National News – Windhoek Observer

15 Apr

New CPBN rules may leave few qualified evaluators

Main, National News

Allexer Namundjebo Policy analysts say stricter qualification requirements introduced by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) could limit the pool of eligible experts. They raise concerns about how effective the reforms will be in improving procurement processes. The CPBN recently introduced new measures for appointing Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) members. These include mandatory qualifications recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), police clearance certificates, structured training, and competency assessments. According to CPBN spokesperson Johanna Kambala, the aim is to improve how public bids are evaluated. Kambala said the strengthened procedures are aimed at promoting integrity, fair dealing, transparency and…

15 Apr

Namibia, Angola sign N$941m power deal

National News

Chamwe Kaira Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) and Angola's Rede Nacional de Transporte de Electricidade have signed agreements for the Angola-Namibia Power Interconnector Project (ANNA), valued at N$941 million. The project is expected to be completed by 2029. The two utilities on Tuesday signed a joint development agreement and a power purchase agreement. These set out how the project will be built, managed and operated. The project was approved by Cabinet in February as part of national energy plans with funding of about N$4 billion allocated to support NamPower’s capital contribution. The funding will cover the engineering, procurement and construction of…

15 Apr

Kandumbu denies skipping suspended Katima CEO’s hearing

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Former Katima Mulilo Town Council administrator Marina Kandumbu has denied claims that she refused to testify in the disciplinary hearing of suspended chief executive officer Raphael Liswaniso. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, Kandumbu said the claims are false. “I was in Katima Mulilo from Monday and only returned to Windhoek last night (Monday). I had travelled there to testify at the hearing,” she said. She said she has no reason to avoid the process and will continue to cooperate. “I want to make it clear that I will never turn against the honourable minister. In any…

15 Apr

Govt cracks down on vaping

National News

Patience Makwele Namibia is moving to tighten laws on e-cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products as part of efforts to strengthen tobacco control. The deputy minister of health, Susan Ndjaleka, said the government is reviewing the Tobacco Products Control Act to close gaps in regulation. She was speaking at the Africa Tobacco Control Core Partners Biannual Coordination meeting in Windhoek on Tuesday. “We are in the process of amending the Tobacco Product Control Act to address emerging tobacco products,” Ndjaleka said. She said Namibia is also working towards joining the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products to curb…

15 Apr

E-hailing operators want urgent meeting with Nekundi

National News

Allexer Namundjebo Small and medium enterprise (SMEs) operators in the e-hailing sector have asked works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi for an urgent meeting over delays in permit approvals. In a letter dated 10 April, seen by the Windhoek Observer, Yango partners said administrative delays are stopping compliant drivers from working. They said the problem is not refusal to follow the law but slow processes. “Systemic administrative delays in the permitting process are preventing compliant drivers from operating,” the letter states. Operators said many drivers submitted all required documents before the May deadline but are still waiting for approval. They…

14 Apr

Tug of war: Katima CEO suspended again

Main, National News

Patience Makwele Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has approved the suspension of Katima Mulilo Raphael Liswaniso with full pay. A ministerial letter confirms the approval was granted under the Local Authorities Act and takes immediate effect. The decision comes after the Labour Court of Namibia ordered Liswaniso’s reinstatement last Friday in a separate matter linked to his suspension. That earlier suspension, effected on 28 October last year, was challenged through arbitration. The ruling found it was procedurally unfair. It said Liswaniso was not notified, was not warned and was not informed of the charges. The arbitrator ordered his…

14 Apr

Hyphen assesses 400 companies for hydrogen supply chain

National News

Justicia Shipena More than 400 Namibian companies have already been assessed as part of an effort to prepare local businesses for participation in the green hydrogen sector. This comes as Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, in partnership with ENERTRAG and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), on Monday signed a cooperation agreement under the International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H2UPPP) to support local participation in the value chain. The agreement introduces an enterprise and supplier development programme aimed at building the capacity of Namibian businesses and helping them compete in the sector. The initiative is backed by grant funding of up to 300…

14 Apr

Meatco eyes global premium market with Wagyu

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) aims to increase value addition by processing Wagyu cattle locally as it moves into the premium beef market. Meatco on Monday announced that it has slaughtered and processed Wagyu cattle. Wagyu refers to four main Japanese cattle breeds known for high-quality beef that requires specialised breeding, feeding and management. “This is more than a processing milestone; it is a statement of intent. Namibia is not just participating in global beef markets; we are moving decisively into the premium segment where value, not volume, defines success,” said Meatco interim chief executive officer Albertus…

14 Apr

Residents push ahead with ||Khomani chief removal process

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Residents of the ||Khomani Traditional Authority handed over a petition on Monday calling for a vote of no confidence against chief Juliane Gawanas and her council. The group gathered at Dolam in Katutura, led by community activist Shaun Gariseb. They accuse the leadership of selling land meant for local residents to business people within the ||Khomani area. The petition follows a community meeting held on 31 January at A.I. Steenkamp Primary School, where more than 750 people supported a vote of no confidence against the chief and the council. The process forms part of steps taken by the…

14 Apr

Mbandeka urges Govt to follow laws to avoid costly cases

National News

Staff Writer Attorney general Festus Mbandeka says stronger legal compliance across state institutions and state-owned enterprises will reduce court cases and improve governance. He made the remarks during a stakeholder engagement session hosted by his office in the Erongo region on Monday. Mbandeka said government entities must follow laws and improve how they work to avoid costly litigation. “Together, we can foster a culture of legal compliance within state institutions and SOE entities by promoting voluntary compliance and using best practices to streamline processes and reduce litigation costs,” he said. The session forms part of a nationwide programme to strengthen…