info_e12wt4cs – Page 39

02 Apr

New Okangwati township planned to address housing and infrastructure needs

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-maria Amutenja Plans are underway for the development of Okangwati Extension 3, a new township at Okangwati Settlement to address housing and infrastructure challenges for ultra-low-income residents in the Kunene Region. The Kunene Regional Council, acting on behalf of the Okangwati Settlement Council, has initiated the project, which will include residential, business, and institutional erven. The township is intended to improve service delivery and upgrade existing infrastructure in Okangwati. A public notice published in local newspapers announced that Ritta Khiba Planning Consultants had been appointed to oversee the process and would be applying to the Urban and Regional Planning Board…

02 Apr

KEFA referee faces scrutiny after Divayi game

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namport Kavango East Football Association (KEFA) is facing calls to investigate a referee’s conduct following a match between Divayi Football Club and Kagcuva FC, during which 14 penalty cards were issued to Kagcuva FC, including two red cards. Kagcuva FC Secretary Frans Muhembo lodged an official complaint with KEFA Chairperson Patrick Mukoya on Monday, requesting disciplinary action against the referee and appealing the red card issued to team captain, Albin Munyenda. The match, played on 30 February at the Divayi Sports Field, was described by Kagcuva FC as being marked by biased refereeing. Muhembo said 12 yellow…

02 Apr

Sam Nujoma’s unfinished mission

info_e12wt4csOpinions

Ndumba J. Kamwanyah When Namibia gained independence in 1990, founding president and the father of the nation Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma declared that true freedom meant more than just breaking the chains of colonial and apartheid rule. His vision was loud and clear: Namibia must liberate itself from hunger, diseases and ignorance. This was not just a mere slogan—it was a call to action, a guiding philosophy for building a strong and self-sufficient independent Namibia. This was also a futuristic foresight. He knew that a country that depends on others for its survival and development can never be truly free.…

01 Apr

Icelandic company ordered to settle with former fishermen

info_e12wt4csMain

Ester Mbathera Esja Investment (Pty) Ltd has reached a settlement of N$1.8 million with 23 former fishermen who lost their jobs in December 2018. The settlement was finalised in the High Court on 1 April. According to the fishermen’s lawyer, Norman Tjombe, the settlement excludes the 20% annual interest that has accumulated since 2021, amounting to over N$1.7 million. “Esja obviously does not have money, but we will see what we can do,” Tjombe said. As part of the agreement, Esja will pay an initial N$115,000 on or before 1 April, with the remaining N$1.7 million due by 30 April.…

01 Apr

Health ministry blames suppliers as baby vaccines run out

info_e12wt4csNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Sirka Bonifacius, a first-time mother, was shocked when the nurses at Windhoek Central Hospital told her that the hepatitis B vaccine for her newborn was unavailable. She had delivered her baby two weeks ago and was told she would have to go to Rhino Park Private Hospital to get the vaccine. "I was only told after three days, but the baby was supposed to get the vaccine within 24 hours after birth. The nurse who told me to get it from Rhino Park said it was only N$30, but when I got there, I was told it was…

01 Apr

Delayed budget debate angers IPC and AR

info_e12wt4csNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Affirmative Repositioning (AR) have expressed frustration over the abrupt postponement of the national budget debate, which was set for Tuesday. The postponement was announced by National Assembly acting secretary Oscar Muyatwa, who informed chief whips that Parliament would now resume on 8 April 2025. No reason was provided in the official notice. “The National Assembly appreciates the public's patience and understanding as it upholds principles of accountability and transparency in the budgetary process,” he said. He added that it will be made through the official parliament website and social media platforms.…

01 Apr

Swakop River reaches the Atlantic Ocean after heavy rains

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Swakop River has once again reached the Atlantic Ocean, drawing hundreds of residents of both Swakopmund and Walvis Bay to its banks to witness this rare natural event. Sustained rainfall over Namibia's interior replenished the river and its tributaries, enabling the flow to extend to the sea. The last occurrence of this phenomenon was on 16 February 2022, when the river flowed into the ocean after an 11-year pause. At that time, residents celebrated by gathering at the river mouth, with some assisting the flow by digging channels in the sand. The Swakop River, an ephemeral watercourse,…

01 Apr

The Impact of Colonial Borders on Post-Independence African States: A Case Study of the DRC and Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, and South Africa and Zimbabwe

info_e12wt4csOpinions

Lot Ndamanomhata The artificial borders imposed by colonial powers during the Scramble for Africa have had profound and lasting effects on African states. The Berlin Conference (1884–1885) formalized the division of Africa among European colonial powers, often disregarding pre-existing ethnic, cultural, and political entities (Herbst, 2000). These arbitrary borders have led to fragmented communities, cross-border tensions, and challenges in governance. This article examines the effects of colonial borders on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, and South Africa and Zimbabwe, highlighting the socio-political challenges that have emerged post-independence. Furthermore, the article explores international comparisons and…

01 Apr

Kavango deserves better: why appointed governors undermine true democracy

info_e12wt4csFeatured, Opinions

Joseph Diescho The consternation or unhappiness about the appointment of brother Julius Hamunyera Hambyuka (Mukwanzadi) as 'governor' of Kavango East is not about rejecting him as a person or impugning the decision of the President who has the prerogative to appoint 'governors' under the current laws. The unhappiness is about the bigger picture of Namibian Democracy and Popular Political Participation. It reveals the awkward context of Kavango political participation in Namibian politics. The reality in which this appointment took place is most unfortunate. Here is why: The appointment of these so-called governors in the 35 years old Namibia must be…

01 Apr

GIPF assets grow to N$167 billion

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Niël Terblanché The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has reported robust growth for the 2023/24 financial year, with its asset value increasing to N$167 billion, up from N$151 billion the previous year. The figures were presented on Tuesday during the launch of the fund’s 2024 Integrated Annual Report (IAR) in Windhoek. The GIPF’s chief executive officer and principal officer, Martin Inkumbi, said the fund had successfully navigated uncertainties and continues to grow and meet its obligations whilst having consideration for the GIPF’s future performance and prospects. He added that the IAR reflects the fund’s financial and non-financial performance from 1…