Day: March 2, 2022

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Cobira chooses Valid’s Dynamic IMSI Manager Solution and Subscription Management platform

MADRID, March 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Cobira ApS, a provider of B2B global, secure IoT connectivity and other IoT enabler services, has chosen Valid’s Dynamic IMSI Manager Solution, to strengthen their IoT connectivity services offering. Valid’s Dynamic IMSI Manager Solution provides secure high quality connectivity and offers high flexibility in sponsored subscription management.

Furthermore, Cobira ApS has chosen to use the latest version of Valid’s eReach Subscription Management Service, enabling Cobira with a full end-to-end eSIM lifecycle management solution. The two solutions combined provides a very strong foundation for the delivery of advanced and future proof connectivity services.

GSMA Intelligence forecasts that there will be 24 billion IoT connections in 2025. Enterprise IoT connections will overtake consumer in 2024, and will almost triple between 2019 and 2025. This will account for just over half of all IoT connections in 2025, according to the GSMA study.

Valid’s Dynamic IMSI Manager, an extension to Valid’s OTA Connectivity Suite, is a client-server solution that includes a Multi-IMSI Applet running on the SIM card remotely managed by an OTA connectivity platform. The solution offers high flexibility in sponsored subscription management by defining several subscription attributes, linking rich profile data to each subscription and including numerous configuration options.

Additionally, Valid provides its remote subscription management services to manage the creation, storage, personalization and download of eSIM profiles to M2M eUICC enabled IoT devices. This platform is operated as a service by Valid from its SAS-SM certified data center located near Madrid in Spain.

“The Valid and Cobira teams have been working together for many years and we know Valid as a strong partner in all aspects related to the field of cellular connectivity. With Valid’s products and services behind us we can deliver the quality required in enterprise IoT solutions.” – Allan Dickow, CTO at Cobira ApS.

“Valid is helping Cobira ApS in their mission to offer reliable and optimized IoT solutions to the market. With Valid’s support, Cobira ApS is now able to offer flexible IoT connectivity services with a secure, convenient, and adaptable solution to their customers” said Pierre Lassus Global Director of Software and Services at Valid.

*IMSI is the international mobile subscriber identity. A number that uniquely identifies every user of a cellular network.

About Cobira ApS

Cobira strives to be the perfect partner when it comes to enabling companies as connectivity providers. With our competencies and knowledge within connectivity we help our customers in building secure, reliable and scalable solutions that make their IoT enabled business a success. To learn more, visit www.cobira.co.

About Valid

Valid (B³: VLID3 – ON) provides tailored solutions that integrate emerging technologies to enable secure, trusted experiences. From Data, Payments, Identity, and Mobile to IoT, Track and Trace, Digital Certification, and Agritech, Valid offers a wide portfolio of services and solutions that accelerate the digital transformation of our clients’ business. With over 60 years of experience and more than 6,000 employees in 16 countries, Valid is the largest issuer of identification documents in Brazil, among the top 5 producers of SIM cards and the world’s largest manufacturers of banking cards. To learn more, visit www.valid.com.

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Vencedores do 16º Annual Stevie® Awards de Vendas e Atendimento ao Cliente

Novas Categorias para 2022 Reconhecem a Liderança de Pensamento

Vencedores do 16º Annual Stevie Awards de Vendas e Atendimento ao Cliente.

Mais de 2.300 inscrições foram consideradas em mais de 90 categorias de vendas, atendimento ao cliente e conquistas de contact center.

FAIRFAX, Va., March 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Os vencedores do 16º Stevie® Awards de Vendas e Atendimento ao Cliente, reconhecido como o principal prêmio de atendimento ao cliente e de vendas do mundo, foram anunciados hoje. Os vencedores do Stevie Award serão homenageados em uma cerimônia de premiação virtual no dia 11 de maio.

A lista completa de vencedores do Stevie por categoria pode ser encontrada em http://www.StevieAwards.com/Sales.

Mais de 2.300 indicações de organizações de 51 países foram consideradas na competição deste ano. Os vencedores do Stevie Award Ouro, Prata e Bronze foram escolhidos pelas pontuações médias por mais de 150 profissionais em oito comissões julgadoras especializadas. As inscrições foram consideradas em mais de 90 categorias de conquistas em atendimento ao cliente e contact center, incluindo Contact Center do Ano, Prêmio de Inovação de Atendimento ao Cliente e Departamento de Atendimento ao Cliente do Ano; mais de 60 categorias de conquistas em vendas e desenvolvimento de negócios, variando de Executivo de Vendas Sênior do Ano a Treinamento de Vendas ou Executivo de Desenvolvimento de Negócios do Ano a Departamento de Vendas do Ano; e categorias de novos produtos e serviços, provedores de soluções e resposta de organizações e indivíduos à pandemia da COVID-19. Novas categorias este ano homenageiam a excelência em liderança de pensamento em atendimento ao cliente e vendas.

IBM of Armonk, NY EUA e DP DHL, em todo o mundo, ganharam 11 Stevie Awards de Ouro, o maior número de qualquer organização da competição. Outros vencedores de Stevie com três ou mais Ouros incluem Sales Partnerships, Inc., Broomfield, CO EUA (oito), ValueSelling Associates, Carlsbad, CA EUA (seis), HP, Inc. Boise, ID EUA (quatro), The Biz Dojo Inc, Calgary, Canadá (quatro), UPMC Health Plan, Pittsburgh, PA EUA (quatro), Allianz Services Pvt Ltd, Kerala, Índia (três), Nutrisystem, Fort Washington, PA EUA (três), TransPerfect, Nova York, NY EUA (três) e Voya Financial, Chandler, AZ EUA (três).

