Ref: 13/6/26
3 October 2007

MEDIA RELEASE FROM CABINET CHAMBERS
Cabinet took the following decisions at its 14th ordinary meeting held on 21 August 2007, its 15th ordinary meeting held on 4 September 2007 and its 16th ordinary meeting held on 18 September 2007.
Decisions taken at Cabinet’s 14th ordinary meeting on 21 August 2007:
1. REPORT ON THE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING NATIONAL HEROES/HEROINES FOR BURIAL AT HEROES’ ACRE
By Cabinet decision 2nd/31.01.06/00, Cabinet approved the appointment of an Ad-Hoc Cabinet Committee under the chairpersonship of the Deputy Prime Minister to develop criteria for determining national heroes/heroines for burial at the Heroes’ Acre. The Committee was composed of Hon. Dr. Libertina Amathila, Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Hon. Charles Namoloh, Minister of Defence, Hon. Peter Sheehama, Minister of Safety and Security, Mr. Lukas Hangula, Director General of the National Central Intelligence Agency and Hon. Dr. Ngarikutuke Tjiriange, Secretary General of the SWAPO Party.
The Committee made recommendations with regard to:
Definition of a hero/heroine;
Privileges and benefits for the heroes/heroines of Namibia;
Heroes Acre;
The recommendation process;
Forfeiture and restoration (of awards);
Moratorium on naming monuments after living people; and
Legislative framework.
The Committee found that a hero/heroine is a legendary figure (person) of great strength or ability, admired for achievements and qualities, which showed exceptional courage, perseverance and charisma in performing extra-ordinary deeds for the benefits of the nation/society. Such deeds can be politically, military, economic and social excellence or great service to the State and Nation. The status of hero/heroine can also be bestowed upon an institution, place or equipment. This include among others a person distinguished by extra-ordinary bravery; a person who is goal-oriented and does not give up until the goal is achieved; a person who stays level-headed in a crisis; who does more than what is expected by others; who is willing to risk personal safety to help others; who is consistent, persistent and of an impeccable character; who is doing what is right, irrespective of personal consequences; and a person who is prepared to serve and sacrifice far greater than their self-interest.
The Committee determined that certain benefits should accompany the decoration of hero/heroines of Namibia. Such benefits can be monetary awards and/or status in society and the benefits should be defined and regulated by an Act of Parliament.
The Committee further found that the Heroes’ Acre is not a cemetery and that its value should be maintained. Only persons who have been conferred the two highest honours shall be entitled to be buried at the Heroes Acre. The Committee also advised that the law should provide for beneficiaries to lose their awards if they commit dishonourable acts after they have been decorated.
The Committee also deliberated on the naming of monuments after living people and recommended a moratorium on naming monuments, buildings, equipment and streets after living people. The Committee felt that such naming should be done posthumously.
In light of the above, Cabinet directed the Ad-Hoc Cabinet Committee to develop a policy framework on the issue. Cabinet also directed that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General be co-opted to serve on the Ad-Hoc Cabinet Committee. Cabinet also directed that, in future, the National Heritage Council should be involved at the initial stages of planning national monuments.
Further information can be obtained from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office at telephone number 2879111.
2. CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE CARE AND HANDLING OF KARAKUL SHEEP IN NAMIBIA
The Karakul industry, which exists for 100 years in Namibia, is one of the enterprises that helped to economically and socially develop large parts of the country and rural communities. Although the industry is relatively small, it contributes to the livelihood of communities in especially the less resource-endowed, arid areas of the country, while holding the potential to grow bigger. The swakara pelts, which is the main product of the Karakul sheep, is being sold at international fur auctions and swakara fur garments styled by the most prominent and famous designers are displayed in fashion boutiques around the world.
The popularity of the pelts, combined with the fact that Namibia as a country is one of the leading tourist attractions in Africa south of the equator, makes the industry vulnerable to onslaughts by animal rights organisations and certain environmentalists. Furthermore, farming in an arid zone demands special care and treatment of available resources – the sheep and the people involved in Karakul farming. The Karakul Board has, therefore, come up with a code to guide all stakeholders within the industry to operate within internationally accepted norms relating to the treatment of livestock, fauna and flora, as well as social and labour practices.
The code has been developed over a period of two years during which its content was debated and accepted by the industry at its annual Karakul Producers Forum in September 2006. The code has also been approved by the Veterinary Authority of Namibia, which is a member of the world animal health organisation (OIE), which is the international authority in defining animal welfare aspects.
Several bodies, including the Karakul Board of Namibia, the Karakul Pelts Producers, the Veterinary Competent Authority and the Directorate of Extension and Engineering in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry have roles to play in the implementation of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Karakul Sheep in Namibia.
Cabinet, therefore, approved the above-mentioned Code of Practice and instructed the Karakul Board of Namibia in terms of the Pelts and Wool Act, Act No. 14 of 1982 and under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry to implement the Code of Practice.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry at telephone number 2087643.
3. PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CABINET DECISION TO CONSTRUCT HOUSES FOR THE FORMER ROBBEN ISLAND PRISONERS, PLAN WAR VETERANS AND THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BRUTALISED IN THE COUNTRY
In the 2006/07 Financial Year, Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development to construct 45 houses and extend two other houses for the recommended 48 beneficiaries identified by a previous Cabinet decision.
Cabinet also directed that the Trust Fund for Regional Development and Equity Provision should avail N$1.5 million for the supply of solar systems and plastic water catchment tanks to the houses of the beneficiaries.
Cabinet earlier authorised the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) to implement the project during the 2006/07 Financial Year. Cabinet also announced that N$2 million will be made available annually through the Social Housing Programme of the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development for the gradual construction of houses for beneficiaries over the next five years.
In line with the Cabinet directives, the Ministry instructed the NHE to implement the project as per the terms and conditions agreed to between the two parties. To date, considerable progress has been made with the construction of the houses and only a few finishing touches need to be done to some of the houses. In the Ohangwena region, seven houses were constructed and one was already handed over to its recipient by H. E. President Hifikepunye Pohamba. The remaining six houses are to be handed over to recipients by the Regional Governor. In the Oshana region, three houses have been constructed and handed over to the beneficiaries; nine houses have been constructed in the Omusati region and they will be ready for handing over to beneficiaries once the built-in cupboards are completed. Eleven houses have been constructed in the Oshikoto region and the Omuthiya constituency office is currently busy tracing the beneficiaries to complete their application forms. Electricity work on the houses is progressing well. In the Kavango region, five houses have been completed and once the water and electricity are connected, the houses can be handed over. Three houses have been completed in the Caprivi region and solar systems are being installed, while the house in the Karas region is complete and ready for its official handover. In the Kunene region, two houses have been built and one is ready for hand-over, while the other one is still being fitted with cupboards. The house in the Khomas region has been completed and handed over in March 2007.
Good progress is also being made with the purchasing of new and renovations to existing houses in the Otjozondjupa, Oshikoto and Oshana regions, while the extension to existing houses in the Oshana region was put on hold by the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Regional Development until further notice.
Due to increases in the price of material and labour, the Ministry will need N$3 million from the Social Housing Sub-Programme for the implementation of the 2007/08 phase of this project.
In the light of the progress report, Cabinet authorised the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development to immediately start with the implementation of phase 2 of the project that will again be executed by the NHE. Cabinet also instructed the Ministry to verify the housing needs of beneficiaries in situ before the actual construction thereof starts.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development at telephone number 2975215.
4. NAMIBIA 2010 POSITION STRATEGY
With South Africa’s successful bidding to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Angola hosting the African Cup of Nations in the same year, important opportunities for economic development have been created for Namibia, based on these international sporting events.
Cabinet, at its Retreat in 2005 directed that in anticipation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa, Namibia should develop its 2010 Positioning Strategy.
Initial consultations were held with the tourism industry, sport sector, the tourism counterpart Ministry of South Africa, FIFA representatives and particularly, the Namibia Tourism Board. Consultations also took place with the Ministries of Finance, Environment and Tourism, Works, Transport and Communication, Home Affairs and Immigration, Trade and Industry and the National Planning Commission.
The following elements have thus far been identified as priorities:
4.1. Tourism:
- Marketing and promotion to achieve increased tourists arrivals and occupancies in Namibia shortly before, during and after the international football events;
- Upgrading of state-owned tourism resorts, with priority given to Namibia Wildlife Resorts in Etosha, Ai-Ais Park, the Waterberg Plateau Park, Daan Viljoen Park, Gross Barmen and at the Von Bach Dam.
- Support to communities participating in tourism in Southern Namibia through the community lodge model on access routes to Luderitz, Mata Mata, Keetmanshoop, Brukkaros, Ai-Ais Park and the future Sperrgebiet National Park.
4.2. Vital national infrastructure needs related to tourism and other relevant information:
- Necessary support is needed to improve the infrastructure, opening hours and computerisation of border posts;
- The opening of the Sendelingsdrift border post is crucial to make the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park operational, while the opening of the Mata Mata border post is necessary to allow access from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park between Botswana and South Africa into Namibia;
- Border posts on the Namibia/Angola border should receive attention in light of the sporting events planned for Southern Angola;
- The UNIVISA system should be implemented by 2009; and
- Bottlenecks concerning implementation should be assessed and addressed.

