Observer

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More than 5,000 Windhoek residents registered to occupy vacant houses

More than 5,000 Windhoek residents registered to occupy vacant houses

Stefanus Nashama Social Activist, Michael Amushelelo, has informed the Windhoek Observer that more than 5,000 Windhoek residents have so far registered to eventually occupy vacant houses in Windhoek. The registration process started on the weekend, 10 February 2024, he said. According to Amushelelo, the government has failed on duty to keep houses vacant over 10 years ago while people are homeless. “The registration process went smoothly even though earlier in the morning before I arrived the police were threatening people and intimidating them to go back home,” he said. Despite this, the activist said upon his arrival, he had to…
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Windhoek launches debt relief programme for pensioners

Windhoek launches debt relief programme for pensioners

Niël Terblanché The City of Windhoek is reaching out to its senior citizens with a new initiative aimed at providing financial relief to pensioners burdened by outstanding municipal debts. Announced on November 30, 2023, by the city council, a comprehensive debt relief programme is set to roll out, targeting residents aged 60 and above. Starting February 15 and running through April 15, 2024, eligible pensioners are encouraged to register for the programme, designed to alleviate the financial pressures faced by Windhoek’s elderly population. Registration venues are conveniently located across the city, including the City of Windhoek Head Office, available on…
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104-year-old woman killed in brutal attack

104-year-old woman killed in brutal attack

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through Enkombo village in the Etayi constituency of the Omusati region, a 36-year-old man stands accused of murdering his 104-year-old mother, Cecilia Vilho. The vicious attack occurred on Friday. Omusati Regional Commander, Commissioner Ishmael Basson, said the incident occurred at around 21h50 when the suspect, arrived home unexpectedly and found his mother and a witness enjoying their dinner. The eyewitnesses state that without a warning, the man grabbed a stick from the fire and brutally attacked his elderly mother. “It is alleged that the suspect beat the deceased with a…
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Severe weather wreaks havoc at jail farm

Severe weather wreaks havoc at jail farm

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a devastating turn of events, the Divundu Correctional Facility Farm has faced significant setbacks as severe weather conditions unleashed havoc on its maize crop. The farm, known for its seven centre-pivot irrigation systems spanning 166.7 hectares of maize scheduled for harvesting in April 2024, suffered considerable losses, leaving only 80.55 hectares viable for harvest. The affected maize crops, a crucial component of the facility’s rehabilitation efforts, now face potential disruptions, casting a shadow over the season’s agricultural activities. The agricultural initiative, renowned for imparting valuable skills to inmates, now grapples with the aftermath of a destructive weather…
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Ramaphosa reflects on lessons from Geingob’s leadership

Ramaphosa reflects on lessons from Geingob’s leadership

Niël Terblanché During a poignant visit to Windhoek this Saturday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa shared heartfelt reflections on the influence of the late Namibian President Hage Geingob. Ramaphosa, who was in Namibia for a working visit, met with President Nangolo Mbumba and extended his condolences to Monica Geingos, the bereaved former First Lady. In an encounter filled with respect and mourning, Ramaphosa paid homage to Geingob’s ethical approach to leadership, an attribute he deeply admired and learned from. According to Ramaphosa, Geingob’s disciplined leadership style, emphasizing the importance of structured systems, well-executed processes, and efficiently run institutions, left a…
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You can’t take them with you!

You can’t take them with you!

SheIsKingDesire Dear thought explorers, I hope that you have had a reflective week on our last meditation and have been taking the tentative steps to ensure that the need outweighs the fear in all the tasks you had to do this week or simply in your thoughts because there is where doubt begins. I like when Benjamin Disraeli said “nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.” This week as we journey on into the Crowning Season, our meditation is titled: YOU CAN’T TAKE THEM WITH YOU! The older I get I’m…
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Esther’s Political Odyssey

Esther’s Political Odyssey

Who is Esther Shakela?Esther is a nghelo (last born) – I think this is telling of my character and personality. Yes, being a last born is a thing! I was born and raised in Ongwediva which is in the northern part of Namibia. How has your background and upbringing influenced your personal and professional development?My journey is a testament to the profound impact of my background and upbringing. Coming from a community that values resilience and communal well-being, I imbibed the spirit of service and determination. I was raised in a household that values education and social responsibility, so my…
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MOVING STORIES BY NIKHITA WINKLER: The Inner World of Bertha Tobias:Unveiling the Drive Behind Success

MOVING STORIES BY NIKHITA WINKLER: The Inner World of Bertha Tobias:Unveiling the Drive Behind Success

I sat down with Bertha Tobias, a remarkable individual whose name resonates with resilience and ambition in Namibia. Meeting her for the first time was a privilege, as I was immediately struck by her presence – a blend of determination and humility that seemed to radiate from within. Bertha is known as a youth leader and #BeFree Ambassador. She is an author for the Namibian, contributing opinions to Namibia’s green energy initiatives, and she hosts her television show, Spotlight, which chronicles the stories of young African entrepreneurs, broadcasted on One Africa. However, perhaps the most significant recent achievement is being…
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Ndako Nghipandulwa’s Project Babylon

Ndako Nghipandulwa’s Project Babylon

Who is Ndako Nghipandulwa?My name is Ndako Nghipandulwa, born in Kwanza-Sul, Angola, in 1988. After Namibia gained independence in 1990, my parents relocated to Windhoek, where I was raised in the Khomasdal area. How has your background and upbringing influenced your personal and professional development?I grew up in a household where experimentation was encouraged. This environment allowed me to discover my strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. During my childhood and teenage years, I participated in various sports like soccer, cricket, rugby, and tennis. In high school, I engaged in entrepreneurial endeavors, selling various items at school. In university I continued exploring…
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President Mbumba effects adjustments to the Namibian Cabinet

President Mbumba effects adjustments to the Namibian Cabinet

Niël Terblanché The appointment of Netumbu Nandi-Ndaitwah as the new Vice President of Namibia following the death of President Hage Geingob last Sunday left certain positions in the country’s Cabinet vacant. To ensure the effective delivery of services to the Namibian people, President Nangolo Mbumba during a special ceremony at State House, appointed the Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa as the new Deputy Prime Minister. The President said that in his role as Deputy Prime Minister, Mutorwa will assist the Prime Minister, Saara Kuukongelwa-Amadhila with Disaster Risk Management and prevention, preparedness, response and recovery and to perform other…
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