Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 December 2009
THE bad blood between the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Ministry of Education has left 73 students with a bleak future after government denied them funding.
The affected students are studying bachelor degrees in Applied English (30), communication (30) and entrepreneurship (13) which are not recognised by Government.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Vitalis Ankama, accused the Polytechnic administration of “grabbing” courses and introducing them without making consultations.
“The Polytechnic came into being after an act of Parliament and it should cover certain programmes and they (Polytechnic administration) should not do what they want. It’s the University of Namibia which should offer those programmes not them and what the Polytechnic seems to have done is to grab any courses they want.
“We can’t have an institution grabbing anything it wants, they should have a terrain they abide by,” Ankama said.
He also accused the Polytechnic administration of misleading the nation that the institution was now a university when its request to have its status upgraded with the National Council on Higher Education is still pending.
“They went on to publish that they are now a university when the Ministry had referred their request to the National Council on Higher Education which is still carrying out consultations,” Ankama said.
The PS said because of the fallout between the Polytechnic administration and the Ministry, the students are suffering.
“Unfortunately, clearly the students are the victims. They won’t get any financial support because Government doesn’t recognise those courses they are studying.”
The Polytechnic Rector, Tjama Tjivikua, said they do not understand why Government was denying to fund the students when the same courses were being funded elsewhere.
“To our understanding, these are the only programmes which were refused bursaries while being funded elsewhere and we do not understand why except for misinterpretations of our intentions and goals. We still believe there is a great need for qualified practitioners of English and Communication and Entrepreneurship.
“In fact Entrepreneurship is funded as a course in high school (senior secondary) and it baffles one why it isn’t funded at university level. Aren’t we all talking about creating a successful economy with qualified entrepreneurs?” Tjivikua questioned.
He said it was unfair for Ankama to blame the Polytechnic for introducing new programmes without the Ministry’s blessings because in the annual development plans of institutions - strategic or operational - there is no policy or standardised procedure for consultation or approval of new programmes between the institutions and the Ministry.
“This is not the fault of the Polytechnic. Since 1996, we have addressed national development needs without necessarily obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Education as per set procedures. Yet, there has never been a complaint before and all programmes have been funded, however without a scientific formula justifying the subsidy or lump sum allocations or bursaries,” Tjivikua hit back at Ankama.
National Youth Council secretary general, Mandela Kapere said the Polytechnic of Namibia is a reputable and well ran institution and he is surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised by the education ministry.
“I know the Polytechnic is a well run, reputable institution and I am very surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised. It’s high time stakeholders in the education system talk directly so that students don’t end up victims here.
“I have also heard institutions complaining that Government is not paying in time the grants, there is a problem somewhere and stakeholders need to sit down and sort these problems.”
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
20 stillborn babies rot in morgue
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 21 January 2010
AT least 20-bodies of stillborn and premature babies who died between June and December 2009 at Okahandja State Hospital have been lying in the mortuary forgotten by the authorities.
The parents were not aware that their babies whose bodies are supposed to be disposed of by the hospital were still in the mortuary months after their deaths.
One of the mothers, Beala Williams-Neels who gave birth to stillborn twins on 7 November 2009 was shocked when a friend asked her if she was failing to give her boys a decent burial. The friend had seen the names of the unburied bodies on the list at the mortuary.
The mortuary charges N$70 a day for storage and Williams-Neels was initially asked to pay but later the mortician, after consulting his superiors, told her not to pay.
“I want to know why I must pay the mortuary fees which the hospital authorities said is N$70 a day? If they had informed me, I would have buried my babies in November last year.
“I only found out on 13 January that the bodies haven’t been cremated and are still being kept in the hospital’s mortuary. The hospital never informed me that I had to bury my babies.
“I was so confused when I heard about it. I even asked the person which kids she was referring to. I then went to the hospital to enquire. I was told that the bodies of my babies were still in the mortuary three months after their death,” she complained.
Although Informanté saw six bodies in one tray, William-Neels said there were more babies ‘rotting’ in the mortuary.
“There are between 16 and 20 rotting foetuses in that mortuary and I don’t think the mothers of those babies just like me know that their babies are rotting,” Williams-Neels who was close to tears told Informanté.
A mortician at the hospital who refused to give his name said the mothers had no idea that their babies’ bodies had not been cremated.
Williams-Neels said hospital authorities should own up and apologise.
“All people at the hospital kept quiet when my kids were lying there rotting. Someone must take a stand against these people,” she said.
Williams-Neels said it was traumatising to see her babies’ bodies when she should have gotten over grieving over them.
“It’s like opening old wounds. I feel sorry for those other mothers who will have to go through this ordeal again,” she said.
A funeral parlour employee who collected Williams-Neels’ babies’ bodies said they collected another baby’s body for burial early this month.
Efforts to get comments from the hospital’s authorities were fruitless with the arrogant matron, Pea Kalipi, refusing to give her name or comment. Informanté was able to get her name although she remained adamant not to comment.
“I cannot give information to you. I could have referred you to my supervisor but she is not around,” Kalipi said.
Minister of Health, Dr Richard Kamwi refused to comment on the issue saying he did not have information.
“I know very little. I am just coming from a holiday. This is news to me. I cannot comment. I have never heard of this from anyone,” Kamwi said referring Informanté to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Kaijoro Kahuure whose secretary said he was not available.
