Observer – Page 98 – Windhoek Observer

19 Jan

MTC Boosts Netball Namibia with N$2.5 Million Sponsorship Increase and 6-Year Commitment

ObserverSportsMTC Boosts Netball Namibia with N$2.5 Million

Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of netball in Namibia by announcing a substantial increase in sponsorship for Netball Namibia (NN). The company’s chief human and corporate affairs officer, Tim Ekandjo, declared on Thursday a sponsorship surge to N$2.5 million for the upcoming 2024 MTC Namibia Netball Premier League (NNPL) season, along with a promising six-year partnership. This announcement follows a 36% increase from the previous year’s sponsorship, which stood at N$1.9 million. Tim Ekandjo emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting the sport, stating that this boost aims to elevate the standards of the league…

19 Jan

Just Saying with Matts Haikali

ObserverOpinions, SportsDeon Hotto

In the wake of Deon Hotto’s exhilarating goal at the ongoing AFCON 2023, Namibia witnessed a spectacular display of national passion and patriotism, showcasing the unifying power of sports. The entire nation, irrespective of location or background, was drawn to screens of all sizes, eager to be part of a historic moment that transcended the boundaries of daily life. Am just saying this jubilation prompts reflection on the contradictory relationship between the euphoria of sports victories and the lackluster support for sports development within the country. Am just saying, while the entire nation unites to celebrate a goal scored thousands…

19 Jan

Excitement Builds as Debmarine Premiership Teams Resumes Training for Second Round

ObserverSports

As the football fever continues to grip Namibia, anticipation is mounting for the restart of the Debmarine Premiership, scheduled for February 3, 2023. Football clubs across the nation have already plunged into training sessions in preparation for the second round of matches. FC Ongos took the lead by kicking off their training on January 3, setting the pace for others to follow suit. The football community has witnessed various teams, including Julihno Sporting from Rundu, Young African based in Gobabis, Blue Waters hailing from Walvis Bay, and prominent Windhoek-based clubs such as Khomas Nampol, African Stars, Orlando Pirates, Civics, and…

19 Jan

What education, for what?

ObserverOpinionsfor what?, What education

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro What education and for what? Until Namibia answers this fundamental question her education shall continue to be deviled as it has been since independence. When the education system existing then was changed and continued to undergo various metamorphosis without any reason other than its assumed and presumed fundamentals. One which could have been that it is Bantu Education and/or education for the various ethnicities according to the cultural identities comprising the Namibian society. That to a large extent continues to be the case. One pointer to this effect being the teaching of and in mother tongues in the…

19 Jan

The year of expectation should be a year of new beginnings

ObserverEditorialThe year of expectation should be a year of new beginnings, year 2024 hopes

As dawn broke on the year 2024 hopes for a new beginning for the Namibian House in the year of expectations grew exponentially because it is also the year of elections. The imagery of dawn breaking signifies the end of darkness and the arrival of light, which is commonly associated with new beginnings and opportunities. At the break of dawn on Monday, roughly 150,000 members of the second generation of so-called ‘bornfrees’, while holding the hands of the hopeful parents, arrived at schools across Namibia with bright and wide eyes. Every parent who spent hours in the sun waiting in…

19 Jan

Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for stronger ties at NAM summit

ObserverNational NewsNandi-Ndaitwah calls for stronger ties at NAM summit, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit

Niël Terblanché The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala has paved the way for stronger ties and increased economic cooperation between Namibia and Uganda, setting a positive trajectory for the future of both nations and the broader Non-Aligned Movement. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation led a delegation to attend the summit in Kampala, Uganda. The summit, held under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Global Affluence,” concluded today after a week of discussions and deliberations among member nations. The primary focus of the summit was to foster cooperation among member nations, addressing…

19 Jan

CoW faces another setback in electing office-bearers

ObserverNational NewsCoW faces another setback in electing office-bearers

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek City Council encountered a recurring setback as it attempted to elect office-bearers, once again leaving the local governance structure incomplete. Under the oversight of Magistrate Ndapewa Amadhila, who presided over the proceedings, the election process was compelled to adjourn due to the absence of several local authority councillors. “Last year, when the elections were adjourned, most members indicated they would not be available on this day,” Former CoW Mayor Fransina Kahungu pointed out. The absence of these councillors has disrupted the process of filling the remaining two management committee positions. The Chief Executive Officer of the…

19 Jan

Namibian trade records a deficit of N$4 billion

ObserverNational NewsNamibian trade records a deficit of N$4 billion

Stefanus Nashama In November 2023, Namibia’s trade balance revealed a deficit of N$4 billion, as reported by Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General at the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), in the Namibia Merchandise Trade Statistics Bulletin for November 2023. Shimuafeni noted that the N$4 billion deficit, while showing improvement compared to the N$4.5 billion deficit recorded in October 2023, also represented a worsening when compared to the N$2.8 billion deficit from November 2022. China emerged as Namibia’s largest market for exports, while South Africa retained its position as the country’s primary supplier. Shimuafeni elaborated on the composition of Namibia’s export basket for…

19 Jan

RDP calls for fair elections in November

ObserverNational NewsMike Kavekotora, RDP calls for fair elections in November

Martin Endjala The President of the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), Mike Kavekotora, has called for fair elections in November 2024, emphasizing that the party is fully prepared to challenge the ruling Swapo Party. “We at the RDP are more prepared than ever for the 2024 elections. We wish our competitors the best of luck for 2024 and urge the ruling party to ensure a level playing field in November. Our SWOT analysis identified three critical challenges: lack of funds, the emergence of new parties, and election irregularities. We have addressed these challenges, and as a result, we will…

19 Jan

PDM urges MAWLR to modernize maize production

ObserverNational NewsPDM urges MAWLR to modernize maize production

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In an appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), the Popular Democratic Movement leader, McHenry Venaani has stressed the need for Namibia to modernize its maize production to enhance food security in the country. The call comes in the wake of disconcerting statistics revealing the import of approximately 82,000 tonnes of maize in 2023, despite the country’s abundant agricultural potential. Venaani said Namibia, stands at the threshold of an agricultural revolution that could transform its prairies into fields of abundance. However, reports projecting a mere 42 percent coverage of Namibia’s white maize grain demand…