Blog – Page 540 – Windhoek Observer

29 Feb

Disaster management and food security strengthened with new MoU

National News

Martin Endjala To reinforce Namibia's disaster risk management and food and nutrition security the Office of the Prime Minister and the World Food Programme (WFP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a durable strategy aimed at building increased resilience. In this regard, the Executive Director in the Office of the Prime Minister, I-Ben Nashandi, and Dr George Fedha from the WFP signed the agreement earlier this week. The agreement is aimed at unyielding collaboration aimed at enhancing early warning systems, digitalizing food assistance through an electronic voucher system, and implementing a durable strategy for building resilience against food…

29 Feb

Tax relief injects N$646m into taxpayers’ pockets

National NewsTax relief injects N$646m into taxpayers’ pockets

Martin Endjala Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi has announced that government will inject N$646 million directly into taxpayers’ pockets. This means all individual taxpayers will be exempted from paying tax on the first N$100 000 per annum, of their first income as of 1 March 2024. This follows the tabling of the National Budget for the 2024/25 Financial Year in the National Assembly yesterday. The budget for the year under review stands at N$100.1 billion, which is a 12 percent increase from the previous year, under the theme Continuing the Legacy of late President Hage Geingob by…

29 Feb

Old-age grant boosted with N$200

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi has announced the increase in the Old Age Grant and Disability Grant. The monthly grant will rise from N$1 400 to N$1 600. “Accordingly, the Old Age Grant and the Disability Grant will be increased from N$1,400 to N$1,600 per month effective on 01 April 2024,” said Shiimi. The minister made the announcement during the unveiling of the 2024/25 Financial Year Budget in Parliament yesterday under the theme, “Continuing the legacy of H. E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob by Caring for the Namibian Child”. This comes after late President Hage…

29 Feb

MUN takes a stand against diamond company for discriminatory labour practices

National NewsMUN takes a stand against diamond company for discriminatory labour practices

Niël Terblanché The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has issued its strong condemnation against the practices of Duiker Investments and Almond Diamonds Namibia, a Windhoek-based diamond cutting and polishing firm, for their recent actions involving the retrenchment of 27 employees According to the MUN, the retrenched workers are all members of the union. In a statement, the union said that it has also identified a myriad of other unethical and unfair labour practices at the company. The MUN stated that workers have also registered grievances against the company such as the payment of low wages, employing expatriates without local understudies,…

29 Feb

We want to teach the government a lesson for failing us – Goreangab community

National NewsWe want to teach the government a lesson for failing us - Goreangab community

Stefanus Nashama Residents of the Goreangab Informal Settlement on the outskirts of Windhoek have expressed concern over the Swapo-led government’s failure to meet the demands of the community. Expressing disappointment with the government yesterday, the residents informed the Windhoek Observer that they do not see any reason to waste their votes on the ruling party in the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections. The community’s frustration stems from the government’s failure to listen to their demands. Part of the demands of the residents are the establishment of electricity and water supply as well as the installation of sanitation services. The…

29 Feb

Mbumba meets presidency staff and calls for unity and commitment

National NewsMbumba meets presidency staff and calls for unity and commitment

Stefanus Nashama President Nangolo Mbumba stressed continuity, unity and commitment from staff members of the Office of the President during a meeting with them in his new capacity as Head of State. Mbumba, who was one of the political figures and top government officials close to the late President Hage Geingob, said the nation is expecting a lot from staff members of the Presidency. He called for the prioritization of better service delivery to the Namibian nation.At the same time, he urged the staff members to rise to the challenge, adding that they should echo the principles established during Geingob’s…

29 Feb

National Budget: A balancing act

MainNational Budget: A balancing act

Niël Terblanché As Namibia navigates the path towards economic recovery and sustainable development, the National Budget represents a strategic effort to leverage the country’s improved economic outlook for the benefit of all Namibians. Ipumbu Shiimi, the Namibian Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, tabled the National Budget for the next fiscal year in Parliament yesterday. The budget marks a crucial moment in the country’s economic management amidst global uncertainties and a recovering domestic economy. Shiimi announced a comprehensive financial plan that aims to stimulate domestic demand, boost infrastructure development, and ensure fiscal sustainability while addressing the immediate needs of the…

28 Feb

Mbumba applauds the unity and spirit of Namibians

National News

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba, in a heartfelt address to the nation, expressed profound gratitude towards the people of Namibia for their dignified and orderly conduct in the wake of President Hage Geingob's passing. He said that throughout the three weeks of national mourning, Namibians across the country came together in an outstanding display of unity, resilience, and grace while paying tribute to Geingob's enduring legacy. Mbumba commended the nation for its collective spirit during this period of profound loss, highlighting how Namibians "held hands in mourning and honour of Geingob's legacy in the most befitting manner." The President remarked…

28 Feb

National Budget prioritises social welfare

MainNational Budget prioritises social welfare

Niël Terblanché In a move aimed at bolstering social welfare and economic stability, Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi announced an increase of N$200 in the Old Age Grant and the Disability Grant from N$1,400 to N$1,600 per month The increase will become effective on 1 April 2024. He made the announcement during the tabling of the National Budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the living standards of its most vulnerable citizens. Shiimi acknowledged the aspirations of the late President for a considerable uplift in the Old Age Grant. “We fully recognize the dream of our departed President for a significant…

28 Feb

Namibia hosts crucial transport and logistics conference to bolster regional development

National NewsNamibia hosts crucial transport and logistics conference to bolster regional development

Niël Terblanché Namibia further solidified its pivotal role in the development regional transport and logistics sector by, for the first time, hosting the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Intermodal Africa Conference and Exhibition in Swakopmund. John Mutorwa, the Minister of Transport and Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia, officiated the official opening of the intermodal conference where he stressed the Namibian government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure development and maintenance through the continued creation of sectoral policy, regulation, and applicable laws. “Logistics and transportation management are essential for international trade, and it is…