Government Information

Bulletin
Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008

Republic of Namibia November 2008

“We pay homage to the sons and daughters

of Namibia who sacrificed their lives for the
liberation of our country”, President Pohamba
By Kaleni Hiyalwa

FREE
1

The commemoration of 2008 Heroes’ Day at Rundu: the VIP Podium is decorated in the colours of the Namibian flag. Sitting are President Hifikepunye Pohamba,
First Lady, Penehupifo Pohamba and other dignitaries

heroes’ Day in Navy News from Cabinet

IN ThIs Issue

Kavango commemorates 4th Chambers

anniversary

Page 3 – 4 Page 13 Page 18 - 20

 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008

From the Desk of the Minister Contents

The General Assembly Kavango region becoming a hive of activities due to fast
of the United Nations
designated 2008 as
development 3
the Year of Sanitation
and requested member
countries to participate Kavango was not dormant during the liberation struggle 4
through dedicating a
day to sanitation issues Intellectual property charts the way for accountability 5
under the slogan Clean
Hands Save Lives. New Board of Directors for NamZim Newspapers 5

Namibia participated in this Debate on Mineral Prospecting Amendment Bill 6

UN event in October 2008
when it hosted a hand
Kunene’s Health Directorate gets transport 8
washing day at Helao Nafidi
in the Ohangwena region.
The main message of the Public hospitals to register new born babies 9
day was that washing hands
with soap after having Clean hands save lives 9
Hon. Joël Kaapanda, Minister of Information
and Communication Technology been to the toilet and
the availability of proper Omaruru hosts talk show on teenage pregnancies among
sanitation facilities help
to minimize water-borne learners 10
diseases such as polio, diarrhoea and cholera, preventable diseases, but
diseases which can be fatal without the necessary medical care. Drawing Learners debate teenage pregnancies 11
the nation’s attention to hygiene and sanitation could not have come at
a more opportune time. Several of Namibia’s neighbouring countries are
currently plagued by cholera breakouts. In Zimbabwe more than 1000 Endola constituency office opened 11
people already died of cholera, while casualties were also reported in
South Africa and Zambia. Limited funding hampers Kunene projects 12

Thus far, Namibia has been lucky to escape a serious cholera epidemic, First AU Conference of Ministers for Social Development
but with the movement of people across borders and a rainy season that
will soon start, there is no guarantee that our citizens would not become held in Windhoek 12
victims of this disease. Taking the necessary precautions can, however,
safeguard our citizens from contracting cholera and other water-borne Able people living with disabilities 13
diseases. These precautions include washing one’s hands with soap after
using the toilet, boiling drinking water, and by properly washing fruit and
Namibian Navy commemorates fourth anniversary 13
vegetables before consumption. Another way to counter susceptibility is
by keeping our neighbourhoods, towns and environment clean.
Kaapanda meets learners in Okongo 14
To protect our nation and to make our people aware of the benefits
of personal hygiene and sanitation, the Ministry of Information and Tanzania’s Premier Pinda visited Namibia 15
Communication Technology launched a campaign on Nationhood and
National Pride late last year. The aim of the campaign is to motivate Bilateral cooperation between Namibia and South Africa
Namibians to be proud of our country, our citizenship, our national
symbols and our environment. The campaign also touches on hygiene grows 15
and sanitation and vandalism to ensure that we are safe from preventable
diseases and that we care for our infrastructure. By caring for ourselves,
Namibia/Botswana cooperation on track 16
our infrastructure and our environment, we can all help to save money
that can be pumped into other national development programmes.
2
SADC agrees to provide immediate military assistance
With the Nationhood and National Pride campaign the Government wants
to ensure that when Namibia reaches the landmark 20th independence to DRC 17
anniversary on 21 March 2010, our country is clean, our people is healthy
and that our infrastructure is intact. The goals of Vision 2030 will be News from Cabinet Chambers 18
within our reach if we are a proud and caring nation.

Government Information Bulletin: Publicising Government

The Government Information Bulletin was
established through Cabinet decision number
13th/04.07.06/002 as an official information
bulletin to publicise the Government’s
programmes, policies and activities for the
benefit of Government institutions and the
Namibian public. All Government institutions
contribute towards the Bulletin. The Government
Information Bulletin is published monthly by the
Ministry of Information and Communication
Technology. To meet the specific information
needs of communities, the public is invited
to send comments and suggestions on Private Bag 13344, Windhoek
Government projects, programmes and policies, Telephone 061 - 2839111
Fax 061 - 230170
which will then be covered in the Bulletin. E-mail wdeetlefs@mib.gov.na.
More Government news and information can Design DV8 Saatchi & Saatchi,
be accessed on the GRN news button on the Windhoek.
Layout and printing Solitaire Press, Windhoek.
Government internet site at www.grnnet.gov.na
The Bulletin is distributed free of charge to rural
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offices. The public and organisations are
welcome to subscribe to the Bulletin, but mailing
costs will be for the account of the subscriber.

Kavango region becoming a hive of activities
due to fast development
According to Rundu residents, it was the first time that the Rundu
Soccer Stadium was full to its capacity
T he government is seized with the
implementation of the national
development priorities in different sectors.
The priority areas of education, health,
housing, employment creation, provision
of safe drinking water, electricity,
and other amenities are receiving
due attention. Specific focus is also
directed at accelerating socio-economic
development in rural areas by expanding
physical infrastructures such as feeder-
roads, telecommunication networks and
the establishment of income generating
projects to improve income levels and
nutrition.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba urged
Namibians to collectively aim at promoting
social justice and the welfare of all Namibians,
because the country cannot allow the majority
of her citizens to swim in the sea of poverty,
while a few lives on islands of prosperity. He
said that the enormous natural resources that
the country is endowed with must be harnessed
to liberate the people from the chains of
poverty, hunger and hopelessness. “We have a
duty to ensure that all Namibians are given the
opportunity to enjoy the fruits of independence.
This is the cause for which Namibian heroes
and heroines sacrifice their lives and shed their
precious blood,” said the President.
He added: “We should continue with the noble
fight to empower the vulnerable sections
of our society, including peasants, women,
workers, the elderly, people with disabilities,
orphans and vulnerable children and indeed all
Namibians who are living in difficult conditions.
Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
By Kaleni Hiyalwa
The Head of State and the exploitation of our inland fisheries
pointed out that “our resources. The strategy to expand rural
common goal should development is also being implemented in the
be to create a society Kavango region where grain silos have been
where no citizen is constructed to store surplus harvest to boost
left behind where food security in the country.
each and everyone
of us should feel that The proclamation of the Nkurenkuru
we have equal rights town is aimed at accelerating economic
and opportunities as growth, expanding service delivery and the
citizens of this great construction of modern infrastructures such as
nation. We must build telecommunication networks, water pipelines,
a Namibia where powerlines and other modern facilities aimed at
there are no second improving the living standards of our people.
class citizens,”
“I am a proud Namibian because despite the
The President said challenges we face, we are making steady
that over the past
eighteen years, Namibians have consolidated
progress towards the achievement of our
national development goals. I am a proud
the gains of our freedom and independence. Namibian because we continue to hold high
“Our people now live in peace and security, the legacy and the ideals of our heroes and
with a democratic government which they have heroines who sacrificed their lives and shed
elected. We have a well-defined development their precious blood for our freedom,” reiterated
agenda which is being implemented through the President.
clear and result-oriented policies. Our national
development programmes and Vision 2030 are President Pohamba called on all Namibians to
designed to transform our society socially and join hands as one nation and march together
economically. in unity to overcome the challenges that the
country faces. “Let us once again unite and
They are structured to improve the living find strength in our diversity as we strive for
standards of all our people and to deliver to the common goal of building a better Namibia.
our nation modern communication and physical Let us work together, all of us, to build a society
infrastructures, robust economic performance, where each child, boy or girl, has access to
wider social amenities, better education, better opportunities to realise his or her full potential.
health care, inadequate and affordable housing Let us honour the legacy of Namibia’s heroes and
and employment opportunities. heroines by promoting and living by the motto
of “One Namibia, One nation”. Let us honour
President Pohamba said that development and the legacy of Namibia’s heroes and heroines by 3
progress was visible in the Kavango region. The upholding and cherishing the policy of national
construction of the Rundu-Siko-Nkurenkuru road reconciliation,” concluded the Head of State.
has started. Rundu is experiencing robust growth
with the influx of service
providers and investors. It
is expected that the region
will experience increased
economic activities as the
implementation of the
Green Scheme picks up
speed.
Soon the Kamutjonga
Fisheries Institute will
be opened to conduct
scientific research in
support of aqua-culture
Ready to defend the territorial integrity of the Motherland
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008

Kavango was not dormant during the

liberation struggle
By Kaleni Hiyalwa

from other parts of the country, including
myself, found our way to exile through the
Kavango region. For this I say thank you
very much for your support,” President
Pohamba said.
The Head of State elaborated that “the
dawn of independence has placed the
destiny of our nation into our own hands.
Freedom and independence require that
all Namibians, in the spirit of national
reconciliation and patriotism promote
development and the well-being of our
country and all her people to the best of
our abilities. It is, therefore, imperative
that each Namibian regardless of race,
creed, gender or social status commit
Veteran of the Namibian liberation struggle, Simon aka
“Mzee” Kaukungwa leading the crowd in the “anthem of
himself or herself to the development of
our country”.
the liberation struggle”: “Namona ovakwaita tavalu!”
He wants the nation to continually encourage
the youth to study harder and to stay away
from the negative social forces that can impede
their academic progress.
He believes that Namibia can only be built
and developed by Namibians themselves,
through unity, hard work and commitment.
“The Namibian people can rise above all the
challenges and all the adversities to overcome
poverty, illiteracy, homelessness. We must give
our people, especially our youth, the hope that
things can and will get better,” the Head of
State urged.
“Through the

“While the apartheid policies may have

assistance and

D uring the commemoration of divided us, the future must unit us to

Heroes’ Day, President Hifikepunye
Pohamba took the opportunity to express
his appreciation and gratitude to the
residents of the Kavango region for their
unwavering support during the armed
liberation struggle. “Many battles were
fought in the region by the gallant sons
and daughters of PLAN who received
support in the form of transport, food,
water, useful information on enemy
movements, medicines, treatment of
injured combatants and other support,”
the President revealed.
“Through the assistance and support of our
achieve our stated objectives. While the past support of our
may have been bitter and difficult, the future
must give us hope to make Namibia a better
place for all,” said President Pohamba.
comrades from
President Pohamaba called on Namibians to this region, many
emulate the remarkable deeds of the heroes
and heroines who have gone before us to
inspire a new generation of Namibian men and
Namibians from other
women who will take our country to greater
heights of development and prosperity. He parts of the country,
advised that the important question that each
and every Namibian should ask is “what role
can I play to keep the legacy of our heroes and
including myself,
heroines alive?”