Deputy Minister of Health, Petrina Haingura, also refused to comment saying she was still on leave.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
AT least 20-bodies of stillborn and premature babies who died between June and December 2009 at Okahandja State Hospital have been lying in the mortuary forgotten by the authorities.
The parents were not aware that their babies whose bodies are supposed to be disposed of by the hospital were still in the mortuary months after their deaths.
One of the mothers, Beala Williams-Neels who gave birth to stillborn twins on 7 November 2009 was shocked when a friend asked her if she was failing to give her boys a decent burial. The friend had seen the names of the unburied bodies on the list at the mortuary.
The mortuary charges N$70 a day for storage and Williams-Neels was initially asked to pay but later the mortician, after consulting his superiors, told her not to pay.
“I want to know why I must pay the mortuary fees which the hospital authorities said is N$70 a day? If they had informed me, I would have buried my babies in November last year.
“I only found out on 13 January that the bodies haven’t been cremated and are still being kept in the hospital’s mortuary. The hospital never informed me that I had to bury my babies.
“I was so confused when I heard about it. I even asked the person which kids she was referring to. I then went to the hospital to enquire. I was told that the bodies of my babies were still in the mortuary three months after their death,” she complained.
Although Informanté saw six bodies in one tray, William-Neels said there were more babies ‘rotting’ in the mortuary.
“There are between 16 and 20 rotting foetuses in that mortuary and I don’t think the mothers of those babies just like me know that their babies are rotting,” Williams-Neels who was close to tears told Informanté.
A mortician at the hospital who refused to give his name said the mothers had no idea that their babies’ bodies had not been cremated.
Williams-Neels said hospital authorities should own up and apologise.
“All people at the hospital kept quiet when my kids were lying there rotting. Someone must take a stand against these people,” she said.
Williams-Neels said it was traumatising to see her babies’ bodies when she should have gotten over grieving over them.
“It’s like opening old wounds. I feel sorry for those other mothers who will have to go through this ordeal again,” she said.
A funeral parlour employee who collected Williams-Neels’ babies’ bodies said they collected another baby’s body for burial early this month.
Efforts to get comments from the hospital’s authorities were fruitless with the arrogant matron, Pea Kalipi, refusing to give her name or comment. Informanté was able to get her name although she remained adamant not to comment.
“I cannot give information to you. I could have referred you to my supervisor but she is not around,” Kalipi said.
Minister of Health, Dr Richard Kamwi refused to comment on the issue saying he did not have information.
“I know very little. I am just coming from a holiday. This is news to me. I cannot comment. I have never heard of this from anyone,” Kamwi said referring Informanté to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Kaijoro Kahuure whose secretary said he was not available.
Deputy Minister of Health, Petrina Haingura, also refused to comment saying she was still on leave.
One Africa in dire straits?
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 21 January 2010
AFTER the merger with e-TV which is one of Africa’s most interesting stations, Namibia’s private television station One Africa has not been spared by the economic slump.
The station that started airing e-TV programmes since last year November has shed its staff and lost some to greener pastures.
One Africa’s General Manager, Holger Sirchoulomb admitted this week that they had to retrench 10 people.
Responding to reports that his company had lost 40% of its workforce, Sirchoulomb said, “Last year was a tough financial year for us just like any other business. But it’s not true that 40% of our work force went to join the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation. Although we have reduced our work force by only 10 people it can’t be said it’s 40%.” He also refuted reports that the television station goes off air sometimes because it had not paid for transmission licence.
“Yes we are some times off air but its weather related. Our Windhoek transmitter is affected by the weather that’s why we go off air sometimes,” he said.
However, an employee at the station said, “Most of our colleagues have quit the station for alternative jobs in the market because the management is not keen on addressing our remuneration concerns. Our work conditions are also not the best as compared to our competitors,” said the inside source.
According to an inside source within the broadcaster, staff at the station are frustrated with the issue of poor remuneration forcing them to seek employment at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) especially.
He however admitted that last year was a difficult year for them just like any other business in the country because of the economic recession.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
AFTER the merger with e-TV which is one of Africa’s most interesting stations, Namibia’s private television station One Africa has not been spared by the economic slump.
The station that started airing e-TV programmes since last year November has shed its staff and lost some to greener pastures.
One Africa’s General Manager, Holger Sirchoulomb admitted this week that they had to retrench 10 people.
Responding to reports that his company had lost 40% of its workforce, Sirchoulomb said, “Last year was a tough financial year for us just like any other business. But it’s not true that 40% of our work force went to join the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation. Although we have reduced our work force by only 10 people it can’t be said it’s 40%.” He also refuted reports that the television station goes off air sometimes because it had not paid for transmission licence.
“Yes we are some times off air but its weather related. Our Windhoek transmitter is affected by the weather that’s why we go off air sometimes,” he said.
However, an employee at the station said, “Most of our colleagues have quit the station for alternative jobs in the market because the management is not keen on addressing our remuneration concerns. Our work conditions are also not the best as compared to our competitors,” said the inside source.
According to an inside source within the broadcaster, staff at the station are frustrated with the issue of poor remuneration forcing them to seek employment at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) especially.
He however admitted that last year was a difficult year for them just like any other business in the country because of the economic recession.
‘Backyard service station operator’ denies allegations
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 21 January 2010
MINISTRY of Finance employee, Luca Nghipopilwa, whose backyard service station’ at Hosea Kutako International Airport was exposed last week says Informanté set him up.
