Observer – Page 161 – Windhoek Observer

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,…

13 Nov

Namibia launches new initiatives to strengthen healthcare

ObserverNational NewsNamibia launches new initiatives to strengthen healthcare

Niël Terblanché Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services, announced the launch of several vital healthcare initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, quality, and safety throughout Namibia. The minister stressed the government’s commitment to continuously improving the healthcare system in Namibia. He outlined the need for adaptable tools, including policies, guidelines, and plans, to ensure that health workers can provide methodical and high-quality healthcare services as disease burdens evolve. One of the key initiatives unveiled during the event in Windhoek last week was the National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP). The NSOAP addresses the challenges related…

13 Nov

NamPol warns against child neglect during the festive season

ObserverNational NewsNamPol warns against child neglect during the festive season

Niël Terblanché As the festive season draws near, a concerning rise in incidents of child neglect and abuse has prompted the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) to issue a stern warning to parents and guardians. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the Public Relations Division of the Namibian Police, in a special message, requested parents to guard their children against various dangers during this period. She said that there has been a disturbing increase in crimes against children. She added that these incidents range from neglect and abuse to sexual assault, with many children falling victim to crimes perpetrated by…

13 Nov

Namibia’s economic problems are far from over

ObserverNational NewsNamibia’s economic problems are far from over

Martin Endjala Popular Democratic Movement parliamentary member Nico Smit says that Namibia’s economic problems are far from over, hence he calls on his parliamentary counterparts to take care of fundamental problems of the country to avoid going back to square one. “The economic performance of the past two years makes it appear that we have overcome all the problems but that is far from the truth. The underlying trouble is still there, and as I will indicate later, the current uptick will not last. If we do not take care of the fundamental problems in our economy, in another two…

13 Nov

Cabinet approves revised national housing policy and implementation action plan

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Cabinet has approved the revised National Housing Policy and Implementation Action Plan and related estimated financial implications to enable improved access to housing, and inclusive and sustainable economic development. This was announced last week Thursday by the Cabinet spokesperson and Information Communications and Technology Minister Peya Mushelenga, following the Cabinet Decision during its 19th Decision-making meeting on 7 November 2023 in Windhoek. Mushelenge said that the cabinet further endorsed the mechanisms contained in the revised policy to ensure the optimal attainment of its objectives. These mechanisms have a special focus on nationwide upgrading of informal settlements and…

13 Nov

Paratus secures funding for a new data centre in Africa

ObserverNational NewsParatus secures funding for a new data centre in Africa

Staff Writer Namibian-owned Pan-African firm Paratus has secured a major debt facility to accelerate the company’s growth in digital infrastructure across Africa. Paratus has obtained a N600 million debt facility from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and its fund manager, Ninety One. The financial injection is earmarked for expanding Paratus’ fibre and data centre operations over the next three years. The funds are set to facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art 10MW data centre in Angola. Additionally, they will support the development of three new fibre routes, connecting strategic locations…