By Marianne Nghidengwa

NO matter which year or which President, 21 March will always be a special day for Namibians who once again flocked to the Independence Stadium in the capital to celebrate freedom from colonialism.

Twenty six years later, the day also marked President Hage Geingob’s first anniversary as the head of state with Founding Father Sam Nujoma, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, political heavyweights from across Africa and other diplomatic corps bearing witness.

Other political figures in attendance from the region were former President of Zambia Rupiah Bwezani Banda and former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Tanzania Salim Ahmed Salim.

As is customary to such occasions, thousands braved the scorching heat dressed to the nines as they enjoyed an array of events including music, cultural dances and army parades amongst others.

In his address, Geingob denounced comments by his detractors that suggested no progress has been made since independence and that government spending priorities were not in order.

“During my state of the nation address, I will dedicate adequate time in order to provide my rebuttal to this wrongly placed notion.  Let me however highlight two or three facts that prove that pre independence Namibia and post-independence Namibia are miles apart… With regards to the economy it is noteworthy that in 1990, our GDP stood at a mere N$5.5 billion and per capita GDP was only N$2 425 in 1990.

“At present our GDP has increased to N$166 billion, an increase of 30 fold.  At the same time, per capita GDP had increased to N$63 000 by 2014.  In 1990 our manufacturing sector was worth only N$290 million; it has increased to N$15 billion.  That is not all, the total budget tabled in 1990 was N$2 billion and the capital or development budget only N$254 million.  In this current fiscal year, the capital budget alone is worth N$9 billion and we will spend N$1, 2 billion on students funding through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF).  The education and health sectors continue to receive the bulk of state resources.   This clearly demonstrates our commitment and prioritization of developing a Namibia where all Namibians may prosper,” Geingob said.

Geingob added that the country’s economy continued to grow at an average of five percent in recent years, despite the global commodities downturn which has severely affected resource based countries.

“After 26 years, it is time to focus on the objective of prosperity for all…Our lofty poverty eradication ambitions were ridiculed until the United Nations Sustainable Goals also set a target to eradicate and not just reduce poverty by 2030.  Let us dream big and work tirelessly to implement our aspirations.  Pulling in the same direction is critical in making headway to this goal and resisting centrifugal forces which seek to pull us apart,” Geingob said.

Geingob also said that he will no longer entertain local and international businesspeople in search of appointments to discuss tenders with him.

“I am committed to the policy of transparency and in this regard, I want to inform all domestic and international investors that the Presidency will always welcome courtesy visits but the tendency to seek appointment for the discussion of business plans and tenders is not welcome.  No meetings will be entertained in this regard and my advice is that those requiring guidance seek the counsel of line ministers or technocrats.  This is to encourage the process of a multi-layered decision-making process which encourages transparency and discourages favoritism, secrecy and name-dropping.”

By Confidente Reporter

CONTROVERSY is brewing over the appointment of a former clerk in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation to a director position in the National Council’s (NC) office. Sources close to the council told Confidente that Berenice Van Wyk was endorsed by NC Chairperson, Margaret Mensah-Williams before the Public Service Commission reportedly approved her appointment. Sources further said that Van Wyk had not worked in the council before her appointment adding that the post was not advertised. Her qualifications are reportedly also unknown. “The issue is that the post was never advertised. She was handpicked leaving out other deserving and long serving employees within the National Council. She also never worked for the council,” the sources stated. NC secretary Emilia Mkusa was quick to defuse reports that there was something amiss with Van Wyk’s appointment saying that the move was political. She said that when MensahWilliams’ term of office ends, Van Wyk will also vacate the office. “A director in the office of the chairperson and a director in the speaker’s office are classified as public office bearers. So it was up to the POBC to decide on who to appoint for the post. It is a political appointment,” Mkusa explained. Mkusa further explained that there was no need for the post to be advertised because Van Wyk was appointed
according to POBC rules. “She was handpicked according to rules and the process went as far as the PSC that approved her endorsement.” Mkusa also explained that Van Wyk’s appointment comes as a result of a public service management circular of 01/2001, which was also decided upon by Cabinet. “People should familiarise themselves with processes before making such allegations which at the end of the day affects the person at the centre of the allegations.” While Mkusa could not tell what qualifications Van Wyk has, she said that the latter has a Bachelor’s degree and comes with vast experience having worked for the Ministry as a foreign relations officer. Van Wyk, who started work on March 1 declined to comment on the matter when approached by Confidente this week saying she is not allowed to speak to the media.

By Donna Collins
WHILST people were celebrating independence this past weekend and praising Namibia for being one of the most peaceful countries on the planet, the underbelly of criminal activities was being bust wide open by a team of Walvis Bay law enforcement officers who confiscated a hefty amount of weapons. With a growing number of stabbings taking place at the coast including two victims who were stabbed to death at the weekend, the Erongo police force are sharpening their swords, and are embarking on an ongoing operation to crack down on criminal activities in the coastal towns. Police swooped in on a number of bars, night clubs and shebeens over the course of the weekend and conducted spot searches on the customers, confiscating over 30 knives, two fire arms, knob kerries and other sharp objects. With the involvement of five police stations in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund heading up spot raids at popular drinking holes in both towns, this weekend’s haul in the harbour town was rated as one of the biggest stashes, who according to Deputy Commissioner Ottilie Kashupuulwa, is the start of much more to come. “When you see what kind of weapons that people are carrying around in public bars, we are concerned for the safety of our community, and with two murders this weekend alone in Swakopmund, the police need to disarm people of their weapons as no one is safe anymore,” she said. “We know that people carry knives to commit some or other crime, and these are the same knives that result in people being stabbed or being terrorised, which is why we need to rid our society of these elements. “Every time we conduct a raid and find knives and weapons being carried around in public places, it is our duty as the police to confiscate them in order to make our towns a safer place for the public.” It was said that the crackdown operation is a continuation from where the season left off, and will be implemented on a regular basis. A stash of over 30 knives, two guns and other sharp objects were confiscated by the police in Walvis Bay

