By Business Reporter

JOHNY Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), was named Africa’s Transport Leader of the Year for 2016 at an awards ceremony hosted by Terrapin in Johannesburg recently
Launched in 2008 by Terrapin, the Transport Africa Awards have become the blue chip mark of success for the African transport and infrastructure sector. The annual Transport Africa Awards are designed to identify and reward companies and individuals who have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to succeed and who continue to set standards of excellence. These awards recognise outstanding achievements in the transport and infrastructure industry. The drive for success and competitive advantage, coupled with the need to satisfy transport demands across Africa, is pushing companies and individuals to innovate.
The African Transport Leader of the Year award recognises an individual that has the courage and conviction to make fundamental changes in the way they operate, changes that are disruptive and forward thinking that competitors can only follow their lead. By winning this award, Smith states that, “It is a great accomplishment to receive this esteemed award. However, it is important to note as Namibia is transforming itself into a logistics hub, we continue to focus on developing infrastructure and improve competitiveness by serving the logistics sector in the SADC region.” The Africa Transport Awards constitute seven categories where one category centres on the individual and the other categories focuses on the outstanding excellence of companies. The Africa Awards incorporate a range of solutions that match individual purpose with organisational goals, creating value in the process. An acknowledgement like this is also important as the position of Namibia to become a logistics hub is becoming well recognised by industry leaders in the Southern African region and abroad, says Smith.

By Business Reporter

THE Namibia Airport Company says it is a self-sustaining public company which does not require Government financial bailouts thanks to its 2014 -2017 turnaround strategy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Walvis Bay International Airport Terminal Building last Friday, NAC board chairperson Ndeuhala Lewis revelled on the success of the NAC strategic document which was rolled out in 2014.
“I am delighted to report that our recent turnaround strategy has been successful in realigning the organisation towards safety and security and has created a solid foundation for expansion and growth. It is important to report to you, your Excellency that we fund our own operational budget and are not recipients of the much loathed bailout. In this sense … NAC is financially sound,” Lewis said to the gathering that included President Hage Geingob.
The facility at Walvis Bay International Airport was built at a cost of N$100 million and is complimented by other significant developments at the airport. “Complementary to the terminal building a new runway at this very airport was also completed to the tune of N$202 million and it’s constructed to meet the design requirements for Code 4F which can accommodate multiple wide bodied aircraft such as the Airbus 380. Walvis Bay Airport is also equipped with a modern state of the art Fire Station completed in 2011 at a cost of N$10 million. The Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Category is currently at CAT 6 and is expected to move to a higher category in the near future in line with the anticipated increased category of aircraft movement at this airport.”
Lewis also highlighted that all airports under the auspices of NAC were military airports designed for military operations and had to be refurbished.
“These airports served us well when air traffic was low and the Namibian aviation industry was in its infancy. In order to cater for the 21st century aviation requirements, it was necessary to embark on a vigorous infrastructure development exercise to upgrade all our airports to international standards.”
NAC, Lewis said, redeveloped Ondangwa Airport and Walvis International Airport into modern airports capable of assuming international airport status. At Eros Airport, NAC has just commenced the redevelopment process with the recent completion of a state of the art fire station and have added a rescue and fire fighting vehicle as well as security screening.
Luderitz Airport, has a new fire station, refurbished the terminal building and a Polymer perimeter fencing similar to that of Walvis Bay Airport while Keetmanshoop Airport is earmarked for training and servicing of aircrafts.
Katima Mulilo Airport is being also undergoing redevelopment of the airport’s runway, taxiway and the apron areas, while Rundu Airport boasts a rehabilitated the terminal building and security screening and a rescue and fire fighting vehicle. Concept designs for a new terminal building and a new fire station were also completed.
On the flagship airport of Namibia, Lewis said, the Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) runway has been rehabilitated and international standard water reticulation system has been installed for fire-fighting. HKIA also have four new rescue and fire fighting vehicles, airport security screening equipment and two apron buses to mention but a few.

By Business Reporter

DEVELOPMENT Bank of Namibia’s (DBN) head of lending, John Mbango, says, the bank’s value which describes sustainability states that the bank places emphasis on socially equitable and environmentally responsible business initiatives. These, he says, will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the economy.
Although DBN focuses on larger enterprises and infrastructure, the bank’s track record shows that it places a strong emphasis well-being of broader society and the environment. In terms of social initiatives, it supports social entrepreneurship, particularly in the fields of education and health. This, Mbango says, is matched by a history of generous donations to initiatives which do not qualify as recipients of finance, such as schools and community initiatives. In terms of the environment, he points to numerous projects that include water reclamation at the coast, recycling and renewable energy. Mbango says that sustainability involves a narrow focus on the middle to long-term social and environmental costs of operations financed by DBN. To illustrate the point, he says that the bank might be approached to finance a factory which has high levels of polluting emissions, but this would come at a high cost to future generations in the form of occupational diseases to workers and next door neighbours caused by the operation, as well as degradation of the environment in the operations area of influence.
This potential liability to the future, he says, is being mitigated by an environmental and social management system (ESMS) recently implemented by the bank which is made up of a policy framework, procedures and operational standards which gives guidance and strategic direction to DBN clients
In terms of applications for finance, Mbango says that the ESMS closely adheres to various sets of legislation and regulations at the local and national levels and international best practices. This, he says, points to the fact that the bank’s ESMS is not an additional requirement for borrowers, but rather a ratification that applicants adhere to requirements stipulated by law, which applicants will have to adhere to in order to obtain a social license to operate. Practical management for the bank and its applicants
Mbango says that DBN categorises and manages applications according to low, medium and high-risk environmental and social categories. In the low risk category, he says, the bank requests compliance with local environmental, occupational health, safety and labour laws. In terms of its ESMS, low-risk projects are not likely to directly or indirectly affect the environment adversely and are unlikely to induce adverse social impacts.In the medium risk category, the bank will also require environmental scoping according to the Environmental Management Act No 7 of 2007 and its Regulations of 2012, as well as an environmental and social management plan (ESMP). Medium-risk projects are likely to have detrimental site-specific environmental and/or social impacts that are less adverse than high risk projects. Likely impacts will be few, site specific, largely reversible, and readily minimised by applying appropriate management and mitigation measures or incorporating internationally recognised design criteria and standards. Mbango says high risk projects are likely to induce significant and/or irreversible adverse environmental and/or social impacts, or significantly affect sensitive environmental or social components. These projects require a full Environmental Impact Assessment process according to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations: Environmental Management Act, 2007 and List of activities that may not be undertaken without Environmental Clearance Certificate: Environmental Management Act, 2007.
In all instances, a full ESMP is required to be furnished to DBN for low, medium and high risk projects. Mbango concludes by saying that DBN views its ESMS as a natural element of good business and a requirement for each enterprise or project’s stakeholder satisfaction. The bank does not view its ESMS as a prescription for operations, but rather as a natural method to mitigate operational, reputational and liability risks of the project to communities, the environment, workers, shareholders in the business, and the bank. In implementing the ESMS, DBN has fulfilled all requirements of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The bank is currently in the process of accrediting itself with the Green Climate Fu nd.

