Observer

Niël Terblanché The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Advisory Council, alongside the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), has paid tribute to the late Professor Gerhard Tötemeyer, whose indelible mark on the electoral systems of Namibia and the SADC region will be remembered for generations. Professor Tötemeyer, a luminary in the field of electoral democracy, passed away last week, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the cause of free and fair elections. A founding member of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council and the first-ever director of the ECN from 1992 to 1998, Tötemeyer's contributions were instrumental in shaping the…

Niël Terblanché In a recent update from Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), approximately 1.4 million Namibians have taken the crucial step of registering their SIM cards across various mobile devices, a move that sees the country achieving a 72 percent registration rate. This significant milestone was announced by MTC spokesperson John Ekongo during a recent press briefing in northern Namibia. The push for SIM card registration comes as part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering the security of mobile device users nationwide, safeguarding them from the increasing threat of digital scams. With the registration deadline looming on March 31, MTC…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek High Court last week overturned a decision by the Public Procurement Review Panel, providing a triumph for the Roads Authority (RA) in a case involving tender bids for routine maintenance of bitumen roads across five towns in Namibia. According to the court documents filed at the Windhoek High Court, RA advertised tenders in September 2021, inviting bids for the maintenance of bitumen roads in Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, Otjiwarongo, Oshakati and Rundu. Following the submission of bids, Lau Tom Construction cc, Polladium Civil Engineering, Ering Quarry & Civil Works and Khan Trading cc found their bids rejected for…

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security says the work visa applications for employees of Mr Price shops to render services to the company's Namibian branches, follow the same process as any other applications. The Ministry was responding to the allegations circulating on social media, which claimed some sources in the Ministry have detected corrupt officials who are illegally issuing work visas for plumbers and cleaners from South Africa to temporarily work in Namibia. The Ministry clarified these allegations, saying that like any other application before approval, duly scrutinizes such applications. “Mr Price is a South…

Martin Endjala Minister of Education Arts and Culture Anna Nghipondoka, has urged young people to believe in the uniqueness and achievability of their dreams, no matter how grand or unconventional they may be. She said the world has been shaped by those who dared to dream the impossible and worked tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. She remarked this during the launch of the 2024 MTC Teen Inspirational Summit last week in Windhoek, slated for 30 March 2024, under the theme, “Be Your Own Hero’’. The summit she said, will be a platform for self-expression, creativity and the celebration…

Niël Terblanché On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Namibia’s Constitution, President Nangolo Mbumba has issued a heartfelt call to the nation, urging Namibians to cherish the peace and stability that have become the hallmarks of the country. This call to reflection and celebration comes as Namibians remember the visionary leadership of the late President Hage Geingob, a pivotal figure in the country’s journey towards independence and democracy. President Geingob remembered for his role as the Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly, the founding Prime Minister, and ultimately as the third President of Namibia, was lauded by President Mbumba for…

Martin Endjala The appointment of Emma Theofelus as the new Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Minister, has been praised by the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) Secretary General Ephraim Nekongo, who described the move as inclusion and youth empowerment. Teofelus was appointed as the ICT Minister, replacing Peya Mushelenga who is the new International Relations and Cooperation Minister on 9 February 2024 by President Nangolo Mbumba. Nekongo said Teofelus’s appointment is an extraordinarily proud moment not only to him but to the entire rank and file of the SPYL “The SPYL has always advocated for genuine youth empowerment and inclusion,…

Martin Endjala Minister of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) Lucia Iipumbu, has last week honoured the late President Hage Geingob with a candlelight ceremony for his success during his tenure as minister. She described him as a remarkable statesman, a visionary leader, and a true servant of the people, who has made an immense impact across the globe. Iipumbu said Geingob played a pivotal role in terms of shaping the trade and industrial policy regime of the country. She said that Geingob’s passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him, working…