4.3. Airports
- Domestic airports should be upgraded or be established to facilitate air access, especially to remote areas;
- The existing military infrastructure at Oshivelo should be converted to facilitate civilian air access to Etosha and regions;
- The Ondangwa, Mpacha, Keetmanshoop and Karasburg airports/airfields should be upgraded;
- The Walvis Bay and Hosea Kutako Airports should be upgraded to category 1 airports to serve as alternative hubs to the airports in South Africa.

4.4. Railway infrastructure
- To allow railways to be more commonly used by tourists, speed and capacity limits should be addressed in good time.

4.5. Road infrastructure
- Especially access roads to some airports may have to be upgraded.

4.6 Sport
- While sport is not directly related to tourism, it has not been comprehensively investigated. There is, however, potential in using the 2010 events to develop a competitive offer to participating teams to use Namibia for their training camps pre and post their World Cup destination.

4.7 Trade and Manufacturing
- The possibility exists for Namibian companies to be eligible for tendering for the supply of goods and services for some items relating to the hosting of the FIFA World Cup
The Inter Ministerial Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on the 2010 FIFA World Cup met to discuss the draft report of the Technical Committee.
Cabinet, therefore, approved the appointment of a National Coordinating Committee for 2010, which should consist of a Ministerial Level Committee and a Technical Level Committee. The Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture will draw its members from the Ministries of Environment and Tourism; Finance; Works, Transport and Communication; Health, Trade and Industry; Foreign Affairs; Home Affairs and Immigration; Safety and Security; Defence and the National Planning Commission.
The Technical Committee will be chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture and the same government institutions represented on the Ministerial Level Committee. It will, however, also include representatives from the Namibia Tourism Board, Namibia Wildlife Resorts, Telecom Namibia, Air Namibia, Nampower, NCCI, City of Windhoek, Regional Councils, the Sports Commission, the Namibia Football Association, the National Olympics Committee, the Development Bank of Namibia, MTC and Cell One, and the Manufacturers Association.
Cabinet approved that the Technical Committee may establish sub-committees to focus on key outputs, such as sport infrastructure; security and protocol; marketing and trade promotion and resource mobilisation. The Technical Committee may also create other sub-committees for its proper functioning and Cabinet also approved that it may co-opt any person who could add value.
Cabinet authorised the Ministry of Finance to source and release N$3.3 million for the interim implementation arrangements and the conducting of an in-depth feasibility and costing assessment according to the terms of reference and under the management of the National Coordinating Committee.
Cabinet instructed the Technical Committee to finalise the draft Namibia 2010 Positioning Strategy document before the end of 2007.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture at telephone number 2706510.
5. ACCESSION TO THE MARKING OF PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES FOR DETECTION
The Convention for the Marking of Plastic Explosives for Detection requires from state parties to prohibit and prevent the manufacturing in its territory of unmarked plastic explosives. The Convention also requires from state parties to prohibit and prevent the movement into or out of its territory of unmarked explosives and to exercise strict and effective control over the possession of any existing stocks of unmarked explosives.
Stocks of plastic explosives not held by authorities performing military and police functions are to be destroyed or consumed for purposes not inconsistent with the objectives of the Convention, marked or rendered permanently ineffective, within a period of three years from the entry into force of the Convention in respect of the state concerned.
The Convention also establishes an International Explosives Technical Commission of no less than 15 members and no more than 19 members who are experts in the field of manufacturing or detection of, or research in explosives. The Commission will evaluate technical developments relating to the manufacturing, marking and detection of explosives, and report its findings through the Council on International Civil Aviation Organisation to all state parties and international organisations concerned.
The marking of plastic explosive detectors will enable the Government of Namibia to effectively control the movement and possession of such explosives in the country, which will help to enhance the safety and security of the Namibian population.
Cabinet, therefore, approved the tabling of the Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the purposes of detection, signed in Montreal, Canada on 1 March 1991 in the National Assembly in terms of Article 63(2) (e) of the Namibian Constitution.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication at telephone number 2088111.
6. APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS FOR THE NAMIBIA WATER CORPORATION
Cabinet approved the appointment of the following people to the Board of the Namibia Water Corporation:
Mr. Moses Shakela from NamWater Corporation Limited;
Mr. Markus van Jeney from the Engineering Council of Namibia;
Ms. Wilhencia Uiras from the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
Mr. Abraham Nehemia, the Acting Under-Secretary Water and Forestry in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
.
The nominee from the Institute of Chartered Accountants is still being awaited. This person will be appointed together with alternate members at a later stage.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry at telephone number 2087643.
7. APPOINTMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MEAT CORPORATION OF NAMIBIA
Cabinet approved the appointment of the following people to the Meatco Board of Directors for the next three years:
Mr. Ripanda A. Meroro, representing the communal producers;
Mr. Arne Gressmann, representing commercial producers;
Mr. Harold H. Erasmus and Mr. Martin J. P. Hilbert were appointed as experts to the Meat Corporation of Namibia;
Ms. Paulina Gomusas, representing the employees on the Board; and
Mrs. Sophia Kasheeta, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry.

