Page 5 Page 7 Page 9

World Health Assembly Rental Fighting

gives thumbs up to prices cancer by
COVID-19 inquiry rebound the plateful N$5 (INC.VAT)

DEMOCRACY IN THE MIRROR TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020

www.observer.com.na SINCE 6 MAY 1978 @whkobserver

Farmers get 12 months holiday

Staff Writer to diversify income to withstand
variable weather conditions and
pandemics such as COVID-19.

A
gribank has announced that
it will offer farmers a 12
month installment holiday
as part of the bank’s measures to
cushion them against the negative
impact of COVID-19.
“Qualifying clients of Agribank are
not mandated to pay the installment
for a period of 12 months from the
effective date of the Bank’s COVID-19
Relief and Stimulus package. The
installment and the interest applicable
to that installment will be capitalized,”
Agribank CEO Sakaria Nghikembua
said.
“Existing arrears will not be
capitalized; penalty interest of 1.5
percent will apply on arrears for relief
Nghikembua said although
commencement date of issuing the
Existing arrears will not be capitalized; penalty interest of 1.5 stimulus loans is still to be announced,
percent will apply on arrears for relief period (down from 2 they will carry a grace period in line
with the production cycle of their
percent) and installments that fall due during the relief period intended use.
will be capitalized and an additional year will be added to “The usual prudent and risk-based
credit assessment criteria will apply,
client’s loan term. as do normal terms and conditions
of these loans. The stimulus loans
period (down from 2 percent) and part of the interest rate adjustments,” carry a grace period in line with the
installments that fall due during the Nghikembua said. production cycle of the intended
relief period will be capitalized and This comes as he also announced use of the loan. The maximum
an additional year will be added to that the bank is in the process of grace period is 12 months from
client’s loan term.” finalising funding arrangements the date of loan disbursement.
He said its interest relief measures of N$200 million to provide loans
will cost the bank N$43 million. to farmers and agri-businesses to
“We are forgoing N$43 million as stimulate production and help farmers TO PAGE 2

Domestic travel won’t save tourism sector

ANDREW KATHINDI hope and it’s something to keep some international visitors.
Staff Writer of us busy for a while but it’s not “We’ve made the estimation
going to save the tourism industry. If and we usually work with
we were to rely on domestic tourism 500,000 tourists (not 1.5

H
ospitality Association
of Namibia (HAN) says
domestic tourism which
has been made possible following
re-opening of the country in Stage
2 of the lockdown, will not save the
sector. If relied upon, over half of
sector could be wiped out by next
year.
“Domestic travel is a small ray of
HAN CEO Gitta Paetzold
for the next year, we could see more
than 50 percent of our industry
closing down,” HAN Chief Executive
Officer (CEO), Gitta Paetzold told
the Windhoek Observer.
She said domestic tourists only
make up one percent of the visitors
serviced by the sector. This is
insignificant compared to higher
spending, longer bookings of
million guests or travelers)
to Namibia. If we now have
5,000 domestic tourists in
Namibia that can spend the
thousands of dollars to visit
a lodge and hundreds to go
out and eat, it’s 1 percent
of the market we have to
TO PAGE 2

As a response to the visible impact of the COVID-19 lockdown and associated restrictions on the economic sector, the Namibia Training
Authority announces the following:
• The deadline for the submission of Employer Training Grant (ETG) claim applications is extended from 1 May 2020 to 5 June 2020.
• ETG claim evidence requirements have been relaxed and now only include invoices and proof of payment for training costs.

The VETERP online platform remains open to revisit and amend claims already submitted. For guidance on the completion and submission of
claims, view our ETG video as per the following link: https://youtu.be/X93KJVNxINM

ETG claims deadline extended from

For more information, contact us at:

Tel: 061-2078 168/505/170 | levyclaims@nta.com.na | www.nta.com.na
2 TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020
NATIONAL
Farmers get 12 months holiday
FROM PAGE 1
Normal loan recovery procedures will
apply to defaulting clients after the
grace period,” he said.
He said contrary to public
assumptions about the loan program,
government was not providing the
funds but had offered the bank a
guarantee.
“We are at an advanced stage
of sourcing fairly affordable loans
based on the guarantee and we will
Domestic travel won’t save tourism sector
FROM PAGE 1
service,” HAN Exec said.
She argued that there was not a lot
of money going around for leisure
travel even before COVID-19, a
position that has been worsened by
current job losses and salary cuts.
“When Namibians do spend their
extra cash, they like spending it on
cars, clothing or traveling across
borders or going overseas. Although
domestic travel has been promoted
since 2006, it is difficult to convince
[COVID-19]
GOOD
HYGIENE
is in your hands
Clean your hands frequently
using an alcohol based hand
rub or wash with soap under
running water for at least
20 seconds.
Ministry of Health and Social Services
be raising the funds locally. The
loans will be locally denominated,”
Agribank CEO said. Asked if the bank
and government had already finalized
the guarantee agreement, he said,
“We have an absolute commitment
from the Ministry of Finance and they
are committed. We are happy with the
assurances received and the support
from the ministry.”
Nghikembua said as part of relief
measures to farmers, the bank will
de-list clients from ITC that make a
people to do that if they haven’t done
that before,” Paetzold said.
She, however, urged locals to
take advantage of some of the great
discounts currently on offer.
“We’ve got the country to ourselves;
we should make use of it. We have
wonderful campaigns at the moment
like “Local Tourism is Lekker” that are
pushing great specials and wonderful
rates. Some people are using it for the
upcoming long weekends, but it’s not
going to cover us.”
Paetzold fingered the closed borders
Toll Free: 0800 100 100
Nationhood and national pride programme
10 percent payment on their arrears
compared to the previous 100
percent requirement and clients’ loan
accounts will be restructured upon
payment of 20 percent of the amount
in arrears.
“This means that a client wishing
both to be de-listed and restructure
their loan, will be required to pay
20 percent of their arrears prior
to de-listing and restructuring.
Viability of the farming business
after restructuring must be proven
and cancelled air flights; booking
cancelations and refunds the industry
has been processing since January as
the main reasons why the sector will
not be able to weather the storm.
“The industry is cash strapped. We
don’t know how long this will last.
We cannot say, let’s pay employees
with the cash that is there, and not
pay other bills. We don’t know if
we’ll be able to call back the workers
to open up the lodges before the end
of the year. If it was only a matter of a
month or two months, then everyone
Republic of Namibia
#
in partnership with:
as part of the assessment process.
On successful restructuring of a loan
account, bank policy allows for an
additional two years to be added to the
loan term,” he said.
“This means those clients that
have good relationships with
commercial banks are in a position
to access finance from other financial
institution in their personal capacity.”
Nghikembua said the bank will
halt any legal action against farmers
who can prove that they have been
would have run to the banks and
tried to borrow money to live through
those months, but tourism is being
hit for much longer than a couple of
months.”
She said HAN has made appeals to
the Tourism ministry to consider the
proposal of opening the borders to
countries that have recorded success
in dealing with COVID-19.
“As it stands, the only savior will be
the open market, and we have already
made appeals to the line ministry
to kick start discussions at cabinet
www.observer.com.na
negatively impacted by COVID-19.
“If legal action has started but not
yet completed – the bank will pend
legal action subject to the client
consenting in writing to judgment
and proof of COVID-19 impact or
applicable down-payment on the
arrears for restructuring. If legal
action has not yet started – the bank
will not institute action if the impact
of COVID-19 is proven or upon
applicable down-payment on the
arrears for restructuring,” he said.
to create travel-for-travel between
nations that have the same approach
to the pandemic,” she said.
This pronouncement by HAN
comes after Environment, Forestry
and Tourism minister, Pohamba
Shifeta called on the sector to be price-
sensitive as a means of encouraging
domestic travelers.
The local tourism industry has been
hard hit by the closure of the country’s
borders as part of government’s
measures to control the spread of
COVID-19.
@whkobserver TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 3

NATIONAL
ADVERT

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIALISATION AND TRADE

CURRENT PUBLIC FACE MASK PRODUCERS AND SUPPLIERS NATIONWIDE
The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) has compiled a list of local manufacturers who are producing and supplying reusable and washable public face masks from all 14 Regions. This list will guide the General Public while providing information on
where they can buy these masks. This is an indication that Namibia has sufficient production capacity for face masks.

