Observer – Page 248 – Windhoek Observer

03 Aug

Japan considering Namibia for rare earth mineral deal

ObserverNational NewsG7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan considering Namibia for rare earth mineral deal

Niël Terblanché The Japanese government plans to enter into an agreement with state-owned entity, Epangelo Mining Company to strengthen the supply chain for rare earth and other key minerals. Namibia is one of three African countries selected by the Japanese government as potential suppliers of lithium and other rare earth minerals used in the production of high-capacity batteries. Aside from Namibia, Japan intends to extend cooperative exploration for rare earth minerals with state-owned mining businesses in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As Namibia is rich in zinc, copper, and other resources, the supply chain remains underdeveloped, despite…

03 Aug

Home Affairs Ministry to pay retired NDF General over N$ 219 000

ObserverNational NewsHome Affairs Ministry to pay retired NDF General over N$ 219 000, Thomas Ngilifavali Hamunyela

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Retired Namibian Defence Forces (NDF) member, Major General, Thomas Ngilifavali Hamunyela has won his unlawful arrest and detention court case against the Namibian Police. The case was presided over by High Court Judge, Esi Schimming-Chase, who decided in favour of Hamunyela and ordered the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security to pay N$ 219 630 in compensation. The court’s decision dismissed any justifiable explanations for Hamunyela’s wrongful incarceration, emphasising that his arrest was not lawful, reasonable, or essential. The police were held liable by the court for their behaviour. Schimming-Chase directed that N$50 000 be paid…

03 Aug

Gender ministry launches disabilities draft Bill

ObserverNational NewsGender ministry launches disabilities draft Bill, Royal /Ui/o/oo s

Staff Writer The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare launched a National Policy consultation on Persons with Disability Bill on Wednesday. Marginalised Communities deputy minister, Royal /Ui/o/oo said the draft bill aims to incorporate principles enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into Namibia’s statutory framework. Ui/o/oo gave the keynote address on behalf of Minister Doreen Sioka. According to the deputy minister, the consultation emphasises the significance of mainstreaming disability concerns as an inherent element of applicable plans for long-term development. Furthermore, the procedure will ensure that Namibia not only…

03 Aug

Okapya to house artificial insemination centre

ObserverNational NewsJona Musheko, National Planning Commission

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced that the Okapya Livestock Development Centre (LDC) in the Oshikoto region will be upgraded and equipped with an artificial insemination facility to improve farmers’ access to better breeding resources. This comes on the heels of the ministry’s recent announcement, in partnership with the National Planning Commission, to award a contract to an abettor for the upgrade of the existing slaughterhouse in Opuwo, Kunene area, as well as the contraction of Okapya LDC. The funding will come from the European Union’s livestock support program in Namibia’s Northern Communal Areas…

03 Aug

Local markets linked to external markets – Matundu

ObserverNational NewsJenelly Matundu, Local markets linked to external markets - Matundu

Stefanus Nashama Deputy International Relations Minister, Jenelly Matundu says the ministry is working relentlessly to advertise Namibia to international markets by exposing the country’s prospective commercial prospects to the world. According to Matundu, the ministry is also considering removing trade berries, tariff reductions, and the elimination of non-tariff berries, which will provide Namibia with greater access to new market production. She stated that the government, through the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, has allotted funds to all 14 regions to fund missions abroad, with Ohangwena specifically designated for missions in France and Cuba, but not exclusively. She also stated…

03 Aug

Kashuupulwa promoted to Commissioner

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibian Police (NamPol) Head Operations Division in the Oshana region, Ottilie Kashuupulwa has been promoted to the position of Commissioner. Kashuupulwa was also named as the new Regional Commander of the Ohangwena region. NamPol Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo promoted Kashuupulwa from Deputy Commissioner to Commissioner an elevation that took effect on August 1. Commissioner Kashuupulwa took over for Commissioner Elizabeth Sibolile, whose service as an active public servant expired on July 31, when she reached retirement age. According to NamPol’s Public Relations Division’s Deputy Commissioner, Kauna Shikwambi, Commissioner Kashuupulwa began her policing career on November 6, 1990. Her…

03 Aug

Aging infrastructure, staff shortages hampering Zambezi healthcare delivery… National Council’s meeting reveals urgent upgrades needed

ObserverMainAging infrastructure, staff shortages hampering Zambezi healthcare delivery… National Council’s meeting reveals urgent upgrades needed

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Hospital and clinics in the Zambezi region are struggling to deliver adequate health services to residents due to outdated facilities, staff shortages, and limited funding, the National Council’s Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare, and Labour Affairs has been told. The dilapidated state of healthcare facilities in the Zambezi region was brought to the fore when National Council Committee member met regional Health Ministry representatives yesterday to review the state of health facilities and the problems they face in providing quality healthcare. “Katima Mulilo District Hospital, the Zambezi region’s only hospital, is suffering from a lack of critical…

02 Aug

Old Mutual Foundation launches Chair and Desk initiative

ObserverObserver MoneyN$500 000 Chair and Desk (C&D) Initiative for Namibian, Old Mutual Foundation launches Chair and Desk initiative

Staff Reporter The Old Mutual Foundation (OMF) has launched the N$500 000 Chair and Desk (C&D) Initiative for Namibian Government Schools and has called on local entrepreneurs to aid in the project The project was developed to meet the critical need for useable chairs and tables in Namibia's 14 regions' public schools. Since 2012, the Old Mutual Foundation has been a prominent sponsor in the education sector, and this new program builds on previous efforts. The C&D Initiative intends to offer new chairs and desks to schools in desperate need, as well as repair any fixable damaged chairs and desks.…

02 Aug

Namibia suffers over N$1 billion trade deficit

ObserverFeatured, Observer Moneydeficit of N$1.4 billion, N$10.1 billion, Namibia suffers over N$1 billion trade deficit, National Statistics Agency (NSA)

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia suffered a trade deficit of N$1.4 billion in June after importing goods worth N$10.1 billion while only managing to export goods valued at N$8.7 billion. This was revealed by National Statistics Agency (NSA) Statistician General and Chief Executive Officer, Alex Shimuafeni.According to Shimuafeni, Namibia’s export earnings in June decreased by 5.9 percent from N$9.2 billion to N$8.7 billion recorded last month. "The country's trade balance stood at a deficit of N$1.4 billion in June, compared to a trade deficit of N$2.8 billion and N$129 million in May 2023 and June2022, respectively," he said. He went on to…

02 Aug

Discovering Nedbank’s Solar financing options for homeowners

ObserverObserver MoneyDiscovering Nedbank's Solar financing options for homeowners, Nedbank's Solar Financing Solution, Von Wielligh

Staff Writter AS the world shifts to renewable energy in the wake of climate change and escalating living costs, solar power is emerging as a sustainable, cost-effective solution. In Namibia, solar power is more than an environmental initiative—it's an investment in a financially viable future, particularly for homeowners. The initial investment in solar power, however, can be daunting. A typical residential solar system in Windhoek can range from N$20 000 to N$100 000; a cost that often discourages homeowners. Fortunately, Nedbank's Solar Financing Solution for Home Loans has provided a pathway to renewable energy that addresses these financial constraints. Acting…