By Hilary Mare

PRESIDENT Hage Geingob has reiterated that while developing countries, in particular African nations have done much to put in place sound macro-economic fundamentals, by pursuing prudent and disciplined fiscal and monetary policies, their efforts continue to be frustrated by an unjust global trading and financial system.
Without holding back, Geingob expressed that developed countries preach fair play, but in actual practice do not play fair when they are negotiating with developing countries
“The creation of conditions required for a shared inclusive economy that generates decent job opportunities will be pivotal in our quest to eradicate poverty by 2030. The current system makes it extremely difficult for our countries to industrialise. However, no developed Nation today can claim that it is where it is without having industrialised. In the process of industrialisation, developed countries preach fair play, but in actual practice do not play fair when they are negotiating with developing countries. The playing field is always in their favour. Why should developing countries be denied similar opportunities, why kick away the ladder?” he said. In further pursuing his view, Geingob extended that inequality is increasing worldwide and the categorisation of countries as middle-income countries creates a wrong impression that these countries can stand on their own and do not need international support. “This categorisation of countries that simply divides GDP into population and high per capita income does not take into account wealth distribution that has become a key issue of discontent globally. It is impossible to capture the developmental status of a nation in one single denominator such as GDP per capita. Of great concern is that average income does not reflect distributional issues. A country may through rapid GDP growth graduate from low-income into middle-income status but all citizens may not necessarily share such growth. Income generation or growth that is not shared is not a sustainable growth,” he added.
Summing up his view, Geingob stated that the creation of conditions required for a shared inclusive economy that generates descent job opportunities will be pivotal in Africa and Namibia’s quest to eradicate poverty by 2030. “In international organisations there is trust deficit, because there is no transparency in some cases. Equally, trust levels between politicians and the citizens have been on the decline globally. Therefore, we must govern in partnership at international level. True partnership must be based on equality in relationship. To improve trust levels, we have developed the following mathematical formula of A + T = Tr. That is to say that Accountability plus Transparency results into improved trusts level,” he said.

By Hilary Mare and Faith Haushona-Kavamba

THE business community nationwide has bemoaned the sudden blackout experienced last Friday night saying that such an expected reality causes great losses and should be avoided in the future.
The whole of Namibia plunged into darkness on Friday evening with the only place spared being the Zambezi region and some parts of the South. The Minister of Mines and Energy, Obeth Kandjoze, subsequently released a statement explaining that the power outage was caused by an external technical fault on the Auas/ Kokerboom 400kV line of Eskom.
In his statement he explained that the areas not affected by the power outage are those south of Mariental (including Skorpion Zinc mine) and some northern areas such as the Zambezi region, Otjiwarongo and Outjo, because the power is fed through a separate direct current link from the Zambezi region to the Otjiwarongo area.
Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Chief Executive Officer, Tarah Shaanika pushed for constant, reliable supply of competitively priced electricity as a very important ingredient for a competitive and successful economy that Namibia must work on achieving that situation.
“Any power outage is bad for business and it affects business negatively. While it is difficult to quantify the losses made by businesses in Namibia due to the last power outage, many businesses clearly lost money due to lack of production because production had to stop or due to customers unable to consume goods and services due to power outages.
“As business, we will continue to work with Government to find lasting solutions to power outages. Such unexpected lengthy outages must be avoided in future.
“The last incidence has shown very clearly that a reliance on one single source of power is risky. It would be prudent to consider having small power plants in most parts of the country as a strategy so that one fault at a power plant or even on part of a line will not shut down the whole country,” he added.
Earlier this month the Electricity Control Board approved a 16,71 percent tariff increase effective July 1 after NamPower’s request for an effective bulk tariff increase. This increase meant that bulk tariffs increased from N$1,28 to N$1,49 per kWh.
It is likely that power blackouts will become more frequent owing to the lack of incentives to invest in aged national grid infrastructure and Government’s failure to embark on envisaged viable alternatives such as the Kudu gas project.
In the far north of the country, the NCCI chairman Tomas Iindji in view of Friday’s blackout said: “Many companies are unprepared for business disruptions caused by power blackouts and are often unaware of the true costs and impact that they can have on their operations. While the majority of power failures from national grids last only a few hours … these blackouts, completely shut down production at companies and critical infrastructures s u c h as hotels, lodges, bars and restaurants. This came at the wrong time and businesspeople were not aware of this incident, which a l s o resulted to many clients being turned away due to that. It happened on a Friday after a long week whereby some families need to go eat out and spend a Friday night together. This is also resulted into sales loss,” he said. The entertainment community, whose business activities pick up on Friday nights, was very vocal about the negative effects of the power outage, which saw most of them having to close shop until the electricity was restored.
Frank Rechter, the operational manager at Nice Restaurant and Bar said that their establishment was fortunate that they have both gas and electrical appliances in their kitchen, as well as a generator which aided them during the blackout or else they would have incurred a huge loss.
However he added that because the other half of their appliances required electricity they had to close the kitchen otherwise they would have been operating at minimal capacity. The restaurant’s Theo bar made use of the generator however clients were few and far in between as most assumed that all entertainment establishments would be closed because of the outage, he stressed.
Windhoek’s popular hangout spot, Joker’s, which sees over 500 clients on any given night, was reduced to a mere between 50 to 100 people because they do not have a generator and most of their customers opted to leave. “We were negatively affected by the outage but what can you do when there is no electricity? We had to use candles during the outage so only a few customers stayed. It was a huge loss for us,” Trevor Jacob, Joker’s manager lamented.
“There were no clients during the power outage on Friday night so we had to close down temporarily. You have to take into account that the weather was really cold on that night, coupled with the outage, people were reluctant to come out and it was dangerous to drive in complete darkness. We eventually re-opened when the power came back on but people had lost the enthusiasm to go out so there were no clients,” Andrew Matjila of The Lounge: A Druza’s Concept, said.
As there was no forewarning about the power outage, entertainment businesses were also unable to take pre-emptive measures. Christophine Shinyala of Omandabi Restaurant and bar, as well as Hileni Joel of Heinrich’s Pub No. 4, both said they were forced to close down their businesses because there was nothing they could do to salvage the situation. While the latter eventually re-opened to a handful of customers, Shinyala explained that she could not re-open, having left earlier on in the night because she did not know that the electricity would eventually return on the same night.
Joe’s Beerhouse was also fortunate that it had a generator, and while they had a time lapse of 30 minutes of total darkness when their generator over-heated, they were able to carry on with business with some semblance of normalcy. “It is a very challenging situation as the staff can use the opportunity to help themselves to food and guests might want to leave without paying. The computer network was also interrupted and discrepancies occurred but fortunately we did not incur any obvious major losses. The biggest risk lies in the duration of the outage and as it is difficult to retain customers indefinitely,” she said. However one establishment that seemed to take the outage in its stride was the Warehouse Theatre, who made the most of the outage. Chris Chameleon was scheduled to perform in the Warehouse Theatre and while Lize Ehlers performed in the Boiler Room. Chameleon continued with his show by candlelight, however Ehlers had to stop because the Boiler Room was too full to use candles, instead the guests kept the room illuminated using their phones. “Chris handled the situation so professionally, he didn’t even comment on the power outage, he just asked if everyone could hear him and we spent an hour listening to him playing requests from the audience. Lize had to stop after a while as the Boiler Room was too full to safely place candles (due to fire risk) so we had to stop that show unfortunately. We all had fun; the police came by regularly to see if we were all ok. We had a festive mood going and were almost sad when the power came on again,” Conny Pimenta of the Warehouse Theatre said. not knowing when it will return

By Hilary Mare

FOLLOWING Meatco being added to the Federal Register on July 13 2016 for approval by the Food Safety and Inspection Services of the United States Department of Agriculture (FSIS-USDA), the Meat Corporation of Namibia now has until September 12 to ensure that all systems are revisited at plant and national level before exports begin.
In relation to this, the parastatal has talked of the emergence of a new niche market and returns maximisation strategy suited for the US beef market.
“This is another niche market that has opened for Meatco, giving us more options to maximise our returns for producers,” says marketing & sales executive, Cyprianus Khaiseb. “The additional market gives Meatco the opportunity to streamline our cuts and make sure we position the right product, in the right market at the right time.” Under the final approval agreements, Meatco will be exporting boneless raw beef products like primal cuts and beef trimmings as well as chuck and blade. “This also means that we can export both chilled and frozen boneless meat (excluding offal) to that country. The strategy for this particular market is to target the fast food industry and franchises like Mc Donalds, to provide maximum returns for Meatco and our producers,” the company said. With this new logistical route, Meatco needs to ensure cost effectiveness and time management at all times. Logistics and freight must be as simple as possible, because it will be of no use if a specific market cannot deliver higher prices/ returns for our products. Meatco has been maintaining and improving its quality, hygiene standards, systems and procedures throughout, in order to access world-class markets like this one.
Namibia’s application to export beef to the United States of America revealed projected exports of up to 860 000 kg (1.9 million pounds) in the first year, increasing to up to 5.7 million kg (12.5 million pounds) in five years.
“Namibia may also receive approval to export other meat products in the future by showing that those products meet other applicable US requirements for those products,” the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed. In the ruling, the US Food Safety and Inspection Service concluded: “That Namibia’s meat inspection system is equivalent to the United States’ inspection system for meat and meat products. Specifically, the decision allows Namibia to export boneless (not ground) raw beef products such as primal cuts, chuck, blade, and beef trimmings from certified establishments to the United States.” Despite objections raised by US individuals and trade organisations during a comment period in late 2015, the US Food Safety and Inspection Service determined that Namibia has the appropriate procedures and measures in place to ensure standards are maintained.
United States beef imports fell one percent in 2007 to 933,330 metric tons (2.05 billion pounds). The top suppliers were Australia (30 percent), Canada (27 percent), New Zealand (17 percent), Uruguay (11.5 percent) and Brazil (7 percent – all prepared/preserved). The United States imported more than 11 percent of its beef consumption in 2007, and more than 12 percent of beef was expected to come from imports in 2008. This change resulted from an expected slight reduction in production, an increase in exports, and a slight increase in beef imports. However, the weak dollar and relatively tight global beef supplies are expected to limit US beef imports this year.

By Hileni Nembwaya

THE Odibo Health Centre in Ohangwena region is faced with a high medical staff turnover due to the irregularities currently taking place at the health facility that have been making headlines lately.
The high resignation rate is said to compromise the services offered at the health centre since experienced nurses have resigned and moved to other health centres, due to salary and related benefits that are not given timely, among other complaints.
On Tuesday, last week, the disgruntled staff members of Odibo Health Centre held a peaceful demonstration where they addressed all burning issues affecting them to the Oshikango constituency councillor, Phillip Namundjebo.
“Odibo Health Centre has 21 nurses on its staff’s establishment but on average it operates only on 15 nurses. Though staff members and professionals apply to come and work in Odibo, many of them do not stay long as they see other colleagues within the MOHSS getting their benefits on time,” states the statement issued by the staff.
The statement further states that employees are frustrated because the new benefits such as re-grading appeals, salary adjustments, payment of difference in overtime, Sunday and public holiday hours are usually delayed because of lack of budgetary provision from the Ministry to the health centre.
The staff members are apparently also not eligible for a housing subsidy because they are required to have collateral, something which the health centre cannot guarantee; thus prompting the staff members to resign and seek employment elsewhere.
“When a new staff member comes on board they cannot register for medical aid right away as the health centre only gets money enough to pay the staff members on payroll at that time, so therefore the new staff only get these benefits in the next financial year when a new budget submission is given and approved,” said the staff members.
Another challenge facing the staff members is the delays in payment of salaries and other related benefits which has now caused frustrations, mistrust, and suspicion between staff members and management.
“This translated to the de-motivation of staff, breakdown of team work and eventually poor performance which in the end leads to poor service delivery to patients and clients,”
“These staff members are already being paid by the money from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, but the procedure used is indeed cumbersome. Budget wise, there is no much of a difference, because the same money will still be paid to the same people but, in a different manner,” alleged the staff members.
The Odibo Health Centre staff members are therefore requesting the health ministry to transfer them to the Government’s payroll system.
Namundjebo has promised to deliver their petition to the relevant authorities.
Simon Mathias, the hospital’s nurses manager could not be reached for comment.
The health centre has in recent weeks been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons attributed to irregular affairs which include nepotism and favouritism in the awarding of tenders as well as abuse of hospital funds by senior officials. The Ministry of Health, spokesperson Ester Paulus declined to comment on the matter saying that the petition is yet to be forwarded to her office.

By Eliaser Ndeyanale

THE president of the All People’s Party (APP) Ignatius Shixwameni last week Thursday blasted a motion by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa- Amadhila seeking to push through the appointment of electoral commissioners without due legal process, calling it “unacceptable”.
Shixwameni took the floor after Kuugongelwa- Amadhila announced that President Hage Geingob had under section six Sub-section 17 of the Electoral Act of 2014 re-appointed Notemba Tjipueja, Barney Karuuombe, Ulrich Freyer, Albertina Nangolo and Nespect Butty Salom as board commissioners of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and urged the House to approve the nomination as it was urgent.
He said, “We are facing crisis in Namibia … that’s a disappointment unless it will be explained whether the Electoral Commission of Namibia is going to be dissolved tomorrow if these appointments are not approved by this House. I know most of these people that are mentioned here but this is precisely a recycle of people and bringing them at the last hour is also not acceptable.
“The other member that was mentioned here, Notemba (Tjipueja) sits on so many boards of directors. I think we must really be serious. People must be given time to consider some people carefully. I don’t have anything against anybody but it’s true that you cannot bring people at the last hour … to this chamber and expect the House to just rubber stamp them. It must be explained to the urgency of this motion. What is urgent about these appointments?”
DTA Member of Parliament Elma Dienda asked for the lawmakers to be provided with the CVs of the nominees. Vipuakuje Muharukua also of the DTA also said legislators were not being given enough time to make laws.
He further stated that Selection Committee which consists of the chairperson of the Public Service Commission, who is the chairperson of the Selection Committee, chairperson of the Council of the Law Society of Namibia as deputy chairperson, chairman of the Public Accountants’ and Auditors’ Board, the Registrar of the High Court of Namibia; and the Director of the Nami b i a Qualifications Authority should be transparent to show Namibians that the ECN is run by competent people and that it is an independent body that cannot be influenced politically so that people can have confidence in the country’s elections.
Attorney General Sacky Shanghala who rose on a point of order supported the Prime Minister saying there was an urgency for the lower house to approve the names since it would be expensive to go back to the National Assembly for the second time for consideration.
Justices Minister Albert Kawana hit back at Shixwameni saying, “If there are some kind of suspicious whatever, I think the history will dispel that. The appointment of the commissioners has to be done with the concurrence of this House so that the credibility of the people we are talking about can be enhanced.”
Despite the reasoning of the Swapo MP, Shixwameni, a former deputy minister of information refused to retreat suggesting for the commissioners to apply before being appointed.
“We are appointing people for five more years; why has that provision not been implemented that people who want to be electoral commissioners apply to be interviewed and then after that process has been resorted to, they will bring the names to the National Assembly for approval?” he questioned.
Kawana in response referred Shixwameni to the Electoral Act.
DTA leader McHenry Venaani who also contributed to the heated debate saying the selection committee was supposed to select names of appointees under public scrutiny. “That process was not done and somebody must be held accountable for the failure of not having done so because we are talking about credibility of our elections in our republic.”
Defending her motion, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said, “None of us consider this situation to be an idle one and if we were in a position to pre-empty it at least from the executive part I would give my assurance that we would have done that if it was not foreseen and it could not be pre-emptied and we are therefore facing a situation where we will have to evoke a fall-back position that we have agreed up upon as a nation.”