Os vencedores de dois Stevie Awards Ouro incluem Contact Lens King Inc., Capelão, NY EUA; Datasite, Minneapolis, MN EUA; Dubai Municipality, Dubai, Emirados Árabes Unidos; Empolis Group, Kaiserslautern, Alemanha; Future Generali India Insurance Company Ltd., Mumbai, Índia; Michael Kors, Nova York, NY EUA; Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA EUA; Municipality and Planning Department, Ajman, Emirados Árabes Unidos; Optima Tax Relief, LLC, Santa Ana, CA EUA; POWERHOME SOLAR, Mooresville, NC EUA; PowerSchool Group LLC, Folsom, CA EUA; Ruby, Portland, OR EUA; SAP, Newtown Square, PA EUA; Sber, Moscow, Rússia; SoftPro, Raleigh, NC EUA; Spinnaker Support, Greenwood Village, CO EUA; Support Services Group, Lewis Center, OH EUA; Talkdesk, San Francisco, CA EUA; Templeton & Partners, Londres, Reino Unido; VakBank, Istanbul, Turquia e VMware, Altoo, CA.

Outras organizações que ganharam quatro ou mais Stevie Awards Ouro, Prata e Bronze, incluem Abrigo, Austin, TX EUA; Arise Virtual Solutions, Miramar, FL EUA; Blackhawk Network, Pleasanton CA EUA; CarrefourSA, Istambul, Turquia; Clubspeed, Irvine, CA EUA; EFG Companies, Irving, TX EUA; Element Electronics, Winnsboro, SC EUA; HireVue, South Jordan, UT EUA; Intuit, Mississauga, Ontário Canadá; Nuance Communications, Boston, MA EUA; OpenGov, San Jose, CA EUA; Optum Eden Prairie, MN EUA; Princess Polly, Los Angeles CA EUA; Pushpay, Redmond, WA EUA; QNB Finansbank, Istambul, Turquia; RAIN Group, Boston, MA EUA; Toco Warranty, Los Angeles, CA EUA; TTEC, Englewood, CO; Visualize, Birmingham, MI; VIZIO Inc., Irvine, CA EUA; e WNS (Holdings), Mumbai, Índia.

As 10 organizações mais homenageadas da competição receberão troféus Grand Stevie Award. Os nomes desses vencedores serão anunciados na semana de 14 de março.

A partir de hoje até 1º de abril, o público pode votar nos seus provedores favoritos de atendimento ao cliente no People ‘s Choice Stevie® Awards Favorito em Atendimento ao Cliente, um item anual da premiação. A votação está aberta em http://peopleschoice.stevieawards.com. Os nomes dos vencedores do People ‘s Choice Stevie Awards de vários setores serão anunciados na semana de 4 de abril.

Uma categoria da premiação continuará a aceitar inscrições até 11 de março.  A Premiação de Parceria de Vendas em Éticas nas Vendas, que reconhece as organizações por suas melhores práticas e realizações, demonstrando os mais altos padrões éticos no setor de vendas.  Os requisitos para inscrição nesta categoria podem ser encontrados em https://stevieawards.com/sales/nominate-2022-sales-partnerships-ethics-sales-award.

Sobre os Stevie Awards
Os Stevie Awards são concedidos em sete programas: Stevie Awards Ásia-Pacífico, Stevie Awards Alemão, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, Stevie Awards para Mulheres Empresariais, Stevie Awards para Grande Empregadores , e Stevie Awards para Vendas e Serviço ao Cliente. Os concursos Stevie Awards recebem mais de 12.000 nomeações todos os anos de empresas de mais de 70 países. Honrando empresas de todos os tipos e tamanhos, e as pessoas por trás delas, os Stevies reconhecem excelente desempenho no local de trabalho em todo o mundo. Saiba mais sobre os Stevie Awards em www.StevieAwards.com.

Os patrocinadores do 16º Stevie Awards de Vendas e Atendimento ao Cliente incluem Sales Partnerships, Inc., Thought Leadership Leverage e ValueSelling Associates, Inc.

Contato de Marketing:
Nina Moore
Nina@StevieAwards.com
+1 (703) 547-8389

Foto deste comunicado disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8a7c18c-40b4-4999-9a72-ee6afaecb74d/pt

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Les lauréats ont été révélés lors de la 16e édition annuelle des Stevie® Awards pour les ventes et le service à la clientèle

De nouvelles catégories pour 2022 reconnaissent le leadership éclairé

Les lauréats ont été annoncés lors de la 16e édition annuelle des Stevie Awards pour les ventes et le service à la clientèle.

Plus de 2 300 candidatures ont été prises en compte dans plus de 90 catégories pour les ventes, le service à la clientèle et les réalisations des centres de contact.

FAIRFAX, Virginie, 02 mars 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Les lauréats de la 16e édition annuelle des Stevie® Awards pour les ventes et le service à la clientèle, reconnus comme les meilleurs prix du service à la clientèle et des ventes, ont été révélés aujourd’hui. Les lauréats des Stevie® Awards seront célébrés lors d’une cérémonie virtuelle de remise des prix le 11 mai.

La liste complète des lauréats des Stevie par catégorie est disponible à  l’adresse http://www.StevieAwards.com/Sales.

Plus de 2 300 candidatures d’organisations de 51 pays ont été prises en compte dans le cadre du concours de cette année. Les lauréats des Stevie Awards d’or, d’argent et de bronze ont été déterminés par les notes moyennes de plus de 150 professionnels répartis sur huit comités de sélection spécialisés. Les candidatures ont été prises en compte dans plus de 90 catégories pour les réalisations du service à la clientèle et du centre de contact, notamment le centre de contact de l’année, le prix de l’innovation dans le service à la clientèle, et le service client de l’année ; plus de 60 catégories pour les réalisations en matière de ventes et de développement commercial, allant de la direction des ventes de l’année à la formation commerciale ou au développement commercial de l’année au service des ventes de l’année ; et des catégories pour reconnaître les nouveaux produits et services, les fournisseurs de solutions, et la réponse des organisations et des individus à la pandémie de COVID-19. De nouvelles catégories récompensent cette année l’excellence en matière de leadership éclairé dans le service à la clientèle et les ventes.

IBM d’Armonk, New York États-Unis, et DP DHL, dans le monde entier, ont tous deux remporté 11 Stevie Awards d’or, le prix le plus important pour toutes les organisations du concours. Parmi les autres lauréats des prix Stevie avec trois médailles d’or ou plus, citons Sales Partnerships, Inc., Broomfield, CO États-Unis (huit), ValueSelling Associates, Carlsbad, CA États-Unis (six), HP, Inc. Boise, ID États-Unis (quatre), The Biz Dojo Inc, Calgary, Canada (quatre), UPMC Health Plan, Pittsburgh, PA États-Unis (quatre), Allianz Services Pvt Ltd, Kerala, Inde (trois), Nutrisystem, Fort Washington, PA États-Unis (trois), TransPerfect, New York, NY États-Unis (trois) et Voya Financial, Chandler AZ États-Unis (trois).

Les gagnants de deux Gold Stevie Awards incluent Contact Lens King Inc., Chaplain, NY États-Unis ; Datasite, Minneapolis, MN États-Unis ; Dubai Municipality, Dubai, Émirats arabes unis ; Empolis Group, Kaiserslautern, Allemagne ; Future Generali India Insurance Company Ltd., Mumbai, Inde ; Michael Kors, New York, NY États-Unis ; Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA États-Unis ; Municipality and Planning Department, Ajman, Émirats arabes unis ; Optima Tax Relief, LLC, Santa Ana, CA États-Unis ; POWERHOME SOLAR, Mooresville, NC États-Unis ; PowerSchool Group LLC, Folsom, CA États-Unis ; Ruby, Portland, OR États-Unis ; SAP, Newtown Square, PA États-Unis ; Sber, Moscow, Russie ; SoftPro, Raleigh, NC États-Unis ; Spinnaker Support, Greenwood Village, CO États-Unis ; Support Services Group, Lewis Center, OH États-Unis ; Talkdesk, San Francisco, CA États-Unis ; Templeton & Partners, London, Royaume-Unis; VakifBank, Istanbul, Turquie  et VMware, Palo Alto, CA États-Unis.

Parmi les autres organisations qui ont remporté une combinaison de quatre prix Stevie or, argent ou bronze ou plus, citons : Abrigo, Austin, TX États-Unis ; Arise Virtual Solutions, Miramar, FL États-Unis ; Blackhawk Network, Pleasanton CA États-Unis ; CarrefourSA, Istanbul, Turquie ; Clubspeed, Irvine, CA États-Unis ; EFG Companies, Irving, TX États-Unis ; Element Electronics, Winnsboro, SC États-Unis ; HireVue, South Jordan, UT États-Unis ; Intuit, Mississauga, Ontario Canada ; Nuance Communications, Boston, MA États-Unis ; OpenGov, San Jose, CA États-Unis ; Optum Eden Prairie, MN États-Unis ; Princess Polly, Los Angeles CA États-Unis ; Pushpay, Redmond, WA États-Unis ; QNB Finansbank, Istanbul, Turquie ; RAIN Group, Boston, MA États-Unis ; Toco Warranty, Los Angeles, CA États-Unis ; TTEC, Englewood, CO États-Unis ; Visualize, Birmingham, MI États-Unis ; VIZIO Inc., Irvine, CA États-Unis ; et WNS (Holdings) Limited, Mumbai, Inde.

Les 10 organisations les plus récompensées du concours recevront des trophées Grand Stevie Award. Ces gagnants seront annoncés au cours de la semaine du 14 mars.

À partir d’aujourd’hui et jusqu’au 1er avril, le public peut voter pour ses fournisseurs de service client préférés dans le cadre des People’s Choice Stevie® Awards for Favorite Customer Service, une fonctionnalité annuelle des prix. Les votes sont ouverts à l’adresse http://peopleschoice.stevieawards.com. Les lauréats des prix People’s Choice Stevie dans plusieurs secteurs seront annoncés au cours de la semaine du 4 avril.

Une catégorie des prix continuera d’accepter les candidatures jusqu’au 11 mars.  Il s’agit du Prix des partenariats commerciaux pour l’éthique dans la vente, qui récompensera les organisations pour leurs meilleures pratiques et leurs réalisations dans la démonstration des normes éthiques les plus élevées du secteur des ventes. Les conditions d’entrée pour cette catégorie sont décrites à l’adresse https://stevieawards.com/sales/nominate-2022-sales-partnerships-ethics-sales-award.

À propos des prix Stevie
Les prix Stevie sont décernés dans huit programmes : les prix Stevie en Asie-Pacifique, les prix Stevie en Allemagne, les American Business Awards®, les International Business Awards®, les prix Stevie au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique du Nord, les prix Stevie pour les femmes entrepreneurs, les prix Stevie pour les grands employeurs, et les prix Stevie pour les ventes et le service à la clientèle. Les concours Stevie Awards reçoivent chaque année plus de 12 000 nominations émanant d’entreprises de plus de 70 pays. En récompensant les entreprises de tous types et de toutes tailles, ainsi que leurs collaborateurs, les Stevies reconnaissent les performances exceptionnelles sur le lieu de travail dans le monde entier. Pour en savoir plus sur les Stevie Awards, visitez le site www.StevieAwards.com.

Les Sponsors de la 16e édition annuelle des Stevie Awards pour les ventes et le service à la clientèle comprennent Sales Partnerships, Inc., Think Leadership leverise, et ValueSelling Associates, Inc.

Contact marketing :
Nina Moore
Nina@StevieAwards.com
+1 (703) 547-8389

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué de presse est disponible à l’adresse https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8a7c18c-40b4-4999-9a72-ee6afaecb74d/fr

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Delphix appoints Robert Stevenson as VP Japan Operations

Stevenson brings more than three decades in leading technology organizations in the world’s third largest economy

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Delphix, the industry leading data company for DevOps, today announced the appointment of Robert Stevenson as VP of Japan Operations. Stevenson will be tasked with leading Delphix’s next phase of growth in Japan and building a team to accelerate business in the world’s third largest economy.

“Robert brings unparalleled local market and leadership experience, and will play a pivotal role as we scale Delphix in Japan,” said Steven Chung, President, Worldwide Field Operations at Delphix. “Data automation, speed, and security are critical for organizations to support DevOps and digital transformation.”

Stevenson brings more than three decades of entrepreneurial and leadership roles in technology organizations to the Delphix business in Japan – with experience in both scale-ups and established technology players.

He has served various leadership positions within the Japanese market at BEA, EMC-Dell, Lenovo, and Avaya, and spearheaded the growth of startups such as Documentum, Tanium, and Sumo Logic.

“Delphix is already growing in the Japan market, and we’re only scratching the surface of opportunities to use data to fuel true digital transformation,” said Stevenson. “I’m excited to combine my experience in the Japan market with Delphix’s mission to unlock the data potential for companies. We want to help every company transform into a data company.”

About Delphix
Delphix is the industry leading data company for DevOps.

Data is critical for testing application releases, modernization, cloud adoption, and AI/ML programs. We provide an automated DevOps data platform for all enterprise applications. Delphix masks data for privacy compliance, secures data from ransomware, and delivers efficient, virtualized data for CI/CD.

Our platform includes essential DevOps APIs for data provisioning, refresh, rewind, integration, and version control. Leading companies, including Choice Hotels, J.B.Hunt, and Fannie Mae, use Delphix to accelerate digital transformation. For more information, visit www.delphix.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Contact:

Orlando de Bruce
VP of Corporate Marketing & Brand
Orlando.Debruce@delphix.com

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Delphix nomme Robert Stevenson au poste de vice-président des opérations au Japon

M. Stevenson apporte son expérience de plus de trois décennies au sein d’organisations technologiques de premier plan dans la troisième plus grande économie au monde

REDWOOD CITY, Californie, 02 mars 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Delphix, la société de données leader du secteur pour DevOps, a annoncé aujourd’hui la nomination de Robert Stevenson au poste de vice-président des opérations au Japon. M. Stevenson sera chargé de diriger la prochaine phase de croissance de Delphix au Japon et de constituer une équipe pour accélérer ses activités au sein de la troisième plus grande économie du monde.

« Robert apporte une expérience inégalée en matière de marché local et de leadership, et jouera un rôle crucial alors que nous développons Delphix au Japon », a déclaré Steven Chung, président des opérations sur le terrain à l’échelle mondiale chez Delphix. « L’automatisation, la vitesse et la sécurité des données sont essentielles pour que les organisations prennent en charge DevOps et la transformation numérique. »

M. Stevenson apporte plus de trois décennies à des postes entrepreneuriaux et de leadership au sein d’organisations technologiques aux activités Delphix au Japon, avec une expérience à la fois dans des scale-ups et des entreprises technologiques établies.

Il a occupé divers postes de direction sur le marché japonais chez BEA, EMC-Dell, Lenovo et Avaya, et a dirigé la croissance de start-ups telles que Documentum, Tanium et Sumo Logic.

« Delphix se développe déjà sur le marché japonais, et nous ne faisons qu’effleurer les opportunités d’utilisation des données pour alimenter une véritable transformation numérique », a commenté M. Stevenson. « Je suis ravi de combiner mon expérience sur le marché japonais avec la mission de Delphix visant à libérer le potentiel de données pour les entreprises. Nous voulons aider chaque entreprise à devenir une entreprise de données. »

À propos de Delphix
Delphix est la société de données leader du secteur pour DevOps.

Les données sont essentielles pour tester les versions d’applications, la modernisation, l’adoption du cloud et les programmes d’IA/AM. Nous fournissons une plateforme de données DevOps automatisée pour toutes les applications d’entreprise. Delphix masque les données pour assurer la conformité à la confidentialité, protège les données contre les attaques de type ransomware et fournit des données virtualisées efficaces pour le CI/CD.

Notre plateforme comprend des API DevOps essentielles pour la transmission, l’actualisation, le rembobinage, l’intégration et le contrôle de la version des données. Des sociétés de premier plan, dont Choice Hotels, J.B.Hunt et Fannie Mae, font appel à Delphix pour accélérer leur transformation numérique. Pour tout complément d’information, consultez le site www.delphix.com ou suivez-nous sur LinkedIn, Twitter et Facebook.

Contact :

Orlando de Bruce
VP Marketing d’entreprise et Marque
Orlando.Debruce@delphix.com

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Delphix nomeia Robert Stevenson como VP de Operações no Japão

Stevenson tem mais de três décadas na liderança das principais organizações de tecnologia da terceira maior economia do mundo

REDWOOD CITY, Califórnia, March 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Delphix, empresa de dados líder do setor de DevOps, anunciou hoje a nomeação de Robert Stevenson como VP de Operações no Japão. Stevenson será encarregado de liderar a próxima fase de crescimento da Delphix no Japão e de criar uma equipe para acelerar os negócios na terceira maior economia do mundo.

“Robert tem uma experiência incomparável em mercado e liderança local e terá um papel fundamental durante o crescimento da Delphix no Japão”, disse Steven Chung, Presidente de Operações de Campo Mundiais da Delphix. “Automação, velocidade e segurança dos dados são essenciais para que as organizações apoiem DevOps e a transformação digital.”

Stevenson traz mais de três décadas de experiência em funções empreendedoras e de liderança em organizações de tecnologia para a Delphix no Japão – a destacar, experiência em escalas e players de tecnologia estabelecidos.

Ele já ocupou vários cargos de liderança no mercado japonês na BEA, EMC-Dell, Lenovo e Avaya, e liderou o crescimento de startups como Documentum, Tanium e Sumo Logic.

“A Delphix já está crescendo no mercado japonês e estamos apenas começando a aproveitar as oportunidades do uso de dados para estimular a verdadeira transformação digital”, disse Stevenson. “Estou muito contente em poder unir minha experiência no mercado japonês com a missão da Delphix de revelar o potencial dos dados para as empresas. Queremos ajudar todas as empresas a se transformarem em empresas de dados.”

Sobre a Delphix
A Delphix é a empresa de dados líder do setor de DevOps.

Os dados são essenciais para o teste de lançamentos de aplicativos, modernização, adoção de nuvem e programas AI/ML. Disponibilizamos uma plataforma de dados DevOps automatizada para todos os aplicativos corporativos. A Delphix mascara os dados para conformidade com a privacidade, protege os dados de ransomware e fornece dados eficientes e virtualizados para CI/CD.

Nossa plataforma inclui APIs essenciais de DevOps para provisionamento de dados, atualização, retrocesso, integração e controle de versão. As empresas líderes, incluindo Choice Hotels, J.B.Hunt e Fannie Mae, usam a Delphix para acelerar a transformação digital. Para mais informação, visite www.delphix.com ou siga-nos no LinkedIn, Twitter, e Facebook.

Contato:

Orlando de Bruce
VP de Marketing e Marca Corporativa
Orlando.Debruce@delphix.com

 

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Namibia imports 96 per cent of its fruit: NAB

The Namibian Agronomic Board’s (NAB) Horticulture Market Development Manager, Emilie Abraham, has encouraged Namibian farmers to invest in growing fruit.

Namibia currently imports 96 per cent of its fruit, mostly from South Africa.

The remaining 4 per cent includes mainly citrus, mangoes and grapes grown locally.

The NAB is planning to start a fruit development scheme to increase the scale of fruit production in the country. The scheme will support farmers who venture into fruit production by providing them with quality planting materials.

Abraham told Nampa in a recent interview the development of the scheme is in the planning stage.

“There is a huge scope for fruit production and fruit value addition in Namibia, hence we encourage Namibian producers and investors to take advantage of these investment opportunities,” she said.

She explained that investing in fruit production will not only increase the fruit market share, but will also reduce Namibia’s dependence on imported fruit and create employment opportunities for the youth.

“Increasing inflation as a result of low supply suggests that there are investment avenues aimed at improved food security across all industries,” Abraham stated further.

According to the Monthly Market Watch by the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank), fruit, particularly citrus, was in high demand during periods when COVID-19 infections peaked.

As a result, fruit inflation remained elevated, increasing by 14.9 per cent in December 2021 on the back of increasing demand amidst low supply.

With only 4 per cent of fruit consumed being produced locally, investment in fruit production remains crucial for product diversification, Abraham reiterated.

“Namibia has only one farmer who grows apples and 100 per cent of the bananas we consume are imported,” she stated.

Currently Namibia has got 87 fruit producers who venture mostly in producing grape, mango and citrus.

Abraham also encouraged fruit producers who grow fruit for commercial purposes, to register with the NAB as required by law.

Section 10(1) (j) of the Namibia Agronomic Industry Act 20 of 1992 requires all producers of controlled products to register with the Namibian Agronomic Board.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Heynes appointed as NRU CEO

The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU), John Heynes, says he is looking forward to the new challenges offered by the position.

The NRU on Wednesday announced the appointment of Heynes as CEO with effect from 14 March on a five-year contract.

Speaking to Nampa, he said his first task will be to make sure that the rugby community works together in unity in order to achieve success.

“I look forward to meeting all the stakeholders, establishing camaraderie within the rugby family working from the ground up, and making sure that everyone is on the same page to support our one goal of qualifying for the World Cup,” Heynes stated.

He said he is excited by the unknown factors awaiting him in his new position, mentioning the ongoing debate on whether the national rugby team should continue to participate in the Currie Cup.

He added that he also looks forward to meeting the administrators, coaches, referees and other stakeholders in the sport.

“The short-term goal is to make sure that our senior team qualifies for the World Cup. We will also look at strengthening our structures within the NRU and club administration. We will try and improve communication with our stakeholders,” Heynes explained.

The long-term goal is to ensure that there is success between the short-term and mid-term goals, making sure that the senior national teams continue to play at higher levels, the CEO stated.

He called on all rugby-loving Namibians to take a journey with the NRU, saying there are a lot of success stories, and there are more to come.

“There is a 90-day plan which is divided into three phases and will kick-start my term through assessing the organisation, looking at how and where we can improve, and then building on the success stories,” he said.

Heynes noted that his time at Cricket Namibia, where he is currently employed as operations manager, will come in handy in his new position.

“The experience will come in handy. I will also use my contacts from the cricket world for rugby, but we need success stories, content, a good brand and a clear plan going forward,” he said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Rehoboth Town Council employees demand salary increase

Employees of the Rehoboth Town Council held a peaceful demonstration on Wednesday, among other things demanding a salary increase.

They handed over a petition to Rehoboth Mayor Enrico Junias.

According to the petition read by Salmon Eiseb, an administrator at the town council, there were no salary increments for the 2020/2021 financial year, and the employees have been waiting since July last year for salary adjustments.

According to him, an increase was agreed upon by Napwu and the council during a meeting in November 2021.

“They made a U-turn and told the union they don’t have the money to implement the increase,” Eiseb said.

He stated that employees have also observed anomalies in their remuneration, which has caused division and led to accusations of favouritism.

Eiseb further said the employees want the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and Napwu to intervene.

“We demand serious and immediate consideration of all of our grievances, as well as a change in the chief executive officer’s management style. We also demand to be paid like employees at other town councils are, and for the implementation of the approved structure,” he stated.

Junias accepted the petition, saying the employees have the right to take industrial action and that when he was appointed as mayor, he made it clear to Napwu that his office is always open for consultation regarding employees’ wellbeing.

“I immediately notice a couple of anomalies in this demand letter, particularly the section where you mention the November meeting where salary increases were promised. That is not correct. However, I will respond fully to each of these complaints,” he stated.

Napwu branch organiser Lesley Mosegedi said as Napwu representatives who stand up for the affected people, they do not openly dialogue, but they are prepared to sit around the table and address and clarify any issues.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Youth leagues say national budget does not address youth unemployment

Young politicians have criticised the ‘youth-centred’ N.dollars 61.6 billion 2022/23 budget tabled last week, saying it does not solve the country’s youth unemployment, which stands at 50 per cent.

In interviews with Nampa, they said the national budget does not seek to find measures to address youth unemployment.

Minister of Finance, Iipumbu Shiimi last week tabled the 2022/23 budget, which he said was dedicated to the youth, under the theme ‘Reimaging, a Better Future for the Youth.’

The United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) National Youth Policy Report 2021 projected that Namibia could reach a 50.3 per cent youth unemployment rate by the end of 2021.

In an interview with Nampa, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Youth League spokesperson Maximalliant Katjimune stressed that the biggest threat to young people is unemployment, which he said the national budget failed to address, particularly with regards to the “deep structural and complex dynamics” faced by young Namibians.

He said although the funding of the Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Service has increased by 20.5 per cent to N.dollars 330.9 million, the increment is solely meant for the upgrading of the Independence Stadium, which will not mitigate youth unemployment.

“There is no better future that is being ‘reimaged’ for the youth in terms of the budget. What the finance minister tabled are knee jerk reaction initiatives that will do little to ensure that the youth unemployment crisis is tackled head on. The future of the youth still looks bleak in the year of reimaging,” Katjimune remarked.

National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) Youth League acting secretary general Veparura Kandirikirira said the young generation has been hit by two global crises in the last decade, which crippled the youth with socio-economic challenges, mainly unemployment.

Kandirikirira noted that the government should partner up with civil societies and youth organisations to develop policies and programmes that more effectively address the problems of young people and boost opportunities for their participation in society.

“The youth-centred budget is very small and will not change anything unless the government implements means to engage with the youth to discuss opportunities for young people to effectively address their concerns,” he stated.

Swapo Youth League leader Ephraim Nekongo meanwhile said the Namibian youth face many challenges such as unemployment, access to funding for young entrepreneurs and education, noting that a single year’s budget will not address all these issues.

“While we take cognisance of the fact that the budget cannot address all the issues facing the youth population, it does reaffirm the government’s commitment to reigniting economic growth and recognises Namibia’s youthful population which could propel the economy on to a competitive and sustainable growth path,” he said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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There is need to invest in pro-family policy options: Kuugongelwa-Amadhila

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said there is a need to invest in pro-family policy options and social services personnel for increased victim and perpetrator support.

Kuugongelwa said this is needed in order to promote strong, happy and healthy families and communities to counter the erosion in the moral fibre of society.

She said this at the consultative workshop of the Paulinum college held in Windhoek on Wednesday, on the development of a vocational training and education programme.

The social development programme is being spearheaded by the United Lutheran Theological Seminary and by the Diaconia University of Finland and other stakeholders.

The prime minister said the church in Namibia has not only been an advocate for social wellbeing in Namibian communities through the provision of evangelical services but has been a champion for the advancement of the physical wellbeing of communities through the provision of social services such as healthcare and education and training.

“The Namibian nation is currently faced with a lot of social ills, particularly drugs and alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and violence against children, all of which require a multi-pronged approach to successfully address,” she said.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila thus called on all social partners outside the public sector sphere to join hands with the government in addressing these social problems facing the nation.

“Apart from the legal and policy instruments aimed at promoting socio-economic development and curbing crime, there is need to invest in pro-family policy options,” she noted.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Namibia confirms three cases of typhoid fever

Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, has announced that Namibia has confirmed three cases of typhoid fever in Windhoek.

Shangula made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday, noting that the first case was confirmed on 27 January 2022.

He said following the report of the first case, nine contacts, including three close contacts, were traced and tested for typhoid fever. Among the three close contacts, two tested positive.

“The three detected cases are in a stable condition and are undergoing medical treatment,” Shangula said.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting many organs. It is transmitted through food and water contaminated by the faeces and urine of an infected person.

Polluted water is the most common source of typhoid transmission, while food such as raw vegetables and fruit, contaminated milk products usually from the hands of typhoid fever carriers and flies, are common sources of infection.

Shangula said the symptoms of typhoid fever include prolonged high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea. Some patients may have a rash.

“Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death,” he said, adding that a diagnosis of typhoid fever can be confirmed by analysing samples of blood, faeces or urine.

It can be treated with antibiotics, however, resistance to common antimicrobials is widespread.

Shangula urged the public to exercise preventative measures which include maintaining good hygiene and sanitation, hand washing and ensuring that they drink safe water or boil water before consumption.

“Food should be carefully prepared and food handlers need to be especially vigilant with regard to hand washing and wearing gloves,” he stressed.

The minister noted that the cases reported so far do not meet the WHO definition to be classified as an outbreak, however, further investigations are ongoing.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Mbumba urges SACU to redouble efforts toward post COVID-19 economic recovery

Vice President Nangolo Mbumba has called on the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) to redouble its effort towards ensuring post COVID-19 economic recovery through regional economic integration.

Speaking during a courtesy visit at SACU’s headquarters here on Monday, Mbumba said going forward post COVID-19 recovery requires a committed focus on economic transformation, competitiveness, collaboration and diversification through strategic partnership and enhanced cooperation between member states.

“The pandemic has, for the last two years, disrupted our efforts towards economic recovery, and that of other SACU member states, resulting in the depletion of SACU revenues since its existence, therefore it is imperative that SACU and stakeholders redouble their efforts and work together to strengthen the continuous fight towards economic recovery through regional economic integration,” he noted.

The vice president said Namibia recognises its continued involvement with SACU as a strategic response to the growing demand for market enlargement within the context of globalisation and tackling Namibia’s development challenges, as well as promoting economic growth and employment creation.

“In these times of global economic instability, framed by a fragile world economic recovery and outlook, effective regional integration is of paramount significance. Therefore, we should embark upon a recovery process that involves restoring, refocusing and rededicating our efforts to achieve our collective mission,” said Mbumba.

At the same occasion, SACU Executive Secretary Paulina Elago said the union is also designed to contribute to and address key fundamental development challenges that have been brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires full dedication and effective implementation by all member states.

“The stark realities brought about by the pandemic require multiple interventions to resuscitate our economies. These however cannot be achieved at national level alone. Through regional integration and cooperation, much more can be done and achieved, and I believe this is critical for smaller economies such as Namibia whose production capacity is limited, yet whose market extends beyond geographic borders,” she noted.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Namibia declares end of Hepatitis E outbreak

Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula on Wednesday announced that the Hepatitis E outbreak first declared in 2017 in Namibia, has ended.

Shangula made the announcement during a press conference where he thanked health care workers across the country, development partners, as well as the general public for their concerted efforts that led to ending Hepatitis E in Namibia.

Namibia declared the Hepatitis E outbreak on 14 December 2017 and by 04 February 2022, a total of 8 092 Hepatitis E cases and 66 Hepatitis E deaths were recorded nationally.

Among the recorded deaths, 27 were maternal deaths, representing 41 per cent of the total deaths.

Shangula said the Hepatitis E cases have dropped significantly in all regions since the last quarter of 2020 and the last Hepatitis E death was recorded in September 2020.

He said a surveillance system remains in a state of high alert and vigilance in order to pick up any rise in the number of cases and should new cases occur, they will be promptly and thoroughly investigated in order to respond appropriately and in line with the prescriptions of public health.

“Namibia has a good track record in eradicating or eliminating outbreaks. Among them are plague, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever, polio and now Hepatitis E. This gives me confidence and optimism that the same fate will befall COVID-19 as long as we get vaccinated and observe public health measures as announced from time to time. We eradicated polio in Namibia a decade ago through mass vaccination. We can do the same with COVID-19. Let us get vaccinated in order to return Namibia to normal life,” Shangula urged.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Kenya and Zimbabwe have been suspended from world football: what happens next

Kenya and Zimbabwe have both been suspended by the world’s football governing body, FIFA, owing to government interference in the operations of the national football federations. Nairobi and Harare dissolved their federations late last year and replaced them with government-appointed officials. The suspension, overshadowed for now by Russia’s dramatic banishment from virtually all international sport, will hit the two countries in the pocket and freeze international participation. Sports researcher Wycliffe Njororai Simiyu explains why this is straight from FIFA’s aggressive policy against what it terms “third-party interference”.

What’s the background?

The suspension of Kenya and Zimbabwe was announced by FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino. In Kenya’s case, FIFA’s action comes after sports minister Amina Mohamed dissolved the Football Kenya Federation office in November 2021. A caretaker committee headed by retired judge Aaron Ringera was appointed to take charge of football activities in the country. The federation’s president, Nick Mwendwa, was subsequently arrested and charged with misappropriation of funds from FIFA and the government. He has pleaded not guilty.

The Zimbabwe football federation was similarly dissolved by government in November last year. The decision was announced by the country’s Sports and Recreation Commission, a government-appointed body. Federation officials were accused of misappropriating money given to the association by the state for Zimbabwe’s participation at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals. Four federation officials, including the president, are being investigated for mismanagement and lack of accountability in the use of public funds, as well as allegations of sexual harassment of female referees.

The two countries are now locked out of all national FIFA supported personnel development activities for administrators, coaches and referees. They are also barred from international competitions.

These include all international club and national team competitions under the auspices of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Local leagues can continue but eventual winners would not be entered for CAF competitions until the suspension is lifted.

According to FIFA, any allegations of administrative malpractices should be investigated internally. Investigations should fall under the local federation by-laws and FIFA stipulations rather than being carried out by government. These internal mechanisms are meant to shield FIFA from any external interference in its operations as a private entity.

What are the immediate implications for the two countries?

Zimbabwe was first to face the consequences of the government’s move. Not only did they play the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations under the threat of expulsion, they also missed out on US$500,000 prize money awarded to each of the participating teams.

Kenya also suffered the consequences before the FIFA decision had been announced. The national women’s team to the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers pulled out at the last minute from playing Uganda. The ousted Kenyan federation office wrote to the African federation saying it was unable to prepare for the tie because it had been stripped of its powers by the government and locked out of its offices.

The Confederation of African Football’s cancellation of the match was a tacit endorsement of the dissolved Kenyan administration. It was a clear signal that the government-appointed caretaker office was deemed illegitimate.

Now that FIFA has formally announced the suspension, further consequences will follow.

• Kenyan and Zimbabwean football teams, including club sides vying for Confederation of African Football tournaments, will not play internationally. Teams and the national football associations will remain suspended until FIFA reinstates the memberships of the two countries. Their ability to qualify for the men’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is thrown into doubt.

• Loss of funding from FIFA. The two countries will not benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from FIFA and CAF. Referees from the two countries will not be assigned to regional and international matches.

• Disruption of local leagues will follow without the incentive to qualify for African competitions. Their global ranking will fall, eroding the national brand and prospects for players seeking professional contracts abroad.

How have past suspensions of African federations played out?

Between 2000 and 2010, nearly a dozen African associations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Chad, Madagascar and Ethiopia, were suspended. Kenya’s previous suspension was in 2004. Botswana and Togo were on the verge of facing similar punishment.

Given the massive inflow of funds from FIFA and the popularity of football, African governments tend to give in to FIFA demands to reinstate officials. The typical way back is to agree to the formation of a “normalisation committee” by the international federation in return for a lifting of the suspension.

The suspension of members by FIFA over what it calls third-party interference (mainly governments) goes back to 1990. Small, economically weak countries were the main target at first. The list included Greece, Cameroon, Sudan, Indonesia and Albania.

By 2000, during Sepp Blatter’s term as FIFA president, the number of cases in which FIFA had intervened on behalf of member associations facing some element of loss of control to government agencies had increased from four to 13. On the list were Namibia, Poland, Zambia, Hungary, Cameroon (again), Benin, Guinea, Tanzania, and Brazil.

In every case but one – Guinea’s suspension lasted two years – the targeted governments quickly complied with FIFA’s demands.

What are the options?

The two countries will soon wake up to the reality of not participating in any international soccer matches. They are out of the running for the popular FIFA World Cup as well qualifying for other national and club competitions. There’s also the loss of substantial FIFA revenues flowing to member associations.

Faced with this prospect, Kenya and Zimbabwe will have to seek a compromise with FIFA. The first step is to set up a “normalisation committee” to prepare for another round of elections.

Second is to settle allegations of misappropriation of funds and other misdemeanours pending against the suspended officials.

Short of a compromise with FIFA, Kenya and Zimbabwe could plunge into football limbo for the foreseeable future.

Source: The Conversation Media Group Ltd