4 comrades from this region, many Namibians found our way to

The President believes that together, Namibians
can secure a brighter future
for the country through proper
exile through the
planning, prudent utilisation
of available resources, hard Kavango region. For
work and focused public
investments in strategic areas
that can make Namibia more
this I say thank you
competitive. “We must commit
ourselves to implement social very much for your
and economic development
policies that our government
has already put in place. We
support,”
must invest more resources
in the areas of education and
training, capacity building and
President Hifikepunye Pohamba introduced ex-combatant and veteran of skills development,” he said.
the liberation struggle, John Otto Nankudhu as the unwavering defender
of Namibia’s freedom and independence
President Pohamba

Intellectual property charts the way for
accountability
T he World Intellectual Property
Organisation (WIPO), in conjunction
with the International Federation of
Reproduction Rights Organisations
(IFRRO), the African Regional Intelectual
Property Organisation (ARIPO), the
Namibia Reproductive Organisation
(NAMRRO) and other copyright
stakeholders converged in Windhoek
from the 10-14 November 2008 for a
training workshop aimed at policy and
operational issues in the reprographic
rights management set-up. As a learning
opportunity, the intellectual property
works such as literary, artistic, and musical
works, as well as computer programmes
came into focus as many experts in the
field were invited as resource persons.
Opening the workshop, Hon. Raphael
Dinyando, Deputy Minister of Information and
Communication Technology, said that the field
deals with information tools that we can hardly
do without in today’s life, saying that there
would be no effective education system without
literary and artistic works. “We can also not
talk of speedy development without the use of
computer programmes and internet facilities.
Therefore, the above-mentioned works could
only be made available to us, the users, when
New Board of Directors for NamZim
Newspapers
I t is a fact that change is the only
given in the globalised world that we
live in, Information and Communication
Technology Minister, Hon. Joël Kaapanda
said when he inaugurated the three new
Namibian Board Members on the Board of
Directors of NamZim Newspapers. NamZim
Newspapers is a joint venture between
the New Era Publications Corporation and
their Zimbabwean counterparts.
The three new Namibian Board Members are Mr.
Matthew Gowaseb, Dr. Ben Mulongeni, and Mrs
Bernadette Menyah-Artivor. When he met with
Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
By Kaleni Hiyalwa
the rights’ holders are happy with the way we
treat such works in terms of providing proper
protection and ensuring due remuneration for
the exploitation or their works,” the Deputy
Minister said.
Hon. Dinyando also noted that intellectual
property works are the power of human capacity
and a driving force for economic, cultural and
social development. He urged participants to
address issues of accountability, corporate
governance and consistency on the part of
managers and administrators of the collective
management organisations. “I am sure you
will agree with me that it had become common
practice in some of our African countries that
collective management organisations are
established, they negotiate licensing agreement
contracts with primary users of the works in
their repertoire, they collect royalties for the use
of such works, but in most cases no distribution
of such royalties to the rights holders ever take
place,” observed the Deputy Minister.
Hon. Dinyanto reiterated that this practice does
not go along with accountability, corporate
governance and consistency, adding that it
would undoubtedly discourage creators to
continue creating and publishers to make works
available to the public, thus halting development,
innovation and creative genius. Namibia only
By Kaleni Hiyalwa
the three new Board Members, Hon. Kaapanda
reminded them that his predecessor in the
Ministry, Hon. Nangolo Mbumba expressed the
wish for the newspaper to unlock the huge
potential that exists in the SADC region through
conducting its business and operations in a
sound manner that would develop, grow and
sustain the NamZim joint venture. NamZim
Newspapers publishes the Southern Times
newspaper that was launched on 3 September
2004 at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
According to Hon. Kaapanda, the NamZim
Board of Directors pulled their weight to sustain
established its collective body, the Namibia
Reproduction Rights Organisation (NAMRRO)
early in 2008 to deal with intellectual property
issues. The workshop provided an opportunity
for the new organisation to learn from the
experienced international organisations such as
the WIPO, IFRRO and ARIPO on how to start off
in the right direction. NAMRRO was established
with the financial, material and logistic support
from WIPO and IFRRO and was instrumental in
shifting the venue from Harare to Windhoek.
Hon. Dinyando acknowledged that intellectual
property enriches people’s existence through
innovative thoughts and creative vision,
therefore property rights deserve to be admired,
protected and respected. “Intellectual property
work is about knowledge and technology
transfer. Access to knowledge and information
should not be enclosed in private hands but we
should encourage broadest dissemination of
information that empowers citizen participation
and sustainable development,” he said.
The Deputy Minister warned that when the
reproduction rights owners are busy negotiating
licensing agreement contracts with users,
collective management of rights should not be
used as an excuse to unnecessarily disrupt key
economic and national development activities.
5
the newspaper and to do justice to its mandate
of being the leading publisher of regional news
from an African perspective in the previous four
years. “I want to sincerely thank the former
Namibian Board Members for the time and
energy that that have invested in this company.
They laid the solid foundation for the new
Board Members to build on and to expand the
operations of the newspaper,” he said.
“As the highest decision-making structure in
an organisation, it is expected from Boards of
Directors to give broad strategic directions to an
organisation and its top management and this
Continues on page 6
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008

New Board of Directors for NamZim Newspapers Continues from page 5

is also my and the Namibian government’s Ministry of Information and

expectation from the new Namibian Board Communication Technology
Members on the NAMZIM Newspapers Board entrusted to you,” Hon.
of Directors,” Minister Kaapanda said. Kaapanda said.

He called on the new Board Members to He urged the new Board

acquaint themselves with the operations of
the joint venture, identify the opportunities
and challenges facing the company, and
produce a strategic business plan to address
the company’s financial sustainability and
profitability.
The Minister said the adverse economic
conditions in Zimbabwe affected the 50/50
contribution of partners in the NamZim joint
venture. Furthermore, the profitability of the
Southern Times is negatively affected by
fierce competition in the advertising market
and the high cost of distribution that eats
into profits. “Another challenge facing the
NamZim Board is to find new markets and
expand the operations of the newspaper to
allow more Africans to have access to African
news, but more specifically SADC news from
an African perspective,” he said.
“By accepting your appointment as new
Namibian Board Members of the NamZim
Newspapers Board of Directors, you
have demonstrated your resolve not only
to implement the mandate of the joint
venture, but also to take up the challenge
that the Namibian government, through the
Members to use the
management tools at their
disposal to assist them in their
quest to take the NamZim joint
venture to greater heights. “I
also want to assure you that my
door and that of the Ministry
will always be open to you for
advice and direction should you From left front: new Chairperson of the New Era Board of Directors
so require,” he said. and the Board of Directors of NamZim Newspapers, Mathew
Gowaseb, with MICT Minister, Hon. Joel Kaapanda, and Viola Zimunya,
New Era News Editor. In the second row are Rajah Munamava, Editor-
He reminded them that they in-Chief of New Era and MICT Deputy Minister, Raphael Dinyando.
Behind them are Roy Klassen, Marketing Manager, Jeremy Cloete,
were the direct and vital link Financial Manager and Sylvester Black, CEO of New Era. The photo
between the company and was taken when Minister Kaapanda introduced Mr. Gowaseb to the
New Era management after his appointment as chairperson of the two
the Ministry as mother body
Boards of Directors
of the NamZim joint venture.
“While it is not the intention
of the Ministry to interfere in the operation of Namibian NamZim Board Members to work
NamZim Newspapers, it is important that we, in close consultation and cooperation with
as a 50% funding partner in the operations of their Zimbabwean counterparts. “In a joint
NamZim Newspaper, stay informed of progress venture of operation there should never be
and challenges in the company. I am therefore winners or losers. Your approach should be
requesting you to regularly submit detailed to work together in a spirit of give and take
reports and briefings to my office to ensure that with the ultimate aim of ensuring profitability
the Ministry, as a stakeholder, is fully informed and growth without compromising the
of developments at NamZim Newspapers”, Hon. values and principles of the company and its
Kaapanda requested. He called on the new employees”, Hon. Kaapanda cautioned.

Debate on Mineral Prospecting Amendment

Bill
6 The Government Information Bulletin considered it important to reproduce the
statement of Hon. Erkki Nghimtina, Minister of Mines and Energy, in response to the
contributions made recently in the National Assembly in the Minerals (prospecting
and Mining) amendment Bill

Hon. Errki Nghimtina, Mines and Energy Minister
“I wholeheartedly thank the Rt. Hon. Prime
Minister for his supportive and unreserved
sentiments regarding our natural resources and
what is due to all of us, the Namibian people.
In the absence of the Minerals Act, I would have
gone along with the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister
to demand royalty payments retrospective
to degree number one of the United Nations.
However, since we already passed the Act to
provide for and regulate the exploration and
mining sector, I suppose we can only improve
on those provisions to better take care of
our national resources and our people. I fully
concur with the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister that
export of unprocessed minerals from Namibia
should be a thing of the past. The levy as a
discouragement mechanism however needs to
be discussed between myself and my colleague,
the Minister of Trade and Industry. You would
recall comrade Prime Minister that I proposed
a close engagement between the two of us
earlier this year during the Cabinet retreat at
Walvis Bay. I shall take this up with the Hon
Minister of Trade and Industry again. We shall
investigate the proposal by the Rt. Hon. Prime
Minister on the imposition of an export levy on
saw Minerals from Namibia. I have also been
contemplating regulations that put a limit on
the amount of unprocessed minerals that can
Continues on page 7