Cabinet also approved that the Meatco Board of Directors co-opt one person each representing the Kavango and Caprivi regions and two persons representing the North Central regions.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry at telephone number 2087648.


8. APPOINTMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NAMIBIA TOURISM BOARD
Cabinet approved the appointment of the following people to the Board of Directors of the Namibia Tourism Board with effect from 1 September 2007:
Mrs. Erica Akuenje, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism as the chairperson;
Mr. Chris Claasen, Deputy Director Budget Control in the Ministry of Finance as member;
Ms. Annascy Mwanyangapo, Deputy Director Trade Promotion in the Ministry of Trade and Industry as a member;
Mr. Graham Howard from the private sector as deputy-chairperson; and
Mrs. Immaculate Sechogele from the private sector as a member.

Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism at telephone number 2842335.
9. APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS OF THE NAMIBIA FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY (NAMFISA)
Cabinet approved the appointment of the following people to the NAMFISA Board of Directors with effect from 1 September 2007:
Mr. Barminas Kukuri, employed by the African Development Bank Group in Windhoek as Chairperson;
Mr. Tia Tarro Chata, lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Management Science of UNAM as member;
Ms. Baronice Hans, General Manager Finance and Treasury at NamPower as member;
Mr. Iipumbu Shiimi, Assistant Governor of the Bank of Namibia as member.

