National News – Page 120 – Windhoek Observer

10 Oct

SADC Anti-Corruption Agencies set to meet in Swakopmund

ObserverNational NewsThe Southern African Development Community (SADC) will host a crucial meeting for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) in Swakopmund from 11 to 13 October 2023.

Niël Terblanché The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will host a crucial meeting for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) in Swakopmund from 11 to 13 October 2023. According to a statement by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission, Josefina Nghituwamata, the core objective of the workshop is to fortify the execution of the SADC Strategic Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2023-2027). A key feature will be enhancing coordination efforts between the SADC Secretariat, Member States, and their respective ACAs. This workshop aims to elevate awareness among ACA leaders regarding the SADC Protocol against Corruption, facilitating discussions on emerging…

09 Oct

Poachers sentenced to 15 years

ObserverNational NewsPoachers sentenced to 15 years

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek Magistrate Court has handed down prison sentences of up to 15 years to four individuals involved in a heinous rhino poaching case. The culprits were found guilty for their involvement in a poaching incident dating back to December 2016, where four white rhinos were ruthlessly killed on a private farm in the Gobabis District. On 22 December 2016, the suspects allegedly, without a hunting permit, killed four white rhinos – two bulls and two pregnant cows – each valued at N$1.25 million, with a total value of N$5 million. The late Uakaerera Kandji, a former Brave…

09 Oct

New Metrology Act to iron out loopholes in the trade sector

ObserverNational NewsNew Metrology Act to iron out loopholes in the trade sector

Martin Endjala Industrialisation and Trade Minister, Lucia Iipimbu, says that the new Metrology ACT No.5 of 2022 will iron out loopholes within the trade sector and help shape the domestic market to greater heights with credible measurement systems. She said that the Act is a game changer in the sense that it will protect the country’s domestic market trade from fraudulent practices and will enforce the necessary measures that will ensure that Namibia Standards Institution’s (NSI) standards are fully adhered to. The Minister said this during the launch of the awareness campaign for the new metrology Act, last week Friday…

09 Oct

NUDO expresses discontent over the state of housing

ObserverNational NewsNUDO expresses discontent over the state of housing

Stefanus Nashama The National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) Secretary-General, Josef Kauandenge, has voiced the party’s dismay over the increasing reliance on shacks as homes in Namibia while the country’s leaders amass wealth. Kauandenge labelled this trend a betrayal by those in power, who he accused of prioritizing their interests over those of the Namibian people. “Instead of working for the best interests of the people, those in power seem to be looting and pilfering,” he remarked. His comments came during NUDO’s belated 59th-anniversary celebration, held as a public meeting at the Havana informal settlement in Windhoek over the weekend. Considering…

09 Oct

Karasburg trio released on bail

ObserverNational NewsKarasburg trio released on bail

Martin Endjala The Karasburg Magistrate Court released three members of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) on bail, set at N$1000 each, on Saturday. The trio had been arrested on 2 October 2023 by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on charges of alleged corruption. Magistrate Samingo Kasaona set bail for Karasburg Town Council Mayor Maria Veldskoen, town council management member Fransiskus Skeyer, and Acting Chief Executive Officer Hansina Isaacks. The bail conditions stipulate that they must not interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations. Although the trio applied for bail on 3 October 2023, it was denied, and the case was postponed to…

09 Oct

LPM claims Karasburg’s arrests driven by political directives

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) alleges that the recent arrest of its leaders and councillors in the Karasburg Town Council is driven by a political agenda from those in power, intended to discredit the party. The party has labelled the arrest as a ‘witch-hunt’ and claims the actions specifically targeted LPM leaders. Last week, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) detained Karasburg Town Council Mayor Maria Veldskoen, Acting Chief Executive Officer Hansina Isaaks, and other council members, accusing them of contravening local authority governing laws. Paulus Noah, the ACC’s Director-General, confirmed the arrests. He reported that the accused individuals had…

09 Oct

Rent control bill urgently needed

ObserverNational NewsErastus Uutoni, Rent control bill urgently needed

Martin Endjala Maximillian Katjimune, a member of the Popular Democratic Movement Party and Parliament, has pressed Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni to expedite the finalization of the rent control bill. He stressed the necessity of presenting it in the August house to address the steep rental prices prevalent across the country. “I urge the minister, his ministry, and the cabinet to accelerate this process. It should not take this long to introduce the rent control bill to parliament, especially when, I believe, it was either in NDP3 or NDP4, that the Swapo government had indicated intentions to table…

09 Oct

Training will empower social workers to tackle TB and leprosy

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched a critical training program focused on arming social workers with the vital expertise necessary to effectively tackle the challenges posed by tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy. The primary objective behind the initiative is to fortify social workers with advanced knowledge, positioning them to address the intricate challenges tied to these diseases. Given that these ailments persist as substantial public health concerns, the ministry stressed the need for a holistic, multi-pronged strategy. Social workers, through this comprehensive training, are set to gain in-depth knowledge on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of…

09 Oct

MFV Helena Ndume will make history on maiden Antarctic voyage

ObserverNational NewsMFV Helena Ndume will make history on maiden Antarctic voyage

Niël Terblanché The Motorised Fishing Vessel (MFV) Helena Ndume, owned by Honeyguide Investments and named after “Namibia’s miracle doctor” recently set sail on a historic expedition to the icy waters of Antarctica. This voyage is the first-ever foray by a Namibian fishing vessel into international waters. Costing N$100 million, the ice-breaker vessel has been commissioned to fish for Patagonian toothfish within the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) Convention area. The crew, comprising 32 members, including 12 proud Namibians, anticipate a 60-day journey. Derek Klazen, Minister of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, lauded Honeyguide…

06 Oct

Excessive study fees might result in public outrage

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement has cautioned vocational institutions nationwide against charging registration and examination fees to government-funded students. The group suggests that continuing this practice might lead to public outrage. The AR’s National Spokesperson, George Kambala, believes that vocational institutions should prioritize affordable, quality education. He contends that charging such fees is not only unethical but also puts unnecessary financial strain on students looking to gain essential vocational skills. “Consider this a clear warning. If these institutions don’t change their ways, we’re prepared to hold them accountable through legal and regulatory avenues,” he warned. Kambala also emphasized…