National News – Page 148

26 Sep

Accessible legal aid is vital for the administration of justice

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, stressed the essential role of legal representation in the justice system during a regional workshop on legal aid services in Windhoek. At the official opening of the workshop on Wednesday, Dausab stated that access to legal representation is not only a constitutional right but a reflection of society's moral values. The event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), brought together legal experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives from across Southern Africa to discuss challenges in ensuring equal access to justice. Dausab revealed…

26 Sep

Lüderitz secures N$65 000 for greenhouse projects

info_e12wt4csNational NewsDutch Project Quality Consulting Services

Martin Endjala On Thursday, the Lüderitz Town Council secured N$65 000 from the Dutch Project Quality Consulting Services company to continue the greenhouse projects at the Lüderitz Senior Secondary and Angra Pequena Senior Secondary School. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Thursday, the mayor, Phillippus Balhao, said the project was started last year by the previous mayor. The project kicked off with funds from the First National Bank (FNB). “I am very excited to see these projects finally going ahead. Thanks to the support we received this morning from a company, we will now carry on the work…

25 Sep

Amupanda accuses Swapo of deceiving public on red line removal

info_e12wt4csNational Newsveterinary cordon fence

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement leader, Job Amupanda described the government's recent announcement to gradually remove the red line as nothing more than an election tactic aimed at securing votes in the upcoming elections by the ruling party, Swapo. He said this during his party’s media conference in Windhoek on Wednesday. “The red line represents the weakest moment for any freedom fighter in Namibia's history. To have any freedom fighter or a political organisation that purports to have fought for freedom to be defending the red line is part of the lowest point you can ever find,” said Amupanda.…

25 Sep

Politicians snub sign language challenge

info_e12wt4csNational NewsInternational Day of Sign Languages

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Politicians are facing criticism for not participating in the Global Leaders Challenge, an initiative by the Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) to promote sign language rights. The initiative has been running for three years and has been relaunched on 23 September as part of the 2024 International Day of Sign Languages. The challenge called on national leaders to advocate for sign language by signing the phrase “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere” in their national sign language. However, efforts to engage prominent figures have been met with silence, raising concerns about a lack…

25 Sep

Analysts question ‘wasteful’ groundbreaking ceremonies

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National Newsgroundbreaking ceremony

Stefanus Nashama Political analysts and opposition parties have questioned the merits of so many groundbreaking ceremonies officiated by political office bearers, especially during the election year. The latest planned events are the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nakabolelwa-Mbalasinte-Kasika road, the Impalila Island (Machenje crossing point), the Kasika border post and staff accommodation all in the Zambezi Region. The events are planned for Friday 27 September and Monday 30 September and will be officiated over by deputy prime minister and minister of works and transport, John Mutorwa, minister of home affairs, immigration safety and security, Albert Kawana and Kabbe South constituency councillor,…

25 Sep

Geingob’s extraordinary life celebrated in New York

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAfrica-America Institute (AAI), Kofi Appenteng

Niël Terblanché Seven months after his passing, the legacy of late President Hage Geingob continues to be celebrated. On Tuesday evening, the Africa-America Institute (AAI) hosted its 40th Annual Awards Gala Dinner in New York where a special tribute was paid to the late statesman. While addressing attendees at the event, President Nangolo Mbumba honoured his predecessor's extraordinary life and legacy, reflecting on the significant loss felt by Namibians and the global community. Mbumba shared the deep sorrow and shock that followed the unexpected passing of the Namibian leader. “On the morning of 4 February, all the experience I had…

25 Sep

Namibian truckers return home safely after South African snowstorm

info_e12wt4csNational NewsFP Du Toit transport, South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Martin Endjala Namibian truck drivers, who were stranded in South Africa over the weekend due to a severe snowstorm over parts of the country, safely returned home on Monday. The heavy snowfall, which began on Saturday, caused major road blockages, leaving vehicles stuck for more than 24 hours. On Wednesday, the FP Du Toit transport group’s managing director, Stephan Terblanche told the Windhoek Observer that all trucks have returned safe and sound, and all drivers are in good health. “They were stuck in the snow between Johannesburg and Durban on Sunday. There were about 1 900 vehicles stuck, stretching to…

25 Sep

NUST inaugurates satellite campus in Lüderitz

info_e12wt4csNational NewsLüderitz Research Campus

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s education sector took another step forward when the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) officially inaugurated its Lüderitz Research Campus on Wednesday. The new campus will bridge the gap in science and technology education and will play a vital role in advancing Namibia’s green energy ambitions and growing sustainable development. The Chancellor of NUST and Speaker of Parliament, Professor Peter Katjavivi, while officiating at the official launch stressed the critical role that education plays in national progress. He championed the power of education in nurturing critical thinking and innovation, qualities that are essential to propelling Namibia…

25 Sep

NUST promises student accommodation at Lüderitz

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNashilongo Gervasius, Phillippus Balhao

Martin Endjala The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has confirmed plans to provide accommodation for students at its new satellite research campus in Lüderitz. NUST’s spokesperson, Nashilongo Gervasius, gave the assurance in response to concerns raised about accommodation by Lüderitz mayor, Phillippus Balhao. On Tuesday, Balhao said the accommodation challenges are due to the town's lack of serviced land. “We have acquired land that we have set in motion as part of our strategic expansion plan by the time we have to finalise all the infrastructural development related to the campus, which would be five or more years.…

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…