By Confidente Reporter

INTERNATIONAL Relations Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged diplomatic staff to ensure that the review of the Namibian Foreign Policy serves the interests of all Namibians with honour and diginity.
She was speaking at a conference to update Namibia’s foreign policy which started in Windhoek on Monday. The conference brings together stakeholders to review the country’s foreign policy, in realignment with current national priorities and programmes which are aimed at eradicating poverty.
“When we adopted our foreign policy issues of environment, human trafficking, terrorism, piracy and cybercrime did not feature very prominently on the international agenda.
“Today these issues have become global priorities as they transcend national borders and require collective international efforts to address them,” she said.
She further told a full packed conference room that international relations and cooperation were based on mutual benefit and understanding as Namibia is a member of various multilateral organisations and a signatory to numerous international treaties and conventions.
“The review of our policy is therefore to be guided by both domestic needs and national obligations to international legal instruments that we have signed and acceded to.
“While reviewing our foreign policy, we are to be mindful of the fact that we are living in a global environment that requires flexibility, hence we take cognizance of contemporary issues and development.
“I urge participants to this conference to ensure that the review of the Namibian Foreign Policy should serve as an opportunity to reflect on how best we can continue to serve the interests of the Namibian people with honour and diginity, while maintaining peaceful co-existence and mutual respect with the rest of the world.”
In his keynote address, President Hage Geingob outlined key precepts that should be captured as outcomes in the revised policy on international relations and cooperation.
“The evolution of communication technology has led to redundancy of traditional diplomats. Gone are the days of cumbersome and dated reports. In today’s world of social media and 24-four hour news cycles, diplomats are expected to be up to date and technology savvy to ensure that any information he/she generates has relevant context,” Geingob said.
He added that terrorism had also impacted the modern-day diplomat as terror threats have fundamentally changed diplomatic communication.
“As diplomats, we need to closely examine the root causes of the hate and hopelessness that drives these terror attacks and which provides fertile ground for our young people to subscribe to the message of terror as opposed to diplomacy. War starts where diplomacy fails.
“Globally, many countries have moved away from the traditional diplomacy characterised by niceties and subtle cajoling. The countries these days use diplomacy as a tool to carry out and execute their political and economic agendas. If we should redefine our international relations policy, it would be that it is an extension of our domestic policy. Therefore, our policy on international relations must serve our domestic interests,” he emphasised.
The President also spoke on embracing regional alliances.
“As pan-Africanists, it goes without saying that our African brothers and sisters will always be welcome in Namibia. As a first step we have recently abolished visa requirements into Namibia for diplomatic and official African passport holders. We are committed to extend this privilege to all-African passport holders by initially issuing visas on arrival and eventually abolishing visa requirements”.

By Confidente Reporter

THREE police officers stationed in Rehoboth reportedly brutally attacked two young men outside a local hotel recently when the duo apparently hurled insults at them during a routine police search.
The incident that happened last Friday at midnight comes as the nation deals with shocking police brutality statistics of 1 464 criminal cases facing police officers countrywide for various crimes including murder, assault and unreasonable use of firearms on unarmed civilians.
So brutal was the attack that the duo, Cecil Beukes (22) and Nicarlio Freygang (18), were released on police bail of N$1 000 each several hours after their arrest to be taken to hospital for serious injuries they sustained.
The unnamed officers have since opened a case of crimen injuria and resisting arrest by uniformed officers on CR150/07/2016 against the duo who in turn lodged counter two counter charges of assault to do grevious bodily harm on CR170/07/2016.
The duo appeared in the Rehoboth Magistrate’s Court Tuesday before Magistrate Salome Bampton who postponed to matter to August 24 to allow for further police investigations.
According to witnesses, the two young men were standing by their vehicle in front of the hotel with several relatives and friends when they were confronted by at least 20 police officers that arrived at the scene in four police vehicles at around midnight
After their vehicle was searched, they were reportedly sprayed with teargas before they were attacked in what many described as a serious assault.
“They were arrested and taken to the police station where a police officer further assaulted Beukes. He was kicked in the stomach and face and hit with a pistol on his face again leaving him with serious injuries to his face and body. The attack was unnecessary because they (police officers) took the law into their hands by assaulting the two young men. If they say they were verbally insulted, was it necessary to beat up the two men?” quizzed a witness who preferred anonymity.
Confidente reliably learnt that duo is considering suing the police officers and their employer for wrongful arrest and assault to the tune of N$100 000.

By Confidente Reporter

AT LEAST 20 cases of sexual relationships between teachers and their learners have been recorded since January, just months after one such case ended in tragedy when two sisters aged 18 and 30 were murdered by a 32 year-old teacher who reportedly had a failed affair with one of the siblings.
While all teachers were charged with misconduct; only one was suspended, another case was concluded but forwarded to the Prime Minister’s office for salary reduction and investigations into other cases continue.
Of the 20 cases, the Kunene, // Karas, Erongo, Oshana, Omusati, Otjozondjupa, Oshikoto and Omaheke regions each recorded one case, the Kavango East and Ohangwena recorded three cases each while two cases were each recorded in Hardap, Zambezi and Khomas. No cases of such illicit relationships were reported in the Kavango West region.
“Teachers are guided by the Teachers Code of Conduct…. which stipulates that a teacher, in relation to learners, may not become involved in any form of romance or sexual relations with a learner or sexual harassment or abuse of a learner. It therefore goes without saying that a teacher who is sexually involved with a learner is, first and foremost, violating the law, abusing power as an educator and violating the community and societal trust,” said public relations officer in the Education Ministry, Johanna Absalom.
Statistics over the last three years show that there has been a surge of illicit relationships involving educators and their underage learners with 27 recorded in 2014 and 39 in 2015. Confidente last year reported that 24 school principals, teachers and heads of departments countrywide were fired from the public service after they impregnated schoolgirls or were found guilty of having affairs with their learners. The lid on the sexual misconduct was lifted after the educators, were reported by their victims or caught showering pupils with lavish gifts. “Any non-professional relationship or sexual involvement of a teacher with a learner, whether or not it results in pregnancy is considered to be a serious violation of the code of Conduct for the Teaching Service and failure to comply with the Code of Conduct is dealt with in terms of the Namibia’s Public Service Act,” Absalom explained adding that, “Stern and deliberate action is taken against staff members who have abused their position of trust and who have committed acts of misconduct based on procedures…initial investigation is lodged at school, followed by preliminary investigation at regional level with an independent team.”
Absalom also noted that once a teacher is found guilty, they are blacklisted and given eight years to rehabilitate. “For re-employment, the teacher should declare from the outset if he/she was dismissed from a previous employer on the grounds of misconduct. If such information which was not declared and was knowingly withheld and comes to light after re-employment, the person faces immediate dismissal.” Absalom also said that to be reinstated, the teachers undergo a screening process and testimonials from three institutions are required, for example from a church leader, regional counsellor or previous employer.

By Marianne Nghidengwa

WINDHOEK has over 3 000 shebeens and less than 200 are registered, showing a clear indication that unlawful sale of alcohol is still rife, City Police Chief Abraham Kanime revealed.
Kanime made the startling revelations in response to an enquiry by Confidente recently. Kanime said that according to the latest shebeen audit report compiled in June, there are over 3 000 shebeens in Windhoek of which 99.9 percent are in Khomasdal and Katutura.
Kanime also said that although less than 200 shebeens are registered, a majority had submitted applications but did not meet the requirements.
“Those licensed are less than 200 but more had submitted their applications although a majority did not meet the requirements,” Kanime noted.
Kanime has been vocal over the mushrooming of drinking holes stressing that they are dens of moral decay and that if it were up to the City Police, all shebeens especially in the infamous Eveline Street and Single Quarters area in Katutura, would be closed. By November last year, there were about 79 shebeens along Eveline Street of which 68 had names while 11 had no names.
Kanime called on the amendment of the country’s Liquor Licences Act to have shebeens in the two areas closed permanently as they led to the destruction of many lives through high alcohol consumption by patrons, some underage.
“Shebeens selling alcohol in Eveline Street and Single Quarters should be banned and in turn businesses like salons and food outlets should be opened in those areas. We should also look at the issue of special licenses so we limit the hours liquor outlets operate. If we don’t take real action to remove those shebeens from Eveline Street and Single Quarters we will get to a time where we all lose to crime. We are creating a conducive environment for crime to thrive,” Kanime noted.
Although many argue that shebeens are a livelihood of many families suggesting that authorities rather legalise illicit watering holes, Kanime pointed out that the destruction caused by alcohol abuse is devastating. “Everyone will tell you that the issue of shebeens in Eveline Street and Single Quarters is a bread and butter issue but the destruction these shebeens are leaving behind is much higher. Children who reside in those areas are taught crime at a very tender age as well as alcohol abuse because that’s all they grow up seeing around them. We have adults also engaging in crime and alcohol abuse. If shebeens are closed in these areas peace in homes will be restored because spouses/partners will go home early and have quality time with their families. Money that is spent on buying alcohol will instead be used to buy food for the family,” Kanime reasoned.
Meanwhile, the Shebeen Association of Namibia through its president Andreas Nuule argues against changing something that’s already working and revealed that there are currently 4 000 individuals registered under the association.
“I can tell you that we have 4 000 shebeens registered of which 99 percent are individuals.”
Recently, MPs proposed a referendum in the National Assembly on whether Government should ban the sale of alcohol in residential areas. This will also see an end to alcohol outlets operating in close proximity of schools and churches.
Contributing to the debate, Justice Minister Albert Kawana while saying that the nation should decide on the matter, he argued that allowing heavy alcohol consumption defeats the purpose of fighting poverty.

By Confidente Reporter

FORMER Health Permanent Secretary and the current PS in the Office of the Prime Minister, Andrew Ndishishi has been appointed the new Executive Director for the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) starting August 1, Confidente can reveal.
Confidente has it on good authority that Ndishishi, an experienced public administrator was initially offered a five-year contract but he reportedly turned it down and agreed to a three-year term due to the fact that he wants to retire thereafter.
Information gathered by this publication shows that Ndishishi comes highly qualified with his core competencies lying in economics and finance, economic planning, trade policy and negotiations, public administration, business management and human resources development.
Earlier in the week NIPAM’s marketing practitioner, Cecilia Iita said that while she is not allowed to talk to the media, she revealed that the institution’s board chairperson, George Simataa would address “matters or events at NIPAM” at a press conference that was scheduled for yesterday (Wednesday). This was after Simataa institution’s PRO department. referred this newspaper to the
Meanwhile, the institution’s secretary Brian Chaka said, “In terms of section 26 of the NIPAM Act 2016 the recruitment of the Executive Director is vested in the Governing Council with the concurrence of the Prime Minister. I will consult and come back to you. Thanks,” Chaka said.
Ndishishi when contacted for comment said that the matter was news to him. “That is news to me,” he said.
The public relations officer in the Prime Minister’s Office, Saima Shaanika did not respond to questions on the matter for over week but on Tuesday said that the Prime Minister was aware of the enquiry that would be attended to.
Ndishishi succeeds Professor Joseph Diescho, who was axed from the institution early December last year for alleged insubordination, material breach of the employment contract, competition with the employer and non-compliance with resolutions of the NIPAM governance council.
Ndishishi worked at various institutions at high level including the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, Office of the President and National Planning Commission amongst others. He is perhaps renowned for his role as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health where he served for several years until he was transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office late last years.
Ndishishi has a Diploma in Economics at the Marie-Curie Sklodowskiej University, Lublin, Poland in 1981, and Masters of Economics and Finance at the Warsaw School of Economics, Poland in 1987. He also did postgraduate Diplomas in Economics, Finance and Business Administration in UK, Sweden and Malaysia between 1988 and 1995.

By Patience Nyangove

AS the Kudu Gas and Xaris Energy power projects continue to take centre stage a cold war is currently being fought at Nampower pitting the parastatal’s board chairperson, Maria Nakale against her fellow board members after she allegedly went behind her colleagues’ backs to the Ministers of Mines and Energy and Public Enterprises, Confidente can reveal.
Confidente can also reveal that the Nampower board has admitted to Government that mistakes were made during the awarding of the 230-250MW power plant project to the controversial Xaris Energy as the preferred bidder.
Confidente has learnt that Nakale by all accounts appears in favour of the Xaris Energy power project while other Nampower board members that include Penda Kiiyala, Pedro Maritz, Patty Karuaihe-Martin, Selma-Penna Utonih and Advocate Albert Boesak appear to be considering other options beyond Xaris.
Confidente also has it on good authority that although Government has decided to proceed with the Kudu Gas project, there are some high ranking Government officials who stand to benefit from the Xaris Energy deal who are still pressurising Nampower to go ahead with the Xaris project.
Confidente has in its possession a letter written on June 6 by Nakale to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Obeth Kandjoze which was also copied to Leon Jooste, the Minister of Public Enterprises where she appears to be ratting out her fellow board members.
Confidente has it on good authority that Nakale wrote the letter without the knowledge of her colleagues on the board.
Nakale in the letter informs the two ministers that she was not ‘comfortable’ to sign a letter the Nampower board would write four days later briefing Kandjoze on the status of the Arandis Power/ Nampower court case.
“This letter serves to provide an explanation on why I did not sign the letter addressed to you on the case of Arandis Power/ Nampower and others, which was written by the Board of Directors of Nampower as per Honourable Minister’s request at our meeting of May 30 2016. Whilst, I agree with most of the issues raised in the letter of June 2016, I do not feel comfortable with the views on the capacity requirements as per the tender submission as expressed under (ii) of the letter.
“It is very unfortunate that the 250MW project received negative publicity, from different stakeholders, which started in April 2015 and henceforth attracted different subjective views ever since,” Nakale wrote in part.
Nakale allegedly spills more on her colleagues in the board by further writing that she was uncomfortable to put her signature on the letter signed by the rest of the other board members because ‘her interpretation of the initial evaluation report as prepared by KPMG on the capacity of power generation by Xaris was different from the one the Nampower board was now outlining to the Minister.’
“…Xaris has also offered a compliant 250MW scheme using five gas turbines with a reduction of US$25 million in the capital cost. It was further stated on page 53 of the same report that Xaris has stated that a power station comprising six gas turbines would provide a tariff, which is six percent cheaper than one utilising five gas turbines. Although that appears reasonable it was not compliant because the capacity is greater than the maximum allowed by the RFP. The report went on to state that the Xaris bid includes a methodology to recalculate the tariff offer for a five gas turbine plant and is therefore considered compliant. The bid evaluation has been conducted on the basis of a 250MW capacity plant with six gas turbines.
“…At the time of adjudicating the tender, it was clarified why Xaris Energy referred to the 300MW in its bid. My understanding was that the RFP required the plant to be converted to closed cycle gas (CCGT) in future. In order to comply with that requirement Xaris Energy submitted an offer for six turbines of 50MW. Therefore, their inclusion of the sixth turbine and mentioning of the 300MW in their bid document was based on a solution that was in line with the RFP,” she said.
Nakale also left her colleagues high and dry when she wrote that none of her board members were ever involved in the initial evaluation process of the tender and appears to allegedly give an impression that her colleagues lack the knowledge to give an opinion on Xaris Energy. “The views expressed at the meeting when the board identified Xaris Energy as the preferred bidder in 2014 still remained relevant to me. I am not convinced by the current views expressed on the issue of capacity because none of the individuals who concluded as such was intimately involved with the actual evaluation process of this complex tender. It is therefore on the basis that I decided not to sign the letter Honourable Minister requested all board members to sign,” Nakale concluded.
Confidente has also in its possession the letter written June 10 by the Nampower board to Kandjoze which Nakale didn’t sign.
According to the letter, Xaris Energy submitted a tender for a six turbine power plant correlating to a capacity of 298MW and as an alternative the company had also offered a five turbine plant corresponding with a capacity of 231MW and a capital reduction of US$25 million (N$350 million) reflecting a slightly higher levelled electricity cost and therefore had failed to meet Nampower’s requirements. “In accordance with the Nampower RFP requirements, tenderers were obliged to submit tenders that conform to the requirements of the RFP (plant with a net electricity of 230-250MW) and are only permitted to deviate from the requirements of the RFP by offering an alternative to the main offer… Notwithstanding the fact that the board has the overall accountability regarding the decisions of the company, the issue of validity was never presented to the board, hence the board did not have any prior knowledge of the issues. “Whereas on the power station capacity, again the board was brought under the impression that Xaris provided a five machine solution in their main bid in compliance with the capacity of 250MW but they also offered as an alternative a sixth machine in case Nampower in future may wish to consider it. It was clarified by management that Xaris submitted six machines in their main bid with an alternative of five machines and even if the version of five machines is to be deemed acceptable, Xaris will still not be responsive because their main bid was six machines which did not comply with the RFP.”
The Nampower board also admits in its letter to Kandjoze that mistakes were made in the tender process and as it hinted that the power project tender might be cancelled by the High Court.
“As a result of the foregoing, Nampower, in its answering affidavit, has admitted to some allegations that during the tender process, mistakes were made but such mistakes should not be viewed as an indication that there was any bias in favour of Xaris Energy. Substantiated by various case laws, Nampower is however cognisant of the fact that the probability is high that the tender might be cancelled. However the court may rule otherwise and Nampower will await the decision of the court,” the letter which the Nampower board wrote to Kandjoze outlining potential damages the parastatal might face as a result of the cancellation of the Xaris power deal reads.
The Nampower board also informed Kandjoze that although Xaris Energy was appointed as the preferred bidder the awarding of the tender had never been formally communicated to them.
“This matter was deliberated by the Board of Directors, however, the resolution clearly indicates that the award would be subject to a number of conditions that were to be negotiated by the parties, which include inter alia the determination of risk allocations in the project documents, such as the PPA. This letter was however not finalised nor communicated to Xaris Energy due to the fact that the suspension of the project overtook the events. Our opinion is that Xaris Energy’s claims may best be limited to development costs incurred during the negotiation process (i.e professional fees paid to individuals present at meetings and negotiations were done by Nampower without the presence of any Xaris personnel, hence they will need to prove Nampower how they incurred such costs.) In the event Xaris Energy has incurred any capital expenses (manufacturing of turbines), this expense should be at their own risk as the final award letter was never finalised.”
Kandjoze, Tuesday said no Nampower board member had approached him about the fall-out in the board.
“No board member came to me and told me that,” he said. Nampower Company Secretary, Susan Mavulu instead of addressing questions posed to her chose to patronise the journalist and terminated the conversation after saying the reporter was wasting her time. Karuaihe- Martin said she couldn’t comment on the matter as she was in South Africa. Efforts to get comment from Nakale were futile as she was said to be locked up in a board meeting Tuesday. Her mobile was switched off.

