Observer – Page 68 – Windhoek Observer

22 Feb

Zambia declares a national mourning period in honour of Geingob

ObserverNational NewsZambia declares a national mourning period in honour of Geingob

Niël Terblanché In an unprecedented gesture of solidarity and respect, Zambia has announced it will observe two days of national mourning this weekend to honour the memory of the late Namibian President, Dr Hage Geingob. It was reported by Zambian media outlets that President Hakainde Hichilema has ordered all Zambian flags to be flown at half-mast from 21 to 25 February 2024, as a mark of respect for President Geingob, who passed away at the age of 82on 4 February 2024. The period of mourning will culminate in memorial and burial services on Sunday, during which the nation will pause…

22 Feb

Malaria cases still surging in northern regions

ObserverNational NewsMalaria cases still surging in northern regions

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) of Namibia has reported a significant uptick in malaria cases, with 350 individuals hospitalized amidst a surge of locally transmitted infections in the country’s northern regions. The rise in cases also includes those imported from neighbouring countries, which increases the widespread challenge in combating the disease. The Executive Director of MOHSS, Ben Nangombe, has disclosed that the surveillance systems have detected an increase in reported cases from regions traditionally associated with malaria. According to Nangombe, it is alarming that new infections are emerging from areas that typically do not report…

22 Feb

CoW denies financial crisis

ObserverNational NewsCoW denies financial crisis

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Contrary to recent reports suggesting financial turmoil within the City of Windhoek (CoW), Chief Executive Officer, Moses Matyayi has denied any claims of the city being broke. This comes after Auditor General (AG) Junias Kandjeke, in the city’s financial audit report for the 2020/2021 financial year, reported that the Windhoek Municipality does not have a plan on how it is going to turn around the commercial insolvency and the deficit-making position in the foreseeable future. The report was compiled in September 2023. “The financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Municipality of…

22 Feb

US President sends high-level delegation to attend Geingob’s funeral

ObserverMainUS President sends high-level delegation to attend Geingob’s funeral

Niël Terblanché In a gesture of solidarity and respect, President Joe Biden has announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend President Hage Geingob’s State Funeral in Windhoek. According to a statement released by the White House, the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, Deb Haaland, will lead the delegation, accompanied by Randy Berry, the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Namibia; Enoh T. Ebong, Director of the United States Trade and Development Agency; Mala Adiga, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady; and Paula…

21 Feb

MP urges private schools to respect the late President and recognise Friday as a holiday

ObserverNational NewsMP urges private schools to respect the late President and recognise Friday as a holiday

Stefanus Nashama Inna Hengari, the Popular Democratic Movement’s Member of Parliament, has urged private schools to respect the decision by the government to declare, Friday, 23 February 2024 a school holiday. Hengari raised the concern following news that some private schools are defying the government’s order to close on Friday. Some of the schools include Windhoek Gymnasium, Walvis Bay Gymnasium, and Oshana Gymnasium. “The PDM appreciates the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture’s decision to declare Friday, 23 February 2024, a school holiday in honour of the late President Hage Geingob. “This is part of the mourning arrangements and preparations…

21 Feb

I did not realise it was the final goodbye – Kasete

ObserverNational NewsI did not realise it was the final goodbye - Kasete

Martin Endjala Chamber of Mines President Zebra Kasete, said he was the last business leader to meet the late President Hage Geingob during an official visit at State House in December. Kasete who is also the Managing Director of Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) in Tsumeb, said this during a memorial service of the late President this week. “I was told that I was the last business leader who had a meeting with His Excellency. He had to delay his holiday plans to have a meeting with me on 22 December 2023. He was very happy and his final words on…

21 Feb

Members of the public urged to stay vigilant amidst state funeral

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala As the nation comes together to mourn the passing of late President Hage Geingob and pay their last respects, motorists and pedestrians have been advised to prioritise safety on the roads during this solemn period and remain vigilant at all times. With the funeral proceedings of the late President approaching, an increase in traffic flow into Windhoek across various routes is expected, and as such, the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) is strongly urging all motorists and road users to exercise utmost caution, patience, and vigilance during this time. MVA Funds Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku emphasised that…

21 Feb

Volunteers needed to assist with Geingob’s funeral arrangements

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a call to action echoing across Khomas Regional constituencies, a plea from Secretary to the Cabinet, George Simataa, seeks the assistance of 100 volunteers for the preparations surrounding the late former President Hage Geingob's funeral. Simataa, emphasising the qualities sought in volunteers, stated, “We are seeking hardworking, energetic, and mature unemployed youth from all Khomas Regional constituencies to join hands in the noble task of ensuring a dignified farewell to our beloved leader.” In a parallel move, the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture has declared this Friday, 23 February 2024, a school holiday. Executive Director Sanet…

21 Feb

Pensioners line up to sign up for debt relief

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek (CoW) has launched a debt relief initiative aimed specifically at aiding elderly residents, with 500 pensioners already registered for the program. Lydia Amutenya, the CoW’s Public Communications Officer, reported a smooth registration process since its commencement on February 15. The program, which continues until April 15, 2024, is designed to alleviate the financial burdens on pensioners by offering a debt write-off. Amutenya clarified that the initiative is exclusive to pensioners, while non-pensioners and businesses will benefit from an automatic 50 percent interest write-off. “To date, around 500 pensioners have signed up. Applicants must provide…

21 Feb

Capricorn Group and NamRA join forces to strengthen risk management

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché In a collaboration aimed at bolstering the culture of risk management within Namibian government entities, the Capricorn Group partnered with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) to conduct a specialized Risk Management Workshop. The workshop drew the participation of NamRA’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee and Senior Managers. At the same time, the initiative was spearheaded by Capricorn Group's Business Risk Officer, Horst Simon, a seasoned facilitator known for his contribution to enhancing risk management strategies across various sectors. The workshop focused on cultivating an effective risk culture within NamRA, marking a significant step in the agency's journey towards robust…