Debate on Mineral Prospecting Amendment Bill
be exported from Namibia. This is just one
of several provisions that we have in mind
in the Minerals Bill that the Rt. Hon. Prime
Minister is aware has been a priority project
of my ministry.
I also take note of the Rt. Hon. Prime
Minister’s concern regarding foreign
companies digging holes here and there in
the process of trying to find mineral deposits.
The carelessness and irresponsible actions
by exploration and mining companies to
our environment have now been adequately
covered in the Environmental Management
Act of 2007 and its regulations.
In addition to the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister’s
response with respect to corporate
responsibilities, I would like to add that
companies are expected to lead a practice of
good corporate citizenship and participate in
a wide spectrum of activities.
Hon. Mushelenga, I thank you for your
support and as for the statement and
comments regarding the diamond industry, I
will wait for the report before I respond.
Hon. Dr. Kawana indeed has served a
double role as an advisor to the government,
and in this particular Bill as one of the few
Namibians who are experts in mineral laws.
Hon. Kawana’s contribution to this Bill through
consultation has been overwhelming. On the
subject of local procurement of services and
goods by mining companies, this issue is
highly supported. As a matter of fact, I have
been informed that it is extensively dealt
with in the draft TESEF Policy.
The Hon. Helmut Angula’s example of copper
prices having plummeted is noted. However,
all indications are that this is temporal as the
appetite of the developing economies for
metallic metals is forecasted to grow for at
least the next seven to ten years. As for the
provision in law to address increases in the
rate of royalty when the markets are very
favourable, that flexibility in the law already
exists and we shall monitor the mineral
markets closely to ensure that maximum
national benefits are derived from such
increases.
Hon. Angula has also made reference to
value addition, seemingly not enjoying full
government support. In fact, this house has
on several occasions debated the subject of
value addition. The current local supply of
rough diamonds from Namdeb to the cutting
and polishing factories is due to government
initiatives. I am proud to state that the
factory in Omaruru also received financial
assistance from the Minerals Development
Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
Fund (MDF), operating from my Ministry, to
the tune of around N$20 million. The loan was
granted at very favorable interest rates and
flexible repayment terms.
With regards to manganese mines, my records
indicate that they transport concentrate
indeed. The companies have indicated in their
work programmes that they will construct
smelters, however other challenges such as
power availability are still being investigated
for appropriate solutions. I thank Hon. Angula
for his forward thinking and contribution to the
industrial development of our country.
I also wish to thank Hon. Schimming-Chase
for her positive contribution and support.
With regards to royalties benefiting the local
communities where minerals are found, I
wish to state that Hon Schimming-Chase’s
idea has some merit, however where the
mineral deposits being mined do not cover all
the parts of the country, her call could breed
discontent, resettlement or at worst civil
unrest. The emphasis should be on proportional
redistribution of wealth to our citizens, and not
in terms of where the natural resources are
mined.
I thank Hon. Nambahu and give him assurance
that vigilance and pro-activeness will ensure
fairness. I agree with Hon. Nambahu that it is
time that we as government participate in the
minerals sector. It is exactly for that reason that
I requested Cabinet for a government company
to be established. I am pleased to inform the
August House that the company has been
registered and the management will soon be
constituted.
We shall also continue to interrogate the current
Act in order to make progressive provisions in
the Minerals Bill that is intended to replace the
current Act of 1992. This bill is at an advance
stage and will be tabled before this House
during next year.
The Hon. Dr. Iyambo started the process to
impose royalties on the rest of the minerals. I
picked up where he left off and I am honoured
to complete a process that he started almost
five years ago when he was the Minister of
Mines and Energy. Hon. Tjekero Tweya referred
to EPLs covering the whole country and some
companies being almost everywhere. The fact
of the matter is that the current law does not
place a limit on how many EPLs an entity can
apply for. If an applicant has demonstrated the
technical and financial resources to undertake
exploration and mining, and where no other
application has been submitted in terms of
Section 125, such applicant, I submit deserves
positive consideration. I must state that I have
granted EPLs to several Namibians but to my
Continues from page 6
disappointment, many have sold out to the
very foreigners they complain about for short
term financial gains. I must also express
my disappointment with the inconsistency
of both the public and even within fellow
policy makers. At one point they are hailing
(foreign) investment as a result of the
existing favorable policies and legislations.
At another, they are deploring the same
policies and legislations and demanding
urgent changes.
I believe that where we see a need to
change the law in the interest of our people,
we should debate it openly in this House and
where appropriate, amend accordingly.
Hon. Tweya might have information that is
not at the disposal of my Ministry, because
to my knowledge areas covered by Namdeb
licenses are geologically not known to
have potential for gold. In any case, we all
passed the Diamond Act of 1999 with all
its provisions, particularly those providing
for diamond security and the protection of
those glittering stones. My caution is that
we do not get exited, emotional and phobic
about the operations of some companies.
Just like in many professions, Namdeb’s
main expertise is in diamond exploration and
mining. If Namdeb truly occupies an area with
potential for other minerals, such technically
verifiable information should be brought
forward so that my Ministry can interrogate
it and where the security of diamonds is
not compromised, perhaps opportunities
may be given to other companies/ entities
to fully explore the potential of those other
minerals. I am not defending Namdeb, but
merely stating what I have come to know
over the years.
Again, to my knowledge Namdeb does not
have licenses in the Kunene region. I am
also aware that a number of Honourable 7
members in this House are shareholders
and directors on companies that have been
granted licenses, but they have remained
silent partners and have little knowledge
of what is actually happening on those
licenses.
Hon. Tweya again appears to have
information that is contrary to the database
of my ministry. To the best of my knowledge,
only one company explores and mines and
has a subsidiary that polishes diamonds, in
Namibia.
Reference to Namdeb having EPLs
everywhere is not totally true. Several
companies that were granted EPLs in the
Caprivi and Kavango regions have not
Continues on page 8
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
Debate on Mineral Prospecting Amendment Bill
produced any results due to the challenging
environment and limited technical and
financial resources. Almost all of them have
now sought partnership with Namdeb to tap
into the resources of Namdeb to ascertain
the extent of mineralisation.
Hon. Viljoen, I want to assure you that
the intention is not to punish the mining
companies but instead enforce statutory
obligations that are supposed to be met by
the extractive industries for the benefits of
the Namibian population. I acknowledge
social responsibility programmes undertaken
by some of the companies. However, Hon.
Vilyoen would appreciate that government
might not build infrastructure purely to
service a particular mine but that such
infrastructure is designed to service the
nation way after the mine has come to its
end of life. I will address the issue of taxes
and royalties when I comment on Hon.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila’s contribution.
With regards to smelters and EPZ status,
I wish to point out that the smelters are
EPZ projects, however the Minerals Act
provides for royalties and the two must be
treated separately. The companies mining
manganese in the Otjozondu area have in
fact proposed in their programmes to build
Kunene’s Health Directorate gets transport
T he challenge for health officials to
navigate the difficult roads in the
Kunene region is something of the past
following the donation of two brand new
four wheel drive vehicles to the Health
Directorate in the Kunene region by Solid
International of Belgium and Medicos del
Mundo, a Spanish cooperating agency.
8 Governor Murorua also thanked the agencies
The Kunene Regional Governor, Dudu Murorua
officially commissioned the two vehicles, which
are to be used for mobile outreach programmes
and other activities, such as ARV outreach and
mobile clinic services.
Receiving the donation, Regional Health
Director, Linda Nambundunga said the Kunene
region and especially the villages around Opuwo
are known for their poor roads. She said the
vehicles will allow health officials to visit villages
and engage in other outreach programmes.
Due to transport problems, outreach services
were suspended in February, June and August
2008. According to Nambundunga, the outreach
programmes improve access to services and
increase service coverage. With the new
transport, distances that rural communities
have to travel to reach their nearest clinic or
smelters and as I have mentioned before, the
building of smelters and their operations require
huge amounts of energy. This is currently a
challenge to the nation.
Prediction by experts is that the minerals and
particularly the metals prices will recover and
will remain profitable for the next seven to
ten years. If we do not prepare ourselves to
share in the spoil, (to use Hon. Helmut Angula’s
expression), “the train will leave us behind”.
I thank Hon. Viljoen for his contribution and
support.
I am pleased that the Hon. Kuugongelwa-
Amadhila was able to make her contribution.
I stand firm in support of the Minister that
royalties are not based on profit and are
divorced from any other statutory fiscal or social
requirements. I have already dismissed the
suggestion by some companies to pay royalties
based on profit. The concern by the Hon.
Member regarding the lower and higher limits is
noted. However we believe that a transparent
process comprising submission of operational
reports and financial statements should guide
the minister in making decisions that do not
suffocate the businesses, while at the same
time does not also compromise the benefits to
the State and our people. I have contemplated
that Hon. Kuugongelwa- Amadhila and I meet
By Michael Liswaniso
hospital, will be cut. The donation was made
possible through existing agreements between
the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Solid
International and Medicos del Mundo. Thanking
the agencies for the donation, Nambundunga
said the vehicles were strong and fit for the
terrain in the Kunene region.
for the donation, but requested more assistance
for the Kunene region. “Services are needed
in this era of HIV/AIDS. We are living in an
era of death, but if we care we will give hope”,
said Murorua. He said there were more than
92 mobile units to be covered monthly in the
Kunene region and it will be very difficult for
teams to operate only with two vehicles. He
reminded the audience of the difficult roads in
the region and said it takes 11 hours to travel
the 300 km from Opuwo to Otjinungua.Christina
Saura, regional project coordinator for Medicos
del Mundo pledged her organisation’s support
to improve the transport situation in the Kunene
region. She said her organisation’s agreement
with the Ministry of Health and Social Services
runs until the end the 2010 and they will assist
where possible. “Our aim is to support the
Health Directorate in the Kunene Regional Office
Continues from page 7
to brainstorm on conducting a cost benefit
analysis, to where feasible, reduce the rate
of company tax in favour of increased royalty
rates. I say so because I am convinced that
royalties will generate more funds to the
Sate than taxes, particularly when I look
at a situation where some companies have
not been paying taxes in a long time. I
have also thought that in extremely difficult
circumstances, deferred royalty payments
may be considered, but this will be after a
thorough investigative exercise.
Hon. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has touched
on a number of significant issues regarding
the implementation and administration
of the law to ensure that the statutory
powers of the minister are not eroded or
compromised. I undertake to consult in order
to refine the formulations of the provisions
to ensure smooth implementation. Comrade
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, your contributions
are highly valued and appreciated.
Lastly Hon. Speaker, with some of those
few constructive criticisms from some of the
members, I am pleased that this Amendment
Bill has received overwhelming support
from the House. My staff and I are looking
forward to implementing the amendment for
the betterment of the lives of our people.
Kunene Regional Governor, Dudu Murorua handing
over vehicle keys to the Regional Health Director,
Linda Nambundunga, while Regional Project Coordi-
nator of Medicos del Mundo, Christina Saura (in the
background) looks on.
in its fight to control HIV/AIDS,” she said. The
donation, which included two vehicles and some
camping equipment is worth more than N$800
000. The donating organisations will also take
care of the maintenance, fuel and insurance of
the vehicles, while Medicos del Mundo will pay
for the services of a driver. Solid International
became involved in the Kunene region after its
owner visited some parts of the Kunene and
left deeply touched after seeing how residents
were struggling with primary health care in the
region.

