Main – Page 54 – Windhoek Observer

26 Sep

Comprehensive re-assessment of Namibia’s public procurement system amidst criticism

MainComprehensive re-assessment of Namibia’s public procurement system amidst criticism

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprise, in conjunction with the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has commenced an extensive assessment of Namibia’s procurement system. According to Wilson Shikoto, the spokesperson of the fiancé ministry, this initiative, executed through the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS), strives to fortify transparency, accountability, and value for money in Namibia’s public procurement practices. It’s been three years since the last review of the public procurement process. This new examination comes after prevalent criticism and is considered an imperative step towards the refinement of the Public Procurement Act 2015. Critics…

25 Sep

NUDO demands President’s apology for genocide and apartheid remarks

MainNUDO demands President’s apology for genocide and apartheid remarks

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Joseph Kauandenge, the General Secretary of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), is calling for an immediate apology from President Hage Geingob concerning the comments he made on genocide and apartheid a few weeks ago in Europe. President Geingob, during a public lecture at the Paris Institute of Political Studies in France, was quoted telling the audience that “Apartheid was worse than Genocide.” However, this statement has drawn criticism from various local political leaders. NUDO is now adding to the voices urging President Geingob to retract his remarks. Kauandenge, also a Member of Parliament, asserted that Geingob’s categorization…

22 Sep

NAMFISA spends over N$14 million on rental fees annually

MainNAMFISA spends over N$14 million on rental fees annually

Martin Endjala The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) has been paying N$14,985,114 per annum on office rental fees to occupy the building it is currently operating from in the Central Business District of the Namibian capital. This means for the past four years, the financial regulator has spent close to N$60 million on the lease of the building since occupying it on 15 June 2020. NAMFISA Communications Manager, Victoria Muranda, confirmed these figures during an interview with the Windhoek Observer this week. She said the leased building which NAMFISA currently occupies at the Gutenberg Plaza was procured through the…

21 Sep

Geingob calls for unity, solidarity and action to achieve Agenda 2030

MainGeingob calls for unity, solidarity and action to achieve Agenda 2030

Niël Terblanché Dr Hage Geingob, the President of Namibia, delivered an ardent address at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) where he laid out a blueprint for a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. At the start of his address, Geingob extended Namibia’s felicitations to the newly elected President of the 78th Session of the UNGA, Dennis Francis, while also commending the dedication of his predecessor, Csaba Kőrösi. President Geingob echoed a sentiment shared by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres on the dire need for immediate action to realize the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing the growing disparities in…

20 Sep

Paragon secures RA3 Certification

MainParagon secures RA3 Certification

Niël Terblanché After a meticulous EU aviation security validation, Paragon Aviation Services has been officially designated as an RA3 (third-country regulated agent) by the Federal Aviation Office (LBA). EU RA3 certification stands for “Regulated Agent Third Country” certification. It’s a designation given to companies outside the European Union that meet specific security requirements for shipping goods to the EU. Such certification underpins the company’s ability to provide Cargo and Mail, under super-tight safe and secure measures and environment. The newly acquired RA3 status is a significant accomplishment for Paragon Aviation Services. This is the first time in the history of…

19 Sep

Write off student debt: Nekundi

MainWrite off student debt: Nekundi

Martin Endjala The Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, is calling for all debts owed to the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) by beneficiaries who employ ten or more people to be cancelled. Nekundi tabled a motion in Parliament last week calling on his fellow parliamentarians to discuss the matter. He said the motion strikes at the heart of two pressing challenges facing Namibia, namely, the persistently high rate of unemployment, particularly youth unemployment and the weighty burden of student debt from NSFAF. “I contend that the path to addressing both of these challenges lies in a…

18 Sep

Namibian healthcare system under severe strain

MainNamibian healthcare system under severe strain

Niël Terblanché Doctors across Namibia have sounded the alarm about the lack of resources they have to deal with when attempting to treat sick patients. Public hospitals are struggling with severe shortages, ranging from staff to beds, and even essential medical supplies while sick people face extended wait times for consultations and vital treatments. The Namibian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the government, emphasizing the urgency for augmented funding. The NMA has expressed serious concerns regarding the below-average working conditions that doctors and other medical personnel have to endure, which they believe significantly contributes to the strain on the…

15 Sep

NamRA liberates vital medical supplies at HKIA

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Niël Terblanché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has finally taken matters into its own hands to release crucial medical supplies for the Namibian Blood Transfusion Service (NamBTS), previously held hostage in the Menzies Aviation Namibia warehouse at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. The release of supplies comes after a series of bizarre events and questionable claims that have left many cynical about the true intentions of those involved. Menzies Aviation Namibia had initially raised the alarm over a week ago, alleging that vital supplies for NamBTS mysteriously vanished from their air cargo warehouse. They pointed fingers at unidentified culprits while…

14 Sep

I fought for the freedom of the Namibian people: Kashikola

MainI fought for the freedom of the Namibian people: Kashikola

Stefanus Nashama Daniel Kashikola, the former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, said he did not risk his life in the war for the liberation of Namibia for entitlement but for his love of the country, and for that reason, he has accepted the decision of President Hage Geingob to relieve him of his duty. “I was appointed by the President by a letter and relieved by the President by a letter. Where were you when I was appointed and why are you only concerned when I was relieved of ministerial duty? There was no explanation about…

13 Sep

President reshuffles Cabinet …as Kashikola gets fired

MainDaniel Kashikola, Eveline Nawases-Tayele, Natalia Goagoses, President reshuffles Cabinet …as Kashikola gets fired

Niël Terblanché In an unexpected move, President Hage Geingob has announced a reshuffle of the Namibian Cabinet with the appointment of three distinguished women to serve as Deputy Ministers. These changes come into effect immediately, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and enhancing security measures for the benefit of its citizens and visitors. Natalia Goagoses will take up the role of Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation (MHETI). With a background in education, Goagoses is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s higher education sector and spearheading efforts towards embracing the Fourth Industrial…