Nghipopilwa who works at HKIA stays at house number BM34/6 just metres away from the airport sold five litres petrol for N$60 to an Informanté crew last week.
A Ministry of Finance employee at the airport who refused to give out his name, but referred to himself as the chief leader denied that Nghipopilwa was employed by the Finance Ministry.
“We don’t have a man called Luca here,” the man said.
In his statement which he left at Informanté offices last week, Nghipopilwa denied operating a ‘backyard service station’. He said the fuel he sold was siphoned from car that was parked at his house.
“This (sic) (three people) employees of Informanté approached me on the street closer to our house at H.K.I airport, the man was driving the car a (grey-condor) with two ladies inside told me that they’re looking for a house were there’s somebody selling petrol, I were (sic) wondering without any ideas for the matter (sic) and I told him that, maybe you are wrong directed (sic), it’s not here and him the driver as his eyes were so faster than his hands,(sic) he saw the car parked in our yard and than(sic) started demanding me to give him at least a 5 litres petrol (sic) from that car’s petrol tank,” he wrote.
However, contrary to Nghipopilwa’s statement the Informanté crew stumbled on the “backyard service station “ almost two weeks ago when looking for a service station at the airport. Guards at the gate indicated that petrol was being sold at a house in the Namibian Airports Company Limited compound.
The crew was on its way to Windhoek from Gobabis around 06h00 Sunday. Three small girls found at Nghipopilwa’s neighbours led the crew to his house. The crew could, however, not buy petrol after Nghipopilwa, told them that he was selling it at N$12 per litre.
Disguised as stranded motorists, a separate crew went back to the airport Tuesday and asked security guards at the airport gate where one could refuel.
Although the security guards seemed to have no idea, a NAC employee directed them to Nghipopilwa’s house.
Nghipopilwa has threatened unspecified action against the Informanté crew.
“I’ll take my time, with three of them slowly by swally (sic), not, now, not next year but, I’ll, I promise I’ll deal with them personal, in a diplomat way as a full mature person with open eyes, they should be told that, I am not selling petrol,” he wrote.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
MINISTRY of Finance employee, Luca Nghipopilwa, whose backyard service station’ at Hosea Kutako International Airport was exposed last week says Informanté set him up.
Nghipopilwa who works at HKIA stays at house number BM34/6 just metres away from the airport sold five litres petrol for N$60 to an Informanté crew last week.
A Ministry of Finance employee at the airport who refused to give out his name, but referred to himself as the chief leader denied that Nghipopilwa was employed by the Finance Ministry.
“We don’t have a man called Luca here,” the man said.
In his statement which he left at Informanté offices last week, Nghipopilwa denied operating a ‘backyard service station’. He said the fuel he sold was siphoned from car that was parked at his house.
“This (sic) (three people) employees of Informanté approached me on the street closer to our house at H.K.I airport, the man was driving the car a (grey-condor) with two ladies inside told me that they’re looking for a house were there’s somebody selling petrol, I were (sic) wondering without any ideas for the matter (sic) and I told him that, maybe you are wrong directed (sic), it’s not here and him the driver as his eyes were so faster than his hands,(sic) he saw the car parked in our yard and than(sic) started demanding me to give him at least a 5 litres petrol (sic) from that car’s petrol tank,” he wrote.
However, contrary to Nghipopilwa’s statement the Informanté crew stumbled on the “backyard service station “ almost two weeks ago when looking for a service station at the airport. Guards at the gate indicated that petrol was being sold at a house in the Namibian Airports Company Limited compound.
The crew was on its way to Windhoek from Gobabis around 06h00 Sunday. Three small girls found at Nghipopilwa’s neighbours led the crew to his house. The crew could, however, not buy petrol after Nghipopilwa, told them that he was selling it at N$12 per litre.
Disguised as stranded motorists, a separate crew went back to the airport Tuesday and asked security guards at the airport gate where one could refuel.
Although the security guards seemed to have no idea, a NAC employee directed them to Nghipopilwa’s house.
Nghipopilwa has threatened unspecified action against the Informanté crew.
“I’ll take my time, with three of them slowly by swally (sic), not, now, not next year but, I’ll, I promise I’ll deal with them personal, in a diplomat way as a full mature person with open eyes, they should be told that, I am not selling petrol,” he wrote.
Notables tumble in Pohamba’s mock Govt.
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 21 January 2010
WHEN President Hifikepunye Pohamba appoints his new Government this time around it will be a question of whether to balance it with the old guard, the so called “dead wood” and the “young turks”, the mafikizolos. According to an inside source within Swapo’s upper hierarchy who provided a mock Government to Informanté that might be appointed by President Pohamba as the final Government, the President’s predicament now is on who to pick or drop.
“It’s hard for him, these dead wood are people his own age and they have been together for a long time hence it’s so hard for him to part with them.”
The source said President Pohamba’s dilemma has been worsened by the fact most “mafikizolo” are occupying top position on the Swapo Parliamentary list with a majority of the “deadwood” occupying bottom positions. “Its difficult to dump them, you can feel sorry for him. There are so many new people on the Parliamentary list and many of these faces appear to have gone above the dead wood, and its hard for Pohamba to pick on the deadwood which is on the bottom list leaving the new guys.”
The issue of tribal considerations is reportedly also giving President Pohamba a headache.
