National News – Page 200 – Windhoek Observer

17 Oct

Walvis Bay municipality backtracks on Independence Beach closure

National News

Niël Terblanché The Walvis Bay Municipality has made a sudden pivot on its decision to close Independence Beach entirely during the upcoming festive season. A public notice circulated on Wednesday originally informed residents and holidaymakers that the beach would be closed due to planned upgrades of public facilities. This announcement, however, triggered an uproar across social media platforms, with many accusing the municipality of poor planning and creating chaos for those who had already booked holiday accommodation at the coast. The planned upgrade, which is part of the municipality's long-awaited initiative to improve public spaces, includes the development of a…

16 Oct

Collective action to combat hunger urgently needed

National News

Niël Terblanché While Namibia battles the effects of climate change, global economic instability, and local challenges, the government and its partners, including FAO, are taking steps toward ensuring that no Namibian is left behind in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform projects that from October 2024 to March 2025, more than 1.26 million Namibians, or roughly 48% of the population, will experience high levels of acute food insecurity. During the 2024 World Food Day commemoration in Gobabis on Wednesday, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate, speaking on behalf of Minister of Agriculture Calle Schlettwein,…

16 Oct

Schools struggling to accommodate Grade 8 learners

National News

Ester Mbathera Six schools in the Khomas region have rejected Megameno Nghilongwa's son, who will enter Grade 8 next year. He is now facing a difficult decision to either send his child to a boarding school or relocate the family to another region. “It is frustrating. We weren't particularly selective when we applied. We applied to high schools that were either near our home or in the same direction as our place of employment. We received letters that we were unsuccessful. We applied to public schools out of town, and we were told that preference was given to children in…

16 Oct

Electricity industry to explore AI solutions for sustainable supply

National NewsElectricity Control Board, ESI Forum

Niël Terblanché While Namibia navigates the complexities of energy supply and consumption, the electricity supply industry (ESI) aims to position itself as a leader in adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart solutions to provide efficient, affordable, and sustainable electricity. In this regard, the Electricity Control Board (ECB) of Namibia announced in a statement on Wednesday that it is set to host the 9th edition of the ESI Forum and sports games in Otjiwarongo on 24 October. According to the ECB’s chief executive officer Robert Kahimise, this year’s forum, themed “Delivering the Promise: Using Smart Solutions in an AI-Driven Environment to…

16 Oct

AR members decline nominations

National News

Ester Mbathera Members of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) party rejected nominations for National Assembly seats for fear of losing their jobs. This was revealed to the Windhoek Observer by the party’s spokesperson, Geroge Kambala on Tuesday. “Some activists, especially in the private sector, are barred from engaging in politics by their bosses. Some were willing to participate, however, they had a fear of losing their jobs, which forced them not to participate, or reject the appointments,” he said. He said their members are often intimidated and treated like step-children. This, he said, is because they have been a proponent and…

16 Oct

Amushelelo rejoins NEFF

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Michael Amushelelo has re-joined the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF). He announced his return on Wednesday at a media conference where the leadership of NEFF welcomed him back to the party four months after he resigned. Amushelelo claimed that his decision to defect from the NEFF and join the Landless People's Movement (LPM) was part of a plot to subvert the Swapo-led government and re-register the NEFF. “Ever since I joined the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters, we became a threat to this corrupt government, and they needed to get rid of us by any means necessary. Upon the…

16 Oct

Massive load navigates Namibia en route to Zambia

National NewsWalvis Bay Corridors

Niël Terblanché A 171-tonne oxygen plant on the trailer of a heavy-duty truck is weaving its way through Namibia on its way to Zambia. The journey of the giant piece of mining equipment that was offloaded in the Walvis Bay harbour, is seen as a demonstration of Namibia’s growing importance in international trade and logistics, highlighting the capabilities of the Walvis Bay Corridors to manage the most demanding transport projects. According to Mbahupu Tjivikua, the chief executive officer of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), the transport of the extraordinary shipment of a 50-metre-long oxygen plant container, destined for Solwezi…

16 Oct

Donated equipment enhances fight against poaching in Namibia

Featured, National NewsWildlife Protection Management Project

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) received 22 patrol vehicles and IT equipment valued at N$20 million as part of the Integrated Wildlife Protection Management Project’s (IWPP) efforts to enhance Namibia’s conservation efforts. Funded by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank, this support which was officially handed over on Wednesday, comes at a critical time as Namibia continues to combat increasing incidents of wildlife poaching, which poses a severe threat to rhinos and elephants. Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment expressed gratitude for Germany’s long-standing commitment to conservation in Namibia. “This equipment will significantly…

16 Oct

August 26 donates vital supplies to Otweya fire victims

National NewsOtweya informal settlement

Niël Terblanché In the wake of a devastating fire at the Otweya informal settlement in Walvis Bay, which left approximately 200 people homeless and claimed one life, August 26 Holding Company (PTY) Ltd, stepped forward on Wednesday with a donation of food and essential supplies. While the fire victims attempt to recover from the devastating loss of homes and belongings, the government, private sector, and civil society organisations came together to provide relief and plan for more permanent solutions. The relief effort by August 26 was aimed at providing immediate support to the victims and was welcomed by local officials…

16 Oct

Agriculture ministry to recognise and register farms in Kunene region

National News

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR) has announced plans to recognise and register farm units at Farm Franken No. 242, situated in the Kunene region. The ministry's resettlement process will benefit about 26 people. The ministry has demarcated the farm units into sections B, C, D, and E, ranging in size from 2 500 to 3 515 hectares. The Windhoek Observer saw a notice inviting interested parties to file their objections with the ministry within seven days. Gary Nekongo, the Kunene region’s division land deputy director, said the 26 people had already been living on…