…Detained while smuggling N$403k into Angola

By Hileni Nembwaya

A former employee of Namdeb, Natangwe Kanime who had his house, a large sum of money and other properties forfeited to the State after he failed to provide the source of his finances has been detained at Oshikango police holding cells. Kanime was arrested while trying to cross the border into Angola on March 3. Ohangwena police crime coordinator, Andreas Haingura confirmed the matter to Confidente. “Yes, Kanime was arrested at Oshikango and he is being detained here as well,” said Haingura. According to sources, on the day of the arrest, Kanime was trying to cross the Oshikango border post into Angola with a large amount of money as he intended to conduct some business activities there. However, as fate would have it, the police officers at the border arrested him after they received a tipoff from a member of the community that Kanime apparently wanted to bribe the police officers. Haingura could not confirm such allegations, save to say that Kanime got arrested after he was found with money amounting to N$403 200 while trying to cross into Angola. He is facing a charge of nondeclaration of cash money under
the Customs Act. Currently he is being detained at the Oshikango police holding cells and his bail application has been postponed to 31 March. Earlier this year, Kanime faced the wrath of law after he had his house, a Uno Fait, a green BMW 3 series and a white Toyota Hilux and money in an investment
account forfeited to the State. In 2011, Imalwa stated in an affidavit filed at the High Court that she had grounds to believe that assets belonging to Kanime were the proceeds of unlawful activities, namely tax evasion, money laundering, and a contravention of the Casinos and Gambling Houses Act. Kanime who was employed as an electrician, informed the court during his trial that he has been earning extra income through
cattle farming, gambling machines and from bars at Oranjemund and Oshakati. Imalwa stated in her argument that a police investigation of Kanime’s finances showed cash deposits totalling about N$2,89 million had been made into a bank account and an investment account of Kanime over a four-year period from March 2007 to mid-2011. Kanime was also found not to be in possession of a gambling machine licenses, according to Imalwa’s affidavit. During the time that Kanime was employed at Namdeb, he was earning a monthly salary of N$14 600 and he could not declare his extra earnings for tax purposes with the Receiver of Revenue. The court evidence showed that Kanime generated an income of about N$1,3 million a year from unlicensed gambling machines, and that he was convicted as he had failed to declare that income and other earnings to the tax authorities or to pay income tax on it.

By Confidente Reporter
FIVE Namibian Police officers were arrested Tuesday afternoon when an attempt to rob a Chinese shop at the Lyeeta Shopping centre in Okuryangava failed. The cops reportedly entered the shop under the pretext that they were doing a routine search for fake money and drugs. Confirming the incident, Nampol Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga described the move as an embarrassment to the force and indicated that he wanted them fired. “It’s an embarrassing situation for me. I have already instructed all procedures to be followed thoroughly. I want all police officers involved in the robbery fired,” Ndeitunga told Confidente. However, Khomas Regional Crime Investigation Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Silvanus Nghishidibwa at the time going to print could not confirm to Confidente if the suspects were indeed officers. “An incident happened at Lyeeta where people went into a shop pretending to be police officers and robbed the owner of money. In fact one of them we have since established is a police officer after he was arrested. We are still trying to verify whether all of the five robbers are police officers as it’s not yet clear. Our investigations are at a maximum and we are making progress. The suspects managed to flee with N$3 500 which they found in the safe after lying to the owner that they were searching for drugs,”
Nghishidibwa said. Meanwhile, Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) president Jeremiah Nambinga who doubles as Lyeeta Shopping Centre owner narrated that the police officers arrived at the shop in two police vehicles, a Polo and Toyota Corolla under the pretext that they wanted to buy hats on discount.
“They told the shopkeepers that they wanted to buy 12 hats at a discount price before they were told that only their boss could do that. They (employees) then called the shop owner. When the shop owner arrived the officers identified themselves as members of the police force and that they had come to arrest him for being in possession of fake money and drugs,” Nambinga narrated. Nambinga, who was called to the scene by his employees, further added that the officers had taken money from a teller and put it into the police vehicle. “They also wrestled him as they tried to handcuff him but failed,” Nambinga said. It was also Nambinga who called Nampol Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga to inform him of the incident. “He (Ndeitunga) sent police officers to the scene and they managed to arrest one police officer while four others fled. The arrested officer also admitted to the investigators that he is a member of Nampol,” Nambinga said. Nambinga said that he also spoke to Nghishidimbwa at the scene who
confirmed that the suspect was police officer. “Nghishidimbwa told me that the suspects used his office stamp which he doesn’t know where they took it from. I wonder why police officers are turning into this kind of things, now if you can’t even trust police officers who do you trust?” he asked. When Confidente arrived at the scene Tuesday, the police had already left but a security guard who witnessed the incident said that one of the four cops was uniformed while others had on civilian clothes. He said that they had all identified themselves as police officers who were doing routine checks. “Initially they told the shopkeepers that they were doing a routine check for fake money and cigarettes. They however raised suspicion when they removed the safe and took money. One of the officers had loaded the money into their vehicle and fled the scene. It was at this point that we intervened, locked in one of the cops and called police to the scene,” the security guard said on condition of anonymity.

Government will cough out N$1.7 billion to service land – N$500 million more than last year, it has emerged

