MIB Bulletin March 2009 - Namibian Government

8/7/2019 MIB Bulletin March 2009 - Namibian Government

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R public of Namibia

Gov rnm nt Information

Bull tinMarch 2009

IN ThIs Issue

V t ransR gistration

Pag 12

Parliam nt inPictur s

Pag 10-11

Outapi labour of ceop n d

Pag 17-18

eCN should nsur cr dibl l ctoralproc ss says Pr sid nt Pohamba

F

REE

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The Head of State and Chairman of the Cabinet, President Hi kepunye Pohamba re ecting on good governance and democracyand on the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly Elections at the end of the year


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Gov rnm nt Information Bull tin: Publicising Gov rnm ntThe Government Information Bulletin wasestablished through Cabinet decision number13 th /04.07.06/002 as an of cial informationbulletin to publicise the Governmentsprogrammes, policies and activities for thebene t of Government institutions and theNamibian public. All Government institutions

contribute towards the Bulletin. The GovernmentInformation Bulletin is published monthly by theMinistry of Information and CommunicationTechnology. To meet the speci c informationneeds of communities, the public is invited to

send comments and suggestions on Governmentprojects, programmes and policies, which willthen be covered in the Bulletin. More Governmentnews and information can be accessed on theGRN news button on the Government internetsite at www.grnnet.gov.na

The Bulletin is distributed free of charge to ruralcommunities through the Ministrys regionalof ces. The public and organisations arewelcome to subscribe to the Bulletin, but mailingcosts will be for the account of the subscriber.

Cont nts

Private Bag 13344, Windhoek Telephone 061 - 2839111Fax 061 - 230170E-mail [email protected] DV8 Saatchi & Saatchi,

Windhoek.Layout and printing Solitaire Press, Windhoek.

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ECN should ensure credible electoral process, says

President Pohamba......................................................... .. 1

Government continues to implement development

programmes unabated..................................................... 3-4

Omusati Regional Council Started session for 2009........ 4-5

Omusati Regional Education launches Performance

Improvement Strategy.......................................... ........... 5

Health managers and leaders should not betray trust

and con dence of government, says Dr. Kamwi............ 6-7

Ohorongo Cement Factory opens..................................... 7-8

Namibia Institute of Public Administration (NIPAM)

close to reality........................................... ....................... 8

Improving ef ciency in the Namibian Public Service....... 8-9

Parliament in Pictures................................................. .... 10-11

Namibia chaired UN high-level meeting on drugs and

crime................................................................................. 12

War veterans registration at advance stage.................... 12

Namibias rst Atomic Energy Board inaugurated........... 13-14

Functions of the Atomic Energy Board............................. 14

Erongo held Maternal and Child Health Conference......... 15

HIV/AIDS survey workshop shares ndings.................... 16

State Hospitals and MOHSS to be restructured............... 17

Outapi labour of ce opened............................................. 17-18

Namibians should desist from negative habits but

develop Namibia President Pohamba............................. 18

Highlights of 2008 and future plans of the

Ministry of Education........................................................ 19-20

From th D sk of th Minist rIn 2009, eligible Namibian voterswill go to the polls for the 4th time inindependent Namibia to participate inthe Presidential and General elections.What makes this election year specialis the fact that those born sinceindependence will for the rst time be

able to cast their vote for the leaders of their choice. The born-frees have neverexperienced apartheid or oppression,nor do they have rst-hand experienceof Namibias protracted liberationstruggle.

Continuous voter registration is ongoingthroughout Namibia and our born-frees

should make use of the opportunity to register to be able to vote in theupcoming elections. Eligible voters must feel obliged to participate indemocratic elections to help shape the destiny of Namibia.

Nineteen years into independence the Land of the Brave is still enjoyingpeace, tolerance and stability the cornerstones necessary to attractforeign investment and ensure growth and development. As Namibianswe should jealously guard those values. With the upcoming elections,voters and political parties alike should heed the words of H.E. PresidentHi kepunye Pohamba and avoid attitudes that may lead to confrontationand violence. Violence during elections may affect the credibility of the elections and this may not only tarnish the electoral process in thecountry, but also compromise the stability we have been enjoying overthe past years.

Education and health remain two of the top priorities of the Namibiangovernment. The Namibian youth has the right to receive a world classeducation to be able to compete in the global economy. Similarly, everyNamibian should have easy access to health facilities and excellent healthservices. The education and health sectors feature strongly in thisedition of the Government Information Bulletin to give the population aglimpse of developments in these sectors.

The establishment of the Ohongoro Cement Factory near Otavi is goodnews for the country as a whole, but particularly for the residents of theOtavi Constituency in the Otjozondjupa region. This multi-billion dollarinvestment will create job opportunities for more than 300 people, whileOtavi will see the construction of 200 new houses in the not too distantfuture. The Ohongoro Cement Factory can do for Otavi what the Scorpiondevelopment did for Rosh Pinah, which is now a fully- edged town!

The development at Otavi is testimony to what can happen when Namibiaattracts foreign investment. As responsible citizens we should strengthenthe governments hand by working hard and making foreign investorsfeel welcome in our midst. If Namibia becomes a preferred destinationfor foreign investors, there will be a noticeable increase in employmentopportunities, skills transfer and general socio-economic development.That in turn, will help us as a nation to achieve our Vision 2030 to becomea knowledge-driven and industrialised society.

Hon. Jol Kaapanda,Minister of Information andCommunication Technology


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Government Information Bulletin March 2009

3Government continues to implementdevelopment programmes unabated

By Kaleni Hiyalwa

ECN should ensure credible electoralprocess, says President Pohamba

By Kaleni Hiyalwa

Education is a top priority for thegovernment and will continue toreceive the largest share of the nationalbudget as investment. The government

has also started investing in the Education,Training and Sector ImprovementProgramme (ETSIP) which PresidentHi kepunye Pohamba believes is alreadyproducing good results as evident fromthe increasing enrolment gures and

P resident Hi kepunye Pohambacalled on the Electoral Commissionof Namibia to work with all stakeholdersin the preparations for the elections tofacilitate a smooth and credible electoralprocess. He also directed a special appealto all eligible voters to register and votein the upcoming elections.

This is contained in the Presidents statementfor the opening of the rst 2009 Cabinet, in thecapital early this year.

President Pohamba said that it is importantthat the political system, at all levels, continuesto promote the values of peace, tolerance,stability and social cohesion, saying that allpolitical parties must avoid attitudes that maylead to confrontations and violence.

The Head of State reminded Namibians to learnlasting lessons from the dif cult experiencesof other countries where politically motivatedviolence has caused untold suffering. Wecannot afford to repeat such mistake, hereiterated.

We are proud that Namibia has consistentlyheld peaceful democratic elections sinceindependence, where voters exercise theirpreference freely. This is the source of strengthfor our democracy. It is also a measure bywhich the international community gauges ourcommitment to constitutional and democraticgovernance, he observed. President Pohamba

described 2009 as a momentous period in thedevelopment and strengthening of Namibiasdemocracy due to the Presidential and NationalAssembly Elections to take place in November.As a result, he called on all Ministers to co-ordinate their work methodically to enable thesmooth ow of appropriate information for thecompilation of the Election Manifesto for 2009.

As leaders, our energies must be focused onthe well-being and the improvement of theliving standards of all our people, he said,

urging all ministries and agencies to implementthe development policies and programmes todeliver services to all the people.

Rural development and assistance to vulnerablesections of our population must continue toenjoy government attention. We must alsopursue the achievement of the MillenniumDevelopment Goals, as part of our anti-povertystrategy, reiterated President Pohamba.

He noted that the current global economiccrisis calls for innovative approaches tominimise its impact on the countrys economy,saying that it demands deeper re ection andthe development of home-grown solutions toovercome the challenges faced by the people inthe short and long terms.

One of the options is for our country toexpand and improve agricultural outputfor food security and ultimately, food self-suf ciency. Good progress has been made on

some government-funded agricultural projects.I believe that large tracts of land should beplaced under cultivation to increase yields andreduce importation of agricultural products, thePresident recommended.

He also believed that the agricultural outputwould result in bene ts for the people in the formof affordable food prices, diversity of produceand better opportunities for subsistence farmersto sell their surplus at reasonable returns. Hecalled on the relevant ministries and agencies to

attend to tackle other challenges in this sector,including the availability of proper storage andmarketing facilities.