KHOMAS 8 Trina Trading Enterprises CC Oshakati 0812753241 12 Gottlieb Shangeelao Ongenga 0812117082 5 IShana Designs CC Swakopmund 0814509303
BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER 9 Dynamic Five Trading CC Oshakati 0811299390 13 Petrus Kambeu Endola 0814336011 6 NAF and Math Investments Walvis Bay 0811287745
CC
1 Dinapama Manufacturing Windhoek 0811275866 10 Seco Trading Enterprises CC Ongwediva 0812214411 14 Lidia Simeon Endola 0812739012
7 Cereal Investments Swakopmund 0813149662
2 NH Manufacturing Windhoek 0812550791 11 Enkali Professional Ongwediva 0813347097
Schoolwear /Jormos 8 Desert Trend Trading Henties Bay 0812467308
3 NM Katila Trading Windhoek 0813316735 Investment CC KAVANGO WEST Enterprises CC
4 MN Creation Windhoek 0816798770 12 Kahili Boutique Uukwangula 0812140248 BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER 9 Acky Boutique Swakopmund 0812156295
5 Adolf Trading CC Windhoek 0812177858 13 Exclusive African Classics Oshakati 0811488251 1 Oyiwanawa Fashion Design Nkurenkuru 0813509919 10 Atuukakuni Trading CC Swakopmund 0813158927
6 Valour Clothing Accessories Windhoek 0814749546 Individuals 2 Nsigwe Nage Muntu Nkurenkuru 0815777491 11 K and K Design and Swakopmund 0817367776
Investment CC Training CC
7 Tiringa Tailor and Fashion Windhoek 0813749216 14 Johanna Fillip Ondangwa 0817177167
Designer 3 Himarwankuru Trading Nkurenkuru 0813355310 12 Petmer Investment CC Walvis Bay 0817806879
15 Rosalia Amadhila Oshakati 0812438998
8 The Tailor Man –Windhoek Windhoek 0817873146 4 Kora Nyara Sewing Project Nkurenkuru 0813604315 13 Wool-YS Investment Swakopmund 0812197997
T/A SAF Investments CC 16 Martha Haikali Oshakati 0812471821
( Khomas and Oshikoto) 14 Hilka Sewing Karibib 0812976329
17 Juty Indongo Oshakati 0818439848
9 Kiitenge Tailoring and Windhoek 0812740414 KAVANGO EAST 15 Hinando Trading CC Karibib 0816917626
General Suppliers 18 Alina Shiimi Oshakati 0812973572
BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER 16 Marrels B Investment CC Karibib 0812680144
10 Rachel’s Creations CC Windhoek 0817873690 19 Mee Letti Ondangwa 0811242564
1 Yetu Garment Manufacturing Rundu 0812974408 17 Messy Creation Investment Walvis Bay 0818961014
11 Susnam Sofima ( Pty) Ltd Windhoek 0811473558 CC
18 Elkana Design Suits and Walvis Bay 0813095114
12 Robust Investment CC Windhoek 0811505050 OMAHEKE 2 Nkanda Urama Sewing Rundu 0812225494 Safaris CC
13 Momson Trading CC Windhoek 0813395252 BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER 3 Helalia Trading Enterprises Rundu 0813037806 19 Donlos Trading Walvis Bay 0818961014
CC
14 Tuna Shange Tailoring Windhoek 0813798064 1 Ngevii Investments CC Gobabis 0813293131 20 Rachmat Trading Enterprises Arandis 0812023789
and Gifts 4 Untamed Boutique Rundu 0814395710
2 W. S. Pogisho Trading Gobabis 0814729920
15 Omshasho Brand Windhoek 0812775812 Enterprises 5 Brigita Fashion Design Rundu 0813229803
ZAMBEZI
16 Nepety Trading Enterprises Windhoek 0815529072 3 Lambunga Fashion and Gobabis 0812351091
CC Design BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER
OTJOZONDJUPA
17 Eyambeko Garments Design Windhoek 0814435552 Individuals 1 Tsalach Fashion and Event Katima Mulilo 0813254481
BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER
18 Inansa Investments CC Windhoek 0812355588 4 Magdalena Kakishi Gobabis 0816714196 2 Sim Eressy Trading Katima Mulilo 0814619594
1 Ndeyanale Fast sewing Otjiwarongo 0812474427
19 Tarew General Trading CC Windhoek 0816429025 5 Wilhemiena Kanyeme Gobabis 0812835375 3 CKP Trading Enterprises Katima Mulilo 0813196217
2 Erapi Ewa Fabrics Otjiwarongo 0813359120
20 Efficiente Commercial Group Windhoek 812300980 6 Henderline Vries Gobabis 0815620200 4 New Word Fashion Katima Mulilo 0812964272
3 Atukongo Investment CC Otjiwarongo 0813020901
21 Stoneland Investment CC Windhoek 0816117218 5 Jakuchi Graphics Katima Mulilo 0813344803
4 Pillowchick Otjiwarongo 0813765169
22 Penda Enterprises CC Windhoek 0811299797 OMUSATI 6 Nyanda Nyanda Trading Katima Mulilo 0812322643
5 Oujeauhe Tradng Enterprises Otjiwarongo 0811226124
23 Eyambeko Garments Design Windhoek 0814435552 BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER Individuals
6 Handy Ladies Enterprises Grootfontein 0814164480
24 Kavaamwa Trading Windhoek 0811700001 1 Nande Trading CC Outapi 0812009868 7 Winnie Mukengami Ngweze 0816465990
7 Dantago Textiles Okahandja 0812428348
Enterprises 2 Redeem Trading CC Outapi 0813103808
Individuals
25 VJ Mulwa Windhoek 0813215152 3 Uncle Nuule Trading CC Outapi 0812806098 HARDAP
8 Helga Nieumann Otavi 0816461426
26 Wanaheda Medical Centre Windhoek 0811490566 4 Shape Trading CC Outapi 0812009868 BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER
9 Paulina Fuuma Otavi 0815809308
27 New Vision Consultancy Windhoek 0811240871 5 Lote's Fashion Design Outapi 0812229502 1 Erna Clothing Designer Mariental 0812059474
10 Mr Batseba Otjiwarongo 0812439503
28 Linus Ngomushalo Windhoek 0812418660 6 Okahao Fashion Design Okahao 0812585261 2 Ndelaina Trading Enterprises Mariental 0812755506
Investment CC 11 Henderline Vries Otjiwarongo 0815620200
7 Shining Angel Ruacana 0812365843 3 Oogies Investments Mariental 0816805637
29 Naemi Keshomwali Fashion Windhoek 0812856871 12 Hilma Tshilombo Otjiwarongo 0817589456
and Tailoring CC Individuals 4 Tobina Investments Mariental 0813837791
13 Mbahepa Kandanga Grootfontein 0812626206
30 Naupe Trading CC Windhoek 0816146597 8 Naango Outapi 0818517363 5 Shondi Trading Mariental 0813877445
31 Tumashange Tailoring Windhoek 0813798064 9 Lydia Nepolo Tsandi 0812720405 6 Omuru Investments Rehoboth 0812300145
KUNENE
32 RedGate Invesments CC Windhoek 0812131701 10 Elizabeth Amalovu Okahao 0813994909 7 JC Schoolwear Rehoboth 0816698084
BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER
33 Owera Investments CC Windhoek 0815782441 8 Petoors Trading Enterprises Leonardville 0812461255
1 Kunene Ours Investment Outjo 0816976593
34 Sharp Design Windhoek 0814259314 OSHIKOTO (Pty)Ltd 9 Survival Catering and Mariental 0814017147
Tailoring CC
35 Dela Décor Trading Windhoek 0812947336 BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER 2 Maturoro Tailoring Outjo 0818226706
Enterprise CC 10 Amalia Art and Crafts CC Aranos 0814400518
1 Paris Investments CC Omuthiya 0812441985 3 Oye Fashion Design Opuwo 0812297291
36 Jazee Trading CC Windhoek 0811439577 Individuals
2 Sweet Tailoring Trading Onayena 0812858940 4 Jasuverovandu Designing CC Opuwo 0816877960
37 Josita Enterprises Groot Aub 0814171814 Enterprises CC 11 Moeti Fleermuys Mariental 0818145580
5 Okuhepa Tailoring Epupa 0813488234
38 Ndakondjela Boutique Windhoek 0812240411 3 Rhino Work Wear CC Tsumeb 0812390128 12 Jacky Motinga Mariental 0812718615
6 Ratutuma Hungi Trading Ozombapa 0813164289
39 Aloe Lime Invetsments Windhoek 0817917545 4 Sesilia Clothing Design and Omuthiya - Enterprise CC 13 Anna Marie Witbooi Mariental 0814408261
Collection CC
40 /Khe - boss Invetsments Windhoek 0812579183 7 Rambandjara Trading Okanguati 0813752633 14 Colleen van Wyk Rehoboth 0812708253
5 Mwaandjayi Trading Omuthiya 0812619445 Enterprise CC
41 Monah Creations Windhoek 0813105219 Enterprises 15 Ingrid Gamatham Mariental 0813034650
8 Opuwo Sub-Discount Opuwo 0813561051
42 Mamtai Investments CC Windhoek 0813602769 6 Elfies Trading Company Omuthiya 0812114618 Tailoring 16 Agnes Wittenbach Mariental 0818443456
43 Puurfekt Couture Windhoek 0812300808 IndividualS 9 Donna Investment CC Khorixas 0812795637 17 Sara Swartbooi Aranos 0813117223
44 Effortless Namibia Windhoek 0812788581 7 Annete Kawela Omuthiya 0813417258 10 Rizuvaa Investment Opuwo 0816348143
45 Luxury Investments (Pty) Ltd Windhoek 0817519243 8 Frieda Ashipala Omuthiya 0812555672 11 Epango Rijeura Ouzeu Opuwo 0818546343 //KHARAS
46 Out of Africa Windhoek 0812441891 Sewing Project BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER
9 Selma Gamses Tsintsabis 0812081095
Individuals 12 Kahimbona Trading Opuwo 0812866774 1 Hekta Keetmanshoop 0812605232
Enterprises
44 Dina Afrikaner Windhoek 0815728145 OHANGWENA 2 Susan’s Tailoring Luderitz 0811601116
13 Ngazepowe Investments CC Opuwo 0816636767
45 Evaristus Kaaronda Windhoek 0818566606 BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER 3 Didi’s Trading Enterprises Keetmanshoop 0812114258
14 Emily’s Tailor Opuwo 0812802012
46 Niita Amwaama Windhoek 0816370306 1 Tuuli Trading CC Eenhana 0812582278 4 Aroab Neddlework Project Keetmanshoop 0812594980
15 Silas Tailoring Khorixas 0812319028
47 Anna Garises Windhoek 0817862169 2 Tuyimo Bag Mike an Eenhana 0816362098 5 AM Creations Keetmanshoop 0813202804
Individuals
48 Luca Moukoko Windhoek 0812025577 Trading CC 6 Zuzelin Mini Multi Fashions Keetmanshoop 0812073359
16 Kainaa Mbomnoro Sesfontein 0814364476 and Cater
49 Rachel Kaiyamo Windhoek 0817873690 3 Homestead Academy Ongula 0813197812
Production Hub yaNetanga 17 Rim Afrikaner Khorixas 0814402511 7 Carolines Needlework Keetmanshoop 0813090320
4 Nangy Designer and Eenhana 0812349696 18 Wilhemine Aipanda Kamanjab 0817021288 8 Denacle Investments Karasburg 0813631206
OSHANA Trading CC
19 Ndunge Komandevi Opuwo 0812297291 Individuals
BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER 5 Rebby Fashion Design Eenhana 0816362098
10 Sofia Bloodtsan Keetmanshoop 0812605388
1 Cliffmen Investment Ondangwa 0851274000 6 Emily's Tailor Eenhana 0812802012
(Pty) Ltd ERONGO 11 Claudia Vries Keetmanshoop 0812619299
7 Make my day Mini Market Omafo 0817129006
2 Nyukwa Boutique CC Oshakati 0812463516 BUSINESS NAME LOCATION CONTACT NUMBER 13 Christine Shiindi Luderitz 0812893189
8 Tuhafeni Boutique Eenhana 0812307265
3 Annelly Fasion & Design Ondangwa 0811287806 1 Gracies NL Investment CC Swakopmund 0811279871 14 Martha Pieters Koes 0812131718
Individuals
4 Alex Boutique Oshakati 0812694759 2 NamChoice Bed Linen Swakopmund 0813303328 15 Marley Greenwood Luderitz 0818912823
9 Kaleninasho 0811295657 Manufacturer CC
5 Salshi Ongwediva 0812226799 16 Rauha Akwaake Luderitz 0812831878
10 Fransina Katamba Odibo 0812946496 3 Alletas Uniforms & Sportwear Walvis Bay 0812229782
6 Usuta Couture CC Ongwediva 0813210966 Centre CC 17 Ms. Mungunda Klein Karas 0816281544
11 Justin Haitembu Onhuno 0818162399
7 Hipu Trading CC Ongwediva 0812463460 4 Faithful Designs CC Walvis Bay 0812003396

