Covid-19 Vaccination Roll-Out Accelerates

thursday 29 april 2021 News 3 • Cabinet members lead the charge Covid-19 vaccination roll-out accelerates

Only about 12 000 Namibians have lion people in the world have already been vaccinated. Let gotten the Covid-19 jab so far, with the no Namibian be left behind,” health minister imploring residents to get he said. vaccinated. His deputy, Dr Ester Muin- jangue, was the first minister get the jab at the start of the JEMIMA BEUKES go. I think all of us need to vaccination roll-out. WINDHOEK be vaccinated if we want our “Namibia is a living testi- borders to be opened to tour- mony of the benefits of mass ince the roll-out of the ists,” he said. immunisation. More than a Covid-19 vaccination Meanwhile, defence minis- decade ago, Namibia expe- Splan, Cabinet members ter Frans Kapofi said he will rienced an outbreak of po- have lined up to take the get his shot around June, liomyelitis, which afflicted jab, with health minister Dr since he was diagnosed with many people and claimed Kalumbi Shangula being the Covid-19 in March and was many lives. We mounted a latest this week. advised to wait 90 days be- nationwide immunisation President Hage Geingob, fore he gets the vaccine. campaign and vaccinated who said he would be the first more than 2.2 million peo- to take the injection, has still Marking the occasion ple then. As a result, we man- not made his way to a vac- Kalumbi on Tuesday said he aged to ‘kick polio out of Na- cination centre, and neither waited for World Immuni- mibia’. Some of you may still has his second in command, sation Week to take his vac- remember the slogan. We Nangolo Mbuma. cination to emphasise the aim to repeat the same feat Mbumba, who is 79, said importance of vaccines to with Covid-19,” Shangula GET THE SHOT: Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula getting vaccinated for Covid-19. he is ready to take his jab and Namibians. said. PHOTO: JEMIMA BEUKES will soon get it done. “I want to send a clear mes- Health ministry executive “I have not yet taken it. sage on this global occasion director Ben Nangombe also id-19, of which 625 have lost By Tuesday afternoon, 11 Shiimi, Calle Schlettwein, Remember when the health to Namibians in the hope got the Covid-19 vaccine this their lives to the virus. 971 people had been vacci- Yvonne Dausab and Leon minister announced, he said that this will convince those week. Shangula implored Na- nated. Jooste. those of us over 60 are not who are doubtful and scepti- mibians to come forward Cabinet members who got Mines and energy minister advised to take the availa- cal that Covid-19 vaccines are Ministers lead the way and take the vaccine as Na- the jab include ministers of Tom Alweendo also got vac- ble vaccine, but now that we safe and will protect you and To date, 47 776 Namibians mibia cannot afford to lose finance, lands, justice and cinated recently. have other vaccines, I will save your life. About 800 mil- have been infected by Cov- more lives. public enterprises, Iipumbu [email protected]

The Windhoek munici- agreement. City to conclude CEO search in September pality is currently headed by The council has chosen Fil- George Mayumbelo, who also lemon Hambuda of the Inde- OGONE TLHAGE able aimed at capacitating thusiastic visionary to head serves as its head for human pendent Patriots for Change WINDHOEK the organisation to achieve the said department and capital and corporate servic- (IPC) as chairperson of its its ambitious objectives of make a meaningful contri- es. management committee. Windhoek mayor Job Amu- the new council,” Amupanda bution towards the livelihood Advertisements for the po- In December, Amupanda panda says the city council said earlier. of Windhoek’s residents,” he sition of CEO will be pub- of the Affirmative Reposi- hopes to conclude the ap- The future CEO would play said. lished from 30 April. tioning (AR) movement was pointment of a CEO by the a critical role in the deliv- The new CEO would be elected as mayor, replacing end of September. ery of services related to so- required to execute the op- Coalition pact Swapo councillor Fransina The City is currently with- cio-economic development, position-led council’s pro- Namibian Sun asked Amu- Kahungu. out a CEO following the res- Amupanda explained. grammes, Amupanda said. panda whether the conclu- Politicians of the IPC, AR, ignation of Robert Kahimise “Windhoek faces signifi- “The ideal candidate CRITICAL ROLE: Windhoek sion of a coalition agreement National Unity Democrat- in November 2020. cant challenges in terms should be both suitably qual- mayor Job Amupanda. would have any bearing on ic Organisation (Nudo) and “Pursuant to the swearing- of economic development, ified and experienced. That PHOTO: NAMPA the appointment of the new PDM were elected to serve on in of the new council on 3 youth unemployment and said and equally important, CEO. No response was re- the management committee, December 2020, the recruit- investment and promotion. the incumbent CEO should ethos required to execute ceived. excluding councillors from ment of a substantive CEO It is against these challenges possess and embrace an in- and operationalise the coun- The council is yet to pro- Swapo and the Landless Peo- remains a primary deliver- that the council seeks an en- novative and progressive cil’s strategic intent,” he said. nounce itself on a coalition ple’s Movement (LPM).

