info_e12wt4cs – Page 477

16 Feb

Diamond production hit by lower grades

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Namibia’s diamond production decreased by 4% to 600 000 carats in the fourth quarter of 2023, due to marginally lower grades at the land operations, the De Beers Group announced. Overall, De Beers rough diamond production decreased by 3% to 7.9 million carats, primarily due to the planned reduction in South Africa as Venetia transitions to underground operations, partly offset by higher production from Botswana. In Botswana, production increased by 6% to 6.1 million carats, principally driven by increased plant throughput at Orapa due to planned lower maintenance. In South Africa, production decreased by 54% to 0.4 million carats, due…

16 Feb

Ten Namibian dollars for Microsoft shares

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

FNB Namibia announced this week the dual listing of the FirstRand Bank Limited Exchange Traded Note (ETN) programme on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX). The ten listed instruments will provide ordinary Namibians the ability to invest in quality international companies like Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and Microsoft with for as little as N$10. FNB said International diversification is important to any investment portfolio and the FNB ETN’s provide an easy and cost-effective manner to start diversifying your investment portfolio. “The ETN note programme makes use of the concept of micro investing thus promoting financial inclusion. Because the programme is listed on…

16 Feb

Namibia lays out memorial and funeral protocol for diplomatic corps

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché In a solemn assembly with the diplomatic corps in Windhoek, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed profound gratitude for the global solidarity and support following the passing of President Hage Geingob. She told the assembly that the nation is collectively navigating through this period of profound sorrow, bolstered by the comforting messages of condolences from around the world. Vice President Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined the protocol surrounding the arrangements for the state funeral of President Geingob and reminded the diplomats of the seamless transition of leadership to Dr Nangolo Mbumba, who was sworn in as the fourth President of the Republic…

16 Feb

Opportunities for future mining workers

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd (Namdia), the diamond marketing and sales company, has, through its Namdia Foundation, granted life-changing opportunities to 14 young Namibians from all 14 regions in the country. The recipients of the 2024 academic intake of the Namdia Foundation Bursary Scheme have described the bursaries as transformative. Tommy Shaningwa, from the Ohangwena Region, has been awarded a bursary to pursue a degree in electronic and computer studies at the University of Namibia. He expressed gratitude, stating, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I feel deeply honored and privileged to receive such a sophisticated bursary. Namdia is…

16 Feb

TUCNA will study Januarie’s proposal to sue the government for $522 million

info_e12wt4csNational NewsTUCNA will study Januarie’s proposal to sue the government for $522 million

Stefanus Nashama Mahongora Kavihuha, the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA), says he is aware of the letter from Werner Januarie, the President of the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) calling for solidarity with the federation to support him in a lawsuit in which he is demanding N$522 million from the government. “I am aware of the letter. We did receive it,” he confirmed during an interview with the Windhoek Observer yesterday. According to Kavihuha, the federation will study the proposal to establish and determine whether they can support it or not. “We are going to…

16 Feb

Is leveraging benefits the end or means to an end and what end?

info_e12wt4csOpinions

“Addressing poverty in mining areas and generally across the country requires a multi-faceted approach. First, and foremost, there must be greater transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources. The interests of local communities must be prioritized, and mechanisms for meaningful participation in decision-making processes must be established. Next, we must acknowledge that poverty in mining communities is not a standalone issue but rather a symptom of broader systemic challenges. Therefore, our approach must be holistic, addressing the root causes of poverty while simultaneously leveraging the opportunities presented by the mining sector.” Said National Planning Director General, Obeth Kandjoze…

16 Feb

MAWLR completes insightful study excursion to Malawi

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché In an effort to enhance agriculture in Namibia, a delegation of 31 agricultural extension staff and management from Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) embarked on a fruitful study excursion to Malawi. The mission, which took place from January 27 to February 4, 2024, was spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) country offices in Namibia and Malawi. This initiative marks an essential step in the ongoing project “Emergency response to mitigate multiple shocks and enhance resilient livelihoods in Namibia,” funded by the Government of Japan.The delegation, comprising Chief Agricultural…

16 Feb

Reimagining education in Namibia for a brighter future

info_e12wt4csEditorial

The current state of education in Namibia, characterized by overcrowded classrooms, inadequate foundational learning, and a curriculum struggling to meet the needs of its students, demands a radical reimagination. The recent revelations by Sanet Steenkamp, the Executive Director in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, and a troubling report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT, and Youth Development paint a picture of an education system in dire need of reform and substantial investment. But how can Namibia navigate these turbulent waters to secure a prosperous future for its next generation? The crux of Namibia's educational dilemma…

16 Feb

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Nichlas Mbingeneeko The previous article focused on preparing small stock for mating and selecting an appropriate lambing or kidding season. This article focuses on preparing the ewes for lambing or kidding. In preparing the ewes for lambing or kidding, the farmer needs to vaccinate the ewes against gangrene of the uterus (baarmoeder sponssiekte) two to three months prior to lambing or kidding. Also, inoculate against scabby mouth (vuilbek) one month prior to lambing or kidding so as to prevent udder infection. Literally, ¾ of the growth of the fetus takes place during the last three weeks of pregnancy. The pregnant…

16 Feb

Ministry warns unemployed youth against scammers

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché In a concerning trend that exploits the hopes of many unemployed youths, scammers have employed social media platforms to disseminate deceptive information. In this regard, the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service has issued a stern warning to young people to remain vigilant against scammers masquerading as ministry officials. These deceitful actors have reportedly been soliciting banking details from unsuspecting victims under the guise of offering assistance related to the Youth Development Grant for the 2024/2025 period. In the latest incident, scammers provide a link on social media platforms that features an image of Minister Agnes Tjongarero…