SMS Of The Day : Monday

* HOW can teachers be held accountable when learners do not do homework, do not learn for tests or exams and break their own windows, doors, desks and toilets and steal any equipment they can from their own schools? How many times must the Government fix things and replace books which are torn, lost or stolen by the learners who claim they are not provided with what they need for education. Parents and learners should share the responsibility of education.

Food For Thought * I AM a health worker working with other Africans. Is it OK that these people are telling us that we (Namibians) are uneducated, lazy to learn and work, because the ministers say so on TV? For how long must we put up with these insults? We can’t defend ourselves because they are our bosses now. Did our forefathers struggle for them to enjoy the cream on the cake while we wait for the crumbs to fall on the floor, if there are any left.Politics In General* FOR Government to set aside N$228 million to feed vulnerable Namibians is part of the Principles of State Policy: Article 95 (e)(f(g)-Promotion of the Welfare of the people. It is neither a miracle (‘free food’) nor manna (‘extra relief’) at the mercy of a Swapo Party-led government but a State obligation. Well done!* NAMIBIANS please help me to understand this scenario. We are about two million with around eight political parties. Why? I am honestly confused. They all make the same promises in the beginning which fade after the elections. – Bennestus, Windhoek* MR President (Hifikepunye Pohamba), since you became President of the Republic of Namibia you have been preaching that no corruption will be tolerated in your Government. Why do some of the people in your Government hold two positions? Like the Minister of Justice, Pendukeni Ithana. She is also the Attorney General. It is not corruption or what? Mr President, do something before is too late!Please Help!* YOU see things on TV about people cutting themselves. I tell you at that moment you hear it, you start it. It hurts like s..t! I’m a first timer but it does work! It’s like a drug. The pain. You forget about love, fuel prices and you only feel pain! Who can I call? I’m destroying myself. – We suggest you speak to your medical doctor, or call Lifeline Namibia – 232221. – NewsdeskPrice Pain* SOMEBODY please help me, perhaps I missed out on something. I understand bus and taxi fares increased by 10 per cent. Is it a 10 per cent increase from N$29 to N$35? And why should a taxi cost N$8 or N$16 till home in Outapi and N$7,50 in other towns. I want to know if something is wrong with me or with Nabta. – Nessy* WHY is Nabta so unfair? We the people of the south pay N$130 from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop, which is 500 km, while Windhoek to Oshakati, which is almost 700 km, costs only N$140. – C Usiku* WHY is electricity so expensive in Grootfontein and other towns under Cenored? Electricity distributing companies such as Nored and Cenored are getting power from one power supplier, NamPower. Cenored is selling 1kwh for N$1,33 while with Nored 1kwh costs N$0,93 cents only. Why a big difference in the selling price of such an important commodity. This deters investors from investing in towns where power is expensive. – MuchalifaInternational* RADOVAN Karadzic is a winner! He is not going to suffer more in western democratic so-called jails than someone arrested for drunk driving. In fact he is going to be treated as a gentlemen not as a criminal. That will be a reward not a punishment for all that he and his associates did to our people. – Bosnian born Croat S Filipovic* I NOTE that your paper always publishes negative articles about (Democratic Party presidential candidate Barack) Obama. Of the thousand articles written every day, somehow only the ones written by sceptics make it in your paper. If I didn’t have access to the Internet I could have a skewed picture of the man and the campaign. For those looking for a balanced picture of Obama and his campaign, read: Huffingtonpost.com, washington post.com, cnn.com, politico.com, ny.com, bbc.com, newsweek.com. If you are looking for articles such as the one in this paper, they are many, but the one-stop shop will be the Republican website. To those without Internet access, what this paper is publishing is anti-Obama and should not be taken at face value. – We run a fair selection of articles on Senator Obama, but as they say one man’s critical is another man’s negative. I know we are not in the same league as some of the praise­singers so prominent in sections of the media, especially in the US. Given the well documented media bias on the lack of critical reporting (generally out of a fear of being perceived as politically incorrect, or because the media instance or reporter is in the tank for Obama) on the Senator from Illinois, we also publish some articles, which take a critical look at the man and his track record. Apart from line agency reports, the source most used is politico.com, which you mention above, and realclearpolitics.com (which perhaps has the best selection of articles). We would appreciate it if you could send us the address of the Republican website – it would be interesting to see their articles. Two other good sites are blackagenda.com and slate.com – but be warned: don’t expect to only get candyfloss. – News EditorIn And From the Regions* WHEN is the village Okamboola in Ruacana going to get healthy water? The water that we use and drink isn’t healthy at all.* WHY don’t the streets of Grootfontein have pedestrian crossing signs? As a road user I am worried about how I can tell/show the future generations how the road is used, especially when you are on foot.* PLEASE Comrade Kufu we need development in our constituency. In areas such as Onashali, Ehoma, Ohepa up to Omakondo there’s no clean water and electricity. When are we going to enjoy the Government’s fruit like others are? – Nambuli Stryk* THE new ambulance at Outjo State Hospital is already grounded with a broken rear windscreen. We in Outjo like to complain about the hospital among ourselves in the location which doesn’t help. ACC are you aware about this?* WHAT is the Keetmanshoop Municipality doing with money paid for graves? Please clean up your graveyards.* TO the Police Chief: On Sunday morning 00h30 on July 27 two Police vehicles, a van followed by a sedan, drove in the residential area in Okahandja. The siren of the sedan was used to hail the van to stop in the lane in front of the entrance to a house where people were peacefully asleep and rudely awakened. The sedan stopped next to the van in the lane for oncoming traffic with the blue and white lights on the roof of the sedan flashing continuously, headlights on. The van’s driver got into the sedan and laughing and chatting commenced with the engine idling continuously. After about 10 minutes they left. Kindly investigate why such action was directed at the innocent public. Or was it just inconsiderate disturbing of the peace. Your assistance will be highly appreciated.* IN Henties Bay, only people from one group are getting or being given loans. What is going on at the Henties Bay Municipality?General* RECYCLING of newspapers. For the information of the News Editor. Nearly every kindergarten needs old newspapers for making papier maché. – H Talaska – Thanks very much. Good idea. – News Editor* DEFENCE spokesperson Margaret Amagulu, if you know so much about Arovlei, I mean Chinese ammunition factory under construction, why did you not attend the meeting that was held on Sunday, the 20th. Those from your ministry don’t know anything … !* FATHERS: As a child I am asking our fathers to assure us of a better life in happy, peaceful homes, because we are no longer safe even in our own families. Because at any time one may find his mother dead killed by Daddy or Daddy will kick Mummy out of the house. Fathers! Who has bewitched you? Come back to your senses.* SOCIAL Security. We want to know why Social Security doubled the deduction for June. We did not sign for the increase and we are neither family members of those who stole millions of dollars from it. Bring our money back and let those who received money through Avid pay back.* WE are quick to criticise politicians for being reluctant to relinquish power. However we should also point out professional dictatorships where somebody occupies a position on a decision-making body as a chairman of a board for more than 10 years. Even if you are elected, you should decline so that the others also get a chance to become as good as you are.* PLEASE Mr Paulus Noa of the Anti-Corruption Commission, is the ACC for GRN issues only or private issues too? If both, what about those people who are doing illegal cash loans? Are they not doing corruption? Please Mr Noa do something. – Concerned KM Resident* LOVE and Politics: Our politicians marry women young enough to be their daughters. A young woman needs a young and energetic dude, not old and exhausted liberation struggle oldies. So to preserve marriages, the age gap must not be more than 15 years or your drivers and others will ruin everything.* THE Namibian, please give the nation feedback on the story about greed and corruption on Air Namibia flights.* THE surplus distribution debacle at the Roessing Mine needs international intervention as there is obviously no one in Namibia who can solve the riddle. Is there anyone out there who can guide us please?Driving Dos And Don’ts* I’M the father of that kid whom you talking about in The Namibian, can you call me, Mr Burger, at this number 081-292-3015.* OWNER of orange Caddy of Okahandja who drives like hell – by your own admission – you definitely cannot be confronted because you sound like you have road rage. It is advisable not to drive like hell. Somebody may get hurt and you will not display such bravado then. Thank God I don’t live in Okahandja traffic.* MR Orange Caddy, I can’t believe you have the arrogance to boast about your potentially deadly public driving in a public newspaper. You should be arrested for that. I wonder whether you would do the same if you end up causing some gruesome ‘accident’ (which could happen if you continue your driving habit). We need to get rid of drivers like you from Namibian streets.* THIS goes to the orange Caddy driving like hell in Okahandja, if you want to drive like hell, go do racing!* THE person who drove GRN 3803, a white Nissan double-cab, must please realise that this vehicle must be driven on the tarred road and not over the pavement because you don’t want to wait for other cars in front of you, like you did this morning, Tuesday, July 22. Please treat the assets of the GRN in a prudent manner.Bouquets And Brickbats* BELIEVE me or not, Namibia played outstandingly. I think they did well, although a defensive error cost us a game. I think we can do it with this team. Congrats Brave Warriors* A BIG bouquet to ICU staff at Roman Catholic Hospital. Your dedication, caring and compassion is exemplary. With grateful thanks to you all!