Blog – Page 286 – News Stand

26 Aug

First-ever murder conviction in fatal vehicle collision sets new precedent

info_e12wt4csMainMagistrate Gaynor Paulton

Niël Terblanché Jandre Dippenaar became the first and only Namibian in history to be prosecuted and convicted of murder in the aftermath of a fatal motor vehicle collision. On Friday, in the Swakopmund Regional Court, he was sentenced to spend the next 15 years in prison. Magistrate Gaynor Paulton imposed the extraordinary sentence after convicting Dippenaar on six counts of murder, one count of reckless and negligent driving, and one count of operating a vehicle without a valid driving license in the Swakopmund Regional Court in June. Paulton ordered the 15-year custodial sentence, stating that the six counts of murder…

26 Aug

GRN mum on vessels suspected to be carrying military supplies to Israel

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala The Namibian government remains silent on suspicious vessels alleged to have docked at the port of Walvis Bay while ferrying cargo of military material destined for Israel. According to information seen by the Windhoek Observer last week, on July 25, a vessel named MV Nordic IMO 9663001, operated by Ocean7 Projects APS, reportedly docked at Walvis Bay with the port of destination Piraeus, Greece. According to reports, the vessel corroborated the suspicion that it was hiding a cargo of military material for Israel when it did not stop at its official destination but instead, at the last moment,…

26 Aug

Mbumba calls for respect for the military

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja President Nangolo Mbumba called on the nation to respect Namibia’s Defence Force, Air Force, and Navy during the Heroes’ Day commemoration in Omuthiya on Monday. Heroes’ Day, observed annually on August 26, pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Namibia. Mbumba emphasised the importance of taking pride in the military forces, which play a central role in the nation's defence. “We must respect them because, in them, we depended on the defence of the motherland. And if you have no defenders, then you have no country,” Mbumba said. He criticised those who challenge…

26 Aug

PDM promises jobs, housing and expansion of agriculture

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPopular Democratic Movement

Stefanus Nashama The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) released its election manifesto over the weekend, in which it promises to create employment opportunities, build houses and expand agriculture if elected into power. According to the manifesto, the PDM plans to reduce the unemployment rate by 2029. "We will reduce the unemployment rate to 11% by 2029 through our ‘one constituency, one factory’ policy intervention," reads the manifesto. To ensure fiscal sustainability, the party also seeks to fix the economy and slash government debt by at least 50% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2029. The manifesto further indicates that the party…

26 Aug

Iipumbu claims NEFF deregistration was politically driven

info_e12wt4csNational NewsECN, Kalimbo Iipumbu

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters’ (NEFF) deputy leader, Kalimbo Iipumbu, claimed the party's deregistration by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) was politically motivated. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Iipumbu accused the ECN of being captured by the 'system'. "It seems that the ECN is weak, incompetent and captured to carry out its mandate," said Iipumbu. The NEFF was deregistered by the ECN in July for failing to submit its audited documents and publish them in 2022. According to Iipumbu, the ECN could have addressed the matter in an alternative way instead of deregistering the party.…

26 Aug

Cabinet orders drought food aid in urban areas

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché In response to the worst drought Namibia has experienced in a century, the Namibian Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, to extend food relief to urban-based beneficiaries under the Basic Income Grant programme. This directive is the result of the Cabinet’s 14th decision-making meeting held on 20 August. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Namibia is currently attempting to cope with a severe drought that has already depleted 84% of the country’s food reserves. The drought, exacerbated…

26 Aug

N$67 million for additional classrooms at Otjomuise Primary

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCentral Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN), Namibia Construction (PTY) Ltd

Martin Endjala The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has awarded a N$67 million procurement contract to construct phase 2 of the Otjomuise Primary School. This was confirmed by CPBN spokesperson Johanna Kambala last week. According to Kambala, construction is set to begin later this year and is expected to be completed within 22 months. “The construction of additional classrooms will ease the burden of limited school placement currently faced by the ministry by increasing the capacity of the school to accommodate more learners,” she said. CPBN signed a procurement contract agreement with Namibia Construction (PTY) Ltd. for the construction…

26 Aug

Trustco to provide deposit repayment plan on Tuesday

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyBank of Namibia (BoN), Trustco Bank Namibia Limited (TBN)

Martin Endjala Trustco Group Holdings Ltd. (TGH), the parent company of Trustco Bank Namibia Limited (TBN), has until Tuesday to provide the Bank of Namibia (BoN) with a deposit plan. This follows TGH's decision to return TBN’d banking license to the BoN for cancellation with immediate effect. Quinton van Rooyen, Chairman of Trustco Group Holdings' Board Investment Committee, disclosed this information in a statement last week. "In light of recent developments, Trustco has decided to exit from investing in deposit-taking institutions in Namibia. Our focus is now shifting towards non-deposit-taking financial services, where we see tremendous growth potential,” he said.…

26 Aug

Namibia set to host strategic business forum in Beijing

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyForum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

Niël Terblanché Namibia is preparing to play a key role in this year's Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), as its delegation will host a business forum aimed at enhancing strategic economic partnerships with China. The forum, to be held during the event in Beijing from 4 to 6 September, will provide numerous opportunities for business collaborations and at the same time, strengthen bilateral ties between Namibia and China. At the end of last week, Jerobeam Shaanika, the Deputy Executive Director of Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, reiterated the importance of the event, noting that it presents a unique…

26 Aug

Windhoek High School crowned 2024 champions

info_e12wt4csSports2024 Capricorn Schools Netball League champions.

Martin Endjala After a fiercely competitive season, Windhoek High School U/19 emerged as the 2024 Capricorn Schools Netball League champions. They narrowly beat Windhoek Gymnasium by 27–26 in a thrilling final encounter. A. Shipena Secondary School secured bronze. The competition concluded this past weekend in Windhoek. Windhoek Gymnasium dominated play in the U/17 final, winning a convincing 39-18 over Centaurus Secondary School, while Rehoboth-based M&K Gertze High School finished third. Marlize Horn, the executive director of brand and corporate affairs at Capricorn Group, said the Capricorn Schools Netball League has grown in popularity over the past years, allowing school netball…