Observer – Page 94 – Windhoek Observer

01 Feb

Prime Minister denies involvement in petroleum sector corruption

ObserverMainPrime Minister denies involvement in petroleum sector corruption

Niël Terblanché A letter circulating on social media platforms has sparked controversy in Namibia, alleging that Maggy Shino, the Petroleum Commissioner of Namibia, was appointed in a corrupt manner. The unfounded allegations in the letter has drawn attention from the country’s leadership. Tom Alweendo, the Minister of Mines and Energy, had to explain the appointment process of the head of the Petroleum Directorate. The announcement by the energy minister was followed shortly by the Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuukongelwa-Amadhila who refuted claims of having a personal relationship with Shino and denied any corrupt practices in her appointment. These responses follow…

31 Jan

PDM calls for genuine commitment to sports development

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani, has urged Deputy Prime Minister and International Relations Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service to transcend political posturing and genuinely commit to fostering sports growth. Venaani’s plea comes amidst the national senior men's football team, the Brave Warriors’ historic performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations tournament where they managed to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in the country’s history. This is despite the team having to play home games away from home due to substandard stadiums in Namibia which…

31 Jan

Okahandja Mayor fails to attend meeting with disgruntled residents

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Residents from some of the poorest neighbourhoods of Okahandja are expressing deep frustration and disappointment over the persistent issues of poor service delivery in their town. Their grievances, which encompass intermittent water supply, inadequate land delivery, lack of proper sanitation, and unaddressed health hazards, remain unresolved despite repeated appeals to local authorities. During a recent community meeting, the residents' concerns were compounded by the absence of Okahandja Mayor Beatrice Kotungondo. Although the mayor had indicated in a letter to community leaders that she intends to reschedule the meeting and address these issues, the residents have yet to find…

31 Jan

BoN announces new board members

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has announced the appointment of Dr Meshack Tjirongo, Eliaser Nekwaya and Peter Kruger as non-executive members of its Board of Directors and the re-appointment of Ehrenfried Meroro as a non-executive board member. These appointments are in line with Section 9 of the Bank of Namibia Act (2020), effective from 1 February 2024. The governor of the central bank, Johannes !Gawaxab, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Board, described the appointments as instrumental in enhancing the Bank's policies, internal controls, risk management and advancing the achievement of its strategic objectives. “As the…

31 Jan

High accident fatality rate concerns MVA

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) in Namibia has expressed grave concern over the recent spike in road accidents, leading to the loss of 16 lives and numerous injuries last week. "It is alarming that Namibia lost 16 lives and witnessed 89 injuries in just the past week due to road traffic crashes," stated Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, the Fund's Chief Executive Officer. She revealed that from January 1 to 28, 2024, there were a total of 158 crashes, resulting in 335 injuries and 29 fatalities. As the country transitions out of the festive period, Martins-Hausiku urges drivers to maintain…

31 Jan

PAS gains international recognition through prestigious excellent service awards

ObserverNational NewsPAS gains international recognition through prestigious excellent service awards

Niël Terblanché In acknowledgement of its stellar service quality, Paragon Aviation Services (PAS), operating at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) in Namibia, has been honoured with a series of prestigious awards from the Lufthansa Group. The German national airline, through its subsidiary Discover Airlines, recognized PAS for its exceptional service offerings. PAS, the licensed ground handling service provider at HKIA, offers a range of services including Passenger Services, Ramp and Baggage Handling, Cargo Services, Meet and Greet, and Private Aircraft Charter Services. Discover Airlines particularly commended PAS for delivering these services in a safe, secure, and timely manner. The award…

31 Jan

Swakopmund Grand Prix Ignites Athletics Namibia’s Season with Record-Breaking Performances

ObserverSportsSwakopmund Grand Prix Ignites Athletics Namibia’s Season with Record-Breaking Performances

Swakopmund, Namibia - Athletics Namibia’s athletics season kicked off with a spectacular display of talent at the Pupkewitz Foundation - AN Grand Prix Series Meet1, held at Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund on Saturday, January 27, 2024. In an event supported by the Pupkewitz Foundation, 270 athletes, representing 27 athletics clubs from various regions of Namibia, participated in a fierce competition. The Grand Prix showcased athletes vying for coveted positions in the top 10 in standard categories and top 5 in para-athletics, with a total of N$120,000.00 in cash prizes up for grabs. The standout performers of the day were Ndawana…

31 Jan

Landless farmers face eviction in Gobabis…LPM pleads for ministerial intervention

ObserverNational NewsLandless farmers face eviction in Gobabis…LPM pleads for ministerial intervention

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Landless generational farmers and farm dwellers are on the brink of disaster as the Gobabis Town Council moves forward with plans to enforce eviction by today. The eviction, sanctioned under the provisions of the Public and Environment Health Act of 2015, section 59, subsections (h) and (d), has sparked concerns and calls for immediate intervention. Joyce Muzengua, representing the human rights desk of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), highlighted the plight of the marginalized community, stating that. “This demographic group has become a highly marginalized, mostly unemployed underclass, migrating into informal settlements on the outskirts of Gobabis, relying…

31 Jan

Oil discovery won’t benefit kids in southern Namibia if education does not improve – /Goagoses

ObserverNational NewsOil discovery won’t benefit kids in southern Namibia if education does not improve – /Goagoses

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Deputy Minister of High Education, Technology and Innovation Nathalia /Goagoses, said if the education system does not improve in //Karas and Hardap regions, the recent oil discoveries in Namibia will not benefit inhabitants of the two regions, especially kids. /Goagoses made these remarks yesterday during the official opening of the Regional Stakeholders Conference held in the Hardap Region. She said that for somebody to work on Oil and Green Hydrogen projects, that person needs a mix of subjects like chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering. Especially chemical, mechanical, and environmental as well as geology and possible economics for…

31 Jan

King implements strict regulations for revival churches

ObserverNational NewsKing implements strict regulations for revival churches

Niël Terblanché Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, the Omukwaniilwa of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, has taken a decisive stand against the uncontrolled proliferation of unregulated revival churches in his jurisdiction. This measure is in response to escalating concerns in Namibia, particularly in the northern regions of Oshikoto, Oshana, and Ohangwena, where the rapid growth in the number of these churches is causing social unrest. Reports of misconduct and exploitation by church leaders have intensified these concerns. There have been alarming instances of pastors and prophets accused of exploitative practices, including false miracle healings and sexual misconduct. These incidents have not only attracted…