Hi, Milton here on Farm Okomitundu. I am still philosophising while writing my book - but had to ROFLOL when I read "Culling of Wildebeest applies to Beer".
This week:
1. Government-owned Monopolies - the good, the bad...
2. Number portability
My thought for the week:
"If you want to make enemies, try to change something." - Woodrow T.Wilson
Almost finished the first draft of the book. (The two articles above are part of it ;-0) Hopefully be at home by Easter.
Regards
Milton
* ROFLOL = Rolling On Floor, Laughing Out Loud
Thursday 26 March 2009
The need for Credit Bureaux in Namibia
Submitted to Namibian Parliament on 13 July 2006
Providing affordable financing in NamibiaThe need for Credit Bureaux
IntroductionIn many developing countries the providers of finance have access to information in databases that help them to asses the creditworthiness of an applicant for credit. With the appropriate credit risk management tools, a lender can reduce the default levels, and provide finance at a cheaper rate to creditworthy clients. The organisations that gather data and operate these services are known as Credit Bureaux, Credit Information Services, Credit Registries, Credit Reporting Agencies or Consumer Credit Reference Agencies.
In Namibia, there is only one company, Transunion ITC, which provides a credit bureaux service for consumer information and they collect primarily negative information (negative – that is information on credit defaults, judgements, etc.). A joint-venture between NamBizDotCom and Creditreform Germany, has been developing a commercial database of over 11,000 companies and has completed a basic consumer database of 250,000 people in January 2007. This credit information service (CRIB) is yet to be made commercially available.
Credit Information Service
The creation of a credit report depends on the availability of information gathered from public records, statutory information, credit applications and credit accounts on the individual consumers and businesses. The bank (or other lender) accesses the service in the form of written reports and uses it to judge the application risk before supplying the credit. The bank can also use the credit report, and its credit risk rating, to determine the amount of the loan as well as the interest and other bank charges.
The usage of a credit report with more than just negative information assists growth in the country by stimulating the consumer credit economy. Borrowers can be assessed for risk in an objective way based on credit payment history so credit can be allocated more efficiently. Many “new” borrowers in Namibia have no credit history, and assessment can be difficult with additional supportive reputational collateral. This reputational collateral can include:
• proof of physical address
• ownership information on property
• family associations
• informal business history
• etc.
The existence of a Credit Bureau with sufficient information should assist growth by stimulating the consumer credit economy. Borrowers can be assessed for risk in an objective way based on their own histories so credit can be allocated more efficiently. Borrowing by high risk borrowers is also now controlled and the market is opened for new low risk borrowers.
Lenders, consumers, businesses, government and central banks all benefit from Credit Bureaux. This is why the World Bank, IFC and USAID organisations are all promoting and facilitating the development of efficient and capable Credit Bureau services around the world.
The effectiveness of a Credit Bureau varies depending upon a number of factors including data availability, data quality, operating ability and legislation. Supportive legislation and a sound technical infrastructure are crucial to effective operation.
The services provided by a Credit Bureau expands from the basic credit report to extended financial information, historical factors, and in many cases, can assist in tracing the debtor in the case of default (debt collection).
In Namibia, the banks are charging high fees and interest rates because of the “difficulties in assessing risk”, and the “unavailability of data”, especially regarding the physical address of clients.
Dilemma collection of data
It must be noted that the collection of data must be controlled to ensure there is no abuse of privacy rights.
The CRIB database has been created with over 11,000 companies and 250,000 consumers. This data includes:
• Full names
• ID Number
• Postal address
• Physical address
• Telephone
• Employer records
(Only +/- 25,000 records are complete)
The creation, cleaning and mining of the data does meet standards of copyright, but such information must be regulated. It must be kept in mind, if an individual has been able to create such a database, what databases are being created and maintained by corporations in and outside of Namibia?
Namibian Situation
The databases available in Namibia range from
- private sector models that include information relating to your account details and histories, Multichoice, MTC, Sanlam, etc.; and
- public sector, such as Home Affairs ID section, Electoral Roll, Municipal accounts, etc.
At present, there is no legislation to:
- control the information being held on a credit record;
- avenue for corrections to be made; and
- enforcing openness in regards the negative reply to credit application.
The legislature also has the opportunity to regulate a range of charges that banks may charge according to the rating of individual consumers and businesses. (e.g. Basel in EU).
Proposal
There is need for the establishment of an economic database that includes both consumer and commercial information. It is proposed that it should be a Private-Public Sector Partnership to protect the privacy rights (data protection) of individuals.
The following will benefit from the establishment of the economic database:
- Small- and medium-sized enterprises
- Business (trading)
- Financial sector (credit providers)
- Government
- Regional and International trade
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Credit Reporting Agency for Namibia
*First posted on 23 June 2006*
SUBMISSION ON BANKING REGULATIONS VIS-À-VIS CREDIT PROVISION
The following is the submission made to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics, Natural Resources and Public Administration. They held public hearings on bank charges and regulations on 14 July 2006 in Windhoek.
The banking system in Namibia is presently facing difficulties in their abilities to provide financing for individuals and business, especially small and medium enterprises (SME's). This problem is further influenced by the present level of non-performing debt being experienced in all sectors that provide credit. This poor performance on loans has led to many institutions having to recoup their losses, and provide themselves with profit, through high interests and "innovative" banking charges.
It is my opinion that this can be addressed through the increased usage of Information and Communication Technologies. As an example, I attach a paper on the need for credit bureau, and the establishment of an economic database to address this need. (if you wish a copy of the paper, please email me at miltonlouw@gmail.com)
Through the sharing of information between public and private sectors (with the appropriate legislation to prevent abuse), a reliable source of information can be provided which will necessitate the banking institutions to become more competitive to attract clientele. This clientele in turn will be able to negotiate for better rates, and lower charges, if they are aware of their own credit worthiness.
I remain at the convenience of the Committee to provide any further information they might require to encourage the necessary changes in legislation, as well as provide authority to the necessary public institutions, to implement a system to encourage the responsible growth of the credit sector.
Lastly, I must add that I believe such a credit agency, whether public or private, will only facilitate the provision of credit, and not provide moral influence on us as a society to ensure we keep our side of the bargain and keep up our financial obligations.
___________________________________________________
Thought for the week:
"I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies, and that the principles of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale" - Thomas Jefferson (American 3rd President)
SUBMISSION ON BANKING REGULATIONS VIS-À-VIS CREDIT PROVISION
The following is the submission made to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics, Natural Resources and Public Administration. They held public hearings on bank charges and regulations on 14 July 2006 in Windhoek.
The banking system in Namibia is presently facing difficulties in their abilities to provide financing for individuals and business, especially small and medium enterprises (SME's). This problem is further influenced by the present level of non-performing debt being experienced in all sectors that provide credit. This poor performance on loans has led to many institutions having to recoup their losses, and provide themselves with profit, through high interests and "innovative" banking charges.
It is my opinion that this can be addressed through the increased usage of Information and Communication Technologies. As an example, I attach a paper on the need for credit bureau, and the establishment of an economic database to address this need. (if you wish a copy of the paper, please email me at miltonlouw@gmail.com)
Through the sharing of information between public and private sectors (with the appropriate legislation to prevent abuse), a reliable source of information can be provided which will necessitate the banking institutions to become more competitive to attract clientele. This clientele in turn will be able to negotiate for better rates, and lower charges, if they are aware of their own credit worthiness.
I remain at the convenience of the Committee to provide any further information they might require to encourage the necessary changes in legislation, as well as provide authority to the necessary public institutions, to implement a system to encourage the responsible growth of the credit sector.
Lastly, I must add that I believe such a credit agency, whether public or private, will only facilitate the provision of credit, and not provide moral influence on us as a society to ensure we keep our side of the bargain and keep up our financial obligations.
___________________________________________________
Thought for the week:
"I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies, and that the principles of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale" - Thomas Jefferson (American 3rd President)
Sunday 22 March 2009
Culling of Wildebeest applies to beer
This is not only philosophical but is obviously pure science.
A herd of wildebeest can move only as fast as the slowest wildebeest, and when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first.
This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular culling of the weakest members.
In much the same way the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, we all know, kills brain cells, but naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first.
In this way regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. So that's why you always feel smarter after a few beers.
A herd of wildebeest can move only as fast as the slowest wildebeest, and when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first.
This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular culling of the weakest members.
In much the same way the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, we all know, kills brain cells, but naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first.
In this way regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. So that's why you always feel smarter after a few beers.
Independence 2009 - reasons for registers
Hi, Milton here. Still at the farm, fortunate to have one of my daughters, Ziana, visit for the weekend.
Thought for the week:
“If you're respectful by habit,
constantly honoring the worthy,
four things increase:
long life, beauty,
happiness, strength.”-Buddha Quote
Enjoy Namibia's Independence Day!
Kind regards
Milton
______________________________________________________
Someone asked, why a website with directories of people and business?
The idea of creating an economic country database started in 1994 while working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in Paris, France. Since then I have collected over 11,000 businesses details and 250,000 people. Once the data is collected and cleaned, there are many areas for possible commercial use. However, it has till thus far only been used for research purposes when conducting surveys of the Small and Medium Enterprises for example.
The main aim is still to create a Central Register for Namibia that will include amongst others:
* Register of Residents;
* Register of Business;
* Register of Professions;
* Register of Property Ownership;
* Register of Licences for Natural Resources and Utilisation;
* Register of Trademarks, Patents and Copyright;
* Register of External Trade; and
* Register of other legal entities.
During the past ten years, I have managed to create registers for persons, business and external trade. This has assisted greatly in providing income opportunities for me in various areas in Research.
I would however like to make this information available to more people to see what opportunities might arise.
Lastly, I am preparing a database with much deeper individual information (not yet sure about privacy issues) to allow me to look at a credit assistance scheme that looks at "reputational collateral" rather than history of financial mistakes.
Thought for the week:
“If you're respectful by habit,
constantly honoring the worthy,
four things increase:
long life, beauty,
happiness, strength.”-Buddha Quote
Enjoy Namibia's Independence Day!
Kind regards
Milton
______________________________________________________
Someone asked, why a website with directories of people and business?
The idea of creating an economic country database started in 1994 while working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in Paris, France. Since then I have collected over 11,000 businesses details and 250,000 people. Once the data is collected and cleaned, there are many areas for possible commercial use. However, it has till thus far only been used for research purposes when conducting surveys of the Small and Medium Enterprises for example.
The main aim is still to create a Central Register for Namibia that will include amongst others:
* Register of Residents;
* Register of Business;
* Register of Professions;
* Register of Property Ownership;
* Register of Licences for Natural Resources and Utilisation;
* Register of Trademarks, Patents and Copyright;
* Register of External Trade; and
* Register of other legal entities.
During the past ten years, I have managed to create registers for persons, business and external trade. This has assisted greatly in providing income opportunities for me in various areas in Research.
I would however like to make this information available to more people to see what opportunities might arise.
Lastly, I am preparing a database with much deeper individual information (not yet sure about privacy issues) to allow me to look at a credit assistance scheme that looks at "reputational collateral" rather than history of financial mistakes.
Sunday 15 March 2009
Namibian Family Tree
Hi, Milton here from the farm Okomitundu. I have visited the top of the Kudu Mountain, some 400 metres above the farmhouse (1,670m above sea-level). I was being interviewed for the television programme Green Horizons that should be broadcast on NBC TV on 26 March.
(Some people have asked for a picture of what the farm looks like, so have a look at www.okomitundu.com.)
This week I have finished loading 250,000 Namibians information listed by surname on to the Internet. This includes their name and surname, as well as their date of birth. See my article below and check if your details are online. You might be surprised how many of your relatives are on as well ;-).
Thought for the week:
"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one." ~Jane Howard
Kind regards
Milton
Email: miltonlouw@gmail.com
website: www.nambiz.co.cc
________________________________________________________________________
What is private?
How much of your data is on a computer? How much do companies, employers, the government, even enemies know about your life? Even more worrying, how much of this information is publicly available?
Since 1999, I have been proposing a central register for Namibia (http://milton-louw.blogspot.com/2009/03/central-register-for-namibia.html). This week I listed all people I have been able to collect information on, in a family tree type website. It is available at www.nambiz.co.cc. You enter the yellow pages section and will then have an alphabetical list. Choose the letter your surname starts with and a list of all surnames starting with that letter will appear. Choose your surname, and a listing of everyone with the same surname will appear. You will find their name as well as their date of birth (if it is in the system).
In my case, I checked my cousin, Merle Oosthuizen and found her birthday easily......
My hope is that after looking at the site you will consider the amount of information of yours that is already being stored someplace. I hope this will get your support for a data protection and privacy act being made law as soon as possible.
Remember, I am only one person and have been able to collect all this, what about those businesses who have a lot more data on you?
Email me with your comments: miltonlouw@gmail.com
_________________________________________________
Never too old to learn
*First Posted: 5 January 2007*
Hi, Milton Louw here from Windhoek in this first month of 2007. I hope you have had a relaxing vacation (those of you who could afford to get away), and are ready for the challenges of 2007. May all you efforts be rewarded with the success you work for.
Now how about a New Years resolution to include improving yourself..........
This week, I cover
1. Thought for the week
2. Life Long Learning
The next week means for most of us the return (or start) of school for our children. If you can, take just five minutes each day and consider what they will become upon leaving school. Then, check to see if you are doing everything possible to make their dreams come true.
Enjoy the week,
Milton
Cell: +264 81 304 3282
Thought for the week
We must encourage [each other] once we have grasped the basic points to interconnecting everything else on our own, to use memory to guide our original thinking, and to accept what someone else says as a starting point, a seed to be nourished and grow. For the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling but wood that needs igniting no more and then it motivates one towards originality and instills the desire for truth. Suppose someone were to go and ask his neighbors for fire and find a substantial blaze there, and just stay there continually warming himself: that is no different from someone who goes to someone else to get to some of his rationality, and fails to realize that he ought to ignite his own flame, his own intellect, but is happy to sit entranced by the lecture, and the words trigger only associative thinking and bring, as it were, only a flush to his cheeks and a glow to his limbs; but he has not dispelled or dispersed, in the warm light of philosophy, the internal dank gloom of his mind.
- Plutarch, On Listening to Lectures
Life-Long Learning
Are you satisfied with what you have achieved in life? Do you want to climb the ladder of life even higher? Are you going to sit in an old age home at 60 and watch the world go by?
Today we recognise that finishing school or university is not the end of our learning experience. Think just about computers, cellular phones, etc and how much you have had to learn over the past decade to stay up to date with just having a life. How more so if you are in an ever changing working environment. This demands from you an approach where you take charge of your career, rather than the old-fashioned view that a career is what happens to you. Remember also, once you turn "60", it no longer means you have nothing to contribute to your society.
Take the challenge this year, and choose something new to learn. Here are a few examples:
- Another language - how many of us will be able to talk with our Chinese counterparts as they ever increasingly extend beyond their boundaries?
- A musical Instrument - even the drums can be learnt by those (like me) who say they cannot carry a tune
- Computer program - Project management is all the rage and it will take you less than four days to master a software package such as MS Project
This are but a few of the areas that I am exploring for 2007. Maybe you have other interests, maybe even a hobby such as origami or bonsai, just as long as you keep them brain cells working.
For interest sake, I typed in "life long learning" in the Google Search engine. I got back over 86,000,000 sites that cover this topic. So remember, even if you do not consider life long learning, there are many other (your probable competitors) who do. Have a look at this link for some great ideas, http://www.newhorizons.org/.
Remember, you are never too old to learn.
Independence 2007
*First Posted: 20 March 2007*
Hi, Milton Louw here from Windhoek. Just about to leave the office to go celebrate our Namibian Independence tomorrow. Thinking back reminds me how our was the lucky person to raise the flag over Windhoek that first morning from where the Polytechnic is today.
As the Chairperson of the tertiary Student's Representative Council (Academy) in 1989/1990 I have to also consider what the inheritance is of the students born those years and now "enjoying the fruits of our freedom".
I can categorically state that me and most of my generation have benefited greatly BUT................ I must also admit that the young generation of today have been done in.
During this past week I was fortunate to talk to one of my mentors and idols, Toivo ya Toivo, and was once again humbled when he was most pleased to hear that I am teaching some of the knowledge I have acquired to the young generation of today. (I used to sometimes look down on the "teaching profession" of Namibia- now no more!)
So my challenge to you today dear friends is:
What have you done lately to give back to your community?
Viva Namibia, Viva Responsibility
Milton Louw
+ 264 81 3043282
ICT Recommendations for Namibia
"First posted 4 May 2007"
Hi, Milton here in Windhoek. Sitting in the office on a public holiday getting some work done!
Last week I was questioned on the achievements of the ICT Alliance, so I thought to give a short overview of the recommendations recently accepted by the Government of Namibia in the area of Information and Communication Technology. The conference report details the areas Namibia will have to concentrate on if we wish to make ICT a pillar of our Vision 2030 and was developed in partnership between the Ministry and the ICT Alliance.
My thought for this week - specifically with our neighbouring Zimbabwe in mind:
"Him that I love, I wish to be free -- even from me." - Anne Lindbergh
Kind regards
Milton Louw
+ 264 81 3043282
milton@iit.com.na
____________________________________________________________________
The previous Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (now Ministry of Information and Communication Technology - MICT) held a conference in August 2007 on the role of ICT in Namibia. The conference was organised together with the Namibia Communication Commission and the ICT Alliance.
The main objectives of this Conference were as follows:
o To assess the current reality of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Namibia
o To identify the challenges and opportunities for ICT in the country
o To propose ways in which ICT can contribute to poverty alleviation and sustainable development in Namibia
o And ultimately, to identify how ICT can assist Namibia in achieving its Vision 2030.
The key expectation of the Namibian Minister of Information and Broadcasting for the Conference was to generate practical recommendations assisting Government in preparing a roadmap to accelerate economic development and prosperity for all through the use of ICT.
The conference had two parts, the first dealing with the present status of the industry, and the second dealing with recommendations for future action on the part of the country.
A report was submitted to the Cabinet of Namibia and they have accepted the recommendations and established a Taskforce, under the leadership of the Permanent Secretary of the MICT, with the chairpersons of the various conference sub-groups.
The sub-groups are:
o Government (Chair: Mr. Samuel Goagoseb)
o Legal framework (Mr. Hartmut Ruppel)
o Education (Mr. Alfred Ilukena represented by Mr. Johan van Wyk)
o Telecommunications and Broadcasting (Chair: Mr. Jochen Traut)
o Internet (Chair: Mr. Gideon Nhundu)
o ICT Industry (Chair: Mr. Theo Schoeman)
These are the broad outlines of the recommendations proposed during the Conference and accepted by the Government of Namibia as areas of activity.
" Consolidation of overall ICT governance
" Free / Libre Open Source Software policy must be adopted
" Copyright legislation must be amended to include Creative Commons licensing
" Development of Broadband access (infrastructure) be accelerated
" Separate infrastructure ownership and usage
" Universal Service Fund must be clearly defined and administered
" Local companies must get preference in tenders
" E-commerce (electronic transactions) law must be passed
" Privacy and data protection must be addressed
" Top-level domain administration must be administered better
" Broadcasting policy must be created
" Investigate Tax incentives for ICT skills development
The taskforce is meeting regularly and will submit a report to Cabinet on the activities to be undertaken as well as budgetary outlines.
If you wish to have a copy of the report, please send an email to milton@iit.com.na. If you wish to peruse any of the presentations given at the conference, they can be found at http://www.ictalliance.org.na/ictnam.
Thursday 12 March 2009
Central Register for Namibia
The following report was prepared for a workshop in August 1999 held in Windhoek. Some interesting reading on what the original business idea was. Posted here for posterity.
Milton
____________________________________________
Central Register for Namibia
Prepared by:
Creditreform International
Dr. Dieter Südhofen, Secretary General
Preamble:
The special political situation as well as the reorganisation and restructuring of the state machinery aimed at in Namibia have provided a special opportunity to set up a central register which is organised in accordance with the latest aspects of computing, takes all essential legislation concerning data protection into account and reaches an efficiency ratio which Germany can unfortunately only dream of at present. The knowledge gained from setting up a modern central register could then be made available to other countries.
Objectives:
The data which has to be processed by state institutions for a modern social market economy should be organised with the aid of the latest data technology. Germany should be taken as a basis with regard to the essential data. Sufficient experience regarding the individual data necessary has been gathered here as a result of successfully establishing a social market economy. The updating and use of the data has to be separately analysed for Namibia to bring about the optimum benefit for Namibia. Any implementation of the project should fundamentally begin with the core applications. A feasibility study would have to be ordered in the short term to examine the further development of the project.
Contents and Set-up of a Central Register in Namibia
The registers kept in Germany are described in more detail below. They have grown historically and are, for the most part, still administered by hand at present. Various neighbouring countries are already way ahead in that respect, by administering the data fully by computer technology. When setting up a new central register, it should therefore, from the very beginning, be set up and organised from the viewpoint of today’s computer technology. Starting out from the natural and legal persons, it is necessary to set up a total stock of data which forms the basis for all essential registers. From that, each individual register independently and responsibly administers the which concerns it. Every access is recorded taking the law on data protection into account. The access authorisations of individual employees are controlled by computer in accordance with work sequence requirements.
After the total quantity of data has been put together, it must finally be determined what data is available at what offices on what medium in Namibia, so that it can be used as the basis such an entire central register. The total quantities can then be approximately determined and a rough computing concept can be drawn up.
Realisation of a Public Register
1.Principle and goal for the realisation of a public register
The creation of a register for recording and collecting stocks of data results from, amongst other things, the necessity to check, protect and historically prove data and its origin.
The aim thereby, with regard to the final result of all data recorded, must be to completely show facts and information which can be checked and controlled as regards the legislation on data protection. The consistent realisation of a register offers the basis for information systems and applications in industry and administration. On the whole, this offers the chance to set up databases and application systems in a co-ordinated and homogenous manner whilst avoiding a proliferation of partial solutions and insular solutions – as is the case in Germany for example – which can hardly be combined and co-ordinated in future.
1.1 Prerequisite
Setting-up of a central database adapted to the requirements, with the possibility of locally updating the respective stock of data to be processed.
1.2 The Central database
All externally recorded and processed information of the public register should be gathered and stored in this database.
1.3 External database stations
Data is recorded, processed and used here in different areas. The respective data stock of these database stations should be transmitted to the central database daily, to enable data security (storage) on the one hand and, on the other hand, the use of essential information by calling up other external database stations. Additionally, a speedy exchange of information between the different database stations would be possible in that way.
1.4 Central and local solutions and applications
Based on the central register, applications which support administrative, economic and social interests from the municipal and regional level to the national level have to be added for the different specialised requirements.
2. Contents of the public register
2.1 Register of residents
This external database station generally registers private person’s data. Persons are registered here along with their personal data by the respective local government body (town, local authority). The citizens of a country are registered here in the entirety of all the data recorded. The stored information serves the duties to report and register and is stored as a basis for internal and external administrative purposes.
2.1.1 Contents
- Surname, first name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Occupation
- Title
- Employer
- Home address (street/place)
- Resident there since when:
- Moved from which address
- Marital status
- Name of spouse, if married
- Spouse’s date of birth
- Spouse’s occupation
- Number of children
- Name of children
- Children’s date of birth
- Address if parents are separated
- Earlier home addresses
2.2 Commercial register data
All information relating to commercial register data should be administered in this external database station. It should be kept as an official and public register of all fully qualified merchants. The aim and object of the commercial register is to officially deposit commercial and legal basis contracts of all fully qualified merchants active in business, to enable them to be checked and historically proven.
2.2.1 Contents of the commercial register database
Facts requiring registration:
a) Name of company
- complete company name
- legal form
b) Corporate domicile of the company
- address (place and street / P.O. Box
- addresses of any branch offices
c) Purpose of the company
- branch number (s)
- tax number
- turnover tax identification number (VAT)
d) Owners and partners
- name, personal place of residence (address)
- date of birth
- name of occupation, title
e) Subscribed capital
- sum of liable capital
- capital shares paid up and still outstanding
f) List of partners (sum of capital shares)
- name and address of the individual partners
- plus date of birth in case of private persons
- plus commercial register number in the case of company holdings
g) Managing persons in relation to third parties
- managing directors, supervisory board members, management board members,
- advisory board members, authorised officers
- name and address plus date of birth, name of occupation, title
h) Financial statements deposited
- business reports
- balance-sheet-data
- notes to the financial statements
- annual report
i) Notarial deeds (instruments)
- the company’s official documents
- memorandums of association
- amending contracts
- supplementary contracts
j) Peculiarities
- licences
- patents
- utility models / registered designs
2.3 Register of co-operative societies
This external database serves to prove the legal relations of the co-operative societies to the general public. It exists as an independent register in addition to the commercial register. The functions and objectives are comparable.
2.3.1 Contents of the register of co-operative societies
They are identical to the data of the commercial register, but should be supplemented by the following additional points:
a) the articles of association, which have to be signed by the members
b) a list of members (holders of shares in the co-operative society)
c) the duration of the co-operative society, if it is limited to a certain period only
2.4 Insolvent debtors’ data / Register of insolvent debtors
Facts requiring registration:
a) Surname of the person
b) All known first names of the person
c) Date of birth
d) Place of residence (street/place)
e) Any second place of residence
f) Name of occupation (title)
g) Stage names, if existent
h) Form of entry in the insolvent debtors’ register
2.4.2 Contents of insolvent debtors’ data for legal persons
Facts requiring registration:
a) Name of company
b) Address (street/place)
c) P.O. Box /town
d) Representatives of the company in relation to third parties
- e.g. the managing directors
- surname / first name
- address (private)
- date of birth
e) The company’s commercial register
f) Commercial register number
g) Form of entry in the insolvent debtors’ register
2.5 Marriage property register
In this external database station, spouses have the possibility of having the property regime of spouses’ property increments agreed upon by contracts (marriage contract) and registered. The main function of the marriage property register is to document marital communities of accrued gain or marital ties regulated by a marriage contract, so they can be used as a basis for any legal disputes.
2.5.1 Contents
a) Surname/first name of the wife/husband
b) Maiden name of wife/husband if applicable
c) Dates of birth of the married couple
d) Date of marriage
e) Date of marriage contract
f) Notarial recording of the marriage contract
2.6 Register of associations
Groupings (associations) whose purpose is not directed towards a commercial establishment are registered here. The independent register of associations is otherwise to be treated equivalent to the commercial register and the register of co-operative societies and, in that respect, also has the same functions of registration, checking and control.
2.6.1 Contents
a) Name of the association
b) Address (street/place)
c) Members of the association
- Surname, first name
- Address (private)
- Date of birth
d) Association’s registration number
e) Association’s registry court
f) Representative authority of the persons representing in relation to third parties
2.7 Trade Register
Traders have to be recorded in this external database station, irrespective of their legal form. In that respect, the trade register stores all necessary information for offices which further process that information. It is deemed to be, amongst other things, the basis and starting point for the taxation of persons carrying on a trade. No trade may be carried on without being registered in this register. Following an examination, the trade register grants a trade licence and checks how the trade is allowed for example, such as a health certificate in the case of traders in the field of foodstuffs or gastronomy, are checked and monitored.
2.7.1 Contents
- Surname, first name of the trader
- The owner’s address (street/P.O. Box /place)
- Owner’s date of birth
- Owner’s occupation / name of occupation
- Existing titles (e.g. title of Master craftsman)
- Purpose of the business
- Address of the business premises or any branch offices
- Essential special certificates
- Permits for special business enterprises
2.8 Land register
All information concerning the residential property and real estate of private persons and legal persons (companies) should be recorded in the land register. The land register is the official basis for registering private residential property and real estate as well as any financial encumbrance (mortgages), which are entered as a land charge in the land register. It provides information on the actual current owner of a house/property) and on any previous owners. The property situation is clearly registered and laid down with the aid of that data.
2.8.1 Contents
- Address of real estate property
- Size of the real estate / the property in square metres
- Current market value
- Sum of the registered land charge
- Financing mortgage bank
- Surname / first name of the owner (part-owner)
- Date of birth
- Private address of the owner
- Size of the registered property as a percentage
- Date of the purchase of the property
- Former owners
- Notarial recordings
2.9 Register of bankruptcies and compositions
Entries of or about private persons and legal persons with regard to bankruptcy and composition proceedings applied for, opened, to be carried out or ended are stored here. The register registers, co-ordinates and monitors the measures to be carried out in things, as an intermediary point between the bankruptcy and / or composition proceedings, the courts and the respective creditors. The official dates are recorded here and released for publication.
2.9.1 Contents for private persons
- Reference number
- Surname, first name
- Address (street / place)
- Date of birth
- Occupation
- Employer
- Marital status
- Name of spouse
- Application data – composition
- Opening data – composition/bankruptcy
- Closing data - composition/bankruptcy
- Measures taken
- Auctions
- Levies of execution
2.9.2 Contents for legal persons
- Reference number
- Company name
- Address (street / place)
- Commercial register data (district court/commercial register number)
- Purpose of the company
- Representatives of the company
- Name of the capital holders (partners)
- Address of the partners (plus date of birth)
- Name of the persons representing the company in relation to third parties
- Address of those persons (plus date of birth)
- Application data – composition/bankruptcy
- Bankruptcy/composition trustee
- Official receivership data (prohibitions of sale)
- Name of official receiver
- Stipulated dates (examination dates)
- Opening data – composition/bankruptcy
- Closing data - composition/bankruptcy
- Measures taken
- Auctions
- Levies of execution
- The company’s assets
- The company’s liabilities
- Composition dividends
- Bankruptcy realisation assets
_____________________________________________________
Milton
____________________________________________
Central Register for Namibia
Prepared by:
Creditreform International
Dr. Dieter Südhofen, Secretary General
Preamble:
The special political situation as well as the reorganisation and restructuring of the state machinery aimed at in Namibia have provided a special opportunity to set up a central register which is organised in accordance with the latest aspects of computing, takes all essential legislation concerning data protection into account and reaches an efficiency ratio which Germany can unfortunately only dream of at present. The knowledge gained from setting up a modern central register could then be made available to other countries.
Objectives:
The data which has to be processed by state institutions for a modern social market economy should be organised with the aid of the latest data technology. Germany should be taken as a basis with regard to the essential data. Sufficient experience regarding the individual data necessary has been gathered here as a result of successfully establishing a social market economy. The updating and use of the data has to be separately analysed for Namibia to bring about the optimum benefit for Namibia. Any implementation of the project should fundamentally begin with the core applications. A feasibility study would have to be ordered in the short term to examine the further development of the project.
Contents and Set-up of a Central Register in Namibia
The registers kept in Germany are described in more detail below. They have grown historically and are, for the most part, still administered by hand at present. Various neighbouring countries are already way ahead in that respect, by administering the data fully by computer technology. When setting up a new central register, it should therefore, from the very beginning, be set up and organised from the viewpoint of today’s computer technology. Starting out from the natural and legal persons, it is necessary to set up a total stock of data which forms the basis for all essential registers. From that, each individual register independently and responsibly administers the which concerns it. Every access is recorded taking the law on data protection into account. The access authorisations of individual employees are controlled by computer in accordance with work sequence requirements.
After the total quantity of data has been put together, it must finally be determined what data is available at what offices on what medium in Namibia, so that it can be used as the basis such an entire central register. The total quantities can then be approximately determined and a rough computing concept can be drawn up.
Realisation of a Public Register
1.Principle and goal for the realisation of a public register
The creation of a register for recording and collecting stocks of data results from, amongst other things, the necessity to check, protect and historically prove data and its origin.
The aim thereby, with regard to the final result of all data recorded, must be to completely show facts and information which can be checked and controlled as regards the legislation on data protection. The consistent realisation of a register offers the basis for information systems and applications in industry and administration. On the whole, this offers the chance to set up databases and application systems in a co-ordinated and homogenous manner whilst avoiding a proliferation of partial solutions and insular solutions – as is the case in Germany for example – which can hardly be combined and co-ordinated in future.
1.1 Prerequisite
Setting-up of a central database adapted to the requirements, with the possibility of locally updating the respective stock of data to be processed.
1.2 The Central database
All externally recorded and processed information of the public register should be gathered and stored in this database.
1.3 External database stations
Data is recorded, processed and used here in different areas. The respective data stock of these database stations should be transmitted to the central database daily, to enable data security (storage) on the one hand and, on the other hand, the use of essential information by calling up other external database stations. Additionally, a speedy exchange of information between the different database stations would be possible in that way.
1.4 Central and local solutions and applications
Based on the central register, applications which support administrative, economic and social interests from the municipal and regional level to the national level have to be added for the different specialised requirements.
2. Contents of the public register
2.1 Register of residents
This external database station generally registers private person’s data. Persons are registered here along with their personal data by the respective local government body (town, local authority). The citizens of a country are registered here in the entirety of all the data recorded. The stored information serves the duties to report and register and is stored as a basis for internal and external administrative purposes.
2.1.1 Contents
- Surname, first name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Occupation
- Title
- Employer
- Home address (street/place)
- Resident there since when:
- Moved from which address
- Marital status
- Name of spouse, if married
- Spouse’s date of birth
- Spouse’s occupation
- Number of children
- Name of children
- Children’s date of birth
- Address if parents are separated
- Earlier home addresses
2.2 Commercial register data
All information relating to commercial register data should be administered in this external database station. It should be kept as an official and public register of all fully qualified merchants. The aim and object of the commercial register is to officially deposit commercial and legal basis contracts of all fully qualified merchants active in business, to enable them to be checked and historically proven.
2.2.1 Contents of the commercial register database
Facts requiring registration:
a) Name of company
- complete company name
- legal form
b) Corporate domicile of the company
- address (place and street / P.O. Box
- addresses of any branch offices
c) Purpose of the company
- branch number (s)
- tax number
- turnover tax identification number (VAT)
d) Owners and partners
- name, personal place of residence (address)
- date of birth
- name of occupation, title
e) Subscribed capital
- sum of liable capital
- capital shares paid up and still outstanding
f) List of partners (sum of capital shares)
- name and address of the individual partners
- plus date of birth in case of private persons
- plus commercial register number in the case of company holdings
g) Managing persons in relation to third parties
- managing directors, supervisory board members, management board members,
- advisory board members, authorised officers
- name and address plus date of birth, name of occupation, title
h) Financial statements deposited
- business reports
- balance-sheet-data
- notes to the financial statements
- annual report
i) Notarial deeds (instruments)
- the company’s official documents
- memorandums of association
- amending contracts
- supplementary contracts
j) Peculiarities
- licences
- patents
- utility models / registered designs
2.3 Register of co-operative societies
This external database serves to prove the legal relations of the co-operative societies to the general public. It exists as an independent register in addition to the commercial register. The functions and objectives are comparable.
2.3.1 Contents of the register of co-operative societies
They are identical to the data of the commercial register, but should be supplemented by the following additional points:
a) the articles of association, which have to be signed by the members
b) a list of members (holders of shares in the co-operative society)
c) the duration of the co-operative society, if it is limited to a certain period only
2.4 Insolvent debtors’ data / Register of insolvent debtors
Facts requiring registration:
a) Surname of the person
b) All known first names of the person
c) Date of birth
d) Place of residence (street/place)
e) Any second place of residence
f) Name of occupation (title)
g) Stage names, if existent
h) Form of entry in the insolvent debtors’ register
2.4.2 Contents of insolvent debtors’ data for legal persons
Facts requiring registration:
a) Name of company
b) Address (street/place)
c) P.O. Box /town
d) Representatives of the company in relation to third parties
- e.g. the managing directors
- surname / first name
- address (private)
- date of birth
e) The company’s commercial register
f) Commercial register number
g) Form of entry in the insolvent debtors’ register
2.5 Marriage property register
In this external database station, spouses have the possibility of having the property regime of spouses’ property increments agreed upon by contracts (marriage contract) and registered. The main function of the marriage property register is to document marital communities of accrued gain or marital ties regulated by a marriage contract, so they can be used as a basis for any legal disputes.
2.5.1 Contents
a) Surname/first name of the wife/husband
b) Maiden name of wife/husband if applicable
c) Dates of birth of the married couple
d) Date of marriage
e) Date of marriage contract
f) Notarial recording of the marriage contract
2.6 Register of associations
Groupings (associations) whose purpose is not directed towards a commercial establishment are registered here. The independent register of associations is otherwise to be treated equivalent to the commercial register and the register of co-operative societies and, in that respect, also has the same functions of registration, checking and control.
2.6.1 Contents
a) Name of the association
b) Address (street/place)
c) Members of the association
- Surname, first name
- Address (private)
- Date of birth
d) Association’s registration number
e) Association’s registry court
f) Representative authority of the persons representing in relation to third parties
2.7 Trade Register
Traders have to be recorded in this external database station, irrespective of their legal form. In that respect, the trade register stores all necessary information for offices which further process that information. It is deemed to be, amongst other things, the basis and starting point for the taxation of persons carrying on a trade. No trade may be carried on without being registered in this register. Following an examination, the trade register grants a trade licence and checks how the trade is allowed for example, such as a health certificate in the case of traders in the field of foodstuffs or gastronomy, are checked and monitored.
2.7.1 Contents
- Surname, first name of the trader
- The owner’s address (street/P.O. Box /place)
- Owner’s date of birth
- Owner’s occupation / name of occupation
- Existing titles (e.g. title of Master craftsman)
- Purpose of the business
- Address of the business premises or any branch offices
- Essential special certificates
- Permits for special business enterprises
2.8 Land register
All information concerning the residential property and real estate of private persons and legal persons (companies) should be recorded in the land register. The land register is the official basis for registering private residential property and real estate as well as any financial encumbrance (mortgages), which are entered as a land charge in the land register. It provides information on the actual current owner of a house/property) and on any previous owners. The property situation is clearly registered and laid down with the aid of that data.
2.8.1 Contents
- Address of real estate property
- Size of the real estate / the property in square metres
- Current market value
- Sum of the registered land charge
- Financing mortgage bank
- Surname / first name of the owner (part-owner)
- Date of birth
- Private address of the owner
- Size of the registered property as a percentage
- Date of the purchase of the property
- Former owners
- Notarial recordings
2.9 Register of bankruptcies and compositions
Entries of or about private persons and legal persons with regard to bankruptcy and composition proceedings applied for, opened, to be carried out or ended are stored here. The register registers, co-ordinates and monitors the measures to be carried out in things, as an intermediary point between the bankruptcy and / or composition proceedings, the courts and the respective creditors. The official dates are recorded here and released for publication.
2.9.1 Contents for private persons
- Reference number
- Surname, first name
- Address (street / place)
- Date of birth
- Occupation
- Employer
- Marital status
- Name of spouse
- Application data – composition
- Opening data – composition/bankruptcy
- Closing data - composition/bankruptcy
- Measures taken
- Auctions
- Levies of execution
2.9.2 Contents for legal persons
- Reference number
- Company name
- Address (street / place)
- Commercial register data (district court/commercial register number)
- Purpose of the company
- Representatives of the company
- Name of the capital holders (partners)
- Address of the partners (plus date of birth)
- Name of the persons representing the company in relation to third parties
- Address of those persons (plus date of birth)
- Application data – composition/bankruptcy
- Bankruptcy/composition trustee
- Official receivership data (prohibitions of sale)
- Name of official receiver
- Stipulated dates (examination dates)
- Opening data – composition/bankruptcy
- Closing data - composition/bankruptcy
- Measures taken
- Auctions
- Levies of execution
- The company’s assets
- The company’s liabilities
- Composition dividends
- Bankruptcy realisation assets
_____________________________________________________
Thoughts on Prosperity
Hi, Milton Louw here in Walvis Bay. Just came through for the day and had to have some seafood at the Raft (excellent platter ;-). Very fortunate to see some good friends too while in Swakopmund and WB.
________________________________________________________________
Thought for the week:
* Prosperity is a way of living and thinking, and not just money or things. Poverty is a way of living and thinking, and not just a lack of money or things. -Eric Butterworth
* It is good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good too, to check up once in a while and make sure you haven't lost the things money can't buy. - George Lorimer
* Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father! - Lydia Maria Child
_________________________________________________________________
Regards
Milton
Cell: + 264 81 304 3282
________________________________________________________________
Thought for the week:
* Prosperity is a way of living and thinking, and not just money or things. Poverty is a way of living and thinking, and not just a lack of money or things. -Eric Butterworth
* It is good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good too, to check up once in a while and make sure you haven't lost the things money can't buy. - George Lorimer
* Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father! - Lydia Maria Child
_________________________________________________________________
Regards
Milton
Cell: + 264 81 304 3282
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