National News

Massive load navigates Namibia en route to Zambia

Massive load navigates Namibia en route to Zambia

Niël Terblanché A 171-tonne oxygen plant on the trailer of a heavy-duty truck is weaving its way through Namibia on its way to Zambia. The journey of the giant piece of mining equipment that was offloaded in the Walvis Bay harbour, is seen as a demonstration of Namibia’s growing importance in international trade and logistics, highlighting the capabilities of the Walvis Bay Corridors to manage the most demanding transport projects. According to Mbahupu Tjivikua, the chief executive officer of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), the transport of the extraordinary shipment of a 50-metre-long oxygen plant container, destined for Solwezi…
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Donated equipment enhances fight against poaching in Namibia

Donated equipment enhances fight against poaching in Namibia

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) received 22 patrol vehicles and IT equipment valued at N$20 million as part of the Integrated Wildlife Protection Management Project’s (IWPP) efforts to enhance Namibia’s conservation efforts. Funded by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank, this support which was officially handed over on Wednesday, comes at a critical time as Namibia continues to combat increasing incidents of wildlife poaching, which poses a severe threat to rhinos and elephants. Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment expressed gratitude for Germany’s long-standing commitment to conservation in Namibia. “This equipment will significantly…
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August 26 donates vital supplies to Otweya fire victims

August 26 donates vital supplies to Otweya fire victims

Niël Terblanché In the wake of a devastating fire at the Otweya informal settlement in Walvis Bay, which left approximately 200 people homeless and claimed one life, August 26 Holding Company (PTY) Ltd, stepped forward on Wednesday with a donation of food and essential supplies. While the fire victims attempt to recover from the devastating loss of homes and belongings, the government, private sector, and civil society organisations came together to provide relief and plan for more permanent solutions. The relief effort by August 26 was aimed at providing immediate support to the victims and was welcomed by local officials…
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Agriculture ministry to recognise and register farms in Kunene region

Agriculture ministry to recognise and register farms in Kunene region

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR) has announced plans to recognise and register farm units at Farm Franken No. 242, situated in the Kunene region. The ministry's resettlement process will benefit about 26 people. The ministry has demarcated the farm units into sections B, C, D, and E, ranging in size from 2 500 to 3 515 hectares. The Windhoek Observer saw a notice inviting interested parties to file their objections with the ministry within seven days. Gary Nekongo, the Kunene region’s division land deputy director, said the 26 people had already been living on…
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PDM slams lack of transparency in Ballotti’s return to NIPDB

PDM slams lack of transparency in Ballotti’s return to NIPDB

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has expressed concerns about governance and transparency following the reappointment of Dino Ballotti to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). Ballotti, who recently left his role at First National Bank (FNB), has returned to the NIPDB as a technical consultant, a move that the PDM leader, McHenry Venaani, claims exemplifies the SWAPO administration’s lack of accountability. Balloti will serve as a technical consultant to NIPDB’s executive committee, having previously held the position of executive director of MSME innovation and acceleration at the same institution. Ballotti's brief tenure at FNB came to…
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Namcor acknowledges GRN lifeline

Namcor acknowledges GRN lifeline

Allexer Namundjembo Namcor Interim Managing Director, Ebson Uanguta acknowledged that the institution has significant debts mainly owed to its suppliers. Uanguta said this on Tuesday while giving an overview of the company’s operations and strategic progress at the Government Information Centre. “These were possibly things that went wrong, hence Namcor found itself in significant debt, and because of that, we needed financial support from the government as a shareholder. We appreciate the government for its commitment because they came and supported Namcor during that difficult time,’’ Uanguta said. He explained that the institution then came up with a sovereign guarantee…
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NGO fights to keep girls in school with sanitary pad donations

NGO fights to keep girls in school with sanitary pad donations

Allexer Namundjembo Tim Martins, founder and CEO of the I Got Your Back, My Sisters (IGYBMS) project, has reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to ensuring that no learner misses school due to lack of access to sanitary pads. Despite challenges in securing partnerships with government agencies, Martins expressed pride in the donations the project has received so far, which have already made a significant impact in various regions of Namibia. “‘We are more dedicated to keeping the girl child in school. We are facing challenges such as partnering with government agencies, but we appreciate the donations we are getting particularly the…
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Namibia, South Africa eyes final resolution on Orange River border

Namibia, South Africa eyes final resolution on Orange River border

Niël Terblanché The Orange River, which forms part of the border between Namibia and South Africa, has been a point of contention for decades but renewed efforts to resolve the matter and to find a lasting resolution have been launched. In this regard, Namibia and South Africa convened the Political, Diplomatic, and Legal Committee of their Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Swakopmund over the past two days. The meeting, co-chaired by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, focused on the critical report of the Namibia-South Africa…
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UDF vows to customise education and vocational training

Allexer Namundjembo The United Democratic Front has pledged to revolutionise the education sector if it gains power in the November elections. According to the party's manifesto, the party aims to provide every Namibian with equal access to education, thereby ensuring job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and a better future for them. The party further indicated that it would address the shortage of teachers. This will be done by providing attractive packages as remuneration to teachers to enhance and increase their number countrywide, while at the same time increasing the standard of our education in Namibia. “To effectively address the technical and vocational…
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Former ECN chief electoral officer still unemployed

Former ECN chief electoral officer still unemployed

Stefanus Nashama Theo Mujoro, the former Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), has been unemployed since his term at the commission ended in June 2023. Mujoro expressed optimism that he will find employment again in the future to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. “At the moment, I am unemployed, but I think I can still make it,” said Mujoro. He said he is currently preparing to secure gainful employment next year. “Due to my experience, skills, and knowledge, I believe I can get a job next year,” he said. Mujoro’s comments come after some…
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