Windhoek Observer – Page 271 – Windhoek Observer

18 Nov

Windhoek City Police to implement ‘smart policing’

National News

Mallex Shipanga Head of the Windhoek City Police, Leevi Ileka explained that the institution is in the process of implementing a smart policing strategy. Ileka announced this endeavour on Monday at a ceremony in commemoration of Windhoek City Police Service Day 2024. Smart policing is a manner of work in which data, communities, and technology are incorporated to enhance the effectiveness of officers. Ileka said the goal is to prevent crime before it occurs. “We are trying by all means to become proactive,” he said. Once implemented, these strategies will include technologies such as 400 CCTV cameras, computer-based statistics, and…

18 Nov

Shifeta calls for climate justice at COP29

National News

Niël Terblanché On the sidelines of COP29, the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, urged global leaders to intensify their efforts towards addressing climate change, highlighting the disproportionate impact on vulnerable countries like Namibia. Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on pre-2030 Ambition, Shifeta outlined Namibia’s climate challenges, commitments, and the critical need for international collaboration to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. He said Namibia is a nation highly dependent on natural resources. “The country faces significant vulnerabilities due to variable climatic patterns. The impacts of climate change, including severe droughts and floods, have left the…

18 Nov

Central bank leaders tackle cross-border payment frictions

Observer Money

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia hosted a quarterly Common Monetary Area (CMA) and Central Bank Governors meeting in Windhoek last week to discuss strengthening economic resilience and improving cross-border payment systems. Key topics included reducing frictions in payment integration, ensuring equitable access, and streamlining regulatory frameworks for efficiency and integrity. Kazembire Zemburuka, the bank’s strategic communications and international relations director, announced on Monday that the discussions centred on improving the speed, cost, and customer experience of cross-border payments. The CMA is actively engaging international development partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, for support and…

18 Nov

Namibia continues to chart ways to a digital future

Observer Money

Niël Terblanché By aligning efforts to create a digital future for the country with its national development goals, Namibia is in the continuous process of positioning itself as a regional leader by leveraging all available technology. In this regard, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), hosted yet another high-level engagement at the Namibian Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) last Thursday. The event brought together captains of the ICT industry, stakeholders, and experts to discuss pressing challenges and ambitious opportunities for Namibia's ICT landscape. Emma Theofelus, while officially inaugurating the event reiterated the transformative potential of technology…

17 Nov

UPM distances itself from candidate’s allegations against UNAM

Main

Ester Mbathera The United People’s Movement (UPM) has distanced itself from statements made by Polykarp Ameya, a parliamentary candidate on its party’s list, in a widely circulated video. Ameya in the video accused the University of Namibia (Unam) of funding the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) party and acting as its political training ground. “UNAM is funding AR political party. What have I said? The Faculty of Political Science of Unam is currently serving as the political party school of the AR political party,” he said. Ameya further accused Amupanda of being politically corrupt. “You are the president of a registered political…

17 Nov

NamRA denies favouritism over Swapo campaign material import

National News

Niël Terbalnché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has denied allegations circulating on social media, which claim that the agency permitted a political party to import election campaign materials without paying the requisite duties and taxes. The accusations are made by Nghipudilo ya Shiindi, an Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor for the Omuthiya town council on her Facebook page. She claims to have in her possession a letter written by Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa related to the party’s campaign material that entered the country for free. The letter according to her was addressed to Namra’s commissioner Sem Shivute. “Those…

17 Nov

Venaani calls for urgent water infrastructure investment in Opuwo

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani has called for a N$150 million investment to upgrade Opuwo’s oxidation ponds and establish a modern water treatment plant. Speaking at a rally in Opuwo on Friday, Venaani highlighted the town’s ongoing water crisis, describing access to clean water as a fundamental human right enshrined in Namibia’s Constitution. “This is a fundamental issue. Clean, drinkable water is not a luxury; it is a human right. One that is enshrined in the supreme law of the land, our constitution, he said. He added that the water issue is not…

17 Nov

Road crashes claim 344 lives since January

Featured, National News

Martin Endjala The Namibian Police recorded 344 fatalities as a result of motor vehicle accidents on Namibian roads between 1 January and 3 November. The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, described these statistics as a major concern. He was speaking at the start of the 2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign in Tsumeb on Friday. “This indicates that road users are still not complying with the road safety regulations,” he said. Shikongo called for greater compliance with road safety regulations to curb the alarming number of fatalities. “All road users are compelled to adhere to…

17 Nov

NAMPA board distance itself from editor’s secondment

Featured, National News

Ester Mbathera The board of the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa) has distanced itself from the secondment of its head of commercial services, Confidence Musariri, to the New Era newspaper. Musariri was to resume the role of managing editor following the departure of Jonathan Beukes last month. In a letter dated 15 November, addressed to the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, board members Ndeuhala Katonyala-Lewis, Kingsley Guiseb, Elias Mwenyo, Bertha Amakali, and Kaulikalelwa Nghishitende stated they were unaware of the arrangement between the two media houses. “The board became aware, via the media reports of the secondment of Mr. Confidence…

17 Nov

Namport celebrates 30 years of service excellence

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) hosted its annual Port Users’ Dinner, which also coincided with the 30 years of the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia and the establishment of Namport. The event at the Walvis Bay Civic Centre on Friday evening was attended by key stakeholders, maritime professionals, and government officials, celebrating the pivotal role the port plays in the nation’s economy. Delivering the keynote address, Erongo regional governor Neville Andre highlighted the profound transformation of Namport over the last three decades. He reflected on Walvis Bay’s historical significance as a cornerstone of Namibia’s maritime identity, transitioning…