Windhoek Observer – Page 741 – Windhoek Observer

16 Feb

Is leveraging benefits the end or means to an end and what end?

Opinions

“Addressing poverty in mining areas and generally across the country requires a multi-faceted approach. First, and foremost, there must be greater transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources. The interests of local communities must be prioritized, and mechanisms for meaningful participation in decision-making processes must be established. Next, we must acknowledge that poverty in mining communities is not a standalone issue but rather a symptom of broader systemic challenges. Therefore, our approach must be holistic, addressing the root causes of poverty while simultaneously leveraging the opportunities presented by the mining sector.” Said National Planning Director General, Obeth Kandjoze…

16 Feb

MAWLR completes insightful study excursion to Malawi

National News

Niël Terblanché In an effort to enhance agriculture in Namibia, a delegation of 31 agricultural extension staff and management from Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) embarked on a fruitful study excursion to Malawi. The mission, which took place from January 27 to February 4, 2024, was spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) country offices in Namibia and Malawi. This initiative marks an essential step in the ongoing project “Emergency response to mitigate multiple shocks and enhance resilient livelihoods in Namibia,” funded by the Government of Japan.The delegation, comprising Chief Agricultural…

16 Feb

Reimagining education in Namibia for a brighter future

Editorial

The current state of education in Namibia, characterized by overcrowded classrooms, inadequate foundational learning, and a curriculum struggling to meet the needs of its students, demands a radical reimagination. The recent revelations by Sanet Steenkamp, the Executive Director in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, and a troubling report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT, and Youth Development paint a picture of an education system in dire need of reform and substantial investment. But how can Namibia navigate these turbulent waters to secure a prosperous future for its next generation? The crux of Namibia's educational dilemma…

16 Feb

Small Stock Farming: The Imperatives

Observer Money

Nichlas Mbingeneeko The previous article focused on preparing small stock for mating and selecting an appropriate lambing or kidding season. This article focuses on preparing the ewes for lambing or kidding. In preparing the ewes for lambing or kidding, the farmer needs to vaccinate the ewes against gangrene of the uterus (baarmoeder sponssiekte) two to three months prior to lambing or kidding. Also, inoculate against scabby mouth (vuilbek) one month prior to lambing or kidding so as to prevent udder infection. Literally, ¾ of the growth of the fetus takes place during the last three weeks of pregnancy. The pregnant…

16 Feb

Ministry warns unemployed youth against scammers

National News

Niël Terblanché In a concerning trend that exploits the hopes of many unemployed youths, scammers have employed social media platforms to disseminate deceptive information. In this regard, the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service has issued a stern warning to young people to remain vigilant against scammers masquerading as ministry officials. These deceitful actors have reportedly been soliciting banking details from unsuspecting victims under the guise of offering assistance related to the Youth Development Grant for the 2024/2025 period. In the latest incident, scammers provide a link on social media platforms that features an image of Minister Agnes Tjongarero…

16 Feb

Erongo Region plans a comprehensive memorial programme for Geingob

National News

Niël Terblanché The Erongo Region is set to pay tribute to the late President Hage Geingob with a series of memorial events. The plans were announced by Governor Neville Andre and he said that the events are designed to honour the President’s legacy and contributions. Andre said the programme will span over the next week and a half, culminating in a regional memorial service. He outlined a variety of activities intended to celebrate President Geingob’s life and achievements. Billboards featuring the President’s image and messages will be erected at key locations throughout the region, including the entrances to Omaruru, Karibib,…

16 Feb

Geingob was a gift that kept on giving – Ndjaronguru

Main

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Commissioner Johan Ndjaronguru, who served as President Hage Geingob’s bodyguard for about 22 years, said the former head of state was extremely generous, not only with money but also by loving and availing himself to everyone. Ndjaronguru made these remarks at the Windhoek Showground during a memorial service for the late Head of State. He said Geingob had a soft heart which made him vulnerable, something that is not often associated with leadership, and it exposed him to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either verbally or emotionally. “He allowed himself to the possibility of being attacked,…

15 Feb

Uutoni tables regional and constituency development fund bill

National News

Martin Endjala The long wait for the Regional and Constituency, Development (RCDF) Fund bill is now over after it was finally tabled in the National Assembly by Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni this week. The bill aims to address the financial constraints of regional constituencies and provide much-needed funding for various projects. The bill has long been on the cards of the National Council with many members of parliament expressing a unanimous agreement that regional and local authorities need additional funds to carry out various projects. During his motivation in tabling the bill, Uutoni said that if passed,…

15 Feb

Geingob served the nation selflessly – Ndala

National News

Martin Endjala The youth leader of the Landless People's Movement, Duminga Ndala while paying tribute to President Hage Geingob, described him as a leader who served the nation and the international community, selflessly. "The LPM Youth Command Element joins the Namibian nation and the rest of the world in mourning the death of a leader of note who selflessly served the Namibian nation and the international community. The late President will always be remembered for appreciating the skills and talents of young people. This is evident in the number of young people he groomed and appointed in strategic positions,” she…

15 Feb

Overcrowding and challenges with curriculum cause of high failure rate

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia's education system is under scrutiny following a report that highlights a series of challenges leading to an alarming 85% failure rate among learners in 2023. The report, issued by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT, and Youth Development alongside the National Council, sheds light on the dire situation of overcrowded classrooms, slow adoption of a revised curriculum, and overworked teachers as primary factors contributing to the high failure rates witnessed among Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. The investigation was initiated in response to public outcry over the dismal academic performance of students who sat…