The national under-17 soccer team  alias ‘Baby Warriors’ beat Malawi on penalty today, after a one-all draw in their semi-final clash to book a place in the COSAFA Under-17 final billed for Sunday.

Namibia will face South Africa in what is expected to be Namibia’s opportunity to avenge their earlier 4-0 thrashing to neighboring South Africa earlier in the tournament stages.

Namibia’s equalizer came during the dying minutes of the game when, Eldery Morgan find the back of the net to snatch the equalizer.

The Baby Warriors were initially scheduled to play Zambia, but the Zambian national side was disqualified from the tournament after having fielded two overaged players in their previous matches of the competition.

COSAFA.Com reported that Malawi were on top for most of their semifinal and after missing a number of opportunities, took the lead after a fine goal from outside the box by Peter Banda.

The national under-17 football team finally put a smile to football fans after clinching the COSAFA Under-17 Championship on Sunday.

According to the COSAFA.Com website, Namibia have claimed the 2016 COSAFA Under-17 Championship title after a 3-1 penalty shoot-out victory over South Africa following a 1-1 draw in the final in Mauritius.

Namibia had lost 4-0 to the South Africans in the pool stage, but showed a vastly improved performance as they edged the play in the decider and claimed a deserved win in the shoot-out.

After a goalless first half in which Namibia had the better chances, the deadlock was finally broken midway through the second period when substitute Godwin Awaseb, who had only been on the pitch for three minutes, smashed the ball home.

But that goal spurred South Africa into action and they claimed an equaliser with 20 minutes to go when influential midfielder Thabiso Monyane found the back of the net.

Monyane had a magnificent chance to win it late on, but put his shot wide when well-placed and the game went to penalties, with Namibia keeper Josef Phillipus proving the hero.

Malawi grabbed the bronze medal with a deserved 2-0 victory over an improved Kenya in the third-place play-off.

Malawi had beaten the East African guest nation 5-0 in the pool stages but found them a much tougher nut to crack this time round.

They had to wait until the 58th minute to open the scoring when Peter Banda netted his fifth of the competition, making him the leading scorer for the COSAFA Under-17 Championships this year.

They doubled their lead with three minutes to go when Francisco Madinga netted to make the win safe.