Public hospitals to register new born babies
Hon. Rosalia Nghidinwa, Minister of Home Affairs
and Immigration
T
he Ministries of Home Affairs and
Immigration and Health and Social
Services have signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) to register all babies
born at maternity wards in public hospitals.
Hon. Rosalia Nghidinwa, Minister of Home
Affairs and Immigration (MHAI), launched a
pilot project on the registration of new born
babies at public hospitals. The pilot project
is aimed at ensuring that all babies that
are born at maternity wards are registered
and issued with birth certificates soon after
birth.
The Minister noted that babies will be issued
with unique numbers that will be linked to all
other national documents, such as identity cards
and passports. The project has kicked off at the
Katutura State Hospital and was made possible
with the assistance of N$ 100 000 from UNICEF
as the Ministry’s development partner. The state
considers birth registration as the official record of
the birth of children and it represents permanent
Clean hands save lives
N amibia hand washing day was the
first of it kind to be held in Namibia
in October 2008 and it formed part of the
“Year of Sanitation”. The United Nations
General Assembly designated such a day
under the slogan “Clean hands, save lives”.
The hand washing day was launched by the
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services
(MoHSS), Hon. Petrina Haingura on 15 October
Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
By Julia Hamhata
and official records of the existence of the child.
Birth registration is seen as a universal human
right as per the 1989 United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child, to which Namibia is
a signatory, as clearly stipulated under Article
7 which read: “The child shall be registered
immediately after birth and shall have the right
from birth to a name, the right to acquire a
nationality and as far as possible, the right to
know and be cared for by his or her parents.
Hon. Nghidinwa pointed out that birth registration
is part of an effective civil registration system that
should be compulsory, universal, permanent and
continuous.
In an attempt to achieve its goals during the pilot
project, the MHAI will intensify the awareness
campaign on the importance of birth registration
as the project might be extended to other hospitals
later. According to Hon. Nghidinwa, her Ministry is
overloaded with too many late application forms
which make the work of the officials difficult. “I
am humbly requesting those who did not acquire
their birth certificates yet to go to the nearest
offices and apply to minimise late registration of
birth which will come to an end in due course,”
pleaded the Minister. She also urged fathers to
name their children as early as possible for them
to be issued with full birth certificates as required
when the babies are brought to the hospital for
post natal and immunization programmes.
Hon. Nghidinwa explained that her Ministry is
planning to approach the MOHSS to explore the
possibility of issuing death certificates at hospitals
and health centres to minimise the travelling
of long distances to reach Home Affairs and
Immigration offices. “This is important because
in most cases both birth and death take place
at hospitals and health centres and the MHAI is
only responsible for the registration of the birth
By Maria Hedimbi
2008 at Helao Nafidi Town in the Ohangwena
region. Hand washing with soap and the
availability of proper sanitation facilities helps to
minimize water-borne diseases, such as polio,
diarrhoea and cholera that affected the central
north and north eastern parts of the country in
2007 and 2008.
Haingura urged the nation to disseminate
information on hygiene and sanitation to improve
and death according to information provided by
hospital and health centre officials,” she said.
Dr. Richard Kamwi, Minister of Health and Social
Services, called on nursing staff to fulfill their
duties in assisting with the safe delivery of babies.
Dr. Kamwi also acknowledged that the success of
the project is a challenge that requires unwavering
committed, hard work and professionalism.
According to the UNICEF Country Representative,
Ian MacLeod, the pilot project is a long awaited
historical achievement for the country and the
children of Namibia. He said it was every child’s
right to be registered and this move was another
step forward by the government to fulfill its
commitment to implement the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child.
MacLeod assured the MHAI that UNICEF is
committed and will continue supporting them
to raise awareness on the importance of birth
registration and ensure that the service is brought
closer to the people. “UNICEF will continue to give
technical expertise to the government to ensure
that appropriate legal measures are in place to
address the back log of birth registration and pull
in those who have not register their children”
reiterated MacLeod.
Hon. Nghidinwa highlighted some of the challenges
that hindered the registration process as long
distances, especially in rural areas, cultural beliefs
such as naming of babies after a certain period
and urban based offices. In an effort to overcome
those challenges, the Ministry has embarked
upon the programme of establishing sub-regional
offices and purchase mobile registration offices.
Sub-regional offices have already been established
in areas such as Ruacana, Okongo, Kahenge,
Mukwe, Tsumkwe, Karasburg, Grootfontein and
9
Lüderitz.
sanitation that reduces environment burdens,
increases sustainable environmental resources
and promotes a healthier nation and protects
future generations.
The Demographic Health Survey (DHS) of 2000
showed that sanitation in rural areas stands as
20% and has even decreased to 0% in many of
the flooded areas due to the collapse of ventilated
improved pit latrines. She, therefore, called for
Continues on page 10
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
Clean hands save lives
the establishment of a National Sanitation
Forum to support and promote sanitation and
hygiene in the country and urged environment
health practitioners to ensure that rural
communities have access to proper sanitation
facilities.
“Our challenge will be to transform hand
washing with soap into every day habits at
homes, schools and communities,” said Hon.
Haingura. She emphasised that active public
education and awareness campaigns would
help in mobilising people to clean their hands
with soap after using the toilet, as well as in
improving hygiene and sanitation, particularly
in schools and informal settlements.
According to the UNICEF Country
Representative, Ian MacLeod, washing hands
with soap after defecation and before eating
can reduce the rate of respiratory infections.
The government is convinced that improved
hygiene and sanitation was a way of tackling
poverty and this is reflected in both NDP3 and
Vision 2030. MacLeod felt that the challenge
remains to implement the government’s
Omaruru hosts talk show on teenage
pregnancies among learners
F our schools from different
constituencies in the Erongo region
participated in the talk show on teenage
pregnancies which was held in Omaruru
late in September 2008.
10 Officiating the event was the Mayor of Omaruru,
Hon. Michael Tjirare who urged the learners to
take the issue of teenage pregnancies seriously,
because it was a concern to all Namibians.
Tjirare urged learners to take their education
seriously and to stay away from social evils such
as alcohol abuse and early sexual activities,
as this may result in unplanned pregnancies
and contracting sexually transmitted (STDs)
diseases, including HIV/AIDS. “Education is the
key to your future and your destiny lies in your
hands” he said.
Tjirare called on learners to wait with sex until
they have completed their education and have
met the right partner who is ready to take
responsibility for children. “When learners
become pregnant at an early age, they always
commitment in ensuring access to clean water
and latrines in households, and to convince the
population of the health benefits of regularly
washing ones hands with soap and water, which,
according to him, must become a habit.
In Namibia, nearly 1.3 million people have no
access to proper toilet facilities, with rural areas
topping the list with about 84% not having
access to proper toilet facilities. A total of 34%
of Namibian schools have no facilities to allow for
hand washing, while 35% do not have toilets.
Over 50% of all deaths of children below one
year are either from diarrhoea, pneumonia or a
combination of the two. However, this could be
attributed to lack of hygiene, including washing
ones hands with soap.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a leading research-based
pharmaceutical company active in the research
and development of prescription medicines and
vaccines. They make important contributions to
health care challenges in Africa. Their community
investment programmes includes Personal
Hygiene and Sanitation Education (PHASE),
which aims to teach adults and children how to
By Ottilie Shingenge
have difficulties in taking care of their babies”
he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Sister Patricia
Kabajani, a registered nurse at the Omaruru
State Hospital said getting pregnant at an early
age has many implications, such as contracting
STDs, unsafe abortions and an increase in child
abuse. “Engaging in sexual activities at a young
age can lead to cervical cancer in girls and they
may even consider suicide, because they are
not ready to take responsibility” she said. She
added that teenage pregnancies increase the
risk of child mortality.
Sister Kabajani called on learners to abstain
from sex and to take their education seriously
to achieve their goals and to postpone sexual
activities until they are mature enough to
handle the responsibilities that come with being
sexually active.
According to Pastor Jermaene Tjongarero of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Omaruru, who
addressed the learners on teenage pregnancies
Continues from page 9
reduce the spread of germs simply by washing
their hands.
This was not the first time that GSK was
partnering with Namibia: in 2003 they were
involved with Integrated Management of
Childhood Illness, in joint efforts with UNICEF
to decrease morbidity and mortality of children
younger than 5 years. Conrad Louw from GSK
informed the gathering that his organisation
strives to globally contribute towards the
achievement of the Millennium Development
Goals. They strive to achieve this goal by
adding value to their products to ensure that
communities have access to safe and clean
drinking water with proper sanitation that is
critical for the survival of human beings.
UNICEF worked in a public-private multilateral
partnership with the government of Namibia
and GSK to kick start this national hygiene and
sanitation campaign to reach all Namibians
through schools, the media and public
outreach. It is hoped that improved hygiene
and sanitation would become a habit with this
annual campaigning event.
from a religious and moral perspective, indulging
in sex before marriage was a sin and the church
does not allow it. He said the only advice the
church gives to teenagers, especially learners
are to totally abstain from sexual activities and
wait until they get married. “So the issue of
using condoms and contraceptives is a taboo
from the biblical point of view, because it is
perceived as killing” he said.
Tjongarero urged learners to be responsible in
all the decisions they make and to put extra
effort in their education as it was the only
guarantee to a successful life.
The event, which was organised by the Regional
AIDS Coordinating Committee (RACOC),
Ombetja Yehinga (OYO), the Regional AIDS
Committee for Education (RACE) in the
Ministry of Education, NASOMA, USAID, the
HIV/AIDS Management Unit (HAMU), Medicos
Del Mundo and the Ministry of Information
and Communication Technology was held in
September 2008 in Omaruru.