For further information please contact the following:

NB : Kindly take note that the list will continue to be updated as more producers become available Policy Enquiries: Dr. M. Humavindu +264 61 2837258 or Email: Michael. Humavindu@Mitsmed.gov.na
Technical enquiries: Ilona Nkandi +264 61 2837309 or Email: Ilona.Nkandi@Mitsmed.gov.na
or Mr. Shikongeni.Ntinda +264 811665068 or Email: shikongeni.ntinda@gmail.com
 COVID-19
4 TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 www.observer.com.na

COVID-19

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019

World Health Assembly gives
thumbs up to COVID-19 inquiry
T
he World Health Assembly
has adopted a resolution that
would initiate a process of an
impartial, independent evaluation
of the World Health Organisation’s
handling of the coronavirus
pandemic.
The vote, by consensus among the
194 member states, determines that
such an investigation would happen at
an appropriate time.
The Assembly’s decision comes a day
after United States President Donald
Trump publicly released a letter he’d
to major substantive improvements
within the next 30 days.
The resolution determines a stepwise
process of an impartial, independent
and comprehensive evaluation to
review the experience gained and
lessons learned from the WHO-
coordinated international health
response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the text urges
measures on global coordination,
China reports 6 new coronavirus
implementation of national action
plans, including a whole of government
cases, including one in Wuhan
and society approach to the virus while

sent to Director-General Dr Tedros
Ghebreyesus threatening to make a
temporary funding freeze permanent
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus if the organisation didn’t commit
Funding for young
calling on international stakeholders
to work collaboratively to facilitate
equitable and affordable access to
vaccines and therapeutics.-sabc
www.sisanamandjeinc.com
C
hina reported six confirmed
coronavirus cases for May
18, including a new case in
Wuhan, the health authority said on
Tuesday, compared to seven a day
earlier.
The National Health Commission
(NHC) said in its daily bulletin
that three of the six new cases were
imported.
The imported cases were all in the
northern Chinese region of Inner
Mongolia.
Of the three new local transmissions,
two were in the northeastern border
province of Jilin, currently in a semi-
lockdown as it battles with a new wave
Wuhan, where the new coronavirus
outbreak first began in China, reported
one new case for May 18, a patient who
was previously asymptomatic.
The central Chinese city in Hubei
province is in the midst of a massive
testing campaign to identify virus
carriers who exhibit no outward
signs of illness but are still capable of
infecting others.
Wuhan last reported a cluster of six
cases on May 9-10.
The new cases reported for May 18
takes the cumulative tally of mainland
infections to 82 960, with the death toll
at 4 634.
The NHC also reported 17 new

Legal Practitioners of infections.

