Windhoek Observer – Page 661 – Windhoek Observer

10 Oct

New Era editor suspension a blatant interference with press freedom: Nampu

National NewsNew Era editor suspension a blatant interference with press freedom: Nampu

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Media Professional’s Union (Nampu) has said that the suspension of the New Era Newspaper’s Managing Editor, Johnathan Beukes represents a blatant interference with press freedom, journalistic work, and his fundamental right as a Namibian to express himself, as protected by the Namibian Constitution. In a petition read by the union Acting General Secretary Jemima Beukes during a demonstration yesterday at New Era head office in the capital, where various media practitioners from various media houses gathered. The union demanded for the immediate reinstatement of Beukes. Stating that the suspension not only violates the Managing Editor’s rights but…

10 Oct

Youth urged to harness innovation

National News

Stefanus Nashama Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has urged Namibian youth to utilize the 7th National ICT Summit as a platform to showcase their innovations. The Ministry stated that the Summit’s primary goal is to provide a platform for the ICT industry to discuss prevailing trends and challenges both locally and globally. During the Summit’s official inauguration in Windhoek yesterday, the minister highlighted the significance of youth involvement. He also stressed the importance of harnessing the Summit to foster change, drive innovation, and progress in technological adoption. “Let’s unite in our dedication to secure our…

10 Oct

SADC Anti-Corruption Agencies set to meet in Swakopmund

National NewsThe Southern African Development Community (SADC) will host a crucial meeting for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) in Swakopmund from 11 to 13 October 2023.

Niël Terblanché The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will host a crucial meeting for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) in Swakopmund from 11 to 13 October 2023. According to a statement by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission, Josefina Nghituwamata, the core objective of the workshop is to fortify the execution of the SADC Strategic Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2023-2027). A key feature will be enhancing coordination efforts between the SADC Secretariat, Member States, and their respective ACAs. This workshop aims to elevate awareness among ACA leaders regarding the SADC Protocol against Corruption, facilitating discussions on emerging…

09 Oct

An Exclusive Interview with Beaulah Boois-Beukesthe

FeaturedExclusive Interview with Beaulah Boois-Beukesthe

Beaulah Boois-Beukes is the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Public Relations Manager and Voice Over Artist who holds a Master of Arts in Media Studies from the University of Namibia where she is also a part-time lecturer. Additionally, she is an external moderator at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. Beaulah, can you tell us about your background. Where were you born? My name is Beaulah Boois-Beukes, second born of 4 daughters. I was born and raised in Windhoek, Namibia. I'm 34 years old, I went to Emma Hoogenhout Primary school where my two 9 year olds currently attend! Thereafter…

09 Oct

Namibia’s trade deficit rises by 17 percent

Observer MoneyNamibia's trade deficit rises by 17 percent

Martin Endjala Namibia’s trade deficit swelled by 17 percent, marking its most significant gap since May 2022. While exports fell by 5.8 percent, imports rose by 2.2 percent in August 2023. The export bill stood at N$7.4 billion, with imports amounting to N$12.3 billion. This resulted in a trade deficit of N$4.9 billion, up from N$3.7 billion in July 2022. Angelique Bock, an economist at Simonis Storm Securities, pinpointed the 2023 depreciation of the rand as a significant factor impacting Namibia, especially in terms of imports and inflation dynamics. She said that the rand devalued by 5.8 percent against the…

09 Oct

Poachers sentenced to 15 years

National NewsPoachers sentenced to 15 years

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek Magistrate Court has handed down prison sentences of up to 15 years to four individuals involved in a heinous rhino poaching case. The culprits were found guilty for their involvement in a poaching incident dating back to December 2016, where four white rhinos were ruthlessly killed on a private farm in the Gobabis District. On 22 December 2016, the suspects allegedly, without a hunting permit, killed four white rhinos – two bulls and two pregnant cows – each valued at N$1.25 million, with a total value of N$5 million. The late Uakaerera Kandji, a former Brave…

09 Oct

New Metrology Act to iron out loopholes in the trade sector

National NewsNew Metrology Act to iron out loopholes in the trade sector

Martin Endjala Industrialisation and Trade Minister, Lucia Iipimbu, says that the new Metrology ACT No.5 of 2022 will iron out loopholes within the trade sector and help shape the domestic market to greater heights with credible measurement systems. She said that the Act is a game changer in the sense that it will protect the country’s domestic market trade from fraudulent practices and will enforce the necessary measures that will ensure that Namibia Standards Institution’s (NSI) standards are fully adhered to. The Minister said this during the launch of the awareness campaign for the new metrology Act, last week Friday…

09 Oct

NUDO expresses discontent over the state of housing

National NewsNUDO expresses discontent over the state of housing

Stefanus Nashama The National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) Secretary-General, Josef Kauandenge, has voiced the party’s dismay over the increasing reliance on shacks as homes in Namibia while the country’s leaders amass wealth. Kauandenge labelled this trend a betrayal by those in power, who he accused of prioritizing their interests over those of the Namibian people. “Instead of working for the best interests of the people, those in power seem to be looting and pilfering,” he remarked. His comments came during NUDO’s belated 59th-anniversary celebration, held as a public meeting at the Havana informal settlement in Windhoek over the weekend. Considering…

09 Oct

Karasburg trio released on bail

National NewsKarasburg trio released on bail

Martin Endjala The Karasburg Magistrate Court released three members of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) on bail, set at N$1000 each, on Saturday. The trio had been arrested on 2 October 2023 by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on charges of alleged corruption. Magistrate Samingo Kasaona set bail for Karasburg Town Council Mayor Maria Veldskoen, town council management member Fransiskus Skeyer, and Acting Chief Executive Officer Hansina Isaacks. The bail conditions stipulate that they must not interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations. Although the trio applied for bail on 3 October 2023, it was denied, and the case was postponed to…

09 Oct

LPM claims Karasburg’s arrests driven by political directives

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) alleges that the recent arrest of its leaders and councillors in the Karasburg Town Council is driven by a political agenda from those in power, intended to discredit the party. The party has labelled the arrest as a ‘witch-hunt’ and claims the actions specifically targeted LPM leaders. Last week, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) detained Karasburg Town Council Mayor Maria Veldskoen, Acting Chief Executive Officer Hansina Isaaks, and other council members, accusing them of contravening local authority governing laws. Paulus Noah, the ACC’s Director-General, confirmed the arrests. He reported that the accused individuals had…