Learners debate teenage pregnancies
O maruru was the centre of attraction
when four schools from the Erongo
region engaged in a debate on teenage
pregnancies at Omaruru in late September
2008. The participating schools were
the Da Palma Junior Secondary School
from Otjimbingwe, the Dibasen Junior
Secondary School and the Otjiperongo
Junior Secondary School, both from
Omaruru, and the Petrus Ganeb
Secondary School from Uis.
These schools were chosen because they are
from rural areas and do not have access to
information on teenage pregnancies and other
information pertaining to everyday live.
Learners argued that poverty, alcohol abuse,
the media, lack of self control and peer pressure
were the main contributing factors why they
get involved in sexual activities and normally
with sugar daddies. They further submitted that
teenage pregnancies do not only affect other
school learners, but also local communities, as
well as economic development of the country.
“Our parents must also be responsible enough
to give us more advice and information on
issues that affect our lives” learners said. They
said learners from rural areas are most affected,
because they lack access to information.
Endola constituency office opened
I n support of bringing services closer to
the people, the Endola constituency in
the Ohangwena region was opened late
last year. Hon. Erkki Nghimtina, Minister
of Mines and Energy officially opened the
office on behalf of President Hifikepunye
Pohamba.
In a statement read on behalf of the President,
he said that the Endola constituency was
a clear demonstration of the government’s
commitment to ensure that people of Namibia,
including those at grassroots level, are accorded
the opportunity to practice decision making in
matters affecting their lives and to determine
their own priorities in terms of development
programmes and projects. He called on the
community to make use of their office, saying
that the office will serve as an important
venue where the residents of Endola will come
Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
By Ottilie Shingenge
Learners stressed that dropping out of school,
contracting HIV/AIDS and other STD’s, baby
dumping, low birth weight and the increase of
child mortality are some of the consequences
of teenage pregnancies and early sexual
activities.
According to Martin Lilungwe, who is a teacher
and the Head of Department at the Waldfrieden
Primary School teenage pregnancies among
learners threaten their health and social welfare
and health and welfare of the children born to
them.
He said pregnancies often cause learners to
terminate their education, leaving them with
very few options of establishing a good life
for themselves and their children. “Teenage
pregnancies among learners are one of the
social problems which prevent girls from
continuing with their education” he said.
The Da Palma Junior Secondary School walked
away with the first prize, which was a computer
set and a memory stick sponsored by the
RACOC.
The Petrus Ganeb Secondary School took
the second prize of a DVD player and DVD
cassettes, sponsored by OYO.
Maria Hedimbi
together to discuss matters related to the socio-
economic development of their community.
The President also disclosed that four more
constituency offices have been built at
Okongo, Ondobe, Epembe and Oshikango in
the Ohangwena region, while the Omulonga
and Eenhana constituency offices were under
construction, and the Engela, Ohangwena and
Ongenga offices were in the planning stage.
The President also touched on the development
activities in the Endola constituency, mentioning
the Ongha Clinic that has been upgraded into
a Health Centre. He added that the three
earth dams at Olyanyandi, Ondeihaluka and
Onekwaya-west have been dug to provide
drinking water, especially for livestock.
Other development initiatives include the
construction of the Endola Community Hall and
“Our parents must
also be responsible
enough to give us
more advice and
information on issues
that affect our lives”
learners said.
The Otjiperongo Junior Secondary School won
the third prize, consisting of games, pens and
pencils, while the Dibasen Junior Secondary
School won the fourth prize consisting of rulers,
pens and a game. Both these prizes were
sponsored by the Ministry of Information and
Communication Technology. The event was
organised to determine whether learners from
rural areas have some knowledge of teenage
pregnancies and other STD’s, which could derail
the continuation of their education.
an aquaculture project at Ongha. President
Pohamba urged the Endola community to
get involved in income generating projects
11
to minimise poverty and unemployment. He
noted that small and medium-size enterprises
were very important to grow the economy. He
challenged them to use the available resources
in the area to embark on agricultural, brick-
making, needlework and gardening activities to
improve their living standards.
Hon. Usko Nghaamwa, Governor of the
Ohangwena region praised the government for
developing basic facilities and infrastructure
that were necessary for economic development.
He said the Ohangwena region was one of the
formerly neglected regions which are now
benefiting from development. He called on
the Endola residents to jealously guard against
vandalism at their constituency office.
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
Limited funding hampers Kunene projects
M ore than eight regional capital
projects funded by Government for
Regional Councils through the National
Planning Commission (NPC) are still
ongoing in the Kunene region.
This, according to the Deputy Director of
Planning in the Kunene Regional Council,
Fillipus Shilongo, was as a result of insufficient
funding.
This came to light when the Regional
Development Coordinating Committee (RDCC)
met at Kamanjab in September 2008.
Shilongo, whose Directorate is actively involved
in the projects and chairs some meetings of the
RDCC, indicated that many project proposals
were received from constituency levels each
year, but the final appraisal and approval of these
projects were done by the National Planning
Commission (NPC) Secretariat. Annually, only
a few projects get selected because of limited
funding. “We can budget N$30 million, but
the NPC will only approve N$5 million for us.
First AU Conference of Ministers for Social
Development held in Windhoek
T he Ministry of Health and Social
Services (MoHSS) hosted the first
African Union Conference of Ministers
in charge of Social Development in the
capital between 27 -31 October 2008
with the theme, “Towards a Sustainable
12 Social Development Agenda for Africa”.
The conference brought together African
Ministers in charge of social development, which
falls in the framework of the various instruments
adopted by the African Union’s African Common
Position on Human and Social Development in
Africa which led Africa’s contribution to the
World Summit for Social Development in 1994.
In 2001, the global community adopted the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with
clear targets for the achievement of social
development. The MDG target of cutting by half
the number of people in the developing world,
living on less than a dollar ($1) a day by 2015,
remains within reach for the world as a whole.
In contrast, little progress has been made in
reducing extreme poverty in the Sub-Saharan
Africa region. After a decade, it is important to
By Michael Liswaniso
That is why some projects are ongoing for
years, because they are divided into phases,”
explained Shilongo. Asked why the RDCC
cannot just concentrate on the completion of
ongoing projects before attending to new ones,
Shilongo said that some new projects are crucial
and at times need immediate intervention.
Shilongo singled out the building of toilets in
Okangwati as a top priority. “When cholera
breaks out, we attend to the immediate need
at hand,” he said.
Heads of government ministries and local
authorities, as well as other non-governmental
organisations constitute the RDCC.
Ongoing projects in the region include the
construction of water, sewerage and electricity
lines, as well as the construction of ventilated
improved pit latrines in some parts of the
region. Most of these projects were identified
at grassroots level through respective ‘small’
village development committees and deliberated
on at constituency level and finally sent to
By Kaleni Hiyalwa
take stock of the situation, identify what has
worked well, the good practices and constraints.
It will be an opportunity to learn from each
other and provide a basis for integrated social
development policies. The conference was
tasked to identify and promote resources
needed to accelerate the attainment of longer,
healthier, and better lives for the people of the
continent, especially the vulnerable groups.
It was also to support the strengthening of
national systems to provide the basic services
and cater for the welfare of the people in
general and the marginalised and poor groups
of the society, in particular and promote the
rights of all the sectors of the society, including
the elderly, people with disabilities, the family,
and women to include them in the development
policies and programmes.
The conferences’ objectives were to review
and adopt a Social Policy Framework for Africa,
review and assess progress made by member
states in implementing the various instruments
in the areas of social development, identify
gaps, constraints and best practices and forge
the RDCC for deliberation, identification and
ranking. A substantial number of the projects
were proposed by government institutions.
Meanwhile, the RDCC failed to submit the final
document on the Third National Development
Plan (NDP3) to the NPC Secretariat before the
official deadline last year despite having had
to work with the !Nara Training Centre on the
submission.
”Failure to insert our regional contributions to
the NDP3 affects the development projects
and programmes in the Kunene region for the
next five years. This will indicate our failure as
technocrats heading offices or organisations
in the Kunene region, so we should act now
before it is too late,” some members have said
at previous meetings.
The region is plagued by widespread poverty,
where a shocking 52 % of households are rated
as poor, of whom 41 % are rated poor and 11
% extremely poor, according to official figures.
partnership with development partners in
supporting AU member states to implement the
various instruments on social issues.
The conference was organised into two
parts, namely the expert meeting from 27-
28 October 2008, which considered the
documents, provided their inputs and made
appropriate recommendations for the Ministers’
consideration and approval and the Ministers’
meeting, held from 30-31 October 2008 to
consider the report of the experts’ meeting
and adopt its recommendations and the Social
Policy Framework for Africa.
The conference was also aimed at popularising
the various existing instruments on social issues,
share and exchange good practices on social
development in member states, including policies
and programmes, adopt recommendations
to enhance social development in Africa and
promote the rights and welfare of the most
vulnerable group of the society.
The experts had two key working documents,
Continues on page 13

