Observer – Page 160 – Windhoek Observer

14 Nov

ECN to test functionality and readiness for 2024 elections

ObserverNational NewsECN to test functionality and readiness for 2024 elections

Stefanus Nashama The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) yesterday announced that it is prepared to commence with a mock voter registration exercise, which aims to test the real-time functionality and usability of the voter registration system. According to the ECN’s Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Peter Shaama, this exercise is in preparation for the general registration of voters in 2024. The pilot exercise will commence this week, from 15 to 17 November 2023. In a media statement, Shaama informed that this exercise follows the completion of Integrated Solution, in preparation for the 2024 presidential and national assembly election. “The integrated…

14 Nov

Traditional leaders are responsible for cultural preservation

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The 24th annual meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders will focus on the significance of preserving Namibia’s cultural heritage, fostering economic growth, and addressing challenges within traditional communities for a united and prosperous country. Vice President Dr Nangolo Mbumba officially opened the meeting on behalf of President Hage Geingob. The gathering focused on preserving cultural heritage, economic revitalization, and resolving issues related to traditional authority in the country. In his address, Mbumba stressed the crucial role of traditional leaders in preserving and promoting Namibia’s culture and heritage. He cited the Namibian Constitution, which mandates the Council of…

14 Nov

The development of new products and routes must boost tourism

ObserverNational NewsThe development of new products and routes must boost tourism

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, has stressed the importance of developing new products and routes across the country to extend tourism economic activities to all regions. Shifeta made this statement during the announcement of the new board members of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), scheduled for the period from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2026. Highlighting key focus areas, Shifeta stated that the agenda should include the creation of cultural heritage tourism products, popularising Namibian gastronomy experiences, and implementing marketing initiatives in transfrontier conservancy areas. He expressed the government’s intent to diversify into…

14 Nov

NWR urges new graduates to believe in their credentials

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala Namibia Wildlife Resort Managing Director, Matthias Ngwangwama has urged the new hospitality graduates to believe in their qualifications and not to be discouraged by critics. “To all our graduates, what you achieved today is historic. You must truly believe deep down in your heart that you have an accredited qualification that gives you hope. Do not be put off by criticisms that your qualifications are not useful,” he said. Ngwangwama said this yesterday at the first NWR hospitality institute graduation ceremony held at Gross Barmen Resort, where he stated that there are still ample opportunities in the tourism…

14 Nov

Indian Navy strengthens maritime security ties with Namibia

ObserverNational NewsIndian Navy strengthens maritime securityties with Namibia

Niël Terblanché In a demonstration of India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and fostering friendly relations, the Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha paid a port call to Walvis Bay.The visit started last week Friday and the vessel and its crew departed yesterday and forms part of the Indian Navy’s mission-based deployment to West Africa and the Atlantic.According to a press release from the Indian Ministry of Defence, the port call at Walvis Bay signifies the warm ties between India and Namibia. It also underscores India’s solidarity with friendly nations in the region.During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sumedha conducted…

14 Nov

We will deconstruct all economic redlines once in power: Angula

ObserverMainWe will deconstruct all economic redlines once in power: Angula

Erasmus Shalihaxwe “At independence we should have deconstructed all redlines, we didn’t but now we must, and we cannot do that by driving fellow Namibians aside, we just cannot. But to construct together we must deconstruct.” These are the words of Ally Angula, who indicated her intention to run as an Independent Candidate for the 2024 National Assembly and Presidential elections. During a recent interview with this publication, Angula stated that the majority of Namibians have been excluded from economic participation due to many “redlines” which are not only the veterinary cordon fence (Redline) but other main economic streams. Therefore,…

13 Nov

An exclusive interview with the Namibian music trailblazer, the legendary Oteya.

ObserverFeaturedAn exclusive interview with the Namibian music trailblazer, the legendary Oteya.

We have noticed that Oteya is slowly making a come back on the Namibian social scene. Where has Oteya been?Yes, I have been slowly making a comeback into the music scene. I released my Single ‘Amen’ towards the end of 2022 after Covid-19. Before that I was busy working on my music and I also welcomed my daughter, Malaika, in 2020 during the pandemic. Early this year I released my single ‘Closer’ on Valentines day, followed by ‘Shawty’ featuring Yomaps from Zambia. Wife, mother, artist and entrepreneur, how do you juggle it all?It’s not easy to juggle as all demand…

13 Nov

Namibia’s inflation rate increased by 6 percent in October

ObserverObserver MoneyNamibia’s inflation rate increased by 6 percent in October

Martin Endjala Namibia’s annual inflation rate stood at six percent for October 2023, this is an increase compared to the 5.4 percent year-on-year (y/y) rate recorded in September 2023. This marks the third consecutive increase since the 4.5 percent y/y deceleration observed in July 2023. According to Simonis Storm Security Economist Halleluya Ndimulunde on Friday, the monthly inflation rate for October 2023 remained stable, with the same rate as the 0.8 percent month-on-month rate reported in September 2023. While the category of food and non-alcoholic beverages continues to be the primary contributor to headline inflation, the transport category took the…

13 Nov

DBSA backs major Green Hydrogen project in Namibia

ObserverObserver MoneyDBSA backs major Green Hydrogen project in Namibia

Niël Terblanché The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has announced its support for Namibia’s groundbreaking green hydrogen project. The DBSA’s funding will aid in the progression of Hyphen Hydrogen Energy’s ambitious project, which is poised to transform the country’s energy landscape. With a substantial funding facility, the bank is set to partially finance various crucial aspects of the project, including engineering work, environmental assessments, and socioeconomic development strategies. This preparation will pave the way for a final investment decision on the project. Hyphen Hydrogen Energy’s project, estimated at a capital investment of N$200 billion, stands as a significant economic…

13 Nov

Verification process delays census payments

ObserverNational NewsVerification process delays census payments

Stefanus Nashama In response to criticism from the United People’s Movement (UPM) regarding unpaid census field staff, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) clarified last week that payments are subject to multiple verifications before they are released. This rigorous verification process is in place to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance with standard procedures while minimizing errors. Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General, explained that payments are disbursed on a regional basis, with each region undergoing thorough verification. The verifications encompass several aspects, including the condition of returned equipment, contract content validation, bank account details, rectification of previous payment errors or deductions, tax certificates,…