Windhoek Observer

11127 Posts
Namibia steps closer to greater transparency
07 Jun

Namibia steps closer to greater transparency

National News
Niël Terblanché Namibia's commitment to fostering an open and transparent budgeting system has yielded positive outcomes, according to the recently launched Namibia Open Budget Survey 2023 Report. The survey, part of the International Budget Partnership’s (IBP) global initiative, evaluates the accessibility, comprehensiveness, and timeliness of budget information across 120 countries. The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, stressed the significance of budget transparency in enhancing democratic processes and promoting economic stability during the report's launch. "A growing body of evidence shows that countries with more open budgeting systems have stronger democracies, greater equity, and better development outcomes," Shiimi…
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Namibia advances Blue Economy initiatives
07 Jun

Namibia advances Blue Economy initiatives

Main,
Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba has called for unity in safeguarding the ocean and addressing climate change as Namibia joined the global community in celebrating World Ocean Day. Speaking at the commemoration ceremony in Walvis Bay, President Mbumba announced the nearing completion of Namibia’s Blue Economy Policy, which includes a comprehensive Marine Spatial Plan and the development of a Sustainable Ocean Plan by 2025. “Our Blue Economy Policy is built on three pillars: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social inclusion. It is crucial that we protect our ocean from adverse impacts and adopt a precautionary approach towards activities that may…
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New Namibian Veterinary Council commits to high standards
07 Jun

New Namibian Veterinary Council commits to high standards

National News,
Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform announced the appointment of new members to the Veterinary Council of Namibia. The inauguration ceremony, held in Windhoek on Friday, was presided over by Deputy Minister Anna Shiweda, who highlighted the crucial role the Council plays in regulating veterinary standards across the country. Shiweda pointed out that the Namibian Veterinary Council is a statutory body mandated to oversee and regulate the standards of both veterinary and para-veterinary professions in Namibia. “It is my privilege to preside over the inauguration of the fourth Namibian Veterinary Council appointed since the promulgation of…
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Olavi Hamwele takes reigns of NTB board
06 Jun

Olavi Hamwele takes reigns of NTB board

National News
Niël Terblanché The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has announced the voluntary resignation of Janette Fourie, the Chairperson of its Board of Directors, with immediate effect. Fourie, who served as a board member from 2020 to 2023 as an ordinary director, was appointed chairperson for the term 2023 to 2026. During her tenure, Fourie provided valuable leadership and guidance to the NTB. The board expressed its gratitude for her dedication and commitment to promoting tourism in Namibia. "Her contributions have been greatly appreciated," stated the NTB in their announcement to stakeholders. In accordance with Section 4(5) of the NTB Act, Act…
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VP calls for improved agricultural production in Erongo
06 Jun

VP calls for improved agricultural production in Erongo

National News
Niël Terblanché Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the importance of developing local production and processing centres as a means to empower Namibia's economy. In a recent visit to Omaruru, she addressed a gathering of farmers in the Erongo Region. Nandi-Ndaitwah's visit included engagements with farmers to discuss the various challenges they face, such as theft, vandalism, and the persistent severe drought conditions. These issues have had a profound impact on food security and the overall well-being of the region's communities. The Vice-President also took part in several important activities during her visit. She handed over bags of cement and gardening tools…
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Trackmen trained to combat railway crime
06 Jun

Trackmen trained to combat railway crime

National News
Niël Terblanché Namibia’s national transport company, TransNamib, has announced the successful qualification of 11 general workers as trackmen, following a year of intensive study and practical training. According to TransNamib Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Desmond van Jaarsveld, this will enhance the company's workforce, especially in the face of ongoing challenges related to railway component theft and vandalism. He highlighted the role these newly qualified trackmen will play in maintaining the safety and functionality of Namibia's railway lines. "While we continue to face challenges with the theft of railway line components, which directly impacts our ability to transport cargo and passengers…
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Mariental water smells earthy
06 Jun

Mariental water smells earthy

National News
Martin Endjala Last month, low levels of the Hardap dam caused Mariental water to smell like mud. On Thursday, Mariental Chief Executive Officer Paul Nghiwilepo told the Windhoek Observer that the town's water contained geosmin due to the dam's low levels. “The water is fine now. Due to the low levels of the dam, the water becomes muddy, hence the presence of geosmin. We will continue to monitor the situation because it could happen again,” he said. Namwater discovered the problem last month and has since begun additional laboratory tests to monitor the situation. Tests confirmed a higher-than-normal concentration of…
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Procurement of ballot printing paper set for August
06 Jun

Procurement of ballot printing paper set for August

National News
Martin Endjala The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is set to procure materials such as printing, design, and delivery of ballot papers from 1 August to 2 November. This is according to the ECN's key electoral activities document, which was seen by the Windhoek Observer. Authorised political parties and candidate representatives will conduct verifications and sign-offs of sample ballot papers from 21 October to 22 October. The dispatch of sensitive and non-sensitive materials locally is set for 20 October to 20 November. According to ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka, the tender procurement process has yet to commence. Political analyst Henning…
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NEF decries implementation of National Minimum Wage
06 Jun

NEF decries implementation of National Minimum Wage

National News
Niël Terblanché The Namibian Employers Federation (NEF) have expressed substantial concerns regarding the recently announced National Minimum Wage (NMW) of N$18 per hour, set to be implemented from 1 January 2025. The move has been criticised as premature and unilateral, with calls for a more consultative approach. Elia Shikongo, the president of the NEF, expressed disappointment over the introduction of the NMW, calling it a hasty decision by the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Uutoni Nujoma. Shikongo argued that the wage order should be reversed and stressed the need for further deliberations. He pointed out that the…
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NSFAF yet to pay out 8000 student loans
06 Jun

NSFAF yet to pay out 8000 student loans

National News
Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has yet to pay out student loans for approximately 8 000 students, primarily from the International University of Management (IUM) and the University of Namibia (UNAM). Kennedy Kandume, the acting chief executive officer of the NASFAF, clarified the issue of late monthly payments to beneficiaries at a press conference on Wednesday in Windhoek. He confirmed that some of the students received their payment on Wednesday, while others will receive their payment over the next few days. “I am told that 5 618 students received their payments at 14h00 today; this leaves…
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