Observer – Page 798 – Windhoek Observer

27 Apr

Hats off for a top media rating for Namibia

ObserverUncategorisedCovid-19, Namibia

There is a time to crow about good things. During the bad financial and economic news about the COVID-19 financial backlash, we want to cheer about this country’s number one rating in Africa for media freedom from Reporters without Borders (Rsf). As we move on from COVID into a new reality of how the world now works, we can look to the Rsf assessment and feel proud. In their brief assessment note on their website (https://rsf.org/en/namibia) this country is given kudos mainly for the legal judgement against the national security agencies that wanted to silence a news report about their…

24 Apr

Govt, employers clash looms

ObserverObserver MoneyNamibian Employers Association (NEA)

Staff Writer A showdown is looming between employers and government over new proposed regulations that make it illegal for employers to dismiss, retrench or send employees home on unpaid leave during the lockdown. This comes as employer organizations have warned that legal action could be considered should government move ahead to gazette the proposed regulations into law. “We would like to get back to the table with ministry and other organizations that feel aggrieved by the proposed regulations. It’s not only the Namibian Employers Association (NEA) that feels this way but other organisations too. If all else fails then we…

24 Apr

National silos empty

ObserverObserver MoneyAgriculture, Covid-19, water and land reform

Andrew Kathindi Agriculture, water and land reform executive director Percy Misika has revealed that the country’s food security has been compromised as national silos are empty. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed government’s preparedness for emergencies as there is currently insufficient food supply stored in the nation’s grain reserves. “The silos are empty but all is not lost because from our assessment from the current cropping season we are expecting 64,000 tons of white maize and 1,800 tons of pale millet. This would be over and above what is necessary for sustaining Namibian households for food security and which can be…

24 Apr

ECB declines power tariff hike

ObserverObserver MoneyCovid-19, Electricity Control Board (ECB), NamPower

Staff Writer Electricity Control Board (ECB) has declined NamPower’s tariff application for an effective bulk tariff (inclusive of generation and transmission) increase of 3.9 percent for the financial period 2020/2021. This would have seen an increase from an average N$ 1.65 per kilowatthour to N$ 1.71 per kilowatt-hour. “In determining the tariff, the ECB considered several factors, including the impact of the tariffs on the Electricity Supply Industry, consumers and the economy at large. In particular, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry and the consumers as well as the current economic climate,” ECB Chief Executive Officer, Foibe…

24 Apr

Bank Windhoek launches Hey Jude Rider Service

ObserverUncategorisedBank Windhoek, Covid-19, Hey Jude Rider Service

Staff Writer With the current COVID-19 pandemic, leaving home to get groceries and essentials has become a daunting task for many. However, Bank Windhoek customers can now comfortably stay in their homes while the new Hey Jude Rider Service shops on their behalf and delivers groceries and other essentials on their doorstep free of charge. The Rider Service was launched on Thursday, 16 April 2020 and is an add-on service to the Hey Jude for Bank Windhoek App, an exclusive mobile application for Bank Windhoek customers that connects them to their very own Personal Assistant available 24 hours a day,…

24 Apr

FNB Namibia cuts interest rates

ObserverUncategorisedFNB Namibia

Staff Writer FNB Namibia has announced an interest rate reduction, following the Bank of Namibia’s repo rate cut last week of another 100 basis points. “The prime lending rate has been reduced to 8 percent, while the home loan rate will decrease from 10 percent to 9 percent, effective from 25 April 2020,” said Elzita Beukes, FNB Communications Manager. She said further changes have been made to the credit card rates which have been reduced to 12,80 percent for all the various credit card categories. Beukes added that the bank decided to meet those customers dependent on interest income by…

24 Apr

Government must not over-promise

ObserverUncategorisedCovid-19, Government

…credibility is legal tender in an emergency Government must stop over-promising and under-delivering. People are taking the government at its word. They are cheering for the great pronouncements about support for the people in this new Covid-19 world. Then, the promises can’t stand the light of day in terms of implementation. It is glaringly apparent that announcements of bailout packages were intentions and not programs. A drowning person desperately grabs for anything that looks like a lifeline, even if it is not. Those offering possibilities, therefore, must be very careful that what they throw out there is the real deal.…

24 Apr

How socially responsible are corporates during COVID-19?

ObserverUncategorisedCovid-19, World Health Organization (WHO)

Jefta Gaoab Corporate social responsibility (CSR) helps a company be socially accountable—to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practicing corporate social responsibility, also called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they have on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental. Essentially, it is about listening and responding to the needs of a company’s stakeholders. COVID-19 has been declared as a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). It not only has caused massive economic knocks but greatly impacted the health and wellbeing of many citizens globally and Namibia is not…

23 Apr

Retirement: A new chapter in the story of your life

ObserverUncategorisedGIPF, Retirement

GIPF Manager: Strategy & Projects Desmond Nikanor There is an old adage that says “retirement is not closing the book, it is just a brand new chapter”. This saying is especially true because it correctly implies that you have the ability to author and take control of this chapter in your life. The extent to which you will enjoy your retirement depends largely on the financial decisions and other support structures you have put in place before and during your retirement. Whether you have prepared well or not, it is never too late to improve your current retirement living. The…

23 Apr

This is not the time for a party

ObserverUncategorisedCovid-19, SWAPO

…it is a time to be sensitive and sincere We are disappointed at the ill-considered ‘party’ that was held to celebrate the SWAPO 60th birthday. We are fine with the ruling party rightfully applauding its 60-year history and its future in power in Namibia. But, during a COVID-19 pandemic, a state of emergency and an extended lockdown where people are being herded into their homes, forced to stand distances apart in queues to buy bread, and watch their financial futures crumble, the ruling party -led by the President himself- is having a grand old time, at a party with a…