Blog – Page 320 – Windhoek Observer

11 Jun

LPM MP flags HPV vaccine concerns

National News

Allexer Namundjebo Landless People’s Movement (LPM) member of parliament Eneas Emvula has raised concerns over the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, claiming it has already been distributed to certain schools without proper orientation or public education. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Emvula called on health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao to assure the public that parents can still decide whether their children receive the vaccine. “A lot has been said in the outside world, especially in regional countries like Uganda, about the dangers of this vaccine,” Emvula said. He claimed the vaccine could lead to long-term health problems for…

11 Jun

Windhoek gears up for health weekend

National News

Niël Terblanché Windhoek is set to host a weekend focused on health, wellness, and community care, as the Well of Hope Organisation rolls out a two-day event offering free services to residents. The event is a collaboration between the Well of Hope Organisation and partners, including the AFM Restoration Centre, Khomas Medical Centre, Precision Emergency Training, Virgin Active, and several local health professionals. They aim to improve access to healthcare and promote healthier living in the Khomas region. “This sounds like the perfect mission of Khomas Medical Centre,” said Sister Chrisma, one of the planning coordinators. The weekend begins on…

11 Jun

Police urge vigilance as school holidays begin

Featured, National News

Niël Terblanché As schools prepare to close for winter break on Friday, the Namibian police have urged the public to stay alert and prioritise safety during the busy holiday period. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, head of the police’s public relations division, issued a statement on Wednesday calling on the nation to remain cautious, especially on the roads and in public areas. “We appeal to motorists to adhere to the road traffic rules and regulations, and more importantly, appeal to parents, guardians and caregivers to safeguard their children during this period. They must be protected so as to avoid untoward incidents.…

11 Jun

SADC PF embraces strategic partnerships

Africa / World

Moses Magadza The SADC Parliamentary Forum has signed five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with key regional and international organisations towards inclusive and strategic collaboration. The MoUs with Oxfam, the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF), the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC countries (ECF-SADC) and the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) were signed on the margins of the SADC PF’s 57th Plenary Assembly Session hosted by the Parliament of Zimbabwe in Victoria Falls City last week. Speaking during the signing, the Secretary General of the SADC PF, Boemo Sekgoma, stressed the strategic importance of…

11 Jun

Old Mutual strategist cautions investors against market timing

Observer Money

Justicia Shipena The chief investment strategist at Old Mutual Wealth South Africa, Izak Odendaal, has cautioned against attempting to time the market. He said that while global equities have experienced sharp selloffs, many remain richly valued. He was speaking at a recent strategic investment breakfast hosted by Old Mutual Wealth Namibia. The breakfast event brought together clients and industry professionals to explore key market trends and how they shape investment decisions. Odendaal urged investors to stay disciplined and committed to their long-term strategies. “We are seeing a rethinking of global capital flows, as political instability in the US challenges investor…

11 Jun

Breweries renew rugby deal

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) and the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) have renewed their strategic partnership to support the development of rugby in the country. NBL managing director Waldemar von Lieres said the agreement goes beyond sponsorship. He described it as a reflection of the company’s commitment to uplifting communities and promoting national development. “Enjoyment of Life – by celebrating the spirit of rugby and the joy it brings to Namibians. Courage to dream and pioneer by backing bold ambitions and building a legacy of excellence in sport,” he said. Von Lieres said rugby holds a special place in…

11 Jun

Immanuel Mulunga’s Labour Court victory: Can you really go back after a bridge has burned?

Opinions

Dr Rauna Shipena When Immanuel “Imms” Mulunga won his Labour Court case against the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), many assumed this marked the end of a turbulent chapter. But the question still hangs heavily in the air: What now? Despite a clear ruling in his favour, Mulunga has received no word from his former employer. “They have not reached out to me yet,” he told The Namibian. “I don’t think I’m wanted, to be honest.” This is more than just a workplace dispute. It’s a complex story of broken governance systems, corporate retaliation, strained professional relationships and perhaps,…

11 Jun

The forgotten architect of education – Why Namibia must honour Nahas Angula

Opinions

Sakaria Johannes In Namibia’s journey from colonialism to independence, many names have been etched into history. But not all of them have been celebrated equally. One such overlooked figure is Nahas Gideon Angula, a key architect of Namibia’s education system and a quiet giant of nation-building. Angula served as Namibia’s first Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport after independence in 1990. Tasked with dismantling the apartheid-era education system, he led the transformation toward an inclusive and equitable system that aimed to serve all Namibians, not just a privileged few. Under his leadership, sweeping reforms were introduced. A new national…

10 Jun

Nekundi’s fine directive questioned

Main

Allexer Namundjebo Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi’s directive to shift vehicle-related fines from drivers to vehicle owners is facing scrutiny from the public and transport business owners. On Tuesday, Nekundi informed the National Assembly about his directive that traffic officers must stop issuing fines to drivers for mechanical faults on vehicles that are not owned by them. He stated that the registered owners should now receive those fines instead. He said the directive covers citations related to maintenance issues, overloading, and other vehicle faults. “Enforcement officers must ensure that their practices align with a framework that clearly distinguishes the…

10 Jun

‘I will not seek reappointment’ – NYC chair

National News

Allexer Namundjebo The interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC), Beverly Silas-Garas, says allegations questioning the legality of her appointment are part of a smear campaign. Silas-Garas dismissed allegations challenging the legality of her appointment, calling them a politically motivated campaign aimed at undermining her credibility ahead of the NYC board appointments scheduled for 19 June. In a statement released on Tuesday, Silas-Garas said her appointment is fully compliant with the country's governance laws, including the Public Service Act of 1995 and the Public Enterprises Governance Act of 2019. “These coordinated allegations are not only misleading but also…