Observer – Page 140 – Windhoek Observer

22 Dec

NamRA seized goods after detecting transit irregularities

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), has raised a red flag over a series of irregularities in transit procedures at checkpoints nationwide, with intercepted goods and vehicles declared at values far below their actual worth during a recent operation at the Windhoek-Okahandja checkpoint. According to NamRa Chief of Strategic Communications and Support Engagements, Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, items seized include a Range Rover Sport declared at a mere 1000 euros, a Mercedes Benz truck undervalued at 3750 euros, and an Iveco truck with a declared value of 2500 euros. He said NamRA officials uncovered a disturbing trend of false declarations aimed…

22 Dec

Swakopmund Street Fair in full swing

ObserverNational NewsSwakopmund Street Fair in full swing

Niël Terblanché The community of Swakopmund, in the spirit of Christmas, has come together to host the annual Swakopmund Street Fair, which promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. This festive event, set to run until Saturday, 23 December 2023, has already attracted hundreds of visitors. The Swakopmund Street Fair is not just a market; it is a celebration of community spirit, offering locals and visitors alike a unique opportunity to come together, socialize, and build new connections in a lively and festive setting. Daniel Tjongarero Avenue, the event’s venue, has been transformed into a bustling hub of…

22 Dec

Venaani urges people to be safe during festive season

ObserverNational NewsVenaani urges people to be safe during festive season

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, the leader of Namibia’s official opposition party, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has made a heartfelt plea to the Namibian people to prioritize safety and well-being during the festive season. While extending his warmest wishes to everyone during this festive period, Venaani emphasizes that the safety of all individuals must be the foremost concern. “All Namibians should remember the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding towards one another. As we celebrate this moment with our families, let us prioritize the safety of our people,” he said. At the same time, Venaani encouraged people to cherish their…

22 Dec

Gender equality promoted through ecosystem adaptation

ObserverNational NewsGender equality promoted through ecosystem adaptation

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) and the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), have joined forces to address gender equality within the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) project in Otjozondjupa region during a two-day gender mainstreaming training in Otjiwarongo this week. During the training, Gender Young Professional from EIF Kredula Shimwandi, highlighted EIF’s commitment to gender equity and equality, underscoring the differentiated impact of climate change on genders and the necessity of involving both women and men in climate action. “Teach your boys and girls how to carry out daily activities without discriminating based on gender roles,” Shimwandi urged, emphasising…

22 Dec

Namcor considers revising retail service station expansion plans

ObserverMainNamcor considers revising retail service station expansion plans

Martin Endjala The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) is contemplating a reassessment of its expansion plans for its retail service station network throughout the country. Initially, the company aimed to establish 33 service stations nationwide by 2024, but to date, only 16 have been successfully established. During a recent press conference, Namcor’s acting Managing Director, Shiwana Ndeunyema, disclosed that the company has embarked on a three-pronged strategy to address the challenges it has encountered in expanding its retail service station network. The strategy aims to identify more effective operating models to reach its expansion goals. “Whatever operating models we…

22 Dec

Erongo Regional Council reflects on 2023

ObserverNational NewsErongo Regional Council reflects on 2023

Niël Terblanché As the year 2023 draws to a close, the Erongo Regional Council held its final meeting to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges faced throughout the year. Chairperson Benitha Imbamba addressed various critical issues in her statement, emphasizing the importance of safety, environmental responsibility, and community welfare. One of the foremost concerns highlighted by Imbamba was road safety during the festive season. With an increased number of residents and visitors travelling throughout the region, she urged everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. “Do not speed and make sure when we travel that our vehicles are in good…

22 Dec

Iipinge hopes for positive results for Grade 11and 12 students

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala Hofni Iipinge, the Swapo Party Deputy Secretary of Education, is hopeful that the Grade 11 and 12 learners who recently took their national examinations will achieve positive results that qualify them for higher education institutions. Iipinge shared his thoughts and expectations regarding the upcoming results announcement in January next year. “As we approach the end of 2023 and anticipate the outcomes, I expect favourable results in grades 11 and 12 this year. These results should enable more of our learners to pursue higher education and undertake quality courses, aligning with Namibia’s developmental needs. An educated nation contributes significantly…

21 Dec

Namdeb focus on Southern Coastal mine

ObserverObserver Money

Observer Money (OM): Describe the year 2023 in terms of the business environment? Riaan Burger, Namdeb CEO (RB): 2023 has been a challenging yet progressive year for Namdeb. Following the announcement of our Long-term plan (LTP) in 2021, it was important to drive an implementation strategy that would ensure delivery. As a result, we devised a ramp-up plan with a focus on the Southern Coastal Mine operation, which is Namdeb's mainstay and future. This ramp-up plan meant that we increased our mining capacity with a holistic view of the operations from mining, treatment as well as the machinery and equipment…

21 Dec

Momentum Metropolitan to overcome challenges

ObserverObserver Money

Observer Money (OM): Describe the year 2023 in terms of the business environment? Sakaria Nghikembua, CEO of Momentum Metropolitan Namibia (SN): Overall, the business environment remained challenging. Interest rates reached their all-time high in over 10 years. Inflation also remained relatively high. Both high interest and inflation rates, have had the effect of reducing disposable incomes, putting strain on consumers. On the other hand, the economy has started picking up, somewhat counterbalancing the interest- and inflationary effects, though economic growth rates remained fairly low. On the whole, though, the environment remained positive for business. OM: What was the biggest challenge…

21 Dec

Business showed remarkable resilience

ObserverObserver Money

Observer Money (OM): Describe the year 2023 in terms of the business environment? Sven Thieme, O&L Executive Chairman (ST): In 2023, Namibia's business environment showed remarkable resilience and growth despite global challenges. Projections indicated that Namibia's real GDP was expected to grow by approximately three percent, a positive outlook shared by organizations such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank. Key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and tourism played pivotal roles in driving this growth. Investments in irrigation and infrastructure projects injected new life into the agricultural sector, while strong demand for minerals like uranium, gold, and diamonds…