By Confidente Reporter

OVER N$1.7 billion will be used during the 2016/17 financial year for the mass servicing of land among other things across the country’s 57 local authorities and 14 regional councils, Confidente has learnt. The figure marks a N$500 million increase from last year’s N$1, 2 billion of which N$729 139 000 is reserved for the authorities and councils development projects. Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein told Confidente that the money was made available for the entities by his ministry through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to be used for various capital projects and other operational activities. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, Nghidinwa Daniel, also echoed Schlettwein’s words adding that the money will also help the various entities subsidise services and cover other expenses. “Operational budget provision for subsidies and other expenses to LAs (local authorities) and RCs (regional councils) for 2016/2017 is N$1 016 603 000 and development budget is N$729 139 000,” Daniel said. While many argue that the money will mostly be used to service land under the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement and ultimately help landless Namibians in acquiring affordable land, Daniel said that his ministry was collaborating with the movement on the matter but emphasised that Government has always been financing the servicing of land. The AR movement led by academic Job Amupanda last year reached an agreement with government that would see the servicing of 200 000 plots across the country. The agreement follows an ultimatum AR gave government in November 2014 to allocate land to all landless
Namibians, or else face a mass land grab by July 31 2015. The mass land grab was however averted after a meeting with between AR and the Government. It was agreed that state owned enterprises be established to provide housing loans to Namibians at affordable prices, due to the fact that the current housing finance is 90 percent left in the hands of
private banks. Commenting on the announcement by government, Amupanda said they were going to meet with Minister Sophia Shaningwa in the next few weeks. “The massive urban land servicing program is registered as a standing item with the National Planning Commission. We are after practical results and welcome everything in this sphere,” he said.
When asked what this development means for the AR cause, Amupanda had this to say, “We will establish the actual details because announcements and details aren’t always the same. If it is the case then we will be jumping up and down. We will give mother Sophia a big hug,” he said. According to figures made available to Confidente by the
Ministry of Finance, last week during the 2015/2016 national budget the Erongo regional council got the biggest chunk of N$248 659 000 followed by Oshana at N$161 350 318 and Khomas at N$92 937 800. The Hardap regional council got N$80 827 400 while Otjozondupa and //Karas regions got N$77 609 000 and N$77 164 935 respectively. Trailing behind is the Omusati regional council
that got N$69 891 920, Zambezi at N$67 674 000 and the Kunene regional council at N$66 396 000. The Omaheke regional council received N$56 240 000 while Kavango West got N$55 100 000. At the bottom of the list is the Oshikoto regional council that got N$44 899 985, Ohangwena at N$43 577 900 while Kavango East got N$23 186 95.

By Eliaser Ndeyanale

A damning report from the Anti-Corruption Commission shows that a number of public servants taking second jobs while still receiving their taxpayers-funded salaries have risen despite a threatened crackdown on moonlighting last year by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa- Amadhila.
According to the Anti-Corruption Commission annual report for 2014/15, ACC director-general Paulus Noa revealed that the ACC has received numerous complaints that some civil servants are engaged in remunerative work outside their work in Public Service without required permission.
“It appears the practice will be a thing of the past with proposed amendment to the Public Service Act to make provision for the declaration of conflict of interest.
Noa recommended that accounting officers and supervisors at different levels should take their responsibilities seriously. “Displinary measures should be instituted in accordance with the Public Service Act, 1995 as possibly amended, rules and regulations promulgated there under against those who abuse their office for personal gratification.”
He further stated that misconduct provisions, provided for under the Public Service Act are not adequately strict or accounting officers and immediate supervisors do not enforce the act strictly.
“ACC continues receiving complaints of alleged conflict of interest implicating some civil servants. Public officers should not participate in or take administrative decision on matters which may rise to conflict of interest unless they declare such conflict to their supervisors. Such conduct makes them liable for disciplinary charges,” Noa noted.
In his recommendation, Noa said, “It is recommended those civil servants who involve themselves in official matters that that conflict with their private matter interests without declaring such conflict of interest must face disciplinary action in accordance with the law. If the current provisions of the Act prove ineffective, the ACC’s recommendation is that the authorities should amend the Act to tighten the provision or consider to clearly and concisely criminalising the conduct of acting in conflict of interest instead of merely dealing with it as an administrative misconduct.”
Declaration of interests
Noa says that what mostly tempts public officials to engage in conducts of conflict of interest is the non-disclosure of their interests, finances and assets. A provision in Public Service Act, 1995, providing for assets and financial declaration by certain category of staff members, particularly those in management positions or all categories of staff members will ensure transparency and prevent conflict of interest.
“There is a need to inculcate a culture of disciplined and corrupt-free civil service for Namibia to improve its national, regional and global image as the best country to live in and do business with,” he recommends.
Misuse of public property
ACC notes that misuse of public properties especially government vehicles remains a matter of grave concern and it is attributed to a lack on the part of the supervisors to take their responsibilities serious.
“Such misuse results in unnecessary expenditure on fuel and depreciation of vehicles. Accounting officers, supervisors and transport officers must take their responsibilities very serious or else they must be held administratively and criminally accountable for the expenditure incurred through misuse by their subordinates.”
Noa recommended that the policy on the use of government vehicles needs to be revised to close the identified gaps. Politicians must add their voice by publicly denouncing the misuse of government properties and take measures to prevent such misuse. “Their perpetual silence potentially condones the misuse.” He added that if the trend of mismanagement of public resources and abuse of public properties continues unabated, programmes aimed at poverty eradication and creation of employment opportunities would not be realised soon.
Unwarranted travelling and attendance of workshops
The ACC boss revealed in his report that the Commission had received “disturbing” reports from junior servants in some government offices, ministries and agencies and state-owned enterprises that their supervisors hardly spend time in offices to attend to daily administrative matters affecting the offices. They are either outside Windhoek or out of the country. They send their friends to attend workshops that do not fall within the immediate line to their responsibilities.
Noa recommended that the Public Service Commission should develop and recommend mechanisms to the Prime Minister which will only allow for workshops beneficial to Public Services to be attended.
“The accounting officers must ensure that members of their staff attend workshops that are relevant and add value to service delivery.”
Misconduct
Noa alleged in his report that ACC has observed that many supervisors, particularly accounting officers do not wish to take disciplinary action against their subordinates. “Accounting Officers are urged to keep their hands on and carry out their administrative duties without fair or favour.”

