Windhoek Observer – Page 302 – Windhoek Observer

16 Oct

Massive load navigates Namibia en route to Zambia

National NewsWalvis Bay Corridors

Niël Terblanché A 171-tonne oxygen plant on the trailer of a heavy-duty truck is weaving its way through Namibia on its way to Zambia. The journey of the giant piece of mining equipment that was offloaded in the Walvis Bay harbour, is seen as a demonstration of Namibia’s growing importance in international trade and logistics, highlighting the capabilities of the Walvis Bay Corridors to manage the most demanding transport projects. According to Mbahupu Tjivikua, the chief executive officer of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), the transport of the extraordinary shipment of a 50-metre-long oxygen plant container, destined for Solwezi…

16 Oct

Donated equipment enhances fight against poaching in Namibia

Featured, National NewsWildlife Protection Management Project

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) received 22 patrol vehicles and IT equipment valued at N$20 million as part of the Integrated Wildlife Protection Management Project’s (IWPP) efforts to enhance Namibia’s conservation efforts. Funded by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank, this support which was officially handed over on Wednesday, comes at a critical time as Namibia continues to combat increasing incidents of wildlife poaching, which poses a severe threat to rhinos and elephants. Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment expressed gratitude for Germany’s long-standing commitment to conservation in Namibia. “This equipment will significantly…

16 Oct

August 26 donates vital supplies to Otweya fire victims

National NewsOtweya informal settlement

Niël Terblanché In the wake of a devastating fire at the Otweya informal settlement in Walvis Bay, which left approximately 200 people homeless and claimed one life, August 26 Holding Company (PTY) Ltd, stepped forward on Wednesday with a donation of food and essential supplies. While the fire victims attempt to recover from the devastating loss of homes and belongings, the government, private sector, and civil society organisations came together to provide relief and plan for more permanent solutions. The relief effort by August 26 was aimed at providing immediate support to the victims and was welcomed by local officials…

16 Oct

Decline in consumer inflation attributed to repo rate cut

Observer Moneydrop in consumer inflation, Monetary Policy Committee

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, lowering it from 7.50% to 7.25%, a move attributed to the drop in consumer inflation, which fell to 3.4% in September. According to economist Josef Sheehama, who responded to the Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) announcement, lower fuel prices, driven by declining oil prices and a stronger Namibian dollar, have been key factors in this cooling of inflation. "The interest rate cut will undoubtedly relieve pressure on all Namibians," Sheehama said. He believes the decrease in consumer inflation influenced the MPC’s decision to lower the repo…

16 Oct

Agriculture ministry to recognise and register farms in Kunene region

National News

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR) has announced plans to recognise and register farm units at Farm Franken No. 242, situated in the Kunene region. The ministry's resettlement process will benefit about 26 people. The ministry has demarcated the farm units into sections B, C, D, and E, ranging in size from 2 500 to 3 515 hectares. The Windhoek Observer saw a notice inviting interested parties to file their objections with the ministry within seven days. Gary Nekongo, the Kunene region’s division land deputy director, said the 26 people had already been living on…

15 Oct

Deaf voters demand inclusion in election campaigns

Main

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The deaf community in Namibia is calling for greater inclusion and access to information during election campaigns. Paul Nanyeni, the national executive director of the Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), said, despite promises of inclusivity from political parties, deaf voters have struggled to participate fully due to the lack of sign language interpreters at rallies and the failure to translate manifestos into Namibian Sign Language. Nanyeni brought attention to these issues, pointing out that the deaf community frequently misses out on important campaign discussions. “There are no sign language interpreters at gatherings, and the deaf do…

15 Oct

PDM slams lack of transparency in Ballotti’s return to NIPDB

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has expressed concerns about governance and transparency following the reappointment of Dino Ballotti to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). Ballotti, who recently left his role at First National Bank (FNB), has returned to the NIPDB as a technical consultant, a move that the PDM leader, McHenry Venaani, claims exemplifies the SWAPO administration’s lack of accountability. Balloti will serve as a technical consultant to NIPDB’s executive committee, having previously held the position of executive director of MSME innovation and acceleration at the same institution. Ballotti's brief tenure at FNB came to…

15 Oct

Namcor acknowledges GRN lifeline

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Namcor Interim Managing Director, Ebson Uanguta acknowledged that the institution has significant debts mainly owed to its suppliers. Uanguta said this on Tuesday while giving an overview of the company’s operations and strategic progress at the Government Information Centre. “These were possibly things that went wrong, hence Namcor found itself in significant debt, and because of that, we needed financial support from the government as a shareholder. We appreciate the government for its commitment because they came and supported Namcor during that difficult time,’’ Uanguta said. He explained that the institution then came up with a sovereign guarantee…

15 Oct

NGO fights to keep girls in school with sanitary pad donations

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Tim Martins, founder and CEO of the I Got Your Back, My Sisters (IGYBMS) project, has reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to ensuring that no learner misses school due to lack of access to sanitary pads. Despite challenges in securing partnerships with government agencies, Martins expressed pride in the donations the project has received so far, which have already made a significant impact in various regions of Namibia. “‘We are more dedicated to keeping the girl child in school. We are facing challenges such as partnering with government agencies, but we appreciate the donations we are getting particularly the…

15 Oct

Namibia, South Africa eyes final resolution on Orange River border

National NewsBi-National Commission (BNC)

Niël Terblanché The Orange River, which forms part of the border between Namibia and South Africa, has been a point of contention for decades but renewed efforts to resolve the matter and to find a lasting resolution have been launched. In this regard, Namibia and South Africa convened the Political, Diplomatic, and Legal Committee of their Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Swakopmund over the past two days. The meeting, co-chaired by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, focused on the critical report of the Namibia-South Africa…