National News – Page 132

20 Oct

‘Ombili beer’ takes the U.S. market by storm

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In the United States, a new beer named "Ombili," inspired by the Oshivambo language, has taken the US market by storm, rapidly gaining popularity and capturing the hearts of local consumers. On March 25, 2021, Ombili IPA made its debut in liquor stores and taverns across Seattle, with distribution expanding to other states soon after. The name Ombili (pronounced "ohm-bee-lee") is deeply significant. In the Oshiwambo dialect, spoken in northern Namibia, “Ombili” means peace, harmony, and goodwill. For Grace Robbings, one of Reuben's Brews's co-founders and a former Peace Corps teacher volunteer in Namibia, such a word embodies the true…

20 Oct

N$31 million grants to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Kunene

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCommunity Conservation Fund of Namibia, Poverty-Oriented Support to Community Conservation in Namibia

Niël Terblanché The Poverty-Oriented Support to Community Conservation in Namibia (POSCCIN) project has distributed over N$31 million in grants to conservancies in the Kunene region. This effort, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) and the Community Conservation Fund of Namibia (CCFN), with German government support, aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict while promoting local livelihoods. The grants were handed over in Opuwo on Friday by Pohamba Shifeta, the minister of environment, forestry, and tourism. He said the Kunene region is facing increasing challenges as both wildlife and human populations grow. “Predator attacks on livestock, competition for water…

20 Oct

The situation has left the residents fearing for their lives and properties.

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Stefanus Nashama Crime in the Goreangab and Havana informal settlements of Windhoek has recently increased on weekends, with residents estimating that more than ten people fall victim to robberies during these times. Numerous incidents have involved forcing people to give up their phones, laptops, money, and other belongings or even getting stabbed with knives in the process. The situation has left the residents fearing for their lives and properties. Magdalena Andreas, of Havana, insisted that increasing police patrols is urgently needed to avoid further violence and theft. "You hardly see the police attending to such incidents on time. More police…

20 Oct

Legal threats escalate in /Khomanin communal land dispute

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja The ongoing dispute over ancestral land rights within the /Khomanin community has taken a new turn as legal threats have emerged. The /Khomanin Traditional Authority (TA), led by Chief Julienne Gawa!nas, has issued a letter of demand against social justice activist Shaun Gariseb, accusing him of defamation and undermining the authority of the Chief. In a letter dated 18 October, Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners, acting on behalf of the /Khomanin Traditional Authority, they demand that Gariseb retract statements he made during a press conference on 10 October. The letter claims that Gariseb falsely accused Chief Gawa!nas of collaborating…

20 Oct

Turkey aids Namibia’s drought relief efforts with food donations

info_e12wt4csNational NewsComprehensive Drought Response Relief Programme

Niël Terblanché The Turkish government has stepped in to strengthen Namibia’s drought relief programme by donating food aid worth approximately N$350 000. The much-needed assistance that was handed over on Friday, comes at a critical time, as almost half of the country’s population faces hunger because of the impact of the ongoing drought that has severely affected food security and the livelihoods of many vulnerable communities. During a ceremony held in Windhoek on 18 October 2024, Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister, John Mutorwa, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Namibian government for the country’s timely donation. He explained that the…

20 Oct

Capacity building and market access for small-scale fisheries vitally important

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Niël Terblanché By addressing these key challenges, Namibia’s small-scale fisheries (SSF) sector can play a more significant role in the country’s economy, improving food security and livelihoods, particularly for rural communities. To achieve this, strengthened collaborations between government entities, non-governmental organisations, and SSFOs will be vital in ensuring the sector’s success as it adapts to evolving market conditions and climate-related challenges In this regard, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in partnership with the Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), held a one-day workshop to validate the results of a Training Needs Assessment (TNA)…

20 Oct

Veteran broadcasters set to guide next generation

info_e12wt4csNational NewsSociety of Broadcast Veterans

Niël Terblanché Seasoned professionals from the broadcasting industry launched the Society of Broadcast Veterans (SBV) an initiative to mentor, inspire, and support the next generation of media talent. The forward-thinking initiative was launched on Friday. By bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting principles and modern journalism, the SBV aims to equip young broadcasters with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a constantly changing industry, ensuring that the future of media remains rooted in credibility, integrity, and passion. Kolie van Coller, convener of the SBV, stressed the significance of this initiative. “We recognise the challenges that young and…

17 Oct

Political interests spark renewed /Khomanin communal land dispute

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja Special advisor to the chief of the /Khomanin Traditional Authority, Walter /Hâseb, has accused certain individuals of exploiting the ongoing /Khomanin communal land dispute for political gain. The dispute, which revolves around ancestral land rights, has resurfaced with allegations from the community that a farmer, John Cuff, is infringing upon their rights to access, use, and control the land. “These individuals are being economical with the information they are sharing. They have their own political objectives that they want to achieve through elections. They are using this land issue to rally support, but they are not telling the…

17 Oct

Northern and Southern regions paid the least tax

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Martin Endjala The northern, southern, northeastern, and north-central regions contributed the least to Namibia's tax revenue, collectively adding over N$387 million out of the total N$4.2 billion in regional revenue performance. The central region contributed the most, with N$1.5 billion, followed by the western region with N$487.3 million. Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner, Sam Shivute attributed the disparity to tax evasion by individuals and businesses. He discussed this issue during NamRA's performance report for the period from April 1 to September 30. “To address these issues, NamRA implemented the Tax Amnesty Program on April 1, 2023, offering relief to taxpayers…

17 Oct

ECN disqualifies three presidential hopefuls

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAlly Angula, Else Ndapandula Chen, Jeremia Kaambo

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) announced the disqualification of three presidential hopefuls in the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly Elections scheduled for 27 November. In a statement issued on Thursday, the ECN said the disqualified candidates are Ally Angula, Else Ndapandula Chen, and Jeremia Kaambo. The Commission cited non-compliance with the nomination requirements outlined in the Electoral Act (Act 5 of 2014), particularly regarding the collection of registered voters’ signatures. In accordance with section 75(3)(b) of the Electoral Act, the public nomination process, which commenced at 09h00 on the 17th of October, officially closed at 11h00. “After…