Day: February 1, 2024

OPUWO: The North-West Stream First Division continues on Saturday after a break of a month-and-a-half, with the focus on the historic rivalry between Outjo-based teams Golden Bees FC and Outjo Football Academy.

OFA joined their rivals in the NWSFD this season following a successful campaign in the Kunene Second Division Football League, where they clinched the league title and advanced to the NWSFD through the playoffs last year.

The Outjo derby will see the league’s only sides from the Kunene Region facing each other on Saturday at 15h00 at the Etoshapoort Stadium. Golden Bees FC and OFA occupy the eight and sixth positions on the log respectively.

Lydia Hamukuaya, the league’s administrator, unveiled the weekend fixtures on Thursday.

Other clubs aiming for victories and league survival include Topscore African Motto FC, Khuse Lions FC, Golden Bigs FC and Touch and Go FC.

In Ondangwa, at the Toivo Ya Toivo sports field, log leaders King Kauluma (KK) Palace FC will attempt to extend their winning streak
to six games and avoid defeat when they face ninth-place African Motto FC, who have only secured one victory and one draw in six games.

Khuse Lions FC, currently at the bottom of the standings, will host Onambula United FC at the Uukwangula Stadium in Oshakati in a crucial game to avoid relegation.

Eleven Warriors FC, who started the season strongly, will confront relegation-threatened Touch and Go FC from Otavi at the Omulunga Stadium in Grootfontein. Other weekend encounters will see Golden Bigs FC taking on Young Chiefs FC at Uukwangula Stadium, while Oshikuku Young Stars FC will host Ongwendiva City FC at Oshikuku Sports Field.

After six games, KK Palace FC and Eleven Warriors are first and second with 16 points respectively, followed by Young Chiefs FC with 12 points and Onambula United FC and Ongendiva City FC with 10 points in fourth and fifth place respectively.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OTJIWARONGO: A 48-year-old woman at Okahandja allegedly committed suicide on Thursday by hanging herself in her room at the Five Rand informal settlement.

Namibian Police Force (NamPol) crime investigations coordinator in the Otjozondjupa Region, Deputy Commissioner Edna Nawa, in an interview with Nampa said the alleged suicide is suspected to have occurred between 03h30 and 07h15 at her house.

Nawa said the deceased was identified by relatives as Petronella Luis.

‘Luis was last seen entering her house around 03h00 on Thursday, shortly after she allegedly argued with her son over firewood,’ said Nawa.

The deceased’s body was discovered hanging with a rope around her neck, which was fastened onto a beam of her corrugated iron sheet sleeping room.

No suicide note was found and no foul play is suspected in connection with her death, said Nawa.

Police investigations in the matter continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OMUTHIYA: Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) secretary, Pendapala Nakathingo, has urged all buses and taxi drivers to undergo First Aid Training and Defensive Driving courses so as to reduce road accidents.

Nakathingo said in an interview with Nampa on Thursday that they established First Aid Training courses in September 2022 to provide lifesaving skills for drivers as it turns drivers into useful first responders at accident scenes.

He said the objectives of the defensive driving training are to provide the necessary driving skills to bus and taxi drivers to help them maintain safety on the road.

‘It helps them deal with all weather conditions, other vehicles on the road including all road users, and potentially hazardous situations, as well as taking necessary action to avoid becoming the cause of or becoming involved in a road crash,’ Nakathingo said.

He said when driving defensively, they are aware and ready for whatever happens, and they are cautious, yet ready to act.

‘You will be taught tec
hniques on sharing the road safely, avoiding others who are driving aggressively and recklessly, driver alertness, allowing time and space and ensuring that the vehicle and driver’s intention is also visible on the road,’ he said.

Nakathingo said they have so far trained more than 700 bus and taxi drivers across the country through their partner, Drivewell Training Academy, and OSHMED first aid training.

‘The drivers are taught in the principles of emergency care, safety, and emergency scene management, artificial respirations, airway obstruction, wounds and bleeding, fractures, burn wounds and trauma,’ said Nakathingo.

He added that at the end, the drivers are all supplied with emergency first aid kits to keep in their vehicles and for practical use as certified first aiders.

Nakathingo also pointed out that 85 to 90 per cent of road crashes are attributed to driver error and people should contact NABTA if they want to undergo the training as it is continuous and will be offered from region to region.

N
ABTA is a legally recognised transport association operating within the borders of the Republic of Namibia.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) and the Rehoboth Town Council (RTC) are currently addressing outstanding matters concerning the transfer of Reho Spa, one of which involves completing transfer cost payments at the deeds office.

RTC Acting Chief Executive Officer Ronald Windswaai told Nampa on Thursday that the transition of ownership is not without administrative challenges.

‘Despite these hurdles, officials are optimistic that these matters will be resolved,’ he said, noting that the facility is expected to undergo strategic developments and renovations to enhance its appeal to tourists.

Plans include upgrading accommodation facilities, introducing modern amenities, and promoting eco-friendly practices to align with global tourism trends. These initiatives aim to position Reho-Spa as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious experiences.

‘The collective efforts between NWR and the town are indicative of a shared vision to unlock the full potent
ial of Reho Spa,’ Windswaai stated.

Local authorities and community leaders, he said, have expressed their enthusiasm for the ownership transfer, emphasising the positive impact it will have on the socio-economic landscape of Rehoboth.

NWR Corporate Communications Manager Nelson Ashipala said the decision to transfer ownership to the town council aligns with the government’s commitment to regional development and leveraging natural resources for economic benefits. Reho Spa, known for its historical significance and natural beauty, has long been a point of interest for both locals and visitors alike.

‘The transfer marks a significant milestone for Rehoboth, opening up opportunities for local employment and economic revitalisation. Reho Spa is poised to become a hub for wellness tourism, with plans to enhance existing facilities and introduce new attractions to draw in visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation,’ he said.

Ashipala added that the change in ownership is expected to bring about a positive ec
onomic impact on the town, providing a boost to local businesses and creating a ripple effect on the local community. The infusion of tourism into the region is anticipated to stimulate growth in various sectors, from hospitality and retail to local crafts and cultural experiences.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency