Windhoek Observer – Page 669 – Windhoek Observer

29 Sep

Itula has no taste for alcohol: Nashinge

National NewsItula has no taste for alcohol: Nashinge

Steve Nashama Independence Patriots for Change (IPC) National Spokesperson, Immanuel Nashinge, has dismissed recent allegations that party leader Panduleni Itula was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Last week, a local online newspaper claimed that Itula was arrested on Friday morning by the Windhoek City Police and that he was held in custody at the Wanaheda Police Station. Nashinge informed the Windhoek Observer that Itula does not consume alcohol and that he was never arrested as alleged. “IPC is not shaken by such baseless allegations. People should focus on positive things and not fall for fake news. Our…

29 Sep

Cabinet endorses water accessibility to ensure availability by 2030

National NewsCabinet endorses water accessibility to ensure availability by 2030, Water Resources Management Act

Martin Endjala The Cabinet has endorsed a plan aiming to ensure every household in Namibia has access to a clean water supply by 2030. Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, announced this resolution following the considerations made at the 2023 World Water Week held in Stockholm, Sweden from 20-24 August 2023. The minister revealed that the Cabinet had reviewed and noted the recommendations of the report submitted by the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform at the event. He stressed that the government would implement the recently enforced Water Resources Management Act, 2013 (Act No. 11…

29 Sep

Access to information is crucial for inclusive development

National NewsAccess to information is crucial for inclusive development, Online Space for Access to Information

Niël Terblanché President Hage Geingob along with all Namibians yesterday joined the global community in commemorating International Day for Universal Access to Information. The day was celebrated under the theme of “The Importance of the Online Space for Access to Information.” Namibia, positioned as a leader in press freedom in Africa, has been at the forefront of implementing initiatives and legislation aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and access to information, solidifying its stance on leveraging digital platforms for inclusive, equitable development. President Geingob, in a message to the nation, said the indispensable role of the online realm in enabling citizens…

29 Sep

NDTC vows to continue adding value to Namibian diamonds

National NewsNDTC vows to continue adding value to Namibian diamonds

Martin Endjala Paulus Shituna, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), has reaffirmed the entity’s commitment to enhancing the value of the country’s diamonds through various platforms. Shituna conveyed this commitment on Wednesday at the Tourism EXPO 2024 and Di amond Winner Draw event in Windhoek. The event also commemorated World Tourism Day, annually observed on 27 September. “NDTC values the NAMDEB production, valued at USD $1 billion every year; this is our responsibility. We value, sort, and then sell these diamonds. That is why we align ourselves with those involved in innovative approaches to…

29 Sep

Law Reform Commission recommends amendments to the Electoral Act

MainLaw Reform Commission recommends amendments to the Electoral Act

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Law Reform and Development Commission has recommended that the Electoral Act of 2014 be amended to make provision for candidates nominated to the National Assembly list to be placed on leave, a practice already in place for Regional Council and Local Authority Elections. Last year, the Commission submitted a report titled “Statutory Submission in Terms of Section 6(e) of the Report on the Review of Article 46 of the Constitution and Section 77(4)(a) of the Electoral Act, 2014 (Act No. 5 of 2014)” to the Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, containing these recommendations. The Commission was assigned…

28 Sep

Demand for nuclear energy growing

Energy, Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Ronnie Beevor, the Chairman of Bannerman Energy, which is actively involved in developing the Etango uranium project, has emphasized that many nuclear-powered nations, such as China, India, Japan, Great Britain, France, and the USA, are either extending the operational lifespan of existing nuclear reactors, often by more than 60 years (80 years in the case of the USA), or embarking on the construction of new ones. In 2021, Namibia was the world’s second largest uranium producer with 5,753 tonnes produced. He pointed out that there are approximately 437 operational nuclear reactors worldwide, with an additional 60 reactors under…

28 Sep

Simonis sees GDP growing at 3.7%

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Simonis Storm has maintained that Namibia’s GDP will grow at 3.7% for 2023 which ranks higher than other forecasts on the economy. Simonis said sentiment has shown an upward shift, notably driven by the promising prospects offered by Namibia's green hydrogen and oil and gas sectors. “Nevertheless, amidst the multitude of information in the media, there remains an expectation to witness the actual realisation of these developments,” it said. The research firm said the strong momentum post the pandemic can only carry the economy for so long. “Positive sentiment and mindsets have the power to turn things around,…

28 Sep

NBL used FNB bridging finance to acquire Distell

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Namibia Breweries Limited secured bridge financing to acquire the shareholding as part of its acquisition of Distell under the Bridge Facility Agreement worth N$850 million, the company said in the annual report for the financial year that ended 30 June. “The group does not intend to utilise any portion of the N$850 million cash balance to fund normal operations,” NBL said. Bridge financing, often in the form of a bridge loan, is an interim financing option used by companies and other entities to solidify their short-term position until a long-term financing option can be arranged. Various facilities have…

28 Sep

White maize, pearl millet production to decrease

Observer Money

The Namibian Agronomic Board CEO, Dr Fidelis Mwazi speaks to the Windhoek Observer about crop production, Namibia starting to produce its own seeds and maize production. Windhoek Observer (WO): It was reported that the Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB) aims to capacitate local farmers to increase their yields and realise Namibia's food self-sufficiency. Could you elaborate on this? Fidelis Mwazi (FM); The NAB has multiple mechanisms in place focused on capacitating Namibian producers to further increase their crop yields and realise Namibia’s food self-sufficiency. Here are some of the most notable initiatives. Horticulture Market Share Promotion (MSP) scheme is a growth-at-home…

28 Sep

Namdia board members sitting pretty

Observer Money

Namdia paid N$1,28 million to its board members, according to the 2022/2023 Annual Report. The board fees increased slightly from just over N$1 million in the previous financial year. Chairperson Bryan Eiseb was paid N$247 606 in board fees during the period. Another board member, Justus Hausiku was paid N$325 209 while Selma Shimutwikeni was paid N$287 754. The highest paid board member was Liina Muatunga, who was paid N$423 440. The total sitting fees was N$1 million while the total expense allowance was N$273 431. By comparison in 2022, the total sitting allowances was N$887 367 while total expense…