“He is in a tough position because whoever he drops will feel discriminated (against),” the source said.
Below is the mock Government provided to Informanté which if it is to be anyway near President Pohamba’s final Government will see notable figures like Swapo Secretary General, Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana appointed as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister with either Hage Geingob or Theo-Ben Gurirab coming back as Prime-Minister. Geingob as deputy President of Swapo is number two on the party parliamentary list and Iivula-Ithana as Secretary General is number three.
1. Hifikepunye Pohamba President
2. Hage Geingob/Theo-Ben Gurirab Prime Minister
3. Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana Deputy Prime Minister
Nahas Angula Speaker of National Assembly
Doreen Sioka Deputy Speaker
4. Loide Kasingo Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration
Steve Mogotsi Deputy Minister
5. Martin Andjamba Minister of Foreign Affairs
Pohamba Shifeta Deputy Minister
6. Charles Namoloh Minister of Veterans Affairs
Erastus Uutoni Deputy Minister
7. Nangolo Mbumba Minister of Presidential Affairs
8. Dr Albert Kawana Attorney General
9. Utoni Nujoma Minister of Justice
Tommy Nambahu Deputy Minister
10. John Mutorwa Minister of Education
Lucia Witbooi Deputy Minister
11. Isak Katali Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture
Paulus Kapia/Theo Diegaardht Deputy Minister
12. Jerry Ekandjo MRLGHRD
John Walenga Deputy Minister
13.Petrina Haingura Minister of Gender Equality
Lempy Lucas Deputy Minister
14. Immanuel Ngatjizeko Minister of Labour and Social Welfare
Alpheus Muheua Deputy Minister
15. Kazenambo Kazenambo Minister of Environment and Tourism
Billy Mwanyengange Deputy Minister
16. Tjekero Tweya Minister of Trade and Industry
Juliet Kavetuna Deputy Minister
17. Dr Richard Kamwi Minister of Health, Social Services
Alexia Manombe-Ncube Deputy Minister
18. Alfeus !Naruseb Minister of Lands and Resettlement
Elifas Dingara Deputy Minister
19. Paulus Kapia Minister of Works and Transport
Willem Isaaks Deputy Minister
20. Marco Hausiku Minister of Agriculture, Water
and Forestry
Peya Mushelenga Deputy Minister
21. Benard Esau Minister of Mines and Energy
Angelika Maharukua Deputy Minister
22. Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah Minister of Minorities
Eveline Nawases-Taeyele Deputy Minister
23. Peter Iilonga Minister of Safety and Security
Henock yaKasita Deputy Minister
24. Martin Shalli Minister of Defence
Frans Kapofi Deputy Minister
25. Dr Abraham Iyambo Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Alfeus Muheua Deputy Minister
26. Joel Kaapanda Minister of information and Communication Technology
Col Kolokwe Deputy Minister
27. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Minister of Finance
Piet Van Der Walt Deputy Minister
28. Prof. Peter Katjavivi DG National Planning Commission
29. Errki Nghimtina DG Namibia Central Intelligence Service
30. Sebastian Ndeitunga Inspector General of the Namibian Police
Thursday, 21 January 2010
WHEN President Hifikepunye Pohamba appoints his new Government this time around it will be a question of whether to balance it with the old guard, the so called “dead wood” and the “young turks”, the mafikizolos. According to an inside source within Swapo’s upper hierarchy who provided a mock Government to Informanté that might be appointed by President Pohamba as the final Government, the President’s predicament now is on who to pick or drop.
“It’s hard for him, these dead wood are people his own age and they have been together for a long time hence it’s so hard for him to part with them.”
The source said President Pohamba’s dilemma has been worsened by the fact most “mafikizolo” are occupying top position on the Swapo Parliamentary list with a majority of the “deadwood” occupying bottom positions. “Its difficult to dump them, you can feel sorry for him. There are so many new people on the Parliamentary list and many of these faces appear to have gone above the dead wood, and its hard for Pohamba to pick on the deadwood which is on the bottom list leaving the new guys.”
The issue of tribal considerations is reportedly also giving President Pohamba a headache.
“He is in a tough position because whoever he drops will feel discriminated (against),” the source said.
Below is the mock Government provided to Informanté which if it is to be anyway near President Pohamba’s final Government will see notable figures like Swapo Secretary General, Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana appointed as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister with either Hage Geingob or Theo-Ben Gurirab coming back as Prime-Minister. Geingob as deputy President of Swapo is number two on the party parliamentary list and Iivula-Ithana as Secretary General is number three.
