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Green hydrogen projects must be managed by comprehensive new law

Green hydrogen projects must be managed by comprehensive new law

Martin Endjala The Namibian Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, announced plans for a new comprehensive regulatory framework to manage the burgeoning green hydrogen sector in Namibia. Speaking in Windhoek at Droombos during the conclusion of the European Union Twinning Project, the Minister emphasized the importance of the Synthetic Fuels Act in creating an enabling legislative environment for hydrogen projects. This act aims to ensure compliance with international standards in green fuel certification, health, safety, and environmental protection. This announcement follows a successful meeting between Namibian and German officials, where they agreed to work on an Institutional Partnership on…
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Swakopmund is on a mission to create more jobs

Swakopmund is on a mission to create more jobs

Niël Terblanché In a proactive step towards economic development, the Swakopmund Municipality has launched a campaign focused on increasing employment opportunities, particularly for the youth and other vulnerable groups. Mayor Dina Namubes recently made courtesy visits to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the Langer Heinrich offices in Swakopmund to foster job creation in the town. These visits highlighted a significant barrier: many vulnerable individuals lack access to smartphones or other devices, limiting their ability to use job portals and other technology-dependent platforms. Addressing this, Namubes stressed the need to diversify awareness channels, including the use of public…
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Global inequality worsened by lack of investmentin key development goals: Nandi-Ndeitwah

Global inequality worsened by lack of investmentin key development goals: Nandi-Ndeitwah

Niël Terlanché Failure to invest in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is threatening the economies of developing countries and exacerbating global inequality. Speaking at the opening of the Third South Summit of the G77 + China in Uganda, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and Deputy Prime Minister, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, stressed the urgent need to alleviate extreme poverty. The G77 + China summit, representing a coalition of 134 member countries including China, serves as a vital platform for developing countries to unify their views on global issues. The summit’s theme, “Leaving No One Behind,” aligns with the…
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TransNamib prioritizes employee skill Development and training

TransNamib prioritizes employee skill Development and training

Stefanus Nashama TransNamib’s Executive of Human Capital, Webster Gonzo, disclosed that the parastatal annually allocates a substantial budget for the development and training of its employees. This initiative aims to equip employees in logistics with the relevant skills necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the parastatal. Gonzo shared these insights during a media conference this week at the Ministry of Works and Transport, which addressed stakeholders in the transport sector. He reiterated the significant role of skill development in fostering economic growth and social development by cultivating a skilled and diverse workforce. While acknowledging that the industry already…
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Langer Heinrich Mine resumes production after six-year hiatus

Langer Heinrich Mine resumes production after six-year hiatus

Martin Endjala Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) has announced the restart of its production activities, marking a significant milestone after more than six years of care and maintenance. The first ore feed to the processing plant was successfully achieved in January, signalling the commencement of operations. Paladin Energy Ltd, the company operating LHM, has secured a financial boost by executing a US$150 million syndicated debt facility on 24 January 2024, ahead of the resumption of operations. This strategic move, as explained by Paladin’s Chief Executive Officer Ian Purdy, is aimed at providing the company with the necessary capital flexibility during the…
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MUN secures favourable salary deal for Rössing workers

MUN secures favourable salary deal for Rössing workers

Niël Terblanché The Mine Workers Union of Namibia (MUN) Rössing Branch Executive Committee (BEC) has successfully negotiated a three-year wage agreement with Rössing Uranium, securing salary increments for workers for the next three years. This agreement, effective from 18 January, applies to employees belonging to the bargaining unit in Grades 1 to 11 and those in the L Band. After successful negotiations earlier in January, it was agreed that employees in Grades 1 to 11 will receive a six percent increase in 2024, followed by another six percent in 2025, and seven percent in 2026. Employees in the L Band…
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Pregnant soldier alleges assault by police officers

Pregnant soldier alleges assault by police officers

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A major in the Namibian Defence Force Ndahafa Ipinge, claims that she was physically assaulted by four male police officers while she was 13 weeks pregnant. The ncident, which occurred in June 2022, in Goreangab, has led to a legal battle unfolding in the Windhoek High Court. Ipinge is citing the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, and the Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force. According to the particulars of claim documents, the assault took place when Ipinge arrived home to find a crowd gathered, claiming a cell phone had been stolen. The situation escalated…
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Gondwana Collection empowers people with Go4Gold Program

Gondwana Collection empowers people with Go4Gold Program

Niël Terblanché Namibia's premier private tourism operator, the Gondwana Collection, has launched another round of its transformative Go4Gold program. This initiative aims to challenge deep-seated fears and personal convictions, promising life-altering positive changes for those who fully commit to the process. Gys Joubert, the CEO of the Gondwana Collection, explains that the company's success is rooted in its commitment to investing in people and fostering a culture of transparency, which forms the foundation of its organizational philosophy. In this nurturing environment, every team member is encouraged to play a meaningful role, contributing to the collective success of the organization. The…
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Nedbank, Macquarie lend Langer Heinrich US$150m

Nedbank, Macquarie lend Langer Heinrich US$150m

CHAMWE KAIRA Paladin Energy Limited has announced that it executed a US$150 million syndicated debt facility (debt Facility) this week. The debt facility will provide Paladin with capital flexibility as the company recommences operations at the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) in Namibia and progresses its growth options, including progressing the Michelin exploration project in Canada. Paladin said the execution of the debt facility marks the successful completion of a comprehensive syndication process, including LHM site visits by independent technical and environmental experts and financier teams, corporate due diligence and an international syndication process. Paladin said it had executed the debt…
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Study for Walvis Bay’s competitiveness

Study for Walvis Bay’s competitiveness

Chamwe Kaira The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) plans to conduct a study on the competitiveness of the Walvis Bay Corridors. The Group in conjunction with the transport and logistics industry is seeking a consultant to conduct a study on the competitiveness of the Walvis Bay Corridors. The objective of the consulting exercise is to look at the competitiveness of the corridors and the assessment of tariff and non-tariff barriers and infrastructure in non-tariff barriers, tariff Barriers and infrastructure deficit. The Group said road transport related Infrastructure is a key enabler for intra-regional and international trade. The Group said it…
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