* CONGRATS to the Mayor of Swakopmund, Mrs Ndapua Shitaleni. I am sure that the new municipal complex, envisaged to be completed in 2010, will be a masterpiece. You and your team made a good choice concerning the architects and construction company. Keep it up girl! – Mara Slinger* THIS is not good, and it will never be good, seeing Tafel Lager’s promotions on TV and print media by use of young people in black T-shirts. – Djaupyu* I AM a health worker working with other Africans. Is it OK that these people are telling us that we (Namibians) are uneducated, lazy to learn and work, because the ministers say so on TV? For how long must we put up with these insults? We can’t defend ourselves because they are our bosses now. Did our forefathers struggle for them to enjoy the cream on the cake while we wait for the crumbs to fall on the floor, if there are any left.Politics In General * FOR Government to set aside N$228 million to feed vulnerable Namibians is part of the Principles of State Policy: Article 95 (e)(f(g)-Promotion of the Welfare of the people. It is neither a miracle (‘free food’) nor manna (‘extra relief’) at the mercy of a Swapo Party-led government but a State obligation. Well done! * NAMIBIANS please help me to understand this scenario. We are about two million with around eight political parties. Why? I am honestly confused. They all make the same promises in the beginning which fade after the elections. – Bennestus, Windhoek * MR President (Hifikepunye Pohamba), since you became President of the Republic of Namibia you have been preaching that no corruption will be tolerated in your Government. Why do some of the people in your Government hold two positions? Like the Minister of Justice, Pendukeni Ithana. She is also the Attorney General. It is not corruption or what? Mr President, do something before is too late! Please Help! * YOU see things on TV about people cutting themselves. I tell you at that moment you hear it, you start it. It hurts like s..t! I’m a first timer but it does work! It’s like a drug. The pain. You forget about love, fuel prices and you only feel pain! Who can I call? I’m destroying myself. – We suggest you speak to your medical doctor, or call Lifeline Namibia – 232221. – Newsdesk Price Pain * SOMEBODY please help me, perhaps I missed out on something. I understand bus and taxi fares increased by 10 per cent. Is it a 10 per cent increase from N$29 to N$35? And why should a taxi cost N$8 or N$16 till home in Outapi and N$7,50 in other towns. I want to know if something is wrong with me or with Nabta. – Nessy * WHY is Nabta so unfair? We the people of the south pay N$130 from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop, which is 500 km, while Windhoek to Oshakati, which is almost 700 km, costs only N$140. – C Usiku * WHY is electricity so expensive in Grootfontein and other towns under Cenored? Electricity distributing companies such as Nored and Cenored are getting power from one power supplier, NamPower. Cenored is selling 1kwh for N$1,33 while with Nored 1kwh costs N$0,93 cents only. Why a big difference in the selling price of such an important commodity. This deters investors from investing in towns where power is expensive. – Muchalifa International * RADOVAN Karadzic is a winner! He is not going to suffer more in western democratic so-called jails than someone arrested for drunk driving. In fact he is going to be treated as a gentlemen not as a criminal. That will be a reward not a punishment for all that he and his associates did to our people. – Bosnian born Croat S Filipovic * I NOTE that your paper always publishes negative articles about (Democratic Party presidential candidate Barack) Obama. Of the thousand articles written every day, somehow only the ones written by sceptics make it in your paper. If I didn’t have access to the Internet I could have a skewed picture of the man and the campaign. For those looking for a balanced picture of Obama and his campaign, read: Huffingtonpost.com, washington post.com, cnn.com, politico.com, ny.com, bbc.com, newsweek.com. If you are looking for articles such as the one in this paper, they are many, but the one-stop shop will be the Republican website. To those without Internet access, what this paper is publishing is anti-Obama and should not be taken at face value. – We run a fair selection of articles on Senator Obama, but as they say one man’s critical is another man’s negative. I know we are not in the same league as some of the praise­singers so prominent in sections of the media, especially in the US. Given the well documented media bias on the lack of critical reporting (generally out of a fear of being perceived as politically incorrect, or because the media instance or reporter is in the tank for Obama) on the Senator from Illinois, we also publish some articles, which take a critical look at the man and his track record. Apart from line agency reports, the source most used is politico.com, which you mention above, and realclearpolitics.com (which perhaps has the best selection of articles). We would appreciate it if you could send us the address of the Republican website – it would be interesting to see their articles. Two other good sites are blackagenda.com and slate.com – but be warned: don’t expect to only get candyfloss. – News Editor In And From the Regions * WHEN is the village Okamboola in Ruacana going to get healthy water? The water that we use and drink isn’t healthy at all.* WHY don’t the streets of Grootfontein have pedestrian crossing signs? As a road user I am worried about how I can tell/show the future generations how the road is used, especially when you are on foot.