Separately, the Jilin health authority
reported on Tuesday that it had
asymptomatic coronavirus cases on
May 18, compared with 18 on the
previous day.
confirmed five new cases for May 18. China excludes asymptomatic cases
No explanation was given for the from its tally of confirmed infections-
Sisa Namandje and Company, one of Namibia’s leading law firms and winner discrepancy with the NHC number. sabc
of the Diamond PMR Awards (2019) has identified the need to contribute to
opportunities for young Namibian lawyers and diversify economic growth in
regions with fast-growing emerging towns.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, the law firm is looking to assist and
fund one or two young legal practitioners between the ages of 25-35 years old,
driven by a passion to pursue justice and fairness for all by establishing a law
URGENT NOTICE
firm in Namibia’s second largest (by population) region, Ohangwena Region. 12 MAY 2020
The candidates must meet the following requirements: ALL MEMBERS OF MEATCO
– Admitted legal practitioner for at least one year;
34th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEATCO MEMBERS - 26th JUNE 2020
– Willing to set up an office in Eenhana and serve all surrounding towns (Helao Nafidi,
Dear esteemed Member of Meatco, members’ condonation as follows:
Okongo, etc.);
– Have a strong interest and serious commitment to pursue conveyancing practice; Notice is hereby given in view of the 34th AGM i. Condoning the deferment of the 34th (2020) AGM
– Interest in practicing both criminal and civil law; scheduled for 26th June 2020. In view of the prevailing from 26th June 2020 to a future date, time and
COVID·19 force majeure event, and the ensuing State venue which will promptly be determined by the
– Self-motivated individual with a passion for law and research; of Emergency declaration, I wish to notify the Meatco Board of Directors following the earliest of the lifting
– Demonstrate sound business acumen and ability to innovate as the need arises; members as follows: of restrictions on public gatherings; and
– Great interpersonal skills for both internal and external engagements;
1. In terms of section 14 of the Meat Corporation Act, ii. Condoning short notification for such future AGM, to
– Self-starter with strong communication skills; Act 1 of 2001, the Chairperson of the Board is with, of less than 30 calendar days as per the
– You will be required to enter into a written funding agreement with the law firm; required to convene an AGM of Meatco members Standard Rules governing the members’ AGMs
within five (5) months after the end of each issued under section 14(9) of the Meatco Act.
– You will in future, in given cases, serve as the correspondent for the law firm in Financial Year. This year's AGM is scheduled
Ohangwena region. for 26th June 2020, a date falling within Stage 3 of 3. This notification is published in two newspapers
the State of Emergency. As per the further circulating in Namibia and has been circulated via
requirements of the MeatcoAct (section 14(6)),30 email and sms for a broader outreach.
The law firm will provide funding of up to N$100,000.00 as start up capital, members constitute a quorum for purposes of a
repayable in 12 months with no interest charged. valid AGM; the aforementioned number excludes 4. Objections, if any, to the foregoing request for
the convenor of such AGM and other support condonation should kindly be forwarded in writing to
personnel. the Corporation not later than 22nd May 2020,
marked for the attention of the Chairperson.
Interested candidates are encouraged to send their proposals to sisa@iway.na 2. In view of the ongoing State of Emergency and the
ensuing restrictions on public gatherings, this We thank you for your understanding and count on your
and taimi@sisanamandjeinc.com on or before the 30th of May 2020. communique serves to notify all Meatco members usual cooperation.
that the ongoing force majeure event impacts the
Chairperson's ability to convene the 34th AGM Yours faithfully,
Documents to be submitted: within the requirements of section 14 of the Johnnie Hamman
aforementioned law and accordingly seeks the Chairperson: Meatco Board of Directors
– Certified copy of Relevant Qualifications – Certified copy of Admission Certificate
– Certified copy of Identity Document – Curriculum Vitae with three references
– Law Firm proposal

+264 61 259 848

DM0202000361526_IK
 @whkobserver TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 5

&COVID-19
WORLDNATIONAL
COVID-19
AFRICA CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019

SADC mediation delegation

commended for Thabane’s peaceful exit
T
he Southern African
Development Community
( SADC) delegation that
was sent to Lesotho to mediate
the situation between outgoing
Prime Minister Tom Thabane
and opposition parties has been
commended for brokering a
peaceful exit agreement. The
delegation was led by former
South African Cabinet Minister,
Jeff Radebe.
Lesotho’s Finance Minister,
Moeketsi Majoro, will take over
from Thabane who announced
his resignation earlier on Tuesday
during an address to the nation.
Majoro will be sworn in on
Wednesday.
“The delegation that comprised
some officials and ministers from
RSA (Republic of South Africa)
came into Lesotho just to broker a
deal so that the Prime Minister could
have a dignified exit. They have done
a great job because the transition
that we are going through now has
been a very peaceful one. This is
the first time in the history of this
country that a sitting Prime Minister
volunteers to retire. The deal was
put before parliament and finally,
the deal was unanimously passed by
both houses of parliament and it was
given royal assent by his majesty,”
says Thabane’s Senior Private
Secretary, Thabo Thakalekwala.
Thabane says he is stepping aside
to make way for young people.
“He will only relinquish all his
powers tomorrow when the new
prime minister will be sworn in,
so until then he is still the prime
minister even though he has
tendered his resignation his reasons
are basically that he has been in
government for a very long time. He
has no more energy to continue. He
wants to rest so he is saying that he
should make way for younger people
to take over the reins of power.”
Thabane has been under pressure
to resign over a court case in which
he and his current wife are suspects
in the murder of his former wife,
nearly three years ago.-sabc Prime Minister Tom Thabane

T E ND E R S

Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb invites registered, competent and experienced companies to tender for the following:
Ivan Kagame

Rwanda DPMT20005 TRANSPORTATION OF COPPER CONCENTRATE AND BLISTER

president’s
Transport Copper Concentrate from, the Port in Walvis Bay to the Smelter in Tsumeb and Blister on Backloads from
the Smelter in Tsumeb to the Port in Walvis Bay.

son lands Details of the Tender

Tender document availability: From Monday, 18 May 2020. Documents will be available on request

top state job Cost per set:

Submission closing date:
via email at: contractsnam@dundeeprecious.com (07h00 to 16h00)
N$ 200.00 (non-refundable)
Wednesday, 17 June at 12h00
SAMBA CYUZUZO
BBC NEWS, GREAT LAKES
DPMT20009 FABRICATION AND SUPPLY OF STAINLESS-STEEL ID FAN CASINGS

T
he eldest son of Rwanda’s
President Paul Kagame Fabricate and deliver two stainless steel induced draft (ID) fan casings.
has been appointed to
the board of a government
agency that oversees business Details of the Tender
registration and tourism. Tender document availability:
Ivan Kagame’s appointment to From Monday, 18 May 2020. Documents will be available on request
the Rwanda Development Board by email at: contractsnam@dundeeprecious.com (07h00 to 16h00)
was announced by the prime
minister’s office on Monday. Cost per set: N$ 200.00 (non-refundable)
The board was responsible Submission closing date: Wednesday, 17 June at 12h00
for the signing of multi-million
dollar sponsorship deals with Submission requirements details are defined in the tender documents (ITT) and the closing date for submission is
top European football clubs final, no extensions will be granted. Enquiries pertaining to Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb (DPMT) tenders can
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain be directed to:
to promote tourism in the East
African nation. Contracts Namibia: contractsnam@dundeeprecious.com
Thirty-year-old Ivan Kagame
is rarely seen in media or social All tender proposals must be clearly marked with the following:
media and has so far avoided
dabbling in politics. He holds a Name of Tenderer
business degree from an American
Address
university.
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s cabinet
Official Stamp
has extended coronavirus Tender No: DPMT20005, DPMT20009
containment measures after Attention: The Tender Board,
it partially lifted a nationwide Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb (Pty) Ltd,
lockdown about three weeks P.O. Box 936, Tsumeb, Namibia
ago. Bars, schools and places of
worship will remain closed. A
night-time curfew will now start an Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb employs an equal opportunity
hour later at 21:00 local time. Find us on Facebook
policy. Calls for tenders will be awarded through a competitive
President Kagame also pardoned
bidding process which is transparent and open to all. Any  dundeeprecious.com
50 “young women” convicted for
abortion and 3,596 prisoners will persons or companies may bid.
be conditionally released. –bbc
6 TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 www.observer.com.na

NATIONAL

Labour issue in court case signals doom

I
n general, we tend to support the lawsuit by several companies challenging
the government. The cherry-picking of existing national labour laws, will
destroy their businesses. Other laws that could overlap this situation are
being side-stepped. The precedent is frightening.
Others will credibly argue that the prevention of mass terminations and
precipitously firing thousands of workers during a state of emergency is
not a political agenda, but a national security consideration. At worst, it is a
humanitarian imperative. The courts will have their hands full sorting the
matter. Many are watching this ruling.
This decision could break the Namibian economy, either way it goes. King
Solomon only had to decide between two women claiming to be the mother of a
child. Our judges will have to decide if hundreds of businesses go bankrupt OR
tens of thousands of workers lose their jobs now (instead of three months from
now.)
Private sector businesses are being forced to temporarily subsidize workers
because the government cannot afford to do so. They are shoved into doing this

Lockdown in SA must end

when it could force them into insolvency.
We are not lawyers (thank goodness) so allow us to use sophomoric logic.
A hotel with no rooms occupied; no banquets or meetings underway; no food
being sold and no bar serving liquor is on the fast road to bankruptcy. Time is
the determining factor. If there is no money coming in, then no bills can be paid,
JOHN GEAR AND IAN MCGORIAN
salaries included.
A construction company that is not building anything for the next 3-6 months,