Able people living with disabilities
T he Keetmanshoop Disability Centre
commemorated the National Disability
Day in June 2008. The day signifies the
courage and bravery of people with
disabilities who have to go through trials
and tribulations in life.
Anna Louw of the Ministry of Health and Social
Service urged the community of Keetmanshoop
to assume responsibility to raise awareness
and render needed assistance to the people
with disabilities. Awareness raising among the
community for people with disabilities have
declined drastically as the community does not
articulate issues pertaining to disability.
The Mayor of Keetmanshoop, Rev. Tiboth
Petrus, reiterated the fact that people with
disability are abused by their relatives at an
alarming rate. He said: “Disabled woman and
children are most likely to be neglected, isolated
and open to abuse”.
People with disability are left out of the fight
against HIV/AIDS despite the fact that they
are often exposed and vulnerable to abuse.
First AU Conference of Ministers for Social Development held in
Windhoek
being the study on Social Protection and
the draft Social Policy Framework in Africa,
which was adopted as a key outcome
of the conference. Other participants at
the conference were officials from the
Namibian Navy commemorates fourth
anniversary
T he Namibian Navy commemorated its
fourth commissioning anniversary in
Swakopmund in October 2008.
Erongo Governor, Hon. Samuel Nuuyoma, and
Namibian Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Peter
H. Vilho delivered keynote addresses at the
event, while the Angolan Chief of Naval Staff,
Admiral Augusto Da Silva attended the event as
a guest of honour.
“When I look at these men and women in white,
I see loyalty, pride, determination, and most off
all, a history of victory that will successfully
Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
“In communicating about HIV/AIDS we should
not exclude people with disabilities” the Mayor
said.
A civil servant, Hendrik van der Westhuizen,
who is living with disability, expressed his
appreciation to the community of Keetmanshoop
for involving people with disabilities in the
training course, especially in the use of
Namibian sign language.
The centre also provides courses in photo
framing and paper bricks that are used as fuel
in households.
In a statement read on his behalf by Hon Hilma
Nicanor, Councillor of the Keetmanshoop Urban
constituency, the Governor of the Karas region,
David Boois, said: “We should ensure that people
with disabilities have access to employment
and equal opportunities resulting from the
country’s economic and social development
aimed at improving the living conditions of all
citizens”. He reminded the audience that the
rights of people with disabilities are enshrined
in the Namibian Constitution and as a result,
the government has formulated a Policy on
AU Commission for Social Development, UN
Agencies, development partners, international,
regional and national organisations, including
non-governmental organisations (NGOs),
Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)
By Ottilie Shingenge
go on for many years to come”, Hon. Samuel
Nuuyoma remarked.
According to the Governor, the Namibian
Navy, which originated as the result of a naval
cooperation agreement between Namibia and
Brazil in 1994, has for the past years shown
that a young country like Namibia has strong
potential that can match any other developed
country when it comes to peaceful operations
and security.
Rear Admiral Vilho, said the ultimate purpose
of the Navy was to secure the survival of the
nation in this tumultuous world. It also has
Disability that was adopted by the National
Assembly in July 1997.
“Do not focus on what [the things] you have
lost, but what [the things] you have gained.
Make use of training opportunities and become
involved in the development of our society”, the
Governor advised.
The meeting realised that much needs to be
done to eradicate discrimination in all sectors
of society as some institutions, as well as roads
still do not have access passages for people
with disabilities.
National Disability Day is celebrated on the
11 June in Namibia and on 3 December
internationally. It is aimed at creating awareness
about the plight and harsh living conditions of
people living with disabilities.
An exhibition was held at the Disability
Resource Centre in Kronlein Street to coincide
with National Disability Day and some of the
messages displayed at the exhibition read:
“Education for All”, “Voice of our own”, “We
want support not Charity” and “Society for all”.
Continues from page 12
dealing with social development issues,
independent experts, resource persons and
special guests.
13
the responsibility to craft a safe and secure
environment in which business can operate and
thrive.
“All of us share a common bond. There is no
business person who doesn’t understand the
importance of free and open sea-lanes, and
who doesn’t understand that regional security is
critical in doing business and that in this country
the Defense Force underpins that security”, the
Admiral stressed. The Navy commander also
acknowledged the presence of the guest of
honour and Chief of the Angolan Navy Staff,
Admiral Augusto Da Silva Cunha “Gugu”, who
Continues on page 14
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
Namibian Navy commemorates fourth anniversary
he said was invited to demonstrate the
amicable relationship that exists between
Namibia and Angola. The two countries share
common interests, particular their navies,
which must meet the challenges of maritime
security, maritime disaster management,
environmental degradation and the planning
and conduct of naval operations.
In July 2008, Rear Admiral Vilho attended
the 32nd anniversary of the Angolan Navy
in that country.
The Namibian Navy is one of the three arms
of services under the Ministry of Defence,
which consists of the Army, the Air Force
and the Navy. Some of the successful
missions of the Navy included the arrest of
the suspected vessel, MV Lamo by the patrol
vessel Oryx in April 2007, Operation Rolling
Heads, against illegal dumping of fish, which
Kaapanda meets learners in Okongo
I nformation and Communication
Technology Minister Joël Kaapanda
visited the Oshela Senior Secondary
School in the Okongo Constituency in the
Ohangwena region in 2008.
The visit was aimed at addressing the learners
on nationhood and nation pride, which is
“lacking in most Namibians and thus hindering
the development of the country.”
In his statement, Minister Kaapanda advised the
learners to be strong defenders of this country
14 by protecting the national properties, of which
school facilities happen to be part. He said it
is high time that Namibians, learners included,
start feeling that they belong together and that
the state institutions and properties belong to
them. The Minister highlighted the presence
of the Namibian flag saying that it does not
discriminate against anybody in the country,
saying that it symbolises unity and thus can
be seen everywhere irrespective of the region,
school etc.
“Unity makes strength and therefore, Namibians
need to be united to build a strong and
peaceful nation,” emphasised Kaapanda. He
“Unity makes strength and therefore, Namibians need to be united to build a strong
and peaceful nation,” emphasised Kaapanda.
took place in October 2007,
as well as the hot pursuit of
the MV Michale/Unfolozi in
July 2006.
The Naval Base is situated
near the sea, to allow them
to keep a watchful eye on any
elements that might want to
encumber the beautiful and
peaceful Namibia.
The Navy recruits new
members almost every year
and encourages applications
from young Namibians,
especially those living along
the Namibian coast.
Several students received medals in different
categories, such as hard work, sports, and
By Maria Haidimbi
The visit was aimed
at addressing
the learners on
nationhood and
nation pride, which
is “lacking in most
Namibians and
thus hindering the
development of the
country.”
reminded the learners that they are the future
and a great investment of this country. He,
therefore, pleaded with them to maintain good
Continues from page 13
Handing over medals in different categories: Namibian
Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Peter Hafeni Vilho, with his
counterpart, Angolan Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Augusto Da
Silva, flanked by (on extreme left), Governor of Erongo, Hon.
Samuel Nuuyoma, and Mayor of Walvis Bay, Uilika Nambahu (on
extreme right).
physical fitness during the 4th commemoration
of the existence of the Namibian Navy.
discipline, to work hard and respect people to
become good future leaders. Kaapanda urged
the learners to be sensitive when it comes to
vandalism, violence and abuse against women
and children and marry the culture of cleanliness
within their environment. Speaking at the
same event through the interpreter, Fednedy
Kabunga echoed the Minister’s sentiments and
advised the learners to study hard and become
good and respected leaders in the society. He
further advised them to always bear in mind
the consequences of the deadly diseases HIV/
AIDS and avoid being involved in any kind of
risky behaviour.
He noted that HIV/AIDS is no longer a health
issue, but it has become a great challenge to
the country’s development.
Kabunga also gave HIV/AIDS challenge games to
the learners, Be there to care CDs, Government
Information Bulletins, as well as some soft
drinks for refreshments. Most participants at
the gathering were learners from the Oshela
Senior Secondary School, the Kongo Junior
Primary School and Elia Weyulu School, all from
the Okongo constituency. While in the area, the
Minster also carried the same message to the
community members of the Olupale village.

Tanzania’s Premier Pinda visited Namibia
T he Prime Minister of the United
Republic of Tanzania, the Rt. Hon.
Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda, paid
an official visit to Namibia in October
2008. The purpose of the visit was to
discuss matters of mutual interest and
to strengthen bilateral co-operation
between the Republic of Namibia and the
United Republic of Tanzania. The Prime
Minister was accompanied by a delegation
of thirty people, including Madam Tunu
Pinda, several Ministers and other senior
government officials.
Hon. Pinda and his delegation was welcomed
by Rt. Hon. Nahas Angula, Cabinet Ministers,
senior Government officials and members of
the Tanzanian community in Namibia.
On arrival, Hon. Pinda had official talks with
Prime Minister Nahas Angula. The two
delegations discussed and reviewed a wide
range of bilateral, regional and international
issues of common interest. They also
reaffirmed their commitment to broaden their
bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both
countries in areas such as agriculture, mining,
education, health, fisheries trade and tourism.
Bilateral cooperation between Namibia and
South Africa grows
N amibia kept its diary open to remind
her of the agreements signed with
her southern neighbour, South Africa,
more than anything else, with regard
to areas of investments, trade, regional
economic integration, development
of transport, infrastructure, energy,
tourism, science and technology, as well
as capacity building and management,
during the seventh Namibia-South Africa
Bilateral Economic Meeting that took
place during the second half of last year
in Windhoek.
Namibia and South Africa have decided to
initiate bilateral meetings at the level of Heads
Namibia and South Africa have decided to initiate bilateral meetings at the level
of Heads of State to reflect their strong ties of cooperation and the spirit of good
neighbourliness between them.
Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
By Julia Hamhata
The two Prime Ministers agreed to revitalise the
joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation
between Namibia and Tanzania and reaffirmed
their commitment to ensure that the commission
is convened by June 2009.
The two delegations
discussed and
reviewed a wide
range of bilateral,
regional and
international issues
of common interest.
During his visit, Hon. Pinda paid a courtesy call on
President Hifikepupnye Pohamba, and Founding
President and Father of the Namibian Nation,
By Kaleni Hiyalwa
of State to reflect their strong ties of cooperation
and the spirit of good neighbourliness between
them. These meetings offer the opportunity
to review progress and chart the way forward
on issues of common concern and mutual
interest.
During the seventh bilateral meeting between
Namibia’s President Hifikepunye Pohamba and
South Africa’s former President, Thabo Mbeki,
issues such as the Namibia International
Investment Conference (NIIC), the Spacial
Development Initiatives (SDI), the departure of
the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
and establishment of the Namibia Standards
Institution, Multilateral Trading Arrangements,
Dr. Sam Nujoma. The Tanzanian Prime Minister
also visited several projects in Windhoek, Walvis
Bay and in the Omusati region. In Windhoek
Hon. Pinda visited NamCot, a diamond cutting
and polishing factory, as well as Meatco. In
Walvis Bay, he visited Merlus Factory, a sea food
processing factory, Namport, and the Namibia
Maritime and Fisheries Institute (Namfi). The
Etunda agriculture scheme and aquaculture
project were the two projects visited in the
Omusati region.
In a briefing with the media, the Tanzanian
Premier stated that as SADC members Namibia
and Tanzania were bound to pay frequent visit
to each other with the purpose of learning from
one another and correct each other where
necessary. He also noted that his mission and
objectives were to look at areas of cooperation
especially in the area of diamonds. “Tanzania
also mine diamonds, but it is processed in
London, therefore Tanzania would like to learn
more from Namibia”, he said. He also pointed
out that Namibia was very good in meat
processing and that Tanzania could also learn
from Namibia in this regard. The Premier also
expressed appreciation for the warm welcome
he received from the Namibian people.
such as SACU, the SADC Free Trade Area,
SADC-Economic Partnership Agreements, World
Trade Organisation; agriculture, environment
and tourism, energy, science and technology, 15
fisheries and marine resources and health
were discussed , looking at the progress made,
possible obstacles and the way forward.
Today, progress has been made in the
establishment of the Namibia Standards
Institution (NSI) to be followed by the
establishment of the NSI Testing and Inspection
Centre, while the launch of the SADC-Free Trade
Area (FTA) is an added success to these talks
apart from progress in other areas of bilateral
cooperation.
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
Namibia / Botswana cooperation on track
T he Fourth Session of the Namibia
– Botswana Joint Permanent
Commission of Co-operation took place in
Walvis Bay in October 2008.
The Namibian delegation was led by Hon.
Marco M. Hausiku, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
and included Hon. Dr. Richard Kamwi, Minister
of Health and Social Services and H.E. Hadino
Hishongwa, Namibia’s High Commissioner
to Botswana, as well as several other senior
government officials.
The Botswana delegation was led by Hon.
Phandu T. C. Skelemani, Minister of Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation, and
included Hon. Moleboge, Botswana’s High
Commissioner to Namibia and senior officials
from the Botswana government. While in Walvis
Bay, Hon. Skelemani had an audience with the
Erongo Governor, Hon. Samuel Nuuyoma and
also toured the facilities at Namport.
The Commission discussed issues pertaining
to agriculture, water, forestry, mines, energy,
fisheries, trade, works and transport, tourism,
decentralisation, energy, scientific cooperation,
finance, information and communication
technology, regional and local government,
education, training and human resource
development, sport and culture, and health, as
well as diplomatic and legal issues.
The negotiations took place in a cordial
atmosphere, which reflected the excellent
bilateral relations between the two countries
and peoples. The two Ministers underscored
the need to enhance and deepen cooperation
between the two countries.
16
In his opening remarks, Hon. Hausiku said
he was delighted that the Joint Commission
was meeting regularly and that there were
signs that bilateral cooperation between the
two countries was growing. He stressed that
excellent relations, rooted in a long and shared
history, provided them with a strong foundation
to further strengthening the longstanding bonds
of friendship, solidarity, good neighbourliness
and mutually beneficial cooperation existing
between the two countries and their people.
Hausiku added that an earlier working visit
by H.E. Lieutenant General Seretse Khama,
President of Botswana, added impetus to
their work. The Joint Commission provided an
important platform for Namibia and Botswana
By Ottilie Shingenge
to further strengthen the existing areas of
cooperation and explore new avenues for
the expansion of relations between the two
countries and its people.
“During the visit to Namibia by H.E. Festus
Mogae in 2006, the site for the Dry Port Facility
for Botswana was handed over here in Walvis
Bay. The memorandum of understanding for
this facility was signed in February 2008 and a
lease agreement will soon be signed”, he said.
He was of the opinion that this development will
cement their economic cooperation within the
context of the Walvis Bay – Mamuno Corridor
and the Trans–Kalahari Highway. Furthermore,
the planned railway project will represent a major
breakthrough in infrastructure development for
trade between the two countries and within the
region. Hon. Hausiku encouraged the business
community to use the opportunities provided
by the development of such infrastructure to
engage in innovative, practical and sustainable
business development for reciprocal benefit.
He was of the
opinion that this
development
will cement their
economic cooperation
within the context
of the Walvis Bay –
Mamuno Corridor
and the
Trans–Kalahari
Highway.
The Botswana Minister also referred to the
cordial bilateral relations, founded on genuine
friendship, a common cultural and historical
heritage, as well as a shared vision to provide a
better life for the citizens in his opening remarks.
“I have noted with appreciation that since
our last Joint Commission held in April 2006,
our officials have been actively pursuing the
implementation of decisions and commitments
from the last meeting, he said”.
The two Ministers called for the speedy
“I have noted with
appreciation that
since our last Joint
Commission held
in April 2006, our
officials have been
actively pursuing
the implementation
of decisions and
commitments from
the last meeting, he
said”.
implementation of the commitments and
decisions made during this 4th Session of the
Joint Commission Cooperation. In particular, the
Commission urged progress on the outstanding
issue of Botswana students’ permit.
The Commission further noted that since the
last Session remarkable progress were made in
the areas of the Dry Port Facility at Walvis Bay;
the ICT Sector; the exchange of game species
and cooperation in health matters.
The 5th Session of the Botswana – Namibia
Joint Commission of Cooperation would be held
in Botswana in 2010.
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008