By Eliaser Ndeyanale

THE Auditor-General’s report on the accounts of the Bethanie village council for 2013/14 financial year revealed that the council understated its debts by N$3,6 million.
According to the AG report, the council does not have proper debt collection methods in place, and it could also not provide supporting documents to verify other receivables amounting to N$139 605
The report also shows that expenditures were overstated by unexplained transfers and capital projects amounting to N$1.7 million, understatement of the livestock amounting to N$225 250, understatement of the income amounting to N$353 745 and unexplained adjustments made to the Build Together loans repayment account amounting to N$296 394.
Auditor-General Junias Kandjeke recommended that the council record transactions to their appropriate class of accounts in the financial statements to avoid misstatements.
According to the report which was tabled in the National Assembly last week, it was noted that the current account with an overdraft balance of N$381 952 was overstated with an amount of N$178 511.
“This is as a result of incorrect bank reconciliation which was performed at year end,” the report read.
Kandjeke recommended that bank reconciliation should be performed properly every year.
He also observed that some bank accounts for the council, totalling to N$56 471 were not disclosed in the financial statements.
“During the audit, it was observed that creditors were overstated with the amount of N$66 506, which could not be explained and no supporting documents were provided for audit purposes.
“It is recommended that it (village council) should provide supporting documents for audit purposes and explain why the creditors were overstated.”
At the time of the audit, it was noted that balances for accrued creditors amounting to N$2 261 622, which were disclosed in the financial statements for the year under review, were the same balances as the previous year, although payments were made to creditors.
“The council is recommended that it should review creditor’s balances and take corrective action to ensure that proper reconciliations are performed to reflect correct balances in the financial statement.”
It also came to light that during the audit the council could not provide proper supporting documents to verify the balance for external loan payable to the Government amounting to N$1 million as disclosed in the financial statement. Furthermore, a difference of N$625 890 was noted between amount disclosed in the financial statements and confirmation received from the Ministry of Finance. The AG recommended that the Bethanie village council should rectify the rate and ensure that correct tariffs are charged as per government gazette.

By Eliaser Ndeyanale

//KARAS regional council incurred N$3 million in irregular expenditure, report of the Auditor General on the accounts of the regional council of the //Karas region for the 2012/13 financial year revealed.
In the report which was tabled in the National Assembly recently, Auditor General Junias Kandjeke also revealed that tender documents amounting to N$111 960 and N$781 859 in 2011 and 2012 respectively were not submitted for audit purposes.
He recommended that the council should ensure that all the necessary supporting documents are provided for audit purpose.
“Payment vouchers for capital projects amounting to N$4 227 287 were paid during 2009/2010 financial year, but were only disclosed and recorded in 2010/2011 financial year.”
The issue of certificates of work completed, the report read, approved were taken up with planning and they are aware that they should present them to the council. Due payments made might be an oversight from both planning and finance.
“It is recommended that the council should ensure that all capital project payments are recorded and disclosed in the financial year they occurred.”
Among other findings, the council failed to submit tender documents of the amount of N$893 819 in respects of fixed assets were not submitted for audit purposes.
“None disclosure of inventory in the financial statements and unexplained adjustments amounting to N$32 835 575 and N$199 310 reported in 2011, 2012 and 2013 financial years respectively.”

By Hileni Nembwaya

ONE of the longest serving member of the DTA of Namibia, Immanuel !Aochamub has resigned from the party citing lack of interest in active politics, Confidente has learned.
!Aochamub resigned from active politics, last week.
“Yes, I have resigned from the party, last week (sic). I wrote a letter to the management telling them that I have resigned from all party activities,” said !Aochamub.
!Aochamub who is a teacher by profession has been an active member of DTA since his was a youth member.
The party’s acting secretary general, Elma Dienda also confirmed !Aochamub’s resignation to Confidente.
“He handed in his resignation last week. He did not state reasons why he is resigning from the party, maybe he is going to look for opportunities elsewhere you never know,” said Dienda.

By Hileni Nembwaya

THE residents of Onandjaba settlement at Okalongo in the Omusati region are up in arms against their control administrative officer, Armandus Kandowa and businessman, Antonius ‘Tony’ Lungameni who are selling plots to friends and relatives.
Kandowa and Lungameni who are in a business venture together are said to be selling plots ranging from N$60 000 to N$125 000 for their own benefit.
According to the disgruntled residents who spoke to Confidente, Okalongo councillor, Laurentius Makana and the director of planning for Omusati regional council, Abisai Shaningwa are one of the few people who have benefited from the ‘dubious’ land sales.
“At the moment there are about 8 000 residents who have applied for land, however we are told that there are only 800 vacant plots. Sometimes we are being told that there are no vacant plots yet we see how they are selling larger portions of land to their friends. Kandowa and Lungameni are full of corruption and we want them to stop their dirty work in our settlement,” said one of the disgruntled residents who did not disclose his identity.
Kandowa and Lungameni are alleged to have sold a larger portion of land that was intended for the region’s open market to the owner of Namibia Funeral Services, Brasius Kandjibi.
The two are also said to have sold plots that are currently being occupied without the owner’s consent.
“When we approach them asking why they are selling plots like that, they allege that the land belongs to the Founding President, Sam Nujoma. Enough is enough! We are not going to sit and be quiet on these matter, we fought for this land. We are tired and we want change,” said the residents.
Kandowa, when contacted for comment said that he is aware of the allegations made against him saying that it is not his first time hearing such allegations.
“We have virgin land and we do not have validations for those plots. I need you come at Okalongo and observe for yourself. The Mbandja speaking people are too tribalist. They do not want anyone who is not a Mbandja here. They want to make sure that they terminate other tribes,” said Kandowa.
“These are the same people that are demanding to have a deputy councillor at Okalongo and they are also demanding to have a Mbandja speaking person in the Omusati management committee. I will drag someone to court soon because I am tired of people making false allegations against me,” he further said.
On his part, Lungameni could not deny or confirm the allegations made against him saying that he is not aware of anything.
“I do not know what you are talking about. In Okalongo, we have a committee that decides on who to be allocated a plot. People do not just acquire plots like that, we have a system in place,” he said adding that there are many problems facing the settlement and many people that are making such false allegations are the ones that are against the appointment of the newly elected councillor for Okalongo constituency.
“People are divided here and many are now creating false stories because they do not want the new councillor. They do not want him simply because he is a Kwambi and they wanted a Mbandja councillor. This people are full of tribalism here,” said Lungameni.
Several attempts to get comments from Makana proved futile.

