Blog

DELAY TACTICTS:

Rinaani Musutua, the Economic and Social Justice Trust’s spokesperson and member of the Big Income Grant Coalition, said police in the Kavango East and Zambezi regions are applying delay tactics to halt their protest set to take place on Heroes Day.The protest march, scheduled to take place on 26 August, is themed: "National Protest to End Poverty'.According to Musutua, the group intent on protesting is experiencing difficulties in receiving approval for their planned mass action.He said that they did not receive any answers from the respective regional police commanders regarding the approval of their plans. Report: Martin Endjala
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Venaani calls for political maturity

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani told delegates at the party's national elective congress in the Zambezi region to exhibit political maturity when electing the party’s new leadership.He made these remarks on Friday at the congress in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region.Venaani reminded delegates of the goal of the party to reduce the Swapo's electoral share to less than 40 percent in the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections.The PDM will launch its election manifesto on Saturday. Reporter: Stefanus Nashama
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NATIONAL HONOURS CONFERRED:

On the eve of the weekend where all Namibians will commemorate the heroes who played a critical role in the history of Namibia, President Nangolo Mbumba conferred National Honours upon a select group of Namibian citizens and distinguished foreign nationals who have made substantial contributions to the country's liberation struggle, socio-economic development, and global recognition.The solemn and prestigious ceremony took place at State House on Friday,Among the honourees were distinguished politicians, public servants, traditional leaders, and veterans of the liberation struggle.The awards, ranging from The Most Brilliant Order of the Sun to The Most Distinguished Order of Namibia, were presented…
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NEW PRECEDENT SET:

Jandre Dippenaar, the first ever Namibian to be found guilty on charges of murder in the aftermath of a fatal motor vehicle collision, was sentenced to spend the next 15 years in prison.The extraordinary sentence was meted out after Magistrate Gaynor Paulton convicted Dippenaar on six counts of murder, one count of reckless and negligent driving and a count of driving a vehicle without a valid driving licence in the Swakopmund Regional Court in June.Concerning the count of reckless and negligent driving the magistrate ordered that Dippenaar should pay a fine of N$8 000 and concerning the charge of driving…
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The path to agricultural prosperity: A regional perspective on import bans in Southern Africa

The path to agricultural prosperity: A regional perspective on import bans in Southern Africa

Benedick Moody Louw In a recent post on X, Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa highlighted the growing tension between South African agriculture and the neighboring countries of Botswana and Namibia over the latter's bans on imported vegetables. Sihlobo argues that such bans undermine regional agricultural cooperation and pose significant challenges to South African farmers. He acknowledges the political and economic motivations behind these bans but emphasizes the need for a balanced and cooperative response from South Africa. This article aims to provide a comprehensive response from the perspectives of Namibia, Botswana, the Southern…
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Namibia honours centenary of liberation stalwart Andimba Toivo ya Toivo

Namibia honours centenary of liberation stalwart Andimba Toivo ya Toivo

Niël Terblanché Namibia celebrated the 100th birthday of the revered liberation stalwart, Andimba Toivo yaToivo. This date also signifies the commencement of the Andimba Centenary Year, a period dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of one of Namibia’s most esteemed figures in the struggle for independence. Andimba was born on 22 August 1924, in Omangundu, northern Namibia, and passed away on 9 June 2017. He is remembered not only as a co-founder of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) but also as a symbol of resistance and integrity. To commemorate his centenary, his widow, Vicky yaToivo, and their…
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Ghana trade mission called off

Ghana trade mission called off

Martin Endjala Conflicting schedules with partnering institutions have forced the postponement of a business mission to Ghana. The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board's (NIPDB) senior marketing, branding, and communication manager, Catherine Shipushu, confirmed this on Thursday. According to Shipushu, the new date on which the business mission will take place is yet to be announced. She told the Windhoek Observer that the Namibia-Ghana Business Forum is an initiative of the Namibian High Commissioner in Ghana. “Due to conflicting schedules with partnering institutions and in order to attract maximum participation from key stakeholders, the mission resolved to postpone the business…
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90 years of resilience – celebrating the life of liberation stalwart Helao Shityuwete

90 years of resilience – celebrating the life of liberation stalwart Helao Shityuwete

Hertta-Maria Amutenya Namibia will commemorate Hero’s Day on 26 August, a day set aside to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s independence. Among the many remembered is Helao Joseph Shityuwete, a national hero whose journey from humble beginnings through the harsh realities of Robben Island to years of exile epitomises the struggle for freedom. Shityuwete was born in a small Namibian village in 1941, where he first encountered the injustices of colonial rule. At six, he lost his father and has vivid memories of the funeral and the rites. His upbringing was marked by his Aunt…
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Rehoboth pensioner battles Bank Windhoek over property sale

Rehoboth pensioner battles Bank Windhoek over property sale

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A Rehoboth pensioner is in a legal battle with Bank Windhoek over the subdivision and sale of a portion of her property. The dispute stems from a 2015 agreement in which the pensioner agreed to sell 1 000 square meters of her 1 457-square-meter plot to Neal John Rittmann for N$180 000. Anna-Maria de Klerk, the pensioner, and Rittmann signed the sale agreement on 28 January 2015. Rittmann subsequently approached Bank Windhoek for a mortgage loan, which was approved and registered on 24 April 2015, followed by a second bond on 2 October 2015. According to documents delivered…
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Government urged to set up a universal healthcare system

Niël Terblanché A recent study by Afrobarometer has revealed that the majority of Namibians do not have medical aid coverage, with affordability being the primary barrier. The survey's findings indicate a growing concern among citizens about access to adequate healthcare and have sparked calls for government intervention, even if it requires raising taxes. The Afrobarometer survey from March 2024 found that 85% of Namibians lack health insurance, with unaffordability being the primary cause for 74% of these respondents. The survey, which included a nationally representative sample of 1 200 adult Namibians, highlights the widespread financial inaccessibility of medical aid, leaving…
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