The health of our people remains a priority. Asa result, health services must be accessible andaffordable. Service delivery must be intensi edand expanded, including the provision of anti-retroviral treatment to those infected with HIV/AIDS, President Pohamba added.

The Head of State wants the prevention of mother to child transmission of the virusto be stepped-up, saying that increasedcoverage and availability of treatment shouldbe implemented with respect to tuberculosis,immunisation against childhood illness, malariaand the recurrent outbreaks of cholera andpolio. These efforts must be complemented bytraining programmes for health professionalsand personnel who are needed to make thepublic health system responsive to the needs of the people, he added.

equitable distribution of resources to allregions and schools around the country.

President Pohamba was speaking at the rst

Cabinet meeting for 2009. He noted that astrong and effective education system is crucialfor the development of the country, adding thatthere is a need to expand vocational trainingprogrammes to accommodate the youthwho need to acquire skills and competence

in different disciplines. This, the Presidentexplained, would enable the youth to bene tfrom employment opportunities, and to initiateand manage income generating ventures.

He urged the relevant institutions to speed upthe establishment of vocational training centresthat the government has planned for Karas,Kavango and other regions where such trainingfacilities are absent.

Continues on page 4


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Omusati Regional Council startedsession for 2009

By Hileni Shimhulu

Omusati Regional Council held itsrst session for 2009 and it wasattended by different stakeholders inthe region. The session is a platform formembers and stakeholders to chart theway forward with the aim to attain thecommon objective of providing qualityservices.

The Governor of the Omusati region, Hon.Sacky Kayone, urged the Omusati communityto be proactive so that solutions are timelyfound to address the development challengesfacing the region.

The region received good rainfall and there isenough water. Grazing is promising on the one

Omusati regional of ce staff and stakeholders, posing for the picture with the Hon. Governor, Sacky Kayone, in the middle of the front row.

Continues from page 3Government continues to implement developmentprogrammes unabated

Continues on page 5

On housing, the President stated thathousing is a basic necessity of life for allhuman beings, saying that many families,including low income earners, have become

owners of homes through the Build TogetherProgramme. He recalled that the veteransof the liberation struggle have also beenprovided with modern housing, noting thatthe provision of housing goes hand-in-handwith improvement of health and sanitation,especially by eliminating the bucket systemfrom the towns and settlements where it isused. We should also encourage our peoplein rural areas to dig and make use of pitlatrines to improve sanitation, he advised.

He said that the government will continueto pay attention to the welfare of thesenior citizens, orphans and veterans of theliberation struggle, calling on the Ministry of

Veterans Affairs to ensure that applicationsof eligible veterans are speedily processedso that those who are eligible can access the

monthly allowance of N$2000.00 from thegovernment.

He believes that steady economic growthand value addition will enable the countryseconomy to generate more jobs, foster thetransfer of skills and contribute to governmentrevenues. The government is encouragingthe business sector to create employmentby maintaining stable industrial relations and

providing incentives to investors. He welcomesthe envisaged development of Ohorongo

Cement Factory that is being established nearOtavi in the Otjozondjupa region.

President Pohamba reiterated that thegovernment is focusing its efforts on theexpansion of telecommunication s and physicalinfrastructure, including roads, bridges, thenational power grid, harbours and airportswhich are the backbone of the countryseconomy. We must ensure that they arealways in a good state to facilitate economicgrowth activities, remarked the President. TheHead of State recognises the achievementseach Namibian has made in various areaswhile he is aware that there is more to bedone to achieve the goals of Vision 2030. Asmuch as we strive for an effective and vibrant

democracy, we must also focus on the breadand butter issues, including infrastructuredevelopment, housing, health, education,

rural development, social welfare and jobcreation, the President advised.

This is another year of hard work to enhancethe well-being of our people. We must notrelent in our political commitment to makeNamibia a better place. We must unequivocallydemonstrate that we are committed to governthrough the implementation of pragmaticpolicies that make a positive difference in thelives of our people and improve the economictrajectory of our country, said the President.

The implementation of NDP2, NDP3 and Vision2030 provide s an indication of what has beenachieved and what remains to be done. Wemust put shoulder to the wheel and work forthe achievement of our goals in line with ourelectoral mandate and the 2004 SWAPO PartyElection Manifesto, he advised.

Our foremost pre-occupation this year mustbe on the well-being of all our people. Ourenergies, creativity and wisdom must bedevoted to nding solutions to challengesthat face our communities. Our country willonly be as strong as the families and thecommunities that constitute it, reiterated thePresident.

President Hi kepunye Pohamaba


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The Omusati Regional Educationdedicates itself to the Education andTraining Sector Improvement Plan (ETSIP)dream as well as to the improvement of

the poor education performance in theregion.

A conference was held in the region as aresponse to the achievement of ETSIP goals,which will help address the identi ed shortcomings in education towards the attainmentof the countrys Vision 2030.

Omusati Regional Education with its partnersand stakeholders has a vision to provide highquality education and technological advancedopportunities to all learners in Omusati.

Some of the ETSIP goals point to the factthat communities deserve the best educationand the education managers need to improveon what they do, teachers and parents needto support learners to achieve better resultsin school. The Omusati Regional Education isexpected to be effective and ef cient so thatteaching will be improved in schools.

The regional performance Improvement Strategyis implemented around four inclusive themes:

Ef ciency; Accountability; Transparency andStandards. The Omusati Education Directoratecounts on the support of all stakeholdersin achieving its mission of providing high

quality education.The Directorof Education inOmusati, Anna

N g h i p o n d o k ae m p h a s i s e dthat human andmaterial resourceshave to be usedef ciently and fairlyto improve the levelof performancethat everyone canbe proud of.

At the same event,learners felt thateducation startsat home wherechildren shouldbe taught discipline and their physical, solidemotional and spiritual needs have to besupported by all stakeholders in education.Teachers and parents should work togetherwith learners to make the best out of it, saidNghipondoka.

The Omusati Regional Governor, Hon. SackyKayone, opened the conference. He expressed

his concern on the failure rates in grades 10and 12 in the region. The region should strivefor quality in education and improve conditionsof service of teachers. Words should be put into

actions to create a strategy which respects theright of every persons to quality learning, Hon.Kayone emphasised.

The region has the second highest HIV/AIDSprevalence rate in the country. Every oneshould have a responsibility to assist, in his/her own way, those infected and affected bythe disease. The world economy is collapsingand soon we might face food shortage and foodcrisis. Agriculture should be taken seriously.Education should be the foundation upon whichpeople can build a country, said Kayone.

Some of the participants in the workshop

Omusati Regional Education launchesPerformance Improvement Strategy

By Hileni Shimhulu

hand but stagnant water becomes breedingsites for mosquitoes that cause malaria andother water borne diseases.

The community needs to be informed andeducated to take precautions to avoid therisk of contracting malaria. Hon. Kayoneencouraged people to work hard and produceenough food to become self-suf cient in foodproduction. That will help in the ght againstfood shortages in the region.

He told stakeholders that the regionexperienced oods in 2008 and somepeople lost their property. The efforts withstakeholders are enabling the region to

Continues from page 4Omusati Regional Council started session for 2009operate ef ciently and effectively to avoidthe loss of lives. Stakeholders were urged toremain prepared in case of the reoccurrence of a similar situation.

Hon. Kayone warned that the current nancialcrisis has the potential to ruin and disrupt thepeace and stability that we all enjoy todayin the region and the country. He howeverrequested the nancial institutions to render

nancial assistance to those who intend joiningthe business sector.

It is hoped that the region will performbetter in future due to the commitment tothe improvement of education. Hon. Kayone

launched the Education ImprovementStrategy and hoped that the noble dream tobring the region to a fth place this year willbe realised.

Hon. Kayone noted that the HIV/AIDSpandemic in the region is bothersome. Theregion stands at number two at national level.The region needs to re-evaluate its efforts inthe ght against the disease.

With the increase in suicide cases and highrate of stock theft, rape, baby dumping andmany more social ills, leaders should try to

nd the root causes of the problems, saidHon. Kayone.


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The year 2009 is the most demandingand hectic in our quest to nd concretesolutions to the multitude of public healthchallenges the country is faced with andthe commitment to the promotion of health for all Namibians.

These were the words of the Minister of Healthand Social Services (MoHSS), Hon. Dr. RichardKamwi, at the Ministrys Annual Meeting of the Enlarged Management Committee at thebeginning of the year. Dr. Kamwi explained thatthe year will bring the sector into focus giventhat public health is one of the priorities of thegovernment. Since Namibians will go to thepolls for the Presidential and National Assemblyelections, he explained, the Ministry will be inthe public scrutiny for the quality and standardof service delivered at the hospitals, healthcentres and clinics. He saw the importance toimplement policies and programmes to ensurequality health services for all Namibians.

