Blog – Page 292 – Windhoek Observer

09 Mar

Keetmanshoop launch boys club to promote positive role models

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Boys Club Introductory Program was launched at Suiderlig High School in Keetmanshoop to address the challenges faced by young men over the weekend. Andrea Robert, the event program facilitator, said the club serves as a safe space for boys to learn and redefine what it means to be responsible men. "We established the Boys Club as a space where boys could find their voice and strength," Robert said. He reflected on the importance of mentorship, particularly the absence of positive male role models, and urged local businesses to get involved. "A clarion call was made to businesses…

09 Mar

Namibia improve on netball world ranking

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia has improved its position in the latest World Netball rankings, moving from 19th to 18th place among 49 netball-playing nations worldwide. According to World Netball, rankings are determined by points earned from match results and the strength of opponents. A team earns 50 points more than their opponent’s rating for a win and 50 points less for a loss. Since 1 July 2020, Namibia has played 26 international matches, accumulating 1 326 points. World Netball emphasises that a team must play a minimum number of international matches to earn an official ranking. Currently, a team must play…

06 Mar

GRN owes Oranjemund town council N$21 million

Main

Allexer Namundjembo The Oranjemund Town Council (OTC) is demanding N$21 million in unpaid rates and taxes from the government for two properties, including the land housing the Oranjemund Airport. The Ministry of Works and Transport owns the land, but the council says it has not received payments since 2018. The land in question is Farm 166, where the airport is located, and an adjacent Farm 171, which is vacant. The council claims that the government owes N$15.7 million for Farm 166 and N$5.3 million for Farm 171, totalling N$21 million in unpaid rates and taxes. Council chairperson for the management…

06 Mar

Leprosy stigma fades in Zambezi region

Featured, National News

Allexer Namundjembo For decades, leprosy, or Hansen’s disease’s deep-seated stigma, extended beyond death in the Zambezi Region. Those affected by the disease often faced exile, isolation, and indignity even in death. Sibbinda Constituency Councillor Micky Lukaezi recalls the story of a man, a victim of leprosy, who was denied a traditional burial due to cultural stigmas associated with the disease. “He was taken to the forest as it was against cultural beliefs to bury people suffering from the disease in the same way as others. The belief was that those with leprosy could not be buried in the same manner…

06 Mar

New power stations increase energy security

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Walvis Bay residents and holidaymakers have expressed growing concerns over the neglect of Independence Beach, particularly the unusable toilets, which they say pose an environmental hazard. Simon Paulus, a resident, voiced his frustration, urging the Walvis Bay Municipality to take immediate action. “The existing toilets are extremely dirty and now completely unused. This was supposed to be one of the best leisure spots, but it's disgusting to use the facilities here. We've even had to drive to Swakopmund to find cleaner options," Paulus said. Paulus pointed out that Independence Beach is becoming a hotspot for criminal activity. “For…

06 Mar

Walvis Bay residents decry Independence Beach neglect

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Walvis Bay residents and holidaymakers have expressed growing concerns over the neglect of Independence Beach, particularly the unusable toilets, which they say pose an environmental hazard. Simon Paulus, a resident, voiced his frustration, urging the Walvis Bay Municipality to take immediate action. “The existing toilets are extremely dirty and now completely unused. This was supposed to be one of the best leisure spots, but it's disgusting to use the facilities here. We've even had to drive to Swakopmund to find cleaner options," Paulus said. Paulus pointed out that Independence Beach is becoming a hotspot for criminal activity. “For…

06 Mar

Namibian Council for Property Valuers Profession inaugurated

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The minister of agriculture, water, and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, inaugurated the Namibia Council for Property Valuers Profession on Thursday. The new council will regulate property valuers and ensure registered practitioners adhere to high ethical standards. Schlettwein highlighted the rise in malpractices within unregulated valuation services and emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting the public and restoring the profession’s reputation. This was achieved by amending the Property Valuers Profession Act and establishing the council to oversee the regulation of valuers. ‘’There was a need to close some of the loopholes in the principal Act, and the required amendments…

06 Mar

ScaleUp Namibia launched to enhance startup ecosystem

National News

Niël Terblanché Entrepreneurs and innovators face significant challenges in commercialising their ideas and expanding beyond local markets, with limited commercialisation platforms, restricted access to funding, and a lack of structured support for startups. Recognising these challenges, the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), and other stakeholders have launched ScaleUp Namibia (SUN), an initiative designed to accelerate startup growth and establish the country as a leader in innovation. The initiative was officially launched in Windhoek last week. The initiative takes Namibia in the direction of a knowledge-based economy. ScaleUp Namibia is…

06 Mar

Siyauya to be laid to rest next Wednesday

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibian Football Association (NFA) General Secretary, Charles Siyauya, will be laid to rest at Bukalo Village in the Zambezi region on 11 March. The NFA announced the funeral arrangements on Thursday. Siyauya passed away on Monday after a short illness at a local hospital in Windhoek. The NFA’s spokesperson, Isack Hamata stated that a book of condolences is available at Soccer House in Katutura for members of the public wishing to pay their respects to the former football administrator. The first memorial service will be held at the NFA Technical Center in Katutura on Friday at 14h00. …

06 Mar

Tackling poor sanitation is a critical step toward a healthier cleaner and, more prosperous Namibia

Featured, Opinions

Wayambekange N Hamufenhu Sanitation is often overlooked and remains largely invisible to many, yet it has far-reaching consequences. We face an invisible enemy that impacts millions of Namibians daily: “inadequate sanitation”. Despite the undeniable connection between sanitation and improvements in public health, economic productivity, education, and environmental sustainability, this critical issue remains underfunded, overlooked, and inadequately addressed. For Namibia to secure a prosperous future, it must recognize sanitation not just as an infrastructure need but as a foundational pillar of development. The country must confront this issue head-on by investing more resources and adopting a multisectoral approach to tackle the…