C
cannot pay its employees. ovid-19 could well be
A clothing store with no customers for 1-6 months is no longer a viable remembered as the ‘Panic
business concern. You cannot pay a sales clerk to assist customers when there Pandemic’. We present a case
are none. You cannot pay a stock boy to unload trucks of goods when none are for your consideration. We argue that
arriving. suppression/lockdown is not a viable
We submit that the Ministry of Labour mishandled this entire situation. They strategy for this country or any other
were not proactive but reactive. It is as if the negative backlash for workers country for that matter, and it never
resulting from the state of emergency is a surprise to them. The Ministry should has been.
have been in communication with employers before the State of Emergency was By its very nature, our argument
announced. requires a dispassionate view, one that is
Did that ministry ever consider that closing the borders meant (for example) data-centric rather than people-centric.
no tourism revenue and no jobs for tourism employees? They needed to get It is indisputable that we faced
“unknown unknowns” at the outset
statistics and loss projections. They should have started giving advice, proposing
of this pandemic. That position has
alternatives, and establishing rapport immediately.
changed; there is now enough data to
Instead, the Labour Ministry is operating during this unprecedented national require a policy rethink. What we do
crisis with their usual, “workers-are-always-right; profit-seeking-owners-are- know with certainty is that Covid-19 is
always-wrong” mind-set. not as fatal as initially predicted.
They sat back and let this workers’ plight explode. How does that serve the How these initial models have been
Namibian workforce? relied on to drive the policy of lockdown
All that said, we are not unmindful that there are business owners and will no doubt be recorded in the annals.
executives out there that are quietly cheering the pandemic. They now have a It seems almost redundant, but entirely
built-in excuse to fire employees that have given no legitimate cause for dismissal. necessary, to point out that since the
Boards and executives can blame the pandemic and clear the decks. 1950s, more than 300 contagious
There are employers out there that could limp along towards better days with diseases have emerged or re-emerged
a 20 percent staff reduction. Now, however, they will implement a 40 percent in populations that had never been
reduction. Some of these companies were already in business trouble BEFORE exposed to them. These include such
the pandemic. They now see a solution they couldn’t dare use earlier. dread examples as Lassa Fever, Marburg
They will surrender short term profits and hope that a longer-term cycle will Fever, Ebola, HIV/Aids, SARS, Zika,
MERS and Swine Flu. In not one of
show better annual figures with permanent down-sizing. They can blame it all
these outbreaks was the world economy
on COVID-19. Shareholders are still angling for some level of dividends at the
shut down. Yet we can recall the dread
expense of the workers. and fear related to each of these events.
There are businesses cutting salaries by half (without written agreements with Furthermore, we still do not have
workers). And yet management expects the same hours/level of work. vaccines, despite decades of research,
This will sweep across Namibia. They can blame the poor products and bad for some of them.
service (yet increased prices) on the pandemic and get a free pass. How the current event has triggered
It was reported that an epic level of complaints have been made to the slow- worldwide suppression/lockdown is
moving labour ministry. We predict that number will rise even higher. Where is hard to understand.
the Ministry’s plan to manage that nightmare? Let us not discount the viral diseases
This court case will be closely watched. Thousands of desperate businesses that we are, and have been, prepared
with no income (or severely reduced income) and yet have a consistent wage bill, to live with. Government has not and is
are watching. not considering draconian measures for
Hundreds of thousands of workers that want full pay while they do no work or viral hepatitis, HIV/Aids or influenza.
(statistically quantified) less work, are watching. Covid-19 has spread at different
velocities and has taken hold at different
The financially downtrodden Government, worried about immediate mass
dates in different populations, regardless
unemployment, angry demonstrations and hungry citizens, is watching.
of lockdown severity or implementation
Let us watch to see if the courts find an administrative ‘out’ of this doomsday date. Covid-19 is not a runaway train.
decision rather than decide the merits of the issue. In every instance described, we see
a familiar pattern common to viral
outbreaks.
The severity or earliness of the
suppression/lockdown does not have a
predictable flattening of the curve.
By this expedient, every possible
variable is removed from the equation
(weather, health capacity, lockdown
stringency, ad infinitum). The results are
nothing less than astonishing.
There are 89 countries with less than
1,000 confirmed cases; there are 33
countries that have reached the 40-day
marker described. It can’t escape notice
that the active rate is in decline.
It is blindingly obvious that the people
most at risk from Covid-19 are not in
the population group that drives the
economy, and even less so in the learning
group. Even with the limited data
available in South Africa, older people
with co-morbidities are clearly the most
affected in our population.
The simultaneous destruction of
both the demand and supply side of the
economy for any period is a high-risk
gamble; for an extended period the risk
extrapolates.
While we claim no economic
background, there can be little if any
doubt that the decision to lock down (for
21 days) and subsequent hesitation in
lifting the lockdown will have disastrous
effects on our country.
The reasoning currently being offered
by the government in defence of their
position, and as justification for the
overreach of their powers, does not stand
up to even the laxest scrutiny. By the
government’s own admission, we have
been tipped over an abyss.
The economy must reopen, not in the
staggered manner currently expounded.
It must reopen as rapidly as possible.
Decision-making must be restored to the
system, not the government. Let society
establish the new norm. Let companies
(directors and employees) resolve
the challenges of physical distancing,
hygiene, testing etc. Now, more than
ever, the sense of a need for cooperation
between science, industry, government,
the populace and medicine is at an
unprecedented peak: let us leverage that
sentiment for positive outcomes.
A vaccine may or may not be
developed in the next year. At the end
of the day, Covid-19 is not going away.
We will have many more infections and
more deaths. We will probably face a
surge in winter (as with many respiratory
viral infections).
While the loss of a single life to
Covid-19 is tragic, actively increasing
the loss of life caused by impoverishing
millions is worse. The loss of life caused
by the lockdown will far exceed the loss
of life from the virus.
What we need now is decisive and
reasoned action. While evidence for
lockdown is evaporating, so too is
support for that same strategy. We can
no longer be silent and compliant. We
need to abandon strategies that do more
harm than good, and we need to rescue
our economy.
Article shortened for space - Ed
www.dailymaverick.co

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 @whkobserver TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 7
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@whkobserver

Rental prices rebound

Staff Writer the demand and supply dynamics in lucrative picture of the Namibian rental
the housing market, particularly in the market. Furthermore, it points to the
medium to higher-end of the market. fact that rent prices are growing at a

T
he FNB Rental Index for the
first quarter of 2020 shows
that overall residential rent
prices rebounded from a two-year
negative growth territory.
Frans Uusiku, FNB Market
Research Manager said the Covid-19
lockdown is bound to paint a different
picture when looking at quarter two of
2020.
“Although we reached a 12-month
average growth of 0.0 percent at the
end of March, bringing the national
monthly average rent price to N$
7465, we know that the pandemic has
disrupted business activity, resulting
in job losses and reduced income for
the most part of the labour force. This
is bound to have a devastating effect
on tenants and landlord cash flow
going forward. We expect the rental
market to hit a growth plateau in the
second quarter before it reverts back to
negative growth territory.”
Uusiku notes that when looking
at the first quarter of 2020, the FNB
Rental Index states that the listed
rental units were largely concentrated
in the 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom
segments, accounting for 43 percent
and 32 percent of the overall listings,
respectively.
Uusiku adds that these rental units
were only recorded in Windhoek where
FNB Market Research Manager Frans Uusiku
the rural-urban migration is relatively
high compared to other towns.
“This observation continues to
affirm the existing imbalance between
The overall improvement in the
rental index was driven mainly by the
2-bedroom and more-than-3 bedrooms
segments, which grew by 3 percent and
2 percent y/y, respectively.”
According to the report, growth
in deposits charged by landlords
contracted by 32.1 percent y/y at the
end of March 2020 compared to a
growth of 11.8 percent y/y recorded
during the same period of 2019.
“This brought the deposit to rent ratio
to a 10-year record low of 5.8 percent.
The last time Namibia experienced
such a low deposit to rent-ratio was in
2009 during the global financial crisis.
The contraction was notable across all
the four rental segments with the 1,
2, and 3-bedroom units contracting
by 22.4 percent, 39.8 percent and
33.2 percent y/y respectively, while
the more-than-3 bedrooms segment
contracted by 28.1 percent y/y at the
end of March 2020. This implies that
upfront tenancy deposit is becoming
less of a requirement due to stifling
economic conditions.”
On the topic of rental yields, Uusiku
stated that on an annual basis, rental
yields edged up by 0.3 percentage points
to 7.8%y/y at the end of March 2020.
“This is consistent with the observed
improvement in the overall rental
index growth and continues to paint a
relatively fast pace compared to growth
in the house prices.”
Uusiku said that the residential rental
market had nearly evaded the negative
growth territory, recording a 12-month
average growth of 0.0 percent at the
end of March 2020 compared to a
contraction of 5.2 percent y/y recorded
over the same period of 2019.
He added that this was likely to be
reversed by the COVID-19 pandemic
and the associated implementation
of nation-wide lockdown effective 28
March 2020.
“While the impact of the COVID
crisis and lockdown is not yet reflected
in the data, the stark reality is likely
to be reflected in the second quarter
with a potential growth reversal in rent
prices expected, as landlords may be
forced to negotiate for discounted rent
to remain afloat. Although evictions are
currently banned during the lockdown,
tenants whose livelihoods are directly
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
and lockdown will have limited or no
income to pay up rent for the remainder
of the lockdown period. All in all, the
advent of this pandemic serves as a
stark reminder to households and
businesses to shore up their emergency
funds to ensure that they are better
prepared to survive unexpected future
events.”