If for one or the other reason, the standard orquality of service is perceived falling short of expectations, the management and leadershipof the Ministry would have betrayed the trustand con dence of the government, the Ministerreiterate. He urged his staff to do their bestto maintain the highest standards of servicedelivery, management, cleanliness, friendlinessand common courtesy in all interactions withthe clients.

MoHSS made signi cant progress in severalareas in 2008 such as capacity building, diseasecontrol, HIV/AIDS planning, consultation,donor co-ordination mechanism, renovationsof hospitals, provision of logistical material,including vehicles and ambulances andoutreach service. The Minister is satis edand commended managements efforts inaddressing capacity building during the courseof the 2008. He stated that 2009 is a Year of Implementation of the various health plans.

The Enlarged Management Committee heardreports on challenges, including the oods inthe north, cholera outbreak in the Ohangwenaand Kunene regions, and the identi cation of the MDR and XDR TB. Dr. Kamwi reiteratedthat his Ministry has enhanced its human

resources through training programmes andworkshops that gave staff con dence to tacklethe challenges through the Strategic Plansthat would guide the activities. The StrategicPlans outline a number of key strategic themes,objectives, measures and targets, which if wellimplemented will steer achievements of themandate.

The Minister noted that to achieve the Ministrysmandate, there is a need for strong and boldleadership that understands the context inwhich it operates to increased ef ciency and

professionalism in service delivery. Mindful of what the current global economic crisis andthe anticipated severe constraints will have onthe government revenue, the Minister saw theneed to nd innovative approaches to minimiseits impact on the country. I believe one waywe can do this is by reducing our travelsboth internally and abroad, apart from thosemeetings which we are obliged to attend, suggested Dr. Kamwi. I am aware that thisissue of reducing our travels in the past createdsome tension and misunderstanding. However,

the status quo cannot continue if we are seriousabout the priorities we have set for ourselves, the Minister said.

He reminded the management that tripauthorisations for all management members,

wanting to travel must rst be motivated withhim through the relevant channels before thetrip is undertaken. I believe this is not askingtoo much of management and I expect nothingless than cooperation from all of you. As theMinister, I am equally expected to motivateand seek approval from the Head of State rstbefore I travel, he emphasised.

Dr. Kamwi said that, in the past, he had givena number of directives aimed at improving theway state institutions should be run and someof them were heeded of which the outcomes

have made signi cant improvements. Someof the achievements were re ected in theimplementation of the Task Shifting throughthe assistance received from the SWAPOYouth League, which brought relief to the overstretched health workers and the youth aregaining a wealth experience.

The Ministry recruited four hundred and thirty-three youth volunteers, deployed to differentregions country-wide. They have alleviated thepressure from nurses, especially with regard to

non-nursing tasks. The Minister commendedthe youth who he described as disciplined andduty conscious because some of them evengo the extra mile to work longer hours afterknocking off time.

Health managers and leaders should notbetray trust and con dence of government,

says Dr. KamwiBy Kaleni Hiyalwa

Hon. Dr. Richard Kamwi, Minister of Health and Social Services, making a point in his eloquent address

Continues on page 7


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Ohorongo Cement Factory opensBy Jennet Kuyonisa

Ahistorical ground breaking ceremonyfor a cement factory took place atfarm Sargberg, near Otavi, in the OtaviConstituency of the Otjozondjupa regionearly this year.

The ceremony was attended by PresidentHi kepunye Pohamba, Prime Minister NahasAngula, H.E. Egon Kochanke, Ambassadorof the Federal Republic of Germany and themanagement and staff of the Ohorongo CementFactory.

President Pohamba viewed the ground breakingceremony of Ohorongo Cement Factory as avital step in the countrys efforts to boost thecement production industry in the country.The locally produced cement will help boostthe building of physical infrastructure, houses

and the development of Namibias smalltowns and local authorities, proclaimed afterindependence, as well as old municipalities,villages and settlements that are experiencinginfrastructure decay.

The factory will have a SADC regionalimpact, as Namibia will export some of itsproducts to its sister countries in the region.With regard to the investment climate,the President indicated that for Namibia toattract and return foreign direct investment,the country has to offer the best in termsof incentives, ef cient services, transparentprocesses, modern and ef cient transport andcommunication infrastructures and a safe and

secure environment for businesses to thrive.

The fact that Namibia managed to attract aninvestment of N$2.5 billion for the project, isan indication that the country has potential forfurther investment. The President said that theattraction and retention of investment shouldbe the goal in all relevant government Agenciesand Ministries.

It is envisaged that the factory will employmore than 300 people a move which willhave a positive impact in the reduction of unemployment in Otavi and the surroundingareas.

On his part, the Germany Ambassador toNamibia, Ambassador Kochanke, pointed

out that Namibian and Germany are specialpartners, adding that the ties between the twocountries have grown since independence intoa strong and healthy relationship. Today weare witnessing a milestone in our economic

partnership as this factory will becomeGermanys largest direct investment in Namibia.I am very pleased that the Schwenk Grouphas decided to invest 242 million (Euro) =(N$ 3.146 million) in Namibia with the aim toproduce more that 700 000 tons of cement ayear, he noted.

The Germany Embassy has been supportingthe Schwenk Group since it rst showedinterest in this investment, some two yearsago. The ground breaking is one of the rststeps towards the completion of the factory inDecember 2010.

The Ohorongo Cement Factory will become astrong contributor to Namibias GDP by creating300 jobs and many business opportunities.

President Hi kepunye Pohamba and H.E. Egon Kochanke,Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany joined

by the management and staff of the factory.

I sincerely hope that this experience willmotivate the youth studying mathematics

and science subjects, which will enablethem to pursue careers in public health, heemphasised.

The Ministry has achieved the followingmile stones: Capacity building especially in the area

of medicine, pharmacy and nursing.Three doctors completed specialisationprogrammes in Anaesthesiology,Ophthalmology and Neurology;

The control of Cholera outbreak inOhangwena and Kunene regions;

Continues from page 6Health managers and leaders should not betray trust and con denceof government, says Dr. Kamwi

Inauguration of a number of new healthfacilities in Oshikoto, Omaheke, Karas,

Kunene, Omusati and Ohangwena regions; Purchase of 195 vehicles including outreach

service vehicles and 16 ambulances. Inaddition, the Ministry is expecting a total of 77 ambulances to be delivered by the end of 2009;

The launching of the Demographic HealthSurvey Report of 2006;

The rst National HIV/AIDS VoluntaryCounselling and Testing Day; and

The successful completion of the Health andSocial Services System Review culminatinginto the drafting and nalisation of the

strategic plan. The World Health Organisation earmarking

Namibia as one of the four SADC MemberStates for elimination of Malaria;

Achievement of surveillance standardsfor certi cation of Polio free status byNamibia and resulting approval by theAfrica Regional Certi cation Commission;

Hosting of an African Union meetingfor Ministers responsible for SocialDevelopment and

The nalisation of the draft StrategicPlan of the Ministry of Health and SocialServices among others.

Continues on page 8

Ohongoro brings

300 jobs

and

200 houses


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Namibia Institute of Public Administration(NIPAM) close to reality

As the governments responseto capacity building needs of the countrys public servants, theestablishment of the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management(NIPAM) is at an advanced stage.

NIPAM is a key initiative of the Namibiangovernment to ensure a multi-facetedorganisation performing training, operationalresearch, co-ordination and capacity buildingevaluation roles in the dynamic public serviceenvironment.

The Institute is a dedicated training serviceprovider for the public sector in Namibia and willfunction as a statutory body in an autonomousand professional way, demonstrating a workingculture that will inspire and motivate public

servants. NIPAM will maintain close links withthe government and the public sector.

So far, services of an expert, through the IndianTechnical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)programme of the government of India, have

been engaged. Dr. Brij Mohan Harbola has, sincehis arrival in the country in March 2007, beencoordinating the NIPAM establishment project.A NIPAM Unit is in place in the interim period todevelop training products and services.

