Windhoek Observer – Page 599 – Windhoek Observer

21 Dec

PDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

National NewsPDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has voiced its concerns and sought clarity from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) regarding the recent appointments of Regional Electoral Officers (REOs). In a media statement, the PDM stressed the importance of transparency and scrutiny in the appointment process of such officials. While acknowledging the roles assigned to REOs in accordance with the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014, PDM Secretary for Information Hidipo Hamata, emphasised the need for tangible and visible commitment to ethical conduct in every aspect of electoral administration. “The PDM is committed to ensuring that our democracy is…

21 Dec

CRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

National NewsCRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

Niël Terblanché To address public concerns over the health risks associated with fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has launched a comprehensive Consumer Awareness Campaign. This initiative aims to educate consumers on the benefits of 5G technology and dispel lingering misinformation about its potential health risks. The advent of 5G marks a crucial moment in the realm of connectivity, introducing a new era of unparalleled speed and efficiency. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Intelligence, South Africa is spearheading the 5G deployment in sub-Saharan Africa, with Namibia and other countries like…

21 Dec

Alweendo calls on the G7 to review its decision on a ‘single node’ of diamond sales

Main

Stefanus Nashama Tom Alweendo, the Minister of Mines and Energy, has called upon the G7 member states to reconsider their decision regarding measures to restrict the sale of Russian diamonds. He urged them to engage with all diamond-producing countries to discuss the specifics of the proposed measures and their potential impact on economies and people’s livelihoods. “We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of these restrictive measures, as it is our understanding that all diamonds, whether rough, cut, or polished, entering the G7 and EU will be subject to verification through a ‘single node’ in Antwerp,” the Minister said.…

20 Dec

Agnes Tjongarero, Assumes Leadership Role in AUSC Region 5

Sports

Lilongwe, Malawi - Minister of Youth, Sport, and National Service, Hon. Agnes Tjongarero, has assumed the esteemed position of Chairperson of the AUSC Region 5 Council of Ministers. This noteworthy appointment was made on December 15, 2023, during the ordinary session of the Region 5 Council of Ministers meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi. Hon. Tjongarero takes the helm from Hon. Uchizi Mkandawire of Malawi, as stipulated by the rotational policy outlined in Article 30.6 of the Region 5 Constitution. The meeting, was attended by five Ministers and four Deputy Ministers from the ten Region 5 member countries. As the newly appointed…

20 Dec

THE ENERGY YEAR: WHY ENERGY SECTOR POLICYMAKERS AND IMPLEMENTERS ARE THE NAMIBIAN OF THE YEAR

Featured

Windhoek Observer’s Namibian of the Year is an annual supplemental issue of the Windhoek Observer and its website, featuring extraordinary Namibians, a group, an idea or an institution that has done the most to positively influence the events of the year within the country and beyond.To be selected as the Namibian of the Year such an individual has to make a meaningful impact in the country and has to capture the imagination of the nation.This year, rather than the traditional individual of the year we have chosen the booming Namibian energy sector and the trailblazers at the helm of policymaking…

20 Dec

Joel Matheus Takes Center Stage in Global Volleyball

Sports

Windhoek, Namibia —Mr. Joel Matheus has emerged as a trailblazer in high-performance training and sport governance. His illustrious journey spans various prestigious roles in both local and international sports bodies, culminating in a groundbreaking appointment as one of the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) Coaches instructors. Mr. Matheus, born and raised in Windhoek, Namibia, has become a symbol of dedication and passion for sports development. His commitment to fostering the growth of sports in Namibia and beyond has garnered him recognition and respect on the global stage. FIVB Appointment: A Landmark Achievement Recently appointed as an FIVB Coaches instructor, Mr.…

20 Dec

MTC invested half a billion dollars in network and systems

Observer Money

Martin Endjala Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has invested a total of N$504.1 million in its network and systems to enhance customer service and to enlarge its data-carrying capacity during the 2023 financial year. The company further invested N$1.7 million in the High-Tech Transfer Plaza (HTTP) centre to stimulate innovation and build a national innovation hub. This was revealed by MTC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Licky Erastus, during the company's recent financial performance announcement. According to Erastus, these activities include the MTC Tech Innovation Bazaar, Namibia National Cyber Security Competition and Namibia National High School Programming Competition amongst others.…

20 Dec

Naloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

National NewsNaloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

Martin Endjala Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) has recently sent a request to Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) Chief Executive Officer Nangula Uaandja, to facilitate an offshore familiarisation visit to the drill sites of oil rigs in February next year. According to Naloba’s vice-president, Peter Amadhila the association has a particular focus on the newly discovered oil and gas reserves. Amadhila stated that the association wants to be actively involved in these projects to ensure maximum and total benefits for all Namibian people. He said Naloba has been strongly advocating for alternative solutions to the recent fuel price inflation…

20 Dec

Judge dismisses N$7.5million lawsuit against NWR by former MD

National NewsJudge dismisses N$7.5million lawsuit against NWR by former MD

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a recent ruling, the Windhoek High Court rejected the N$7.5 million civil suit filed by Zelna Hengari, the former Managing Director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). Hengari was seeking damages for reputational harm. Following a series of hearings between September 2021 and August 2023, High Court Judge Boas Usiku ruled in favour of NWR. Usiku concluded that the central claim made in the press release, regarding Hengari’s unauthorised agreement, was substantially true. Hengari, who served as the Managing Director of NWR from July 2014 until July 2019, initiated legal proceedings against the public company, alleging defamation. The…

20 Dec

Human-wildlife conflict imposes high costs on GRN

National NewsHuman-wildlife conflict imposes high costs on GRN

Niël Terblanché Human-wildlife conflicts have become an increasingly costly challenge for the Namibian Government, with compensation payouts totalling approximately N$31.7 million since 2019. Teofilus Nghitila, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, shed light on the escalation of the issue, citing factors such as drought and the expanding human population as exacerbating the situation. Nghitila said that the complex nature of coexisting with wild animals, which, while beneficial for employment and income generation, also carries significant costs. These costs manifest in various ways, including crop damage, livestock losses, injuries to people, and even the tragic loss…