Observer

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Pohamba grilled over Bwabwata “no-cattle zone” stance

Pohamba grilled over Bwabwata “no-cattle zone” stance

The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta has reiterated that the status quo of Bwabwata National Park shall remain unchanged, and that a national crisis may arise if domestic animals are permitted to graze within the park, which he says is currently a disease-free zone. Shifeta today answered to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, following a petition submitted to the National Assembly on 19 November 2021 by the Hambukushu Traditional Authority, who are inhabitants of the park. They want Cabinet to revisit a decision taken in 1999 prohibiting them from owning cattle. Hearings on…
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Maanda reappointed as Acting City of Windhoek CEO

Maanda reappointed as Acting City of Windhoek CEO

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The City of Windhoek has extended the appointment of Faniel Maanda, as Acting Chief Executive Officer, for a further six months, which appointment is effective 8 March 2023 until September 8 2023, or until a substantive CEO is appointed. Since the resignation of Robert Kahimise as Chief Executive Officer at the end of October 2020, the Windhoek City has been without a permanent CEO. Kahimise served in the position for four years. In addition to the absence of a CEO, the city has also not been able to elect a full management committee for over two months until…
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Effects of the Ukraine invasion still felt in Namibia

Effects of the Ukraine invasion still felt in Namibia

Steve Nashama In a latest Economic Outlook update for March 2023, released by the Bank of Namibia, the bank said Namibia’s domestic economy is projected to grow by 3.0 per cent in 2023 and by 2.9 per cent in 2024.Kazembire Zemburuka, the Director of Strategic Communications and International Relations at the Bank of Namibia, made the announcement this on Wednesday. He explained that the real Gross Domestic Product growth is estimated to have increased to 4.2 per cent in 2022 but is projected to slow down to 3.0 per cent this year.The estimated growth for 2022 has been revised upwards…
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Manufacturers donate 900 pads to non-profit organization

Martin Endjala One of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial valves and pumps, KSB has donated 900 pads valued at about N$9000 to Big Help Namibia, a local community non-profit organisation based in Windhoek as part of their ongoing pad project. Another beneficiary is the Green Leaves Primary School in Windhoek’s Okahandja park.According to KSB Marketing officer and Assistant Financial Accountant Tresia Awene, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a key aspect of the company’s annual program. “KSB Namibia is people-oriented and cares about the well-being of the community it is operating from,” she said, adding that the donation is aimed…
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Fight for N$26 taxi fare postponed to April

Fight for N$26 taxi fare postponed to April

Steve Nashama The Namibian Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) president, Werner Januarie says he does not need a Lawyer to fight for the 100 percent taxi fare increment, which would see taxi customers dishing out N$ 26 per trip.January confirmed to the Windhoek Observer that the union’s court case, which includes the legality of taxi permits amongst others was on Monday postponed to the 3rd of April this year, without the union’s legal representative.The union’s leader says he is not comfortable with the postponement of the case while he was not rightfully informed about it and was only made aware…
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OPM rubbishes flood victims starvation claims

OPM rubbishes flood victims starvation claims

Martin Endjala The Office of the Prime Minister says allegations that flood victims at relocation centres are starving due to a lack of food supply are untrue, as the food supply is delivered on a weekly basis with further distribution if needed.The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Rhingo Mutambo, said this in a media statement. A local daily newspaper reported that flood victims are complaining of starvation at the relocation centres in the Northern part of Namibia. Flood victims in the Ehenye Relocation Centre in Oshakati, Oshana, specifically complained of starvation, having no mosquito nets and of being dumped in snake-infested areas.…
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Government considering RCC liquidation

Government considering RCC liquidation

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises yesterday revealed that government is considering the liquidation of the financially struggling parastatal, Roads Contractor Company (RCC). The parastatal, which has a monthly wage bill of just over N$ 3 million, and long term- loans worth just less than N$ 8 million, has been in operation despite having an impaired profit. “The Government is busy consulting through the development of the plan. Once that has been completed, it will inform the decision on what the Government will do with the company,” Wilson Shikoto, the Ministry’s Spokesperson said. However, Shikoto adds that…
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“No field of study should be off-limits for women and girls.” – Geingob

“No field of study should be off-limits for women and girls.” – Geingob

Martin Endjala President Hage Geingob has urged women to continue being persistent in attaining their dreams, particularly in industries dominated by men and to not allow discrimination and other challenges to deter them. The President said this yesterday in commemoration of International Women’s Day, celebrated on the 8th of March. This year’s theme is, ‘Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.’ Geingob maintained that the theme is timely in advocating for an end to persisting discrimination against women and girls pursuing Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics-related fields (STEM), highlighting that women have over the years demonstrated that they are capable…
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Entertainment can be a catalyst for women’s empowerment

Entertainment can be a catalyst for women’s empowerment

Martin Endjala The MultiChoice Namibia Corporate Affairs Manager, Elzita Beukes, believes entrainment can be a catalyst for women’s empowerment, particularly in an industry that is dominated by men. “As we reflect on Women’s Day and Embrace Equity, let’s consider how entertainment can help shift thinking and make a positive impact on the lives of women,” she adds on the occasion of the celebration of International Women’s Day. Beukes says entertainment provides a valuable opportunity for stories, characters, and themes inclusive of women to be shared because educating audiences can shift cultural norms and understanding. Further stating that entertainment holds the…
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Man loses N$ 200K Police brutality lawsuit

Man loses N$ 200K Police brutality lawsuit

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A Windhoek self-employed man, Erickson Nangolo, who claims police officers grabbed and choked him during lockdown in July 2020, suffered a blow today in the Windhoek High court after his N$ 200 000 lawsuit against the Inspector General of Nampol and the Ministry of Safety was dismissed. Judge Eileen Rakow, however dismissed Erickson Nangolo’s application without costs. Nangolo’s accusation is that a group of police officers attacked him together with Namibian Defense Force (NDF) soldiers and knocked him unconscious. He wanted N$ 200 000 as compensation for damages he claims he suffered as a result of the said…
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