1. Hifikepunye Pohamba President
2. Hage Geingob/Theo-Ben Gurirab Prime Minister
3. Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana Deputy Prime Minister
Nahas Angula Speaker of National Assembly
Doreen Sioka Deputy Speaker
4. Loide Kasingo Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration
Steve Mogotsi Deputy Minister
5. Martin Andjamba Minister of Foreign Affairs
Pohamba Shifeta Deputy Minister
6. Charles Namoloh Minister of Veterans Affairs
Erastus Uutoni Deputy Minister
7. Nangolo Mbumba Minister of Presidential Affairs
8. Dr Albert Kawana Attorney General
9. Utoni Nujoma Minister of Justice
Tommy Nambahu Deputy Minister
10. John Mutorwa Minister of Education
Lucia Witbooi Deputy Minister
11. Isak Katali Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture
Paulus Kapia/Theo Diegaardht Deputy Minister
12. Jerry Ekandjo MRLGHRD
John Walenga Deputy Minister
13.Petrina Haingura Minister of Gender Equality
Lempy Lucas Deputy Minister
14. Immanuel Ngatjizeko Minister of Labour and Social Welfare
Alpheus Muheua Deputy Minister
15. Kazenambo Kazenambo Minister of Environment and Tourism
Billy Mwanyengange Deputy Minister
16. Tjekero Tweya Minister of Trade and Industry
Juliet Kavetuna Deputy Minister
17. Dr Richard Kamwi Minister of Health, Social Services
Alexia Manombe-Ncube Deputy Minister
18. Alfeus !Naruseb Minister of Lands and Resettlement
Elifas Dingara Deputy Minister
19. Paulus Kapia Minister of Works and Transport
Willem Isaaks Deputy Minister
20. Marco Hausiku Minister of Agriculture, Water
and Forestry
Peya Mushelenga Deputy Minister
21. Benard Esau Minister of Mines and Energy
Angelika Maharukua Deputy Minister
22. Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah Minister of Minorities
Eveline Nawases-Taeyele Deputy Minister
23. Peter Iilonga Minister of Safety and Security
Henock yaKasita Deputy Minister
24. Martin Shalli Minister of Defence
Frans Kapofi Deputy Minister
25. Dr Abraham Iyambo Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Alfeus Muheua Deputy Minister
26. Joel Kaapanda Minister of information and Communication Technology
Col Kolokwe Deputy Minister
27. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Minister of Finance
Piet Van Der Walt Deputy Minister
28. Prof. Peter Katjavivi DG National Planning Commission
29. Errki Nghimtina DG Namibia Central Intelligence Service
30. Sebastian Ndeitunga Inspector General of the Namibian Police
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tonata accused of defrauding Swapo
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 14 January 2010
THE ruling Swapo party has allegedly been defrauded of at least N$100,000 by A-Z Investments, an advertising company owned by Tonata Shiimi.
Shiimi was recently appointed the General Manager of the Southern Times a weekly regional newspaper co-owned by the Namibian and Zimbabwean Governments but the appointment could not be confirmed by the NamZim Board Chairperson, Matthew //Gowaseb who was not picking up his phone.
According to available documents, Swapo contracted A-Z Investment Holdings during the run up to the Presidential and National Assembly elections last year to produce 270 campaign artworks and mount the posters in 14 selected towns across the country but it is alleged that the company produced only 110 .
The alleged fraud came to light after one of the A-Z Investment Holdings workers, John Ackim Pedzisai, who had not been paid spilled the beans.
Ackim-Pedzisai together with another employee of the company have since lodged their case with the Labour Court against Shiimi.
“In Okahandja, Gobabis, Rehoboth, Keetmanshoop we placed 10 posters in each town while in Tsumeb we placed 20 among others and in total we only erected 110 posters instead of the 270 paid for by Swapo,” Ackim Pedzisai said.
He further alleged that Shiimi allegedly took advantage of the fact that the Swapo party was busy with the elections and did not have time to verify whether all the 270 posters they had paid for with N$183,000 were mounted.
A letter in possession of Informanté written by Shiimi on 23 November 2009 claims that A-Z Investment Holdings placed 20 posters in Rundu, Katima 20, Tsumeb 20, Ondangwa 20, Okahandja 10, Okahao 20, Ongwediva 20, Oshikango 10, Helao Nafidi 20, Tsumeb 30, Eengela 20, Keetmanshoop 20, Gobabis 20 and Rehoboth 20.
A senior Swapo official in the finance department privy to the issue who agreed to speak to Informanté on condition of anonymity confirmed that the party was defrauded.
“We contracted A-Z to print and post 270 posters across the country. However, as we are unearthing now they never fulfilled the contract. The other time I went to Rundu and they were supposed to be 20 posters in the town but to my surprise only 10 had been erected. When I contacted Shiimi he gave me the excuse that they had erected the other 10 in Grootfontein. However, when I drove past the town there were no posters at all.
“It was very difficult for us to know what was transpiring in all towns because we are in Windhoek, but now we understand that some towns never had posters erected at all,” the Swapo official said.
When contacted for comment Shiimi who was verbally abusive accused this reporter of being Pedzisai’s cousin and that he did not discuss his business in the press.
“I have been doing business with Swapo for many years. If Swapo has a complaint, they should come to me. They have never complained. I deal with them on a daily basis. There is no truth in this. If your uncle comes to you with baseless allegations you write the story,” he said.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
THE ruling Swapo party has allegedly been defrauded of at least N$100,000 by A-Z Investments, an advertising company owned by Tonata Shiimi.
Shiimi was recently appointed the General Manager of the Southern Times a weekly regional newspaper co-owned by the Namibian and Zimbabwean Governments but the appointment could not be confirmed by the NamZim Board Chairperson, Matthew //Gowaseb who was not picking up his phone.
According to available documents, Swapo contracted A-Z Investment Holdings during the run up to the Presidential and National Assembly elections last year to produce 270 campaign artworks and mount the posters in 14 selected towns across the country but it is alleged that the company produced only 110 .
The alleged fraud came to light after one of the A-Z Investment Holdings workers, John Ackim Pedzisai, who had not been paid spilled the beans.
Ackim-Pedzisai together with another employee of the company have since lodged their case with the Labour Court against Shiimi.
