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President declares 26 February a public holiday

President declares 26 February a public holiday

Martin Endjala President Geingob will be laid to rest on Sunday, the 25th of February, at a ceremony expected to draw dignitaries, citizens, and admirers from around the globe. In a solemn declaration, President Nangolo Mbumba has announced that Sunday, the 25th of February 2024, will be a public holiday for Namibia, in honour of the late President Hage Geingob. As a result, and as per the Public Holidays Act of 1990 (Act 26 of 1990), when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a public holiday. Therefore, Monday, 26 February 2024, will be…
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Namibians should always celebrate peace and stability on Constitution Day

Namibians should always celebrate peace and stability on Constitution Day

Niël Terblanché On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Namibia’s Constitution, President Nangolo Mbumba has issued a heartfelt call to the nation, urging Namibians to cherish the peace and stability that have become the hallmarks of the country. This call to reflection and celebration comes as Namibians remember the visionary leadership of the late President Hage Geingob, a pivotal figure in the country’s journey towards independence and democracy. President Geingob remembered for his role as the Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly, the founding Prime Minister, and ultimately as the third President of Namibia, was lauded by President Mbumba for…
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Theofelus’s appointment praised as youth empowerment – SPYL

Theofelus’s appointment praised as youth empowerment – SPYL

Martin Endjala The appointment of Emma Theofelus as the new Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Minister, has been praised by the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) Secretary General Ephraim Nekongo, who described the move as inclusion and youth empowerment. Teofelus was appointed as the ICT Minister, replacing Peya Mushelenga who is the new International Relations and Cooperation Minister on 9 February 2024 by President Nangolo Mbumba. Nekongo said Teofelus’s appointment is an extraordinarily proud moment not only to him but to the entire rank and file of the SPYL “The SPYL has always advocated for genuine youth empowerment and inclusion,…
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Trade Ministry honours Geingob

Trade Ministry honours Geingob

Martin Endjala Minister of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) Lucia Iipumbu, has last week honoured the late President Hage Geingob with a candlelight ceremony for his success during his tenure as minister. She described him as a remarkable statesman, a visionary leader, and a true servant of the people, who has made an immense impact across the globe. Iipumbu said Geingob played a pivotal role in terms of shaping the trade and industrial policy regime of the country. She said that Geingob’s passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him, working…
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Hundreds of vacant houses in Windhoek still not ready for occupation

Hundreds of vacant houses in Windhoek still not ready for occupation

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development reports that 362 dwelling units, part of the Mass Housing Development Programme located in Otjomuise, Extension 10, remain vacant and are not ready for occupation. The revelation surfaced amidst growing pressure from local activists for the immediate allocation of these homes to the needy. The project, initially slated for completion in December 2017, has been marred by delays due to a legal dispute between the construction contractor and the government, leading to a halt in progress. Despite reaching reasonable stages of construction, these units lack essential services such as sewer, water,…
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More than 5,000 Windhoek residents registered to occupy vacant houses

More than 5,000 Windhoek residents registered to occupy vacant houses

Stefanus Nashama Social Activist, Michael Amushelelo, has informed the Windhoek Observer that more than 5,000 Windhoek residents have so far registered to eventually occupy vacant houses in Windhoek. The registration process started on the weekend, 10 February 2024, he said. According to Amushelelo, the government has failed on duty to keep houses vacant over 10 years ago while people are homeless. “The registration process went smoothly even though earlier in the morning before I arrived the police were threatening people and intimidating them to go back home,” he said. Despite this, the activist said upon his arrival, he had to…
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Windhoek launches debt relief programme for pensioners

Windhoek launches debt relief programme for pensioners

Niël Terblanché The City of Windhoek is reaching out to its senior citizens with a new initiative aimed at providing financial relief to pensioners burdened by outstanding municipal debts. Announced on November 30, 2023, by the city council, a comprehensive debt relief programme is set to roll out, targeting residents aged 60 and above. Starting February 15 and running through April 15, 2024, eligible pensioners are encouraged to register for the programme, designed to alleviate the financial pressures faced by Windhoek’s elderly population. Registration venues are conveniently located across the city, including the City of Windhoek Head Office, available on…
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104-year-old woman killed in brutal attack

104-year-old woman killed in brutal attack

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through Enkombo village in the Etayi constituency of the Omusati region, a 36-year-old man stands accused of murdering his 104-year-old mother, Cecilia Vilho. The vicious attack occurred on Friday. Omusati Regional Commander, Commissioner Ishmael Basson, said the incident occurred at around 21h50 when the suspect, arrived home unexpectedly and found his mother and a witness enjoying their dinner. The eyewitnesses state that without a warning, the man grabbed a stick from the fire and brutally attacked his elderly mother. “It is alleged that the suspect beat the deceased with a…
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Severe weather wreaks havoc at jail farm

Severe weather wreaks havoc at jail farm

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a devastating turn of events, the Divundu Correctional Facility Farm has faced significant setbacks as severe weather conditions unleashed havoc on its maize crop. The farm, known for its seven centre-pivot irrigation systems spanning 166.7 hectares of maize scheduled for harvesting in April 2024, suffered considerable losses, leaving only 80.55 hectares viable for harvest. The affected maize crops, a crucial component of the facility’s rehabilitation efforts, now face potential disruptions, casting a shadow over the season’s agricultural activities. The agricultural initiative, renowned for imparting valuable skills to inmates, now grapples with the aftermath of a destructive weather…
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Ramaphosa reflects on lessons from Geingob’s leadership

Ramaphosa reflects on lessons from Geingob’s leadership

Niël Terblanché During a poignant visit to Windhoek this Saturday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa shared heartfelt reflections on the influence of the late Namibian President Hage Geingob. Ramaphosa, who was in Namibia for a working visit, met with President Nangolo Mbumba and extended his condolences to Monica Geingos, the bereaved former First Lady. In an encounter filled with respect and mourning, Ramaphosa paid homage to Geingob’s ethical approach to leadership, an attribute he deeply admired and learned from. According to Ramaphosa, Geingob’s disciplined leadership style, emphasizing the importance of structured systems, well-executed processes, and efficiently run institutions, left a…
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