National News – Page 100 – Windhoek Observer

08 Nov

Structural changes and administrativereforms yield positive results

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has embarked on a comprehensive reform initiative of the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS), resulting in the recovery of N$43 million. According to Wilson Shikoto, the spokesperson of the Finance Ministry, PSEMAS has had unsustainable expenditure patterns over the years, prompting a need for structural changes to ensure its long-term viability. “The unsustainable escalation of expenditures in recent years prompted the government to undertake a holistic reform effort,” Shikoto said in a statement. He indicated that a consortium of consultants with extensive expertise in the industry was engaged to provide…

07 Nov

Groundbreaking ceremony marks Namibia’s path to green iron production

ObserverNational NewsGroundbreaking ceremony marks Namibia’s path to green iron production

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Minister in the Presidency, Christine //Hoebes, underscored Namibia’s commitment to addressing the universal challenge of climate change. “As we stand here in the majestic landscape of the Namib Desert, we are celebrating a project that will bring us a step closer to achieving this goal. The HyIron Oshivela project has the potential to contribute towards the decarbonisation of the planet while positioning Namibia at the forefront of the green industrial transition. In addition to that, because of this project, Namibia will become the first country in the world to produce green iron, which is iron produced at zero…

07 Nov

Regional Dialogue ready to address urgent climate challenges

ObserverNational NewsRegional Dialogue ready to address urgent climate challenges

Niël Terblanché Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased climate variability are among the most difficult challenges faced by Africa. Climate change poses an existential threat to the population, environment, and economy of the continent. Pohamba Shifeta, Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, called on regional leadership for collective action against the pressing climate crisis. He officiated at the official opening of the Green Climate Fund’s Regional Dialogue with Africa. Shifeta stressed the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. “The consequences of climate change in Africa are vast,…

07 Nov

Unpaid census enumerators a concern for UPM

ObserverNational NewsUnpaid census enumerators a concern for UPM

Stefanus Nashama The United Peoples Movement (UPM) has expressed its disappointment with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) for not paying the enumeration workers, who participated in the fieldwork of the 2023 Population and Housing Census. Expressing the concern last week, the party leader Jan van Wyk, stated that it is unbelievable that the agency would continuously fail to address the issue of pending payments. “It is unacceptable that workers must now wait so long for their hard-earned wages, further deepening the financial woes they currently face. These same workers have endured a lot of inconvenience in ensuring the job is…

07 Nov

Peer interaction training set to enhance professionalism in correctional services

ObserverNational NewsPeer interaction training set to enhance professionalism in correctional services

Niël Terblanché Raphael Tuhafeni, the Commissioner General of the Namibian Correctional Service, officially inaugurated the Peer Interaction Training Workshop for Officers in Charge of Correctional-Prisons-Penitentiary Settings. Tuhafeni said the gathering in Walvis Bay was designed to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of correctional systems in member countries and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He acknowledged the pivotal role played by Officers in Charge in maintaining safety, security, and inmate rehabilitation within correctional facilities. He commended their dedication to upholding justice, rehabilitation, and public safety. The workshop is aimed to further bolster their skills and knowledge and enable them to…

07 Nov

Fatal crash results in arrest

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché A tragedy occurred in the informal residential area of Tulinawa in Swakopmund on Sunday when a 23-year-old man from the coastal town, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, struck two pedestrians and crashed into a workshop next to the street. The accident resulted in the death of 51-year-old Jeptha Kandhingwa, who succumbed to his injuries at Swakopmund State Hospital shortly after arriving. Another victim, 27-year-old Johannes Shangambe, sustained serious injuries and remains in critical condition at the same hospital. According to a report from the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division, the young driver had been entrusted with…

06 Nov

Non-compliant companies are a danger to the safety of properties and people: SAN

ObserverNational NewsNon-compliant companies are a danger to the safety of properties and people: SAN

Martin Endjala The Security Association of Namibia (SAN) National President Dhiginina Uutaapama, has raised concerns over non-compliant companies in the industry that are not adhering to the Labour Act 11 of 2007 and the Collective Agreement No. 6414, published in the Government Gazette on September 15, 2017. He said companies involved in this type of practice are undermining the security officials who put their lives at risk day and night to protect properties and people, which in turn jeopardises the safety and security of the industry and the people. “This is a troubling trend that jeopardises the rights and well-being…

06 Nov

Namibia and the USA set to forge stronger economic ties through AGOA

ObserverNational NewsNamibia and the USA set to forge stronger economic ties through AGOA

Niël Terblanché Namibia and the United States of America (USA) are working towards enhancing their economic relations, marked by substantial support and trade growth under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Since 2017, the USA has directly supported Namibian firms, facilitating exports worth more than N$30 million to the USA through AGOA. According to Randy Berry, the USA’s Ambassador to Namibia, the country has witnessed a notable surge in exports to the USA, with charcoal exports from The Global Charcoal Company, utilizing sustainably harvested Namibian wood, being a significant contributor. Besides charcoal, other top exports to the USA from…

06 Nov

Plant theft worries CoW

ObserverNational NewsPlant theft worries CoW

Martin Endjala City of Windhoek (CEO) Chief Executive Officer, Moses Matyayi, said the city council has observed with great concern the theft of newly planted flowers, trees and shrubs throughout the city. Matyayi said all trees and shrubs planted along Independence Avenue in celebration of Arbor Day 2023 were illegally uprooted and stolen. This deliberate removal of greenery intended to enhance the public spaces according to Matyayi, is a setback in their ongoing efforts to beautify the city. The City’s Corporate and Communication Manager Harold Akwenye, said the plants cost an estimated N$ 70 000 to replace the stolen and…

06 Nov

Uutoni hands over 66 houses in Walvis Bay

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Newly built houses for 66 individuals were officially handed over to low and ultra-low-income residents of Narraville on the outskirts of Walvis Bay last week. The housing initiative was realized through the dedicated efforts of the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia (SDFN) and the Namibia Housing Action Group, with the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development facilitating the handover. The ownership of the houses was made possible through the unwavering commitment of community members, who, despite financial constraints, saved diligently to contribute to the cause. The journey faced its fair share of challenges. After applying for land in…