National News – Page 145

30 Sep

GIZ backs Namibia’s initiatives to transform informal settlements

info_e12wt4csNational NewsInclusive and Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD), Namibian Association of Local Authority Officials (NALAO)

Martin Endjala The German development organisation, Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has invited local and regional firms and individual consultants to conduct an organisational analysis for the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and the Namibian Association of Local Authority Officials (NALAO) in an effort to improve the living conditions of residents of informal settlements. The Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD) project has been commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to assist Namibia in the transformation of informal settlements into liveable neighbourhoods, “The objective of this consultancy is to improve the institutional capacity…

30 Sep

NSA pilot survey to shed light on financial dynamics of Namibians

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAlex Shimuafeni, Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (NHIES)

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) launched the pilot phase of the Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (NHIES) last week. The NSA’s Statistician-General, Alex Shimuafeni in a statement said the survey is the beginning of an extensive data-gathering exercise that aims to shed light on the financial dynamics of Namibian households. Shimuafeni indicated that the pilot survey, which will run until 20 October, will be conducted in the Erongo, Hardap, Kavango West, Khomas, Kunene, Omaheke, Omusati, and Zambezi regions. “The primary goal of this phase is to test the NSA's readiness for the full survey, scheduled to begin…

30 Sep

From Swapo activist to president, Pohamba chronicles his journey

info_e12wt4csNational NewsFootprints of Hifikepunye Pohamba, Namibia’s liberation history

Niël Terblanché Former President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba, launched Footprints of Hifikepunye Pohamba, his autobiography, during a ceremony held on Monday. The autobiography is a contribution to the documentation of Namibia's liberation history. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Vice President Nangolo Mbumba. The event, attended by numerous dignitaries, including President Nangolo Mbumba, is a contribution to the documentation of Namibia’s liberation history and the life of one of its most influential figures. Pohamba expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on his life journey, which spans the struggle for independence, national development, and his time as the…

29 Sep

Ministry of mines and energy assures investor stability

info_e12wt4csEnergy, National News

Ester Mbathera The executive director of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Penda Ithindi, has reassured investors that Namibia is committed to maintaining stability in the sector beyond the elections. Ithindi was addressing questions posted by the Windhoek Observer last week regarding the potential impact of the upcoming November elections on Namibia's oil and gas industry. “Namibia is governed by the rule of law, and all decisions are made within the confinement of the law and by the Constitution. Namibia has seen change in leadership four times already, and no disruption has occurred during those times,” he said. He assured…

29 Sep

Pure criminality behind Omusati rape cases – Basson

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta- Maria Amutenja Omusati regional police commander, Commissioner Ishmael Basson, has condemned the recent surge in rape cases in the region, calling them acts of "pure criminality". Basson made these remarks in response to a surge in rape cases reported in the region. “The pattern that this is happening is unbelievable, and there should be no excuse to harm people,” Basson said. He urged parents and guardians to report such crimes immediately, particularly those involving minors. He further rejected the notion that culture or socio-economic drivers could justify the crimes, asserting that the police would take strong action against the…

29 Sep

Van Wyk dismisses removal, claims he remains UPM President

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala Jan van Wyk rejected the United People's Movement's (UPM) management committee's decision to recall him as the party president. He lost his position as UPM president on Friday because he did not attend three consecutive management committee meetings. He was removed along with Mita Pickering, the vice president, and Justin Coetzee, the local authority councillor at Rehoboth. On Sunday, Jan van Wyk told the Windhoek Observer that there is no reason for him to take any action against what he described as failed politicians who are not members of the UPM. “They were expelled from the party in…

29 Sep

Unions question PAYE reimbursement plans

info_e12wt4csNational Newsnew taxation regulations

Martin Endjala Various labour unions have criticised the lack of consultation on the tax reimbursement of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) to be paid by employers to employees between 1 March and 30 September. They said that a lack of prior consultation raises questions about transparency and the potential implications of the new taxation regulations for businesses and employees. In a joint statement released last week, we responded to the announcement made earlier this month by the finance minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, regarding tax refunds. The gazetting of the Namibian Income Tax Amendment Act (Act 4 2024) was met with trepidation by employer representatives,…

29 Sep

LPM councillor challenges RedForce settlement at Walvis Bay

info_e12wt4csNational NewsRedForce Debt Management., Ryan Gordon

Martin Endjala The Landless People’s Movement’s (LPM) councillor of the Walvis Bay municipality, Ryan Gordon, has raised concerns regarding the settlement agreement between the municipality and RedForce Debt Management. He questioned the legality of the 12% levy on RedForce collections, arguing that neither the municipality's credit control policy nor gazetted documents reflect it. He requested this in a letter dated 20 September. The letter was seen by the Windhoek Observer. “We have noted Advocate Metcalfe describing the councillors as corrupt because illegal tariffs are imposed on municipality customers by the 12% levy imposed on Redforce collections. Please show me where…

29 Sep

UDF set to launch manifesto in October

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hilarius Hamutenya The United Democratic Front (UDF) will launch its election manifesto during its congress in Otjiwarongo on 12 October. Last week, the UDF’s spokesperson, Mabasen Narib told the Windhoek Observer that in the manifesto, the party's leadership will unpack how the party intends to change the state of government and make service delivery the order of business. “UDF presents itself as the next best alternative party to the voters. The manifesto will give a detailed strategic plan on how we intend to address the bread and butter issues of our people,” he said. Narib added that the UDF has…

29 Sep

Mbumba’s participation in UNGA solidifies Namibia’s global role

info_e12wt4csNational NewsUnited Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79)

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba returned home on Saturday after his working visit to the United States, where he participated in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York. The session, held from 19 to 26 September, was themed “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for the present and future generations.” Mbumba also co-facilitated the Summit of the Future with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, according to a statement from the Namibian Presidency. The summit was convened under the theme “Summit of the Future: Multilateral…