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Hydrogen train draws international interest

Hydrogen train draws international interest

CHAMWE KAIRA Namibia’s plan to develop Africa’s first hydrogen train has gained international interest from the European Union, Canada and China. Konrad Boshoff, Chief Executive Officer of Hyphen Technical said the project is generating both locally and internationally from garnering significant local interest from local businesses and entrepreneurs as well as international interest. The contract that is expected to be signed soon on the introduction of the first hydrogen powered train next year will include the conversion to hydrogen dual fuel of two locomotives and a hydrogen fuel tender wagon. The project is spearheaded by TransNamib, Hyphen Technical and CMB…
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SWIFT payments charges to increase slightly

SWIFT payments charges to increase slightly

The Bank of Namibia had earlier announced that from 15 April 2024, CMA (Common Monetary Area) payments to South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini will be initiated as Foreign Exchange transactions, with Balance of Payment (BoP) reporting requirements. However, this week commercial banks informed their clients that payments to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini (Common Monetary Area) will continue as per current payment processing and will not change as previously communicated. Observer Money this week asked clarity from Sandra Garises, Acting Director: Strategic Communications and International Relations at the Bank of Namibia on the readiness of the industry to implement this…
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Anglican Church mourns the loss of Sally Kauluma

Anglican Church mourns the loss of Sally Kauluma

The Anglican Diocese of Namibia has announced with profound sorrow the passing of Sally Kauluma, a revered figure within the church community known for her dedication and service.Kauluma passed away on Tuesday and her death was announced by Bishop Patrick Djuulume.Kauluma, who originally hails from the United States of America, was the wife of the first indigenous bishop of the diocese James Kauluma. She was remembered for her unwavering support and counsel which was a beacon of strength during her husband's tenure in the colonial era.When she relocated to Namibia (then South West Africa), she taught at St Mary's Odibo…
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Katjavivi want ACC budget increased to better combat corruption

Katjavivi want ACC budget increased to better combat corruption

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi called for an increase in the budgetary allocation of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Katjavivi made the call during the budget motivation in Parliament last week, emphasizing the role the commission plays in combating corruption within Namibia. “I therefore will appeal that we should look at how best we can allocate more resources to fund ACC for it to execute its mandate efficiently. Allow me to reiterate and emphasize that the impact of corruption is severe if it is allowed to persist. It impacts negatively on investors’ confidence, economic growth…
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President Mbumba gains insight into green economy advances

President Mbumba gains insight into green economy advances

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba took strides towards advancing Namibia's green economy and economic independence during engagements in Lüderitz over the weekend. He initiated several projects aimed at promoting renewable energy and local development. This included the inauguration of the Hyphen Meteorological Mast to measure wind potential for renewable energy generation, and a visit to the site of the Hyphen Angra Point Industrial Chemical Facility, which showcased infrastructure developments for ammonia storage, water abstraction, and desalination. Mbumba also met with the town council's management, executives from government institutions, and local business leaders to discuss plans for upcoming projects aimed at…
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Ondangwa Town Council Boosts Local Sports Teams with N$93,000 Sponsorship

Ondangwa Town Council Boosts Local Sports Teams with N$93,000 Sponsorship

In a bid to bolster community development and support local sporting talent, the Ondangwa Town Council has extended a generous sponsorship to five football teams and one volleyball team, totaling N$93,000 worth of football and volleyball items. The beneficiary teams include the SOS Volleyball Academy, the Ondangwa Soccer Academy, Young Braves Football Club, Ondangwa United Football Club, Mama Love Football Club, and KK Palace Football Club. This investment underscores the council’s commitment to nurturing grassroots sports and empowering youth within the region. Mayor Paavo Amwele expressed gratitude towards the teams for their invaluable contribution to the town’s development, emphasizing the…
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Katjavivi concerned by delayed petition responses

Katjavivi concerned by delayed petition responses

Martin Endjala The Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi expressed concern over the continued delays in responding to petitions by parliamentarians, labelling the situation as worrisome. Katjavivi highlighted this issue during his budget motivation speech last week in parliament, emphasizing that most petitions submitted to the National Assembly do not receive timely feedback. “We must continue to explore the speedy expedition of petitions, including the transmission of petitions directly to the relevant Standing Committee. Pursuant to the democratic culture of our parliamentary system, members introduced and extensively debated 41 motions on issues of their particular interest,” the Speaker…
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N$47 million allocated to encourage youth participation in elections

N$47 million allocated to encourage youth participation in elections

Erasmus Shalihaxwe A total of N$48 million has been earmarked for the Lead Youth Ambassador (LYA) program, which falls under the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), to encourage young people to participate in elections. The LYA program is an awareness campaign aimed at generating interest among young people to engage in the country's electoral process. This announcement was made last week by the speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi while explaining the allocation of over N$422 million for the ECN's annual budget for the 2023/24 financial year. Katjavivi said the LYA will employ around 200 Youth Ambassadors across the…
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Namibian Runners Gear Up for Ultimate Race: The Comrades Marathon

Namibian Runners Gear Up for Ultimate Race: The Comrades Marathon

Namibia's running community is abuzz with anticipation as athletes prepare themselves for the grueling challenge of the Comrades Marathon, scheduled for June. Among the seasoned veterans and rising stars gearing up for this ultimate test of endurance are familiar names like Frans Amakali, Bolla Akwenye, Joel Talbot, Risa Drayer Kirsty, Joey Shehama, and Andre Ross.Joining them on the starting line are novices Fernando Mandumbwa and Klasi Heerlen, eager to make their mark in this prestigious event. One standout contender making waves in the running scene is Bolla Akwenye, whose Comrades journey commenced in 2023 as a novice.Despite his newcomer status,…
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Futsal AFCON Countdown: Namibia’s Preparations Intensify with Specialist Addition

Futsal AFCON Countdown: Namibia’s Preparations Intensify with Specialist Addition

With less than 20 days remaining until the commencement of the Total Energies CAF Futsal AFCON in Morocco on April 11, 2024, Namibia's Futsal Technical Team has received a significant boost with the addition of specialist Gareth Smith. Smith's expertise will focus on enhancing the players' fitness levels in preparation for the upcoming competition. Working alongside Head Coach Donald Modise and Dr. Jeremy Oliver, Smith's inclusion bolsters the technical team's efforts to ensure the squad is in prime condition ahead of the tournament. The team has been diligently training at the Windhoek Show Plaza, their current training ground, in anticipation…
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