Malawi Wire

Katutura giants African Stars were Tuesday night crowned champions of the 2022/23 Debmarine Namibia Premiership after their 3-1 win against Okahandja United at the Sport Klub Windhoek sports ground.

African Stars started the season shooting on all cylinders as they went 22 games without losing a game, and just needed a win against Okahandja United to be crowned champions with four games remaining in this season.

An early goal from the league’s top goal scorer Willy Stephanus set the tone on the night as African Stars dominated play in the first half. Stephanus scored his brace minutes before the halftime break to make it 2-0 at the break.

In the second half, Okahandja United pulled a goal back to keep their hopes of stalling the crowning of Stars as champions alive, but the league winners were on another level on the night as they set their foot down and scored their third goal of the match to keep their dream of competing in the African Champions League alive.

In an interview with the media after the match, team captain Ronald Ketjijere said it has been a long-fought season and it felt great to be crowned champions.

“We had a setback two weeks ago when we lost to Blue Waters, but we spoke to the boys and they understood our mission. Today we came ready and we are now crowned champions,” he said.

Team coach Marvin Mbakera added that being crowned champions shows that the team and management did a very good job throughout the season.

“This is an emotional moment for me as a coach because this is my first title. There are no words that can describe how I feel. I should give gratitude to the Almighty, my wife and my family who were there during all the difficult times when things got hard,” he said.

Mbakera added that the African Stars management and players should also be given credit for setting up a team which dominated play during this season.

“I am happy to say that the management saw the need to bring in a football director who understands football – that made life easier for all of us,” he said, adding that they are now looking forward to competing in the Confederation of African Football Champions League when it kicks off later this year.

Source: NAMPA

Five men suspected to be habitual armed robbers in the Khomas, Erongo and Otjozondjupa regions, were allegedly shot and killed Tuesday night by members of the Namibian Police Force at Okahandja.

NamPol Unit Commander for Community Affairs in the Otjozondjupa Region, Inspector Maureen Mbeha confirmed the incident to Nampa in an interview on Wednesday, saying police officers were still busy on the scene.

“I can confirm that there was an exchange of gunfire between some police officers and suspects in the Okahandja area last night,” she said.

Mbeha said details of the shooting incident were incomplete for now as most of the police investigators were engaged at the crime scene and investigations continue.

Source: NAMPA

Members of Parliament (MPs) from various political parties on Tuesday continued to express their support in the National Assembly for a motion to establish a Genocide Memorial Museum to honour those who died at the hands of German invading forces during the 1904-08 Herero-Nama genocide.

National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) secretary general and MP, Joseph Kauandenge tabled the motion in the National Assembly a month ago. He motivated that such a museum would be important to remember and honour those who died as a result of the extermination orders issued by German Schutztruppe commander, General Lothar von Trotha.

Some MPs such as Popular Democratic Movement’s Vipuakuje Muharukua said there is nothing that should stop the country from honouring those who perished during this era, adding that he is pained that this part of history is not taught in schools.

“Not only are we not teaching what happened in those events in our schools, but nowhere in meaningful terms do we depict that event. Action speaks louder than words,” he said, noting that a museum would help restore the dignity of the victims.

Contributing to the motion Swapo Party MP Tobie Aupindi said the decision to establish the genocide museum should be taken now rather than the matter having to be referred to a committee.

“What is this committee going to find out that we don’t know about for the past 120 years?” he asked.

He said the genocide museum will bring dignity to those who have fallen in the quest for the long and bitter struggle against imperialist Germany.

“These are the heroes who gave their first sacrifice, ensuring that the path was paved for future generations to unite and fight in order to end colonial oppression and attain genuine independence,” Aupindi stated.

He added that the responsibilities of bringing and recording history lies in the hands of all Namibians, particularly the young generation.

He said since independence many good initiatives have gone towards the recognition of the country’s heroes and heroines from the German colonial period.

Aupindi listed that heroes such as Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi were honoured with appearing on Namibia’s banknotes, the Swakopmund Genocide Museum was established, and the first nine tombs at Heroes’ Acre were dedicated to heroes such as Kahimemua Nguvauva, Nehalem Lya Mpingana, Samuel Maharero, Hendrik Witbooi and Jacob Morenga.

Source: NAMPA

Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has invested N.dollars 1.8 million in 30 of its employees, offering financial assistance to fund their part-time ‘side hustles’ through its Dreamer Project.

The project was launched in 2021 with the goal of creating a sustainable value chain for MTC employees, assisting with job creation, and demonstrating MTC principles as a corporate citizen not only externally, but also to its employees.

Tim Ekandjo, MTC’s Chief Human Capital, Corporate Affairs and Marketing Officer, stated at a ceremony held on Tuesday that 69 applications were received, with four in social causes.

‘This year, the employees were recognised with amounts ranging from N.dollars 30 000 to N.dollars 60 000. As ambassadors, we are saying to you that we are not satisfied with you for just working for MTC until you go out there and live your dreams. This project is aimed to make you love more than just what you do at MTC. We want you to go out there and make your family proud by living your dream and making a difference in your community,’ he said.

As part of the programme, MTC will provide business mentorship and training to the 30 ambassadors in order to familiarise them with business concepts such as marketing, financial management and ensuring the success of their business ideas.

One of the recipients, Sesilia Auala, expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.

She described the project’s assistance as an injection that will help her transform her dream of starting her own business into a reality.

”This is an opportunity that I am taking very seriously and I am delighted to start my business and employ my fellow countrymen,” she added.

Source: NAMPA