SADC agrees to provide immediate military

assistance to DRC
S outhern African resolved to provide
immediate military assistance to the
Democratic Republic of Congo where
force to handle the conflict before making any
further decision.
communiqué.

Fighting in the DRC broke out on 28 August

renewed fighting had displaced more
than half a million people.
The regional leaders made the decision during
a one-day Southern African Development
Community (SADC) Extraordinary Summit held
in November 2008 to come up with a regional
solution to the current military and political
problems in the DRC and Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the Summit, SADC Chairperson and
South African President, Kgalema Motlanthe
called for an immediate ceasefire so that
humanitarian aid can reach those displaced by
fighting in eastern DRC, where renewed armed
conflict broke out between government forces,
rebels loyal to General Laurent Nkunda, and
pro-government militias.
“We call for an immediate ceasefire to allow
humanitarian assistance to reach displaced
people,” said Motlanthe.
He added that SADC encouraged dialogue
between the governments of the DRC and
Rwanda. The DRC government insisted that
Rwanda was backing Nkunda, an accusation
which Kigali has denied.
Speaking after the Summit, SADC Executive
Secretary, Tomaz Salomáo said the region
backed the AU calls for a ceasefire and the
creation of a humanitarian corridor.
“SADC should immediately provide assistance
to the armed forces of DRC,” the summit’s
communiqué said.
SADC will not stand by and witness any
destructive acts of violence by any armed
groups...and if necessary will send peacekeeping
forces.
Salomáo said that a military advisory team will
be deployed immediately to provide advice to
the DRC’s armed forces. Another team would
be sent to evaluate the situation on the ground
to determine what other assistance might be
needed.
The SADC Executive Secretary denied reports
that Angola had already deployed troops inside
the DRC, but said SADC troops could be sent in
quickly if needed.
Regarding Zimbabwe, SADC agreed that an
inclusive government be formed immediately
and the contentious Ministry of Home Affairs
be co-managed between the Zimbabwe African
National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and
the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
The SADC Summit came a few days after a
one-day AU Summit in Nairobi, Kenya on 7
November 2008 which was also convened to
seek solutions to the security and humanitarian
situation in the DRC.
Motlanthe called
for an immediate
ceasefire so that
humanitarian aid can
reach those
displaced by fighting
in eastern DRC
Seven leaders from Burundi, DRC, Kenya,
Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, attended
the AU summit. In a communiqué released at
the end of the Nairobi summit, the leaders said
there was an urgent need to stop the war and
send peace-keeping forces to the eastern part
of the vast southern African country.
The leaders recommended the establishment of
a humanitarian corridor in North Kivu, where
fighting has been intense to help refugees with
food and shelter.
2008 between government troops and Nkunda’s
National Congress for the Defence of the People
(CNDP), violating a ceasefire reached under the
Goma Peace Accord, signed in January 2008.
The agreement called for an immediate
cessation of hostilities, disengagement of
troops and the creation of a buffer zone.
Nkunda claimed his CNDP was protecting
Congo’s ethnic Tutsi minority from the
Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda
(FDLR), a militia led by Rwandan Hutus who
fled into the DRC after the 1994 genocide in
neighbouring Rwanda. sardc.net
SANF is produced by the Southern African
Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC),
which has monitored regional developments
since 1985
Southern African
Development
Community (SADC)
leaders call for a
regional solution
17
to the current
military and
political
problems in the
Democratic
Republic of Congo

and Zimbabwe.
However, Salomáo said SADC would first assess There should be an immediate ceasefire by all
the ability of the United Nations peacekeeping armed men and militias in North Kivu,” read the
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
News from Cabinet chambers
Cabinet took the following decisions at its 21st
ordinary meeting held on 11 November 2008.
1. FOURTH SESSION OF THE NAMIBIA/
BOTSWANA JOINT COMMISSION OF
COOPERATION
Namibia and Botswana established a Joint
Commission of Cooperation in July 1990.
The 4th Namibia/Botswana Joint Commission
of Cooperation meeting was held in Walvis Bay
from 14 to 16 October 2008 and discussed,
among others, issues related to cooperation
in various areas, including energy, trade and
investment, mining, water and agriculture,
fisheries, aviation, finance, information and
communication technology, works and transport,
education, scientific cooperation, environment
and tourism and youth and sports.
With regard to cooperation in the fields of
agriculture and forestry, action is needed in
the areas of Animal Control and Diseases;
the exchange of genetic material for livestock
development; the Joint Monitoring and
Management of the Kwando-Linyanti-Chobe
River and the NamaKaroo Groundwater
investigation project that is underway at
Stampriet in Namibia.
In the area of environment and tourism,
synchronised coordination in the aerial census
project is necessary. The aerial census is aimed
at establishing an accurate population estimate
of elephants in Southern Africa for a sub-regional
elephant management plan to be developed,
18 while proposals by the Technical Committee
on the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier
Conservation Area (KAZA) should be finalised
for presentation to the donors to achieve the
KAZA objectives by the next session of the Joint
Commission. The countries were also urged to
urgently work with South Africa on Hoodia to
establish a coordinating committee to ensure
that implementation procedures and labels
were finalised before the next Conference of
Parties meeting to be held in the Netherlands
in 2009.
With regard to finance, the Commission noted
the excellent cooperation on customs’ issues.
The Commission also noted that the draft
Memorandum of Understanding on these issues
was being finalised and that a joint meeting to
conclude the matter will be held by 31 March
2009.
In the area of fisheries, action is needed on
the joint fish surveys in the Okavango Delta,
the establishment of Prototype of Benefit
Programme based on Inland Fisheries,
harmonisation of fisheries legislation
enforcement, cooperation under the Zambezi-
Chobe River Basin Plan and the data analysis
and standardised research methodology in
shared river systems.
On information and communication technology,
the Commission recommended that the Ngoma
telecommunications route be implemented by
31 July 2009. The two countries also agreed
to cooperate in the area of postal services and
Namibia agreed to draft a Memorandum of
Understanding on the matter.
In the field of mining, the Commission called
for the finalisation of the harmonisation of
legislation in mining, while the Commission
also urged Botswana to share the final reports
of the Airborne Electromagnetic Survey of the
Okavango Delta with Namibia.
In Trade and Industry, the Commission directed
the trade ministries of the two countries to meet
and explore ways of cooperation on investment,
industry and trade.
In the field of works and transport, the
Commission requested the finalisation of the
harmonisation of road signs and delimitation
of axle load; the marketing of the Trans-
Kalahari Highway; a one-stop border post at
the Trans-Kalahari/Mamuno Border post; and
the fencing along the Trans-Kalahari Highway
and addressing the issue of roaming animals.
Also on the cards is a bilateral air service
agreement between the two countries and a
Memorandum of Understanding on search and
rescue cooperation in civil aviation. On social
and cultural matters, the Commission called
for the finalisation of the MoU on Education
between the two countries and noted the need
for cooperation on science and technology,
while the issue of visas and student permits
for Botswana students in Namibia also needs
urgent attention. In the area of health, the two
countries agreed to the need for cooperation
in the areas of immunisation and integrated
management of childhood illnesses, malaria
control, HIV/AIDS/STI and TB and the control
of communicable and non-communicable
diseases.
The Commission also noted the need to finalise
the MoU on Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture.
and
Other areas of cooperation include cooperation
in labour issues; land issues; issues of gender
and orphans and vulnerable children; social
welfare; fight against corruption; community
and customary courts and cooperation in
diplomatic and legal matters.
In the light of the above, Cabinet directed that
all relevant government institutions should
implement the decisions of the Namibia/
Botswana Joint Commission of Cooperation,
while line-ministries should take responsibility
for following up progress on the implementation
of decisions in their respective institutions.
2. ENFORCEMENT OF PROVISIONS OF
THE LABOUR ACT, 2007 (ACT NO
11 OF 2007 REQUIRING SERVICE
PROVIDERS TO GOVERNMENT
AND OTHER STATE BODIES AND
GRANTEES OF LICENCES AND
QUOTAS ISSUED BY SUCH BODIES
TO COMPLY WITH MINIMUM WAGE
AGREEMENTS, STATUTORY MINIMUM
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
REQUIRED BY THE LABOUR ACT,
AND THE REQUIREMENTS OF OTHER
EMPLOYMENT LAWS
The Minister of Labour and Social Welfare
informed Cabinet of the non-compliance of
government institutions, agencies and state-
owned enterprises, regional council and local
authorities and private companies with the
provisions of the Labour Act concerning the
procurement of goods and services, the issuing
of licenses, permits and concessions, and the
Basic Conditions of Employment , as well as
other employment laws. He also pointed out the
implications of non-compliance on employment
and labour relations in the country.
The Labour Act, 2007 stipulates that in the
issuing of licences/grants/concessions, the
state should not issue these to an employer
“unless that employer has given a written
undertaking”
Continues on page 19

