Observer – Page 71 – Windhoek Observer

04 Mar

If capitalism is the preferred dispensation, African economic deprivation is a given!

ObserverOpinionsAfrican economic deprivation is a given!, If capitalism is the preferred dispensation

“THE neo-colonialism of today represents imperialism in its final and perhaps its most dangerous stage. In the past it was possible to convert a country upon which a neo-colonial regime had been imposed — Egypt in the nineteenth century is an example — into a colonial territory. Today this process is no longer feasible. Old-fashioned colonialism is by no means entirely abolished. It still constitutes an African problem, but it is everywhere on the retreat. Once a territory has become nominally independent it is no longer possible, as it was in the last century, to reverse the process. Existing colonies…

04 Mar

Green Economy: Spatial Planning’s Sustainable Blueprint

ObserverOpinionsGreen Economy: Spatial Planning's Sustainable Blueprint

The advent of the green economy heralds a promising era of sustainability, where economic growth is intertwined with environmental preservation. At the heart of this transition lies spatial planning, a potent tool poised to shape landscapes conducive to green innovation and resilience. While the synergy between the green economy and spatial planning holds immense potential, critical challenges persist, threatening to undermine its transformative impact.Spatial planning serves as the architect of sustainable development, orchestrating land use, infrastructure, and resource allocation to foster harmony between society and the environment. In the context of the green economy, it plays a pivotal role in…

04 Mar

Just Saying with Matts Haikali

ObserverOpinions, SportsHon Ipumbu Shiimi, Hon Tjongarero, the Executive Director

Am just saying, the country over the past week saw a surge in appreciation for the efforts of Hon Ipumbu Shiimi, Hon Tjongarero, the Executive Director, and the dedicated staff at the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and National Service. Am just saying, It’s vital to acknowledge and express gratitude when positive steps are taken, and the recent announcement of a 45% increase in budgetary allocation for the ministry certainly warrants commendation. Am just saying, for too long, the budget for sports has languished at minimal levels, causing frustration among stakeholders who recognize the immense potential within Namibia’s sporting community. This…

04 Mar

Namra seizes N$1.9 Million worth of mandrax at Ariamsvlei Border Post

ObserverNational NewsNamra seizes N$1.9 Million worthof mandrax at Ariamsvlei Border Post

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Customs Officials at the Ariamsvlei Border Post in the //Kharas Region intercepted a consignment of suspected mandrax tablets earlier last week, with an estimated value of N$1.9 million. Namra’s Manager of Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagements Tonateni Shidhudhu, said the arrested suspect is a Namibian truck driver known to frequent the same border. “A Namibian truck driver who frequents the same border was apprehended while returning from South Africa. The suspected drugs were discovered following a thorough scanning by the officials,” said Shidhudhu. Furthermore, he said after the suspect’s arrest, a secondary search of…

04 Mar

New parties and alliances will create a wider field during elections

ObserverNational NewsNew parties and alliances will create a wider field during elections

Niël Terblanché The upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections are shaping up to be the most fiercely contested in Namibia’s history. With the introduction of new political entities and the resurgence of smaller parties since the last general elections in 2019, the political landscape is brimming with anticipation and strategic alliances. The ruling Swapo Party, its chief adversary, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), and the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) will each be fielding a presidential candidate, maintaining the tradition of direct competition among the major players. However, a notable shift is occurring among the smaller parties, which are opting…

04 Mar

Independence Day to be celebrated in Zambezi for the first time ever

ObserverNational NewsIndependence Day to be celebratedin Zambezi for the first time ever

Stefanus Nashama For the first time in the history of Namibia, Katima Muliloin the Zambezi Region will host this year’s Independence Day celebrations. Independence Day is celebrated every year on 21 March in Namibia, and this year, the nation is expected to gather in Katima Mulilo to celebrate one of the most important days in the country. Aundrin Mathe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology announced on Friday. At this event, Namibia will be celebrating its 34th year of freedom and independence. “This year marks the first time that the Zambezi Region will host this…

04 Mar

Cabinet gives green light to National Trade Policy

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Cabinet has approved the Draft National Trade Policy, which aims to contribute towards Namibia’s economic diversification by promoting and stimulating a competitive trade sector to increase the export of goods and services. The decision has been described as a step in the right direction. According to the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade Chief Information Officer Elijah Mukubonda, the National Trade Policy commits to the improvement of an enabling business environment for domestic trade and investment, particularly the promotion of local and regional development as a centre of trade and investment. Thereby creating opportunities for equal participation through…

04 Mar

Environmental concerns halt uranium exploration on vital aquifer

ObserverMainEnvironmental concerns halt uranium exploration on vital aquifer

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR), Calle Schlettwein, has taken a firm stance against the continuation of exploration drilling activities by Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russia’s atomic agency to protect one of Namibia’s critical water resources, the Stampriet Aquifer. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the potential exposure of the aquifer to radioactive materials and the adequacy of environmental impact assessments. The controversy surfaced following inquiries by UPM President Jan van Wyk in Parliament, questioning the legality of Headspring Investments’ operations in the region. Schlettwein clarified that the company’s drilling permits, initially granted…

01 Mar

Mbumba’s role in the reintegration of Walvis Bay celebrated

ObserverMain

Niël Terblanché On the first day of March every year, Namibians mark the 30th anniversary of Walvis Bay's reintegration into the country. A key figure behind this momentous occasion was Dr Nangolo Mbumba, Namibia's fourth president. His instrumental role in the successful return of Walvis Bay, along with twelve small offshore islands, to Namibian sovereignty is a testament to his dedication and diplomatic acumen. Walvis Bay, Namibia's principal port and a critical economic hub, was integrated into Namibia between February 28 and March 1, 1994, a few years after the country declared its independence from South African rule on March…

01 Mar

NAU calls for vigilance amidst rise in rabies cases among kudus

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Agriculture Union (NAU) has reported an increase in rabies cases among kudus, a situation exacerbated by the prevailing drought conditions in the region With regard to the concerning development, the NAU has extended its gratitude towards its members for their prompt reporting of these cases to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) while reiterating the importance of vigilance in spotting diseased animals. According to the NAU, rabies poses a significant risk not only to wildlife but also to domestic animals and humans. The organisation reminded the public that rabies is a notifiable disease as per legislation.…