Cabinet also approved the re-appointment of Mr. Titus Iipumbu, legal practitioner, to the NAMFISA Board of Directors.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance at telephone number 2099111.
Decisions taken at the 15th ordinary meeting held op 4 September 2007.
1. SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO 2010 IN CHINA
The Chinese city of Shanghai will host the World Expo 2010 between 1 May and 31 October 2010 under the theme Better City, Better Life. Namibia has been invited to participate in the Expo and attended the First Participants Meeting from 15 – 16 November 2006 in Shanghai, China.
The Shanghai Expo 2010 can be used as part of Namibia’s strategy to enter the Chinese market in terms of attracting and enhancing tourism promotion, especially in view of the expected 70 million visitors to the Expo. In this regard, Namibia can highlight areas in which the country has made significant contributions to world development in the context of the given theme statement of the expo. Namibia can reflect on issues of universal concerns about the development of the human society in the 21st century, considering that developing of urban environments with improved quality of life has become the focus for governments and the population of the world.
The Chinese government already committed to facilitate and encourage developing countries to participate in the World Expo 2010 by assisting them financially. In this regard, the conference organiser will provide financial assistance of US$100 million for participants from developing countries in line with adopted principles of use.
Cabinet, therefore, approved Namibia’s participation in the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China and appointed Ambassador Hinyangerua Asheeke as the Commissioner General of Section, while Amb. Monica Nashandi has been appointed as his Deputy.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development at telephone number 2975215.
2. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE CO-OPERATIVE ADVISORY BOARD
Cabinet endorsed the appointment of the following persons to the Co-operative Advisory Board under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry for a period of three years until the end of February 2010:
Mrs. Patricia Keeja, Registrar of Co-operatives in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry;
Mr. Abraham Shikongo, chairperson of the Onankali Mahangu Paper Making Co-operative as nominated by the Workers Co-operatives;
Mr. Stephanus Iimbili of the Northern Namibia Seed Growers Co-operative, representing the Marketing and Supply Co-operatives;
Mr. Max Holdt from Agra Co-operative, nominated by Agra Co-operative to represent Consumer Co-operatives;
Mrs. Elizabeth Iipumbu of the Ongushu Regional Farmers Co-operative to represent the Savings and Credit Co-operatives;
Mr. George Erenst Karunga of the Omkhaibasen Farmers Co-operative to represent the Multi-purpose Co-operatives;
Ms. Esther S. Hausiku of the Kauvi Women’s Co-operative to represent the interests of Women Co-operatives;
Mr. J. O. Munjanu of the Namibian National Farmers Union, representing the NGO sector;
Mr. Lysias Sh. Uusiku from the Rural People’s Institute for Social Empowerment, representing the NGO sector; and
Mr. Ronny P J Dempers from the Namibia Development Trust, representing the NGO sector;
Ms. Rachelle I Metzler, Manager Micro-lending and Credit Agreements Department of NAMFISA, as parastatal representative;
Mr. J F Maritz, representing the Agricultural Bank of Namibia.

Cabinet also endorsed the following co-opted (non-voting) members to the Co-operative Advisory Board:
Ms. Marianne Shalumbu, Deputy Director Community Development from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare;
Mr. Manfred Menyengua, Deputy Director Rural Development from the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development;
Mr. Willem Nekuyu, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with Ms. R. Ketji as his alternate;
Dr. Y. Kaurivi, State Veterinarian in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, with Mr. K. Putuaota as her alternate;
Mrs. S. Kasheeta, to represent the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry; and
Mr. Hennie Fourie, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Manufacturers Association and member of Team Namibia.

Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry at telephone number 2087643.
3. 2005/2006 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE
Cabinet noted the above-mentioned Report and authorised the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to table it in the National Assembly.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare at telephone number 2066321.
4. WAR VETERANS’ BILL, 2007
Cabinet already approved the War Veterans’ Bill, 2007 in principle and directed the Ministry of Veterans Affairs to consult stakeholders on the Bill.
A workshop on the Bill was held from 27 – 28 July 2007 at Oropoko Lodge and several Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials attended the workshop. The workshop extensively deliberated on the Bill and consensus was reached on problematic areas.
A second draft of the Bill was prepared and submitted to Cabinet for consideration.
The War Veterans’ Bill, 2007 provides for the powers and functions of the Minister responsible for veterans affairs; the establishment of a Veterans Fund for the provision of assistance to veterans and dependants of veterans; the registration of veterans and dependents of veterans; the establishment of projects for the benefit of and assistance to veterans; the constitution and functions of the Veterans Board and Veterans Appeal Board; and other incidental matters.
Cabinet, therefore, gave approval to the Minister of Veterans Affairs to table the Bill for consideration to the Cabinet Committee on Legislation and to introduce it in the National Assembly thereafter.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs at telephone number 2963000.
Cabinet took the following decisions at its 16th ordinary meeting held on 18 September 2007.
1. HANDOVER OF THE EHAFO TRUST TO THE GOVERNMENT OF NAMIBIA
The Ehafo Trust was established in 1951 as the first non-profit non-governmental organisation in Namibia with the objective to empower persons with disabilities through training and employment in its various projects.
Currently its projects include a Vocational Training Centre (VTC) offering training in woodwork, metalwork, arts, crafts, domestic science, micro business and adult literacy. The VTC’s annual intake of students varies between 50 and 60 and the students have different levels of disabilities.
The two oldest units at Ehafo are that of Cane and Sewing and although not a profitable undertaking, its cane and sewing work became household names in Namibia since 1981.
Ehafo’s Furniture factory was commissioned in 1998 and has employed previously disadvantaged people, mainly with disabilities. It currently has 57 employees to perform different tasks, such as sanding, spray-painting, welding, grinding and cabinet making.
An aqua-culture venture will get off the ground as soon as funds are available, while a portion of the nursery land is currently under lease with a five year contract remaining.
Currently Ehafo is responsible for 86 permanent employees.
With debt of N$4.4 million, the organisation was on the verge of being liquidated. Representatives of the Office of the Prime Minister visited Ehafo and recommended that part of its land should be rented to the Ministry of Education. Education officials, therefore, engaged in consultations with the Ehafo chairperson and Board of Trustees.
In light of the above, Cabinet supported and endorsed the handover of the Ehafo Trust to the Namibian Government and directed that it should be located in the Ministry of Education for the time being. Cabinet also authorised the Ministry of Finance to arrange for an overdraft facility on the current account of the Ehafo Trust at a local bank. Cabinet furthermore, directed the establishment of a Ministerial Committee composed of the Ministers of Education as chair, Lands and Resettlement; Gender Equality and Child Welfare; Labour and Social Welfare, Trade and Industry and Health and Social Services to work out strategies for the Ehafo Trust and similar institutions countrywide. Cabinet authorised the Ministerial Committee to establish a Technical Committee to carry out its mandate.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Education at telephone number 2706307.
2. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY UNIT
SADC Heads of State or Government signed a Declaration on Productivity in Maputo, Mozambique in 1999 and recommended that all member states should establish National Productivity Organisations by 2001. The SADC Employment and Labour sector was tasked to ensure the involvement of other key stakeholders.
The functions of a productivity unit include the following:
- Creating awareness on the relevance of productivity and its impact on the general socio- economic development of the country;
- Promote increased productivity in all sectors of the economy;
- Promote good labour management relations through joint consultation schemes and worker participation;
- Demonstrate best practices in the production of goods and services to achieve specific goals;
- Establish and strengthen the network of strategic partners and change agents for the productivity movement;
- Conduct continuous research on all productivity related issues and questions.

