Observer – Page 102 – Windhoek Observer

16 Jan

Nedbank Windhoek Power Pedal Race Series Kicks off 2024 Season with Record-breaking Turnout

ObserverSportsNedbank Windhoek Power Pedal Race Series Kicks off 2024 Season with Record-breaking Turnout

A staggering 204 cyclists pedaled their way through the opening race of the 2024 Nedbank Windhoek Power Pedal Race Series (WPP) on Sunday morning along the Dordabis Road. This marked the commencement of the six-race series, witnessing a record participation and the introduction of new categories.The 2024 edition unveiled the mountain bike category, the school team’s category, and the para-athlete category. In the Men’s Team race event, Alex Miller emerged victorious with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 32 seconds, closely trailed by Christian Janse van Rensburg and Daniel Abraham.Meanwhile, the Women's Team category was fiercely contested,…

16 Jan

Transport Annual Inflation Slows Down in December 2023

ObserverObserver MoneyHalleluya Ndimulunde, Transport Annual Inflation Slows Down in December 2023

Martin Endjala The annual inflation rate in the transport category exhibited a significant slowdown, recording 4.0 percent in December 2023. This was a notable decrease from the 5.1 percent recorded in November 2023 and a sharp deceleration from the 14.8 percent reported in December 2022. According to Simonis Storm Economist Halleluya Ndimulunde, this slowdown can be attributed to the subcategory of personal transport equipment, which benefited from a reduction of 130 cents in the prices of both diesel and petrol in December 2023. Ndimulunde noted that this pricing adjustment was announced by the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy, emphasizing…

16 Jan

Water supply at risk as NamWater faces challenges in repairing critical pumps

ObserverNational NewsWater supply at risk as NamWater faces challenges in repairing critical pumps

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s vital water supply infrastructure faces a severe setback as NamWater struggles to find vendors for the repair of two critically important pumps. The pumps, responsible for feeding water from the old Berg Aukas Mine into the water canal, also known as the Eastern National Water Carrier, have been out of commission for over a week, leaving farmers along the canal in a desperate situation. The Berg Aukas Mine plays a pivotal role in supplying groundwater to the canal, which, in turn, is essential for delivering water to central regions of Namibia, including the City of Windhoek. With…

16 Jan

More than 100,000 Grade 1 learners embark on their first day of school

ObserverNational News000 Grade 1 learners embark on their first day of school, More than 100

Niël Terblanché The 2024 school year has begun, and with the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts, and Culture’s guidance, it promises to be a year of transformation and positive development for all involved. Yesterday marked a monumental day for education as more than 100,000 Grade 1 learners, along with 50,000 preprimary students, excitedly embarked on their first day of school countrywide. Sanet Steenkamp, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts, and Culture, extended a warm welcome to the eager learners and dedicated teachers, urging them to make the initiation of so many young minds into the world…

16 Jan

Sheehama urges GRN to prioritise funding for needy students

ObserverNational NewsJosef Sheehama, Sheehama urges GRN to prioritise funding for needy students

Martin Endjala As the 2024 academic year begins, many students are actively seeking funding for tertiary education through various institutions, with the most common being the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF). Josef Sheehama, an Independent Bank Researcher and Economist, believes that funding should be directed towards those who need it the most. Sheehama stated that the government must make strategic funding decisions to ensure that financial resources are allocated to those students who are in serious need, rather than those who are already financially stable. He also reiterated the limited availability of resources and the necessity of allocating them…

16 Jan

Presidential hopeful Angula pays tribute to the late Emvula’s legacy

ObserverNational NewsPresidential hopeful Angula pays tribute to the late Emvula’s legacy

Stefanus Nashama Ally Angula, the Independent Candidate and Presidential Hopeful for the November 2024 elections has spoken fondly of the late Obed Tulinane Emvula, describing him as a dignified man who devoted his entire life to the cause of freedom and played a significant role in shaping the future of Namibia. “What a gentleman! We salute you, dear departed great man who only feared the Lord. You have influenced so many of us,” Angula said. Her sentiments echo those of various prominent figures in the country, including Founding President Sam Nujoma, Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, and President Hage Geingob, all…

16 Jan

PDM calls for radical reform in education amidst concerns of systemic inefficiencies

ObserverNational NewsInna Hengari, PDM calls for radical reform in education amidst concerns of systemic inefficiencies

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has sounded an alarm over the persistent challenges plaguing Namibia’s education system, despite substantial investments. PDM’s Inna Hengari, a member of parliament, stated on Monday that the 2023 Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) and National Senior Secondary Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) examination results have brought to light a troubling reality that demands urgent attention. “Despite the significant investment in education through public spending, there are still inefficiencies that affect both quality and equitable access to primary and secondary education,” she emphasised. Hengari underscored the significance of acknowledging candidates who secured 25 points or…

16 Jan

Crops at risk as Hardap Dam nears critically low levels

ObserverMainCrops at risk as Hardap Dam nears critically low levels, Dawie De Klerk

Niël Terblanché Farmers on the Hardap Irrigation Scheme are growing increasingly anxious as the critically low levels of the Hardap Dam continue to be exacerbated by a prolonged period of inadequate rainfall. The looming threat of crop failures looms large, and farmers are sounding the alarm about the dire consequences this may have on both agriculture and the surrounding communities. Dawie De Klerk, Chairperson of the Hardap Farmers Association, paints a grim picture of the situation, noting that the water level in the Hardap Dam has already plummeted to 18.1 percent. This alarming drop in reservoir capacity threatens to disrupt…

15 Jan

The world’s largest crane vessel anchored at Walvis Bay

ObserverObserver Moneycolossal semi-submersible crane vessel (SSCV) Sleipnir, The world’s largest crane vessel anchored at Walvis Bay

Niël Terblanché The colossal semi-submersible crane vessel (SSCV) Sleipnir, sailing under the flag of Panama, is currently anchored at Walvis Bay. This maritime marvel, a true testament to the wonders of engineering, is the world’s largest crane vessel. Sleipnir, a creation of Heerema Marine Contractors, came into existence in 2019, and its name is inspired by Odin’s legendary eight-legged horse from Norse mythology. What sets this vessel apart is its two massive revolving cranes, constructed by Huisman Equipment B.V., each boasting a jaw-dropping lifting capacity of 10,000 tons. These cranes can seamlessly work together to achieve an extraordinary joint lift…

15 Jan

Good relations are set to boost Namibian economic growth

ObserverObserver MoneyGood relations are set to boost Namibian economic growth

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s economic growth is set to receive a significant boost in 2024 through its growing and robust relationship with China, according to an independent economic and business researcher, Josef Sheehama. The strengthening ties between the two nations are expected to bring tangible and substantial benefits for both peoples. Over the years, China has emerged as Namibia’s largest source of foreign investment and its second-largest trading partner. The economic and political partnership between the two countries has deepened, offering a wide range of opportunities for mutual growth and cooperation. According to Sheehama, the opportunities arising from the China-Namibia relationship…