Blog – Page 905 – News Stand

11 Feb

Health Ministry tight lipped on AstraZeneca vaccine

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyAstraZeneca, Ben Nangombe, Covid-19, Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS)

Andrew Kathindi The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) remains tightlipped on whether Namibia is still going ahead to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine later this month. Or if it will opt out of the deal after it was found to be highly ineffective against a new variant of the virus, known as 501.V2, discovered in South Africa late last year. The lack of an official position by the ministry, comes after a technical team in the government department met this Monday to discuss the AstraZeneca vaccine following findings on its ineffectiveness by South African health officials. “If at…

10 Feb

FirstRand Namibia breathes life into the arts

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedFirstRand Namibia Foundation, RMB Song Night

Staff Writer “Art is something that makes you breathe a different kind of happiness.” – Conrad Dempsey, CEO: FirstRand Namibia. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has not discriminated and still does not do so: The lives and livelihoods of all and sundry have been affected and altered. There is consensus, though, that the creative industry bore the brunt of the impact of regulations imposed to curb the further spread of the virus. Acknowledging this and in accordance with its responsibility to support and plough back into the local economy, FirstRand Namibia took the intentional decision to support the country’s creative industry.…

10 Feb

Opposition MPs fume over virtual address

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyMcHenry Venaani, president Hage Geingob

Maria Hamutenya Drama ensued in Parliament on Tuesday after President Hage Geingob officially opened Parliament remotely, a position which did not go down well with members of the opposition. The development resulted in opposition party members walking out of the National Assembly Chamber arguing that they have not been consulted about the President addressing them virtually. Popular Democratic Movement leader, McHenry Venaani, said COVID-19 cannot be viewed as an unforeseen circumstance, because arrangements were made and how many people should be in the house to accommodate the President. “Why did the President not come? That it is threatening [to] our…

10 Feb

Geingob welcomes Parly action on GBV

info_e12wt4csObserver Moneypresident Hage Geingob

Staff Writer President Hage Geingob officially opened the 3rd Session of the 7th Parliament on Tuesday. He welcomed the planned tabling of the Combating of Rape Amendment Bill and the Combating of Domestic Violence Amendment Bill, as government moves to implement stiffer penalties and sentences for offenders. “A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its women and children is a nation, which can never ascend to the lofty heights of prosperity. Crimes that are aimed at women and children, often in the most brutal fashion, have become persistent in our society, with devastating consequences. This cannot be tolerated. I…

10 Feb

De Klerk’s immunity plans dashed

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyMeren De Klerk

Andrew Kathindi Lawyer Meren De Klerk’s plans to evade prosecution for his role in the Fishrot corruption scandal by offering himself as a State Witness have been dashed. Prosecutor-General Martha Imalwa has revealed that she would only consider his offer after he has been convicted for his role. “We are bound by the Criminal Procedure Act. De Klerk is someone that I have indicted. So as an accused person, the process has begun. If he is to plead guilty, I can’t deny him (to be a state witness),” told Windhoek Observer. According to the PG, de Klerk would need to…

09 Feb

Health Ministry scrambles after AstraZeneca vaccine failure

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyAstraZeneca, COVAX, Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS)

Andrew Kathindi The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) is scrambling for answers after it emerged that the AstraZeneca vaccine, the same vaccine Namibia is expected to receive through the COVAX facility, is not as effective against the new variant of COVID-19. MOHSS Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, told Windhoek Observer that the ministry’s technical team is meeting urgently. AstraZeneca is manufactured by a British–Swedish pharmaceutical company. "My technical team is discussing the matter right now in the context of those developments. We will then issue a position and the way forward, based on the available information. We are dealing…

09 Feb

Eagle FM ordered to cease broadcasting in Windhoek

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyCommunications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), Eagle FM

Staff reporter Eagle FM has been barred from broadcasting in Windhoek after it was found in violation of its broadcasting license by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), the Windhoek Observer can reveal. The development has seen listeners in Windhoek unable to access the talk radio station. In terms of its license, Eagle FM is only permitted to broadcast in Grootfontein, Ruacana, Eenhana, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Omuthiya, Mariental, Okahandja, Katima Mulilo, Oranjemund, Outapi, Rundu, Otjiwarongo, Oshakati, Swakopmund and Rehoboth. However the station has been illegally broadcasting in Windhoek. CRAN Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua, confirmed to Windhoek Observer on Monday…

09 Feb

Hands-off Swapo, Geingob

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneySWAPO

Staff Writer Swapo Party regional coordinator for //Kharas and member of the Central Committee, Mathew Mumbala, says the Fishrot scandal is unfairly being used to destroy the ruling party and its leadership ahead of the 2024 elections. “As a party, we have over the years relied on donations and there is know where you can tell if it’s the result of any form of illegal activity. During the liberation struggle we also used to get donations to fund the acquisition of food, weapons and various materials,” he said. “The ruling party never instructed anyone to solicit funds from Fishcor, thus…

06 Feb

Witherto Diasporan reparation movement? tribute to Cde “Hosea” Kamutuua Kandorozu

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedGerman genocide, Ovaherero, Ovammbanderu and Nama., Witherto Diasporan reparation movement, “Hosea” Kamutuua Kandorozu

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro He became so fond wearing the red traditional regalia of the Red Flag from Namibia from where his great grand forebears, 114 years this year had fled, escaping colonial German genocide against the Ovaherero, Ovammbanderu and Nama. Red in the quest for his traditional roots. For Red became the symbol of resistance of his people against German imperialism. To this day when it has become a symbol in the seeming never-ending quest for the redemption of the souls of his ancestors through reparation. A quest which has very much has come to be his embodiment and that of…

06 Feb

The Time Traveler: The end of work?

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedThe end of work?

Hugh Ellis I often feel that a nine-to-five job is a mixed blessing. Don’t misunderstand - I’m immensely grateful for work, the opportunity to improve people’s lives, and the monthly salary that comes with it. But like the secret old Euro-communist that I am, I can’t help thinking that it could be better. Could work not be characterized by joyous activity, rather than drudgery form Monday to Friday, fending off the latest ‘bright idea’ from the boss, and working late - again - just to keep one’s head above water? I mean, I may not be talking about my specific…