Windhoek Observer – Page 285 – Windhoek Observer

23 Jan

Another cycle begins amid growing divergence

Observer Money

PIERRE-OLIVIER GOURINCHAS We project global growth will remain steady at 3.3% this year and next, broadly aligned with potential growth that has substantially weakened since before the pandemic. Inflation is declining, to 4.2% this year and 3.5% next year, in a return to central bank targets that will allow further normalisation of monetary policy. This will help draw to a close the global disruptions of recent years, including the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which precipitated the largest inflation surge in four decades. Though the global growth outlook is broadly unchanged from October, divergences across countries are widening. Among…

23 Jan

A vision of hope and innovation

Observer Money

HORST SIMON Namibia, our country of stark desert sand dunes and a breathtaking coastline where the desert meets the ocean, inhabited by a diverse tapestry of cultures, stands on the verge of a remarkable future if we manage risk and exploit the opportunities we have. Thinking futuristic about the year 2090, our country can emerge not just as a country of hope but as a beacon of achievements, innovation, and success in sustainable growth. The story of our transformation will be one of ambition, unity and an unwavering commitment to progress, success, and sustainability. As a country, we face many…

23 Jan

Beyond the game with MT – Unleashing the potential of training and development in sports management

Sports

Mathew Haikali Am just saying that for far too long, training and development in sports have primarily focused on technical skills—like coaching, refereeing, and enhancing athletic performance. While these areas are undoubtedly important, a major blind spot has been in preparing sports managers and administrators with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive the industry forward. Am saying this lack of attention to sports management training and development has left the sector struggling on its own, undermining a field teeming with potential for job creation, economic growth, and fostering national pride. Am just saying, where youth unemployment rates have soared…

22 Jan

Poor performance of local contractors forces NamWater to seek alternatives

Main

Martin Endjala Namwater has identified poor performance by some local contractors as a key challenge in awarding capital projects, forcing the national water utility to consider alternatives. The head of corporate communications, Lot Ndamanomhata in a statement on Wednesday said NamWater awarded numerous projects to Namibian companies in line with its mandate to promote local participation and development. “Local contractors are given preference wherever they meet the required technical and financial criteria for project execution,” he said. Ndamanomhata was responding to claims by the Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) that local companies are being sidelined in tenders by Namwater. NALOBA…

22 Jan

NTB denies Ghana fraud claims

National News

Ester Mbathera The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has dismissed fraud claims and allegations of unpaid contracts made by Hype.UP Limited, a Ghanaian tourism service provider company, labelling them as baseless. The NTB is facing allegations of fraud of over US$51 123.92 (N$957 909.91) in unpaid contracts with a Ghanaian firm. Hype.UP in December filed a criminal charge with the Ghana Police Service, alleging fraudulent breach of trust by current and former NTB officials, including the current acting chief executive officer, Charmaine Mattheus, former acting chief executive officer Bornventure Mbidzo, another former chief executive officer, Digu //Naobeb, board secretary Amanda Bruyns,…

22 Jan

Danger lurks for guards protecting CoW land

National News

Stefanus Nashama Security guards deployed to protect municipal land from being illegally occupied in Windhoek’s informal settlement areas have put their safety at risk. These officers are tasked with preventing illegal land grabs and ensuring lawful land use. They often face risks because many of them live within the same communities they are employed to oversee. Last October, security officer Natangwe Abed was attacked while trying to stop a man from illegally extending his shack without municipal approval. “I was on duty when I heard the sounds of zinc and hummers. I went to the place and peacefully asked if…

22 Jan

Divundu residents alarmed over dangling power lines

National News

Martin Endjala Residents of Divundu town in the Mukwe Constituency have raised concerns over precariously low-hanging power lines across Kasoma Street in the Divundu proper area. A resident recently took to social media, urging the Divundu Village Council to address the situation, which poses a significant danger to the community. The power lines have also been erected alarmingly close to houses, raising further concerns, as regulations discourage the installation of power lines near residential properties. Attempts to reach the Divundu Village Council chief executive officer, Ndjamba Maghumbo for comment were unsuccessful. Martin Maghano, a resident of the Ndongo area in…

22 Jan

Measuring mishap blamed for train accident

National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has dismissed speculations that the train involved in the Swakop River railway bridge earlier this week was transporting military helicopters. Colonel Petrus Shilumbu, the spokesperson for the Namibian Defence Force clarified the nature of the cargo on Wednesday. “I cannot comment on such claims. All I can confirm is that the cargo belongs to the ministry and that it reached its intended destination on Wednesday,” Shilumbu said. The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, has prompted an investigation by TransNamib officials. The collision caused one container to get stuck in the…

22 Jan

GRN reviews regional and local economic policies to unlock development

National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has begun a comprehensive review of its policies aimed at strengthening regional and local economic development. A three-day Regional and Local Economic Development (RLED) policy review workshop started on Wednesday in Windhoek under the theme “Inspiring LED in Namibia.” The minister of urban and rural development (MURD), Erastus Uutoni who officially opened the workshop expressed optimism about the revised policy’s potential to transform local economies. “Our local economies are real to us every day. We all have a deeply vested interest in making them better, whether that’s seeing our young people…

22 Jan

Sports ministry warns young job seekers against internship scam

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Services has warned young people to be cautious of scammers promising job opportunities in the ministry’s name. In a statement issued this week, the ministry explained that scammers are targeting young people by sharing a link containing false information about an internship programme allegedly offered by the ministry. “The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Services has noted with concern the targeting of young people on social media platforms by scammers using fraudulently claiming to represent this ministry,” said the ministry. According to the ministry, the scammers are posting claims of…