Windhoek Observer – Page 340 – Windhoek Observer

11 Nov

8 000 expected to cast their votes on special vote day

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Members of Namibia’s uniformed forces, diplomatic missions, and seagoing personnel will cast their votes on 13 November ahead of the national election date of 27 November. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) anticipates approximately 8 000 registered voters to cast their votes on Wednesday, the special vote day. ECN Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua announced on Monday. “During general registration of voters, the Commission registered 2 159 eligible voters at all 35 Namibia diplomatic missions. However, I should mention that there could be slight variations to this figure because Namibians who registered inside the country but find themselves outside the…

11 Nov

Uaandja dismisses claims of lack of transparency in green hydrogen project

National News

Martin Endjala Nangula Uaandja, the chief executive officer of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), has defended the government over claims of a lack of transparency around the government-driven green hydrogen (GH2) initiative. Uaandja recently used the X social media platform to address what she sees as public misunderstandings, particularly with regard to the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, which James Mnyupe is the commissioner of. “The fact is that many people are initiating their projects and then aligning them with government strategy,” she explained. According to Uaandja, the government only initiated the Hyphen project, which it also allocated…

11 Nov

Former New Era editor raises concerns over media freedom

National News

Niël Terblanché Jonathan Beukes, the former managing editor of the state-owned New Era newspaper, has announced his departure from the organisation, citing concerns over the state of media freedom in Namibia. In a statement distributed on social media, Beukes clarified that his exit was the result of a mutual separation agreement with New Era, stressing that he did not resign but agreed to part ways amicably. “In exercising my right to freedom of expression and thought, as enshrined in the supreme law of the land, I am duty-bound to express my fear for the deterioration of media freedom and expression…

11 Nov

ECN prepares for Guinas constituency by-election

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has announced that the by-election in the Guinas constituency will be held in January. The by-elections follow the death of former councillor Elias Barney Martinus, who passed away last month at the age of 51. The supplementary registration of voters was facilitated from 10 to 12 November. This will be followed by the publication of the Provisional Voters' Register in the Government Gazette on 19 November. The Provisional Voters' Register will be displayed on 21 November to allow for objections against the inclusion of names of people who do not reside in…

11 Nov

Namibia intensifies offshore oil exploration

National News

Niël Terblanché The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has announced an escalation in its offshore exploration activities, aiming to capitalise on recent substantial oil discoveries in the Orange Basin. In collaboration with joint venture partners, Namcor plans to drill four exploration and appraisal wells in Petroleum Exploration Licence areas (PELs) 56, 83, 85, and 90 between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. According to the spokesperson of Namcor, Paulo Coelho, the initiative follows a series of successful discoveries since 2022, which have positioned Namibia as a growing player in the global oil industry. In…

11 Nov

Green trade with the EU holds high potential

Observer MoneyCarbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, European markets

Niël Terblanché A promising avenue emerged for Namibia’s green industries to access European markets, as the union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) offers a competitive edge for the country’s eco-friendly exports This revolutionary initiative was discussed at the Namibia-EU Trade and Sustainability Conference in Windhoek last week and aims to encourage global adherence to strict climate standards by imposing carbon pricing on imported goods, supporting Namibia's green industrialisation vision. James Mnyupe, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, pointed to CBAM's implication in providing a preferential pathway for Namibian green products such as green iron and ammonia. “These products, developed sustainably, meet high…

11 Nov

Trumped Again

Featured, Opinions

Jackie Wilson Asheeke One early slave-holding US president, Thomas Jefferson, once said, “The government you elect is the government you deserve.” That statement is more evident now in the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States and Republican control of both houses of Congress. Republicans continue their control of the Supreme Court as well, making a mockery of the symbol of blind justice. The much-praised American tricameral system of checks and balances does not exist, at least for now. Kamala won only 226 electoral votes (you need 270 to win), and Trump won 295. Remember, there is…

11 Nov

A moment of choice: Standing on the right side of history

Featured, Opinions

Setson Tangeni Haidula As Namibians prepare to head to the polls on 27th November 2024, we are called to reflect on our past and its lessons. Our history is filled with resilience, bravery, and the unwavering determination of those who fought for freedom. During the liberation struggle, our people were divided into three groups: those who resisted oppression, those who collaborated with the colonial regime, and those who remained silent. The choices they made have not only shaped Namibia’s past but also influence the very democracy we live in today. Now, on election day, we face a new kind of…

10 Nov

The ballot paper printing controversy explained

National News

The printing of ballot papers has once again become a politically explosive issue, but this time the stakes could be much higher. Following is a brief overview of what unfolded in October 2024 The printing of ballot papers for Namibian elections has always proven to be a matter fraught with controversy and political tensions. True to form, the procurement of a service provider to produce and print the ballot papers for the 27 November 2024 parliamentary and presidential elections has once again unleashed a dispute that has refused to die down and cast suspicions over the integrity of the Electoral…

10 Nov

Ambassador Goagoseb questions son’s involvement in brother’s death

Main

Hertta- Maria Amutenja Namibia's ambassador to Cuba, Samuel Goagoseb, has cast doubts about allegations implicating one of his sons in the recent death of his other son in that country last week. During a scuffle inside the diplomatic residence, the elder brother allegedly stabbed the younger son to death. The deceased was reportedly fatally stabbed by his elder brother (whose name is known to the Windhoek Observer) when he tried to intervene in a quarrel between the suspect and his girlfriend. Goagoseb told the Windhoek Observer on Sunday that the families believe that the accused is unlikely to be capable…