Observer – Page 210 – Windhoek Observer

04 Sep

On the road with Faraway Sandy Trails Stonetrees, a White Lady & many cups of coffee

ObserverFeaturedOn the road with Faraway Sandy Trails Stonetrees

Ron Swilling I picked up some unusual travelling literature on a recent trip through Namibia, a book called ‘Faraway Sandy Trails’ written by Lily Marion Newton more than sixty years ago. It gave me the opportunity to compare routes and find amusing and interesting anecdotes about the country and the days of travel before organised tourism and tar roads. This time I focused on the chapter about two attractions in north-western Namibia, the Petrified Forest and the well-known White Lady rock painting. Today both are on the tourist map and there are well-signposted gravel roads, but in Lily’s day it…

04 Sep

Honeymoon in Namibia – Memories to last a lifetime

ObserverFeaturedHoneymoon in Namibia - Memories to last a lifetime

Despite the world dealing with the aftermath of Covid, Sabrina and I decided to get married last year on September 18th, 2021. We held a small garden wedding with our family and closest friends. It was a magical day that will be forever engraved in our hearts. One thing was missing though; we had to postpone our honeymoon until the world opened up again. Once it did, there was an unlimited well of possibilities. We decided to honeymoon in Africa as it was a continent we both hadn’t explored much and it intrigued us. Sabrina researched several countries in the…

04 Sep

CoW blames the government for Its financial woes

ObserverNational NewsCoW blames the government for Its financial woes, Harold Akweenye

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The City of Windhoek has stated that its financial struggles are exacerbated by a growing population, urbanisation and the provision of services that should be funded or subsidised by the government. This was conveyed by the city’s spokesperson, Harold Akweenye while responding to questions on the city’s current financial status after it was reported last year that the city is surviving on a N$200 million bank overdraft every month to pay salaries and other expenses. Akwenye is of the opinion that for the city’s financial status to improve, urbanization should be minimized and the government should avail funds…

04 Sep

Menzies Aviation’s endless litigation is sabotaging Namibia’s economy

ObserverMainHosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA)., Menzies’ endless litigation is sabotaging Namibia’s economy

Niël Terblanché Menzies Aviation Namibia has filed yet another notice of motion with the Namibian High Court in which application the company intends to seek an order that would allow them more time to operate as the ground handling service provider at the Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA). This comes after High Court Judge Hannelie Prinsloo on Friday dismissed another application where the British-owned company appealed against its eviction from the Hosea Kutako International Airport on 19 August 2023. The matter was dismissed with costs and removed the matter from the roll. The judge found that Menzies had no legal…

04 Sep

Menzies Aviation under scrutiny over health and safety concerns globally

ObserverNational NewsMenzies Aviation under scrutiny overhealth and safety concerns globally

Niël Terblanché Menzies Aviation, a major player in the global aviation services industry, is currently facing mounting criticism and significant fines in various countries over its questionable health and safety record. The company, which operates at airports around the world, has come under intense scrutiny for alleged safety lapses and violations that have jeopardized the well-being of its employees and passengers. The United Kingdom-based company with a presence in over 200 airports worldwide, provides a wide range of ground handling, cargo, and passenger services to numerous airlines. While the company has been a key player in the aviation industry for…

04 Sep

Long list of Menzies Aviation’s unsafe operations

ObserverNational NewsLong list of Menzies Aviation’s unsafe operations

Menzies Aviation which operates at more than 200 airports around the world, has come under intense scrutiny for alleged safety lapses and violations that have jeopardized the well-being of its employees and passengers.A search of the internet revealed a long list of fines for safety and other airport rule violations as well as regular salary disputes with employees. Menzies Aviation tanker drivers prepare to strike at Birmingham Airport as pay dispute rumbles onhttps://motortransport.co.uk/blog/2023/08/09/menzies-aviation-tanker-drivers-prepare-to-strike-at-birmingham-airport-as-pay-dispute-rumbles-on/ Menzies Aviation, was fined $77,250 by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration for safety lapses, including not having a seat belts on vehicles.https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/17/airport-ramp-safety-airlines-iata-faa-osha-ntsb/18597565/ Menzies could lose…

04 Sep

NamWater open to collaboration for mining projects

ObserverNational Newsamibia Water Corporation (NamWater) Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia, NamWater open to collaboration for mining projects

Martin Endjala Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia, said the institution is open to collaborating in de-risking and delivering bulk water to current and future mining projects in the country. “As we are all aware that water plays a critical role in the mining sector, and as a bulk water supplier, we are open to collaborate in de-risking and delivering bulk water to current and future mining projects,” he said. Nehemia was speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with Osino Gold Exploration and Mining at the Mining Expo in Windhoek last week.…

04 Sep

Women Network seeks to promote inclusivity in the workplace

ObserverNational NewsMotor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA), Women Network seeks to promote inclusivity in the workplace

Martin Endjala It was decided at an event hosted by the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) for the Women Network in Windhoek last week, to foster gender equality, empowerment, and inclusivity in the workplace. The event brought together female employees, leaders, and external speakers for a day of discussions, workshops, and networking aimed at advancing the role of women in the workplace. The event was hosted roughly a month after the MVA Fund Men’s Network event, underscoring the significance of inclusivity and mindfulness towards the diverse experiences and backgrounds of MVA Fund’s staff members. Addressing the event, MVA Chief Executive…

04 Sep

Vetting of learners before admission to state schools is discriminatory

ObserverNational NewsSanet Steenkamp, Vetting of learners before admission to state schools is discriminatory

Niël Terblanché The practice of vetting learners before admission to state schools is extremely discriminatory in nature and denies some children access to the schools of their choice. The Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp said the Ministry’s rules of admission for children have not changed since 2010. Steenkamp said this in a circular issued last week on the admission of learners in state schools to guide Education Regional Directors, Inspectors of Education, School Principals and parents to plan and administer the admission process. “It has come to our attention that some schools are…

04 Sep

Woman attacks elderly mother with machete

ObserverNational NewsDeputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, Woman attacks elderly mother with machete

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A 28-year-old woman, was on Friday arrested for attempted murder after attacking her 63-year-old mother with a machete at Ongundi village in Omungwelume constituency in Ohangwena Region. According to the Namibian Police’s spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the woman chopped her mother with the panga on the hands, chest and lips and sustained open cut wounds. The victim was taken to Oshakati State Hospital for treatment and the investigation into the attack will continue. In a separate incident on the same day, at around 21:00 at Eenhana, it is reported that Matias Mwatongasheni Mwetufa, a 33-year-old man, lost…