A consultative process to formulate and enlistexpectations of NIPAMs clients has beenadopted. NIPAM Unit is developing three coretraining programmes for the Senior ManagementDevelopment Programme (SMDP), ProfessionalModules for Managers of the Regional Councilsand Local Authorities and Induction Programme

for the Elected Councillors of the Regionaland Local Government Institutions. Trainingneeds analysis for these programmes havebeen completed. In addition, two pilot contentfamiliarisation programmes for the MiddleManagement were conducted in July 2007 and

February 2008. A visual design identity andlogo of NIPAM has been nalised.

Besides India, the Namibian governmenthas signed cooperation agreements withthe governments of France and Finland inthis development initiative. France has beensupporting Namibia for the past three years withassistance directed at improving performancein respect of public administration and humanrights. The Finish government is providingtechnical and nancial support for the MiddleManagement Development Programme.

Improving ef ciency in the Namibian PublicService

To improve service delivery, thePublic Service of Namibia hasembarked upon the Business Process Re-

engineering (BPR) exercise to streamlineprocesses and procedures in governmentinstitutions.

This is done with a view to have a public servicethat is ef cient, effective and accountable in

order to reach Vision 2030. The Of ce of thePrime Minister is driving the business processre-engineering in the Public Service of Namibia

with the assistance from the United NationsDevelopment Programme (UNDP).

The service areas that have been re-lookedto improve ef ciency in service delivery arerecruitment and misconduct processes in the

Of ce of the Prime Minister, procurement of goods and services through the Tender Boardin the Ministry of Finance and the registration

of companies in the Ministry of Trade andIndustry.

Recruitment ProcessOn the recruitment process, the challengesidenti ed include: the lling of vacancies,

Continues on page 9

Continues from page 7Ohorongo Cement Factory opens

There are also, prospects of recruiting another600 workers in the future.

The factory will be the rst cement plant in

Namibia and will minimise cement importsand mitigate the shortage and the everincreasing cement prices.

Schwenk Group is determined to make thefactory a lasting success story for the Otavicommunity and the Namibia economy as awhole. The investment is said to be a typicalwin-win situation. One of the decisive reasons

and to South Africa, Botswana and Zambiathrough the Trans-Caprivi Highway.

The Schwenk Groups Germany motto is

Baustoffe furs Leben, meaning BuildingMaterials for life. In co-operation with theOtavi Town Council, Ohorongo Cement Factoryhas initiated the Otavi Community Trustto which it has already contributed N$100000 as a starting capital for infrastructureinvestment. Together with the NationalHousing Enterprise, Ohorongo cement plansthe construction of 200 new houses in Otavi.

for this investment at Otavi, said AmbassadorKochanke, apart from the abundance of rawmaterial, is the availability of infrastructure.

The factory is strategically located alongsidethe national B1 road and the railway lineconnecting Windhoek and the northern townsthrough to the neighbouring Angola, Zambiaand Botswana.

It provides easy access to neighbouring marketsin Angola, through the Trans-Kunene Highway


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Parliament in Pictures

The 9th Session of the 4th Parliament begins. President Hi kepunye Pohamba stands at attention on the red carpet

President Pohamba

History is written

President Pohamba waving at the audience. With him on the left are Hon. Dr. Theo- Ben Gurirab, Speaker of the National Assembly and Judge Peter Shivute, Chief

Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon. Asser Kapere, Chairperson of the National

Council and Mr. Mbapeua Muvangua, Chief of Protocol

President Pohamba greeting VIPs. With him is Hon. Asser Kapere

President Pohamba seated in Parliament with Founding President and Father of the Namibian nation, Dr. Sam Nujoma and First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba


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Parliament in Pictures

Walking side by side from left: Chairman of the National Council Hon. Asser Kapere, President Pohamba,Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab

The ag of Namibia raised high as a symbol of pride Representatives of the Judiciary at the opening ceremony of the 4th Parliament

The Judiciary heads: Chief Justice, Peter Shivute and Judge President Petrus Damaseb

President Pohamba during the inspection of the Guard of Honour at the opening of the 9th session of

the 4th Parliament on 17 February 2009

Liberation hero and former Cabinet Minister, Toivo Andimba Ya Toivo in the middle and Mr. Frans

Ndoroma, Managing Director of Telecom Namibia (right) and a fellow Namibian (left)

Hon. Margaret Mensah-Williams, Vice-Chairperson of the National Council, leaving Parliament after the

opening ceremony of the 4th Parliament


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War veterans registration at advance stageBy: Ottilie Shingenge

The process of registering the warveterans across the country isprogressing well. This was said at themedia brie ng by the Veterans Board onprogress made in processing veterans application forms.

Speaking at the media brie ng was thePermanent Secretary of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Ndeutapo Amagulu who explained thatthe aim of the media brie ng was to inform thewar veterans and the public on the progressmade in processing their application formswhich were submitted to the Veterans Board

after the mass registration, which ended inOctober 2008.

According to the Veterans Act, one of theprimary function of the Veterans Board isto consider applications for registration of prospective veterans or dependants of livingand deceased veterans as prescribed undersection 22 (1) (c) of the Act.

The Veterans Board held an extra-ordinary

meeting in Swakopmund earlier this year, withthe aim to consider veterans application formsfor prospective veterans and dependants of living and deceased veterans who have appliedfor veteran status to be recorded as requiredby the Act.

Amagulu stated that to be systematic inapproving application forms, the Board decidedto group applicants as per the year they startedtheir participation in the liberation struggle.For instance, the rst group comprises those

veterans who joined the liberation strugglebetween 1959 to 1975; the second groupincludes those who joined the liberationstruggle between 1976 to 1979; the third groupis composed of those who joined the strugglefrom 1980 to 1985; and the fourth group which

is the last one is made up of those who joinedthe liberation from 1986 to 1989.

According to Amagulu, out of the 21,000application forms received by the Board, 2539veterans started their liberation activities from1959 to 1975 were approved while some werereferred back for further information. Theresponses of those who have been approved,he said, will be communicated to the applicantsthrough the of ces of the Regional Councils.

For this reason, the Veterans Board is callingon all the applicants who will be called totheir constituency of ces to collect theirresponses and urgently attend to any additionalrequirements. The Board is further calling forall applicants to be patient as the Board is inthe process of making sure that it has all theforms processed in the shortest possible timeso that those approved can start receiving theirentitlements.

The Veterans Board is also appealing to theveterans who have not yet registered toapproach their regional councilors and givetheir names which will be communicated tothe Ministry of Veterans Affairs for all possiblearrangements to register them.

Mr. M. N. Amagulu, Permanent Secretary of the Minis- try of Veterans Affairs

Namibia chaired UN high-level meeting ondrugs and crime

The Namibian Ambassador to Austria

and Permanent Representative tothe United Nations Of ce in Vienna, Mrs.Selma Ashipala-Musavyi was electedChairperson of the United NationsCommission on Drugs and Crime (CND)since 2008, a rotating post of the UN.

During her tenure, she was tasked to chairthe Preparatory committee reviewing theimplementation of the Political Declarationand Action Plan to address the World DrugProblem adopted by the United Nations GeneralAssembly in 1998. She also led negotiations toformulate a new political declaration, entailingactions to be carried out by members of the UNduring the period up to 2019.

These negotiations were successful andproduced a highly acclaimed Political Declaration

adopted at a High-Level Meeting that

took place in Vienna from 11-12 March2009, chaired by Hon. Dr. LibertinaAmathila, Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia.

Dr. Amathila has vast experience withthe World Health Organisation and iswell known in these circles. The High-Level Meeting was attended by HerMajesty Queen Sylvia of Sweden, Headsof State and Government, Ministersand Senior Of cials of Governmentand Heads of International and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Dr. Amathila led the Namibiandelegation and was joined by Hon.Dr. Nicky Iyambo, Minister of Safetyand Security and Senior Governmentof cials.

Hon. Dr. Libertina Amathila, Deputy Prime Minister, chaired the UN-high level meeting


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Namibias rst Atomic Energy Boardinaugurated

By Kaleni Hiyalwa

The rst Namibian Atomic EnergyBoard was inaugurated with the aimto advise the government on all matterspertaining to nuclear or atomic energy.Not withstanding the risks involved innuclear energy, the government hasentrusted the Ministry of Health andSocial Services (MoHSS) to implement theAtomic Energy and Radiation ProtectionAct, Act No. 5 of 2005 for positivedevelopment.

The Ministry is aware of the risks involved in theuse and application of nuclear technology butchoose to weigh bene ts against risks throughradiation exposure, which can be prevented orminimised. As a result, Hon. Dr. Richard Kamwi,Minister of MoHSS, warned those involved inthe use and applications or activities of nucleartechnology that may give rise to radiationexposure to workers, patients, public and theenvironment to be responsible.