By Eliaser Ndeyanale

BARELY four months after members of the National Council were sworn in; the 42 legislatures have already declared their assets and financial interests, unlike most in the National Assembly who have failed to do so in the past 13 months.
The 2016 Assets Register at the National Council shows that the majority of members of the NC are entrepreneurs who own businesses ranging from shebeens, fishing and farming.
According to the Asset Register where business and financial interests for the 42 members of the house of review have been recorded, Jason Ndakunda a councillor from Ohangwena region is a director of Bomy County, Innovation Inc CC and Advanced Tech Solution. He has held the directorship of Advanced Tech Solution since 1995. Bomy County is a fishing, gardening and aquaculture business.
Anamulenge constituency councillor and first Principal of Canisianum Roman Catholic High school Werner Kalipi owns Wernsun Enterprise a construction company, erf 1808 Outapi Extension 6, erf 1815 also at Extension 6 in Outapi and an FNB 32 days account.
Lotto Kuushomwa of Oshakati East constituency owns a cucashop and erf 1417 in Oshakati, Betty Beatrice Kaula the political head of Guinas constituency is Nico Kaiyamo’s business partner in Tulimevava fishing company where she has 12,5 shares.
Phillipus Katamelo of Gobabis has disclosed 175 shares in Old Mutual, and 15 shares in Tsogang. He also owns farm Tjunda 292 and erf 388 in Gobabis. In Windhoek the young MP owns flat 15 Hilius in Khomasdal.
Councillor Shikongo Michael owns Maribohom Cattle and Ploughing, Damian Haikera is the owner of erven 247, 320 and 1440 all in Nkurenkuru, he also owns erf 788 in Rundu.
Former teacher Rosa Kavara owns Mulima farm.
Also known as iron lady within Swapo political circles, National Council Chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams co-owns Hatako fishing with businessman Ngeno Himarwa. Mensah-Williams has 15 percent share in the company and a house in Academia suburb.
Former veterinarian and councillor of Outjo constituency, Antsino Johannes is the owner of Mumda CC.
Okahandja constituency councillor Steve Biko Booys owns Stahl clothing company, two erven in Otjiwarongo and one in Okahandja.
Former mayor of Katima Mulilo John Musiarera Likando is the owner of Kakangala Investment Construction, Musiarera Co electrical repair, and two erven in Bukalo.
National Council deputy chairperson who is also Katima Mulilo east constituency councillor Benhard Sibalatani has 3250 shares in Trustco, 10 000 shares in Bank Windhoek, he is also the owner of Aluta Investment CC, a construction and security company, erf 1164 Ngwezi and erf 233 at Boma.
Berseba constituency councillor Dawid Boois has 11000 shares in Southern Hake since 1994, he also owns 12 percent shares in Kaiseb fishing company. Boois who was Karas regional governor also owns Seeheim west 84 farming, erven 1441 and 265 in Keetmanshoop and Berseba respectively.
Keetmanshoop urban constituency councillor Hilma Nicanor the deputy minister of Veteran Affairs who almost got land in one of Windhoek’s posh suburb on a silver platter in 2014 owns eight shares in Keiseb fishing industry and an erf in Warmbad Street in Keetmanshoop. Petrus Kavhura is a director in Lilira Investments construction and consultancy, an erf in Kehemu location in Rundu and plot 185 in Ndiyona.
Victoria Kauma is a director in ELCIN Nkurenkuru, she seats on the boards of ELCIN also owns Sihetekera cattle and goat farm no 1477, erf 640 Tutungeni. She also earns extra cash in Forever Living. church council and Roads Authority. She
Cletius Sipapela is a director of Atlantic Food Services and owns 20 percent share in the company. Atlantic Food Services’ core services are catering, construction, housework and laundry.
Johannes Nangolo disclosed two erven in Walvis Bay, two mahangu fields at Omuthiya and Oniipa.
Simon Dukileni is a businessman owning Milestone fishing company, Oan Trading CC where he owns 200 shares. He also owns Khawangas Investment CC.
Also owning a business is Nico Mungenga who owns Niceve transport CC a transportation company. Paulus Efraim of Karasburg west constituency has disclosed erf 6253 in Katutura and two erven in Noordoewer. Tsumeb Constituency councillor Tangeni Tobias who declared nothing last year has disclosed a house in Tsumeb.
Nudo’s only MP in the National Council Peter Kazongominja is a director in NNFU. Joseph Mupetami of Okatjali constituency, Gerhardt Shiimi of Elim, Ambrosius Kandjii, Fransina Ghauz of Tsumkwe, Laina Mekundi of Otavi, Titus Kanyele of Onesi, Hans Nambondi, Cornelius Kanguatjavi and Jeremiah van Neel had nothing to disclose. This report has it on a good authority that Kanyele owns a house in the town of Outapi despite his failure to disclose it.
Weich Mupya owns erf 164 at Opuwo, Windhoek East constituency councillor Joyce Nangula Namuhuja has declared an FNB account. Members of Parliament both from National Council and Assembly are compelled to declare their assets annually. The National Council has a better track record. It adopted its code of conduct in 2005, and has released an asset register every year since 2006. When some members failed to comply with requirement in 2006, they were reprimanded something that has never happened with the National Assembly.
The current draft of the National Assembly significantly limits the public’s access to members’ financial interests. For one, an inordinate amount of information is stored in the confidential register. That remuneration for outside employment or consultation should remain confidential is particularly egregious.
Last year the declaration of assets of the National Assembly was postponed three times allegedly to allow the House to adopt a code of conduct, however, the MPs delayed the adoption of the code of conduct. This created an impression that MPs were looking for loopholes for them to evade making public their assets and financial interests.
The code of conduct says MPs can be reprimanded; ordered to pay a fine not exceeding the value of their month’s salary or twice the value of the unethically derived benefit. It also says MPs can have their salaries or allowances reduced for a period not exceeding 15 days or they will have their privileges or right to a seat in the assembly or on any committee withdrawn for 15 days.
The parliamentary standing committee on privileges will have the mandate to investigate any member seen to be contravening the code of conduct. The public will have the right to report MPs they suspect are not adhering to the code or have withheld information regarding their assets and interests.
Early last year President Hage Geingob and his wife Monica declared their financial interests. The President then said his aim was to continue to uphold the code of conduct with respect to the declaration of assets and interest by public office bearers as well as their closest family members which should be encouraged.

