News shorts

Market Day held at Otjiwarongo The first-ever 'Otji-Farmers' Market Day' was held at Otjiwarongo on Friday. The market day will become a monthly event, and is aimed at creating a market for farmers and craftsmen in the Otjozondjupa Region to sell their wares including vegetables, dried and fresh meat, handicrafts, wood and charcoal. "As a council we will see to it that we create a vibrant and stable market environment that will nurture and grow this marketing activity day of our farmers in the region," said Otjiwarongo Mayor Hilda Jesaja. Jesaja said the market day was initiated by local farmers. Elephants cause problems in Erongo Daures Constituency Councillor Ernst Katjiku has expressed concern over elephants causing havoc in the Ozondati area of the Erongo Region. Katjiku said the presence of the elephants has community members "up in arms". He said what makes matters worse is that the elephants drink water meant for the community. "The residents of the area cannot take care of their animals in the field, as the presence of the elephants is creating fear amongst the people," Katjiku said. He added that community members reported on Wednesday that a group of about 30 elephants are reportedly causing havoc in the area. "We have consulted the relevant authorities to see what can be collectively done to address the elephant situation so that the community can live without fear." Unemployment is a 'ticking time bomb' Namibians should not abuse their freedom of expression by always complaining, but rather use it to make great things happen for themselves, Education Minister David Namwandi said on Friday. He was speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the University of Namibia's Southern Campus at Keetmanshoop. Namwandi urged all able Namibians to make an effort to contribute to economic development and job creation instead of just complaining about what they do not have and what has gone wrong. The minister also expressed concern about the high unemployment rate in the country, especially among young people, saying the country has enough resources to be used for job creation. "We can no longer afford to train youth for the street. High unemployment in this country is a ticking time bomb. We must change our mindset and make a change," Namwandi stressed.