Windhoek Observer – Page 333 – Windhoek Observer

12 Sep

MP accuses NaTIS officials of corruptly selling driver’s licences

National NewsJohn Motorwa, Reggie Diergaardt

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament (MP) Reggie Diergaardt has raised concerns over widespread corruption at Namibian Traffic Identification System (NaTIS) testing centres and offices across the country. Diergaardt claims that the public is buying learners' permits, driver's licenses, and roadworthy certificates, but the responsible ministry is hesitant to intervene. Diergaardt made these accusations in parliament on Wednesday, stating his intention to question the Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, about the alleged maladministration at NaTIS offices nationwide. He added that NaTIS testing officials are also accused of deliberately failing applicants during their driving license tests…

12 Sep

Farming together: Navigating the resettlement process for cooperative groups

OpinionsAgricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act

Jona Musheko The resettlement of cooperative groups under the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act is one the way to ensure equitable access to land. This policy has empowered individuals to unite and form cooperatives, thereby enhancing their prospects of securing farming units. However, a comprehensive understanding of the regulations governing the formation and operation of these cooperatives is essential for ensuring a fair and transparent process. Eligibility and formation of cooperative groups The National Resettlement Program is founded on three (3) types of working allotments: i) Individual Holdings, ii) Group Holdings and iii) Co-Operative Holdings and other Legal Entities. According…

12 Sep

Hunger threatens nearly half of Namibia’s population

National NewsIntegrated Food Security Phase Classification

Niël Terblanché The large-scale food insecurity crisis in Namibia will need immediate and sustained interventions to protect vulnerable communities and ensure the long-term sustainability of food systems in the country. With approximately 1.1 million citizens facing acute food shortages, the dire need for determined action has once again been put in the spotlight. The number of people left vulnerable by the drought accounts for nearly half of the country's population and highlights the growing impact of prolonged drought and escalating food prices. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, released in conjunction with the Office of the Prime…

12 Sep

Venaani pressures presidency over delayed August 26 audits

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe McHenry Venaani, the leader of the official opposition, has called on the presidency to provide clear reasons for August 26 Holdings (Pty) Ltd's continued failure to submit its audited financial reports. Despite multiple requests and even interventions from the Ombudsman, the company has yet to comply. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Venaani, president of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), directed his questions to Christine Hoebes, the minister in the presidency. “During a meeting in July of this year with President Nangolo Mbumba, he disclosed to my delegation and me that although he has received the reports, his office…

12 Sep

Gam farmers struggle to access drought relief

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Farmers from the Gam settlement in the Otjozondjupa Region are experiencing financial and logistical difficulties accessing drought relief subsidies provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR). According to the farmers, the current system requires them to make bank deposits and travel over 400 kilometres to the nearest town, a process that they say is unsustainable. Chief Hans Kandji, speaking on behalf of the community, told the Windhoek Observer that the government supplies food for cattle. For the farmers to access the animal feed, they must purchase it through a system that involves bank deposits.…

12 Sep

NamPower focuses on battery storage solutions

National NewsBattery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Ben Mingeli

Hertta-Maria Amutenja NamPower’s Senior Manager of Generation Projects, Ben Mingeli, emphasised the importance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in mitigating potential intermittency issues. Mingeli said this earlier in the week during the ceremony for an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the 100 MW Rosh Pinah Solar Power Plant. Mingeli said NamPower anticipates challenges in managing intermittency from renewable energy sources, particularly solar, as the company expects solar capacity to exceed 100% of midday demand in the coming years. To address these challenges, the utility is developing and constructing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), including the 54MW Omburu…

12 Sep

Walvis Bay harbour enters a new era

National NewsNamibian Ports Authority, Terminal Investment Namibia

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s journey to solidify its position as a key logistics hub in Southern Africa took a major leap forward with the official handover of the container handling operations at the new container terminal in the Walvis Bay harbour to Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN). This strategic partnership between the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and TiN, set to commence on 10 October, will enhance Namibia’s maritime competitiveness while strengthening its role in regional and international shipping. TiN is a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). According to a joint statement issued by Namport and TiN on Wednesday, the concession…

12 Sep

Collaboration set to strengthen investment framework and tax compliance

National NewsNamRA, Nangula Uaandja, NIPDB, Sam Shivute

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in an effort to improve Namibia’s investment climate and tax compliance. This collaboration is set to enhance the efficiency of income tax and VAT registration processes while streamlining the investment process for foreign investors. The MoU signed on Wednesday, reflects both institutions’ commitment to strengthening tax compliance and promoting foreign investment, with a clear focus on fostering economic growth in Namibia. NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute stressed the importance of facilitating a conducive environment for investors. “We want…

12 Sep

Walvis Bay prepares for the 18th edition of Southern African inter-municipal games

SportsRichard Hoaeb, SADC Local Authority’s Employee Wellness

Hilarius Hamutenya The Municipality of Walvis Bay is gearing up to host the 18th edition of the Southern African Inter-Municipal Association (SAIMSA) Games from 22 to 27 September. This sporting event brings together municipalities from across Southern Africa to foster social interaction, encourage physical activity, and promote sportsmanship. The 2024 SAIMSA Games will be presented under the theme "SADC Local Authority’s Employee Wellness, Enhanced Through Sports and Recreation." Councilor Richard Hoaeb, and chairperson of the organising committee, announced that municipalities from across Southern Africa will participate, each sending their best athletes to compete in a diverse range of sports. These…

12 Sep

NamPower to add renewables into the grid

Observer MoneyIntegrated Strategic Business Plan, Simson Haulofu

CHAMWE KAIRA Power utility, NamPower is expecting to add 250 MW to the power grid when all the projects under its 2020-25 Integrated Strategic Business Plan are completed, Managing Director Simson Haulofu told Observer Money this week. Haulofu furthermore disclosed that a new plan is expected to be completed in June 2025 and will speak to a number of things including addressing bottle necks in the transmission and many other things. “We are already in our planning phase. We need to hire out a consultant to help us with a new plan, with the approval of the board.” Of the…