Blog – Page 399 – Windhoek Observer

30 Oct

Strategic initiatives underway to decarbonise Namibia’s maritime environment

Observer Money

Niël Terblanché Namibia is not only on track to reduce its carbon footprint but also set to become a leading exporter of green energy, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and environmental resilience. During a media briefing held at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) office in Windhoek, on Wednesday, Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe and Theopolina Kapani, Head of Technical and Construction at NGH2P, detailed the country’s ambitious steps towards a sustainable energy future. The two discussed outcomes from a series of international engagements and feasibility studies that aim to position Namibia as a major player in green…

30 Oct

Businesses get breathing room

Observer Money

Allexer Namundjembo The finance and public enterprises minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, has provided much-needed relief to businesses and individuals struggling to recover from recent economic challenges by announcing a two-year extension to the national tax amnesty programme. Shiimi made this announcement yesterday while presenting the mid-year budget in parliament. The minister recognised that many businesses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some businesses shut down, impacting their ability to pay their tax. “I thus postpone the deadline for two more years, and we will not extend the deadline further,” he said. Shiimi also highlighted the government’s commitment to tax policy…

30 Oct

Letshego calls for collective fight against cybercriminals

Observer Money

Stefanus Nashama Letshego Holdings Namibia has called for collective responsibility in tackling cybersecurity threats within the financial sector. The bank also urged its clients, both in the public, private, and financial sectors, to remain vigilant. Morgan Beukes, IT risk and information security manager at Letshego Bank Namibia, announced on Wednesday. “The digital landscape presents both endless opportunities and growing threats to the financial sector as cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated. With cybersecurity awareness month ending this October, Letshego Holdings Namibia urges customers, as well as employees across government, private, and financial sectors, to remain vigilant,” he said. He highlighted the need…

30 Oct

SADC PF SG calls for participation in Botswana elections

Africa / World

Moses Magadza As Batswana started voting on Wednesday , the secretary general of the SADC PF, Boemo Sekgoma, issued a message encouraging active participation in the electoral process. “Dear Batswana, as you vote today, I extend my warm wishes on behalf of the SADC PF,” wrote Sekgoma. “This year’s elections represent yet another milestone in Botswana's long established democratic tradition, which began with the first election under universal suffrage in 1965,” she said. Sekgoma underscored the role of voter participation. “Your participation in the voting process today is crucial as it demonstrates your unwavering commitment to democratic principles and is…

29 Oct

Josua Maponga challenges Swapo to deal with land issue

Main

Ester Mbathera Outspoken thought leader, Joshua Maponga has urged Swapo leaders to take immediate action on land reform, calling for a strategic approach to reclaim land from white ownership. Maponga to Swapo members during the public discussion of the party’s manifesto on Monday in Windhoek. “Swapo, hear me well. Stop acting like an opposition party. You are a ruling party; you are not an opposition party. Set the agenda items loud and clear and let the rest of the nation follow your agenda,” he said. He criticises the party for what he perceives as a lack of urgency in addressing…

29 Oct

New divorce law criminalises publication of case details

Featured, National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia's newly introduced Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024 (Act No. 10 of 2024) now makes it a crime to publish details of divorce cases, with only a few exceptions. Gazetted on 24 October, the Act allows publication only for legal research, law reports, or when the court specifically grants permission. It is unclear whether the media is also restricted from reporting on these cases. The law is aimed at reducing the trauma associated with divorce, particularly for the individuals involved and their children. It encourages a "do-it-yourself" method for divorce proceedings, promoting privacy and easing the emotional burden…

29 Oct

IPPR demands transparency on escalating ballot printing cost

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Institute for Public Policy Research Research (IPPR) associate Frederico Links has said the ECN should provide clarity on the costs of the contract for ballot paper printing. At the IPPR procurement tracker unveiling on Tuesday, Links said the cost escalation from what had been estimated to the eventual costs that will be paid is questionable. He said ECN, in a statement issued on 18 October, denied allegations of corruption regarding the award of the tender to South African printing company Ren-Form CC. He said the ECN said the total cost of the contract is N$6.2 million, which…

29 Oct

Absent MPs stalls mid-year budget review again

Featured, National News

Allexer Namundjembo The much-anticipated midterm budget review has been delayed once more as National Assembly Speaker, Professor Peter Katjavivi had to adjourn Tuesday’s parliamentary session due to a lack of quorum. This is the second consecutive adjournment after Deputy Speaker Loide Kasingo postponed Monday's sitting for the same reason. Only 47 members were present, along with three non-voting members of parliament, for the session, falling short of the quorum required to proceed. Political analyst Graham Hopwood explained that coordination between party whips and the Speaker's office is essential to ensuring the smooth functioning of the National Assembly. “Members of parliament…

29 Oct

Burial without order criminalised under civil registration bill

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Under the newly passed Civil Registration and Identification Bill of 2024, families must apply for a burial order at least three days before laying their loved ones to rest, or risk facing criminal charges. The bill, approved by Parliament this year, outlines strict procedures for burials and identity management after death. “The Bill creates an offence for persons who fail to notify the relevant authorities of the burial of a body without a burial order as required under clause 34(1) and for persons who take receipt of a body from any person other than a hospital or police…

29 Oct

Release of census report not influenced by external sources

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) says the release of the main 2023 population and housing census report was never influenced by external sources. The NSA stated that the report would be released in accordance with the laws governing the release of official statistics. Alex Shimuafeni, Namibia’s statistician-general, announced this in Windhoek on Tuesday. The NSA is expected to launch the main report on Wednesday, 30 October. Shimuafeni said the dissemination of such information is impartial and all stakeholders will receive information at the same time. “The NSA would like to inform the nation that this dissemination of tomorrow…