1st January 1970

[7:17 PM, 4/29/2020] Timia: A.

The bail judgement of rape accused city police spokesperson, Fabian Amukwelele, has been postponed to the 8th of May.

The Magistrate said there are certain issues she needs clarity on, one being the relationship between Fabian Amukwelele and the complainant and the question of interference.

B.

Tourism sector has been hit the hardest and continues to be heavily affected by COVID-19.

This includes the shuttle and transfer operators who have monthly financial obligations and are yet left with no income during this time.

Recently, Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said the tourism sector started feeling the impact of COVID-19 as of last year.

Shifeta also said this was the time when some operators sent workers home either on unpaid-leave or on retrenchment.

According to Shifeta the sector contributes more than N$ 26 Billion to the Gross domestic product annually but there is fear that this might not happen this year.

Although the Finance Ministry as well as the Social Security Commission have launched stimulus and relief packages that include the tourism and hospitality industry, these shuttle operators still question whether they fall within this sector.

Eagle FM spoke to some shuttle operators who have been hit hard by the closure of the borders.

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C.

Namibia Tourism Board has been experiencing a challenge with the government’s definition of who qualifies to be part of the tourism industry.

NTB Chief Executive Officer Digu //Naobeb said those who by government’s definition as a tourism establishment are done according to the tax requirements which now during the COVID-19 periods creates an inclusion debate.

//Naobeb acknowledged the importance of shuttle and transfer operators as the first contact point for tourists and said they often become the mouthpieces for the city. He however said the government’s definition of the operators and tourism establishments is where inclusivity remains a grey area.

Eagle fm also speaks to NTB CEO Digu //Naobeb on the importance of the shuttle and transfer operators and where they would fall when it comes to both the stimulus packages.

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Standard Bank recently said the tourism sector and the game hunting sector experienced an immediate impact in the first three weeks and we are extending a capital and interest repayment holiday for up to 12 months to clients operating in this sector. Their engagements with the tourism sector points to a potential recovery in this sector only over the next 9 to 12 months, provided the spread of the virus is contained.

In response to the shuttle and transfer operators, Bank Windhoek also introduced measures since the COVID-19 to ensure that clients are assisted as far as possible

Eagle fm speak to Executive officer: marketing and corporate communication services Jacqueline Pack on Bank Windhoek’s relief.
[7:18 PM, 4/29/2020] Timia: Shelleygan and Eutimia

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