By Hilary Mare
AS review of the national foreign policy takes centre stage, President Hage Geingob last week made a strong case for foreign policy evaluation and talked up Namibia’s foreign policy at the International Relations and Cooperation Policy Review Conference.
Below is a re-enactment of the speech he delivered.
“We live in a globalised world where we need to hold hands across countries and continents to ensure the ecological survival of our planet and of human kind. We may speak different languages, have different religions, and different colours, but at the end of the day, we are all human beings. We, therefore, no longer speak of foreign affairs, but of international relationships, cooperation and partnerships in charting common developmental paths. Consistent with that change I will, henceforth, refer to the exercise to be undertaken this week as a review of Namibia’s Policy on International Relations and Cooperation and not foreign policy review. We have, furthermore, devoted the first year in office to formulating a home grown developmental agenda, the Harambee Prosperity Plan, which elucidates the Namibian narrative and fast tracks our developmental priorities over the next four years. Vision 2030 remains our long term plan. The NDP’s remain our five-year developmental scene setters and Harambee guides the implementation heartbeat of both long and medium term plans.
As we are in the process of formulating our fifth National Development Plan and with Harambee in place, now is an appropriate time to undertake a review of our Policy on International Relations and Cooperation since domestic and foreign policies should speak to one other. In other words, we would like to Harambee not only in Namibia, but we would like the World to Harambee with us.
Some of the key tenets of our thinking on International Relations and Cooperation are captured in various speeches that I have delivered at regional and international platforms during the past year, my maiden State of the Nation Address and in Pillar 5 of the Harambee Prosperity Plan. Today, I would like to use this opportunity to amplify some key precepts that should be captured as outcomes in our revised policy on international relations and cooperation. In doing so, allow me to start by grounding my statement through several observations about modern day diplomacy. Traditional diplomacy, practiced by many countries in the pre and post-Cold War Era has been in rapid decline over the past several years. The end of the bi-polar world coupled with the simultaneous rise of what international political commentator Fareed Zakaria refers to as “the rest” has led to a change of international agendas and with that, a change in the character and tone of diplomacy. Over the past decades developing countries have grown rapidly, and today account more for global economic output than a few decades ago. It is projected that by the year 2050, with the exception of the United States of America, none of the current group of 7 industrialized economies will be in the top 5 largest economies. Some have already lost their economic rankings to China and India. In Africa, there has been change in relative positions of economic strength with South Africa losing pole position to Nigeria in the last few years. The evolution of communication technology has led to redundancy of traditional diplomats. Gone are the days of cumbersome and dated reports. In today’s world of social media and twenty-four hour news cycles, diplomats are expected to be up to date and technology savvy to ensure that any information he/she generates has relevant context. In his book titled History and the evolution of diplomacy, Richard Langhorne explains this point by stating, “A serious part of the atmosphere which this quotation catches was caused by the steadily increasing sense that the gathering and assessment of information about foreign societies and governments which had been the principal purpose of diplomacy since the emergence of the Resident Ambassador had been overtaken by other and more efficient means of communication”.
Modern day diplomacy involves a kaleidoscope of actors. These days, it is not strange to see Non-Governmental Organisations, as well as Multinational Corporations and even individuals, such as Bill and Melinda Gates acting as important stakeholders in the world of diplomacy. It is all about credibility, knowledge and the ability to process information at breathtaking speeds. Modern day diplomats are expected to be knowledgeable in various fields such as finance, economics, energy, environment, health and security. Terrorism has also impacted the modern-day diplomat as terror threats have fundamentally changed diplomatic intercourse. In this regard, we condemn the persistent terror attacks throughout the world and express our heartfelt sympathies to nations and people who suffer the abomination of dastardly terror attacks. This modern day evil has become a barbaric and unacceptable form of articulating discontent with the modern world. As former freedom fighters, we are prone to believe that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. We however can find no justification to defend flying a passenger plane into the Twin Towers in New York, driving a truck into crowds of innocent people in Nice or walking into the Brussels airport with guns, bombs and murderous intent. These indiscriminate, senseless and barbaric attacks are an attack on all of us as they can happen anywhere, anytime, to anybody and have nothing to do with freedom and everything to do with hatred. As diplomats, we need to closely examine the root causes of the hate and hopelessness that drives these terror attacks and which provides fertile ground for our young people to subscribe to the message of terror as opposed to diplomacy. War starts where diplomacy fails. Where have we failed? These are the difficult questions today’s diplomats must grapple with. Globally, many countries have moved away from the traditional diplomacy characterised by niceties and subtle cajoling. The Countries these days use diplomacy as a tool to carry out and execute their political and economic agendas. If we should redefine our International Relations Policy, it would be that it is an extension of our Domestic Policy. Therefore, our Policy on International Relations must serve our domestic interests. This approach to International Relations was accentuated during the Reagan Administration, by Jeane Kirkpatrick, whose approach to diplomacy led to the birth of the Kirkpatrick Doctrine in which the United States gave support to anti-communist dictatorial regimes as long as they towed along with Washington’s agenda. This is a perfect example of a country single-mindedly using foreign policy as an extension of its domestic policy to achieve its objectives. It was the same Kirkpatrick who introduced a more aggressive and direct tone in diplomatic dialogue.
We cannot continue adhering to outdated principles and continue practicing the diplomatic doctrine of the Cold War Era. That era did not need to deal with a digitally interconnected world where hackers can penetrate classified electronic files from remote locations. Where the internet provides a global audience for whoever seeks it and social media provides breaking, first-hand accounts of global issues.
Times are changing quickly and we need to adapt to these changes with the same speed. These days, as Africans, we are talking of the second phase of the struggle; the struggle for economic emancipation. Our diplomacy must also enter this second phase. Diplomacy should not only reflect our fears, but also our aspirations. The new world is indeed a scary place but it’s also a place where there are many opportunities. We need to understand what those opportunities are for a small country like Namibia and utilize modern tools to facilitate our developmental aspirations.
Namibia has made significant progress in terms of development since gaining independence 26 years ago. Our arrival at this stage was due to the culmination of the armed struggle for national liberation. This was made possible by the relentless efforts and sacrifices of our sons and daughters, augmented by the support of our African brothers and sisters, the progressive international community and our friends and sympathisers. It is for this reason that Namibia is known as a child of international solidarity because our independence was conceived by the unity of international support and midwifed by the United Nations. Given this fact, Namibia has adopted the central tenet of its International Relations Policy the slogan that “we are a friend to all and an enemy to none”. We support multilateralism and oppose uni-laterism and tri-laterism. Given the fact that many friendly nations and organisations stood by us during the time of apartheid colonialism, Namibia will continue to express solidarity with those who are denied self-determination. These include our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Western Sahara. As we enjoy our freedom and democracy, so should others as we believe freedom is indivisible. Democracy is indivisible.
The Namibian House should also be seen in the context of a neighbourhood. If there is instability in the neighbourhood, the Namibian House cannot be stable. As part of our international responsibilities, to the extent feasible, Namibia will continue to contribute to peace making and peace keeping operations under the umbrella of the United Nations, the African Union and regional alliances. As pan-Africanists, it goes without saying that our African brothers and sisters will always be welcome in Namibia. As a first step we have recently abolished visa requirements into Namibia for diplomatic and official African passport holders. We are committed to extend this privilege to all- African passport holders by initially issuing visas on arrival and eventually abolishing visa requirements.
Our Policy on International Relations and Cooperation should, therefore, be embedded in the doctrine of Pan Africanism as espoused by some of the great founding pan Africanist philosophers such as Sylvester Williams, Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba, Julius Nyerere and Sam Nujoma.
Our Policy on International Relations and Cooperation should also take into consideration what I refer to as the New Africa. The New Africa is an Africa where coups d’états are no longer tolerated, where leaders retire in dignity, and an Africa that reflects its true narrative. In essence, the New Africa is the Africa We Want, as espoused in Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
In relation to coups, please permit me to condemn the coup attempt in Turkey as it goes against the grain of electoral democratic norms and practices. As Africans, it is important that we remain intellectually honest about our challenges while resisting the temptation of persistent Afro-pessimism. It has become common to read international magazines and journals writing glowing articles about Namibia. It is heartwarming to note how well the outside world regards Namibia as a role model and tells our story in a positive light. It is ironic that as Namibians, we are not so good at telling our own story. Ambassadors and High Commissioners, we need to take charge of the narrative and remind the world of this small country with big aspirations called Namibia. Over the past year, we have revived the Namibian narrative through concepts such as One Namibia One Nation, the Namibian House, No-One Should Feel Left Out and the War against Poverty and Corruption. These concepts were formulated into the Harambee Prosperity Plan which is aimed at helping Namibians to unite for a common cause.
Over the past two decades, Namibia, the Child of International Solidarity, has grown into a mature nation, with a strong democracy, built on the foundations of peace, the rule of law and strong institutions. Through sound electoral processes, we have ensured the peaceful transition of power in leadership, starting with the Founding President of the Nation, Comrade Sam Shafiishuuna Nujoma, an icon of Namibia’s struggle for independence, who led us through the liberation struggle and the process of nation-building after independence, followed by the former President, Comrade Hifikepunye Pohamba, under whose able leadership, peace and stability was consolidated and finally, Yours Truly, tasked with ushering in an era of prosperity.
The strong foundation laid by our leadership since 1990 has resulted in Namibia having a sound and robust Governance Architecture which has not gone unnoticed by the international community. We are rated fifth as the best governed country on the African continent by the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance; rated fourth in Africa as a “clean country” in terms of corruption by Transparency International; and ranked first as the country with the “freest press in Africa” by Reporters without Borders. The aforementioned narrative brings to fore another tenet that should be inscribed in our new international relations policy, namely that Namibia will always advance the cause of a vibrant, inclusive democracy where the people are the ultimate sovereigns. We are hard at work ensuring transparent processes, robust systems and independent institutions which will continuously buttress our democracy. Similarly, our macroeconomic architecture is admirable, underpinned by financial stability evident in a world-class banking system (ranked number 33 in the world by the World Economic Forum), and well-regulated through a prudent monetary policy for the past 24 years. Both Fitch and Moody’s have consistently accorded Namibia investment grade ratings, indicating that foreign investors have confidence in the Namibian economy.
Just like our people do not eat good policies, our people also do not eat good diplomacy. So how can we ensure that our diplomacy speaks to our aspiration of attaining prosperity? As I already mentioned, diplomacy must also enter the second stage of the struggle, where the pursuit of economic emancipation must be supported by economic diplomacy. Let me briefly espouse on what I mean. In Namibia and globally, social deficits and inequalities present the greatest threats to democracy. That is why in Namibia we have declared an all-out war against poverty, corruption and inequality. However, governments alone cannot resolve these deficits. We need the full participation of the private sector and all stakeholders. It is imperative for diplomats to engage private sector players abroad. Nothing prevents you from organizing inward or outward trade and investment missions. Here I would like to single out our mission in the United States, which over the past few years has been successful in arranging trade and investment events in the USA and facilitating numerous USA business and investment visits to Namibia. I encourage other missions to emulate this excellent example. Recently we had an excellent experience in business-to-business interaction during my State visit to Botswana. Whenever I visit another country, I would like a trade and investment event to be incorporated in the program. I expect to see more trade and investment facilitation from all our missions, especially from our main trading partners, like South Africa. It is crucial that our Policy on International Relations and Cooperation pays special attention to the promotion of foreign investment through win-win partnerships. Economic diplomacy needs to be employed in order to connect investment opportunities with investors with an aim to finance our developmental objectives. With this in mind, it is crucial that we emphasize and support the capacity building of our Foreign Service personnel at Headquarters and at our diplomatic missions in order to become effective economic ambassadors. This includes becoming social media literate and conversant in other languages. It has been said that it is important to adjust to changing times and still hold on to changing principles. Although there are many aspects of our International Relations Policy that need to adjust to meet the demands of an ever changing global landscape, as a nation that aspires to uphold the spirit of Pan Africanism, we must always remain true to our identity. In conclusion, we will continue to honour our obligations to the international community and to uphold values that have made Namibia a respectable and trusted member of the international community. It has been said that change brings opportunity. Since 21 March 1990, the geo political landscape has significantly changed. We remain mindful of the challenges but we also see the opportunity to effectively pursue our national interest through a modern international relations policy. Let us seize this opportunity to write a new chapter in our relationship with the international community”.

