Blog – Page 73 – News Stand

11 Feb

Two paramedics die in Otavi accident

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja The deaths of two paramedics in a road accident 20 kilometres from Otavi on the B1 road on Tuesday morning have renewed calls for stricter road safety measures, particularly for emergency responders. The Ministry of Health and Social Services executive director, Ben Nangombe, described the loss as tragic, emphasising that reckless driving continues to put lives at risk. “Emergency care practitioners are trained in defensive driving skills and how to handle difficult road conditions to minimise risks. We provide them with the necessary tools, but the behaviour of road users remains a major contributing factor to accidents,” he…

11 Feb

Former NTB CEO challenges fraud allegations in Ghana tourism project

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Ester Mbathera The former Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) chief executive officer Digu //Naobeb has come forward with new evidence disputing NTB’s claims of fraud and contractual irregularities in its dealings with Ghanaian tourism service provider Hype.UP Limited. The allegations stem from NTB’s tourism promotion projects in Ghana in 2023, which included networking events and marketing activities aimed at boosting Namibia’s presence in the Ghanaian market. In a letter dated 6 February, seen by Windhoek Observer addressed to the board chairperson Olavia Hamwele, //Naobeb argues that NTB’s allegations are unfounded and an attempt to shift blame from the board’s failure to…

11 Feb

MEAC directs schools to adjust operations

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has directed all educational institutions to observe specific protocols during the national mourning period following the passing of Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. According to a directive issued by executive director Sanet Steenkamp, schools, libraries, and resource centres were instructed to fly the national flag at half-mast and hold moments of silence at official gatherings. Schools must also display Nujoma’s portrait at main entrances, accompanied by a condolence book and candles where feasible. “As we mourn this great loss, we honour his unwavering and remarkable contribution to the education system,”…

11 Feb

Amushelelo questions NAMDIA over diamond heist silence

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Allexer Namundjembo Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo has criticised Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd. (NAMDIA) for its lack of transparency following the diamond heist that occurred nearly three weeks ago. He visited NAMDIA offices on Tuesday, where he questioned why the state-owned enterprise has not disclosed the exact value of the stolen diamonds or held a media briefing to provide clarity on the incident. “Namdia should understand that they are not a private company that can simply remain silent. It is a state-owned enterprise owned by the people of Namibia. Even a lady that sells tombo can exactly tell you…

11 Feb

GRN defends sports ban during mourning

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Modestus Amutse has defended the government's decision to ban sports activities during the mourning period of the late founding president, Sam Nujoma. According to Amutse, there is no specific law required to enforce the directive. “Giving the necessary honour that the founding president deserves does not need regulations. It needs our ability to think that if we are mourning a person we so respect, we better do it in the best style that ascribes to that,’’ said Amutse. He made these remarks on Wednesday while providing updates on the funeral arrangements…

11 Feb

Netball Namibia expands global footprint

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe Netball Namibia is strengthening its presence on the international stage while working towards becoming a dominant force in both regional and global competitions. Over the next five years, the federation aims to expand its talent pool by enhancing grassroots development and investing in better training facilities. Speaking to Windhoek Observer on Monday, Netball Namibia Secretary-General Sofia Simon said this would require collective efforts from all stakeholders including government, private sectors, administrators, and players themselves, to grow. Simon shared these remarks following the selection of two Namibian players, Cornelia Mupenda and Mwale Mulenamaswe, to participate in Singapore’s Netball Super…

11 Feb

Ant colonies, imperialism, system correction and the fall of a grand mountain

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Ndatyoonawa Tshilunga – Nelumbu, alias Onime Ya Tshilunga. A myrmecologist is a person who engages themselves in the research and study of ants. For centuries scientists have been studying ant colonies and continue to make findings of crucial hypothesis that can enable leaders to manage their nations better, as ants incorporate superior communism systems with fascinating social organization structures which we will explore later in this article. Though decorated with many definitions, a colony is a multifaceted expression referring to a country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied…

10 Feb

Nujoma’s legacy without limit

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Ester Mbathera The 9th of February signalled the end of an era of African liberation giants. Oliver Tambo, Kenneth Kaunda, Julius Mwalimu Nyerere, Robert Mugabe, Samora Machel, Nelson Mandela, and Sam Nujoma have all passed. Political analyst Henning Melber, in an interview with South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Sunday, described Nujoma as the personification of Namibian independence. “Sam Nujoma is an iconic, legendary figure when it comes to the liberation of Namibia. He personified like nobody else the struggle for independence. He was the founding president of Swapo. He was president for almost 50 years. He was a lasting…

10 Feb

Swakopmund faces tensions between heritage and development

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture, is grappling with the balance between preserving its historical identity and embracing new developments. This debate has become prominent as the town expands and modernises to cater to both locals and tourists. One resident, Ndapandula Matheus, expressed mixed feelings about the ongoing developments. “I love the history of Swakopmund and its buildings, but I understand the need for progress,” she said. While she acknowledges the importance of maintaining the town’s unique heritage, she hopes that new projects do not overshadow its charm. In contrast, another resident, John Kamati, argued that the…

10 Feb

Nujoma’s legacy through the youth’s eyes

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Mallex Shipanga Following the passing of founding president Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, young people have reflected on his legacy. They shared mixed views on his impact on their lives and the opportunities available to them today. Hope Muonde (19) said that Sam Nujoma has made an impact on the lives of young people. Muonde explained that Nujoma’s participation in the liberation struggle has had a lasting impact on young people. “Let us make sure that every child on the African continent, whether their parents have the money or not, must attend primary and secondary schools, as well as universities, to make…