National News – Page 114

25 Sep

Drought Relief Programme enhanced as severe food insecurity increases

info_e12wt4csNational NewsSaara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis

Niël Terblanché The government has stepped up its efforts to provide nationwide drought relief as approximately half of the nation suffers the consequences and effects of the severe drought that has the country in its grip. Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila officially launched the National Platform on the implementation of the 2024/25 Drought Relief Programme in Windhoek on Wednesday. The prime Minister said that the platform brings together key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to the growing food insecurity crisis, which is expected to impact more than 1.26 million people in the coming months. During the event which was attended…

24 Sep

GIPF pumps N$5.9 billion into SMEs, housing and green energy

info_e12wt4csNational NewsConville Britz, GIPF's investments

Stefanus Nashama The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has made cumulative investments in Namibia exceeding N$5.9 billion across the property, private equity, debt, and infrastructure sectors over the past eleven years. The fund has also produced transformative outcomes by enriching the country's socio-economic landscape in various ways. This is according to GIPF’s General Manager of Investments, Conville Britz. “At the heart of GIPF's investment philosophy lies a steadfast commitment to adding tangible value to Namibia's socio-economic landscape through strategic investments that go beyond seeking financial returns. By directing capital into key sectors of the economy, GIPF plays a pivotal role…

24 Sep

Mbumba calls for strong leadership in the face of global challenges

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPact for the Future, Private Sector Forum

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba addressed the Private Sector Forum, at the Summit of the Future, and said that bold leadership will play a critical role in international cooperation and in addressing global challenges. He said the adoption of the Pact for the Future is an ambitious document that calls for world leaders' commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive multilateral system. “The Pact addresses key issues such as international peace and security, digital technology, sustainable development, and financing for development, all of which are central to responding to the complex challenges of the 21st century,” he said. Mbumba added…

24 Sep

Boreholes to address water shortage at village in Kavango East

info_e12wt4csNational NewsKavango East Region, MAWLR, Shamavinyo and Kake villages

Martin Endjala The Shamavinyo and Kake villages near Divundu in the Kavango East region will receive new boreholes following an outcry by the affected communities. Residents of Shamavinyo have complained that the water crisis has been going on for quite some time and the solar water pump in the area has not been working for years. According to one resident, Freddy Marando, the weak pressure frequently forces them to leave their water containers at the pump site in the hope that they will be filled up by the following day. “This issue has been going on for some time. Maybe…

24 Sep

Sunken barge raises concerns about pollution at Lüderitz

info_e12wt4csNational NewsBenguela Current, Kelp Blue

Niël Terblanché Environmentalists raised the alarm over the weekend after a barge belonging to Kelp Blue partially submerged off the coast of Lüderitz, causing concern for damage to marine life in the area. The incident, attributed to bad weather and strong winds, led to the barge partially sinking in Shearwater Bay. Kelp Blue immediately responded, launching a salvage operation while working to clear debris from the shore. A team from Kelp Blue has been at sea since Monday, attempting to recover the barge, while others have been cleaning up washed-up flotsam, which includes ropes, floats, and other debris scattered along…

24 Sep

Parliament to debate equal resources for public schools to match private institutions

info_e12wt4csNational NewsHidipo Hamata, Popular Democratic Movement, Provide Access to Digital Learning Tools

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Assembly has adopted a motion to debate how the government can provide adequate resources for public schools to excel like private schools. On Tuesday, Popular Democratic Movement member of parliament, Hidipo Hamata, who tabled the motion, told Windhoek Observer that the motion is driven by a commitment to ensure that Namibian children attending government schools receive the same quality of education as those in private schools. ‘’The primary goal of this motion is to push the government to prioritise equitable resource allocation to all government schools. This means providing essential learning materials, such as textbooks, modern…

24 Sep

Hollard Namibia gives N$750 000 towards early education

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAmos Meerkat School Project, Early Childhood Development (ECD), Hollard Namibia Group

Ester Mbathera The Hollard Namibia Group renewed its three-year sponsorship of N$750 000 for the Amos Meerkat School Project, which prepares farm and informal settlement children for primary education through a specialised curriculum. This renewed commitment will begin in the 2025 financial year. Hollard’s spokesperson, Sam Kauapirua, said the renewed financial support is a testament to the project's remarkable achievements and its crucial role in shaping the future of our nation's youth. “Early Childhood Development (ECD) plays a pivotal role in preparing children for a successful school career and life beyond. In the African context, quality ECD is particularly crucial…

24 Sep

Lüderitz NUST campus faces accommodation shortage

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNashilongo Gervasius, Phillippus Balhao

Martin Endjala The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) satellite campus that will be launched on Wednesday faces an accommodation shortage due to a lack of serviced plots. The mayor of Lüderitz, Phillippus Balhao, raised these concerns with the Windhoek Observer. “I wish I knew more about the accommodation because it's a pressing concern for everyone in Lüderitz at the moment, and the construction and servicing aren't quite responsive enough for the market demands,” he said. He said the NUST satellite campus is currently accommodated in the old power station as part of the waterfront development. He explained that…

24 Sep

Namibia receives millions for drought relief from Malaysia and Japan

info_e12wt4csNational NewsDrought Relief Programme, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, World Food Programme

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s ongoing battle against severe drought received a vital boost this week with the Government of Malaysia pledging N$710 400 towards the country’s Drought Relief Programme. The funds, presented to Namibia’s Prime Minister, Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Monday, come at a critical time as the nation grapples with the effects of prolonged drought, which has been declared a national disaster. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila expressed deep appreciation for the Malaysian government's support, describing the donation as "the right shot at the right time" for a nation in dire need. She assured the acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Namibia, Dr Mohamad…

23 Sep

Police plead with public to help dismantle drug networks

info_e12wt4csNational NewsBrigadier Athlenda Mathe, Kauna Shikwambi

Ester Mbathera The Namibian Police’s national spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner, Kauna Shikwambi, urged the public to report known drug dealers and those involved in recruiting or trafficking young people into the drug trade. Her call comes in response to the recent arrest of a 30-year-old Namibian woman at the OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. The suspect was caught while attempting to smuggle drugs. “Our message remains. The use, possession, and dealing of drugs are prohibited, illegal, and punishable by law. Let’s take the message across. Let's continue to educate, especially our youth, who are desperate for money and addicted…