Windhoek Observer – Page 322 – Windhoek Observer

28 Nov

Oceana’s horse mackerel catch drop

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The Oceana Group has said in results for the year ended 30 September that horse mackerel operating costs in Namibia increased by 18.3% due to the combination of lower catch rates, down 13.7%, increased fuel costs from the use of more expensive intermediate fuel oil and higher quota usage fees. The total sales volumes of horse mackerel decreased by 14.6% to 38 711 tons in 2023, from 45 327 tons previously. According to Oceana, there was a sustained firm consumer demand for horse mackerel, with average Rand prices slightly easing from the high level of the previous year.…

28 Nov

Walvis Bay to acquire extra handling equipment

Observer Money

Namport recently finalized the transfer of container handling operations at the new container terminal in the Walvis Bay harbour to Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN). The terminal, which boasts an annual throughput capacity of 750,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), is now managed under a 25-year concession agreement. Observer Money sat down with Namport to discuss the implications of this deal with TiN and the competitive pressures posed by emerging railway and port projects across the SADC region. Observer Money (OM): We have seen new railway and port projects in SADC-Malawi-Mozambique, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, DRC, Angola-Zambia and Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and…

28 Nov

Safeguard yourself against festive season risks

Observer Money

JOHANNES HESEKIEL The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, often spent in the company of close family and friends. However, this period also sees an increase in certain risks, such as theft and car accidents. To protect yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings, it is essential to keep proactive measures and stay vigilant during this vulnerable time. How to Avoid Theft Incidents of theft and burglary are more likely to increase during the holidays. This is because many people go on holidays, making it easier for criminals to target their vacant houses. Here are some tips…

28 Nov

Eskom gets stable rating

Observer Money

CHAMWE KAIRA S&P Global Ratings has revised Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.'s outlook from 'B' foreign and local currency long-term ratings to positive from stable. The company affirmed its 'B' issue ratings on the group's senior secured and senior unsecured debt and its 'BB-' foreign currency issue ratings on the government-guaranteed debt. S&P Global Ratings has raised its long-term South Africa national scale credit rating to 'zaBBB+' from 'zaBBB' and affirmed its short-term national scale rating of 'zaA-2'. Currently, Namibia imports most of its electricity from South Africa and other countries in the region. A special arrangement between NamPower and Eskom,…

28 Nov

Festive season to boost hospitality sector

National News

The festive season promises a significant boost to Namibia’s hospitality sector, with domestic and SADC visitors expected to drive demand, particularly in the northern and coastal regions, which remain key holiday destinations. This anticipated surge presents an opportunity to enhance economic performance through targeted promotional campaigns and service improvements in these high-traffic areas. NWR ’s initiatives, such as the Namleisure card and upcoming Black Friday specials, are well-aligned with the need to foster domestic and regional tourism. By addressing affordability and accessibility, these efforts are likely to stimulate greater interest in exploring Namibia’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. South African…

28 Nov

Namibians Vote

National News

27 Nov

Growing calls to end child marriage

Featured

Moses Magadza, Sylvia Obaga and Sally Ncube As the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence gather momentum shortly after the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, Faiza Mohamed, director of the Africa Office at Equality Now, has highlighted the continuing crisis of child marriage in Southern Africa. In a statement, Mohamed said with nearly one-third of women aged 20 to 24 in Eastern and Southern Africa married before the age of 18, the need for urgent action has never been clearer than now. She noted that roughly 50 million women in the region were…

27 Nov

Voters sweat for democracy

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja, Allexer Namundjebo, Martin Endjala Namibians across the country faced long waits and numerous challenges on election day for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Amid the heat, logistical issues at polling stations, power outages, and frustrations among voters created a tense atmosphere that hindered the smooth running of the process. People started lining up at polling stations as early as 04:00 on Wednesday, hoping to be among the first to cast their vote. Many of them were unprepared for the delays and chaos that plagued election day. The voting process in the Oshikoto Region, specifically at Omuthiya,…

27 Nov

Elections marred by ballot paper shortages and logistical challenges

National News

Hertta-maria Amutenja, Martin Endjala, Allexer Namundjembo The 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections were overshadowed by logistical issues, including ballot paper shortages and operational delays at various polling stations. Polling stations such as Omeya Golf Estate, Mix Settlement, Finkenstein, Brakwater Shopping Centre, and Centaurus High School in the Khomas Region, as well as Omudaungilo Constituency in the Ohangwena Region, reported running out of ballot papers by 15h00. These challenges have frustrated voters and prompted calls for urgent action from political stakeholders and civil society. The Independent Patriots for Change’s (IPC) leader, Panduleni Itula, has accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN)…

27 Nov

Court orders former Swakopmund MUN chairperson to retract defamatory claims

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The High Court has ordered the former Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) chairperson for Swakopmund, Milton Augumeb, to retract defamatory statements he made about the leadership of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN). On 25 November, the court also instructed Augumeb, who had claimed that the union's leadership was in crisis and that the national executive committee (NEC) was involved in the misappropriation of funds, to issue a public apology. Augumeb was also ordered to unconditionally retract the said defamatory statement. In addition, he must issue a public apology for the aforementioned defamatory statements within 14 days. Augumeb…