Jooste dispels lease lawsuit

fears PUBLIC NOTICE: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR OGONE TLHAGE THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES WINDHOEK & INVITATION TO A PUBLIC MEETINGS Public enterprises minister Leon Jooste has given his assurance that government SO LONG: An Airbus 330 aircraft that formed part of Air Namibia’s fleet.PHOTO: NAMPA In accordance with the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) and its regulation, will not be sued over the cancellation of notice is hereby given to all Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application a lease for two Airbus A330 aircraft that “We have been negotiating with them Bailout kings will be made to the Environmental Commissioner for environmental clearance as follows: had formed part of Air Namibia’s fleet. since September last year and this is an According to the lease agreement, Air Na- Project: Exploration Activities For Base, Rare Metals, Government had agreed to a guarantee agreed, controlled redelivery. We have draft mibia had to pay N$16 million (US$1.1 mil- Industrial Minerals And Precious Metals on EPLs 6877 and 6878 worth N$2.5 billion to secure the two air- heads of terms containing the commercial lion) per aircraft per month, a figure the na- Project Area: Opuwo Rural and Urban Constituency, Kunene Region craft. The aircraft never belonged to the na- elements and legal principles whereafter the tional carrier could not consistently keep up Proponent: Epangelo Mining Pty (Ltd) tional airline and with its liquidation, gov- actual binding contract will be concluded. with. ernment is now attending to discussions Government will therefore not be sued,” he Government in February announced its Villages Affected: Okambaramba, Orotjitombe, Omwe, Otjipembahi and Okozongoro over the state in which the aircraft will be said. intentions to close down the airline, deem- th returned as well as the lease agreement. The guarantee and aircraft are to be treat- ing it unaffordable to maintain, while the Public Meetings: 4 May 2021 Orotjitombe Village @ 14H00 Namibian Sun reported in March that ed from Air Namibia’s liquidation, Jooste Namibia Airports Company and Belgian 5th May 2021 Okambaramba (Otjiu West) @ 14H00 American company Castlelake wanted the further explained. company Challenge Air had applied for Air Deadline for submission of comments: 20th May 2021 aircraft returned and that government hon- “These aircraft are separate from the liq- Namibia’s liquidation in the High Court. Register as I&Aps @: [email protected] or Call +264 81 147 7889 our the costly lease agreement. uidation as they are backed by full govern- The airline, whose liquidation divided PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS (COVD-19) PANDEMIC, only Jooste dispelled any fears government ment guarantees. It is not a loan, it’s a lease public opinion when it was announced, had 50 people will be allowed to attend. The meeting will be conducted under the would face legal action, saying discussions and we are negotiating lease termination been bailed out to the tune of nearly N$9 guidelines of COVID-19 by observing social distancing, wearing of face masks and had been ongoing for some time now. and return conditions,” he said. billion over the past decade. sanitising.

SPEAK OUT AGAINST TOLL FREE NUMBER 10111 or The GBV helpline with lifeline/childline 106

STOP GENDER BASED VIOLENCE Let Us Unite GENDER BASED VIOLENCE Against GBV IN NAMIBIA #EndGBVNamibia

29 April - 05 May 2021 lifting the lid Page. 25

NOTICE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Healthy Earth Environmental Consultants CC (HEEC) hereby gives notice to all potentially Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application will be made to the Environmental Commissioner in terms of the Environmental Management Act (No 7 of 2007) and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (GN PUBLIC NOTICE: 30 of 6 February 2012) for the following: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES & PROJECT NAMES: INVITATION TO A PUBLIC MEETINGS Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the establishment and mining of base and rare metals, industrial mineral and semi-precious stones on mining In accordance with the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) and its regulation, notice is hereby given to all Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application will be made to the claims, 72300, 72301, 72302, 72303, 72304, 72400, 72401 & 72402 at Quandagab, Kunene Region. Environmental Commissioner for environmental clearance as follows:

Project: Exploration Activities For Base, Rare Metals, Industrial Minerals And Precious Metals on EPLs 6877 and 6878 Project Area: Opuwo Rural and Urban Constituency, Kunene Region PROJECTS LOCATION:

The mining claims are located approximately 65 Km north-west of Okayepe, Sori Sori Conservancy, Daures constituency, Kunene region.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project involves conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for the establishment and mining of dimension stones on the above mining claims at Quandagab, Kunene Region.

