Windhoek Observer – Page 528 – Windhoek Observer

13 Mar

Namibia’s population surpasses three million

MainNamibia’s population surpasses three million

Stefanus Nashama A preliminary report released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has revealed that Namibia’s population currently stands at 3,022,401 million, a growth of 909,324 since the country conducted its last census in 2011. This is according to Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General of the NSA, who made the presentation at the official launch of the preliminary results of the 2023 population and housing census today in Windhoek. This was the fourth time Namibia undertook the population and housing census. In 1991, Namibia’s population stood at 1,4 million; in 2001, it was 1,8 million; in 2011, it stood at 2,1…

13 Mar

Allegations of unfair practices shake Erongo Sea Products joint venture

National NewsAllegations of unfair practices shake Erongo Sea Products joint venture

Niël Terblanché Allegations have surfaced that the Oceana Group, might be undermining their Namibian counterparts, Erongo Marine Enterprises in the Erongo Sea Products Joint Venture. The allegations are casting a shadow over the partnership that has spanned more than 20 years. Central to the controversy is the recent suspension of Erongo Marine Enterprises’ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martha Uumati, following her inquiries into the treatment and relationship with Namibian shareholders. An independent legal assessment conducted by the firm Cronje and Kie has unveiled potential violations of the joint venture agreements, heavily favouring the South African conglomerate. Particularly alarming are the…

13 Mar

President Hage Geingob’s legacy honoured in Botswana

National News

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia has journeyed to Botswana to attend a solemn and dignified memorial service for the late President Hage Geingob. Scheduled for the morning of 13 March 2024, this service aims to celebrate the life and contributions of a man regarded as a true son of Africa and a dear friend to Botswana. Botswana’s Ministry for the State President has announced that the service will honour the memory of President Geingob. The profound impact he had on both his country and the African continent at large will be honoured. The memorial service, set to take…

13 Mar

Judge Chinhengo refuses to recuse himself from the Fishrot case

National NewsJudge Chinhengo refuses to recuse himself from the Fishrot case

Hertta-maria Amutenja High Court Judge, Moses Chinhengo has ruled against the recusal application filed by Nigel van Wyk, an accused in the Fishrot case involving allegations of fishing quotas fraud, corruption, and racketeering. Van Wyk, who was released on bail last year, sought the recusal of Judge Chinhengo, alleging bias in the proceedings by the judge. The judge’s insistence on proceeding with plea proceedings, despite objections and concerns from the accused and their legal representatives, added complexity to the case. However, Chinhengo ruled against the application, stating that the applicant failed to present a compelling case for recusal, emphasising a…

13 Mar

Alweendo denies corruption in awarding exploration license

National NewsAlweendo denies corruption in awarding exploration license

Martin Endjala Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo has denied corruptly awarding petroleum exploration licenses as it has been alleged over the past weeks. Alweendo was responding to questions posed to him by the Landless People’s Movement Deputy leader Henny Seibeb. Alweendo last week came under fire for allegedly corruptly awarding an oil exploration license to a company owned by someone who is reportedly his friend. The minister explained that the company in question, Titan Oil and Gas is a Namibian, and has a minority participating interest in two petroleum exploration licenses, namely PEL98 and PEL 106. In addition,…

13 Mar

Ministry of Health unveils new strategies to fight HIV and AIDS

National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) held a crucial dissemination workshop in Otjiwarongo, engaging stakeholders from all 14 regions of Namibia to improve efforts to combat HIV and AIDS.This workshop shed light on several key documents compiled to improve healthcare officials’ understanding of the National Strategic Framework (NSF) for HIV and AIDS, the Gender Assessment of the National HIV and TB Response Report, and the Social Contracting Policy for Health Services.While at the forefront of the battle against HIV and AIDS, the MoHSS launched these critical documents in 2023 to guide response efforts over the next…

13 Mar

Namibia still needs to do a lot before promulgating Chemical Weapons Act – Trade Minister

National NewsNamibia still needs to do a lot before promulgating Chemical Weapons Act – Trade Minister

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, said even though Namibia has made progress towards the completion of the Chemical Weapons Act, a lot needs to be done to ensure that the country promulgates the law. Iipumbu was speaking during the Integrated Advanced Course and Exercise on Assistance and Protection against Chemical Weapons for Anglophone States Parties, which is underway in Windhoek. The minister stated that there has been an increase in chemicals by transportation and storage, increasing the potential of accidents on the roads and industrial sites. The accessibility of these chemicals by any potential individuals…

13 Mar

Swapo School lecturer Mubita sues Shipwikineni for defamation

National NewsSwapo School lecturer Mubita sues Shipwikineni for defamation

Niël Terblanché Dr Charles Mubita, a revered academic, politician, and former freedom fighter of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), has taken legal action against Reinhold “Iita Nayitsikile” Shipwikineni, seeking damages of N$370,000. The lawsuit, filed at the Namibian High Court in Windhoek, stems from a series of allegations made by Shipwikineni through a widely circulated WhatsApp audio clip, which Mubita claims to be entirely false and defamatory. Mubita, known for his significant contributions to the struggle for Namibia’s independence and his continued involvement in the SWAPO Party’s leadership, alleges in his combined summons that Shipwikineni’s statements have severely…

13 Mar

Swapo violated its constitution by pushing extraordinary congress to next year: Nahas Angula

MainSwapo violated its constitution by pushing extraordinary congress to next year: Nahas Angula

Stefanus Nashama -Helmut says the decision was strange-Analyst says the decision was taken on majority rules Former Prime Minister and Swapo Party Stalwart, Nahas Angula said the ruling party has violated its constitution by avoiding organising an extraordinary congress within three months as stipulated in the constitution. Angula was reacting to the Swapo Central Committee meeting that endorsed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah over the weekend to represent the party as its presidential candidate for the election. The Central Committee has resolved to push the much talked about extraordinary congress to next year April. Skipping the three months stipulated in the party’s constitution.…

12 Mar

Desalination plants to help combat drought and water scarcity

National NewsDesalination plants to help combat drought and water scarcity

Niël Terblanché In a pioneering effort to tackle the severe drought conditions afflicting the Kunene Region, regional authorities have announced the formation of a task team dedicated to exploring the viability of desalination plants. This initiative, aimed at purifying the region’s salty or brackish groundwater, promises renewed hope for the communities and livestock struggling with water scarcity. The initiative was unveiled by the Kunene Regional Governor, Marius Sheya, following a comprehensive one-day fact-finding mission around Khorixas, which laid bare the critical water shortage plaguing the area. Despite existing efforts by the government to mitigate the crisis—such as drilling new boreholes…