Windhoek Observer

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NDP 5, Industrialization and the Youth

NDP 5, Industrialization and the Youth

Namibia, a nation characterized by its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is on a transformative journey toward economic prosperity and social development. Central to this endeavor is the fifth installment of its National Development Plan (NDP5), a strategic blueprint aimed at fostering inclusive growth, industrialization, and, crucially, empowering the youth. As we examine NDP5, it becomes clear that the synergy between industrialization and youth engagement is pivotal for Namibia's future. Namibia’s National Development Plan 5: An Overview Launched in 2017, NDP5 spans a five-year period, encapsulating Namibia's vision for sustainable development from 2017 to 2022. This plan is structured…
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Safety ministry warns against a correctional service job scam

Safety ministry warns against a correctional service job scam

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has issued a stern warning to the public about a fraudulent scheme involving false promises of employment with the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS). According to Deputy Commissioner John Kambimbi, spokesperson for the NCS, these fraudsters are soliciting money from unsuspecting individuals by claiming they can secure positions at the NCS in exchange for payment. Kambimbi cited numerous instances in which these scams have deceived people. In one notable case, a fraudulent recruiter demanded N$2,000 from a victim, falsely promising that the payment would cover the cost of specialised training…
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NSI presents strategic roadmap for Green Hydrogen

NSI presents strategic roadmap for Green Hydrogen

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Standards Institution (NSI) recently convened a diverse group of stakeholders to strategize on the country’s transition to greener energies to move towards sustainable development, The focus of the discussion was the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework for green hydrogen, aimed at boosting investor confidence and aligning Namibia with global energy markets. Eino Mvula, the chief executive officer of NSI, emphasised the pivotal role of the institution in setting standards that will underpin the growth of the renewable energy sector. “Our goal is to foster economic growth and position Namibia as a leader in renewable energy…
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Namibia and South Korea sign investment partnership

Namibia and South Korea sign investment partnership

Niël Terblanché Namibia has taken a step towards enhancing its international investment landscape by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea's Trade Investment Promotion Agency. The Namibian Cabinet approved and signed this agreement during last week's inaugural South Korea-Africa summit in Seoul. The summit, a landmark event, brought together representatives from 48 African nations, including 25 African heads of state. The summit's discussions centred on enhancing trade, technology, and investment ties between South Korea and the African continent. According to Eino Mvula, chief executive officer of the Namibia Standards Institution (NSI), the MoU is a crucial development in…
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Walvis Bay announces an increase in rates and taxes

Walvis Bay announces an increase in rates and taxes

Niël Terblanché Residents of Walvis Bay will face increased utility costs after the town's budget for the upcoming financial year is approved. The Walvis Bay Town Council has greenlighted a budget that includes tariff hikes of 5% for water and 2.5% for sewerage, refuse, rates, and taxes. Richard Hoaeb, the chairperson of the management committee, presented the budget, which totals N$566 million, during a council meeting on Thursday. According to Hoabeb, the budget outlines both expected revenue and expenditure for the new financial year, with each amounting to approximately N$566 million. “This balanced approach adheres to the line ministry’s requirement…
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Uninterrupted education and cultural integration needed in remote areas

Niël Terblanché The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Science, Information and Communication Technology, and Youth Development recently convened a series of meetings with key stakeholders to explore strategies for ensuring uninterrupted access to education, particularly in remote regions. These discussions also highlighted the importance of integrating arts, culture, and heritage into the national education system. During the engagements, the committee focused on the pivotal role of network coverage in providing consistent educational opportunities to students in remote areas. Adequate network coverage is essential for bridging the educational divide, allowing students to access digital learning resources and participate in online classes,…
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Expiring voter cards must end

Expiring voter cards must end

Martin Endjala Paulus Mbangu, a National Council member of parliament, says the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) needs to do away with voter cards that expire. He said that numerous unnecessary expenses, such as expiring cards, continue to constrain the ECN budget. “This issue of having voter cards that expire must come to an end. Why should they expire when the person has already qualified to vote? Why should that power expire?” said Mbangu. According to him, it makes no sense whatsoever, Mbangu is adamant that voter cards must remain permanently valid. Mbangu stated that only in special scenarios should…
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Geingob was a crusader for effective governance

Geingob was a crusader for effective governance

Martin Endjala The late third President Hage Geingob's legacy is his crusade for effective governance. These were the remarks of Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the Hage Geingob Memorial Lecture under the theme “His Legacy Lives On," held in Ongwediva, Oshana region, over the weekend. “President Geingob dedicated six decades of his life to serving Namibians. I do believe that the conversation we are starting here in Ongwediva will be the beginning of an appraisal of the rich heritage President Geingob left behind as a crusader for effective governance. I am confident that we have enough material to locate the…
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PDM motivated by SA elections to garner votes

PDM motivated by SA elections to garner votes

Martin Endjala The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president, Mchenry Venaani, says the recent South African elections served as a beacon of hope in gunning for votes. Venaani made this statement over the weekend during its mega rally in Opuwo. “Look to our neighbours in South Africa, where the recent election has shown us a beacon of hope. The ANC's dwindling support, coupled with the rise of opposition voices, demonstrates a clear desire for change among the electorate, with the governing ANC recording only 40.18% of the vote. “South Africa has done it, and now it is up to us to…
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High electricity tariffs detrimental to business and households

High electricity tariffs detrimental to business and households

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) has raised concerns regarding electricity tariff increases, which it says are detrimental to businesses and households alike. NALOBA vice president Peter Amadhila, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer last week, said that electricity has become unaffordable in Namibia, affecting every economic activity for strategic growth. “Electricity is no longer affordable in Namibia, both for domestic and international businesses, and it is a key component of every economic activity for strategic growth. The main cause has been attributed to the failure to implement previously initiated capital projects such as the development of…
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