Windhoek Observer – Page 395 – Windhoek Observer

10 Sep

Powering Africa’s growth: The untapped potential of SME insurance for economic prosperity

Sam Kauapirura At the heart of Africa's economic landscape lies a vibrant tapestry of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), each contributing to the continent's dynamic growth and innovation. These businesses, often operating with limited resources, are the lifeblood of our economies, fostering job creation, innovation, and economic stability. However, SMEs are frequently exposed to a myriad of risks that can impede their progress. Here, the solution is clear—SME insurance. SME insurance offers a suite of tailored insurance products designed to safeguard small and medium-sized businesses from financial setbacks caused by unforeseen events. These policies encompass a wide range of perils,…

10 Sep

Tutjavi balances education and politics

National NewsTutjavi balances education and politics

Ester Mbathera Fenny Tutjavi, at just 22 years old, who hails from the Erongo Region, was one of the youngest candidates under the leadership of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and made history this week by being elected to the Swapo Party’s parliamentary list. Her inclusion on the list came during the Swapo Party’s electoral college on Monday, where she was named among 10 appointees by the party’s vice president. Despite the high expectations that come with parliamentary duties, she is determined to balance her new political role with her academic goals. “I am going to commit to my study. Because, as a…

09 Sep

‘Our democracy will not be sold’ – Netumbo

MainDemocracy on Sale

Ester Mbathera Swapo Party vice president and presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has defended her party’s recent fundraising campaign, which raised over N$16 million at a gala dinner. This came in response to media headlines labelling the event as "Democracy on Sale." Speaking on Monday after the party's electoral college, also known as the POT, Nandi-Ndaitwah questioned the media's portrayal of the event, saying that the party operates transparently. “We are a democratic and open party. We organised our gala dinner and people transparently, willingly came, and they made those donations,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah questioned why the…

09 Sep

NEFF demands backpay from Parliament

National NewsIipumbu Kalimbo

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters’ (NEFF) deputy leader, Iipumbu Kalimbo said the party expects the National Assembly to pay them backdated salaries for July and August after they were forced to leave their seats in Parliament. Kalimbo and NEFF president, Epafras Mukwiilongo were kicked out of parliament in June after the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) deregistered the political party for failing to submit audited financial reports on time. However, the NEFF challenged their deregistration and won the case in the High Court last week. Kalimbo told this publication on Monday that the deregistration has caused the party…

09 Sep

Traditional leaders called upon to focus on addressing challenges

National NewsNamibia's Council of Traditional Leaders, President Nangolo Mbumba

Niël Terblanché As Namibia prepares for the presidential and national assembly elections in November, the role of traditional authorities in promoting national unity and addressing key challenges such as poverty and gender-based violence remains indispensable. On Monday, the 25th Annual Meeting of Namibia's Council of Traditional Leaders (CTL) commenced in Windhoek, focusing on unity, development, and maintaining stability as the country heads towards the November elections. President Nangolo Mbumba officially opened the meeting, acknowledging traditional leaders' vital role in fostering peace and unity, especially in rural communities. “The responsibility of our traditional leaders is to uphold traditions while actively participating…

09 Sep

Unauthorised public transport operators causing concern

National NewsMarcelline Murapo, unauthorised public transport

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Marcelline Murapo, spokesperson of the Windhoek City Police said they have noted with serious concern the increasing number of unauthorised public transport operations within the city recently. In a statement issued over the weekend, Murapo announced that their investigations have revealed that numerous operators are transporting passengers without proper authorisation, including shuttles to the airport and those registered through digital applications around the capital city. She said the City of Windhoek, which regulates public transportation, urges all public motor vehicle owners transporting passengers for reward to obtain transportation permits and register with city police to obtain the necessary…

09 Sep

Karas official reflects on improved legal access amid calls for judicial reform

National NewsJob Amupanda, Ralph Sachika

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Ralph Sachika, the Karas chief regional officer has shed light on past judicial outreach efforts in southern Namibia, following recent proposals to establish a southern division of the High Court of Namibia in Oranjemund. Sachika highlighted historical arrangements for legal services in the region, noting that High Court judges from Windhoek had previously travelled to Keetmanshoop to hear cases. “It is difficult for us to attribute it or support it. It would have been better for us to receive some context and the angle from which that particular political party made the statements. Orandjamund is 500 kilometres from…

09 Sep

NamPower faces challenges amid Rosh Pinah solar project launch

National NewsBen Mingeli, Namibia's electricity supply system

Hertta-Maria Amutenja NamPower’s senior manager of generation projects, Ben Mingeli, has raised concerns over the increasing reliance on solar energy and the challenges it poses for Namibia's electricity supply system. Mingeli stated on 9 September that managing demand is becoming increasingly difficult due to the rise in solar energy dependence. "Going forward, we are going to be faced with a situation where up to 100% of our day demand is on solar, and that’s going to be a challenge," Mingeli said. To address this, NamPower is accelerating the rollout of battery energy storage projects, with further expansion expected. "We will…

09 Sep

Namibia ready for digital revolution

National NewsNational ICT Summit

Niël Terblanché Namibia has already made substantial strides toward digital transformation, with both the public and private sectors embracing new technological advancements that will benefit all Namibians. While launching the eighth National ICT Summit in Windhoek, Emma Theofelus, the minister of information and communication technology, stressed that adapting to digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), is vital for the nation's sustainable economic development. The theme of the summit, "Building Resilience to 'Adapt or Die' in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)," reflects the challenges facing Namibia in this rapidly evolving digital era. Theofelus stressed the need for…

09 Sep

GIPF creates collaborative forum to engage members

National NewsRegional Stakeholder Engagement Forum in Otjozondjupa

Niël Terblanché The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) is set to launch its innovative Regional Stakeholder Engagement Forum in Otjozondjupa on 12 September 2024. According to the fund’s spokesperson, Edwin Tjiramba, this initiative, which will be held at Paresis Hall in Otjiwarongo, aims to enhance member knowledge and engagement through collaboration with key financial institutions. He added that partnering with entities such as the Namibia Revenue Agency (NAMRA), Public Service Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS), Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA), Allan Gray First Capital Namibia, and the Bank of Namibia, the GIPF is creating an opportunity for members to better…