Blog – Page 537 – Windhoek Observer

04 Mar

Cabinet gives green light to National Trade Policy

National News

Martin Endjala The Cabinet has approved the Draft National Trade Policy, which aims to contribute towards Namibia’s economic diversification by promoting and stimulating a competitive trade sector to increase the export of goods and services. The decision has been described as a step in the right direction. According to the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade Chief Information Officer Elijah Mukubonda, the National Trade Policy commits to the improvement of an enabling business environment for domestic trade and investment, particularly the promotion of local and regional development as a centre of trade and investment. Thereby creating opportunities for equal participation through…

04 Mar

Environmental concerns halt uranium exploration on vital aquifer

MainEnvironmental concerns halt uranium exploration on vital aquifer

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR), Calle Schlettwein, has taken a firm stance against the continuation of exploration drilling activities by Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russia’s atomic agency to protect one of Namibia’s critical water resources, the Stampriet Aquifer. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the potential exposure of the aquifer to radioactive materials and the adequacy of environmental impact assessments. The controversy surfaced following inquiries by UPM President Jan van Wyk in Parliament, questioning the legality of Headspring Investments’ operations in the region. Schlettwein clarified that the company’s drilling permits, initially granted…

01 Mar

Mbumba’s role in the reintegration of Walvis Bay celebrated

Main

Niël Terblanché On the first day of March every year, Namibians mark the 30th anniversary of Walvis Bay's reintegration into the country. A key figure behind this momentous occasion was Dr Nangolo Mbumba, Namibia's fourth president. His instrumental role in the successful return of Walvis Bay, along with twelve small offshore islands, to Namibian sovereignty is a testament to his dedication and diplomatic acumen. Walvis Bay, Namibia's principal port and a critical economic hub, was integrated into Namibia between February 28 and March 1, 1994, a few years after the country declared its independence from South African rule on March…

01 Mar

NAU calls for vigilance amidst rise in rabies cases among kudus

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Agriculture Union (NAU) has reported an increase in rabies cases among kudus, a situation exacerbated by the prevailing drought conditions in the region With regard to the concerning development, the NAU has extended its gratitude towards its members for their prompt reporting of these cases to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) while reiterating the importance of vigilance in spotting diseased animals. According to the NAU, rabies poses a significant risk not only to wildlife but also to domestic animals and humans. The organisation reminded the public that rabies is a notifiable disease as per legislation.…

01 Mar

Looming water shortage in central Namibia prompts urgent actions

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Cabinet announced a series of urgent measures to secure water supply for the Central Areas of Namibia (CAN) before July 2025 in a desperate move to address the impending crisis The announcement by the Minister of Information Communication and Technology, Emma Theofelus, follows a high-level Cabinet Decision-making meeting held in February, where the dire forecast of water availability in the region was a primary focus. The Central Areas of Namibia, encompassing Windhoek and its surrounding regions, are facing severe water shortages due to a combination of climatic factors and infrastructural inefficiencies. The Minister in a statement…

01 Mar

DBN urges SMEs to embrace responsible borrowing practices

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has issued a call to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to adopt a more responsible approach when seeking loans. Jerome Mutumba, the bank's Executive for Marketing and Corporate Communication, stressed the significance of mutual responsibility in the context of development finance during a period marked by frequent requests for SME loan repayment write-offs. According to Mutumba, these loans are intended to bolster Namibia’s development, economic activity, and prosperity. He said that the dual nature of development finance, not only provides financial support but also aims to encourage accountability, sustainability, and beneficial developmental…

01 Mar

Swakopmund residents in a tiff over proposed radioactive storage facility

National News

Niël Terblanché Residents of Swakopmund are involved in a heated debate regarding the possible rezoning of property in the town limits to store radioactive materials. The bone of contention is a proposal by Namaquanum Investments Two to refurbish an existing workshop on Einstein Street to establish the storage facility. This initiative, aimed at supporting offshore oil exploration activities, has sparked widespread concern among the town's residents and environmental activists. The Municipality of Swakopmund has called for calm, stressing that the proposal to store nuclear material within town limits is yet to be finalized. Amidst growing tensions, the local community, galvanized…

01 Mar

Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup: 2023 WinnersFace Tough Challenge in “Group of Death”

SportsNedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup: 2023 WinnersFace Tough Challenge in “Group of Death”

As anticipation mounts for the upcoming Nedbank/Namibian Newspaper Cup slated to be held in Gobabis, Omaheke Region, from March 29th to April 1st, 2024, excitement and nerves intertwine for the participating teams, especially for last year’s champions who find themselves grouped in what many are dubbing as the “Group of Death.”The 22nd edition of the Nedbank/Namibian Newspaper Cup, in collaboration with The Namibian Newspaper, promises to showcase extraordinary talent in both youth Under20 football and netball competitions. This event, a cornerstone in Namibian sports, has been a longstanding platform for young athletes to exhibit their prowess on the field and…

01 Mar

If capitalism is the preferred dispensation African economic deprivation is a given!

Opinions“THE neo-colonialism of today represents imperialism in its final and perhaps its most dangerous stage.

“THE neo-colonialism of today represents imperialism in its final and perhaps its most dangerous stage. In the past it was possible to convert a country upon which a neo-colonial regime had been imposed — Egypt in the nineteenth century is an example — into a colonial territory. Today this process is no longer feasible. Old-fashioned colonialism is by no means entirely abolished. It still constitutes an African problem, but it is everywhere on the retreat. Once a territory has become nominally independent it is no longer possible, as it was in the last century, to reverse the process. Existing colonies…

01 Mar

Namibia’s National Budget: Marching relentlessly in the direction of economic recovery and social equity

Editorial

Namibia finds itself at a crossroads in its journey towards economic stability and social justice.The National Budget for the fiscal year 2024/25 tabled by the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Ipumbu Shiimi earlier this week, serves as proof of the government's commitment to leveraging the country's improved economic outlook for the collective good.The budget arrived at a critical juncture, with Namibia grappling with the dual challenges of a recovering domestic economy and the persistent spectre of food insecurity affecting nearly 40 percent of the population.Shiimi's financial blueprint for the nation is both ambitious and pragmatic, focusing on stimulating domestic…