“In Okahandja, Gobabis, Rehoboth, Keetmanshoop we placed 10 posters in each town while in Tsumeb we placed 20 among others and in total we only erected 110 posters instead of the 270 paid for by Swapo,” Ackim Pedzisai said.
He further alleged that Shiimi allegedly took advantage of the fact that the Swapo party was busy with the elections and did not have time to verify whether all the 270 posters they had paid for with N$183,000 were mounted.
A letter in possession of Informanté written by Shiimi on 23 November 2009 claims that A-Z Investment Holdings placed 20 posters in Rundu, Katima 20, Tsumeb 20, Ondangwa 20, Okahandja 10, Okahao 20, Ongwediva 20, Oshikango 10, Helao Nafidi 20, Tsumeb 30, Eengela 20, Keetmanshoop 20, Gobabis 20 and Rehoboth 20.
A senior Swapo official in the finance department privy to the issue who agreed to speak to Informanté on condition of anonymity confirmed that the party was defrauded.
“We contracted A-Z to print and post 270 posters across the country. However, as we are unearthing now they never fulfilled the contract. The other time I went to Rundu and they were supposed to be 20 posters in the town but to my surprise only 10 had been erected. When I contacted Shiimi he gave me the excuse that they had erected the other 10 in Grootfontein. However, when I drove past the town there were no posters at all.
“It was very difficult for us to know what was transpiring in all towns because we are in Windhoek, but now we understand that some towns never had posters erected at all,” the Swapo official said.
When contacted for comment Shiimi who was verbally abusive accused this reporter of being Pedzisai’s cousin and that he did not discuss his business in the press.
“I have been doing business with Swapo for many years. If Swapo has a complaint, they should come to me. They have never complained. I deal with them on a daily basis. There is no truth in this. If your uncle comes to you with baseless allegations you write the story,” he said.
Tonata taken to court over wages
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 14 January 2010
A-Z Investments owner, Tonata Shiimi has been dragged to the Labour Court by two of his employees after he failed to pay them November and December wages.
Shiimi has reportedly started a new job at the Southern Times as General Manager.
Documents from the Labour Court reveal that Shiimi was ordered to appear before a Labour Inspector only identified as M.S Liswaniso on 7 January 2010 on charges laid against him by John Ackim Pedzisai and Ipinge Matala over allegations of non-payment of their salaries.
In the letter dated 5 January 2010, Shiimi was also requested to bring proof of payment of the alleged outstanding salaries and all relevant documents to settle the matter which was later postponed and later moved to January 12 when Shiimi allegedly failed to turn up for the hearing.
Pedzisai and Matala said they were contracted by Shiimi to erect Swapo election campaign posters across the country but after they finished the job, he started evading them.
Matala claims that he is owed N$2,080 for the month of November until December 20 while Pedzisai is owed N$5,850.
“We went to court yesterday (Tuesday) but he (Shiimi) never showed up. It seems he doesn’t have any regard for the Labour Court at all. If we phone him he does not pick our calls,” the two alleged.
Pedzisai also claimed that Shiimi was now allegedly threatening to have him deported to Zimbabwe.
When contacted for comment Shiimi who was verbally abusive accused this reporter of being related to Pedzisai and taking sides with him despite there being “no truth” in the story at all.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
A-Z Investments owner, Tonata Shiimi has been dragged to the Labour Court by two of his employees after he failed to pay them November and December wages.
Shiimi has reportedly started a new job at the Southern Times as General Manager.
Documents from the Labour Court reveal that Shiimi was ordered to appear before a Labour Inspector only identified as M.S Liswaniso on 7 January 2010 on charges laid against him by John Ackim Pedzisai and Ipinge Matala over allegations of non-payment of their salaries.
In the letter dated 5 January 2010, Shiimi was also requested to bring proof of payment of the alleged outstanding salaries and all relevant documents to settle the matter which was later postponed and later moved to January 12 when Shiimi allegedly failed to turn up for the hearing.
Pedzisai and Matala said they were contracted by Shiimi to erect Swapo election campaign posters across the country but after they finished the job, he started evading them.
Matala claims that he is owed N$2,080 for the month of November until December 20 while Pedzisai is owed N$5,850.
“We went to court yesterday (Tuesday) but he (Shiimi) never showed up. It seems he doesn’t have any regard for the Labour Court at all. If we phone him he does not pick our calls,” the two alleged.
Pedzisai also claimed that Shiimi was now allegedly threatening to have him deported to Zimbabwe.
When contacted for comment Shiimi who was verbally abusive accused this reporter of being related to Pedzisai and taking sides with him despite there being “no truth” in the story at all.
Backyard service station thrives at Hosea Kutako Airport
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 14 January 2010
A MINISTRY of Finance employee is running a thriving ‘backyard service station’ at house number BM34/6 some metres from Hosea Kutako International Airport compound.
The employee known only as Lukas who works for the Customs and Excise Department sells the petrol in five-litre containers at N$60 each.
Lukas keeps the fuel in his house which is close to others in the Namibian Airports Company Limited (NAC) compound.
An Informanté crew stumbled on the ‘backyard service station’ early this week when looking for a service station and guards at the gate indicated that petrol was sold at a house in the compound.
