info_e12wt4cs – Page 294

12 Aug

Namibia to host Summit of the Future to shape global cooperation

info_e12wt4csNational Newsglobal transformation, Olaf Scholz, Peya Mushelenga, Summit of the Future

Niël Terblanché The upcoming Summit of the Future which aims to stimulate global transformation and create a conducive environment for the prosperity of all peoples and nations, will be hosted in Windhoek from 23 September. The summit which will be co-facilitated by Namibia's President, Dr Nangolo Mbumba, and Germany's Chancellor, Olaf Scholz seeks to accelerate the achievement of the UN Agenda 2030 and to build collective efforts to address emerging global risks and challenges. During the announcement in Windhoek on Thursday, Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga, reiterated the importance of the summit, which was first…

12 Aug

The Power of Your Vote: Why Every Namibian Should Vote on November 27

info_e12wt4csOpinionsEvery Namibian Should Vote, Making an Informed Decision, The Consequences of Not Voting

Sakaria Johannes As Namibia approaches the election on November 27, it's crucial to reflect on the importance of voting. Many people, especially young Namibians, often feel disconnected from politics or believe that their vote doesn't matter. However, understanding the significance of voting and its impact on our lives can empower us to act and shape the future of our nation. The Social Contract and Your Role In political science, the concept of social contract is fundamental. It refers to an implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits. By participating in this contract, we agree to…

11 Aug

Alweendo advocates for idea-driven political messages

info_e12wt4csMainHarambee Prosperity Plan

Ester Mbathera As the country prepares for elections later this year, the Swapo national leader assigned to the ||Kharas Region, Tom Alweendo, has called for a focus on idea-driven politics rather than personality-driven campaigns. Alweendo made the statement on his social media platform, urging political parties to prioritise problem-solving, inclusivity, and innovation in their campaigns. “Problem-solving approach and idea-driven politics prioritise problem-solving over personal agendas. It focuses on addressing the root causes of problems that, when fixed, create lasting change. Inclusive governance, when politics is centred around ideas, it becomes more inclusive. It allows diverse voices and perspectives to be…

11 Aug

Farmers collaborate with government to navigate drought

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), in collaboration with three other farmers’ unions, has been working tirelessly since January to address the devastating impact of the ongoing drought. According to the NAU, the country has experienced persistent drought conditions for the past eleven years, with the years 2013, 2016, 2019, and now 2024 declared national emergencies. “As the most arid country south of the Sahara, Namibian farmers are accustomed to drought, but the current situation is particularly severe,” the union said in a statement. The union noted that prolonged dry spells have strained the agricultural sector, with stagnant weaner…

11 Aug

Swapo leader demands justice for fired teacher

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPetrus Ndeulita

Martin Endjala The Swapo deputy secretary for education, Hofni Ipinge has called for justice in the dismissal of a school teacher, who was found guilty of meting out corporal punishment last month. The demand is a response to the firing of Petrus Ndeulita, a teacher at Hashiyana Primary School in Ongwediva. In 2021, Ndeulita forced a seventh-grade learner to hold a chair over his head for over an hour as a form of punishment. “I am demanding justice to prevail for this young professional. It is a very bad and embarrassing story in our nation if this is how we…

11 Aug

Support for victims of human-wildlife conflict increased

info_e12wt4csNational Newshuman-wildlife conflict

Niël Terblanché The Cabinet has approved an increase in payments for victims of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) under the Human-Wildlife Conflict Self-Reliance Scheme. This policy adjustment, which will take effect on September 1, is aimed at providing greater financial support to individuals and communities affected by the increasing incidences of wildlife-related losses and injuries, particularly during periods of drought when such conflicts tend to intensify. The approved compensation rates published in the latest list of Cabinet decisions released by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology last week include N$100 000 for funeral and related costs in the event of death,…

11 Aug

SADC PF SG urges addressing access to digital technology for the youth

info_e12wt4csNational News

Moses Magadza As the world celebrates International Youth Day on August 12, the SADC Parliamentary Forum secretary general, Boemo Sekgoma, has highlighted the intersection of digital access and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for young people. This year’s theme is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” In a statement, Sekgoma noted that the intersection is also outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasised in the recently adopted Gaborone Declaration. Recent data indicates that in 2022, three-quarters of individuals aged 15–24 globally utilised the internet—a figure that signifies the significant role young people…

11 Aug

Recommendations to ECN for effective November 2024 election preparation

info_e12wt4csOpinions

Sem David Huge props to Namibians who understood the need of maintaining electoral democracy and took the initiative to assert their constitutional right to participate in decision-making and advance democracy. Out of the 3 million eligible Namibians, 1,467,604 registered to vote. This seems like a strong indication that either most Namibians still do not understand their constitutional rights to democracy or that not enough has been done to compel and attract the interests of the majority to register. Consider that it is insignificant compared to the 2.2 million youth in Namibia. It is easy to declare that people are not…

11 Aug

Ongos Valley extends housing development beyond Namibian borders

info_e12wt4csNational NewsOngos Valley Development Pty

Martin Endjala The Ongos Valley Development Pty Limited is looking to tap into housing development markets beyond Namibia’s borders. Last week, the company signed an agreement with the Zambian government to build 2 000 housing units in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone. Abed Erastus, spokesperson for Ongos Valley, told the Windhoek Observer that the company aims to reduce the housing deficit in Namibia as well as in Africa when opportunities present themselves. “Zambia, like Namibia and other African countries, faces significant challenges in delivering houses at scale,” he said. The goal of the agreement with Zambia is to reduce…

11 Aug

Shikongo reflects on his tenure as IG

info_e12wt4csNational NewsInspector General of the Namibian Police Force

The Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force Lieutenant General Joseph Shimweelao Shikongo, turns 60 on 18 September. In compliance with Namibian law, this milestone will mark his retirement. Shikongo, who was appointed to his current position by former President Hage Geingob on 22 August 2022, spoke with Windhoek Observer reporter Hertta-Maria Amutenja about his career, accomplishments, and plans for the future. WO: Reflecting on your career, what are the most significant achievements you are proud of during your tenure as Inspector General?JS: When I started, I took over a solid foundation from the founding Inspector Generals. I am the…