Windhoek Observer – Page 499 – Windhoek Observer

03 Apr

Senior news editor accused of assaulting radio journalist

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A senior male editorial employee from a local daily newspaper is facing allegations of assaulting his girlfriend, a radio journalist, on Tuesday, following an April Fool's prank. It's alleged the prank resulted in water spilling over the editor’s passport. A case of assault was opened by the victim with the Namibian police. The Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU) condemned the alleged assault, expressing concern over the prevalence of violence against women in local newsrooms. According to NAMPU, the suspect, identified as a prominent editor, has allegedly engaged in such behaviour repeatedly. NAMPU emphasised the importance of justice, demanding…

03 Apr

Auditor-General mum on August 26 forensic audit report

MainThe Office of the Auditor-General remains mum on the forensic audit report of August 26.

Stefanus Nashama The Office of the Auditor-General remains mum on the forensic audit report of August 26. The audit of the state-owned company started in 2021, following claims that the company failed to account for public funds. Criticism raised by members of the public and opposition parties requested the Office of the Auditor-General to provide the forensic audit report. The spokesperson in the Office of the Auditor-General, Christell Nassauw, did not respond to questions on when the report will be released. “Your questions have been received and forwarded to the information bearers of the questions of which the technical team…

03 Apr

Hiked fuel prices to hit consumer pockets

Observer Money

Martin Endjala Economist Josef Sheehama says that the recently announced hike in fuel prices by the Ministry of Mines and Energy will negatively impact the already struggling consumers. According to Sheehama, this will trigger inflation and the hike in oil prices will further stifle the growth of the economy through the supply and demand for goods. He added that the increase in oil prices will depress the supply of other goods due to the increase in the cost of production. “Oil price increases are generally thought to increase inflation and reduce economic growth. A rise in prices impacts the current…

03 Apr

BoN declares dividend of N$511 million

Observer Money

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has announced a dividend of N$ 511.5 million to the State Revenue Fund for the 2023 financial year, an improvement compared to the N$413.7 million recorded in the 2022 financial year. The Bank’s Governor Johannes !Gawaxab, stated that despite a challenging global economic environment, the financial sector’s performance remained sound during 2023. With the stock of international reserves rising by 11.9 percent to N$53.2 billion. He made this announcement yesterday during the launch of its 2023 annual report in Windhoek. Stating that from N$ 47.6 billion recorded at the end of 2022 to…

03 Apr

Global unity needed to battle cybercrime

National News

Niël Terblanché The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Modestus Amutse, called on United Nations member states to urgently finalize the Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Criminal Purposes. Amutse spoke at the China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum where he said that unity will be a critical step forward in the global fight against the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime. He highlighted the need for a unified and robust legal framework to prosecute cybercrime perpetrators effectively. The deputy minister emphasized that the complexity and borderless nature of cyber threats demand a cohesive effort…

03 Apr

President Mbumba commissions new Delimitation Commission

National News

Niël Terblanché In order to reassess and possibly reshape the electoral landscape, President Nangolo Mbumba officiated the commissioning of the Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commissioners at State House. This key event marks the beginning of the fifth Delimitation Commission's work since Namibia gained independence, reflecting the nation's commitment to ensuring equitable representation and governance. Presidential Press Secretary, Alfredo Hengari said that the commission's task is to evaluate the current regional and constituency boundaries. He added that this assessment aims to determine the necessity for modifications to enhance development planning and ensure effective governance. “The initiative is grounded in the Constitution…

03 Apr

SIM card suspension causes pandemonium

Main

Niël Terblanché The completion of the mandated SIM card registration exercise, as directed by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), has left thousands of mobile phone users temporarily disconnected from network services. This follows the March 31st deadline, which marked the end of an extensive campaign aimed at enhancing security and customer verification processes within the country's telecommunications sector. Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), Namibia's largest mobile operator, reported a registration compliance rate of 83.3 percent, having successfully registered 1,613,893 SIM cards. However, 323,236 users failed to meet the deadline, rendering their SIM cards suspended, but not deactivated, pending compliance.…

03 Apr

PDM condemns exorbitant electricity prices

National NewsPDM condemns exorbitant electricity prices

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has expressed concern towards the costs of electricity, emphasising the urgent need for transparency and accountability from all involved stakeholders. PDM Member of Parliament Hidipo Hamata, said there should be clarity on the factors contributing to the inflated prices, while underscoring the necessity for both government and regulatory bodies to prioritise the welfare of people“We demand an end to the delays and bureaucratic hurdles faced by consumers, particularly in remote areas in accessing essential infrastructure such as transformers. Every Namibian has the right to reliable and affordable electricity, and no one should be subjected to undue…

03 Apr

Namibia to host inaugural Global African Hydrogen Summit

Energy, National NewsNamibia to host inaugural Global African Hydrogen Summit

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia is set to host the inaugural Global African Hydrogen Summit (GAH2S) in Windhoek, from 3 - 5 September 2024. Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board Senior Manager for Marketing, Branding & Communications Catherine Shipushu announced this today in Windhoek.She said the summit will be hosted under the theme “From Ambition to Action: Fuelling Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution”. Adding that the summit will focus on the strategic role Africa expects to play in the global hydrogen market and will facilitate collaboration and advance dialogue across policy, investment and the emerging hydrogen value chain.“Following the initial announcement made as…

02 Apr

Okahandja suffers as the tide of copper theft rises

National News

Niël Terblanché During the early hours of a Sunday morning, the residents of Smarties Extension 9 in Okahandja were shaken awake by an explosion before being engulfed in darkness once again. As the sun rose, the grim reality became apparent: three copper cables, lifelines of electricity to their homes, were severed from a transformer, leaving the community powerless and in despair. This theft, described by onlookers as "barbaric," signals a burgeoning crisis not unique to Okahandja but reflective of a distressing trend across nations. Okahandja is struggling with an escalating wave of copper cable theft. This malaise isn't merely a…