Blog – Page 445 – News Stand

01 Feb

Stalwart of Namibian politics Tötemeyer passes on at home

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Professor Gerhard Tötemeyer, who served in the Namibian Cabinet as the Deputy Minister of Local, Regional Government and Housing and who also served as the country’s first-ever director of elections has died. In life, Professor Tötemeyer was a notable figure in Namibian politics and academia. Born on May 21, 1935, in Gibeon, Tötemeyer spent his early years in Keetmanshoop where his father worked as a missionary. His family’s stay in Germany during World War II led to initial language barriers upon returning to South-West Africa, as he spoke neither English nor Afrikaans at the time. He overcame these…

01 Feb

Divundu receives new ambulance to boost emergency response

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) has enhanced its life-saving capabilities in the region between Rundu and Katima Mulilo with the commissioning of an ambulance worth N$1.3 million. This development follows the establishment of a fully-fledged response unit base in Divundu in December 2022. The Chief Executive Officer of the MVA Fund, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku noted that Divundu’s previous response vehicle was limited to transporting medical staff to accident scenes and could not transfer patients. “With this new 4×4 emergency ambulance, we can now attend to patients and transport them to the nearest hospital, significantly improving our ability to…

01 Feb

Prime Minister denies involvement in petroleum sector corruption

info_e12wt4csMainPrime Minister denies involvement in petroleum sector corruption

Niël Terblanché A letter circulating on social media platforms has sparked controversy in Namibia, alleging that Maggy Shino, the Petroleum Commissioner of Namibia, was appointed in a corrupt manner. The unfounded allegations in the letter has drawn attention from the country’s leadership. Tom Alweendo, the Minister of Mines and Energy, had to explain the appointment process of the head of the Petroleum Directorate. The announcement by the energy minister was followed shortly by the Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuukongelwa-Amadhila who refuted claims of having a personal relationship with Shino and denied any corrupt practices in her appointment. These responses follow…

31 Jan

PDM calls for genuine commitment to sports development

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani, has urged Deputy Prime Minister and International Relations Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service to transcend political posturing and genuinely commit to fostering sports growth. Venaani’s plea comes amidst the national senior men's football team, the Brave Warriors’ historic performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations tournament where they managed to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in the country’s history. This is despite the team having to play home games away from home due to substandard stadiums in Namibia which…

31 Jan

Okahandja Mayor fails to attend meeting with disgruntled residents

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Residents from some of the poorest neighbourhoods of Okahandja are expressing deep frustration and disappointment over the persistent issues of poor service delivery in their town. Their grievances, which encompass intermittent water supply, inadequate land delivery, lack of proper sanitation, and unaddressed health hazards, remain unresolved despite repeated appeals to local authorities. During a recent community meeting, the residents' concerns were compounded by the absence of Okahandja Mayor Beatrice Kotungondo. Although the mayor had indicated in a letter to community leaders that she intends to reschedule the meeting and address these issues, the residents have yet to find…

31 Jan

BoN announces new board members

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has announced the appointment of Dr Meshack Tjirongo, Eliaser Nekwaya and Peter Kruger as non-executive members of its Board of Directors and the re-appointment of Ehrenfried Meroro as a non-executive board member. These appointments are in line with Section 9 of the Bank of Namibia Act (2020), effective from 1 February 2024. The governor of the central bank, Johannes !Gawaxab, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Board, described the appointments as instrumental in enhancing the Bank's policies, internal controls, risk management and advancing the achievement of its strategic objectives. “As the…

31 Jan

High accident fatality rate concerns MVA

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) in Namibia has expressed grave concern over the recent spike in road accidents, leading to the loss of 16 lives and numerous injuries last week. "It is alarming that Namibia lost 16 lives and witnessed 89 injuries in just the past week due to road traffic crashes," stated Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, the Fund's Chief Executive Officer. She revealed that from January 1 to 28, 2024, there were a total of 158 crashes, resulting in 335 injuries and 29 fatalities. As the country transitions out of the festive period, Martins-Hausiku urges drivers to maintain…

31 Jan

PAS gains international recognition through prestigious excellent service awards

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPAS gains international recognition through prestigious excellent service awards

Niël Terblanché In acknowledgement of its stellar service quality, Paragon Aviation Services (PAS), operating at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) in Namibia, has been honoured with a series of prestigious awards from the Lufthansa Group. The German national airline, through its subsidiary Discover Airlines, recognized PAS for its exceptional service offerings. PAS, the licensed ground handling service provider at HKIA, offers a range of services including Passenger Services, Ramp and Baggage Handling, Cargo Services, Meet and Greet, and Private Aircraft Charter Services. Discover Airlines particularly commended PAS for delivering these services in a safe, secure, and timely manner. The award…

31 Jan

Swakopmund Grand Prix Ignites Athletics Namibia’s Season with Record-Breaking Performances

info_e12wt4csSportsSwakopmund Grand Prix Ignites Athletics Namibia’s Season with Record-Breaking Performances

Swakopmund, Namibia - Athletics Namibia’s athletics season kicked off with a spectacular display of talent at the Pupkewitz Foundation - AN Grand Prix Series Meet1, held at Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund on Saturday, January 27, 2024. In an event supported by the Pupkewitz Foundation, 270 athletes, representing 27 athletics clubs from various regions of Namibia, participated in a fierce competition. The Grand Prix showcased athletes vying for coveted positions in the top 10 in standard categories and top 5 in para-athletics, with a total of N$120,000.00 in cash prizes up for grabs. The standout performers of the day were Ndawana…

31 Jan

Landless farmers face eviction in Gobabis…LPM pleads for ministerial intervention

info_e12wt4csNational NewsLandless farmers face eviction in Gobabis…LPM pleads for ministerial intervention

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Landless generational farmers and farm dwellers are on the brink of disaster as the Gobabis Town Council moves forward with plans to enforce eviction by today. The eviction, sanctioned under the provisions of the Public and Environment Health Act of 2015, section 59, subsections (h) and (d), has sparked concerns and calls for immediate intervention. Joyce Muzengua, representing the human rights desk of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), highlighted the plight of the marginalized community, stating that. “This demographic group has become a highly marginalized, mostly unemployed underclass, migrating into informal settlements on the outskirts of Gobabis, relying…