pills for the equivalent of U.S. $50 and sells each tablet for $14, making a cool profit of 740 U.S. dollars per packet.
Merja says most of her clients are students from the university and the Polytechnic of Namibia.
Monisha's termination went smoothly but large numbers of women end up with a host of complications that include haemorrhaging when due to a torn cervix or punctured uterus says a medical doctor at Katutura State Hospital. (Doctors in the public health service are not permitted to speak to the press, so he spoke to IPS anonymously.)
The doctor says one of the most common complications that they deal with at the hospital include infections that develop when foetal parts are left inside the uterus.
"A pelvic infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalisation. It can also cause scarring of the pelvic organs," he says. The doctor says in severe cases some women have died because of back street abortions after excessive bleeding.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Kamwi said illegal abortions remain a serious health problem in Namibia with abortion-related deaths much more common among young women.
"It was also found that about one third of the deaths were due to septic and illegally-induced abortion most likely unsafely performed somewhere.
"Fifty-nine percent of the women dying of abortion related complications were under the age of 25. This is consistent with other reports that increasingly young people resort to unsafe abortion or even commit suicide because of unwanted pregnancy," Kamwi says.
Sam Ntelamo, director of the Namibia Planned Parenthood Association says baby dumping and infanticide is now an issue of concern in Namibia, although without comprehensive data, it is impossible to estimate the true extent of unsafe abortion as many cases are believed to go unreported.
"Even police statistics and anecdotal information suggest that the problem is a significant one," Ntelamo said. "We quite often hear of bodies of newborn babies retrieved at water works sites around Windhoek and outside. These are shocking revelations"
Ntelamo blames the surge in the number of abortion cases to a great number of youth failing to access reproductive health services.
In 1999, the Namibian government tried to legalise abortion, however it claims it was forced to abandon the law after the public opposed it. Government at the time said wide-ranging consultations with communities that included churches; radio phone-ins and letters indicated 99 percent of Namibians did not want abortion to be legalised.
Anti-abortion sentiment remains high. One Namibian interviewed by IPS feels that if government legalises abortion, this will fuel immorality.
"Abortion must never be legalised in Namibia, women will just wily nilly commit murder. Innocent babies will be killed, if our mothers had been given that opportunity to choose whether we should have lived or died then a lot of us would not be here. It's also so un-African," says Ndawana Hausiku.
Under Namibian law a woman can only have an abortion in cases of incest, rape or when the pregnancy is deemed a health risk to the life of the mother.
The director of Sister Namibia, a non-governmental organisation that deals with women's rights, Liz Frank told IPS that Namibia urgently needed to reform its law on abortion.
"That draft bill which was declined by the public a few years ago needs to be dusted off and retabled. There is need to embark on a campaign to educate the public on the advantages of legalising abortion in the country," she said.
"Currently the health ministry is spending huge amounts of money in cleaning up botched abortions, while so many women are dying or having life threatening injuries after undergoing backstreet abortions. Women should have access to safe abortion."
Presently only four African countries permit abortion on demand during the first trimester, South Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Tunisia.
WINDHOEK, Oct 7 (IPS) - Ten years ago, a move to legalise abortion in Namibia failed. The number of unwanted pregnancies remains high, with many people unwilling or unable to use contraception. Despite the risks, illegal abortions remain common.
Misoprostol - a drug used to control ulcers, more usually known by the brand name Cytotec - has become a favoured method for inducing abortion.
The drug costs around $14 U.S. dollars per tablet from a pharmacist and is readily available on the streets of Windhoek. Medical doctors who conduct abortions illegally using the drug charge between 140 and 200 U.S. dollars.
Twenty-two year-old Monisha (not her real name), a student at University of Namibia, decided to have an abortion because her boyfriend is a married man and hence could not marry her.
"My parents would have killed me if they had found out that I was made pregnant by a married man, who can't marry me," she says. "I am also not ready to be a mother, I am still a student."
She was two months into the pregnancy when, with the help of a friend, she bought five Cytotec pills from a drug peddler in Windhoek's Khomasdal suburb.
Monisha says she was charged $113 for the pills, and instructed by the drug peddler to insert three of the tablets into her vagina and swallow two. He told her that if developed any complications during the abortion, she should not seek treatment at health institution but rather come back to him for help.
Fortunately Monisha's pregnancy was successfully terminated without any complications. "It was like a bad period. Off course I felt some pain but I took some pain killers," she says.
Cytotec is classified as a controlled drug and by law should only be sold to people with a medical doctor’s prescription, however errant pharmacists are selling it to anyone who asks for it.
Merja (not her real name either) a pharmacist in Independence Avenue in Windhoek says she only sells Cytotec pills to people referred to her by friends.
