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13 Mar

Namibia’s population surpasses three million

ObserverMainNamibia’s population surpasses three million

Stefanus Nashama A preliminary report released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has revealed that Namibia’s population currently stands at 3,022,401 million, a growth of 909,324 since the country conducted its last census in 2011. This is according to Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General of the NSA, who made the presentation at the official launch of the preliminary results of the 2023 population and housing census today in Windhoek. This was the fourth time Namibia undertook the population and housing census. In 1991, Namibia’s population stood at 1,4 million; in 2001, it was 1,8 million; in 2011, it stood at 2,1…

13 Mar

Swapo violated its constitution by pushing extraordinary congress to next year: Nahas Angula

ObserverMainSwapo violated its constitution by pushing extraordinary congress to next year: Nahas Angula

Stefanus Nashama -Helmut says the decision was strange-Analyst says the decision was taken on majority rules Former Prime Minister and Swapo Party Stalwart, Nahas Angula said the ruling party has violated its constitution by avoiding organising an extraordinary congress within three months as stipulated in the constitution. Angula was reacting to the Swapo Central Committee meeting that endorsed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah over the weekend to represent the party as its presidential candidate for the election. The Central Committee has resolved to push the much talked about extraordinary congress to next year April. Skipping the three months stipulated in the party’s constitution.…

12 Mar

FAO to lead initiative on combating food insecurity

ObserverMainFAO to lead initiative on combating food insecurity

Niël Terblanché To assist Namibia in its fight against food insecurity and poverty, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is significantly stepping up its support. Patrice Talla, the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa, has arrived in Namibia on a mission to understand how the international body can assist in fortifying the nation’s resilience against the backdrop of climatic adversities. This timely visit, orchestrated by the FAO Namibia Country Office, highlights the organization’s proactive approach towards addressing the pressing issues of food security and poverty reduction in the region. Phillipus Tobias, the Communication Officer of the FAO Namibia Country Office,…

12 Mar

Petrofund aims to upskill Namibians for oil and gas industry

ObserverMain

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s future oil and gas industry has the potential to create a yet-to-be-determined number of new jobs for appropriately skilled young people. With nine significant discoveries off the coast, Namibia is gearing up to ensure its citizens are at the forefront of this emerging sector. The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund), Nillian Mulemi, stated that an abundance of qualified Namibians ready to contribute to and benefit from the industry’s growth already exists. The Petrofund, in response to future industry needs, has launched several programs aimed at providing Namibians with the necessary skills…

11 Mar

Venaani irked by delayed release of August 26 audit report

ObserverMainVenaani irked by delayed release of August 26 audit report

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Official Opposition, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, said he is deeply disappointed with the prolonged delay in the publication of the forensic audit report into the affairs of August 26 Holdings. Since 2018, Venaani has made numerous calls to have the state-owned company’s books audited, stressing that the company has failed to account for public funds since its inception. The calls include the office of the Ombudsman to render a legal opinion on the legality of the auditing of the company. August 26 is fully owned by the Ministry of Defence and…

11 Mar

Swapo Central Committee endorses Nandi-Ndaitwah as presidential candidate

ObserverMainSwapo Central Committee endorses Nandi-Ndaitwah as presidential candidate

Stefanus Nashama SWAPO CC resolves: - Extraordinary Congress in 2025- Nujoma urges support for NN- Ivula-Ithana backs decision- Namandje says the Swapo constitution does not force the party to have extraordinary congress The Swapo Party Central Committee has over the weekend endorsed its Vice-President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to stand as the sole presidential candidate for the November elections. In terms of the Swapo Party Constitution, the CC is the highest decision-making body after the Congress. This is done in terms of Rules 8, 10, and 53 of the Party Constitution, meaning Nadi-Ndaitwah will go to the polls uncontested at the party…

09 Mar

SWAPO Central Committee embraced unity and pragmatism in the end

ObserverMain

Niël Terblanché In an impassioned appeal for solidarity and strategic foresight, SWAPO Party leaders and members have been urged to consolidate their support around presidential candidate, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the elections at the end of November this year.Namibia's Founding President and Father of the Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, expressed this wish during the SWAPO Party's Central Committee meeting, a crucial event for the party's introspection and future planning.Pendukeni Ivula Ithana, the former Secretary General of SWAPO, threw her weight behind the Father of the Namibian Nation when she tabled a similar motion during the Central Committee meeting at the…

08 Mar

Shaningwa calls for calm ahead of Central Committee meeting

ObserverMainShaningwa calls for calm ahead of Central Committee meeting

Stefanus Nashama SWAPO Party Secretary-General, Sophia Shaningwa, urged party members, followers, and sympathisers to remain calm ahead of the Central Committee (CC) meeting tomorrow. The Central Committee is tasked to decide whether the party will have an extraordinary congress to elect the party president or if it will endorse Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the party presidential candidate for the November elections. “The rank and file of Swapo party, supporters and sympathisers are advised to remain calm while waiting for the leadership to engage and communicate back after the Central Committee meeting,” she said when contacted for an update today regarding the…

08 Mar

Unequal distribution of healthcare facilities raises concerns in Namibia

ObserverMainUnequal distribution of healthcare facilities raises concerns in Namibia

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a recent report by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), it has been highlighted that access to healthcare in Namibia is unevenly distributed across the country, with only three regions boasting sufficient healthcare facilities. According to the report, the Country Review Mission (CRM) delved into various aspects, shedding light on disparities in healthcare and sanitation. The report notes that regions like Khomas, Oshana, and Zambezi have state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. However, the majority of Namibians, especially in rural areas, face challenges accessing adequate healthcare. With 431 public healthcare facilities, including 27 hospitals, the report reveals that the Windhoek…

07 Mar

Comprehensive electoral calendar for Elections 2024 launched

ObserverMain

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has officially unveiled the 2024 Electoral Calendar, Democracy Building, and Awareness Campaign alongside the Service Charter. The launch is an essential element for Namibian democracy and it is also a significant stride towards the strengthening thereof and ensuring efficient electoral processes. The ECN's Chairperson, Dr Elsie Nghikembua, said at the launch that the Electoral Calendar presents a detailed roadmap of all electoral activities slated for the year, encompassing the pre-election phase, the election phase, and the post-election phase. Nghikembua underscored the essence of the Calendar in facilitating meticulous planning, coordination, and execution…