* PLEASE Comrade Kufu we need development in our constituency. In areas such as Onashali, Ehoma, Ohepa up to Omakondo there’s no clean water and electricity. When are we going to enjoy the Government’s fruit like others are? – Nambuli Stryk * THE new ambulance at Outjo State Hospital is already grounded with a broken rear windscreen. We in Outjo like to complain about the hospital among ourselves in the location which doesn’t help. ACC are you aware about this? * WHAT is the Keetmanshoop Municipality doing with money paid for graves? Please clean up your graveyards.* TO the Police Chief: On Sunday morning 00h30 on July 27 two Police vehicles, a van followed by a sedan, drove in the residential area in Okahandja. The siren of the sedan was used to hail the van to stop in the lane in front of the entrance to a house where people were peacefully asleep and rudely awakened. The sedan stopped next to the van in the lane for oncoming traffic with the blue and white lights on the roof of the sedan flashing continuously, headlights on. The van’s driver got into the sedan and laughing and chatting commenced with the engine idling continuously. After about 10 minutes they left. Kindly investigate why such action was directed at the innocent public. Or was it just inconsiderate disturbing of the peace. Your assistance will be highly appreciated.* IN Henties Bay, only people from one group are getting or being given loans. What is going on at the Henties Bay Municipality? General * RECYCLING of newspapers. For the information of the News Editor. Nearly every kindergarten needs old newspapers for making papier maché. – H Talaska – Thanks very much. Good idea. – News Editor * DEFENCE spokesperson Margaret Amagulu, if you know so much about Arovlei, I mean Chinese ammunition factory under construction, why did you not attend the meeting that was held on Sunday, the 20th. Those from your ministry don’t know anything … ! * FATHERS: As a child I am asking our fathers to assure us of a better life in happy, peaceful homes, because we are no longer safe even in our own families. Because at any time one may find his mother dead killed by Daddy or Daddy will kick Mummy out of the house. Fathers! Who has bewitched you? Come back to your senses.* SOCIAL Security. We want to know why Social Security doubled the deduction for June. We did not sign for the increase and we are neither family members of those who stole millions of dollars from it. Bring our money back and let those who received money through Avid pay back.* WE are quick to criticise politicians for being reluctant to relinquish power. However we should also point out professional dictatorships where somebody occupies a position on a decision-making body as a chairman of a board for more than 10 years. Even if you are elected, you should decline so that the others also get a chance to become as good as you are.* PLEASE Mr Paulus Noa of the Anti-Corruption Commission, is the ACC for GRN issues only or private issues too? If both, what about those people who are doing illegal cash loans? Are they not doing corruption? Please Mr Noa do something. – Concerned KM Resident * LOVE and Politics: Our politicians marry women young enough to be their daughters. A young woman needs a young and energetic dude, not old and exhausted liberation struggle oldies. So to preserve marriages, the age gap must not be more than 15 years or your drivers and others will ruin everything.* THE Namibian, please give the nation feedback on the story about greed and corruption on Air Namibia flights.* THE surplus distribution debacle at the Roessing Mine needs international intervention as there is obviously no one in Namibia who can solve the riddle. Is there anyone out there who can guide us please? Driving Dos And Don’ts * I’M the father of that kid whom you talking about in The Namibian, can you call me, Mr Burger, at this number 081-292-3015.* OWNER of orange Caddy of Okahandja who drives like hell – by your own admission – you definitely cannot be confronted because you sound like you have road rage. It is advisable not to drive like hell. Somebody may get hurt and you will not display such bravado then. Thank God I don’t live in Okahandja traffic.* MR Orange Caddy, I can’t believe you have the arrogance to boast about your potentially deadly public driving in a public newspaper. You should be arrested for that. I wonder whether you would do the same if you end up causing some gruesome ‘accident’ (which could happen if you continue your driving habit). We need to get rid of drivers like you from Namibian streets.* THIS goes to the orange Caddy driving like hell in Okahandja, if you want to drive like hell, go do racing! * THE person who drove GRN 3803, a white Nissan double-cab, must please realise that this vehicle must be driven on the tarred road and not over the pavement because you don’t want to wait for other cars in front of you, like you did this morning, Tuesday, July 22. Please treat the assets of the GRN in a prudent manner.Bouquets And Brickbats * BELIEVE me or not, Namibia played outstandingly. I think they did well, although a defensive error cost us a game. I think we can do it with this team. Congrats Brave Warriors * A BIG bouquet to ICU staff at Roman Catholic Hospital. Your dedication, caring and compassion is exemplary. With grateful thanks to you all! * CONGRATS to the Mayor of Swakopmund, Mrs Ndapua Shitaleni. I am sure that the new municipal complex, envisaged to be completed in 2010, will be a masterpiece. You and your team made a good choice concerning the architects and construction company. Keep it up girl! – Mara Slinger * THIS is not good, and it will never be good, seeing Tafel Lager’s promotions on TV and print media by use of young people in black T-shirts. – Djaupyu