You have a responsibility to ensure that youractivities are conducted in a responsible andsafe manner. I urge you to work together withthe Board and the authority, to ensure that allstakeholders are fully aware of the risks involvedand the means for mitigating or minimising theharmful consequences of radiation withoutcompromising the many potential bene ts, headvised.

The Minister was speaking at the inaugurationof the Atomic Energy Board which took placerecently in Windhoek. At the inaugurationceremony the Minister announced the appointed

members of the Board as stipulated in the Act.

The establishment of the Board took aprotracted consultation between MoHSS andstakeholders.

The Board comprises the following members:1. Dr. Wotan Swiegers - Chairperson of the

Board2. Ambassador Martin Andjaba, nominated by

the Minister of Foreign Affairs3. Dr. Chocky Shitaleni Herman, nominated by

the Minister of Health and Social Services4. Ms. Helen Itamba, nominated by the

Minister of Mines and Energy5. Mr. Iileni Shikwambi, nominated by the

Minister of Labour and Social Welfare

6. Mr. Theo Nghitila,nominated bythe Minister of Environment andTourism

The Minister congratulatedmembers and remindedthem that they aretaking up a responsiblejob and therefore, theyshould be ready to put

in place mechanisms tocreate public awarenesson the extent of nuclearor radiation relatedapplications, the risk of nuclear applications and its impact on peopleshealth, and the approaches on the protectionof the country and the environment from theharmful effects of radiation.

The Board is also to ensure cooperation withother states and international organisationsand how Namibia will ful ll its obligations underspeci c cooperative agreements.

Dr. Kamwi directed the Board to consult broadlywith all stakeholders to formulate a nationalpolicy on nuclear energy. We expect that thepolicy will clearly de ne Namibias aspirationwith respect to nuclear energy and how itcan contribute to the developmental needs of Namibia. We would expect to be informed andguided on how we can use nuclear technologyin various elds, he reiterated.

The policy is expected to state clearly therole of nuclear technology in the public healthsector, such as cancer management, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB, nutrition programmes, in theagriculture sector, addressing animal health,improving crop varieties and understanding of the countrys water resources. Research andconsultations will also help to de ne the role of nuclear technology in the energy sector such asnuclear energy for production of electricity andthe production of freshwater from seawaterusing nuclear energy.

In line with the Act, the Board is mandated toformulate a policy and regulatory framework toensure that the use of nuclear related technology

does not cause undue risk to employees,patients, the public and the environment.

There must be a perfect balance that thebene t of nuclear technology would beexploited, whilst ensuring that it is under acontrolled and monitored framework, the

Hon. Dr. Richard Kamwi inaugurated Namibias rst Atomic Energy Board

We expect that the

policy will clearly de ne

Namibias aspiration

with respect to nuclear

energy and how it

can contribute to thedevelopmental needs

of Namibia. We would

expect to be informed

and guided on how

we can use nuclear

technology in variouselds, said Dr. Kamwi

Continues from page 14


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4

Functions of the Atomic Energy BoardThe government has inaugurated thecountrys rst Atomic Energy Boardwith detailed functions as spelled out inthe Atomic Energy Radiation ProtectionAct of 2005, based on Article 56 of theConstitution.

The Board is mandated to advise theappointing Minister on matters relatingto radiation protection, radiation sources,radioactive materials, radioactive waste andprescribed non-ionising radiation sources;

advise government Ministers, departmentsand agencies, as well as the regional andlocal authorities on matters within thescope of the functions of the Board;

advise license holders on the appropriatenessof a person who is appointed as a radiation

safety of cer under section 30(1) of theAct;

recommend to organs of the State howto co-ordinate emergency response andthe assistance required in the case of aradiation related emergency;

advise organs of the State on how to initiate,or provide support on intervention duringemergencies, as may be appropriate;

make recommendations to relevantpersons and the government related tothe promotion of peaceful uses of atomicenergy and related research on radiationsafety issues;

maintain contact for information exchangeand co-operation with other bodies inNamibia, regulatory bodies of othercountries and relevant internationalorganisations in particular, with regardto treaties and conventions entered intobetween the government and thosecountries and organisations, particularly onradiation or nuclear safety;

advise the Minister on how the obligationsof the Safeguards Agreement and theAdditional Protocol to the SafeguardsAgreement may be implemented;

advise the Minister on the appropriatemechanisms to inform the public about theregulatory process and the radiation safetyaspects and related practices;

recommend to relevant authoritiesmeasures required to ensure properand full collection and dissemination of information to the public generally andlicense holders in particular, regardingmeasures necessary or desirable to betaken to minimise exposure to radiationfrom radiation sources or radioactive wasteand prescribed limits;

report to the Minister annually on the eventof the implementation of the Act, regardingthe safety of radiation sources, radioactivematerials, radioactive waste and prescribednon-ionising radiation sources; and

perform any other function that is incidentalor consequential to its functions under theAct, or as may be conferred on it by anyother law or by the Minister.

Continues from page 13Namibias rst Atomic Energy Board inaugurated

Minister emphasised. He told the Board thatthe Ministry has made resources available tocarry-out activities as mandated by the Act.I urge you to do your work without fear orpressure from any quarter. Remain faithful toduty within the jurisdiction of your mandate, Dr. Kamwi urged members of the Board. The Minister directed the Permanent Secretaryto support the Boards mandate, and availresources as required by the Act to ensure thatthe Board ful lls its mandate unhindered. Heurged the of ce of the Permanent Secretary toexpedite the establishment of the Secretariatof the Board and the Regulatory Authority,which are both critical to the mandate of the

Board.

Dr. Kamwi informed members of the publicthat the government will do its best to ensurethat the nation will bene t from the advanceduse and applications of nuclear technology.He said: The Board should dispel any fearsassociated with nuclear technology and re-enforce con dence that nuclear technology

in Namibia is used in a responsible and safemanner and that peoples health are not atrisk, said Dr. Kamwi.

The Atomic Energy and Radiation ProtectionAct seeks to minimise the exposure of persons and the environment in Namibia tothe effects of harmful radiation, to ensurethat adequate control is exercised over thepossession, production, processing, sale,export and import of radiation sources andnuclear material.

The act also creates the necessary mechanismsto facilitate the compliance with the obligationsof Namibia under international agreements

relating to nuclear energy, weapons andprotection against the harmful effects of radiation. The Act prohibits any person to beappointed as a member if he/she has, duringthe period of ten years immediately precedingthe date of commencement of the Act, or atany time after that date, been convicted,whether in Namibia or outside of Namibia, of an offence and sentenced to imprisonmentwithout the option of a ne.

In line with the Act, the

Board is mandated to

formulate a policy and

regulatory framework

to ensure that the

use of nuclear related

technology does not

cause undue risk toemployees, patients,

the public and the

environment.


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Erongo held Maternal and Child HealthConference

By: Ottilie Shingenge

Teenage pregnancies, maternal andchild related deaths are on theincrease in Namibia. The current situationof the deaths of mothers and children inNamibia requires urgent attention. As aresult, a conference on Maternal and ChildHealth took place in Swakopmund withthe aim to deliberate, share and provideinformation on the status of maternalhealth, especially with regard to maternalbirths, newborn and child health in theErongo region. It also sought inputs from

the stakeholders on how to put the issueon top of the regional agenda. The meetingfurther created a forum for continueddialogue on maternal and related issuesin the country and in the Erongo regionin particular as part of the national drivetowards attaining a National Maternaland Child Health Strategy.

The meeting brought together variousstakeholders in the region. In a speech readon his behalf by Karibibi Constituency Councilor,Hon. Usell Xoagub, Erongo Governor, Hon.Samuel Nuuyoma, said that statistics taken overthe past few years on the worsening situationof health status of women and children are aneyesore for the government.

According to the National DemographicHealth Survey of 2008, the countrys maternalmortality rate alarmingly increased to 217 per100,000 live births in the year 2000 and roseto 449 in 100,000 in the subsequent years.Pregnant women and children under ve yearsare the most vulnerable in society, a situation

that the Governor explained as something toworry about, hence the need to work hard atreducing the gures.

Hon. Nuuyoma noted the importance to raiseawareness among different stakeholders andthe entire Namibian society in the protection of maternal and child health to save the nationand help Namibia meets its vision 2030 and theMillennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Let us watch over standards of parenthood and

child health, especially after the internationalworld recognized that Namibia is a place whereinternational celebrities such as Angelina Jolicould also give birth here. Namibia is making

progress in ensuring that mothers and childrenhave access to health services, said Nuuyoma.

Nuuyoma remarked, it is always a pleasant sightto see a smiling mother holdings a health babyin her arms, rather than to see her mourning forher dead or dying baby. It is equally preciousand valuable to see a lively child running andplaying than to see it in pain.

According to Ministry of Health and SocialServices (MoHSS) heath national report of 2009,

60% infant and child deaths were recordedbetween April 2007 and March 2008 and 85%deaths occurred among young people under25 years. The major causes of such deaths,according to the report, were prematurebirths, low weight at birth, infections and otherrespiratory diseases.

Diarrheal diseases, HIV/AIDS, malaria,pneumonia and premature births are said to besome of the top killer diseases and conditionswith HIV/AIDS being the main contributing

factors to maternal and child deaths in theregion.

The report also stated that the currentsituation of maternal and child death in Africa,

particularly sub-Sahara Africa, is a crisis. Thecauses of direct maternal deaths in Namibia in2006 were complications of abortion with 8.3%,hemorrhage (ante and post-partum) with 25%and obstructed and prolonged labour. Eight-three percent suffered from post-partum sepsisand 33.3% died from severe pre-eclampsia.

Participants observed that the commonproblems faced by women and children in theErongo region are conditions of public hygienepractices, food insecurity, domestic violence,lack of health education, poverty, and riskybehaviour such as smoking, alcohol abuse andunsafe sex.

The Ministry of Health and Social Servicescame up with innovative plans and actions.Line ministries and other relevant stakeholderswere invited to the conference to share ideasand experiences to help health authorities planfor the next National Conference. MOHSS aimsto provide information on Maternal and ChildHealth (MCH) to reduce and prevent morbidityand mortality in mothers and children.

The meeting was attended by variousrepresentatives from all the seven constituenciesin the Erongo region.

To be a father is to care for your children

Hon. Nuuyoma noted

the importance to raise

awareness amongdifferent stakeholders

and the entire Namibian

society in the protection

of maternal and child

health to save the

nation and help Namibia

meets its vision 2030

and the Millennium

Development Goals

(MDGs).


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N amibia is one of the countries thatis doing well in addressing theHIV/AIDS epidemic, according to areport released by the United NationsSecretary General recently. This is dueto the implementation of the NationalStrategic Plan on HIV/AIDS by jointefforts in rolling-out ART by government,the private sector, church and the civilsociety.

But Hon. Dr. Richard Kamwi stated that the HIVinfection rate in the country is still on the increasedue to the stigma and discrimination. He sitedthe case of orphans who are known as HIV/AIDS orphans as a stigma and discriminationmeted out against the innocent children.

Dr. Kamwi wondered whether the people infectedand affected by HIV/AIDS get suf cient supportand wants to know how service providers canknow for certain about this de ciency. Hebelieves that it is only research that can openthe eyes of the service providers to the enormityof the problem.

Dr. Kamwi was speaking at the of cial opening

of the HIV/AIDS Treatment Literacy Follow-up Survey Dissemination Workshop held inWindhoek in March 2009. The Minister wasreminded about lack of research by researcherswho heard how well Namibia was doing inthe ght against HIV/AIDS, voluntary testing,counseling and treatment but were disappointeddue to the fact that they could not lay theirhands on scienti c information to help themfollow Namibias best practice.

The workshop was aimed at assessing the Anti-

Retroviral treatment, the roll-out of medicines topeople living with HIV/AIDS and the monitoringof its effectiveness. It was noted that eventhough the treatment is improving the healthstatus of the clients, the disease will be aroundfor a long time to come.

The survey, which interviewed people infectedand affected by HIV/AIDS is the rst of its kindin the country through which the respondentswere given a chance to express their viewsconcerning their status and to tell their ownstory. Often, other people tend to speak ontheir behalf.

The workshop noted that the research is alsoviewed as an empowerment for the peopleaffected and living with HIV/AID to enable

them to take responsibility for their health care.Clearly, in a safe and supportive environment,

people living with HIV/AIDS will always openup. This kind of support reduces the fear of disease and stigma, and even helps some toshare their experiences of living with HIV/AIDSin public, noted Dr. Kamwi.

The workshop was told that reducing stigma anddiscrimination is an important step in helpingthe communities to nd ways and means tohelp themselves, and for the authorities toprovide more effective services. More researchsummaries of the ndings and lessons learntneed to be shared to encourage the developmentof innovative approaches in the HIV/AIDStreatment, care and support. We have tocontinuously ask critical questions on how tostrengthen support groups at different levelsand how to support people living in the ruraland urban areas whether they are employed ornot? Dr. Kamwi explained. He observed thatHIV/AIDS epidemic strikes hardest on the mostvulnerable, especially children. Children livingwith and affected by HIV/AIDS need to receivecare, support and education that helps them tostay healthy, have a happy childhood, and grow

to their fullest potential, he added.

The Minister wanted much more to be doneto ensure that these children are safe fromabuse of alcohol and at times drugs, addingthat well thought-out interventions with lastingeffects need to be developed to respond to

the comprehensive needs of children. Oneimportant element that is often forgotten in

attempting to provide support to children isthe provision of space and skills to children toexpress themselves. By giving children who areinfected or affected by HIV/AIDS the chance totalk about their lives in their own words, we canbreak the silence that surrounds HIV/AIDS andthe consequences of the epidemic throughoutNamibia, the Minister reiterated.

The survey discovered that children caring forill parents and guardians are overwhelmedemotionally and physically by all theresponsibilities, leaving them with little orno time to complete their homework or playwith friends. Clearly, if we do not invest inour youth and ensure their healthy, physicaland emotional development, our country willsuffer the consequences. Society has a moralobligation to protect vulnerable children, emphasised Dr. Kamwi.

The Minister noted the challenge before thenation as the turn-around the strategy inaddressing HIV/AIDS prevention, care andtreatment. He added that there is a need to

engage the community, because its membersare living with the effects of HIV/AIDS, sayingthat they have the potential to arrive atsolutions. We know that solutions are mostmeaningful when identi ed and addressed fromwithin, he reminded the workshop.

HIV/AIDS survey workshop shares ndingsBy Kaleni Hiyalwa

Children are a blessing. When leaders devote time, energy and money to care for children,the nation will prosper


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State Hospitals and MoHSS to be restructuredBy Kaleni Hiyalwa

Hon. Dr. Richard Kamwi, Minister of Health and Social Services (MoHSS)gave directives to the management of his Ministry to consider restructuring andstreamlining the Katutura and Windhoek Central Hospitals under one umbrella.

The two hospitals are managed independently.Consequently, Katutura hospital is perceivedto be a hospital for the less privileged and bycontrast, the Windhoek Central hospital isperceived to be for the well to do members of the Namibian society. Clearly, no one wouldunderstand us that in an independent Namibiathere is still a public institution associated with

separate administration, he reiterated.

Dr. Kamwi explained that the rationale behindthe merger of the two public hospitals is dueto the government efforts to do away with thecurrent negative perceptions, to promote costeffectiveness and the sharing of resourcesbetween the two health facilities. He said thatthe current setup of the two hospitals is a clearviolation of the Policy on Establishing New Health

The Governor of the Omusati region,Hon. Sacky Kayone, welcomedthe opening of the labour of ce of theMinistry of Labour and Social Welfare inthe Omusati region, which is built nextto his of ce. He believes that the effortwill ensure harmony between employeesand employers and contribute positivelytowards the success of the NDP3 and therealisation of Vision 2030 programmesas part of the implementation of thedecentralisation process.

The mandate of the Ministry of Labour andSocial Welfare is to promote stable and peacefullabour relations to prevent and resolve labourdisputes, and provide a wide range of servicesto the labour market. These functions have astheir objective the fostering of an environmentconducive to economic growth and employmentcreation. The Labour Act of 2007, and the new

provision for conciliation and arbitration toprevent and resolve disputes has introducednew mechanisms to achieve these objectives.The Ministry also has the mandate to administerthe critical social grants to the elderly and peopleliving with disabilities.

and Social Welfare Facilities or Services, 2000,published by MoHSS as a practical contradiction.

The two institutions were a design of thesegregation system which thrived in separatedevelopment concept between whites andblacks. Some people still use the stereotypingdescription such as the hospital for whites(oshipangelo shiilumbu) and the hospital forblack (oshipangelo shovalaule) in Oshiwambo.