The crew could, however, not buy petrol after Lukas had told them that he was selling it at N$12 per litre. Disguised as stranded motorists, the crew went back to the airport on Tuesday and asked security guards at the airport gate where one could refuel. Although the security guards had no idea, a NAC employee directed the crew to Lukas’ house. At the house during the transaction, Lukas said he is in the business to supplement his meagre earnings.
“I am trying to make ends meet. You know the money I get from my job is not enough that’s why I am doing this,” he said.
Lukas said he buys the fuel from service stations in Klein Windhoek and transports it in jerry cans. NAC acting CEO, Advocate Matti Asino, initially said he was not aware that there was such an activity at the airport.
“I have no idea about what you are talking about. But one can’t just sell fuel from a house its very dangerous. This is the first time I am hearing of this,” Asino said.
However, he later contacted Informanté saying the Ministry of Finance would deal with Lukas.
“He works for Customs and they are the ones responsible for him,” he said. The Namibia Airports Company is in charge of all airports in the country.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
A MINISTRY of Finance employee is running a thriving ‘backyard service station’ at house number BM34/6 some metres from Hosea Kutako International Airport compound.
The employee known only as Lukas who works for the Customs and Excise Department sells the petrol in five-litre containers at N$60 each.
Lukas keeps the fuel in his house which is close to others in the Namibian Airports Company Limited (NAC) compound.
An Informanté crew stumbled on the ‘backyard service station’ early this week when looking for a service station and guards at the gate indicated that petrol was sold at a house in the compound.
The crew could, however, not buy petrol after Lukas had told them that he was selling it at N$12 per litre. Disguised as stranded motorists, the crew went back to the airport on Tuesday and asked security guards at the airport gate where one could refuel. Although the security guards had no idea, a NAC employee directed the crew to Lukas’ house. At the house during the transaction, Lukas said he is in the business to supplement his meagre earnings.
“I am trying to make ends meet. You know the money I get from my job is not enough that’s why I am doing this,” he said.
Lukas said he buys the fuel from service stations in Klein Windhoek and transports it in jerry cans. NAC acting CEO, Advocate Matti Asino, initially said he was not aware that there was such an activity at the airport.
“I have no idea about what you are talking about. But one can’t just sell fuel from a house its very dangerous. This is the first time I am hearing of this,” Asino said.
However, he later contacted Informanté saying the Ministry of Finance would deal with Lukas.
“He works for Customs and they are the ones responsible for him,” he said. The Namibia Airports Company is in charge of all airports in the country.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
GRN suspends employee over presidential mercs
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 December 2009
A Ministry of Works and Transport employee suspected of allegedly leaking information about the new N$10million Presidential motorcade exposed in Informanté two weeks ago was suspended.
Julius Ngweda was suspended after a witch-hunt by Government for employees who could have leaked documents about the purchase of two state-of-the-art S600L Mercedes Benz vehicles to be part of President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s motorcade.
Minister of Works and Transport, Helmut Angula has confirmed that the ministry’s spokesperson, Ngweda, was suspended over the motorcade issue.
“Yes, he was suspended because the ministry had suspicion that he is the one who leaked the documents to you. The truth would be established when he is called for a disciplinary hearing and whatever outcome the disciplinary committee will decide on the appropriate action to take,” Angula said.
According to Insight Magazine, Ngweda was suspended without pay on November 30.
Insight Magazine writes that Ngweda found his office doors locked before he was served with a letter of suspension.
Director of the Legal Assistance Centre, Norman Tjombe described Government’s reason to suspend Ngweda as appalling.
“If there is a lawful reason to suspend an employee, then it would only be fair that the person is suspended with his or her normal salary and benefits and that any investigation and disciplinary inquiry be conducted without delay, which will bring the matter to some conclusion, without disrupting anyone’s life unnecessary,” Tjombe said.
Tjombe added that the suspension without salary and other benefits is certainly very harsh and possibly unlawful as it is not only against the Labour Act but also contrary to the provisions of the Public Service Act.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
A Ministry of Works and Transport employee suspected of allegedly leaking information about the new N$10million Presidential motorcade exposed in Informanté two weeks ago was suspended.
Julius Ngweda was suspended after a witch-hunt by Government for employees who could have leaked documents about the purchase of two state-of-the-art S600L Mercedes Benz vehicles to be part of President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s motorcade.
Minister of Works and Transport, Helmut Angula has confirmed that the ministry’s spokesperson, Ngweda, was suspended over the motorcade issue.
“Yes, he was suspended because the ministry had suspicion that he is the one who leaked the documents to you. The truth would be established when he is called for a disciplinary hearing and whatever outcome the disciplinary committee will decide on the appropriate action to take,” Angula said.
According to Insight Magazine, Ngweda was suspended without pay on November 30.
Insight Magazine writes that Ngweda found his office doors locked before he was served with a letter of suspension.
Director of the Legal Assistance Centre, Norman Tjombe described Government’s reason to suspend Ngweda as appalling.
“If there is a lawful reason to suspend an employee, then it would only be fair that the person is suspended with his or her normal salary and benefits and that any investigation and disciplinary inquiry be conducted without delay, which will bring the matter to some conclusion, without disrupting anyone’s life unnecessary,” Tjombe said.
Tjombe added that the suspension without salary and other benefits is certainly very harsh and possibly unlawful as it is not only against the Labour Act but also contrary to the provisions of the Public Service Act.
Govt. denies 73 students financial assistance
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 December 2009
THE bad blood between the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Ministry of Education has left 73 students with a bleak future after government denied them funding.