EXTENSION OF CLOSING DATE FOR BIDS

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

1. Bidders are invited to submit proposals for the following work & services required:
NCS/ONB/AGRI - 03/2019-2020 2. Interested eligible bidders may inspect the bidding Documents at the address given below.

Provision of security Services at Agribank Head Office & Gobabis 3. Qualification requirements can be obtained from the bid document.
Branch
Closing date: 11H00, 27 May 2020. 4. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be acquired as follows:
4.1 Procurement No. NCS/ONB/AGRI - 03/2019-2020 may be purchased as instructed in the bid
Technical Enquiries: Mrs. Victoria Hauwanga - Tel: 061 207 4221, document
vhauwanga@agribank.com.na 4.2 Procurement No. W/RFQ/AGRI-01/2019-2020 may be purchased as instructed in the bid
document

W/RFQ/AGRI-01/2019-2020 5. Bids must be delivered to Agribank Head Office, Reception, Ground Floor as per the closing
Renovations to the Agribank Zambezi Branch Offices in Katima Mulilo date and time specified. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected.
Closing date: 11H00, 27 May 2020.
6. The address(es) referred to above is(are): Agricultural Bank of Namibia, Website:
Technical Enquiries: Mrs. Victoria Hauwanga - Tel: 061 207 4221, http://agribank.com.na/page/bidders
vhauwanga@agribank.com.na Administrative Enquiries:
Okeri Mbingeneeko, Tel: +264 61 207 4327, tenders@agribank.com.na
agribank agribank Windhoek Head Office Katima Mulilo Mariental Midland (Windhoek) Otjiwarongo Oshakati Rundu Gobabis
(061) 207 4111 (066) 252 060 (063) 242 818 (061) 207 4202 (067) 304 596 (065) 221 358 (066) 255 645 (062) 577 800/1
www.agribank.com.na info@agribank.com.na katima@agribank.com.na southern@agribank.com.na midland@agribank.com.na otjeroku@agribank.com.na oshakati@agribank.com.na kavango@agribank.com.na gobabis@agribank.com.na
 8 TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 www.observer.com.na

CAREERS

What can employers say about former employees?

ALISON DOYLE
How much information employers can disclose about employees
O
ne of the things job seekers
often wonder about is what that limit what employers can disclose about dates is a red flag for a potential employer too,
an old employer can say former employees. and could result in you not getting the job.
about them as a former employee. If you were fired or terminated from Also, not telling the truth during the
Some job seekers believe companies employment, the company can say so. application process can get you fired at
can only, legally, release dates of They can also give a reason. For example, if any time in the future - even years after
employment, salary, and your old someone was fired for stealing or falsifying a you were hired. That’s because most job
job title. However, that’s not the timesheet, they can explain why the employee applications have a section where you verify
case. was terminated. Depending on state laws, the information is accurate.
Can an employer say a former employers may also be able to share general
employee was fired or terminated for feedback on your performance. Don’t Presume the Company Won’t
cause? How about saying that you That said, because of defamation laws Disclose Information
quit without notice, were frequently (which is slander or libel) companies are Don’t presume that your former employer
tardy, or performed poorly on the job? usually careful about what information they won’t disclose the reason why your job ended.
Are there limits to what an employer provide to hiring managers confirming Large companies typically have policies
can say about you? employment or checking references. What regarding the disclosure of former employee
There are no federal laws restricting they say has to be the truth or the company information, but may not. Many smaller
what information an employer can can be subject to a lawsuit from the former employers don’t have a policy at all or aren’t
- or cannot - disclose about former employee. Legally, a former employer can say aware of or concerned about legal liability
employees. And while most states anything that is factual and accurate. issues.
have laws about what employers can In either case, it’s important to know
legally disclose, and to whom, many do How to Check on What the Company what the employer is going to say about you
allow employers to share details about Will Disclose because what you say needs to match what the
job performance, responsibilities, If you have been fired or terminated, company is going to say.
and professional conduct. Check check with your former employer and ask If your version doesn’t match theirs and
your state labor department website what information they will give out when you feel the company’s story about your
for information on state labor laws they get a call to verify your work history. termination isn’t accurate, be upfront and say
For background, it may be helpful to review so. You’ll have a better chance of getting the
questions commonly asked during reference job than if you say one thing and the company
checks. If your former employer does give out says another.
more information than the basics, it doesn’t Finally, if you anticipate a negative reference
hurt to try to negotiate the additional details from a former employer, share additional
they share. It certainly can’t hurt to ask. references. If you didn’t get along with your
If you left under difficult circumstances, manager, for instance, provide a peer as
you could ask someone you know to call and a reference as well. Or, provide reference
check your references, that way you’ll know options from jobs earlier in your career. One
LEASE what information is going to come out. Or, negative reference will seem less meaningful
you can also use a reference checking service if there are many positive references available
MAY 2020 to check on what will be disclosed to future as well.
employers. The information contained in this article
is not legal advice and is not a substitute for
Getting the Story Straight such advice. State and federal laws change
NAMDEB SUPPORTS FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 It’s important that your story and your frequently, and the information in this article
former employer’s story match. If you say may not reflect your own state’s laws or the
you were laid-off and the company says most recent changes to the law. For current
you fired, you’re not going to get the job. tax or legal advice, please consult with or an
arguably the greatest public health and socio-economic challenge that the world has encountered inMisrepresenting your job title or employment attorney.-BALANCE CAREERS
cades, COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, but the impact will likely be felt much more severely by
nerable members of the community. The economic impact will also likely be felt long after the health risks
ve subsided.
CALL FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR
a responsible corporate citizen, Namdeb has a long-term commitment to support the sustainability and PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF A MARBLE MINE
lness of our host communities. As part of the De Beers Group, Namdeb has partnered with the Anglo-
erican Foundation to provide basic food provisions to the most vulnerable of households that are impacted This notice serves to inform all interested and affected parties that an
the pandemic. In terms of this program, a total of 2000 food parcels will be distributed to qualifying application for the environmental clearance certificate will be launched with the
useholds in the communities of Oranjemund and Lüderitz for a period of 3 months. The food is being procured Environmental Commissioner in terms of the Environmental Management Act
(No.7 of 2007) and the Environmental Regulations (GN 30 of 2012). The
he area to support local business and the packaging and distribution has already commenced.
NAMDEB SUPPORTS FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 project will comprise of marble mining activities.
s sponsorship also includes the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the government clinic in
Location: The proposed development is located 15 km northeast of Karibib on
anjemund asAswell as the
arguably theLüderitz hospital.
greatest public Namdeb
health has furthermore
and socio-economic challengeprovided
that the community support in
world has encountered in terms of farm Okawayo, Erongo Region.
areness, sanitation and alsopandemic
decades, COVID-19 availed has
its medical facilities
affected everyone, inthe
but Oranjemund to the
impact will likely public
be felt muchfor any
more Covid-19
severely by related Proponent: Sunsand Investments (Pty) Ltd
vulnerable
ses. The combined members
value of the
of the PPEcommunity.
and foodThe economic
parcels impact will also likely
is approximately N$be3 felt long after the health risks
million.
have subsided.
ymbolic handover ceremony
As a responsible was held
corporate onNamdeb
citizen, Friday, has
8 May 2020 atcommitment
a long-term the Oranjemund Constituency
to support office,
the sustainability and and was
ended by the Oranjemund and Rosh Pinah Regional Councillor, Hon. Lazarus Nangolo, Oranjemund
wellness of our host communities. As part of the De Beers Group, Namdeb has partnered with the Anglo- town
American
yor, Hon. Henry Foundation
Coetzee to provide basic
and Namdeb Chieffood provisionsOfficer,
Operating to the most
Drvulnerable of households that are impacted
Jurgen Jacob.
by the pandemic. In terms of this program, a total of 2000 food parcels will be distributed to qualifying
households in the communities of Oranjemund and Lüderitz for a period of 3 months. The food is being
e food parcel distribution is done in collaboration with community stakeholders who are tasked with the
procured in the area to support local business and the packaging and distribution has already commenced.
ntification ofThis
the most vulnerable
sponsorship members
also includes of of
the provision their communities.
Personal In handing
Protective Equipment (PPE) out parcels
to the at the
government Ambrosius
clinic
utenya Primary School inasOranjemund,
in Oranjemund Namdeb
well as the Lüderitz CEO,
hospital. Riaan
Namdeb hasBurger said:provided
furthermore “We are committed
community to in
support stand with
vernment interms of awareness, sanitation and also availed its medical facilities in Oranjemund to the public for any
the national efforts towards the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I would also like to express
Covid-19 related cases. The combined value of the PPE and food parcels is approximately N$ 3 million.
sincere gratitude to the Anglo American Foundation and the Namdeb team who have worked hard to make
s a reality.” A symbolic handover ceremony was held on Friday, 8 May 2020 at the Oranjemund Constituency office, and
was attended by the Oranjemund and Rosh Pinah Regional Councillor, Hon. Lazarus Nangolo, Oranjemund
town Mayor, Hon. Henry Coetzee and Namdeb Chief Operating Officer, Dr Jurgen Jacob.