The Ministry would not only be faced with thetask of changing perceptions but it would alsolook into the possibility of giving the streamlinedhospitals a neutral name that will help people

do away with the current derogatory andstereotyping names by which they call them.

MoHSS is also establishing one directorate forinformation to include components such as healthinformation system, epidemiology, monitoringand evaluation and research that are currentlyseparate despite the fact that they support onepriority function, namely, information gatheringanalysis and distribution.

In his speech read by the Ministerof Labour and Social Welfare, Hon.Immanuel Ngatjizeko, PresidentHi kepunye Pohamba statedthat the government has takencognisance of the development inOutapi and its surrounding areas.

This is an area where businessactivities are thriving in thequest to bring the necessaryservices closer to the people.The government decided tobuild a regional labour of ce atOutapi. The of ce supports andadvises employers, trade unions,employees, jobseekers, the elderlyand disabled on matters concerning employment,labour relations and social grants.

The labour inspectors promote awareness and

educate the community about their rights andobligations under the Labour Act and enforce theprovisions of the Act. The Act encourages mutualrespect between employers and employeesthrough social dialogue and both employersand employees should work towards the goals

The Minister has directed the Permanent Secretaryand his Deputy to review and streamline theexisting directorates to accommodate the moreresponsive structures. Dr. Kamwi is not happywith the way some worrisome trends of lack of professionalism and discipline among someMinisterial staff, which if not dealt with, coulddamage the reputation of the Ministry.

It is disheartening to see or hear of professionalstaking each other to court or attacking each otherthrough the media. This sad state of affairs hasled to serial letters of complaints and calls to theMinister and Deputy Minister to account for thingshappening outside our sphere of accountability,

he observed.

The Ministry wants improvement of communication among the staff in the Ministry.Effective communication is vital to our successas a team. Let us keep each other informedand briefed about signi cant issues of nationalinterest before we hear them from elsewhere, Dr. Kamwi reiterated.

of developing their respective enterprises anddeveloping the nation for the bene t of all citizens.Disputes that cannot be resolve at the workplacehave to be attended to by the labour of ce. According to the President, one of the greatest

challenges facing the country is employmentcreation. The government will introducelegislation to create a stronger legal framework and pro-active institutions and tools to supporteconomic growth and the employment sector.These include the Employment Service Bill, which

Outapi labour of ce openedBy Hileni Shimhulu

Hon. Immanuel Ngatjizeko, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare

Continues on page 18


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8

Continues from page 17Outapi labour of ce opened

will establish a national electronic employmentinformation system to register job seekers,to list job vacancies, to match jobseekersand prospective employers, to identify

skills de cits and to provide information onenterprises training and bursary opportunities.Employers will be required by law to reportall employment vacancies to the Ministry. The

President requested the Ministry to establishpublic employment of ces in the thirteen regionsto serve multi-function labour market centers.

The process will ensure that job seekers registerthemselves at the of ce and their details aremarked when employment opportunities areavailable. All regions will be linked through a

universal computer network to display allregistered jobseekers.

The Head of State announced that these

services will be provided free of charge just likeany other public service to the nation, urgingeducation managers to use this platform toallow learners to access the services.

Namibians should desist from negativehabits but develop Namibia

President PohambaBy Kaleni HiyalwaP resident Pohamba reminded Namibians,during the 19th independenceanniversary at Keetmanshoop in theKaras region that peace, security, stabilityand national unity are essential for thecontinued development of the country.

He explained that it was not coincidental thatmany of the fallen heroes and heroines havesacri ced their lives for the people to live in peaceand in a secure environment. I, therefore, callupon all of us to continue to maintain peace,security and stability in the country, he added.

The President called on Namibians to cherish andcontinue to promote national reconciliation andunity and shun the vices of tribalism, regionalism,nepotism, ethnicity, racial discrimination, sexismand corruption.

The President also wants all citizens to refrain

from alcohol and drug abuse.

The Head of State urged young people whohave reached the voting age to register to voteand elect leaders and political parties of theirchoice. It is through the ballot box that we candetermine the future destiny of our country, observed the President.

He emphasised that the 19th Independence Dayis particularly important for the born-frees whohe described as fortunate Namibians born in thepost independence dispensation.

President Pohamba reiterated the commitment of the government to create opportunities for everyone to participate in socio-economic activities.

We will continue to attract investors to ourcountry to invest in our economy with a viewto increase employment opportunities for ourpeople, he added.

He said the government will continue to promoteeffective participation in joint ventures and otheractivities in the economy, especially amongthe previously disadvantaged Namibians. Wewill emphasise value addition on our naturalresources to increase the bene ts for our peopleand to enable Namibia to participate meaningfullyin regional and international trade, said thePresident.

Independence Day is an occasion for everyone of us to renew his or her resolve to make apositive contribution to the development of ourcountry. We must work to overcome obstacles

and to achieve our full potential, PresidentPohamba noted.

The government will also continue to addressthe socio-economic welfare of senior citizens,workers, youth, peasants, orphans and vulnerablechildren, women, war veterans, people withdisabilities and all other citizens.

The government has resolved to ensure thatNamibia is able to feed herself with locallyproduced food. This commitment has resultedin the establishment of the ambitious plan, theGreen Scheme, that was adopted to transform

the land along the perennial rivers into the foodbaskets of the nation. The scheme is alreadyimplemented and it is envisaged that the harvestwill bene ts the people soon.

President Hi kepunye Pohamba sounding a stern warning to the nation to work hard to develop the country instead of internalising negative habits


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hig lig ts of 2008 and futur plans of tMinistry of education

Education Permanent Secretary VitalisAnkama answers questions on educationWith the development and implementation of the Education and Training Sector Improvement

Programme (ETSIP), the Ministry of Educationremains consistent in making accessible,quality education to learners and students at alllevels namely pre-primary, primary, secondary,vocational, technical, tertiary education andtraining; broaden the knowledge of educators,teachers and school managers in HIV and AIDSmatters; ensure that all educational institutionshave access to and are able to ef ciently useinformation and communication technologies(ICT) to meet their educational objectives; provideaccess to information and learning resources,such as libraries and community learning anddevelopment centres (CLDCs) to anyone wishingto gain knowledge or further their education; andinvest more in research, science and technology,which are vital for the development of ourknowledge-based industrialised economy.

What were some of your highlights/ achievements? A: Great strides have been achieved across thesector. However, the low transition rate fromupper primary to junior secondary level, resultingfrom high repetition and drop out rates at primaryand junior secondary levels coupled with poorsystem performance in terms of skills formationand competency building for vocational andtechnical education level causes great depressionin the education and training system. Poor skillsformation in the technical and vocational educationand training system have affected negatively theemployment rates of vocational and technicaleducation graduates.

Despite the shortcomings within the system,the Ministry is con dent that through ETSIP, theeducation and training sector will continue to play

its pivotal role in the creation of a knowledge-based economy, as required in Vision 2030. TheMinistrys role is therefore to improve the qualityof education and training system to ensurethat it is effective and programmes are run andimplemented ef ciently.

It is therefore important that the employees andmanagement of the Ministry continue to work hard to ensure that ETSIP becomes a reality forevery Namibian child.Below are some of the highlights of the past year(2008):

The smooth admission of learners at thebeginning of 2008 academic school year;

The Governments policy on Grade 10 repeaterswas amended to make provision for ALL Grade10 repeaters to be re-admitted into the formaleducation system;

During the year, 577 classrooms (includingclassrooms at new schools), 18 laboratories,28 administration blocks and 38 teacherhouses were built. A total of 902 spaces werealso made available for hostel accommodationcountrywide.