"You can't just sell to anyone because you don't know who is a police officer or not. It's quite a risky business but what can we do? We need the extra money and at the same time we are providing a service to our fellow desperate women need.
"It's not like we are killing babies, I only sell Cytotec tablets to those whose pregnancy is less than three months to minimise the risk of fatal complications," she says.
According to Merja she buys a packet of Cytotec tablets containing 56 pills for the equivalent of U.S. $50 and sells each tablet for $14, making a cool profit of 740 U.S. dollars per packet.
Merja says most of her clients are students from the university and the Polytechnic of Namibia.
Monisha's termination went smoothly but large numbers of women end up with a host of complications that include haemorrhaging when due to a torn cervix or punctured uterus says a medical doctor at Katutura State Hospital. (Doctors in the public health service are not permitted to speak to the press, so he spoke to IPS anonymously.)
The doctor says one of the most common complications that they deal with at the hospital include infections that develop when foetal parts are left inside the uterus.
"A pelvic infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalisation. It can also cause scarring of the pelvic organs," he says. The doctor says in severe cases some women have died because of back street abortions after excessive bleeding.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Kamwi said illegal abortions remain a serious health problem in Namibia with abortion-related deaths much more common among young women.
"It was also found that about one third of the deaths were due to septic and illegally-induced abortion most likely unsafely performed somewhere.
"Fifty-nine percent of the women dying of abortion related complications were under the age of 25. This is consistent with other reports that increasingly young people resort to unsafe abortion or even commit suicide because of unwanted pregnancy," Kamwi says.
Sam Ntelamo, director of the Namibia Planned Parenthood Association says baby dumping and infanticide is now an issue of concern in Namibia, although without comprehensive data, it is impossible to estimate the true extent of unsafe abortion as many cases are believed to go unreported.
"Even police statistics and anecdotal information suggest that the problem is a significant one," Ntelamo said. "We quite often hear of bodies of newborn babies retrieved at water works sites around Windhoek and outside. These are shocking revelations"
Ntelamo blames the surge in the number of abortion cases to a great number of youth failing to access reproductive health services.
In 1999, the Namibian government tried to legalise abortion, however it claims it was forced to abandon the law after the public opposed it. Government at the time said wide-ranging consultations with communities that included churches; radio phone-ins and letters indicated 99 percent of Namibians did not want abortion to be legalised.
Anti-abortion sentiment remains high. One Namibian interviewed by IPS feels that if government legalises abortion, this will fuel immorality.
"Abortion must never be legalised in Namibia, women will just wily nilly commit murder. Innocent babies will be killed, if our mothers had been given that opportunity to choose whether we should have lived or died then a lot of us would not be here. It's also so un-African," says Ndawana Hausiku.
Under Namibian law a woman can only have an abortion in cases of incest, rape or when the pregnancy is deemed a health risk to the life of the mother.
The director of Sister Namibia, a non-governmental organisation that deals with women's rights, Liz Frank told IPS that Namibia urgently needed to reform its law on abortion.
"That draft bill which was declined by the public a few years ago needs to be dusted off and retabled. There is need to embark on a campaign to educate the public on the advantages of legalising abortion in the country," she said.
"Currently the health ministry is spending huge amounts of money in cleaning up botched abortions, while so many women are dying or having life threatening injuries after undergoing backstreet abortions. Women should have access to safe abortion."
Presently only four African countries permit abortion on demand during the first trimester, South Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Tunisia.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Big and illegal in Eveline Street
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 01 October 2009
EVERYTHING on Eveline Street comes big, the crowds, the patrons, car washes, and not to be outdone, crime.
Imagine 63 bars and shebeens, some dingy and some neat, competing in every aspect; loud music, braai stands and a host of different types of beers, imported and local, on this less than 3-km stretch in Windhoek’s Katutura’s high density suburb, Greenwell Matongo.
Of the 63 bars and shebeens, the Windhoek Municipality says only six are legally registered while the rest – 57 - are operating illegally, milking away the City’s revenue.
Out of the other 63 businesses operating in that street which include carwashes, home shops, take-aways, hair salons, cell shops, 58 are also operating illegally.
Muggings and thefts are now synonymous with the name Eveline Street.
Eveline Street is where the cream meets the dust, posing stark contrasts, from the designer apparels versus the rags; slick wheels against torn up sandals; where the who-is-who of Windhoek mix and mingle with the poorest of the capital.
Competing for attention are the many watering holes gushing out the beloved gift from deep below while car wash boys uncaringly use water, a precious commodity in this arid country.
The bars and shebeens on Eveline Street open as early as 06h00 and close shop as late as 04h00 - seven days a week, all round the year.
Alcoholic beverages on offer include ciders, spirits, lagers that are sold at an unbeatable “pump price” and with only N$200 you can drink until you drop.