The affected students are studying bachelor degrees in Applied English (30), communication (30) and entrepreneurship (13) which are not recognised by Government.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Vitalis Ankama, accused the Polytechnic administration of “grabbing” courses and introducing them without making consultations.
“The Polytechnic came into being after an act of Parliament and it should cover certain programmes and they (Polytechnic administration) should not do what they want. It’s the University of Namibia which should offer those programmes not them and what the Polytechnic seems to have done is to grab any courses they want.
“We can’t have an institution grabbing anything it wants, they should have a terrain they abide by,” Ankama said.
He also accused the Polytechnic administration of misleading the nation that the institution was now a university when its request to have its status upgraded with the National Council on Higher Education is still pending.
“They went on to publish that they are now a university when the Ministry had referred their request to the National Council on Higher Education which is still carrying out consultations,” Ankama said.
The PS said because of the fallout between the Polytechnic administration and the Ministry, the students are suffering.
“Unfortunately, clearly the students are the victims. They won’t get any financial support because Government doesn’t recognise those courses they are studying.”
The Polytechnic Rector, Tjama Tjivikua, said they do not understand why Government was denying to fund the students when the same courses were being funded elsewhere.
“To our understanding, these are the only programmes which were refused bursaries while being funded elsewhere and we do not understand why except for misinterpretations of our intentions and goals. We still believe there is a great need for qualified practitioners of English and Communication and Entrepreneurship.
“In fact Entrepreneurship is funded as a course in high school (senior secondary) and it baffles one why it isn’t funded at university level. Aren’t we all talking about creating a successful economy with qualified entrepreneurs?” Tjivikua questioned.
He said it was unfair for Ankama to blame the Polytechnic for introducing new programmes without the Ministry’s blessings because in the annual development plans of institutions - strategic or operational - there is no policy or standardised procedure for consultation or approval of new programmes between the institutions and the Ministry.
“This is not the fault of the Polytechnic. Since 1996, we have addressed national development needs without necessarily obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Education as per set procedures. Yet, there has never been a complaint before and all programmes have been funded, however without a scientific formula justifying the subsidy or lump sum allocations or bursaries,” Tjivikua hit back at Ankama.
National Youth Council secretary general, Mandela Kapere said the Polytechnic of Namibia is a reputable and well ran institution and he is surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised by the education ministry.
“I know the Polytechnic is a well run, reputable institution and I am very surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised. It’s high time stakeholders in the education system talk directly so that students don’t end up victims here.
“I have also heard institutions complaining that Government is not paying in time the grants, there is a problem somewhere and stakeholders need to sit down and sort these problems.”
Thursday, 17 December 2009
THE bad blood between the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Ministry of Education has left 73 students with a bleak future after government denied them funding.
The affected students are studying bachelor degrees in Applied English (30), communication (30) and entrepreneurship (13) which are not recognised by Government.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Vitalis Ankama, accused the Polytechnic administration of “grabbing” courses and introducing them without making consultations.
“The Polytechnic came into being after an act of Parliament and it should cover certain programmes and they (Polytechnic administration) should not do what they want. It’s the University of Namibia which should offer those programmes not them and what the Polytechnic seems to have done is to grab any courses they want.
“We can’t have an institution grabbing anything it wants, they should have a terrain they abide by,” Ankama said.
He also accused the Polytechnic administration of misleading the nation that the institution was now a university when its request to have its status upgraded with the National Council on Higher Education is still pending.
“They went on to publish that they are now a university when the Ministry had referred their request to the National Council on Higher Education which is still carrying out consultations,” Ankama said.
The PS said because of the fallout between the Polytechnic administration and the Ministry, the students are suffering.
“Unfortunately, clearly the students are the victims. They won’t get any financial support because Government doesn’t recognise those courses they are studying.”
The Polytechnic Rector, Tjama Tjivikua, said they do not understand why Government was denying to fund the students when the same courses were being funded elsewhere.
“To our understanding, these are the only programmes which were refused bursaries while being funded elsewhere and we do not understand why except for misinterpretations of our intentions and goals. We still believe there is a great need for qualified practitioners of English and Communication and Entrepreneurship.
“In fact Entrepreneurship is funded as a course in high school (senior secondary) and it baffles one why it isn’t funded at university level. Aren’t we all talking about creating a successful economy with qualified entrepreneurs?” Tjivikua questioned.
He said it was unfair for Ankama to blame the Polytechnic for introducing new programmes without the Ministry’s blessings because in the annual development plans of institutions - strategic or operational - there is no policy or standardised procedure for consultation or approval of new programmes between the institutions and the Ministry.
“This is not the fault of the Polytechnic. Since 1996, we have addressed national development needs without necessarily obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Education as per set procedures. Yet, there has never been a complaint before and all programmes have been funded, however without a scientific formula justifying the subsidy or lump sum allocations or bursaries,” Tjivikua hit back at Ankama.
National Youth Council secretary general, Mandela Kapere said the Polytechnic of Namibia is a reputable and well ran institution and he is surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised by the education ministry.
“I know the Polytechnic is a well run, reputable institution and I am very surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised. It’s high time stakeholders in the education system talk directly so that students don’t end up victims here.
“I have also heard institutions complaining that Government is not paying in time the grants, there is a problem somewhere and stakeholders need to sit down and sort these problems.”
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