• National Council also leases copiers for nearly N$600 000

By Eliaser Ndeyanale

HEALTH Permanent Secretary, Dr Andreas Mwoombola is to probe how the Ministry of Health agreed to lease two copier equipment, a shredder and two fax machines for over N$700 000 over 36 months.
This came after Confidente inquired why the Ministry was leasing these machines at an exorbitant rate instead of purchasing its own machines.
According to a recent Tender bulletin, the Ministry has two Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from Independent Business Systems, which they fork out N$713 443 over the lease period.
“I will investigate this one to find out what exactly happened,” said Mwoombola upon inquiry.
Prices of printing machines range from N$600 to N$ 70 000 at shops where Confidente visited.
Another government institution that leases machines is National Council the second house of Parliament which is leasing digital photocopy machines that are used by the Directorate of Finance and Logistics at N$572 200 for a period of 36 months. The machines are owned by a company called Tista Trading. The machines were delivered to the NC last June.
Efforts to get comment from the secretary of the National Council Emilia Mkusa proved futile as she is said to be on leave.
Independent Business Solution was one of the service providers cited last year in an Auditor-General report of the Ministry of Home Affairs that it was providing services to the ministry even after its contract expired.

By Confidente Reporter

THE Magistrate Commission last week suspended Luderitz-based senior magistrate Razikua Kaviua to pave way for investigations into allegations of misconduct, Confidente has learnt.
Her misconduct however remains vague with sources privy to the matter saying that the commission’s reasons behind Kaviua’s suspension with full pay are not clear.
Kaviua is the third senior magistrate to be suspended within a period of six months. The commission late last year suspended magistrate Helena Nepembe who was based in Keetmanshoop over allegations of misconduct for reportedly striking matters off the court roll.
Early this year the commission also suspended senior Windhoek-based magistrate Hileni Kavara over allegations of corruption when she reportedly tried to have N$50 000 bail money she had paid for her ex-fiancé not forfeited to the state but returned to her.
Kavara’s former flame was charged for dealing in drugs but was granted bail of N$50 000 that she paid for. She was accused of misconduct when she tried to convince the court to return the money to her, a move Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa said amounted to corruption and needed to be investigated. She was suspended with full pay on January 15.
Contacted for comment, Kaviua declined to shed light on the matter but confirmed that she was suspended. “I cannot talk to media,” she said.
Sources privy to the matter said that the suspensions are the commission’s way of silencing the magistrates who are normally vocal on unfairness within the judiciary.
“Three young, bright and very educated magistrates have been suspended within less than six months. This does not make sense. There are flaws within the system that subject these magistrates to victimisation and intimidation. When people try to raise their concerns through the right channels they are never answered but as soon as they jump these channels out of desperation they are victimised and threatened with all sorts of things including suspension,” the source said.
The commission’s secretary, Lucia Shilongo said that she does not speak to the media when contacted for comment referring questions to the commission’s Deputy Chief Magistrate Harris Salionga. Salionga could however not be reached for comment as he was said to be in a meeting at the time of going to print.

Suspended Magistrate Kavara who spilled the beans on the unfairness in the country’s prosecution system has been officially charged with misconduct. She has been given 14 days to respond to the verdict or risk facing a disciplinary hearing.

By Confidente Reporter

THE Magistrate Commis­sion has officially charged suspended senior mag­istrate Hileni Kavara for mis­conduct after posting a series of alleged defamatory material on the commission, its Chairperson Judge Nate Ndauendapo and the Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa amongst others.
This comes barely a month after the commission obtained a court interdict against Kavara stopping her from placing defamatory material related to the commission on her Facebook page and remove already posted defamatory statements from her profile.
Kavara was Tuesday issued the charge sheet at Confidente offices by court messengers in which it is said that the public’s confidence in the judiciary is eroded by irresponsible conduct of magistrates. It is also said that Kavara committed several acts that brought the administration of justice into disrepute. According to the charge sheet, during the period 26 November 2015 to 11 December the same year she reportedly tampared with and falsified a court record by making false entries into the Namcis System in respect of a case number Kat-CRM 796/2015 by creating the impression that the accused re-appeared on 26 November 2016 and that she reinstated the bail, set aside the provisional cancellation and forfeiture of the bail money and postponed the matter to 14 January 2016.
Between January 15 and March 10 according to the sheet, Kavara knowingly made false and incorrect statements to obtain privilege to the prejudice of the justice administration.
“The Commission have reason to believe that you are guilty of misconduct as defined in section 25 (1) of the Act,” the charge sheet reads.
Kavara was on January 15 suspended from the judiciary over allegations of corruption and serious misconduct when she intervened in a case in which her former flame and ex-fiancé Mohammed Shabani was facing a charge of dealing in drugs.
At the time, Shabani was granted bail of N$50 000 which Kavara paid for but after he fled she tried to have the bail money returned to her. Imalwa who in her view said the move amounted to corruption informed the Anti- Corruption Commission of the matter for investigations.
Kavara has since her suspension been making slanderous remarks against the commission, Ndauendapo, Imalwa and other prosecutors. The remarks on her Facebook page include a threat that she would deal with Imalwa ‘the Rundu way’.
Another remark was aimed at Ndauendapo in which she said, “Well Honourable Judge Nate Ndauendapo I see you want me to be interdicted for spilling beans! Go ahead, what are you scared of, oh, let see, it’s because you just like me are a Gold member of Letshego, shame on you… The fact that you are at Letshego gosh for a Judge you are a disgrace.” Kavara has been given 14 days to reply with a written admission or denial of the charges or will be dragged before a disciplinary hearing. “Should you fail to comply with this directive, at the lapsing of the period mentioned to above, the Commission will institute disciplinary inquiry against you.”

Over N$300 000 that Government pays the unnamed lucky tenant will cost taxpayers nearly N$12 million in rental fees for the three-year contract that it has been tied to until March 2018.