The food parcel distribution is done in collaboration with community stakeholders who are tasked with the
UED BY NAMDEB CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
identification of the most vulnerable members of their communities. In handing out parcels at the Ambrosius
Amutenya Primary School in Oranjemund, Namdeb CEO, Riaan Burger said: “We are committed to stand with
Government in the national efforts towards the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I would also like to
angelao Ndadi
express my sincere gratitude to the Anglo American Foundation and the Namdeb team who have worked
hard to make this a reality.”
rporate Affairs Manager
Dr Frans Indongo
ISSUED Street
BY NAMDEB CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS All interested and affected parties are hereby invited to register and submit their
mdeb Centre, 10th Floor comments regarding the proposed project on or before 27/05/2019. Contact
Shangelao Ndadi details for registration and further information:
mail: shangelao.ndadi@namdeb.com
Corporate Affairs Manager
10 Dr Frans Indongo Street Mr. N Amutenya
Namdeb Centre, 10th Floor Email: eia@impalac.com
DEB DIAMONDE-mail: shangelao.ndadi@namdeb.com
CORPORATION (PTY) LTD Namdeb is a wholly owned subsidiary of Namdeb (Proprietary Limited Holdings which is owned in equal
Tel: + 264856630598
es (50:50) by the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers. Namdeb performs land-based prospecting (exploration), mining and
bilitation operation and services for Namdeb Holdings. Namdeb has eight mining licenses which cover 15 789 square kilometers. The heart of
perations is along the southwest coast of Namibia with the main land-based operations in Oranjemund and satellite mines near Lüderitz and
g the Orange River. Several types of innovative mining techniques are employed to extract diamonds from alluvial deposits of ore bodies. Namdeb
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What causes a rainbow?
LARRY SPRINKLE
[Last week driving home after nice
rain in Windhoek, we were all treated
to a beautiful rainbow. I was asked by
someone, what causes it. I didn’t know for
certain, now I do. – Ed]
S
unlight consists of all the colors
of light, which add together to
make white illumination. When
N Fighting cancer by the plateful
o single food can prevent
cancer, but the right
combination of foods
may help make a difference. At
mealtimes, strike a balance of at least
two-thirds plant-based foods and no
more than one-third animal protein.
Fruits and veggies
Fruits and vegetables are rich in
cancer-fighting nutrients -- and the
more color, the more nutrients they
contain. These foods can help lower
your risk in a second way, too, when
they help you reach and maintain a
healthy body weight. Carrying extra
pounds increases the risk for multiple
cancers, including colon, esophagus,
and kidney cancers. Eat a variety of
vegetables, especially dark green, red,
and orange vegetables.
The cancer-fighting breakfast
Naturally occurring folate is an
important B vitamin that may help
protect against cancers of the colon,
rectum, and breast. You can find it
in abundance on the breakfast table.
Fortified breakfast cereals and whole
wheat products are good sources of
folate. So are orange juice, melons, and
strawberries.
More folate-rich foods
Other good sources of folate are
asparagus and eggs. You can also
find it in beans, sunflower seeds, and
leafy green vegetables like spinach
or romaine lettuce. The best way to
get folate is not from a pill, but by
eating enough fruits, vegetables, and
enriched grain products. Women who
are pregnant or may become pregnant
should take a supplement to make
sure they get enough folic acid to help
prevent certain birth defects.
Skip the cold meats
Cutting back on processed meats
like bologna, ham, and hot dogs will
help lower your risk of colorectal and
stomach cancers.
Eating smoked or salted meats
raises your exposure to chemicals that
can potentially cause cancer.
Cancer-fighting tomatoes
Whether it’s the lycopene -- the
pigment that gives tomatoes their
red color -- or something else isn’t
clear. But some studies have linked
WINDHOEK OBSERVER
sunlight enters water droplets, it
reflects off their inside surfaces. While
passing through the droplets, the light
also separates into its different colors,
which is similar to the effect of a glass
prism.
Every falling drop of water actually
flashes its colors to the observer for just
an instant, before another drop takes its
place.
Rainbows are normally seen in the
eating tomatoes to reduced risk of
several types of cancer, including
prostate cancer. Studies also suggest
that processed tomato products such
as juice, sauce, or paste increase the
cancer-fighting potential.
Tea’s anticancer potential
Even though the evidence is still
spotty, tea, especially green tea, may be
a strong cancer fighter. In laboratory
studies, green tea has slowed or
prevented the development of cancer
in colon, liver, breast, and prostate
cells. It also had a similar effect in lung
tissue and skin. And in some longer
SINCE 6 MAY 1978
opposite direction in the sky from the
sun. The rainbow light is reflected to
the eye at an angle of 42 degrees to the
original ray of sunlight. The bow shape
you see is actually part of a cone of light
that is cut off by the horizon.
If you travel toward the end of a
rainbow, it will move ahead of you,
maintaining its shape. That means there
is no real end to a rainbow, and for those
expecting it---no pot of gold either!
term studies, tea was associated with
lower risks for bladder, stomach, and
pancreatic cancers.
Grapes and cancer
Grapes and grape juice, especially
purple and red grapes, contain
resveratrol. Resveratrol has strong
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties. In laboratory studies, it has
prevented the kind of damage that can
trigger the cancer process in cells.
Limit alcohol to lower cancer risk
Cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx,
esophagus, liver, and breast are all
Because the 42 degree angle is
measured from each individual
observer’s eye, no two people see exactly
the same rainbow.
Every person is at the center of his
or her own particular cone of colored
light. From the high vantage point of a
mountaintop or an airplane a complete
circle of rainbow light sometimes can
actually be seen.
The bright, primary rainbow has
linked with drinking alcohol. Alcohol
may also raise the risk for cancer of the
colon and rectum.
The mighty bean
Beans are so good for you, it’s no
surprise they may help fight cancer,
too.
They contain several potent
phytochemicals that may protect
the body’s cells against damage that
can lead to cancer. In the lab these
substances slowed tumor growth
and prevented tumors from releasing
substances that damage nearby cells.
TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020 9
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red on the outer edge and blue within.
Higher in the sky there is always another,
dimmer rainbow with the order of colors
reversed. This secondary rainbow results
from additional reflection of sunlight
through the raindrops.
It is most visible when there are dark
clouds behind it. Look for that second
bow, high in the sky, the next time you
see those amazing rainbow colors.
www.wcnc.com/article/weather/
The Cabbage family vs. cancer
Cruciferous vegetables include
broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,
Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and kale.
These members of the cabbage family
make an excellent stir fry and can really
liven up a salad. But most importantly,
components in these vegetables may
help your body defend against cancers
such as colon, breast, lung, and cervix.
Dark green leafy vegetables
Dark green leafy vegetables such as
mustard greens, lettuce, kale, chicory,
spinach, and chard have an abundance
of fibre, folate, and carotenoids. These
nutrients may help protect against
cancer of the mouth, larynx, pancreas,
lung, skin, and stomach.
Exotic spices
Curcumin is the main ingredient
in the Indian spice turmeric and
a potential cancer fighter. Lab
studies show it can suppress the
transformation, proliferation, and
invasion of cancerous cells for a wide
array of cancers.
A berry medley with a punch
Strawberries and raspberries have
a phytochemical called ellagic acid.
This powerful antioxidant may actually
fight cancer in several ways at once,
including deactivating certain cancer
causing substances and slowing the
growth of cancer cells.
Blueberries for health
The potent antioxidants in
blueberries may have wide value
in supporting our health, starting
with cancer. Antioxidants may help
fight cancer by ridding the body of
free radicals before they can do their
damage to cells. But more research
is needed. Try topping oatmeal,
cold cereal, yogurt, even salad with
blueberries to boost your intake of
these healthful berries.
Pass on the sugar
Sugar may not cause cancer directly.
But it may displace other nutrient-rich
foods that help protect against cancer.
