Windhoek Observer – Page 373 – Windhoek Observer

03 Oct

Ovaherero chief calls for justice and recognition on Genocide Remembrance Day

National News

Niël Terblanché The Ovaherero Genocide Remembrance Day is commemorated annually on 2 October to honour the victims of one of the first genocides of the 20th century. The day reflects on the tragic events that led to the near extermination of the Ovaherero people by German colonial forces in 1904-1908. Dr Mutjinde Katjua, Ombara Otjitambi of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, delivered a special address during the commemoration of the atrocities in Swakopmund on Wednesday. This is despite the government having declared 28 May as Genocide Remembrance Day, and it will be considered a public holiday effective from 2025. Katjua reminded…

03 Oct

Namibia’s telecom sector faces shake-up as Starlink eyes market share

National NewsElon Musk’s Starlink

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Economic analysts have raised concerns about the potential impact of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service on Namibia’s telecommunications sector. With the Namibian government engaging Musk’s company to expand internet access, analysts say local players such as MTC and Telecom Namibia may face significant competition. President Nangolo Mbumba and the minister of information, communication and technology, Emma Theofelus met with Musk in New York last month and discussed potential Tesla and Starlink investments in Namibia. Mally Likukela, an economic analyst, highlighted the potential market disruption that Starlink could bring. “It will definitely take a substantial amount of market…

03 Oct

Brazen armed robbery shocks Walvis Bay residents

National News

Niël Terblanché Three armed men accosted the son of a well-known businessman of Walvis Bay in front of the MultiSave Sellf Service Superstore and robbed him of a large amount of cash, his cell phone and the keys to his car early on Wednesday morning. According to the official incident report provided by Warrant Officer Tashiya Tuyenikelao, the incident occurred at approximately 06:04 while the victim was about to unlock the shop on 14th Road for the day’s business. The 30-year-old victim had a bag containing N$313 725 in cash that was supposed to be banked later in the day…

03 Oct

The future shines bright for Namibia’s maritime sector

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s growing significance in global maritime logistics and its potential to become a leading player in the energy sector was strengthened during the official opening of Walvis Bay Maritime Week on Thursday. Hosted at the Port of Walvis Bay, the event brought together leaders from various industries and sectors, including John Mutorwa, deputy prime minister and minister of works and transport. Mutorwa reiterated that transportation is the backbone of the country’s economy. “Namibia’s national maritime hub is a symbol of progress and resilience, one that links the nation to international trade routes and regional markets,” he said. Mutorwa…

03 Oct

Namibia set to host disaster risk reduction conference

National News9th African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9)

Niël Terblanché Governments, regional, and civil society organizations from across Africa are set to gather in Windhoek for the 9th African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9) and the 8th High-Level Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction. According to a statement released by the United Nations the conference set down for 22 to 24 October, comes at a time when Africa faces escalating natural disasters, including persistent droughts, extreme flooding, and intensifying cyclones. Under the theme "The Resilient Africa We Want," the forum aims to chart a new course for the continent, tackling these shared challenges head-on by focusing on…

03 Oct

Success of resilience-building agriculture projects reviewed

National NewsFood and Agriculture Organisation

Niël Terblanché While Namibia is still in the grip of a severe drought, the success rate of small-scale farming projects to build resilience and improve food security for vulnerable communities is under evaluation. The implementation of these projects were done in collaboration with donors which demonstrates the vital role of international partnerships in achieving sustainable agricultural development in rural areas. According to a statement released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), these projects, funded by the Government of Japan, aim to strengthen the livelihoods of vulnerable communities affected by climate change, particularly drought. In this…

03 Oct

Namcor and SLB collaborate for suitable energy

Energy, Observer MoneyFrans Kalenga, SLB Digital Forum 2024

Stefanus Nashama The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) and the global energy technology company SLB have signed an agreement to collaborate in advancing suitable technology in Namibia. The Namcor senior manager of sustainable energies, Frans Kalenga, announced the agreement on Thursday. “This agreement marks a greater step in our relationship towards building strong partnerships with international players, and we're excited to see the fruits of the seeds planted today. Our collaboration with SLB will play a key role in the sustainable development of Namibia’s energy resources, including recent oil discoveries, which marks an exciting era for our upstream sector,”…

03 Oct

MVA Fund opens a service centre at Katima Mulilo

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) inaugurated a new service centre in Katima Mulilo. The new facility was constructed at a cost of approximately N$11 million. On Thursday, Jane Iikela, a senior corporate communications practitioner at the MVA, explained that the service centre offers claims queries, submissions, and hospital case management visits to injured patients in the hospital. The MVA also operates the Divundu Emergency Medical Response Base, located between Rundu and Katima Mulilo, which provides emergency medical response services between the two towns. The centre was inaugurated last week by deputy prime minister and minister of works…

03 Oct

Toini Muteka appointed as executive officer for human capital at Bank Windhoek

Observer MoneyBaronice Hans

Niël Terblanché Bank Windhoek has announced the appointment of Toini Muteka as the bank’s new Executive Officer for Human Capital. The appointment is effective from 1 October. The announcement was made by Bank Windhoek’s Managing Director, Baronice Hans, who stressed Muteka’s wealth of experience and leadership capabilities, which are expected to significantly bolster the bank's human capital strategies. “In her new role, Muteka will be tasked with developing and executing human resource strategies that align with Bank Windhoek’s broader business objectives,” Hans said. According to Hans, these strategies will be key to addressing critical areas such as succession planning, talent…

03 Oct

Failing to provide water is a violation of rights to Ndama JP School learners – Venaani

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president, McHenry Venaani said the government's inability to provide basic water services is a severe violation of the rights of the learners at Ndama Junior Primary School and an impediment to their education. The opposition leader said this on Thursday while reacting to reports that a total of 1 300 learners and 37 staff members have been sent home due to the water crisis for the past four weeks. The school is located in Kavango East, and it is one of four schools in the region that have been affected by the lack…