Blog – Page 71 – News Stand

13 Feb

TransNamib opts for General Electric/Wabtec locomotives

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA TransNamib is in the process of standardising its fleet with General Electric/Wabtec locomotives. The company's spokesperson, Abigail Raubenheimer, said standardisation will ensure operational efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, improved reliability, and faster service, among other benefits. Furthermore, she added that sourcing directly from the manufacturer will eliminate the need for a third-party agent and will facilitate the building of a direct relationship with the manufacturer. The TransNamib Board approved the standardisation initiative in 2022, and subsequent approvals were granted by lending institutions and the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises. Raubenheimer said the Central Procurement Board of Namibia approved…

13 Feb

Diamond market slow in January

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

The diamond market was slow in January, with mixed reports about holiday sales. The US holiday season met the industry’s low expectations. Diamond prices declined, with some improvement in some carats. Fancy-shape diamonds of 3 carats and larger are doing better. De Beers and the Botswana government reached a landmark agreement that includes extending joint venture Debswana’s mining licenses beyond 2029. The two parties will be working together to promote natural diamonds. The rough market has been slow, with De Beers maintaining prices and selling fewer diamonds at this year’s first sight. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is demanding…

13 Feb

Retirement annuities from trusted providers matter

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

NDINELAGO KANYOLO As we navigate through life, effective financial planning is crucial for ensuring a secure and comfortable future. One pivotal element that often flies under the radar is retirement savings. With life expectancy on the rise and living costs continuously climbing, having a robust retirement plan is not just advisable—it is essential for your peace of mind. Retirement annuities offered by reputable life insurance companies, such as Momentum Metropolitan Group, provide a dependable and strategic solution to help you prepare for this significant life stage. Let us explore why investing in retirement annuities is a prudent choice. Retirement annuities…

13 Feb

Navigating 2025’s financial landscape

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

TUMELO THUDINYANE In 2025, investors and savers will be facing a world of tempered growth, changing policy dynamics, and revolutionary market trends. As we navigate the year, understanding the economic outlook, identifying investment opportunities, and embracing resilience strategies will be key, grounded in the latest insights. Global economic growth is projected to remain steady at 2.7% in 2025, matching the 2024 pace but insufficient to make up for years of post-pandemic disruptions and longer-term structural challenges such as weak productivity and high debt levels. Advanced economies will probably outperform their peers, with the U.S. leading, at 2.4% GDP growth in…

13 Feb

Dr. Nangolo Mbumba: The unlikely president who became Namibia’s steady hand in times of sorrow

info_e12wt4csOpinions

Lot Ndamanomhata History sometimes unfolds in ways that no one anticipates. When Dr. Nangolo Mbumba was sworn in as the fourth President of the Republic of Namibia on 4 February 2024, it was under circumstances no one could have foreseen. The nation was in mourning following the passing of President Hage G. Geingob, and in that moment of deep national sorrow, leadership fell upon a man who had never sought the highest office but whose service to the nation had been unwavering for decades. Dr. Mbumba, the unassuming statesman from Olukonda, Pohadopate, became the nation’s guiding hand at a time…

12 Feb

UNITA and MPLA pay tribute to Nujoma

info_e12wt4csMain

Allexer Namundjembo The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and Angola’s ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) have paid tribute to Namibia’s founding father, Sam Nujoma, for his role in supporting the southern African liberation struggle. This joint recognition reflects the shared history between Angola and Namibia, where both countries faced colonial oppression and fought for their independence from foreign powers. In a press release, UNITA president Adalberto Costa Júnior highlighted how the African liberation struggle united various movements, including UNITA and Swapo, Namibia’s liberation movement led by Nujoma. “Since the beginning of Angola’s…

12 Feb

Dienda questions hospital cellphone ban

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) lawmaker, Elma Dienda on Wednesday submitted a notice to question health and social services minister, Kalumbi Shangula, about the official policy regarding mobile phone use by healthcare workers in hospitals. This follows a memorandum issued to staff at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital restricting mobile phone use during working hours. The policy has sparked debate, with some questioning its necessity and whether it applies to all healthcare facilities. Dienda acknowledged the restriction but questioned its limited application. "While this is a commendable restriction, other healthcare facilities in Namibia must also implement the same restriction," she said. …

12 Feb

Swapo councillors drag LPM-led ||Kharas to court again

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Swapo regional councillors in ||Kharas, along with their party, have filed an urgent application in the High Court to enforce a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated three councillors after their dismissal in January 2024. The application seeks compliance with a court order issued on 9 February 2024 following a settlement agreement between the Swapo councillors and the ||Kharas Regional Council. The applicants Oranjemund Constituency councillor, Lazarus Nangolo, ǃNamiǂNûs Constituency councillor, Suzan Ndjaleka and Karasburg West constituency councillor, Taimi Amakali, along with SWAPO, argue that the council has failed to comply with the Supreme Court ruling that ordered their…

12 Feb

SADC VP Lauds Zambia’s Security Strategy

info_e12wt4csAfrica / World

Moses Magadza The vice president of the SADC PF, Sylvia Elizabeth Lucas, has praised Zambia’s advancements in leadership and national security strategy. Lucas did this last week during a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti. The courtesy call happened during a roundtable in Lusaka, focusing on security, rule of law, and capacity development. Clare Musonda, Programme Manager for the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, and Paulina Kanguatjivi, Assistant Procedural Officer both at SADC PF, accompanied Lucas on the visit. “We have been privileged to participate in the National Security Strategy Implementation and…

12 Feb

Oshana governor downplays severity of armyworm outbreak

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama Oshana regional governor, Elia Irimari has on Tuesday downplayed the severity of the armyworm outbreak in the region. “The worms are not in large areas, only a few that were spotted,” said the governor. The presence of the worms was detected by farmers in the region last week. Irimari also expressed confidence that natural predators, such as chickens and birds, might help control the population. “These worms may be dealt with by nature itself since they are not a lot to destroy crops,” he said. Irimari added that he had not received complaints from residents but suggested that…