National News

Uninterrupted education and cultural integration needed in remote areas

Niël Terblanché The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Science, Information and Communication Technology, and Youth Development recently convened a series of meetings with key stakeholders to explore strategies for ensuring uninterrupted access to education, particularly in remote regions. These discussions also highlighted the importance of integrating arts, culture, and heritage into the national education system. During the engagements, the committee focused on the pivotal role of network coverage in providing consistent educational opportunities to students in remote areas. Adequate network coverage is essential for bridging the educational divide, allowing students to access digital learning resources and participate in online classes,…
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Expiring voter cards must end

Expiring voter cards must end

Martin Endjala Paulus Mbangu, a National Council member of parliament, says the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) needs to do away with voter cards that expire. He said that numerous unnecessary expenses, such as expiring cards, continue to constrain the ECN budget. “This issue of having voter cards that expire must come to an end. Why should they expire when the person has already qualified to vote? Why should that power expire?” said Mbangu. According to him, it makes no sense whatsoever, Mbangu is adamant that voter cards must remain permanently valid. Mbangu stated that only in special scenarios should…
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Geingob was a crusader for effective governance

Geingob was a crusader for effective governance

Martin Endjala The late third President Hage Geingob's legacy is his crusade for effective governance. These were the remarks of Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the Hage Geingob Memorial Lecture under the theme “His Legacy Lives On," held in Ongwediva, Oshana region, over the weekend. “President Geingob dedicated six decades of his life to serving Namibians. I do believe that the conversation we are starting here in Ongwediva will be the beginning of an appraisal of the rich heritage President Geingob left behind as a crusader for effective governance. I am confident that we have enough material to locate the…
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PDM motivated by SA elections to garner votes

PDM motivated by SA elections to garner votes

Martin Endjala The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president, Mchenry Venaani, says the recent South African elections served as a beacon of hope in gunning for votes. Venaani made this statement over the weekend during its mega rally in Opuwo. “Look to our neighbours in South Africa, where the recent election has shown us a beacon of hope. The ANC's dwindling support, coupled with the rise of opposition voices, demonstrates a clear desire for change among the electorate, with the governing ANC recording only 40.18% of the vote. “South Africa has done it, and now it is up to us to…
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High electricity tariffs detrimental to business and households

High electricity tariffs detrimental to business and households

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) has raised concerns regarding electricity tariff increases, which it says are detrimental to businesses and households alike. NALOBA vice president Peter Amadhila, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer last week, said that electricity has become unaffordable in Namibia, affecting every economic activity for strategic growth. “Electricity is no longer affordable in Namibia, both for domestic and international businesses, and it is a key component of every economic activity for strategic growth. The main cause has been attributed to the failure to implement previously initiated capital projects such as the development of…
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Disruptive Namib Mills employees dismissed

Disruptive Namib Mills employees dismissed

Stefanus Nashama Namib Mills eventually dismissed more than 26 employees for unlawfully blocking the entrance to the company’s premises and threatening to shut down its operations in March. Social activist Michael Amushelelo, who led the efforts, confirmed this on Thursday. Despite their dismissal, Amushelelo insisted that he was not responsible for the workers' job losses. He accused institutions such as the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, and the Labour Commission of failing to protect workers' interests. “The suspended employees were all eventually dismissed. My actions are not the reason why workers lose their jobs; employees lose their…
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Namibia steps closer to greater transparency

Namibia steps closer to greater transparency

Niël Terblanché Namibia's commitment to fostering an open and transparent budgeting system has yielded positive outcomes, according to the recently launched Namibia Open Budget Survey 2023 Report. The survey, part of the International Budget Partnership’s (IBP) global initiative, evaluates the accessibility, comprehensiveness, and timeliness of budget information across 120 countries. The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, stressed the significance of budget transparency in enhancing democratic processes and promoting economic stability during the report's launch. "A growing body of evidence shows that countries with more open budgeting systems have stronger democracies, greater equity, and better development outcomes," Shiimi…
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New Namibian Veterinary Council commits to high standards

New Namibian Veterinary Council commits to high standards

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform announced the appointment of new members to the Veterinary Council of Namibia. The inauguration ceremony, held in Windhoek on Friday, was presided over by Deputy Minister Anna Shiweda, who highlighted the crucial role the Council plays in regulating veterinary standards across the country. Shiweda pointed out that the Namibian Veterinary Council is a statutory body mandated to oversee and regulate the standards of both veterinary and para-veterinary professions in Namibia. “It is my privilege to preside over the inauguration of the fourth Namibian Veterinary Council appointed since the promulgation of…
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Olavi Hamwele takes reigns of NTB board

Olavi Hamwele takes reigns of NTB board

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has announced the voluntary resignation of Janette Fourie, the Chairperson of its Board of Directors, with immediate effect. Fourie, who served as a board member from 2020 to 2023 as an ordinary director, was appointed chairperson for the term 2023 to 2026. During her tenure, Fourie provided valuable leadership and guidance to the NTB. The board expressed its gratitude for her dedication and commitment to promoting tourism in Namibia. "Her contributions have been greatly appreciated," stated the NTB in their announcement to stakeholders. In accordance with Section 4(5) of the NTB Act, Act…
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VP calls for improved agricultural production in Erongo

VP calls for improved agricultural production in Erongo

Niël Terblanché Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the importance of developing local production and processing centres as a means to empower Namibia's economy. In a recent visit to Omaruru, she addressed a gathering of farmers in the Erongo Region. Nandi-Ndaitwah's visit included engagements with farmers to discuss the various challenges they face, such as theft, vandalism, and the persistent severe drought conditions. These issues have had a profound impact on food security and the overall well-being of the region's communities. The Vice-President also took part in several important activities during her visit. She handed over bags of cement and gardening tools…
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