Of concern to those living in Eveline Street is the high crime rate since hardly a week passes without sounds of gun shots, while muggings have become an everyday phenomena.
This does not, however, concern the patrons who feed on the street’s delicious braai popularly known as kapana which is roasted on braai stands along the street.
Apart from all the glamour, a majority of Eveline Street residents say they have fallen prey to the fame that has come with the many shebeens and bars and they believe the police are not doing enough to protect them.
The residents are now scared of walking in the street after nightfall despite the fact that dozens of guzzlers would be all over the street drinking.
“I don’t feel safe at all living in Eveline Street. I make sure that as soon as the sunsets I am indoors to avoid being mugged or raped. The police here are useless. They don’t help us.
“Imagine, I stay a short distance from the satellite police station but if you call for help they won’t come. If you go to them, you will either find one police man or they will tell you they don’t have a car to come and attend to you,” said a 46 year-old woman who has been staying in Eveline Street for the last five years.
Another Eveline Street resident who gave his name as Tuyoleni concurs with her accusing the police of failing to protect them at night by conducting patrols.
However, he feels that the street is very safe during the day.
Yet another long time Eveline Street dweller, Lazarus says police officers should be undercover when they patrol the street for them to effectively assess the situation.
“If people see the police coming, they pretend to have some order. If you walk in this street after 21h00 thieves will mug you, strip you naked and take all your clothing.”
Other residents said the noise from the radios and jukeboxes made it very difficult to sleep at night.
“You can’t really have a good night’s sleep because of the noise from the many radios all playing at maximum volume.”
Nampol spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Hophni Hamufungu, said the high crime rate in Eveline Street, could be attributed to alcoholism.
“It’s very difficult to say what really causes the high crime rate, however alcoholism is a very major factor. When people get drunk they don’t think properly like when they are sober. Late hours also are always the best time for criminals. People some times quarrel and end up fighting while others fall prey to criminals on their way back to their homes.”
Hamufungu said however police are taking measures to try and reduce the high crime rate along Eveline Street.
Windhoek City Municipality Public Relations Officer, Liz Sibindi said the City Council has recognised the natural transition as well as the facts on the ground and approved Eveline Street as a business corridor as per council resolution 184/08/2006.
Sibindi said however the City has had community meetings to assist many of the residents to legalise their operations either by re-zoning or applying in terms of the Windhoek Resident occupation policy.
“This exercise is still ongoing and once completed the City aims to assist many of the residents in the north western township to formalise their business operation in line with the Windhoek Town Planning Scheme,” she said.
Thursday, 01 October 2009
EVERYTHING on Eveline Street comes big, the crowds, the patrons, car washes, and not to be outdone, crime.
Imagine 63 bars and shebeens, some dingy and some neat, competing in every aspect; loud music, braai stands and a host of different types of beers, imported and local, on this less than 3-km stretch in Windhoek’s Katutura’s high density suburb, Greenwell Matongo.
Of the 63 bars and shebeens, the Windhoek Municipality says only six are legally registered while the rest – 57 - are operating illegally, milking away the City’s revenue.
Out of the other 63 businesses operating in that street which include carwashes, home shops, take-aways, hair salons, cell shops, 58 are also operating illegally.
Muggings and thefts are now synonymous with the name Eveline Street.
Eveline Street is where the cream meets the dust, posing stark contrasts, from the designer apparels versus the rags; slick wheels against torn up sandals; where the who-is-who of Windhoek mix and mingle with the poorest of the capital.
Competing for attention are the many watering holes gushing out the beloved gift from deep below while car wash boys uncaringly use water, a precious commodity in this arid country.
The bars and shebeens on Eveline Street open as early as 06h00 and close shop as late as 04h00 - seven days a week, all round the year.
Alcoholic beverages on offer include ciders, spirits, lagers that are sold at an unbeatable “pump price” and with only N$200 you can drink until you drop.
Of concern to those living in Eveline Street is the high crime rate since hardly a week passes without sounds of gun shots, while muggings have become an everyday phenomena.
This does not, however, concern the patrons who feed on the street’s delicious braai popularly known as kapana which is roasted on braai stands along the street.
Apart from all the glamour, a majority of Eveline Street residents say they have fallen prey to the fame that has come with the many shebeens and bars and they believe the police are not doing enough to protect them.
The residents are now scared of walking in the street after nightfall despite the fact that dozens of guzzlers would be all over the street drinking.
“I don’t feel safe at all living in Eveline Street. I make sure that as soon as the sunsets I am indoors to avoid being mugged or raped. The police here are useless. They don’t help us.
“Imagine, I stay a short distance from the satellite police station but if you call for help they won’t come. If you go to them, you will either find one police man or they will tell you they don’t have a car to come and attend to you,” said a 46 year-old woman who has been staying in Eveline Street for the last five years.
