Observer – Page 213 – Windhoek Observer

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…

03 Sep

The Artificial Intelligence of Talita

ObserverFeaturedTalitakuum Ekandjo, The Artificial Intelligence of Talita

Talitakuum Ekandjo talks to us about growing up in rural northern Namibia, working for the Bank of Namibia and now pursing studies in studying artificial intelligence. Tell us where you were born and where you grew up?I was born in Oupumako, a village just outside Ongwediva. I grew up in many different places, but my home village is Oniithima in the Oshikoto Region. Which primary and secondary school did you attend?I started my educational journey at Hamunyela Primary School. This is the closest school to my home village. I was there from Grades 1-3 before moving to Oniipa Primary School…

01 Sep

Letshego’s profit sees a 2% rise to N$171m

ObserverObserver MoneyLetshego's profit sees a 2% rise to N$171m

Chamwe Kaira In its interim results for the first half of 2023, Letshego Holdings (Namibia) Limited announced an increase in profit after tax, reaching N$171 million compared to N$168 million in the previous year, marking a 2% growth. The company's performance led to the declaration of a dividend amounting to N$224.5 million in June 2023. Chairperson Maryvonne Palanduz and Chief Executive Officer Ester Kali stated that the company experienced a substantial 14% surge in total revenue compared to the same period the previous year. This surge was propelled by a 16% rise in interest income, accompanied by a robust 11%…

01 Sep

Mining sector employed 16 147 people in 2022

ObserverObserver Money6.9% in 2022, Debmarine Namibia, Mining sector employed 16 147 people in 2022

Chamwe Kaira Total direct employment in the mining industry increased by 6.9% in 2022 and the sector collectively employed 16,147 people. The increase was a result of the new employment positions created on Debmarine Namibia’s new mining vessel and increased exploration activities. The direct employment consisted of 8,391 permanent employees, 742 temporary employees and 7,014 contractors, the Chamber of Mines of Namibia announced this week. The mining sector recorded another year of strong growth in 2022 of 21.6%, compared to 11% in 2021. The industry also significantly increased its relative share and importance to the Namibian economy by growing its…