info_e12wt4cs – Page 262

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…

03 Sep

Green Industries study launched

info_e12wt4csEnergy, Latest

The Localising Green Industries in Namibia study was launched in Windhoek. The launch took place at the Global African Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek, which commenced today. According to Kornelia Shilunga, the deputy minister of mines and energy, the study started in December 2023 and was completed in May 2024. She said the study was focussed on identifying actionable steps for green industrialisation in key industries such as iron, lithium and rare earth metals. Report: Martin Endjala.

02 Sep

Opposition accuses Nandi-Ndaitwah of playing political games with sports minister

info_e12wt4csMainAgnes Tjongarero, Independence Stadium, Lifalaza Simataa, Maximalliant Katjimune

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Opposition political parties argue that Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's criticism of sport, youth, and national service minister Agnes Tjongarero, because she hasn't started renovating Independence Stadium, should not be taken seriously. Opposition parties believe that Nandi-Ndaitwah is using her words as an election gimmick to portray herself as a leader who holds others accountable, even though she is not. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Maximalliant Katjimune said the timing of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s criticism of her former fellow cabinet member is questionable. He said she has been part of the government for years and has been aware of…

02 Sep

GRN expands dialysis and ICU services to district hospitals

info_e12wt4csNational NewsBen Nangombe, Wilika Frai

Ester Mbathera The Ministry of Health and Social Services has initiated the installation of dialysis units in several district hospitals across Namibia. Ben Nangombe, the executive director of the health ministry, made this statement at the book launch of Wilika Frai, who received state support during her battle with endometriosis. Nangombe said the move is part of the government's broader effort to improve public healthcare delivery in the country. "As a ministry, we are working quite hard to improve the provision of public health care services in this country," said Nangombe. He said the government has previously spent over N$100…

02 Sep

Experts and activists call for reform in maternity leave disparities

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibian Rural Women Assembly (NRWA)

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Maternity leave benefits in Namibia are under currently scrutiny after calls for urgent policy reforms to address disparities that affect women's economic empowerment. Toini Amaambo, the programme officer at the Namibian Rural Women Assembly (NRWA), has raised concerns about the differences in maternity leave policies between the public and private sectors. She said that a review of these differences is necessary to guarantee the full protection of all women's rights. "Some of these issues depend on where one is employed and the flexibility of the workplace. In the public sector, policies are generally clear, but the private sector…