National News – Windhoek Observer

07 Oct

Plan to strengthen healthcare system refined

ObserverNational NewsMinisterial National Health and Social Welfare Conference, Universal Health Coverage

Niël Terblanché The minister of health and social services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, laid out the government’s strategic roadmap for reinforcing the country’s healthcare and social services infrastructure at the Ministerial National Health and Social Welfare Conference on Monday. The week-long conference, held in Windhoek, seeks to assess the state of healthcare delivery and social services while making recommendations for improvement.While officially opening the conference, Shangula described the conference as a platform for "unpacking the work that we do as a Ministry" and an opportunity to reflect on past successes and failures in order to craft actionable strategies moving forward. He…

07 Oct

Shangula warns of critical shortages of professionals in hospitals

ObserverNational NewsDr Kalumbi Shangula, Medium Expenditure Frameworks

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia’s health sector is grappling with a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, despite the government's efforts to fill vacant positions. This was raised by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, during his address at the National Health and Social Services Conference this week. “When I visit hospitals, the main concern is the shortage of critical professionals. Although most vacant posts are filled, the need for extra manpower remains,” he said. Shangula called for urgent measures to resolve the staff shortage issues, which he said are affecting the delivery of essential services in hospitals across…

07 Oct

ECN cancels ballot paper printing tender after backlash from political parties

ObserverNational NewsOpen International Bidding (OIB), Peter Shaama

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has cancelled the Open International Bidding (OIB) process for designing, printing, supplying and delivering ballot papers for next month’s Presidential and National Assembly elections. Peter Shaama, the Chief Electoral and Referendum Officer of the ECN, announced on Monday that the commission met with authorised political representatives and came to the decision to cancel the tender. This came after various political parties slammed ECN for initiating the process at the last minute. The ECN wanted to print the ballot papers through an emergency procurement process due to limited time and to avoid going…

07 Oct

Phalaphala accused wants to bring another bail application

ObserverNational NewsImanuwela David, Phalaphala Game Farm

Ester Mbathera Imanuwela David, the only accused behind bars in the Phalaphala Game Farm housebreaking case in South Africa, is attempting to apply for bail again. His lawyer, Keona Matlala, told the Modimolle Regional Court in Limpopo on Tuesday that his client needs to prepare for the case while free on bail. “Looking at the amount of documents in the docket for our preparations, we need a client that is outside. Basically, we need to apply for bail so that he can be available for consultation anytime. The other thing is with him in prison the financial issue is the…

07 Oct

Namibian students qualified to work in oil and gas industry

ObserverNational NewsOffshore Marine Training Institute of Namibia (OMITC)

Ester Mbathera Sixteen students completed courses in basic rigging, firewatching, and gas testing for the offshore oil and gas industry at the Offshore Marine Training Institute of Namibia (OMITC) at Walvis Bay. On Monday, the Director of OMITC Namibia, Absalom Fillipus, told the Windhoek Observer that the courses are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the offshore oil and gas industry, including roles at sea. “It means investing in the future of Namibia, enhancing both personal and professional growth for local citizens. As more Namibians become skilled in essential areas like rigging, firewatching,…

07 Oct

Education ministries to unveil project charter for education reform

ObserverNational NewsAntónio Guterres

Niël Terblanché The Ministries of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC) and Higher Education, Technology and Innovation (MHETI) are preparing to launch the Project Charter, an implementation guide for recommendations made during the 2022 National Conference on Education (NCE). According to a statement released by the ministry of education, the charter seeks to mobilise resources and commitment from various stakeholders to drive the transformation of Namibia’s education system. The NCE, held in August 2022, came at a time of significant global educational disruption, largely triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was linked to the global Transforming Education Summit (TES) for…

07 Oct

Anton Lubowski’s fight for justice honoured at memorial lecture

ObserverFeatured, National News

Stellenbosch University Like other freedom fighters before and after him, Anton Lubowski was murdered for opposing the plundering by corporate interests and lobbying for the redistribution of Africa’s wealth to its people. This was the unambiguous message delivered by retired judge and author Chris Nicholson at the recent sixth annual Anton Lubowski Memorial Lecture. Moderated by veteran journalist Max du Preez and presented by Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Development and Alumni Relations Division in collaboration with the Faculty of Law and Simonsberg Residence, the event honoured the life and contributions of Anton Lubowski, a dedicated anti-apartheid activist and SU alumnus who…

07 Oct

New executive directors appointed at ministries and agencies

ObserverNational NewsMichael Humavindu, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, Tuyakula Haipinge

Niël Terblanché George Simsataa, the Cabinet Secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister has announced the appointment of new Executive Directors (EDs) to various Namibian government ministries and agencies. According to Simataa’s announcement, these appointments, which were recommended by the Public Service Commission in accordance with the Public Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 13 of 1995), come as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership within key sectors of government. Simataa said that the appointments will take effect on 1 November. Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati has been appointed as the Executive Director for the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and…

06 Oct

Illegal immigrants among hundreds left homeless after Otweya fire

ObserverNational Newsinformal settlements

Niël Terblanché Walvis Bay municipality has confirmed that a significant number of people who were left homeless as a result of the devastating fire at the illegal informal settlement next to the Otweya area are illegal immigrants. According to Victoria Kapenda, the chief executive officer of the town, municipal officials determined that more than 70 of the individuals who lost their homes in the blaze are non-Namibians. “This raised concerns about the legal status of many of the settlement’s residents,” Kapenda said in a statement released on Saturday. Kapenda added that the fire, which destroyed approximately 80 informal structures and…

06 Oct

Experts worried about NIPDB setup

ObserverNational NewsAdrianus Vugs, Escher Luanda

Ester Mbathera Financial sector and governance experts expressed concerns about the structure of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). This follows the announcement by the NIPDB that it is transitioning to a new governance structure. Adrianus Vugs, a financial sector expert, argued that the creation of the NIPDB outside of formal government structures was flawed. He questioned why the institution reports directly to the president instead of to the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT), which he says raised concerns about its governance and transparency. “Why should it still report to the president? And why should the chairperson…