PROJECT INVOLVEMENT:

Proponent: Mr. T. Mashuna

Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP): Healthy Earth Environmental Consultants CC (HEEC)

REGISTRATION OF I&APs AND SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS: In line with Namibia’s Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) and EIA regulations (GN 30 of 6 February 2012), all I&APs are hereby invited to register and submit their comments, concerns or questions in writing via: Email; [email protected] on or before Monday 03th May 2021.

Public meeting will be held as follows: Meeting venue: Community Hall, Okayepe, Kunene Region Proponent: Epangelo Mining Pty (Ltd) Villages Affected: Okambaramba, Orotjitombe, Omwe, Otjipembahi and Okozongoro Date: Saturday, 24 April 2021 Public Meetings: 4th May 2021 Orotjitombe Village @14H00 Time: 10h00 a.m. 5th May 2021 Okambaramba (Otjiu West) @14H00 Mobile: 0812050902 Deadline for submission of comments: 20th May 2021 Register as I&Aps @: [email protected] or Call +264 81 147 7889 cancelled

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS (COVD-19) PANDEMIC, only 50 people will be allowed to attend. The meeting will be conducted under the guidelines of COVID-19 by observing social distancing, wearing of face masks and sanitising.

lifting the lid RATES E-PAPER N$ 60 1 MONTH SUBSCRIBE @ N$ 180 3 MONTHS N$ 720 1 YEAR www.epaper.confidentenamibia.com

(061) 246136 | PO Box 5033, Ausspannplatz,Windhoek | [email protected] | www.confidentenamibia.com Thursday 29 April 2021 NEW ERA NEWS 3

Keetmans CEO placed on ‘administrative leave’

n Steven Klukowski

KEETMANSHOOP - The Keetmanshoop municipality has placed its CEO, Desmond Basson, on administrative leave for three months, WPFD starting 3 May. In a statement, municipal spokesperson Dawn sponsors Kruger said the decision has been taken during a recent special council meeting. Photo: Paheja Siririka “This meeting was convened to deliberate Good cause… The 2021 World Press Freedom Day celebrations, which will be hosted in the capital from today until 3 on the matter of the CEO signing a service level May, saw institutions aiding the hosting of the event with money, advertising space, technical skills and many other forms agreement with Maximum Profit Recovery of assistance. The day also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration for the development of a Namibia (Pty) Ltd. on 6 August 2018,” she free, independent and pluralistic press. Thanking the sponsors on Tuesday, deputy ICT minister Emma Theofelus said explained in the statement. Namibia is confident that it will be able to pull off this event because of the input from the 2020 hosts, the Netherlands, Kruger said the agreement was entered without and the continued support from local and international organisations and businesses. New Era and other media houses the co-signature of the then chairperson of the offered advertising space, while Hauwei, High Commission of India and Telecom Namibia jumped on board to aid from management committee, Gabriel Freyer. the technical side. Other sponsors are European Union in Namibia, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, FNB, DBN and the The statement further reads that it seems no Embassy of Indonesia. Pictured herein are representative of the various sponsors. council resolution has been taken with regard to the agreement. “The meeting resolved that the CEO, Desmond Basson, be put on administrative leave from 3 May 2021 for three months to allow an unhindered investigation,” she said. Council has appointed an independent/ Locusts stopped in their tracks private consultant to investigate the matter, and it also appointed the senior executive for the Keetmanshoop Electricity Business Unit, n Obrein Simasiku Reginald Brandt, as acting CEO for a period of three months, starting from 3 May 2021, with MUTHIYA – The swarm Elvis Mukaya, senior executive: human resources of locusts observed in the as his alternate. northern areas over the past Kruger gave Ocouple of weeks are said not to have the assurance caused major damage to crop fields and that the council grazing land, according to officials and is determined to inhabitants. resolve the matter Not even in Ohangwena region, in a lawful and which was besieged by the swarms timeous manner of migratory locusts few weeks back, and ensured recorded extensive damage – in as much stakeholders as the situation seemed tense. that operations The situation was alleviated through will continue as community intervention in scaring normal. away the locusts, efforts which were Efforts to complemented by swift response from get comments the ministry of agriculture’s officials by from Basson spraying. went futile as he On the other hand, residents were Gone with the wind… Agriculture officials spraying locusts in Ohangwena. is out of town also retaliating by eating the locusts. Photo: Contributed and his mobile The locusts have since disappeared; number remains it is suspected they crossed into Angola, unanswered. could not rule out that some places were and residents, no severe damage was where it is believed they had originated - sklukowski@ Suspended… Keetmanshoop extensively damaged. observed in Oshikoto, where the swarm from. nepc.com.na municipality CEO Desmond “We do not have cases of locust “Our officials in all four northern passed through three weeks ago. Basson. Photo: File attacks anymore. Based on our regions are still busy with assessments; “They were first spotted at Ohaiyanda observations in some of the areas it’s only then we can exactly know the village and proceeded to other places we visited, no major damage was damage caused once a detailed report before disappearing. But according ascertained. Only a few crop fields is compiled,” said Musheko. to the report, nothing much was and grazing land was destroyed,” Asked on what interventions are in lost, although we still look forward to the said Ohangwena governor Walde place to assist the affected communities, findings from the agriculture officials,” Ndevashiya. Ndevashiya could, however, Musheko said: “action or relief will be said Eengodhi constituency councillor not be precise on the extent of the decided upon, based on want will be Protasius Neshuku. established; that’s when authorities will The locusts also passed through damages, saying agriculture officials PUBLIC NOTICE: who are still in the field are undertaking sit and decide what sort of help can be areas in Omuthiya constituency – but offe re d .” due to people’s efforts, they were scared ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR an assessment. THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES Agriculture spokesperson Jona Reports indicate the ministry has so away before feasting on anything. & INVITATION TO A PUBLIC MEETINGS far spent N$22 million in fighting the The same is said for Oshana and Musheko shared similar sentiments In accordance with the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of that destruction was relatively low but grasshoppers. Omusati, where there is low destruction. 2007) and its regulation, notice is hereby given to all Interested Similarly, according to authorities - [email protected] and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application will be made to the Environmental Commissioner for environmental clearance as follows:

Project: Exploration Activities For Base, Rare Metals, Industrial Minerals And Precious Metals on EPLs 6877 and 6878 Project Area: Opuwo Rural and Urban Constituency, Kunene Region Proponent: Epangelo Mining Pty (Ltd) PUBLIC LECTURE Villages Affected: Okambaramba, Orotjitombe, Omwe, Otjipembahi and Okozongoro The Hallmarks of sound Strategy Development Public Meetings: 4th May 2021 in a Public Sector context Orotjitombe Village @ 14H00 5th May 2021 Okambaramba (Otjiu West) @ 14H00 Deadline for submission of comments: 20th May 2021 Register as I&Aps @: [email protected] FREE FOR THE PUBLIC TIME: 17:30-19:30 or Call +264 81 147 7889

NIPAM, WINDHOEK CAMPUS PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS Mr Desmond Nikanor THURSDAY, PAUL NASH STREET, OLYMPIA (COVD-19) PANDEMIC, only 50 people will be allowed to BOOK A SEAT attend. The meeting will be conducted under the guidelines For more information please contact: of COVID-19 by observing social distancing, wearing of face 29 APRIL 2021 Tel: 061 296 4798, Cell: 081 126 1628, Email: [email protected] masks and sanitising. 6 NEWS Monday 3 May 2021 NEW ERA

n Obrein Simasiku be happy to have a child failing,” said one parent, Petrus Nahole. The Onguti Senior Secondary Onguti extends teaching into holiday On the other hand, the School in Oshikoto will extend principal said he was impressed teaching and learning for two schools which started at the end Upon completion of the that we have covered almost with the support from parents, weeks, despite schools having of January. examination, Ndeshimona said, everything for the first semester,” hostel staff, learners and some closed nationally last week for the “We analysed the work we have they will have another week of he added. teachers when they were informed first semester holiday. done since we started, and realised teaching and learning, including Meanwhile, some parents of the plans to extend the teaching The extension was necessitated that there are some patches weekends, especially for grade welcomed the extension, saying period. by the fact that the school did not which needed to be covered. In 12 learners who are doing the it was for the benefit of their “Everyone is eager to push kick off the academic year on fact, we were unable to start with new curriculum of advanced children. an extra mile, even though we time, due to overflowing sewage examinations on 12 April, like the subsidiary level. “I personally have no problem. have observed a few teachers problems at the school. others, because we were still far “We will then release the We have been informed of who are not pleased with the Teaching at the school only behind, hence we only started on learners on the 13th of May to the extension and we have no idea. However, that is nothing started at the beginning of March 26 April,” stressed school principal enjoy the remainder of the holiday, objections to that as it benefits the of concern,” stated Ndeshimona. this year, compared to other public Salomo Ndeshimona. because by then we are assured children. No one can afford and - [email protected] Farmers accuse ministry PUBLIC NOTICE: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES & INVITATION TO A PUBLIC MEETINGS of dragging its feet In accordance with the Environmental Management Act (No. 7 of 2007) and its regulation, notice is hereby given to all Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) that an application will be made to the Environmental Commissioner for environmental clearance as follows:

Project: Exploration Activities For Base, Rare Metals, Industrial Minerals And Precious Metals on EPLs 6877 and 6878 Project Area: Opuwo Rural and Urban Constituency, Kunene Region Proponent: Epangelo Mining Pty (Ltd) Villages Affected: Okambaramba, Orotjitombe, Omwe, Otjipembahi and Okozongoro Public Meetings: 4th May 2021 Orotjitombe Village @ 14H00 5th May 2021 Okambaramba (Otjiu West) @ 14H00 Deadline for submission of comments: 20th May 2021 Register as I&Aps @: [email protected] or Call +264 81 147 7889

Topical… A scene from last year’s meeting held at Tsintsabis to address the land issue. Photo: File Republic of Namibia

n Obrein Simasiku farming, because I can’t access Ministry of Agriculture, any funding as there is no proof Water and Land Reform ome farmers who occupy that I am resettled on that land,” portions of a government said Edward Amadhila who runs The Livestock Support Programme in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia, under the Ministry of resettlement farm in the a poultry project, horticulture and Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, intends to award one contract for the supply, delivery, uploading and SOshikoto region, have accused the cattle farming. commissioning of, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Conventional cattle ear tags, in Windhoek, land reform ministry of dragging “No matter how I have tried to Namibia, with financial assistance from the European Union. its feet when it comes to issuing apply for funding from various them with allotment letters meant institutions by attaching properties to confirm their legal ownership. in Tsumeb, it still boils down to who INVITATION TO TENDER The authorities are yet to issue the owns the land.” concerned farmers with allotment Last year it was resolved to grant Publication reference: letters, nearly eight months after property rights to farmers resettled land occupation at farm Oerwoud on the piece of land as part of phase NAM/LSP/02/SUPP/LO/ETags was resolved. one, while phase two would address Last year, the ministry resolved issues of those resettled illegally Number and titles: INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY, DELIVERY, UPLOADING AND COMMISSIONING OF to allocate certificates to 151 or given land through the local RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) AND CONVENTIONAL CATTLE EAR TAGS IN THE individuals to end land disputes traditional authority. NORTHERN COMMUNAL AREA OF NAMIBIA. and resettlement chaos at both Land reform director Oerwoud and Tsintsabis. for resettlement and regional The tender dossiers are available from http://www.mawf.gov.na/ and will also be published on the The land ministry has not issued programme implementation Alfred website of DG International Cooperation and Development: allotment letters to the occupants Sikopo told New Era the Land https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome. for the past 28 years, due to Advisory Commission advised confusion over who was legally the ministry to complete the The deadline for submission of tenders is 16h30 local time on Thursday, 3 June 2021. Any tender resettled in 1992 when government second phase as well, so that received after this deadline will not be considered. bought the farms. Tsintsabis has they can look into the two issues since been declared a settlement. comprehensively. Possible additional information or clarifications/questions shall be published on the website ofDG Many farmers were illegally Explaining the situation, Sikopo International Cooperation and Development: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome resettled by traditional leaders, said they are now busy drafting while others bought portions of the programme on how to tackle All tenders must be submitted to: land from those originally resettled the second phase which involves on the farm. verification and fact-finding of Mr Mesag Mulunga This act is prohibited, as the who the owners are of the land, as Imprest Administrator law only permits the minister of some settled illegally while others Room 315, 3rd Floor, Old Building, land to resettle individuals. Farm bought the land. Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Oerwoud is situated some 50km “That is the only hold up; else Support to the Livestock Sector in the outside Tsumeb on the Tsumeb- we could have perhaps completed Northern Communal Area of Namibia Mpungu road. phase one. They advised us to Government Office Park, Luther Street, Windhoek, Namibia “I have been resettled on this compile everything so that they Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm farm for over 15 years, and to date look into the issues once and for nothing has happened. Some of us all than in little pieces. Phase two Enquiries: Mr Clemens //Khaiseb were legally resettled after following was addressing problematic land National Project Coordinator due processes. I am a progressive issues,” he said. Tel.: + 264 61 208 7052 farmer but cannot expand on my - [email protected]