Windhoek Observer – Page 317 – Windhoek Observer

01 Oct

Starlink’s debut offers opportunities and drawbacks for local businesses and the economy

Opinions

Josef Kefas Sheehama Namibia continues to have historically low levels of development, but it can industrialize, pursue inclusive growth, and draw in investment by utilizing technological advancements. Namibia intends to license Starlink's operations in order to become known as a country that has fully grasped the potential of technical advancement to improve its citizens' lives and stimulate its economy. According to the Starlink website, it is a constellation of satellites that provides high-speed internet access. Through this new service, SpaceX hopes to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet connections to underserved areas of the world, such as rural areas. Furthermore, the…

01 Oct

Namport sets sights on future expansion

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) celebrated its 30th anniversary and since 1994 when it was established, the authority has grown into a cornerstone of Namibia’s maritime economy while also playing a vital role in the country’s development. Andrew Kanime, Namport’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), expressed pride in the authority's accomplishments and added that Namport plans to build on its achievements by focusing on infrastructure development, strategic partnerships, and adopting new technologies to ensure sustained growth. "It is truly humbling to celebrate 30 years, a milestone that marks our transition from youth to middle adulthood. This achievement reflects the…

01 Oct

SAA adds more flights between Johannesburg and Windhoek

National NewsAir Connect Namibia, Namibia Airports Company

Niël Terblanché South African Airways (SAA) will launch a third daily flight between Johannesburg and Windhoek starting 27 October. Bisey Uirab, chairperson of Air Connect Namibia and CEO of the Namibia Airports Company, hailed the move as a positive development for the region. “Air Connect Namibia sees the additional service as a substantial step in enhancing air travel options and supporting the rising demand for connectivity in the region,” he said. Uirab added that the increased frequency promises to offer travellers more flexibility, benefiting both business and leisure trips between Namibia and South Africa. The newly added flight frequency will…

01 Oct

NIPDB gains global recognition for promoting inclusive and sustainable trade

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has achieved global recognition by being named the Runner-Up in the 2024 World Trade Promotion Organizations (WTPO) Awards under the category "Best Initiative to Ensure that Trade is Inclusive and Sustainable." According to Julia Muetudhana, the NIPDB’s Acting Executive Director of MSME Development, Innovation, and Acceleration, this prestigious honour highlights Namibia's commitment to fostering the growth and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on an international stage. The WTPO Awards, organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC), celebrate excellence in trade promotion, spotlighting organisations that demonstrate innovation and…

30 Sep

SADC PF SG calls for collaboration to advance SRHR and democratic governance

Africa / World

Moses Magadza A regional capacity development workshop focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR),HIV and AIDS began in Johannesburg on Monday, with the secretary general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, calling for collaboration among regional parliaments, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to effectively implement key initiatives for democratic governance and health rights. Officially opening the workshop, she explained that the capacity development session was meant to enhance the appreciation of all parliaments that have signed the agreement to implement the three-year SIDA-funded SRHR and HIV and AIDS and Governance Project. Sekgoma highlighted the role that various…

30 Sep

Okahao and Tsandi residents struggling with access to water

Main

Martin Endjala The Okahao Constituency in the Omusati region is grappling with low water pressure in supply pipelines, preventing water from reaching some villages. Constituency Councillor, Leonard Shikulo confirmed the issue and explained that some areas around Okahao, particularly Tsandi, have had no running water for two months due to a faulty pump system that supplies water from a dam. The pump system was repaired and is currently operational again but low water pressure persists, possibly due to blockages in the pipelines. "Yes, it's true. Okahao was experiencing water issues due to the dam's pump system that was not functioning.…

30 Sep

NEFF restored as a political party

National NewsElectoral Commission of Namibia

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) have regained their political status. This comes after the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) announced that it will comply with the High Court's decision on Monday. The High Court at the beginning of September found that the ECN’s decision to deregister the NEFF was unlawful. ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka said the commission extended NEFF time to ensure compliance with all outstanding items, failing which it will set in motion the process to invoke the provisions of Section 158(8)(a)1, viz., the suspension of funds appropriated by parliament on account of failure to…

30 Sep

GIZ backs Namibia’s initiatives to transform informal settlements

National NewsInclusive and Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD), Namibian Association of Local Authority Officials (NALAO)

Martin Endjala The German development organisation, Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has invited local and regional firms and individual consultants to conduct an organisational analysis for the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and the Namibian Association of Local Authority Officials (NALAO) in an effort to improve the living conditions of residents of informal settlements. The Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD) project has been commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to assist Namibia in the transformation of informal settlements into liveable neighbourhoods, “The objective of this consultancy is to improve the institutional capacity…

30 Sep

NSA pilot survey to shed light on financial dynamics of Namibians

National NewsAlex Shimuafeni, Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (NHIES)

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) launched the pilot phase of the Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (NHIES) last week. The NSA’s Statistician-General, Alex Shimuafeni in a statement said the survey is the beginning of an extensive data-gathering exercise that aims to shed light on the financial dynamics of Namibian households. Shimuafeni indicated that the pilot survey, which will run until 20 October, will be conducted in the Erongo, Hardap, Kavango West, Khomas, Kunene, Omaheke, Omusati, and Zambezi regions. “The primary goal of this phase is to test the NSA's readiness for the full survey, scheduled to begin…

30 Sep

From Swapo activist to president, Pohamba chronicles his journey

National NewsFootprints of Hifikepunye Pohamba, Namibia’s liberation history

Niël Terblanché Former President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba, launched Footprints of Hifikepunye Pohamba, his autobiography, during a ceremony held on Monday. The autobiography is a contribution to the documentation of Namibia's liberation history. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Vice President Nangolo Mbumba. The event, attended by numerous dignitaries, including President Nangolo Mbumba, is a contribution to the documentation of Namibia’s liberation history and the life of one of its most influential figures. Pohamba expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on his life journey, which spans the struggle for independence, national development, and his time as the…