Blog – Page 541 – Windhoek Observer

28 Feb

Egypt pledges support to Namibia in wake of President Geingob’s death

National News

Niël Terblanché Egypt, in a selfless gesture of solidarity, has extended its support to Namibia following the death of President Hage Geingob. Mohamed Hegazy, the Special Envoy of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, met with President Nangolo Mbumba, at the State House to convey Egypt's condolences and to offer assistance. During the meeting, Hegazy expressed Egypt's readiness to support Namibia as it navigates the aftermath of President Geingob's passing. The special envoy highlighted the strong historical ties between the two countries, stressing the successes of past project cooperation and the shared grief over the loss of a prominent African leader. President…

28 Feb

Government’s microfinancing fund will assist SMEs

National News

Martin Endjala The government has decided to step in to establish a microfinancing fund tailor-made to assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a result of limited funding for SME loan schemes by the Development Bank of Namibia and other challenges. The new plan was announced by Prime Minister Saara Kuukongelwa-Amadhila in Parliament earlier today. The Prime Minister was responding to a motion tabled by a member of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Maximillian Katjimune. The motion is calling for an investigation into the bottlenecks around financing for SMEs in Namibia to unleash greater access and economic potential for the…

28 Feb

Boosted bunkering services enable Walvis Bay to capitalise on the Suez Canal crisis

Observer MoneyBoosted bunkering services enable Walvis Bay to capitalise on the Suez Canal crisis

Niël Terblanché The port of Walvis Bay has witnessed a remarkable 32 percent year-on-year increase in vessel calls for the year ending on 31 December 2023 because of the continued surge of maritime activity around the southern tip of Africa The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) attributed the growth in port calls to a variety of vessels including container ships, dry bulk carriers, and reefers to geopolitical tensions that have prompted a significant shift in global shipping routes. Andrew Kanime, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Namport, said the surge is not just in the number of vessels but also in…

28 Feb

NWR observes surge in bookings of out-of-town conference venues by companies

Observer MoneyNWR observes surge in bookings of out-of-town conference venues by companies

Martin Endjala The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has witnessed a remarkable surge in companies and organisations opting for out-of-town conference venues in a bid to prioritise productivity and focus during business gatherings. NWR Corporate Communications Manager Nelson Ashipala, who is also responsible for overseeing meetings, conferences and event bookings, shared insights into this growing trend. Ashipala said that with the advantage of reduced disturbances and distractions, venues such as Gross Barmen and Hardap Dam resorts have become sought-after destinations for corporate events. Traditionally, bustling urban environments often accompany conferences and business meetings, leading to interruptions and distractions. However, the serene…

28 Feb

Women Take the Lead in Football Administration Workshop in Zambezi Region

SportsWomen Take the Lead in Football Administration Workshop in Zambezi Region

In a significant step forward for gender inclusivity in sports administration, women took center stage at the recently concluded administration workshop for the Zambezi Football Regional League. Held from February 13 to 16, 2024, at the Katima Mulilo Youth Centre, the workshop saw a remarkable dominance of female participants. Supported by the Namibia Football Association (NFA), the workshop welcomed a total of twelve women football club administrators out of 24 participants for an intensive four-day program. Covering a wide array of topics, the course aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills crucial for effective football management. Among the…

28 Feb

Young people are surviving on the pensions of their grandparents – Venaani

National News

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement, McHenry Venaani, said young people, especially in the rural areas depend on the pension of their grandparents to survive. This, he said, is because the country’s economy is not functioning for young people to start up and grow small and medium enterprises (SMEs). “Penioners drive the economy in the villages because there is no functional rural economy. Young people live on the pension money,” Venaani said. He was contributing to a motion brought to parliament yesterday by the PDM’s member, Maximillian Katjimune, for the house to investigate the bottlenecks around SME’s…

28 Feb

Innovative solutions address CoW’s financial challenges

National NewsInnovative solutions address CoW’s financial challenges

Niël Terblanché The City of Windhoek (CoW) has announced a series of strategic measures that have led to a marked improvement in the municipality’s fiscal health over the last two financial years in a significant turnaround from previous financial challenges. According to a statement by the CoW, the key that was central to this success has been the containment of over-expenditure, with amongst others, a freeze on salary increases since 2020. To address financial inefficiencies, the CoW has embarked on a rigorous cost-cutting initiative that has substantially enhanced the municipality’s liquidity. The statement indicated that fiscal prudence has been accompanied…

28 Feb

Time for Moses generation has expired – Ally Angula

MainTime for Moses generation has expired – Ally Angula

Stefanus Nashama Ally Anugla, the hopeful independent presidential candidate in the 2024 presidential and national assembly elections, says the fight for the ‘Moses generation’ has ended, and it is time for the ‘Joshua generation’ to fight for land proprietorship and economic emancipation. Speaking at the announcement of the alliance in support of the independent candidate yesterday in Windhoek, Angula said the Namibian society is abnormal when old people are still deciding for the future. “Enough is enough. God has generations. Our forefathers went to fight for the land when they were young,” she said. Angula said the Joshua generation should…

28 Feb

ECN kicks out three political parties for not participating in elections

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has cancelled the registration certificates of three political parties and six organisations or associations for not participating in past elections. The Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager of the ECN, De Wet Siluka announced yesterday that the concerned political parties and organisations have been informed in advance about their dismissal. He added that the deregistration was done in accordance with Section 152 read with Section 153 of ECN Act no 5 of 2014. The deregistered political parties are the Democratic Coalition of Namibia Party, the Federal Convention of Namibia Party and the Namibia…

27 Feb

Zaamwani fondly remembers President Geingob

National News

Niël Terblanché In an emotional farewell, Inge Zaamwani, a special adviser to President Hage Geingob, paid a heartfelt personal tribute to the late Head of State. The tribute emphasized the profound impact President Geingob had on Namibia and the world, echoing the sentiments of countless individuals who have come forward to honour his memory. Over the last three weeks, tributes and messages of condolence have poured in from all corners of the world, a testament to the remarkable life and legacy of a man who was, by all accounts, larger than life. The sudden passing of President Geingob on February…