Observer – Page 266 – Windhoek Observer

21 Jun

Free Visas for Chinese nationals couldnegatively impact Marginalised Namibians-LPM

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The issuing of free visas to Chinese nationals is seen as a negative move by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security because it will disadvantage the already unemployed youth in the country. Namibia is currently facing an unemployment rate of over 55 percent. It is a staggering figure that highlights the urgent need for job creation and opportunities for youth. Considering this challenging situation, the decision to provide free visas to Chinese nationals is said to raise concerns among the youth population. This is according to a letter submitted to the office of the Executive…

21 Jun

Otjiwarongo sits on unallocated deposits

ObserverNational NewsOtjiwarongo sits on unallocated deposits

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Auditor General Junias Kandjeke said he was not able to provide a basis for the municipality of Otjiwarongo’s audit report as he was not able to obtain enough audit evidence from the municipality’s financial statements for the 2021/22 financial year. He said this is due to the fact that the municipality has numerous unresolved audit findings from his previoa In addition to these, the municipality also has unallocated deposits amounting to N$4 507 615 and could not obtain audit evidence to prove the unallocated deposits “The submitted listing consists of debit entries amounting to N$15 558 338…

21 Jun

Informal settlements to be powered by the sun

ObserverNational NewsAfrican Development Bank’s (AFDB) Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF), Informal settlements to be powered by the sun

Niël Terblanché The African Development Bank’s (AFDB) Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) approved a grant of N$9.7 million for an urban solar electricity project that will eventually power 50 000 households in the informal settlements of the City of Windhoek (CoW). The AFDB in a statement said that the Informal Settlement Renewable Electrification and Upgrading Programme will directly benefit around 200 000 residents of the Namibian capital once completed. The Municipal Council of Windhoek requested the AFDB’s support to upgrade services in informal settlements. The delivery of services is a key priority under the CoW’s Strategic Plan and the…

21 Jun

The inability to avert corruption is killing the country-Venaani

ObserverNational NewsThe inability to avert corruption is killing the country-Vennani

Martin Endjala The Popular Democratic Movement Leader, Mchenry Venaani is of the opinion that the government’s inability to curb corruption is killing the country and that the matter must be addressed urgently to protect against state capture. He said this yesterday during a Parliament session while motivating a motion calling for an assessment of power struggles in corporate governance in terms of corruption in the country particularly in the state-owned enterprises such as NAMCOR, which of late has come under fire while its Managing Director, Immanuel Mulunga is currently on suspension and reports of disputes amongst its board members. Venanni…

21 Jun

Government reviews communication strategy

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The timely provision of adequate information is essential and it the public to understand, respond to and influence the development and implementation of government policies and programmes. To streamline the process of information dissemination in the ever-changing media landscape the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is hosting a review workshop on the implementation of the Government Communications Strategy in Swakopmund this week. At the root of the government’s communication strategy and approach to dealing with the news media is the principle that the responsibility to provide information is inseparable from the nature of representative government. The Minister…

21 Jun

Corporates implored to invest in people

ObserverNational NewsCorporates implored to invest in people

Martin Endjala Monica Geingos, the First Lady of Namibia, has implored cooperate companies to strengthen their social responsibilities by investing in the people of Namibia to achieve one economy. She made the call during her visit to the Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) in Windhoek yesterday, where she said that cooperate companies have a moral duty to invest in the people and added that this is the only way for Namibia to be successful She said young people must succeed and for that to happen more investment is needed. With the much-anticipated Green Hydrogen and the discovery of oil, Geingos emphasized…

20 Jun

Civil Society Organizations crucial in promoting democracy

ObserverFeaturedCivil Society Organizationscrucial in promoting democracy

Martin Endjala Civil Society Organizations have been underpinned as vital role players in promoting democracy in the country given their vast direct connection to society. The European Union Deputy Head of Mission, Gosia Lachut said this during the European Union and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung training of over 200 members of the Civil Society Organisations from four Northern Communal Areas, the Omusati, Ohangwena, Kavango East and West regions. She emphasised the importance of Civil Society in democracies adding that such organisations play a crucial role in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance. “I believe that with the newly acquired knowledge,…

20 Jun

BoN declares QZ Asset Management a pyramid scheme

ObserverFeatured, Observer Money

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Following complaints by members of the public, the Bank of Namibia (BoN) has warned the public about investing their hard-earned money in an illegal scheme of QZ Asset Management. In a statement, the central bank, cautions the public to refrain from promoting or participating in the business activities of QZ Asset Management or any other unauthorised financial schemes, as such activities are against the law and may result in financial losses to those that partake in it. According to Kazembire Zemburuka, the Director of Strategic Communications and International Relations at the central bank, QZ Asset Management is marketed…

20 Jun

Namibians urged to support local products

ObserverObserver Money

Martin Endjala Namibians have been urged to buy local products to stimulate the domestic economy of the country which is in dire need of revival and only by buying local products will it be rescued. The Founder of SureFire Marketing Solutions, Lazarus Hishekwa said they saw the need to not only promote local products but also to bring interaction between the product and the consumers. He says he believes that the better people are acquainted with a product, there more they are likely to buy it. Hishekwa spoke to the Windhoek Observer yesterday about the upcoming event in July, that…

20 Jun

Ohangwena still battling scabies

ObserverNational NewsOhangwena still battling scabies

Martin Endjala The Ohangwena Region is not yet out of the woods as health officials continue to report cases of scabies since the disease was reported in March last year by Health and Social Services Minister Kalumbi Shangula. This was revealed yesterday by the region’s Governor, Walde Ndevashiya during the State of region Address. During the period under review, the number of cases is said to have exponentially increased to 10 780 in 2022 while cases continue to rise in the year 2023. He said 5 484 cases have already been recorded. This disease, the Governor said, requires a high…