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Daure Daman community to go on strike

Daure Daman community to go on strike

Martin Endjala The Daure Daman community in the Daures constituency in the Erongo region has threatened to go on strike until the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and the Daure Daman Traditional Authority (DATA) hear their concerns. They are calling for the removal of the Daure Daman Traditional Authority Chief Sagarias Seibeb after a community no-confidence vote and to end nepotism and self-enrichment, among other things. According to the group's spokesperson, Jimmy Areseb, their decision to go on a strike follows failed attempts last year when they handed in their petition to the Seibeb and again in May this…
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ECN refutes allegations of excluding inmates from voter registration

ECN refutes allegations of excluding inmates from voter registration

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) denied allegations by the Landless People's Movement (LPM) that it excluded Namibians who are in jail or in police custody across the nation from registering as voters for the November elections. This comes after LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa accused the electoral body of preventing incarcerated individuals from registering for voter cards. “This unfair and intentional exclusion of inmates is robbing these Namibians of their democratic rights, further dehumanising and excluding them from society. As a government, we must ensure that we do not harm the human rights of any Namibian. Inmates are…
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Cheap politics undermines African democracy

Cheap politics undermines African democracy

Stefanus Nashama Poor political performance, not economic failure, as some may believe, undermines Africa's commitment to democracy. This was revealed by the Afrobarometer inaugural flagship report last week. “The rising of corruption in local government, poor-quality elections, and a lack of presidential accountability undermine the faith in democracy,” stated the report. Afrobarometer provides data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. It found out that Africans remain strongly committed to democracy, its norms, and institutions, but there are also causes for concern. According to the report, over the past decade, popular support for democracy has…
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Gibeon cemetery vandalised

Gibeon cemetery vandalised

Martin Endjala Gibeon village council has resolved to address the issues of vandalism of graves in the village cemetery. The council indicated that vandals damaged many gravestones in the village two weeks ago. On Tuesday, the Gibeon village council chairperson, Sharon Bezuidenhoud informed the Windhoek Observer that the council would be deploying a clean-up group to the cemetery. “I was unaware of such vandalism until Mr. Ignatius called me to tell me about it. I have invited him to come to my office to discuss the matter, but we couldn’t meet due to other equally important matters he had to…
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Lung sickness outbreak strikes cattle in Kunene Region

Lung sickness outbreak strikes cattle in Kunene Region

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has issued an urgent notification to farmers regarding an outbreak of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), commonly known as lungsickness, in Okapundja village, located in the Opuwo Urban Constituency of the Kunene Region. Dr Johannes Shoopala, the Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, said in the statement on Tuesday that the disease was detected at the beginning of July and that it is currently affecting only one herd of 30 cattle Shoopala stated that so far eight animals from the herd tested positive for lungsickness and that…
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American Corners celebrates decades of partnership

American Corners celebrates decades of partnership

Niël Terblanché This year marks the 10th and 20th anniversaries of the creation of American Corners in public facilities in Ongwediva and Walvis Bay. These anniversaries demonstrate the enduring collaboration between the United States of America’s Embassy in Windhoek and the local authorities of Ongwedivaand and Walvis Bay. According to Tifanny Miller, the public affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy in Namibia, the establishment of the various American Corners has been promoting learning, creativity, and community development in Namibia. Since its establishment in 2004, the American Corner in Walvis Bay has served as a cornerstone of knowledge and a catalyst…
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Voting as a Rite of Passage: Encouraging First-Time Voters in Namibia.

Voting as a Rite of Passage: Encouraging First-Time Voters in Namibia.

Thomas Nashongo The anatomy of Namibian democracy is dependent on the commitment of all those eligible to vote. While youth engagement is often highlighted, participation by all eligible age groups is as important.It is also critical to understand that first-time voters come from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Whether they are young or old while casting a ballot, newly registered first-time voters' voices are vital to delegate a democratic type of government. Namibian citizens should embrace voting as a civic duty and a rite of passage especially for first time voters. As a citizen of a vibrant democratic one…
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Hanse-Himarwa to receive official funeral

President Nangolo Mbumba has conferred an official funeral on the late Katrina Magdalena Hanse-Himarwa.The decision was announced on Monday.Mbumba said the date and place of the burial will be determined in consultation with her family.Hanse-Himarwa, born on 22 January 1967, died on 14 July 2024 at the age of 57.She served as the minister of education, arts and culture. She was also the first female governor of Hardap Region, holding the position from 2004 to 2015.Mbumba described Hanse-Himarwa as a dedicated teacher and educationalist."Her achievements are highly commendable," he said in a statement. Report: Hertta-Maria Amutenja
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END OF AN ERA:

The Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L) has announced that it has notified Pick n Pay South Africa that it will terminate the existing franchise agreement between the two entities by 30 June 2025.This means that as of 1 July 2025, O&L will no longer trade as Pick n Pay.This was confirmed by group's spokesperson, Roux-che Locke on Tuesday.Pick n Pay has been in operation in Namibia since 1997. There are 19 Pick n Pay retail stores across Namibia."O&L is committed to retail, and we are exploring the best way forward to create a consistent value-added retail experience, ultimately benefiting all…
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7 schools in Oshikoto closed due to low enrollment numbers

7 schools in Oshikoto closed due to low enrollment numbers

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Between 2012 and 2021, seven schools in the Oshikoto region closed due to uneconomical operations. The infrastructure of these schools has been repurposed for kindergarten use. The closed schools are Oshikomba Primary School, Okweya Primary School, Shanamutango Primary School, Okayekenonga Primary School, Ekaha Primary School, Mandjolo Primary School, and Oshigwedha Junior Primary School. “The school had a low number of learners enrolled. We moved the learners to other schools and transferred the teachers to different schools as well,” Aletha Eises, the Oshikoto Regional Education Director, explained and added that the move is aimed at ensuring education remains unaffected…
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