National News – Page 165

26 Aug

PDM promises jobs, housing and expansion of agriculture

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPopular Democratic Movement

Stefanus Nashama The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) released its election manifesto over the weekend, in which it promises to create employment opportunities, build houses and expand agriculture if elected into power. According to the manifesto, the PDM plans to reduce the unemployment rate by 2029. "We will reduce the unemployment rate to 11% by 2029 through our ‘one constituency, one factory’ policy intervention," reads the manifesto. To ensure fiscal sustainability, the party also seeks to fix the economy and slash government debt by at least 50% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2029. The manifesto further indicates that the party…

26 Aug

Iipumbu claims NEFF deregistration was politically driven

info_e12wt4csNational NewsECN, Kalimbo Iipumbu

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters’ (NEFF) deputy leader, Kalimbo Iipumbu, claimed the party's deregistration by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) was politically motivated. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Iipumbu accused the ECN of being captured by the 'system'. "It seems that the ECN is weak, incompetent and captured to carry out its mandate," said Iipumbu. The NEFF was deregistered by the ECN in July for failing to submit its audited documents and publish them in 2022. According to Iipumbu, the ECN could have addressed the matter in an alternative way instead of deregistering the party.…

26 Aug

Cabinet orders drought food aid in urban areas

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché In response to the worst drought Namibia has experienced in a century, the Namibian Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, to extend food relief to urban-based beneficiaries under the Basic Income Grant programme. This directive is the result of the Cabinet’s 14th decision-making meeting held on 20 August. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Namibia is currently attempting to cope with a severe drought that has already depleted 84% of the country’s food reserves. The drought, exacerbated…

26 Aug

N$67 million for additional classrooms at Otjomuise Primary

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCentral Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN), Namibia Construction (PTY) Ltd

Martin Endjala The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has awarded a N$67 million procurement contract to construct phase 2 of the Otjomuise Primary School. This was confirmed by CPBN spokesperson Johanna Kambala last week. According to Kambala, construction is set to begin later this year and is expected to be completed within 22 months. “The construction of additional classrooms will ease the burden of limited school placement currently faced by the ministry by increasing the capacity of the school to accommodate more learners,” she said. CPBN signed a procurement contract agreement with Namibia Construction (PTY) Ltd. for the construction…

22 Aug

Ghana trade mission called off

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, Namibia-Ghana Business Forum

Martin Endjala Conflicting schedules with partnering institutions have forced the postponement of a business mission to Ghana. The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board's (NIPDB) senior marketing, branding, and communication manager, Catherine Shipushu, confirmed this on Thursday. According to Shipushu, the new date on which the business mission will take place is yet to be announced. She told the Windhoek Observer that the Namibia-Ghana Business Forum is an initiative of the Namibian High Commissioner in Ghana. “Due to conflicting schedules with partnering institutions and in order to attract maximum participation from key stakeholders, the mission resolved to postpone the business…

22 Aug

90 years of resilience – celebrating the life of liberation stalwart Helao Shityuwete

info_e12wt4csNational NewsRobben Island

Hertta-Maria Amutenya Namibia will commemorate Hero’s Day on 26 August, a day set aside to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s independence. Among the many remembered is Helao Joseph Shityuwete, a national hero whose journey from humble beginnings through the harsh realities of Robben Island to years of exile epitomises the struggle for freedom. Shityuwete was born in a small Namibian village in 1941, where he first encountered the injustices of colonial rule. At six, he lost his father and has vivid memories of the funeral and the rites. His upbringing was marked by his Aunt…

22 Aug

Rehoboth pensioner battles Bank Windhoek over property sale

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAnna-Maria de Klerk

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A Rehoboth pensioner is in a legal battle with Bank Windhoek over the subdivision and sale of a portion of her property. The dispute stems from a 2015 agreement in which the pensioner agreed to sell 1 000 square meters of her 1 457-square-meter plot to Neal John Rittmann for N$180 000. Anna-Maria de Klerk, the pensioner, and Rittmann signed the sale agreement on 28 January 2015. Rittmann subsequently approached Bank Windhoek for a mortgage loan, which was approved and registered on 24 April 2015, followed by a second bond on 2 October 2015. According to documents delivered…

22 Aug

Government urged to set up a universal healthcare system

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché A recent study by Afrobarometer has revealed that the majority of Namibians do not have medical aid coverage, with affordability being the primary barrier. The survey's findings indicate a growing concern among citizens about access to adequate healthcare and have sparked calls for government intervention, even if it requires raising taxes. The Afrobarometer survey from March 2024 found that 85% of Namibians lack health insurance, with unaffordability being the primary cause for 74% of these respondents. The survey, which included a nationally representative sample of 1 200 adult Namibians, highlights the widespread financial inaccessibility of medical aid, leaving…

22 Aug

Police urge caution on roads ahead of Heroes Day travel rush

info_e12wt4csNational NewsHeroes Day commemoration

Niël Terblanché As many prepares to travel for the upcoming Heroes Day long weekend, the police is appealing to motorists to prioritise safety on the country’s roads. With the Heroes Day commemoration set to take place on August 26th in Omuthiya, Oshikoto Region, alongside other major events like the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, the police anticipate an influx of travellers on the roads from 23 to 25 August. The head of the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, said in a statement issued on Thursday that, in light of the expected increased road activity, the police wishes…

22 Aug

Debt to NamWater tops N$2.1 billion

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché NamWater faces financial challenges, with outstanding debts now surpassing N$2.1 billion. According to a statement issued by the national water supplier, this debt burden is an obstacle to NamWater’s ability to operate on a cost-recovery basis, as the entity primarily functions as a public service provider rather than for profit. As of June 2024, the accumulated debt from various sectors surpassed N$2.1 billion. Private and individual consumers owe N$312 139 216, while industries are responsible for N$40 343 848. Irrigation farmers have accrued N$22 525 668 in debt, and mines have an outstanding balance of N$91 820 587.…