By Confidente Reporter

GOVERNMENT through Parliament has been forking out over N$330 000 every month in rental fees for offices of Members of Parliament situated in Windhoek’s Central Business District since last year, Confidente has learnt.
However despite that such a substantial amount of taxpayers’ money is paid monthly since March 1 last year, Confidente is reliably informed that a majority of legislators who were allocated the offices are not utilising them at all leaving taxpayers’ money to go to waste.
The offices were allocated to Swapo backbenchers as well as legislators from opposition parties.
Parliament, Tuesday confirmed that it was paying N$331 717.50 every month for 30 offices in the CBD for lawmakers.
According to high ranking sources at Parliament privy to the matter, the renting of offices especially in the CBD for the lawmakers was an unnecessary expense on taxpayers since a majority of the offices are not being used.
“There is no real logic behind Parliament renting offices in the most expensive place in Windhoek for office space because these legislators, a majority of them have never made use of those offices since last year. This is all taxpayers’ money that’s being wasted and could have been channelled towards meaningful poverty eradication projects.
“Besides why couldn’t they look for cheaper areas to accommodate such offices other than the CBD? The offices including the other hundreds of thousands of dollars Parliament spent on furniture for the offices is just money wasted. This is not right,” the sources said.
After being sent from pillar to post for what seemed like eternity by senior officials at the National Assembly with none of them wanting to comment on the matter, with acting Permanent Secretary of the National Assembly, Findley Harker who said he could not comment on the matter before he referred Confidente to Mary Chunga the director for General Services who was not available for comment before once again Confidente was referred to her deputy Hilia Amakali who refused to comment on the matter and Confidente was yet again sent back to Harker who still insisted that he was not the right person to comment.
In the end Confidente had to approach the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Peter Katjavivi who said he was busy in meetings until after a lot of forth and back again, Katjavivi’s Special Assistant, Simeon /Uirab saved the day and responded to Confidente’s questions.
/Uirab confirmed to Confidente that Parliament was renting three floors with the first floor being used by the Sadc Parliamentary Forum- Secretariat, while Swapo party legislators and a private secretary to the party occupy another floor while the remaining floor is occupied by legislators from the Rally for Democracy and Progress, Workers Revolutionary Party and the United People’s Movement.
“Three floors are rented. One for SADC Parliamentary Forum – S e c r e t a r i a t (Regional Parliamentary Group) as a host we are responsible to provide accommodation to them. The Head Office of SADC-PF is under renovations and so are they also hosted at the Capital Centre Building. One floor for Swapo Party Members and private secretary to the party; one floor for opposition parties (RDP, WRP and UPM) with their secretaries to their parties. On each floor there is a room reserved as a store for cleaning materials as well as one office for the cleaners. On each floor there is a kitchen, three boardrooms for use by members for their parliamentary duties. In total 30 offices are rented and each floor has a boardroom,” /Uirab said.
He added that the rental fee includes charges for utilities like water, electricity and 60 parking bays.
Revelations of the renting of offices that are hardly used at such a huge cost come amidst debate on whether at this point in time it is wise or not to build a new parliament building worth N$2.2 billion considering the current problems that include shortage of schools, affordable accommodation for the masses, health facilities, acute poverty and so on.
A majority of the country’s legislators are in support of the construction of a new office building though. However, Deputy Land Reform Minister Bernadus Swartbooi last week became the first Swapo member to speak against the construction of a new parliament.
Swartbooi argued in Parliament that there are other priorities such as the provision of water and sanitation.

FACED with an acute water shortage owing to the severe drought and lack of clean drinking water, the pupils at Olukupa combined school in Oshikoto region have vowed not to attend school until the situation returns to normal.
The school previously depended on a borehole for water supply; however it broke down last year in March; and is still to be repaired or replaced.
Earlier this year, Olukupa combined school was however relying on Onankali rural water supply directorate which was providing two containers of 10 000 litres to the school. However this amount was not sufficient to meet the needs of the school.
The school closed its doors on Monday and it will only resume with lessons after the situation has retained to normal.
Abel Nekomba, the school principal told Confidente that the school sometimes goes up to a month with no water adding that the water capacity they receive from the Onankali rural water supply cannot cater for all the pupils and teachers included.
“The Onankali water supply only supplies the school with water sometimes and this situation has forced the pupils and the parents to close down the school because the pupils are afraid they might die of thirst and hunger as well. We are not happy with the slow services here. We have asked the office of the councillor and the regional director to come to our rescue but to no avail. The situation is really bad,” said Nekomba.
Olukupa combined school has a total number of 364 pupils, 17 teachers, two administration officers and two labourers.
The school also has a community hostel with about 70 pupils.
Nekomba said that the pupils, parents and the school board members have decided to close down the school until the authorities have reached a practical solution.
“The pupils are very angry and they hardly concentrate in class because of thirst and hunger. We want our school to have basic services just like other schools. Enough is enough,” said Nekomba.
The constituency councillor of Nehale Lya Mpingana constituency, Reinhold Shinogombwa when contacted for comment confirmed that indeed there was a major crisis at the school.
“I understand that they want my office to drill a borehole for them or have clean drinking water but there is little that I can do at the moment. We are going to discuss the matter with the director and other officials, today. The pupils were so angry when I visited the school and they did not even want to cooperate with what I was telling them but we will see what we can do for them (sic),” he said.
The Oshikoto education director, Lameck Kafidi could not comment on the matter as he was said to be caught up in meetings.
The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture spokesperson Johanna Absalom could not be reached for comment as well.

By Confidente Reporter 

THE Minister of Agriculture John Mutorwa and Kenyan High Commissioner to Namibian Isaac Njenga Gatitu recently signed a memorandum of understanding between Namibia and Kenya regarding cooperatives’ development.
Mutorwa said the cooperative movement in Kenya is one of the key drivers of the economy, contributing approximately 43 percent to the Gross Domestic Product and employing more than 300 000 people.
“Kenya has the strongest cooperative movement in Africa, consisting of 15 000 registered cooperatives and a total membership of at least 12 million members,” he said.
Like in Namibia, the scope of cooperatives in Kenya cover a wide range of sectors, such as agriculture, banking, credit, agro-processing, storage, marketing, fishing, housing and transport.
The areas of cooperation include capacity building of cooperatives, exchange of technical expertise and assistance, and promoting of income generating activities.
A working team will be formed to oversee the implementation of the national Cooperative Policy, according to the minister.
Mutorwa said that Namibia is committed to the full practical implementation of all aspects of the MoU, and hopes that the working team will be formed urgently in order to practically implement the identified activities, for the mutual benefit of the people.
Mutorwa urged the reshuffled cooperative board early last year not be discouraged with the slow pace of registered entities as the cooperative society of Kenya was established in 1908, and picked up momentum in the 1960s and 1970s.
“I am further informed that the first post-independence Cooperative Development Policy of Kenya was formulated in 1970 with the main objective of consolidating the activities of cooperatives,” the minister said.
It is well known that cooperatives in Kenya, particularly those in the financial sector, are more developed than in Namibia and contribute significantly to the economy of that country.
Equally, Namibia has also made significant strides in the development of cooperatives in some sectors. This difference in the development of our cooperatives, presents an opportunity for our two countries to draw benefits from each other by sharing experiences and best practices in this sector.
Mutorwa said that, “Namibia is committed to the full practical implementation of all aspects of the MoU and it is thus my and our Government’s hope that after signing this Memorandum of Understanding the said working team will be formed urgently, in order to practically implement the identified activities, for the mutual benefit of the people, in our two respective countries and nations”.