The Government of the Republic of Namibiaand the USA Millennium Challenge Corporation(MCC) signed a compact worth N$2.3 billion inJuly 2008 to reduce poverty through economicgrowth. About US$144 million or about N$1.1billion is earmarked for the education andtraining sector, speci cally the expansion andrefurbishment of up to 47 schools, expansion

of vocational and skills training, provision of textbooks, construction of three regional studyresource centres, and support for the setting

up of a loan scheme for tertiary studies. A per-capita funding policy for primary andsecondary education was developed tofacilitate equitable distribution of resourcesto regions, schools and learners, and wasapproved by Cabinet. The formula alsoincludes private schools that are receivinga subsidy from the Ministry of Education.The formula requires that 10 % of the totalschool population of a private school be from adisadvantaged background for them to qualifyfor a full subsidy from the Ministry;

Pre-primary education has been shifted back to the Ministry of Education from the Ministryof Gender Equality and Child Welfare;

The professional development of teachers,principals and teacher educators continuedthroughout the year;

The number of unquali ed and under-quali ed teachers employed in 2008 hasbeen reduced following a directive from thePermanent Secretary to all regional of ces.Unquali ed and under - quali ed teacherswere ONLY employed where it was dif cult toobtain applications and interest from quali edteachers, especially in language subjects;

The National External School Evaluationthroughout the country with the objectiveof evaluating the performances of selectedschools according to the National Standards

and Performance Indicators continued; The design, development, launch and

implementation of the National Textbook Policywas necessitated by the need to effectively andef ciently plan and manage the provision anddistribution of textbooks and other learningsupport materials to schools for the bene t of all learners and teachers;

The number of bene ciaries of the NamibiaSchool Feeding Programme (NSFP) wasincreased last year, from just above 80 000to over 190 000. The NSFP was establishedto provide additional nutrition to orphans andvulnerable children in primary schools as wellas to encourage regular school attendance;

The Education Sector Policy on Orphans andVulnerable Children was launched;

An External Evaluation of the National LiteracyProgramme in Namibia (NLPN) was carriedout in 2008. This is the 3rd evaluation to becarried out since the NLPN was launched bythe Ministry on 5 September 1992;

An External Baseline study on the NationalLibrary and Information Service sector wascarried out, with the aim of revising policy andstrategy based on the requirement of Vision2030 and NDP 3;

The inscription of the Hendrik Witbooi Papersinto the UNESCO Memory of the World listwas celebrated in November 2008. This isan honour of international importance forNamibia;

The National Archives of Namibia has aninformal agreement with The Namibian todigitise the pre-independence issues of the

Continu s on pag 20

Minister Nangolo Mbumba, Minister of Education


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Continu s from pag 19hig lig ts of 2008 and futur plans of t Ministry of education

newspapers, 1985-1990. Funding for thiscomes from the Aluka Project. The year1985 is already nalised, 1986 is fullyscanned, 1987 is in progress. The goal is tohave all the papers available as searchablefacsimile PDF les on the internet, and onthe internal archives server;

Projects under the Anti-Colonial Resistanceand Liberation Struggle (AACRLS) project:1. Digitisation of records in the National

Archives on the 1904/1908 war continuesunder funding by the AACRLS Project.

2. AACRLS autobiography Long dusty roadto freedom by Lydia Shaketange, aboutgoing into exile (launched March 2009)

3. An oral history book Tears of courage:Five mothers by Ellen Namhila, based oninterviews with ve women related to the1966 launch of the armed struggle and theunrecognised role of the women behindthe men (to be launched in August 2009)

The National Library is doing a wonderfuljob in catering for the information needs of the Namibian population. National LibraryStatistics: (April 2008-Nov 2008) ComputerUsage: 11 354, Attendance: 29 996,Reference Queries: 5 870;

A comprehensive survey in the practice of Workplace Literacy in Namibia was carriedout with the aim of preparing a Draft Codeof Best Practice for Literacy Learning atworkplaces in Namibia. This importantreport is being published;

The Namibia Students Financial AssistanceFund (NSFAF) continues to allocate loanawards to students to pursue their studiesat tertiary institutions and vocation trainingcentres;

Parliament passed the Vocational Educationand Training (VET) Act (Act.1 of 2008). Theact allows for the establishment of theNamibia Training Authority (NTA), the Boardof the NTA and the National Training Fund.All of the above materialised in 2008;

New Competency Based Training andAssessment (CBET) for Vocational TrainingCentre (VTC) instructors were developedto replace the existing instructor trainingprogramme at the Polytechnic of Namibia;

A tracer study on the VET system wascarried out, which revealed that the systemwas not responsive to the demands of theindustry.

A survey on the availability and suitability of tools and equipments was also conductedat VTCs.

The Information and Technology Division inthe Ministry offered International ComputerDriving License (ICDL) courses to 700 staff members of the Ministry and trainees fromthe Windhoek Vocational Training Centre.The training at regional of ces and othertraining institutions will continue this year;

The deployment of ICTs through theMinistrys Tech/na initiative, which started

in 2007 continued throughout the year.The initiative is aimed at producing anICT literate Namibian nation that is ableto participate in the fast changing world

brought about by ICTs and other relateddevelopments;

The Workplace Policy was launched andthe Workplace Wellness Programme wasimplemented;

The Namibian Sign Language syllabus wasdeveloped and approved by the Examination

Board and the Sign Language was writtenas an examination subject for the Grade 10Junior Secondary Certi cate (JSC) nationalexaminations for the rst time in 2008;

A Namibian Sign Language dictionary was alsodeveloped with the assistance of the NamibiaNational Association for the Deaf (NNAD).

The Ministry holds ETSIP Review Meetings everyyear to assess the progress made regarding theimplementation of ETSIP activities. The 2008ETSIP review meeting which was held from 13-15 October found that Namibias Education andTraining Sector Improvement Programme (ETSIP)has made signi cant progress in implementingactivities according to its strategic priorities. A wide range of policy and legislative frameworkshave been adopted, bringing about institutionalreforms. The Review Meetings are attended byour development partners, private/public sectorand other stakeholders in the education andtraining sector.

At the ETSIP Review Meeting of 2008, it wasagreed that Namibia had met fteen of theseventeen prior actions set for 2008. The twoprior actions that were not achieved at the timeof the Review Meeting included a plan for teachereducation reform and the expansion of vocationaleducation.

What are your future plans? A: My management and all my staff membersare committed and will continue to work hard toensure that we achieve the goals and objectivesof ETSIP.

This year (2009), the Ministry and its partnerswill continue to work hard to ensure that ETSIPis fully implemented as planned. A number of activities expected to be completed this year arelisted below:

Continued improved access into the formaleducation system for Grade 10 learners whodid not achieve the required points to bepromoted to Grade 11;

In April 2009 Namibia will decentralisesigni cant education functions to the RegionalCouncils with implications for capacitydevelopment at that level;

The Policy on Pregnancy among Learnersin Schools is currently under review and isexpected to be re-launched this year;

The National Professional Standards forTeachers was nalised and printed andis expected to be launched this year. Itoutlines the competencies that are needed inteachers;

A National Policy on Lifelong Learning (LLL),which will be a catalyst of all institutions andproviders concerned with lifelong learning isbeing prepared. The Policy on LLL will be an

all-embracing policy, catering for all sectorsof the Namibian society education,employers, industries, workers, individualsand groups.

A national policy on Inclusive Educationwas drafted and is expected to be nalisedearly this year after regional consultations

have taken place. The goal of the policy isto educate all learners with varying learningand physical abilities in ordinary schools;and

The Ministry hopes to acquire its own vehicleeet for transport purposes and to allow the

Ministrys of cials to carry out their duties,most speci cally improving inspection andmonitoring at school level in the remotestof areas.

Research, Science and Technology? The Ministry hosted the Information Society

and Technology (IST) Africa Conferencewhich was attended by over 460 delegatesfrom Europe and Africa, with the aim of increasing visibility of mutual researchtechnology development potentials andnetworks relevant to European and Africanstakeholders;

The Directorate of Research, Science andTechnology was admitted as a full NationalScienti c Member of the InternationalCouncil for Science (ICSU);

A plan of action in Science and TechnologyCooperation was signed between theGovernments of Namibia and South Africa.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)was developed between the Ministry of Education and the COSDEC Foundationfor the foundation to manage the facilityof the Mahangu Project. The project aimsto develop capacity and infrastructureto enhance value addition to Mahanguproducts;

The fourth National Science, Technologyand Engineering Week (NAMSCI) was heldat the University of Namibia;

Mathematics and Science computer basedlearning centres (PLATO) aimed at givingschool learners an opportunity to learnMathematics and Natural Sciences at theirown pace continue to achieve remarkableresult. There are currently three centresoperating in the Karas, Khomas and Capriviregions.

-Future plans for the year (2009)/ Finalise the registration of the Mahangu

Project with the Agronomic Board of Namibia;

Carry out a National Study on IndigenousKnowledge System regarding the use of plant for medicinal use;

New PLATO centres are expected to beopened in Khorixas in the Kunene regionand at Ongwediva in the Oshana region;

Establishing Science Demonstration Centreswith the aim of stimulating interest in and

developing a positive attitude towardsmathematics and sciences and supportingeducators in a resourceful environment.

Documents

MIB Bulletin March 2009 - Namibian Government