Blog – Page 408 – News Stand

27 Mar

MP demands that NYC and NYS merge following infighting

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama Maximalliant Katjimune, a Member of Parliament of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has announced that he will be presenting a motion to merge the National Youth Council (NYC) with the National Youth Service (NYS) to the National Assembly next month. He has also declared that on the same day, he will ask the assembly to refer the motion to the relevant Parliamentary Standing Committee for further scrutiny and report its results back to the National Assembly. Katjimune expressed his reasons for re-tabling the motion, stating that the recent developments and infighting at the NYC have caused him to…

27 Mar

Parliament pays over N$600 000 to telecom company for 13 years despite an expired contract

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja The National Assembly's (NA) financial records have revealed the continuous payments to Dynamic Mobile Solution, a telecommunication company, for services rendered over a staggering 13-year period despite the expiration of their contract. According to an audited financial report of NA, for the financial year ended 31 March 2023, conducted by Auditor–General, Junias Kanjeke, unauthorised payments amounting to N$618 654.11 for the financial year under review. The report shows that the contract was initially signed in 2009 to provide short message services (SMS) and maintain an agreement with the mobile service provider. However, the contract expired on 30 April…

27 Mar

Namibia embarks on major ICT enhancements

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia embarks on major ICT enhancements

Niël Terblanché Namibia is setting a new course in its information and communication technology (ICT) sector, with substantial investments aimed at advancing digital connectivity and enhancing cybersecurity. In a key move, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology announced a series of initiatives designed to bridge the digital divide and bolster the nation’s defences against cyber threats. Emma Theofelus, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, during the 23rd ICT Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Windhoek, outlined the ministry's commitment to rolling out 30 Radio Access Network towers, an initiative costing N$110 million over three years. She said the project is…

27 Mar

Nedbank champions women’s empowerment in finance and society

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNedbank champions women's empowerment in finance and society

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In celebration of International Women’s Month, Nedbank Namibia has reaffirmed its commitment to gender diversity and inclusion, particularly within the banking and finance sector. Under the theme of 'inspiring inclusion', the bank's Executive for Human Capital, Bianca Muller, emphasised the importance of embracing women's participation across all levels of society. Muller highlighted the historical gender disparities within the banking sector, where women often face barriers to career advancement. However, she noted a growing recognition of the benefits of gender diversity and inclusion, both for businesses and society as a whole. Stressing the importance of genuine commitment to gender…

27 Mar

New investment plan set to transform agriculture

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Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform held a National Validation Workshop on March 26, 2024, to discuss the final draft of the National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP) and its Implementation Action Plan (IAP), alongside the Revised Drought Management Policy and StrategyIn in an effort to revitalize Namibia’s agricultural sector. The workshop saw the gathering of a broad spectrum of agriculture stakeholders such as government officials, farmers' representatives, industry leaders, and development partners. All stakeholders converged to enrich the proposed investment plan with their insights. The Executive Director of the Ministry, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, opened the workshop with…

27 Mar

Namibia’s GDP decline of 4.2 percent a huge margin – Economist

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia’s GDP decline of 4.2 percent a huge margin - Economist

Martin Endjala The decline of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 4.2 percent in 2023 has been described as a huge margin compared to 5.3 percent in the previous years. This is according to Independent Bank Researcher and Economist, Josef Sheehama, who said that despite the economic recovery in 2022, the socio-economic situation did not improve significantly. Employment is estimated to remain below pre-pandemic levels because labour-intensive manufacturing subsectors have added jobs relatively slowly. Spurred by higher fuel prices, inflation increased to a disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable. “Therefore, there is no excitement for the time being unless the…

27 Mar

Namibia and EU to strengthen trade initiatives

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Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba emphasized the multifaceted partnership between Namibia and the European Union (EU) that transcends mere resource exchange during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins to State House. The cornerstone of this growing alliance is a comprehensive agreement, signed in 2022 by the late President Hage Geingob and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to develop a strategic hydrogen roadmap. The meeting between President Mbumba and Ambassador Martins reiterated the deepening relationship of the partnership. The relationship is anchored in mutual commitment to sustainable development and green energy and is seen as a testament…

27 Mar

Meatco’s abattoirs impacted by a decline in cattle

info_e12wt4csMainMeatco’s abattoirs impacted by a decline in cattle

Martin Endjala As a result of the raging drought in most regions in Namibia, abattoirs of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) are currently experiencing a decline in the supply of cattle for processing. The situation caused Meatco to slaughter only about 36,000 cattle over the past year. This is a significant drop from its normal slaughter capacity of 120,000 per year. This was revealed by Meatco’s Executive Marketing Sales, Logistics and Compliance Officer, Adrianatus Maseke during a Meatco business connect engagement with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that was held in Windhoek. Maseke said that the decline in cattle…

26 Mar

Namibia’s economy grew by 4.2 percent in 2023

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), has announced that the Namibian economy continued to stride in a positive direction, posting a growth of 4.2 percent in 2023 relative to a growth of 5.3 percent recorded in 2022. The growth rate indicates the pace at which the economy is expanding and serves as a barometer of economic activity. The NSA’s Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer, Alex Shimuafeni, announced yesterday that in nominal terms, the size of the economy was estimated at N$227.8 billion during the reporting period relative to N$205.5 billion recorded in 2022. This shows a moderate expansion of…

26 Mar

ANC fails to stop Zuma’s new political party

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Stefanus Nashama The African National Congress (ANC), which governs South Africa, has lost a legal battle to prevent a newly formed party, backed by former President Jacob Zuma, from participating in the general election in May this year. The party in question is called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), named after the now-defunct armed branch of the ANC. This development is expected to impact ANC's support, given Zuma's endorsement of the MK party. According to a report by the BBC yesterday, the electoral court dismissed the ANC's claim that the MK party did not meet the official registration requirements. Supporters of…