By Hileni Nembwaya
PLANS are underway to provide an additional borehole to the residents of Chamuchamu village in the Oshikoto region who have been faced with a severe water scarcity.
For the past 25 years, the villagers are said to have been without clean drinking water and their livestock have died of thirst as a result.
The office of the Oshikoto regional Governor, Henock Kankoshi told Confidente that the council is busy with plans to drill an additional borehole after numerous calls made to his office.
“The regional council is busy with plans to drill an additional borehole that will cater for all the villagers at the moment while funds are being allocated to bring them clean drinking water,” said an administration officer.
Many of the residents complain of unclean water as a result they resort to drinking salty water from a borehole which has been deemed unhygienic for human consumption.
It was reported that the villagers are forced to travel about 30 kilometres to Oshivelo to collect clean drinking water.
Apart from the water scarcity, the residents are also faced with a lack of health facilities and proper school infrastructure as they have to travel to Oshivelo to seek medical attention.
The Nehale Lya Mpingana constituency councillor, Reinhold Shiningombwa under which Chamuchamu village falls under said that he is still waiting for the regional council to find a solution for the villagers.
“I am still waiting for the response from the Governor’s office. The whole of my constituency is faced with a dire need of water and this is a very serious problem that needs urgent intervention,” he said.

By Confidente Reporter
EIGHTEEN entry-level magistrates have complained about their paltry salaries at N$10 249 a month after deductions saying that such a reality compromises their ability to administer justice fairly and independently.
The magistrates recently wrote a lengthy letter to the Office of the Judiciary which was also copied to Chief Justice Peter Shivute, his deputy Petrus Damaseb, the Magistrates Commission’s Chairperson Nate Ndauendapo and his deputy Harris Salionga.
“We came to the realisation that the salary of an entry-level magistrate is N$191 878 per annum. This basically means that the fragmented monthly salary is N$15 989.83. The said salary is subject to tax deductions in the amount of N$4 268.39; medical aid in the amount N$240; social security in the amount N$81; GIPF in the amount N$1151.15. For that reason, the total deductions of an entry-level magistrate amounts to N$5 740.54. This basically means that the net pay of an entry-level magistrate is N$10 249.29,” the letter reads.
In the letter, they go on to say that although they get taxable housing and vehicle allowances at N$4 000 and N$5 513.73 respectively, reality is that they cannot afford to buy cars they are compelled to get within six months and many are reduced to renting out backyard flats.
“…We seriously believe that this is a move to bond us if not to place us in further debts… We believe the policies governing the allowances should be revisited in that we must not be compelled to buy vehicles and houses in light of inadequate remuneration.
“…In intensification, the taxable housing allowance of N$4 000 per month does not qualify us to purchase houses. It is common cause that the housing rates in this country is a dilemma… It is disconcerting to apprehend that the Magistrates Commission is seemingly unaware of the costs of houses and rental fees in Namibia. The situation is so unprincipled and dreadful that most of us as judicial officers are reduced to backyard flats leaseholders.”
The magistrates also questioned the difference in salary structures and hierarchy at the commission saying they do not understand why principal magistrates earn 48 percent more than they do although their duty schedules are similar.
“A senior magistrate earns N$369 731 per annum while a principal magistrate earns N$581 971 per annum. This basically means that a principal magistrate earns 48 percent more than an entry-level magistrate and 37 percent more than a senior magistrate. We do not appreciate the difference in the salary structures. We moreover do not understand why such a difference in salary structure is permitted given the fact that we possess higher educational qualifications than most principal magistrates. The truth is there is no compositional nor functionary difference amongst magistrates.”
They also complained about how the system was quick to amend the salaries of judges by 30 percent translating to over N$1 million a year while their plight was ignored.
“This means that a judge of the High Court earns 72 percent more than an entry-level magistrate. What is perplexing is that the judges’ amendments were affected just after the establishment of the Office of the Judiciary to which we all belong. Does it then mean that the financial security component of the notion of independence of the judiciary only applies to Judges? Or does it mean that is only them (judges) who are affected by inflation rates.
This disparity cultivates thoughts suggesting that the Magistrates Commission feasibly does not have the interests of magistrates at heart. That suggestion makes sense if one considers the Magistrates Commission is fast to suspend Magistrates for misconduct while employees’ welfare is never measured.”
To add salt to injury, the magistrates also questioned the commission’s reluctance to recognise and appreciate their experience and educational qualifications. “It is harmful to learn that being in possession of a Masters of Laws (LLM), Bachelors of Law (LLB) and Baccalaures Juris Degree and being an admitted legal practitioner is insignificant in the eyes of the Magistrates Commission. This is evidenced by the facts that there are those as entry-level magistrates with LLM as their qualifications but are yet to receive appreciation. The harmful reality is that we are trapped in the same rank for three years regardless of our educational qualifications and performances… We ask ourselves does the Magistrates Commission not support capacity building? We take it that being subject to promotional interviews, makes us more amenable to pressures of persuasion in an attempt to back relationships.”
Meanwhile, the Commission’s Deputy Chief Magistrate Salionga Tuesday told Confidente that his office received the letter and that they are working on it.