And it increases calorie counts, which
contributes to overweight and obesity.
Excess weight is also a cancer risk.
Fruit offers a sweet alternative in a
vitamin-rich package.
www.webmd.com/cancer
10 TUESDAY 19 MAY 2020
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Six tests positive for coronavirus at PL clubs
S
ix positive cases for coronavirus
have been detected at three
Premier League clubs after
players and staff were tested ahead of a
return to training, England’s top flight
said on Tuesday.
“The Premier League can today
confirm that, on Sunday 17 May and
Monday 18 May, 748 players and club
Kiwis will at least provide working example for SA rugby
N
ew Zealand rugby players
were back in training on
Monday as the country’s
Super Rugby franchises prepare for
a 13 June return to competition but
while the developments do provide
some light at the end of the tunnel
for local franchises, the sport in
South Africa is still a long way from
following suit.
“It is encouraging that rugby is
returning somewhere, but there is a
big difference between New Zealand
and South Africa at the moment,” said
Stormers coach John Dobson.
“New Zealand appears to have
controlled the coronavirus pandemic,
with less than 10 new infections a day,
whereas we are told that the peak here
might only hit us in a few months. We
are in the hands of the government, and
obviously we are all very eager to get
back onto the playing field and resume
competition, but I think that is some
way off.”
At least six weeks
notice now required
Whereas in the first month and
a bit after rugby was suspended in
mid-March local coaches had agreed
that they would be able to restart
rugby if given three weeks notice, that
has changed markedly now that the
suspension of play has extended to
more than two months.
“At that stage we still had a high
level of readiness to play again, but now
we would need to have a proper, full
pre-season with warm-up fixtures just
before the resumption of competition to
get the players ready to take contact,”
said Dobson.
“It was initially one week of
preparation required for every two
weeks away from the field, but that has
swung around. We’d need a minimum
of six weeks now.”
Domestic competition
could pave the way
Local rugby coaches and players
are hopeful that there will be a restart
at some stage of the current season
though, with a high powered domestic
competition, albeit played behind
closed doors, setting the stage for the
sport’s return in the country.
International rugby being played this
year seems more more ambitious given
the travel restrictions, and certainly the
Rugby Championship would require
staff were tested for Covid-19,” the
league said in a statement.
“Of these, six have tested positive
from three clubs.”
No details were released over which
individuals or clubs are affected.
“Players or club staff who have tested
positive will now self-isolate for a period
of seven days,” added the league’s
a lot of hoops to be jumped through if
it was to take place given that neither
New Zealand or Australia are likely to
open their borders anytime soon. And
obviously quarantining entire rugby
squads for two weeks before they can
even start a tour is unrealistic.
However, there are hopes that we may
still see the tests against Scotland and
Georgia which were initially scheduled
for July. Those matches, scheduled for
Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth,
have now been officially postponed, but
with rugby perhaps resuming in the UK
in July, there are hopes to host those
games in October.
It’s all up in the sky, however, and
quite literally, because at this point no-
one knows what international travel is
going to look like for the foreseeable
future.
Local rugby coaches and officials
though at least now have a working
example to look at as they set about
putting in place the measures that will
be needed if rugby does return while the
pandemic is still in full flow.
Bundesliga the guinea pig
for return of team sports
SINCE 6 MAY 1978
statement.
Premier League clubs began returning
to training in small groups on Tuesday
after protocols on safety measures were
signed off on Monday.
The number of positive cases
represents just 0.8 percent of those
tested and is consistent with similar
widespread testing conducted by other
Indeed, the first stone towards a
return could be said to have been
turned with developments in the
round ball game this past weekend.
The Bundesliga restarted in Germany,
with games being played behind
closed doors. The first weekend of the
Bundesliga’s resumption, as well as the
41 pages of guidelines that the German
soccer authorities drew up to prepare
for it, provided an indication of the
hoops that need to be jumped through
in order for rugby to return in South
Africa.
It is understood that local rugby
has settled on a lower figure, but a
maximum of 300 people were allowed
into each German stadium, a maximum
of 100 into the ‘interior’, 100 into the
concourse and a further 100 around
the perimeter. All those entering the
stadium needed to go through the
necessary safety checks on entry,
including having their temperature
taken and masks had to be worn.
Foreign media observers described it
as “an eerie almost surreal experience
watching top-level footballers lining up
for a top-flight game where you could
major leagues hoping to complete the
season.
Germany’s top two divisions
registered 10 positive cases out of 1 724
tests two weeks ago ahead of their return
to action last weekend.
Five players from Spain’s top two
divisions tested positive last week before
La Liga’s return to group training.
hear a pin-drop instead of the usual pre-
match excitement from the stands.”
German guidelines
should be studied
World Rugby has drawn up its own
set of guidelines and some of the local
franchises have done their own work to
help pave the way for themselves when
rugby is given the green light, but given
that the Germans have led the way to
resumption of team sport, their 41 page
document is worth studying by South
African rugby administrators, as it
has been by English soccer authorities
preparing for the return of the Premier
League.
A key element of the guideline
document is the mission statement
that drives it: “The public’s view
of professional football, the teams
and players in the current situation
becomes more important than ever. We
urgently ask for exemplary behaviour
regarding hygiene and distancing
measures outside of the field of play. All
the hygiene and distancing measures
will ensure that no further measures are
necessary on the field of play and that
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Premier League clubs are aiming for
a return to action by the middle of next
month despite concerns from some
players over their welfare.
Watford captain Troy Deeney has said
he will not return to training this week
due to fears he could pass the virus on to
his five-month-old son.
- supersport.com
the 22 players on the pitch and the four
referees have no current infection.”
In other words, if the players do what
is necessary to keep them away from
infection in the abnormal world they
live in away from the pitch, they will be
able to return to what they will consider
a normal on-field world when soccer
restarts.
Players may have to
wash their own kit
The measures the Germans are
adopting to ensure a safe environment
make for interesting reading. For
instance, if their guidelines were
adopted here players may find
themselves pressurised to wash their
own dirty kit and boots, and they will
have to accept there will be occasions
they have to proceed straight home
or back to their hotel to change out of
their match kit rather than go into a
communal shower.
All people present on match days,
a minimum of 322 according to the
German hypothesis, will have to
undergo rigorous checks at a control
point before entering the stadium,
every person will have to fill in a detailed
questionnaire related to possible
exposure to Covid-19 and possible
virus symptoms before submitting to a
temperature check.
Players and coaches are required
to travel in their own cars to stadiums
when playing at home, and where it is
necessary to use a team bus, the bus
will be disinfected before the players
board. The two teams will have to both
arrive and leave the stadium at separate
times, and arrive and leave at and from
separate points of the stadium. The two
teams will be kept completely apart,
and where possible the teams split up so
the substitutes train in a separate area.
Other components of the extensive
list of guidelines are the maintaining
of a two metre gap between players at
all times in the change-room, no team
mascots, no pre-match handshakes or
photographs, plus a minimum of one
seat between the substitutes on the
bench.
It is a lot to go through and given the
differences between the sports there
will be additional guidelines that rugby
will need to add. Fortunately for South
African rugby, the Kiwis though not
quite guinea pigs because the situation
in their country is different, are going to
be showing the way forward.
- supersport.com