info_e12wt4cs – Page 222

03 Sep

Mbumba and Xi Jinping to strengthen Namibia-China partnership

info_e12wt4csNational NewsFOCAC, President Xi Jinping

Erasmus Shalihaxwe President Nangolo Mbumba has arrived in Beijing, China, to participate in the Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled to take place from 4 to 6 September. Press secretary Alfredo Hengari announced this on Tuesday, saying the forum is an official forum between the People's Republic of China and most African countries, as well as the African Union. Hengari said that on the forum's margins, President Nangolo Mbumba will hold a courtesy meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China. ‘’Namibia's participation in the FOCAC has proven beneficial, as it has received support in the…

03 Sep

Public urged to hand over Illegal weapons

info_e12wt4csNational NewsThe amnesty for illegal arms

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security declared September 2024 as an amnesty month during which all citizens are urged to surrender illegal and unwanted arms, ammunition, and armaments without facing prosecution. The initiative, themed "Together for a Peaceful Future: Surrender Your Arms Today", is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of armed violence in the country and it was launched by home affairs minister, Dr Albert Kawana. In a statement on Tuesday Kawana said that the amnesty that will be subject to the Arms and Ammunition Act of…

03 Sep

Mootu demands Tjongarero’s resignation over Independence Stadium renovation failures

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAgnes Tjongarero, Independence Stadium renovation, Utaara Mootu

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Utaara Mootu of the Landless People's Movement (LPM) and member of parliament called on Agnes Tjongarero, the minister of sport, youth and national services to apologise to the public and resign for failing to start the renovation of Independence Stadium on time as she promised. Tjongarero has been under fire since Saturday when Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah accused her last week of lying about the progress of the renovation. However, nothing has been done to date. On Tuesday, while posing her questions to Tjongarero in parliament, Mootu asked the sports minister if it was not the honourable thing…

03 Sep

Stronger partnerships needed to harness the full potential of AfCFTA

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAfrican Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Niël Terblanché Namibia has called for strengthened partnerships with trusted developmental allies like Indonesia to fully unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Representing President Nangolo Mbumba at the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali, Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, stressed the critical role of Indonesia as a key partner in Africa's journey towards economic integration and regional industrialisation. Namibia’s appeal comes at a time when global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, have been reinforcing the increasing need for resilient partnerships. Shifeta, on behalf of the president, focused the attention…

03 Sep

Electricity supply industry set for major upgrades

info_e12wt4csEnergy, National NewsElectricity Control Board, Promulgation of the Renewable Energy Grid Code

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electricity Control Board's (ECB) chief executive officer, Robert Kahimise, has called on players in the electricity supply industry to stay informed about the latest technology in the industry. Kahimise was speaking at the stakeholder workshop in Windhoek on Tuesday, which was focused on the review and update of the distribution grid code and connection code that took place. ‘’As you all know, the current distribution grid code was promulgated in 2018 and has not been reviewed since then. However, there have been a lot of changes and technological advancements in the electricity supply industry, amongst others including…

03 Sep

Nida defends its role amid calls for dismantling

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia Industrial Development Agency, Richwell Lukonga, Wessel !Nanuseb

Martin Endjala The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) operates under a clear statutory mandate aimed at fostering industrial and economic development. Nida’s spokesperson, Wessel !Nanuseb made this statement in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. He was responding to recent calls for the dismantling of the agency, labelling such demands as baseless and lacking evidence. “The agency is currently building fundamental foundations to sustain itself towards achieving its mandate. We are aware of calls for dismantling the agency by some quarter of the council members without providing sound reasons as well as alternatives that would be brought in…

03 Sep

Air Connect Namibia welcomes new Windhoek to Cape Town flight route

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAir Connect Namibia, FlySafair, Namibia Airports Company

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Airports Company (NAC)-led regional airline Air Connect Namibia has expressed excitement about the launch of FlySafair's new flight route, scheduled to begin on 22 October. The route will connect Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport to Cape Town International Airport. According to Bisey /Uirab, the chairperson of Air Connect Namibia and the chief executive officer of the Namibia Airports Company, the new service is expected to significantly enhance regional integration. "This direct connection enhances our efforts to position Namibia as a must-visit destination for travellers from South Africa and beyond. We encourage both leisure and business visitors…

03 Sep

The changing weather patterns ahead of the summer crop season in Namibia

info_e12wt4csOpinionsLa Niña, Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum

As we approach October 2024, Namibian farmers and farm workers are gearing up for the start of the summer crop season. This period marks the beginning of land preparation and planting activities for staple crops such as maize, pearl millet (mahangu), sorghum, groundnuts, and other legumes. Much like our counterparts in Southern Africa, the timing of these activities in Namibia is heavily influenced by rainfall patterns. In Namibia, the onset of the rainy season typically begins in late October to early November. The central and northern regions, which are the main agricultural hubs, are the first to receive rain. However,…

03 Sep

Reporting on Gender-Based Violence: Ethical Considerations for African Journalists

info_e12wt4csOpinionsViolence Against Persons Prohibition

Yemisi Akinbobola Welcome to September, a month that often marks a time of reflection and renewed commitment. With just 12-weeks before the 16 Days of Activism commences on 25 November, it is crucial for us as media practitioners to remember the role we play in reporting on gender-based violence, particularly when it involves minors. Our work carries immense weight, and how we handle these stories can either foster change or perpetuate harm. In Nigeria, where Kano remains the only state yet to pass the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the need for responsible, ethical journalism is more pressing than…

03 Sep

SMEs as catalysts for Namibia’s green industrial future

info_e12wt4csOpinionsSmall and Medium-sized Enterprises

Dino Ballotti Namibia is at a critical point in its journey towards becoming a green industrialised nation. This transition presents a unique opportunity for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to assume a central role. As we fully embrace renewable energy and sustainable development, SMEs are uniquely positioned to drive innovation, form strategic partnerships, and propel economic growth. Why SMEs are the Key Players Frequently referred to as the lifeblood of an economy, SMEs are poised to become key architects of Namibia’s green future amid the country’s transition to a sustainable economy. The agility allows scalable businesses to quickly adapt to…