National News – Page 190 – Windhoek Observer

24 Sep

Sunken barge raises concerns about pollution at Lüderitz

National NewsBenguela Current, Kelp Blue

Niël Terblanché Environmentalists raised the alarm over the weekend after a barge belonging to Kelp Blue partially submerged off the coast of Lüderitz, causing concern for damage to marine life in the area. The incident, attributed to bad weather and strong winds, led to the barge partially sinking in Shearwater Bay. Kelp Blue immediately responded, launching a salvage operation while working to clear debris from the shore. A team from Kelp Blue has been at sea since Monday, attempting to recover the barge, while others have been cleaning up washed-up flotsam, which includes ropes, floats, and other debris scattered along…

24 Sep

Parliament to debate equal resources for public schools to match private institutions

National NewsHidipo Hamata, Popular Democratic Movement, Provide Access to Digital Learning Tools

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Assembly has adopted a motion to debate how the government can provide adequate resources for public schools to excel like private schools. On Tuesday, Popular Democratic Movement member of parliament, Hidipo Hamata, who tabled the motion, told Windhoek Observer that the motion is driven by a commitment to ensure that Namibian children attending government schools receive the same quality of education as those in private schools. ‘’The primary goal of this motion is to push the government to prioritise equitable resource allocation to all government schools. This means providing essential learning materials, such as textbooks, modern…

24 Sep

Hollard Namibia gives N$750 000 towards early education

National NewsAmos Meerkat School Project, Early Childhood Development (ECD), Hollard Namibia Group

Ester Mbathera The Hollard Namibia Group renewed its three-year sponsorship of N$750 000 for the Amos Meerkat School Project, which prepares farm and informal settlement children for primary education through a specialised curriculum. This renewed commitment will begin in the 2025 financial year. Hollard’s spokesperson, Sam Kauapirua, said the renewed financial support is a testament to the project's remarkable achievements and its crucial role in shaping the future of our nation's youth. “Early Childhood Development (ECD) plays a pivotal role in preparing children for a successful school career and life beyond. In the African context, quality ECD is particularly crucial…

24 Sep

Lüderitz NUST campus faces accommodation shortage

National NewsNashilongo Gervasius, Phillippus Balhao

Martin Endjala The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) satellite campus that will be launched on Wednesday faces an accommodation shortage due to a lack of serviced plots. The mayor of Lüderitz, Phillippus Balhao, raised these concerns with the Windhoek Observer. “I wish I knew more about the accommodation because it's a pressing concern for everyone in Lüderitz at the moment, and the construction and servicing aren't quite responsive enough for the market demands,” he said. He said the NUST satellite campus is currently accommodated in the old power station as part of the waterfront development. He explained that…

24 Sep

Namibia receives millions for drought relief from Malaysia and Japan

National NewsDrought Relief Programme, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, World Food Programme

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s ongoing battle against severe drought received a vital boost this week with the Government of Malaysia pledging N$710 400 towards the country’s Drought Relief Programme. The funds, presented to Namibia’s Prime Minister, Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Monday, come at a critical time as the nation grapples with the effects of prolonged drought, which has been declared a national disaster. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila expressed deep appreciation for the Malaysian government's support, describing the donation as "the right shot at the right time" for a nation in dire need. She assured the acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Namibia, Dr Mohamad…

23 Sep

Police plead with public to help dismantle drug networks

National NewsBrigadier Athlenda Mathe, Kauna Shikwambi

Ester Mbathera The Namibian Police’s national spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner, Kauna Shikwambi, urged the public to report known drug dealers and those involved in recruiting or trafficking young people into the drug trade. Her call comes in response to the recent arrest of a 30-year-old Namibian woman at the OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. The suspect was caught while attempting to smuggle drugs. “Our message remains. The use, possession, and dealing of drugs are prohibited, illegal, and punishable by law. Let’s take the message across. Let's continue to educate, especially our youth, who are desperate for money and addicted…

23 Sep

Africa-America Institute celebrates Geingob’s legacy

National News40th Annual Awards Gala

Niël Terblanché The Africa-America Institute (AAI) is set to host its 40th Annual Awards Gala, bringing together some of Africa’s most influential leaders and global figures in a celebration of African achievement and the African diaspora. The gala, which will take place on Tuesday, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, coincides with the United Nations General Assembly, adding to the international significance of the event. This year’s gala, themed “Bridging Cultures and Igniting Futures: An Evening Honouring African and Diasporan Visionaries in Arts and Culture,” will feature a Presidential Fireside Chat with Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic…

23 Sep

NamWater rushes to restore water supply in Okakarara

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s national water utility has assured residents of Okakarara and surrounding areas that it is busy with restoring consistent water supply after disruptions caused by issues with the Okakarara-Elandspan pipeline. The temporary shutdown of the water transfer from Kombat Mine on September 10 disrupted the water supply to Okakarara and nearby areas like Ombinda and Elandspan, according to Lot Ndamanomhata, NamWater's spokesperson, on Monday. “This measure was taken by NamWater to manage energy costs,” he said. The water supply to Okakarara is sourced from the Grootfontein-Kombat Omatako canal system and processed at the Okakarara purification plant. This facility…

23 Sep

Internal politics disrupt MUN operations

National NewsGeorge Ampweya, Mineworkers Union of Namibia

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Mineworkers Union of Namibia’s (MUN) secretary general, George Ampweya has attributed the union’s current difficulties to internal divisions and factionalism, which he says are undermining the organisation's work. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, Ampweya identified ongoing infighting, which he believes is driven by loyalties to former union leaders, as a major challenge. “The problem I am picking up is that there are a lot of issues coming from the region, the infights and loyalty to specific individuals. There are several alliances that want to tarnish the reputations of individuals currently in office,” Ampweya said. The issue came…

23 Sep

APP not interested in 96 parliamentary seats

National NewsElectoral Commission of Namibia

Stefanus Nashama Unlike other political parties, the All People’s Party (APP) has only nominated 50 people for parliament. Last Wednesday, the party released a list of only 50 candidates, whereas other parties have 96. The party’s leader, Ambrosius Kumbwa, told the Windhoek Observer last week that there is no need for a complete list since no political party has obtained 96 seats in parliament before. "We are not interested in 96 seats." No one has managed to get so many seats before, not even the Swapo, which used to have the majority,” he said. Kumbwa attributed his reasoning to the…