The productivity unit is governed by a tripartite body drawn from government, organised labour and organised business. Namibia has no national statistics available on the level of productivity and the assumption is that productivity is very low throughout industries. This fact also comes out clearly during wage negotiations, where the level of wages demanded by the workers cannot be justified.

Therefore, consultations took place and institutional visits were undertaken to obtain views on the establishment of a productivity unit. The Commonwealth Secretariat’s National Productivity Organisation on Capacity Building will assist the Government with a feasibility study to be followed by a national conference to sensitise stakeholders on their expected roles and to promote their ownership of the process.
Cabinet therefore, approved the establishment of a Productivity Unit to radically transform the behaviour and action of people and their organisations to master the ability to consistently achieve desired results in a cost effective manner. Cabinet also approved the establishment of this Unit in the directorate responsible for market services in the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, while approval was also granted for the hosting of a national conference after the feasibility study to sensitise stakeholders on their expected roles.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Labour and Social Services at telephone number 2066321.
3. REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE NAMIBIA FILM COMMISSION ACT, 2000
Since the establishment of the Namibia Film Commission Secretariat in 2002, the Commission has not been able to collect revenues due to lack of regulations and fee structures. Regulations and fee structures were, therefore, developed to enable the NFC to collect revenues for the services it provides.
It is internationally accepted practice for film production companies to pay permit fees for all kinds of permits and Namibia is no exception. The kind of permits for which fees can be charged are among others; permission permits to carry out film production, work permits, location permits and parking permits.
The fees proposed in the regulations are:
N$500 for application for issue, transfer or renewal of authorisation;
1% of total budget for issue of authorisation for a total film production budget of N$10 000 to N$5 million;
N$50 000 for film productions with a budget between N$5 million to N$10 million;
N$100 000 for film productions with a budget between N$10 million to N$100 million; and
N$150 000 for film productions over N$100 million.

Cabinet therefore, authorised the Minister of Information and Broadcasting to sign the regulations made under section 28 of the Namibia Film Commission Act, Act 6 of 2000.
Further information can be obtained from the Namibia Film Commission at telephone number 381900.
4. 2006 ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF NAMFISA
Cabinet gave the green light to the Minister of Finance to table the above-mentioned Report and Financial Statements in the National Assembly.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Finance at telephone number 2099111.



MBEUTA UA-NDJARAKANA
PERMANENT SECRETARY