National News – Page 170

14 Aug

Economists warn that 25 basis points won’t ease the cost of living

info_e12wt4csNational NewsMonetary Policy Committee (MPC)

Martin Endjala Despite the central bank's move to reduce interest rates from 7.75% to 7.50%, economists argue that the 25 basis points are not sufficient to address the high cost of living. On 14 August, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Namibia (BoN) decided to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 7.50%. According to the BoN’s governor, Johannes !Gawaxab, the decision was made following a comprehensive review of domestic, regional and global economic developments. In reaction to the announcement, independent bank researcher and economist, Josef Sheehama told the Windhoek Observer that the BoN…

14 Aug

Fishrot-inspired artwork lands artist in court

info_e12wt4csNational News

Ester Mbathera An Icelandic artist, who created a provocative art piece titled "We're Sorry," inspired by the Fishrot corruption scandal, is facing a lawsuit by the fishing giant Samherji in a High Court trial in London. Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson, an MA Fine Arts student at the University of Bergen, said the legal action threatens his ability to defend his freedom of speech. “This legal battle is not just about me; it’s about defending freedom of speech and the role of art in holding powerful entities accountable,” he said. The artwork, which replicates Samherji's website with a bold apology, has been…

14 Aug

RP warns ACC boss to look for another job if Mudge becomes president

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAnti-Corruption Commission, Henk Mudge, Republican Party

Stefanus Nashama The Republican Party’s (RP) leader, Henk Mudge has pledged to replace Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) boss Paulus Noa if he becomes president of the country. Mudge cited Noa’s failure to tackle corruption. He made these remarks at the party’s manifesto launch on Wednesday in Windhoek. “Corruption has become very high in the country, and if I become the president, Noa will have to look for another job,” he said. Mudge also accused Swapo of using affirmative action and black economic empowerment to allocate land to their friends and family while exploiting the country's resources. “Our natural resources should be…

14 Aug

Ban on issuance of wholesale petroleum licenses lifted

info_e12wt4csEnergy, National NewsTom Alweendo, wholesale petroleum licenses

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Mines and Energy lifted the moratorium placed on the issuing of wholesale petroleum licenses on Wednesday. The moratorium that has been in place since 15 August 2022 will be lifted today. The Ministry instituted the moratorium to enhance its licensing systems and processes for better public service. The moratorium on issuing new retail licenses will, however, remain in place. “This is because there is evidence that the average demand for fuel has not increased, suggesting that issuing new retail licenses will negatively affect the viability of existing retail outlets. The Ministry will continue to assess…

14 Aug

60 IPC and LPM members flock to Swapo

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama The Swapo Party welcomed 60 members from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) on Wednesday. Swapo’s secretary general, Sophia Shaningwa, and her deputy, Uahekua Herunga, welcomed them at the Swapo headquarters in Windhoek. Shaningwa received the membership cards and assured the new recruits that she would deliver the old cards to their respective former political parties. “We are not going to tear them up. They did not belong to us. Of course, the members now belong to the Swapo Party. And they handed over the properties of IPC that will be returned…

14 Aug

EU-Namibia advances fight against illicit financial flows

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAna Beatriz Martins, Beneficial Ownership Framework, FATF grey list

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Officials from various local institutions are currently undergoing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing training. This training aims to enhance the country's ability to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The three-day workshop began in Windhoek on Wednesday and is organised by the European Union Global Facility project in collaboration with Namibia's Financial Intelligence Centre. Ana Beatriz Martins, the EU Ambassador to Namibia, stated that the training will assist Namibian competent authorities in establishing an effective Beneficial Ownership Framework (BO) and fostering strong coordination among all relevant stakeholders. “Money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of illicit financial flows…

14 Aug

Preparations intensify ahead of the 79th UN General Assembly Session

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The United Nations headquarters in New York are currently in full preparation for the upcoming 79th session of the UN General Assembly, which starts on 10 September. The general assembly brings together world leaders to address pressing international issues. Various preparatory meetings and discussions are taking place in the lead-up to the high-level week, starting on 22 September. These include sessions focused on finalising agendas and strategies for key topics such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate action, and global security challenges. In this regard, the minister of international relations and cooperation, Dr. Peya Mushelenga, announced that…

14 Aug

Creative economy poised for growth

info_e12wt4csNational NewsDr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, Namibia and Estonia

Niël Terblanché Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, the Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, stressed the fundamental role of education, digital technologies, and heritage preservation in fostering the creative economy. Kandjii-Murangi said this during the opening of the 2024 Creative Entrepreneurship Academy conference, which is hosted under the theme "The Role of Education in Preserving and Digitising Cultural Heritage." “This project seeks to equip Namibian youth with the necessary knowledge in product development, entrepreneurship, the circular economy, and digital technologies,” she said. The conference is a collaborative initiative between Namibia and Estonia, funded by the Estonian Centre for International Development (EstDEV),…

14 Aug

NTB “Reason to Visit Namibia Roadshow,” kicks off

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCharmaine Matheus, Loide Paulus

Martin Endjala The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) on Tuesday launched the “Reason to Visit Namibia Roadshow,” which aims to showcase all the unique attractions Namibia offers visitors. NTB's acting chief executive officer, Charmaine Matheus, made the announcement in Botswana. According to Matheus, the roadshow will occur in three cities in Botswana from August 13 to August 15, 2024. “This initiative aims to showcase the diverse attractions and unique experiences Namibia has to offer travellers, solidifying its status as a premier travel destination in Southern Africa. The roadshow, according to her, aims to educate potential travellers, travel agents, and local partners…

13 Aug

Nandi-Ndaitwah advised to pick competent people, not loyalty, ahead of the electoral college

info_e12wt4csNational NewsBen Mulongeni

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Political commentator and Swapo veteran Ben Mulongeni advised Swapo vice president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah that if she wants to govern effectively, she should choose her top 10 candidates at the party's electoral college based on their competence rather than their loyalty. Mulongeni shared this opinion during an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, where he discussed the upcoming party electoral college or POT. Mulongeni believes that loyalty alone does not lead to success or benefit the country. “We have already seen how loyalty has been messed up during campaigns. Imagine telling people that if they don’t vote for…