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More than 730 million people experienced hunger in 2023

More than 730 million people experienced hunger in 2023

Stefanus Nashama According to estimates, 733 million people, or one in eleven people worldwide and one in five in Africa, experienced hunger in 2023. This is according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report that was released this week. “Despite some progress in specific areas such as stunting and exclusive breastfeeding, an alarming number of people continue to face food insecurity and malnutrition as global hunger levels have plateaued for three consecutive years, with between 713 and 757 million people undernourished in 2023 - approximately 152 million more than in 2019 when considering…
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Swakop Uranium investigates truck incident at Husab Mine

Swakop Uranium investigates truck incident at Husab Mine

Martin Endjala Swakop Uranium which owns the Husab Mine in the Erongo region, has launched an investigation into an incident involving an employee of Beifang Mining Services, a company that provides contracting services at the mine. The employee was involved in an incident with a haul truck owned and operated by Beifang Mining Services that fell to the bottom of a pit on Wednesday while attempting to offload its load. Irvinne Simataa, Swakop Uranium's executive vice president, confirmed that Beifang Mining Services is the mining contractor at Husab Mine. “Operations were halted, and an investigation into the incident is currently…
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Baynes Hydropower Project moves a step forward

Baynes Hydropower Project moves a step forward

Niël Terblanché Namibia and Angola have announced the commencement of key components of the bi-national Baynes hydroelectric power project. This development follows recent decisions by the Namibian Cabinet, which approved measures to mobilize funding and expedite the construction of critical infrastructure for the project. This project is expected to be a game-changer in the region, reducing reliance on electricity imports and fostering greater cooperation between Namibia and Angola. The Cabinet in its latest decisions, published on Thursday, directed the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises to commence mobilizing funding for Namibia's obligation in constructing the Baynes regulating dam as well…
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AR begs for financial support

AR begs for financial support

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Affirmative Repositioning movement (AR), Job Amupanda, has appealed to the nation for financial contributions to enable the party to launch its election campaign. He made the request during a media conference in Windhoek on Thursday. “Unlike existing political parties that receive funds from Parliament, the Chinese, the Brits, or through corruption, the AR movement does not receive any money from any defined institutional or well-established sources. We are funding our campaign from our pockets and through Good Samaritans whose hearts and minds have been touched by God,” he said. Amupanda said that despite the…
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Youth get access to entrepreneurial starter packs

Youth get access to entrepreneurial starter packs

Niël Terblanché The United States government-funded Reach Namibia project has recently launched the Adolescent and Youth Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Accelerator (ALIVE) Hub in Rundu, the capital of the Kavango East Region. This initiative aims to equip young Namibians with the entrepreneurial skills necessary to establish sustainable businesses, thereby addressing the high unemployment rates among the youth. In collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Services (MSYNS), regional and local governments, and private sector partners, an additional ALIVE Hub will be established in Nkurenkuru, Kavango West Region. These hubs will provide entrepreneurial starter packs and help youth ventures scale.…
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Ten cent coin under pressure

Ten cent coin under pressure

CHAMWE KAIRA Although several retailers have said there is a shortage of five cent and 10 cent coins in circulation, the Bank of Namibia maintained this week that there is not a shortage of 10 cents. “The bank however discontinued the minting and the issuance of five cents in 2019 which is placing undue pressure on the 10 cent coin denomination. The bank is considering long term strategies to alleviate this pressure,” said Kazembire Zemburuka, Director of Strategic Communications and International Relations at the Bank of Namibia. SBV Namibia, the company which collects banknotes and coins for distribution to shops,…
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Otjikoto to increase renewable consumption

Otjikoto to increase renewable consumption

CHAMWE KAIRA B2Gold Namibia is expecting to increase its consumption of renewable energy at its Otjikoto Mine to 30% to 35% when a 10MW renewable power plant is completed in December this year. The plant is being constructed by Sustainable Power Solutions, an Independent Power Producer and in turn B2Gold will buy all the power from the plant. The plant will cost N$200 million. B2Gold Namibia, Country Manager, John Roos said in an interview that the current solar capacity on the mine is a 6.8MW DC plant that delivers about 5.8MW AC to its power plant that contributes to about…
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MICC Properties valued at N$1bn

MICC Properties valued at N$1bn

CHAMWE KAIRA Vukile Property Fund, which has a 36% stake in MICC Properties in Namibia has said its property assets in MICC Properties Namibia is currently valued at N$1 billion. The company controls 269 Independence, Katutura Shopping Centre, and retail centres in Ondangwa, Oshakati and Oshikango. Vukile said in response to questions by Observer Money that over the past 20 years, the average annual value growth in the portfolio (MICC Properties Namibia) was 7.5% per annum. Commenting on Vukile’s future plans in Namibia, the company said given that Vukile’s remaining interest in the Namibian portfolio is considered to be non-core…
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AR appeals for financial support

The leader of the Affirmative Repositioning movement, Job Amupanda appealed to the Namibian nation for financial contributions to finance the newly registered political party campaign in the run-up to the November elections.He said the funds will be used to mobilise society.Amupanda made it clear that the AR does not receive funds from China or Britain like some other political parties.The AR only relies on little contributions from Good Samaritans and those who believe in the transformation of the political system.Amupanda shared this at a press conference in Windhoek on Thursday. Reporter: Stefanus Nashama
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Rössing given ‘new lease of life’

Rössing given ‘new lease of life’

CHAMWE KAIRA Rössing Uranium Limited Managing Director, Johan Coetzee has said Rössing received a new lease on its operational life with the ‘life of mine’ expansion that was approved in February 2023. He added that this strategic milestone grants the mine another 10 years in operation, moving mine closure from 2026 to 2036. “Key expansion projects have been identified and approved by the board of directors to unlock the extended operating life. These projects include the construction of a 18MW solar plant and some fundamental changes in the operating plant to cope with the changing composition of the ore under…
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