WHEN former President Hifikepunye Pohamba scooped the Mo Ibrahim prize for African leadership earlier this year, it may have been a critical and significant psychological lift to the governance of the country at a time when it looked to its third president but more importantly this could have been an incarnation of what Namibian leadership has developed into.
Leadership which is primed at fully dedicating tenure of office to surmount the development challenges of Namibia, improving the livelihoods and welfare of people and consolidating the foundation for sustainable development, has already been the cornerstone of President Hage Geingob’s leadership philosophy and indeed international and regional recognition and appreciation has already started showing its teeth barely less than a year into his presidential tenure.
Apart from being conferred the Order of Welwitschia Mirabilis by his predecessor, Pohamba, upon his inauguration as Namibia’s third democratically elected President on 21 March 2015, this month will mark more significant recognition milestones for Geingob.
As he embarks on an 18 day international tour which will firstly take him to Cuba on an official visit and finally the United States, Geingob is to be conferred with the African Political Leader of the Year Award and an Honorary Doctorate Degree during the trip.
The Doctorate of Humane Letters will be awarded by the Fordham University in New York City, on September 22, while the 7th African Leadership Summit will confer Geingob with the African Political Leader of the Year Award, on the 18th of September in Washington DC.
Apart from this, at the Africa- America Institute (AAI) Future Leaders Legacy Fund Awards Gala Dinner that will be held on September 29, Geingob will receive the AAI 2015 Lifetime Achievements and Distinguished Alumnus Award in New York which will recognise Geingob’s lifetime achievements in working towards strengthening the education system and his leadership in pursuing independence and later socio-economic progress in Namibia.
Further set to deliver his maiden address to the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 29th, Geingob who is already a holder of a Ph.D. from the University of Leeds and numerous honorary accolades such as the LL.D. Honoris Causa by Columbia College, Illinois, Doctorate of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) by The American University of Rome and also the Order of the Sun, 1st Class by the Government of Namibia for providing outstanding political leadership, President Geingob continues to provide political hope not only for Namibia but the rest of the continent. With very little doubt, appreciation is a fundamental human need and one hopes that Geingob will respond to appreciation expressed through recognition of his work because it confirms that work in political and socio-economic leadership is valued. Having carried a resounding first 100 days in office and other encouraging timely interventions on the general political landscape, it is essential to note that Geingob’s success is far from being certain and as these positive pieces of appreciation come in, they certainly provide a clear indication that future outlook of his tenure of office is solidly bright.

…Leaves economic lessons for Namibia in view of Harambee

By Hilary Mare
RENOWNED economist and Nobel laureate, Professor Joseph Stiglitz has echoed Namibia’s development agenda and has advised government to take better advantage of its resources, diversify its economy and take on board the important lessons of development of the last third of a century.
Stiglitz who is a lecturer in economics at Columbia University in New York and was visiting the country last week together with Dr Carlos Lopes, who is the eighth executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, alluded to Namibia’s potential for performing better adding that transparency rules help ensure that the country gets full benefit and proceeds are well spent.
Taking the Harambee Prosperity Plan into account, Stiglitz affirmed that wealth should be shared and should be utilised for the benefit of all in a successful economy.
“Namibia has been relatively successful in its growth but has not done so well in achieving shared prosperity with high unemployment, high Gini coefficient
“Wealth belongs to the country as a whole, should be managed for the benefit of the country as a whole. Good, well-designed auctions can maximize the value of the proceeds going to nation as a whole. Good, well-designed contracts can provide good incentives and balance risk sharing. The private sector wants to minimize what it pays government which maximizes government assumption of risk,” he said. In the same vein during his presentation, titled ‘Current Global and African Economic Trends affecting Namibia’, Dr Lopes, who is a native and former civil servant of Guinea-Bissau, expressed support for the Harambee Prosperity Plan, saying the targets within the plan are achievable during Geingob’s term of office.
“With regards to Harambee, the base where Namibia is starting is much higher than the rest of the continent. Namibia has the resources to make Harambee a success during the term of President Hage Geingob,” Lopes stated.
In a plethora of economic lessons offered by Stiglitz during his visit, the Professor outlined that single-minded focus on inflation was worse than what was realized 20 years ago when it contributed to the global financial crisis Similarly single-minded focus on interest rate is wrong and many more instruments should be considered.
“Simplistic rules such “monetarism” and “inflation targeting” don’t work. Central banks need to simultaneously use all the instruments at their disposal which are both conventional instruments and regulatory instruments. They can’t and shouldn’t separate the two but the two need to be coordinated. Capital and financial market liberalization often lead to more instability and less growth,” he stated.
He further highlighted that all countries are in need of structural transformation affirming that in all countries there is need to address problems of climate change (both mitigation and adaptation) whilst also needing to diversify away from dependence on natural resources.
Stiglitz, a graduate of Amherst College in the US, received his PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1967 and became a full professor at Yale in 1970. In 1979 he was awarded the John Bates Clark Award, given biennially by the American Economic Association to the economist under 40 who has made the most significant contribution to the field.
He has taught at Princeton, Stanford, and MIT and was the Drummond Professor and a fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. He is now teaches at Columbia University in New York, where he is also the founder and co-president of the university’s Initiative for Policy Dialogue. He is also the Chief Economist of the Roosevelt Institute.
In 2001, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics for his analyses of markets with asymmetric information and he was a lead author of the 1995 Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
In 2011, Time magazine named Stiglitz one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He is now serving as president of the International Economic Association.