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ECN dispatches election materials to diplomatic missions

ECN dispatches election materials to diplomatic missions

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has successfully dispatched ballot papers and non-sensitive election materials to 33 of the country’s 35 diplomatic missions worldwide. This is preparation for the Presidential and National Assembly elections special voting window for Namibians in the diaspora set for 13 November. The chief electoral and referenda officer, Peter Shaama in a statement on Monday said that the distribution commenced and concluded last Thursday, with the materials sent out on 1 November. The material was sent through the diplomatic bags of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO). Shaama added that the remaining…
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Livestock causing havoc in Grootfontein neighbourhoods

Livestock causing havoc in Grootfontein neighbourhoods

Niël Terblanché Grootfontein’s residents are battling with an influx of free-roaming livestock that has taken over their streets, gardens, and public spaces. This has created a crisis that has left many frustrated and searching for solutions. The town, once known for its neat neighbourhoods, now faces the daily challenge of herds of cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs wandering the community. Despite repeated complaints to the town council, residents feel their concerns have largely been ignored, and many worry that the once vibrant town is losing its character and quickly turning into a village. For at least four years, the town…
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Venaani vows to tackle livestock theft and food insecurity

Venaani vows to tackle livestock theft and food insecurity

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani has raised alarm over the escalating livestock theft in the country, highlighting its detrimental impact on farmers. Speaking at a rally in Gobabis over the weekend, Venaani claimed that livestock theft cost farmers more than N$3.4 million in the Omaheke region last year. "PDM is resolutely committed to addressing crime in all its forms, ensuring that our communities can feel safe and secure. We shall enhance the training of police officers to ensure that investigations result in successful convictions," he said. Venaani pledged to decentralise policing powers from national to regional…
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Zimbabwe petitions US embassy in Namibia over sanctions

Zimbabwe petitions US embassy in Namibia over sanctions

Martin Endjala A group of Zimbabwean citizens living in Namibia, under the banner Zimbabwe Citizens Against Sanctions, submitted a petition to the embassy of the United States in Windhoek on Monday in which they demand the immediate lifting of sanctions imposed on their country by the USA. The action coincides with the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day, observed on 25 October during which the severe economic and humanitarian impacts caused by the sanctions are emphasised. Arthur Makarutse, the chairman of the Zimbabwe Citizens Against Sanctions group, argued that the sanctions have led to high unemployment, surpassing 80%, causing…
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Mattress donation eases hardship of Kavango East learners

Mattress donation eases hardship of Kavango East learners

Niël Terblanché MTC employees, supported by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund and Namib Mills, donated more than 250 mattresses and essential food supplies to learners of the Cocoma Primary School in the Ndiyona circuit of the Kavango East Region. The generous initiative, part of the employee-led MTC Care programme, is a vital lifeline for many learners who struggle daily with educational inequalities. During the handover, school principal Moses Ndumba expressed gratitude, noting the difference this gesture will make to Cocoma Primary’s learners. “We are highly appreciative of the support that we have received today. Some of our learners have…
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NamWater donation improves education in the Hardap region

NamWater donation improves education in the Hardap region

Niël Terblanché As NamWater continues to partner with various stakeholders to make a lasting, positive impact on communities across Namibia. In this regard, NamWater has demonstrated its commitment to improving education and community development in Namibia's Hardap Region with a substantial donation aimed at equipping young learners for academic success. At a ceremony on Monday which was attended by key stakeholders, NamWater handed over stationery supplies valued at N$381 660 to ten primary schools which is a substantial investment in the educational landscape of southern Namibia. Kadiva Hamutumwa, NamWater’s Chief Strategy and Corporate Affairs Officer, stated that the initiative is…
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Africa Oil moves with Venus development

Africa Oil moves with Venus development

Ester Mbathera Africa Oil Corp. announced the completion of a strategic farmdown by its investee company, Impact Oil & Gas, in Blocks 2912 and 2913B, known as the Farm Down to TotalEnergies EP Namibia project. The company announced last week that Impact received approximately USD 99 million and retains a 9.5% interest, benefiting from a carry loan to cover remaining costs until the first oil production. Africa Oil president and chief executive, Roger Tucker, said the Farm Down allows the company to retain a funded interest in the Venus development project that is expected to add significant reserves and production…
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Revolutionary Union secures wage deal with B&E International Namibia

Allexer Namundjembo The Revolutionary Union has signed a two-year substantive wage agreement with B&E International Namibia Pty Ltd. In a statement, Julius Natangwe, the proletariat central secretary of RU, said that the agreement would benefit all B&E employees included in the exclusive bargaining unit. “The agreement, effective from 1 September, encompasses a favourable wage increase to ensure employees sustain and enhance their standard of living in Namibia,” said Natangwe. He added that the agreement included a salary increase along with an evaluation and adjustment of various existing employee allowances, such as the production bonus scheme. “As part of the safety…
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NaCC reached only 56% of its annual target

NaCC reached only 56% of its annual target

Martin Endjala The Office of the Auditor-General has found the Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) to have fallen behind in implementing its annual plan fully. According to the auditor general, Junias Kandjeke his office noted that the commission only implemented 56% of the key performance targets (34 out of 61) for the 2023/24 strategic review period. “It is recommended that the commission ensure that all performance targets are achieved at year-end,” he recommended. The NaCC financial year ended on 31 March. Despite the findings, Kandjeke said that the financial statements accurately depict the financial position, financial performance, and cash flows of…
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Hardap farmers face uncertain future as dam runs dry

Hardap farmers face uncertain future as dam runs dry

Allexer Namundjembo At its lowest level ever, 6.3%, Hardap Dam can no longer supply irrigation water for crops being farmed below the dam wall. Calle Schlettwein, the minister of agriculture and water, made this statement last week, just hours before the Hardap Dam water supply valves were closed for the first time in history. “Water supply for domestic usage and livestock will be available until February 2026 (with no inflow this season). Drought is showing its drastic effect,” said Schlettwein. Schlettwein said the past rainy season produced the lowest runoff in the past 100 years, which is why dams had…
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