National News – Page 115

23 Sep

Africa-America Institute celebrates Geingob’s legacy

info_e12wt4csNational News40th Annual Awards Gala

Niël Terblanché The Africa-America Institute (AAI) is set to host its 40th Annual Awards Gala, bringing together some of Africa’s most influential leaders and global figures in a celebration of African achievement and the African diaspora. The gala, which will take place on Tuesday, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, coincides with the United Nations General Assembly, adding to the international significance of the event. This year’s gala, themed “Bridging Cultures and Igniting Futures: An Evening Honouring African and Diasporan Visionaries in Arts and Culture,” will feature a Presidential Fireside Chat with Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic…

23 Sep

NamWater rushes to restore water supply in Okakarara

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s national water utility has assured residents of Okakarara and surrounding areas that it is busy with restoring consistent water supply after disruptions caused by issues with the Okakarara-Elandspan pipeline. The temporary shutdown of the water transfer from Kombat Mine on September 10 disrupted the water supply to Okakarara and nearby areas like Ombinda and Elandspan, according to Lot Ndamanomhata, NamWater's spokesperson, on Monday. “This measure was taken by NamWater to manage energy costs,” he said. The water supply to Okakarara is sourced from the Grootfontein-Kombat Omatako canal system and processed at the Okakarara purification plant. This facility…

23 Sep

Internal politics disrupt MUN operations

info_e12wt4csNational NewsGeorge Ampweya, Mineworkers Union of Namibia

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Mineworkers Union of Namibia’s (MUN) secretary general, George Ampweya has attributed the union’s current difficulties to internal divisions and factionalism, which he says are undermining the organisation's work. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, Ampweya identified ongoing infighting, which he believes is driven by loyalties to former union leaders, as a major challenge. “The problem I am picking up is that there are a lot of issues coming from the region, the infights and loyalty to specific individuals. There are several alliances that want to tarnish the reputations of individuals currently in office,” Ampweya said. The issue came…

23 Sep

APP not interested in 96 parliamentary seats

info_e12wt4csNational NewsElectoral Commission of Namibia

Stefanus Nashama Unlike other political parties, the All People’s Party (APP) has only nominated 50 people for parliament. Last Wednesday, the party released a list of only 50 candidates, whereas other parties have 96. The party’s leader, Ambrosius Kumbwa, told the Windhoek Observer last week that there is no need for a complete list since no political party has obtained 96 seats in parliament before. "We are not interested in 96 seats." No one has managed to get so many seats before, not even the Swapo, which used to have the majority,” he said. Kumbwa attributed his reasoning to the…

23 Sep

No government or ruling party lasts forever – Venaani

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National NewsPopular Democratic Movement, SWAPO

Stefanus Nashama The Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani believes the reign of Swapo will not last forever. He made the remarks while addressing a PDM mega rally at Nkurenkuru on Saturday. “There is no loyalty to the Namibian people. However, ladies and gentlemen, let me remind you: no government or ruling party lasts forever. The reign of Swapo shall not last forever either,” he said. Venaani claimed that the current government has been manipulating the country for a long time. “We must confront the undeniable reality that our communities have been manipulated for far too long,” he stated.…

23 Sep

Bondelswarts gears up for cultural showcase at World Tourism Day

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Bondelswarts Heritage Foundation is preparing to host a historical cultural event at the Warmbad Heritage site, embracing the theme “Promoting Unity, Tourism, and Culture for Development” on World Tourism Day on 27 September. This global day of recognition presents an opportunity to explore the transformative power of tourism, especially in rural communities like Warmbad, situated in the //Kharas region. Mathew Veldskoen, the spokesperson for the Bondelswarts Heritage Foundation, stated that tourism has the potential to be a force for positive change in rural areas across the world. He stressed that the event in Warmbad will not only…

23 Sep

Chief Justice urges consistency in court rulings nationwide

info_e12wt4csNational News2024 Annual Magistrates Conference, Peter Shivute

Niël Terblanché Namibia's Chief Justice, Peter Shivute, during the official opening of the 2024 Annual Magistrates Conference reiterated the importance of a unified magistracy in delivering justice efficiently and fairly across all regions of the country. The conference that started in Swakopmund on Monday morning will focus on the theme of “Fostering a Unified Magistracy.” The event that brought together magistrates from across Namibia serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and addressing the many challenges facing the lower courts in the country. Justice Shivute stressed that for many Namibians, their first encounter with the legal system happens in the…

22 Sep

Namibian MPs join global call to remove Cuba from terrorism list

info_e12wt4csNational Newsterrorism list, U.S. President Joe Biden

Niël Terblanché In a show of global solidarity, Namibian members of parliament (MPs) have joined over 600 parliamentarians from 73 countries in signing a letter denouncing U.S. President Joe Biden's designation of Cuba as a "state sponsor of terrorism." Namibia’s MPs, alongside their international counterparts, are urging their respective governments to take action to remove Cuba from this controversial list before the end of Biden’s term in January 2025. Addressed to the United Nations, the collective letter denounces the reapplication of the designation, characterizing it as cynical, cruel, and a violation of international law. The United States first removed Cuba…

22 Sep

Shikongo reappointed as police chief

info_e12wt4csNational NewsJoseph Shikongo

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo has been reappointed as Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force for another three-year term. The appointment is effective from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2027. President Nangolo Mbumba confirmed the general’s reappointment on Sunday. Mbumba expressed confidence in Shikongo’s ability to continue leading the Namibian Police Force. “I am confident in your ability to execute your duties with professionalism and fairness,” said Mbumba. The president also instructed Shikongo to implement policies aimed at combating crime and modernizing the police force to meet global law enforcement standards. Shikongo, who turned 60 on 18…

22 Sep

SWAPO insults dignity of people during food parcel incident in Walvis Bay

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAlly Angula, Ndumba Kamwanyah, Panduleni Itula, Stephanus Pombili

Niël Terblanché and Hertta-Maria Amutenya In a shocking and widely condemned incident at SWAPO’s Star Rally in Walvis Bay, Namibians were left outraged after food parcels were thrown at attendees, resulting in chaos. The event has sparked nationwide debate and fierce criticism of the ruling party, raising concerns about the dignity and respect accorded to the nation’s citizens. Panduleni Itula, president of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), expressed his dismay in a strongly worded statement released on Sunday. He condemned the SWAPO officials involved, describing the incident as a "disgrace" that symbolised a larger issue of mismanagement and exploitation…