Another Eveline Street resident who gave his name as Tuyoleni concurs with her accusing the police of failing to protect them at night by conducting patrols.
However, he feels that the street is very safe during the day.
Yet another long time Eveline Street dweller, Lazarus says police officers should be undercover when they patrol the street for them to effectively assess the situation.
“If people see the police coming, they pretend to have some order. If you walk in this street after 21h00 thieves will mug you, strip you naked and take all your clothing.”
Other residents said the noise from the radios and jukeboxes made it very difficult to sleep at night.
“You can’t really have a good night’s sleep because of the noise from the many radios all playing at maximum volume.”
Nampol spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Hophni Hamufungu, said the high crime rate in Eveline Street, could be attributed to alcoholism.
“It’s very difficult to say what really causes the high crime rate, however alcoholism is a very major factor. When people get drunk they don’t think properly like when they are sober. Late hours also are always the best time for criminals. People some times quarrel and end up fighting while others fall prey to criminals on their way back to their homes.”
Hamufungu said however police are taking measures to try and reduce the high crime rate along Eveline Street.
Windhoek City Municipality Public Relations Officer, Liz Sibindi said the City Council has recognised the natural transition as well as the facts on the ground and approved Eveline Street as a business corridor as per council resolution 184/08/2006.
Sibindi said however the City has had community meetings to assist many of the residents to legalise their operations either by re-zoning or applying in terms of the Windhoek Resident occupation policy.
“This exercise is still ongoing and once completed the City aims to assist many of the residents in the north western township to formalise their business operation in line with the Windhoek Town Planning Scheme,” she said.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Hackers target businesses, NGOs
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 01 October 2009
AS cyber crime slowly takes hold on Namibia, internet hackers have defrauded a great number of people and companies of thousands of dollars.
The criminals hack into websites, emails and data bases to gain access to sensitive information and passwords.
Telecom yesterday confirmed that some hackers had even resorted to hijacking modems.
The latest victim of this crime is Director of Mt Sinai Centre, a non-governmental organisation which deals with breastfeeding mothers living with HIV whose Yahoo email account was hacked into two weeks ago.
The hackers used Mt Sinai Director, Christaline Vega-Biart’s, email - m123@yahoo.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - to beg for £1,200 from all contacts in her mail box claiming that she had been robbed.
Part of the email sent to her contacts reads: “How are you doing? Please I will need this personal (sic) until when I get back okay? Right now I am in London. I had to attend a very important meeting which I was not able to (sic) anymore due to the incident that happened here at the hotel. You will not believe this. I got robbed off (sic) everything I brought down with me including my wallet and luggage’s (sic) too, right now I am so confused down here (sic) and don’t know what else to do, please I will be very happy if you could help me send down (sic) £1,200 so I can add up with the money I raised from my good friend? I will make sure I refund you the money as soon as I get back. Please you will help me have the money sent to me through western union since luckily for me I still have my passport here with me, just in case here is the information you will require to send down the money to me right away, I need (to) settle the hotel bill I am owing here so I can leave here at once.”
The address given by the hackers is 12 Boston Road, Hanwell, Ealing W7 2HJ, London, United Kingdom.
Vega-Biart says she only got to know that the NGO’s website had been hacked and her email password accessed after former Informanté News Editor Tawanda Kanhema, one of the people who received the email, sent a text message to her asking how she was fairing after the alleged robbery.
Vega-Biart said: “I was attending a gala dinner at the Anglican Women Fellowship when (Tawanda) Kanhema sent me a text message. The hackers got hold of my password and gained access into my email box and changed my password so that I could not get access to it.
“From there, we phoned banks notifying them not to release any money to anyone and everyone else in my mail box contacts.”
Vega-Biart suspects that a group of Nigerians could be involved in the crime based on information she received that the alleged hackers have been traced to Nigeria.
“I really do not know how people can do such a thing. We can really get into trouble.”
She says the hackers almost got away with £1,200 pounds from her friend Susan who responded to their SOS message promising to send money as soon as she knocks off from work.
An official at an internet service provider MWeb who spoke on condition of anonymity said although they have not yet received reports of websites being hacked, they had received numerous reports of hackers trying to access people’s and companies’ passwords.
Telecom acting Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Oivo Angula said over the past few months, a good number of local internet users had had their modems hijacked.
Angula said modem hijacking is when consumers using dial-up Internet access are charged for international telephone calls they did not make.
“Modem hijacking takes place when the hijacker installs a dialer on the victim’s computer (usually through a virus or seemingly innocent download), which switches the local telephone number used for dial-up access to the Internet to an international or long distance telephone number that charges expensive fees,” he said.
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