News from the Cabinet Chambers
that every individual directly or indirectly
employed for the purpose of exercising rights
under the license/grant/concession or for the
purposes of providing goods and services
under contract, is employed on terms and
conditions not less favourable than what is
provided for in a collective agreement; what
is prevailing for similar work in the industry
and the region; what is prevailing in the
nearest appropriate region, if similar work is
not performed in the region.
According to the Minister, government
institutions, regional councils and local
authorities and state-owned enterprises
are the major purchasers of services in the
construction and security industries, while
private sector recipients of government
grants, licenses and concessions also purchase
services.
Through visiting Namibia’s regions and by
receiving reports from labour inspectors
on non-compliance with minimum wages
agreements, the Minister learnt that
government institutions on a national and
local level, are awarding tenders in the
construction and security industry, without
taking into account the provisions of the
Labour Act on minimum wages and working
conditions. The negative effects of such
practices can be found throughout the
country, with the Rundu-Elundu road and
the Caprivi Waterfront project as two clear
examples. Similarly, private sector companies
operating on government licences/grants/
concessions employ casuals and temporaries
to avoid paying minimum wages and adhering
to conditions of employment enjoyed by
permanent staff.
Labour laws are meant to promote stability in
industrial relations, to protect workers and to
contribute to national economic development
and poverty eradication. This can only be
achieved if political office bearers, government
employees, management and staff of state-
owned enterprises and private employers
familiarise themselves with the provisions of
the Labour Act, the Social Security Act and
the Affirmative Action Act.
Cabinet, therefore, directed that all
Government Institutions and State-Owned
Enterprises should be instructed to strictly
adhere to the requirements of Section 138 of
Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
the Labour Act, 2007 and to all the collective
agreements on minimum wage in awarding
tenders, issuing of licences and the granting of
permits and concessions.
Cabinet, furthermore directed that all tenders,
licences, permits and concessions granted by
state entities should require compliance with
Basic Conditions of Employment required by the
Labour Act; good standing with the Employment
Equity Commission in terms of the Affirmative
Action Act; and the Social Security Commission
in terms of the Social Security Act, as conditions
of any contract entered into between the state
entity and the successful tenderer, licensee or
grantee or between the tenderer, licensee or
grantee and any subcontractor.
Cabinet also directed that state entities granting
tenders, licences, quotas or concessions must
review the regulatory frameworks governing
such grants to ensure that they include provisions
to bar employers that have violated the Labour
Act, Employment Equity Act, and Social Security
Act while performing services pursuant to a
grant or a tender from being considered for
future tenders, grants, quotas and concessions.
Cabinet also instructed government institutions
and state-owned enterprises with existing
contracts for capital project construction or
security services or that have granted licences,
concession etc to review existing agreements
to ensure that such agreements conform to
Section 111 of the Labour Act 1992 and its
successor, Section 138 of the Labour Act, 2007.
If not, government institutions and state-owned
enterprises must get the required undertakings
from the contractors. In the absence thereof,
the existing agreements are illegal and should
be cancelled. Due to the potential of litigation,
government institutions should approach the
Attorney General for assistance.
Cabinet also instructed the Ministry of Labour
and Social Welfare to prepare guidelines on
the afore-mentioned requirements and how to
apply them while the Ministers of Labour and
Social Welfare, Finance, Works and Transport
and Regional and Local Government, Housing
and Rural Development were instructed to
devise inter-ministerial coordination to ensure
adherence to the requirements of the Labour
Act in capital projects.
To gain acceptance of the Labour Act, 2007,
Cabinet also advised the Ministry of Labour and
Continues from page 18
Social Services and other ministries in the
economic sector to enlist ongoing cooperation
of private sector organisations such as the
Namibia Employers’ Federation, the Chamber
of Mines, Agricultural Employers Association,
Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
the Federation of Namibian Employers in
the Tourism Sector (FENATA and HAN), the
Chinese-Namibian Chamber of Commerce
and the Security Association of Namibia in
promoting compliance with the requirements
of the labour and employment laws and the
objectives of decent work.
Cabinet also instructed the Ministry of Labour
and Social Welfare to collaborate with other
stakeholders in the promotion of public
awareness, particularly among employers,
about the guarantees of basic conditions
of employment and minimum wages in
the agriculture, security and construction
industries and how to secure compliance
with these requirements. Cabinet also urged
the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to
prioritise ongoing inspections of employers in
the industries with gazetted minimum wage
agreements and other employers, employing
lower-paid employees to maximise legal
compliance and the promotion of decent
standards of employment.
3. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
PRESIDENT’S EMERGENCY PLAN
FOR AIDS RELIEF (PEPFAR)
2009 ANNUAL IMPLEMENTERS
CONFERENCE IN NAMIBIA
Recognising the global HIV/AIDS pandemic
as one of the greatest health challenges of
our time, the US government announced
PEPFAR in 2003. The aim of the first 5 year 19
PEPFAR programme was:
- to prevent 7 million new HIV infections
by the end of 2008;
- to treat 2 million people living with HIV/
AIDS; and
- care for 10 million people infected and
affected by HIV/AIDS, including orphans
and vulnerable children.
PEPFAR focussed on 15 countries that are
amongst the world’s most severely HIV/
AIDS affected nations and which, collectively,
are home to 33 million HIV-positive people.
These countries are Namibia, Botswana,
Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti,
Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South
Continues on page 20
 Government Information Bulletin Nov 2008
News from the Cabinet Chambers
Africa, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia.
Over the past five years, Namibia received
US$324.4 million from PEPFAR, which by
March 2008 contributed together with the
funds from Government, the Global Fund
and others to the following:
- 52 800 individuals received antiretroviral
treatment;
- 92 800 HIV-positive individual received
care and support in 2007;
- 71 100 orphans and vulnerable children
were served by an OVC programme in
2007;
- 88 200 pregnant women received
HIV counselling and testing services
for prevention of mother to child
transmission (PMTCT) since the
beginning of PEPFAR;
- 16 900 HIV-positive pregnant women
received antiretroviral prophylaxis for
PMTCT since the beginning of PEPFAR;
- 133 500 counselling and testing
encounters in setting other than PMTCT
took place;
- 186 800 individuals were reached
with community outreach HIV/AIDS
prevention programmes that promote
abstinence and/or being faithful in
2007; and
- 239 000 individuals were reached
with community outreach HIV/AIDS
prevention services in 2007.
In July 2008, the US Government signed into
law another 5 year financial commitment
to fight global HIV/AIDS, Malaria and
Tuberculosis. Namibia will receive US$105.7
million from this programme in 2009.
20 As a result of Namibia’s great success in the
fight against HIV/AIDS, with outstanding
achievements in scaling up prevention
of mother to child transmission and anti-
retroviral treatment, Amb. Mark Dybul,
the PEPFAR Global Coordinator, requested
Namibia to host the 2009 PEPFAR meeting.
The meeting will attract around 2 500
delegates from various countries to discuss
practical aspects of the implementation of
HIV/AIDS programmes.
The PEPFAR Annual meeting is scheduled
to take place from 10 – 12 June 2009 and
the HIV/AIDS Implementers’ meeting from
10 – 14 June 2009. The PEPFAR meeting
brings together senior officials and technical
experts from all 15 countries that implement
PEPFAR-funded programmes.
The main objectives of the meeting are
to disseminate lessons learnt during the
implementation of multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS
programmes, focussing on the scaling up of
prevention, treatment and care programmes;
building local capacity; enhancing programme
quality; promoting coordination among partners;
and catalysing an open dialogue about future
directions of HIV/AIDS programmes.
In light of the above, Cabinet authorised the
Ministry of Health and Social Services to host the
2009 PEPFAR meeting. Cabinet also authorised
the establishment of a local organising
committee consisting of the Office of the Prime
Minister and the Ministries of Home Affairs and
Immigration; Works and Transport; Information
and Communication Technology; Education;
Defence; Regional and Local Government,
Housing and Rural Development; and Gender
Equality and Child Welfare. Cabinet agreed
that the Ministry of Health and Social Services
may use savings from its budget to fund limited
aspects of hosting the meeting.
4. THIRD ROUND OF THE SACU-INDIA
PREFERENTIAL TRADE AGREEMENT
(PTA) NEGOTIATIONS
The Southern African Customs Union resolved
in 2004 to embark on trade negotiations with
India and China and SACU and India started
working on a PTA in 2004 in Windhoek. A meeting held on 27 June 2008, Council
working group of the two sides met in Windhoek
in September 2004 and agreed that the first
stage of the negotiations would result in a
Limited Scope Trade Agreement in the form of
a PTA that would provide for exchanges of tariff
concessions on selected products of export
interest to either side, while the second stage
would aim for a comprehensive Free Trade
Agreement.
Formal negotiations between SACU and India
started in June 2005 and the first exploratory
meeting took place in South Africa in October
2007. The SACU-side designated Namibia as
the SACU coordinator and chief negotiator for
the SACU-India negotiations.
The 2nd round of the negotiations took place
on 21-22 February 2008 in Walvis Bay and it
focussed on:
- the Memorandum of Understanding,
Continues from page 19
which provided a framework for the
negotiations and directed all parties to
obtain internal clearance for signature
at a date and venue to be determined;
- Information exchange whereby both
sides agreed to exchange all outstanding
information by the end of April 2008;
- Technical prerequisites whereby both
sides agreed that the negotiations
should not only be narrowly focussed on
tariff preferences, but should take the
broader developmental considerations
of both regions into account;
- Scope of the agreement whereby both
sides reconfirmed the structure of the
agreement as agreed to during the 1st
round of negotiations. Both sides also
agreed to include annexes on sanitary
and phytosanitary (animal and plant
safety) measures and technical barriers
to trade (products quality standards).
The 3rd round of the SACU-India PTA
negotiations is scheduled to take place in
New Delhi, India from 25 – 27 November
2008. This round will be preceded by the
SACU Preparatory Meeting on 24 November
2008 and an information session on 25
November 2008 to discuss exchanged
information.
At its meeting of 4 April 2008, the SACU
Council approved the final draft MOU for
the SADC-India negotiations. At the Council
directed member states to seek authorisation
for the MOU to be signed by the relevant
Ministers during the 3rd SACU-India round
at Ministerial level.
Cabinet, therefore, noted the outcome of the
2nd round of the SACU-India negotiations
and also noted the 3rd round of the SACU-
India negotiations that will be held in
New Delhi, India from 25 – 27 November
2008. Cabinet authorised the Ministries of
Trade and Industry, Finance, Agriculture,
Water and Forestry, Fisheries and Marine
Resources and the Office of the Attorney
General to participate in the 3rd round of
the SACU-India negotiations in New Delhi.
Cabinet also approved the SACU-India
MOU on PTA negotiations and authorised
the Minister of Trade and Industry or his
designate to sign the MOU during the 3rd
round of negotiations.