info_e12wt4cs – Page 274

18 Aug

Namibia resumes poultry imports from RSA but suspends imports from Brazil

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Niël Terblanché Namibia has resumed the importation of live poultry and birds from South Africa, following a temporary suspension imposed in September 2023. The suspension was initially enacted due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in South Africa, prompting Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) to halt all imports to protect the local poultry industry. The acting chief veterinary officer at the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Johannes Shoopala, stated in a notice on Friday that the ban has been lifted. “The resumption of imports, however, comes with stringent conditions to ensure the continued safety and…

18 Aug

Powercom expands network connectivity

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyNamibian communication industry, PowerCom’s Howobees network tower

Niël Terblanché Stakeholders in the Namibian communication industry have been urged to collaborate more closely to ensure that every citizen can benefit from the digital age. Emma Theofelus, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, during the groundbreaking ceremony for PowerCom’s Howobees network tower in the Keetmanshoop Rural Constituency on Thursday, made the call and said the tower will be yet another step in bridging the digital divide in Namibia. "Let us work together to ensure that every Namibian has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age," she said while stressing the need for continued collaboration among government entities,…

18 Aug

Sale of Tsumeb copper smelter approved

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyDundee Precious Metals, Namibia Competition Commissio, Sinomine Resource Group Co. Ltd

Martin Endjala The Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) has approved the sale of Dundee Precious Metals’s (DPM) copper smelter in Tsumeb. Sinomine Resource Group Co. Ltd., a Chinese-owned company purchased the company’s interest in the smelter. “The sale is on track to close as planned in the third quarter of 2024, subject to completing the documentation regarding the revised purchase price and proposed tolling arrangement as disclosed in the company’s management’s discussion and analysis and news release published on August 1, 2024,” said the company in a statement last week. In March this year, the company announced that it had entered…

18 Aug

Clearing agent licenses suspended

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Importers, exporters, and the general public in Namibia have been advised to ensure that they conduct business with clearing agents who are in possession of valid licenses for 2024 to avoid any operational disruptions. This advice followed after the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) announced the suspension of licenses for clearing agents who have not renewed their licenses for the year 2024. According to the notice issued by the spokesperson of NamRa, Tonateni Shidhudhu, the suspension, that came into effect on Wednesday was performed in accordance with Item 835.00 of Schedule 8 to the Customs and Excise Act, 1998…

15 Aug

Swapo split in Omaheke over new branch leadership

info_e12wt4csMain

Stefanus Nashama Swapo regional coordinator in the Omaheke region, Ruth Kaukuata-Mbura, has denied having received any reports of a Swapo member being slapped by another. This follows claims by the former Omaheke Swapo Women’s League regional coordinator, Bianca Van Wyk, who alleged that the former Omaheke regional governor, Festus Ueitele, slapped her during the Okorukambe branch meeting in Gobabis. The meeting was set to restructure the branch since the term of the current office bearers has lapsed. “No one was beaten by Ueitele at the branch meeting and my office did not receive any report that Bianca was beaten,” Kaukuata-Mbura…

15 Aug

Calls grow for VAT exemption on essential foods

info_e12wt4csNational NewsJosef Sheehama, McHenry Venaani

Erasmus Shalihaxwe, Martin Endjala and Hilarius Hamutenya There are increasing calls for the exemption of essential food items from Value Added Tax (VAT) to ease the financial burden on households. The call by independent bank researcher and economist Josef Sheehama is part of broader efforts to address the country's high food inflation rate. “Namibia should establish a commodity taskforce and exempt essential food items from VAT. This will relieve pressure on households, particularly those residing in informal settlements,” he said. He suggests establishing a national task force on commodities to regulate food prices and provide subsidies to small-scale farmers. Sheehama…

15 Aug

ELCIN elects first female bishop

info_e12wt4csNational NewsRev. Hilja Nghaangulwa

Ester Mbathera The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) made history on Wednesday when the synod appointed Rev. Hilja Nghaangulwa as the first female bishop for the Eastern Diocese and the mainline churches in the country. The election took place at the ELCIN Centre in Ongwediva during the church's synod. In a competitive race against Rev. Dr. Johannes Haufiku and Rev. Eino Nangula, Rev. Nghaangulwa emerged victorious. In the same synod, Rev. Dr. Gideon Niitenge was elected as the bishop of the Western Diocese, further solidifying the leadership structure of ELCIN. Haufiku, who is also the ELCIN's Secretary General, provided…

15 Aug

Otjozondjupa governor decries slow pace of road construction

info_e12wt4csNational NewsJames Uerikua, Otjozondjupa Region

Martin Endjala Otjozondjupa regional governor, James Uerikua has expressed disappointment in the delays in road infrastructure due to the slow pace and lack of finance. “How long do we have to wait for financing? That is the key issue. That’s why, in 2020, my office was briefed by the Roads Authority (RA) on the readiness of the detailed plan, but up to now, as we are talking, I have not seen that advertisement through which they would have advertised to say we are now starting the road construction as far as this road is concerned,” argued the governor. He said…

15 Aug

Erongo celebrates achievements of the past year

info_e12wt4csNational NewsErongo Regional Council, State of the Region Address (SORA)

Niël Terblanché In his fifth State of the Region Address (SORA), Erongo regional governor, Neville Andre highlighted the region's notable accomplishments over the past year while focussing on advancements in governance, infrastructure, and social development. Andre reflected on the challenges faced at the start of his tenure, including the economic difficulties caused by the prolonged drought and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed to the people of the region's resilience and collective efforts in overcoming these adversities. "Despite the challenges, we have achieved remarkable progress in various sectors, positioning Erongo as a region of excellence," Andre said.…

15 Aug

AR inquires about unpaid wages at Goreangab housing project

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAffirmative Repositioning, Erastus Uuton, Moses Matyayi

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Affirmative Repositioning movement (AR) has raised concerns over alleged non-payment of workers' salaries at the 113 House Construction Project at Goreangab Dam Extension 4. In a letter dated 13 August, AR Khomas Regional Chairperson, Sem David called on the minister of urban and rural development, Erastus Uutoni, the minister of labour, industrial relations and employment creation, Utoni Daniel Nujoma, and City of Windhoek CEO Moses Matyayi, to address the matter urgently. David commended the government's and the City of Windhoek's efforts in completing the 113 houses, but he highlighted unresolved issues. “A total of 28 employees working…