Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services has reported a surge in COVID-19 cases in Rehoboth, in the Hardap Region, with schools being the primary hotspots. As of 8 February 2024, 20 cases have been confirmed, with a significant concentration at Dr Lemmer High School, marking a critical point in the region’s battle against the pandemic. Dr Benville Platt, the acting regional health director of Hardap, emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols in educational institutions. With 11 individuals having already recovered and 9 still battling active infections, the situation underscores the volatile nature of…

Niël Terblanché The Swakopmund Municipality, in collaboration with Paul and Lucy Investment, unveiled the completion of Phase 1 of the Ondjamba Road upgrade. During the opening of the newly upgraded road, Mayor Dina Namubes, said the improved infrastructure is a crucial shift from a gravel path to a modern interlocked street that signifies a new era of progress and prosperity for the residents of Swakopmund. According to Namubes, the transformation of Ondjamba Road is more than just an infrastructural upgrade; it’s a testament to the community’s resilience, dedication, and collective effort towards enhancing the general welfare in a cost-effective manner.…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is set to present an oral statement before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel's military actions in Palestinian territories, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. Scheduled for Friday, 23 February 2024, at the iconic Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, Namibia’s presentation aims to address the legal consequences of Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza, Rafah, and East Jerusalem. The Namibian Cabinet has officially designated the Ministry of Justice to represent the country, underlining the seriousness with which Namibia views the situation. The Cabinet has…

Stefanus Nashama Professor Peter Katjavivi, the Speaker of the National Assembly struggled to control members of Parliament due to a heated debate yesterday concerning children roaming the streets selling wooden products and begging for money and food. A motion concerning the matter was brought before the National Assembly by Elma Dienda, a member of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM). The debate broke out among members, particularly between the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, Doreen Sioka and Dienda concerning the matter. According to Sioka, the matter is in the hands of the government, with a committee established…

Niël Terblanché As the end of February approaches, all eyes will be on the National Assembly, where the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi's budget presentation will offer insights into Namibia's economic trajectory for the next year. Shiimi is set to table the national budget for the 2024/2025 financial year in the National Assembly on 28 February 2024. This current year's budget, themed 'Economic Revival and Caring for the Poor,' was aimed at striking a balance between stimulating economic growth and extending a helping hand to the nation's most vulnerable people The budget reflected the government's dual commitment…

Niël Terblanché In a significant step towards strengthening its democratic process, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for the end of November this year. An important point of these preparations is the General Registration of Voters, with the ECN currently conducting an essential voter registration exercise in the Khomas region. This effort is part of a broader initiative to ensure that every eligible Namibian voter is registered and able to participate in the democratic process. The voter registration exercise in Khomas marks the second phase of a…