Windhoek Observer

11127 Posts
NBL accelerates commitment to reach zero emissions by 2030

NBL accelerates commitment to reach zero emissions by 2030

Martin Endjala Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, has accelerated its sustainability efforts by committing to reach zero emissions across its operations by 2030. This science-based target, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement climate goal, will be realised through a comprehensive strategy that emphasises increased renewable energy usage, enhanced energy efficiency, emission reduction across NBL’s value chain, and the implementation of innovative low-carbon technologies, and nature-based solutions. According to NBL Managing Director, Peter Simons, this net-zero commitment signifies a monumental leap in NBL’s sustainability journey as part of Brew a Better World 2030 strategy. “Climate change…
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Repo rate remains unchanged

Repo rate remains unchanged

Martin Endjala In a move to justify its decision to maintain the repo rate at 7.75 percent, a level kept since June 2023, the Governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Johannes !Gawaxab said that despite many wanting the central bank to reduce the repo rate, the benefits outweigh the costs. Most monitored central banks kept their policy rates unchanged at their most recent monetary policy meetings, mainly due to easing inflation and the moderation in growth. The BoN Governor was responding to questions posed to him during the announcement of the repo rate as to why it remains unchanged.…
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“A big tree has fallen” – Simataa

“A big tree has fallen” – Simataa

Niël Terblanché In a heartfelt tribute George Simataa, Secretary to the Cabinet, honoured the indelible legacy of Geingob, whose recent passing has left a profound void in the heart of the nation and the African continent. Simataa’s eulogy, delivered with a mix of sorrow and reverence, painted a vivid picture of a leader whose life was dedicated to the upliftment and unity of the Namibian people and the broader African cause. Simataa remembered Geingob, as a “big tree” under whose shade many found refuge, and was a stalwart of development, unity, and the fight against poverty. “His sudden silence has…
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Vehicle sales surge in January

Vehicle sales surge in January

Martin Endjala The beginning of 2024 has witnessed a significant uptick in vehicle sales, achieving the highest January figures since 2016. A total of 1,369 vehicles were sold, with 950 of these being new units. This marks a notable increase of 13.0 percent from December's 841 units and a 17.7 percent increase from January of the previous year, where 807 units were sold. A report from Simonis Storm Securities highlights this consistent growth, projecting an optimistic outlook for vehicle sales in 2024. The data reveals that rental agencies contributed to this surge by purchasing 41 vehicles, including a mix of…
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Bank Windhoek’s Board welcomes Alders-Sheya

Bank Windhoek’s Board welcomes Alders-Sheya

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Bank Windhoek Board of Directors, Chairperson Johan Swanepoel, has yesterday announced the appointment of Justina Alders-Sheya as a member of the Board effective Monday, 12 February 2024. Swanepoel said Alders-Sheya is a highly accomplished Namibian professional with an impressive background in the financial sector. “She has over 20 years of international experience in the financial services sector, particularly in Banking, Corporate Finance and Asset Management,” Swanepoel said. Adding that Alders-Sheya has held key positions at renowned institutions such as Triodos Bank Group in the Netherlands, EY and ING Group in Amsterdam. Apart from her working experience, Alders-Sheya holds…
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Urban Informality: The Kasi Does It Best

Urban Informality: The Kasi Does It Best

Urban informality, often depicted as a hindrance to progress, is in fact a multifaceted phenomenon with untapped potential to foster inclusive urban development. Urban informality encompasses economic, social, and residential activities operating outside formal regulatory frameworks in urban areas, such as informal settlements, unregistered businesses, and street vending. By critically examining prevailing narratives and embracing the complexity of informality, we can unlock its transformative power and pave the way towards more equitable cities. The Fallacy of Top-Down Approaches Traditional approaches to urban informality, characterised by top-down interventions and punitive measures, have perpetuated cycles of marginalisation and exclusion. From forced evictions…
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Africa Union Sports Council Region 5’s Visionary Retreat Sets Stage for Sports Innovation and Excellence

Africa Union Sports Council Region 5’s Visionary Retreat Sets Stage for Sports Innovation and Excellence

The African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 recently convened a landmark planning retreat in Botswana. The retreat served as a pivotal moment to reflect on past achievements, review existing strategies, and pave the way for an impactful year ahead. Region 5, known for its leadership in sports innovation and excellence across Africa, seized this opportunity to reinforce its position as the continent’s premier sports region. At the heart of the retreat was the organization’s commitment to adapt and evolve under its Organisational Re-engineering model. Following the adoption of a new Constitution in January 2022, Region 5 embarked on a…
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Police harassed and intimidated people during registration for vacant houses

Police harassed and intimidated people during registration for vacant houses

Stefanus Nashama Social Activist Michael Amushelelo, said the registration of people who want to occupy vacant houses in Windhoek built under the Mass Housing Program was met with harassment and intimidation from the Namibian Police Force last week. Sharing his concern yesterday, Amushelelo said many people could not register due to fear of the Police when the process commenced. “In the past weekend, the police attempted to undermine the fundamental freedoms of the Namibian Constitution,” he stated Amushelelo cited Chapter 3, Article 21 (1) (d) which says all persons shall have the right to assemble peaceably, adding that the police…
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President João Lourenço to attend Geingob’s State Funeral

President João Lourenço to attend Geingob’s State Funeral

Niël Terblanché In a significant show of solidarity and brotherhood, Angola’s President João Lourenço is set to lead a high-level delegation to the state funeral of the late Namibian President Hage Geingob on 25 February 2024. The announcement comes following a meeting between the Vice President of Angola’s ruling party, MPLA, Luísa Damião, and Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba at the State House. The meeting emphasized the deep ties between the two nations, as Damião, accompanied by Ambassador Tete Antonio, the Angolan Minister of External Relations, and other dignitaries, delivered a special message of condolence from President Lourenço. This message extended…
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President Mbumba charts course for economic growth and transparency

President Mbumba charts course for economic growth and transparency

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a resolute Cabinet Meeting this week, President Nangolo Mbumba urged the Cabinet to carry forward the visionary legacy of President Hage Geingob and outlined key priorities for the Year of Expectations, focusing on economic growth, inclusive prosperity and transparency. He addressed the Cabinet against the backdrop of the recent passing of Geingob. Mbumba officiated at the commencement of Cabinet activities for 2024 and in his addressed steered the nation towards a future defined by economic resilience, inclusive prosperity and unwavering transparency. Addressing the challenges, Mbumba began by acknowledging the loss of the late President Geingob, describing him…
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