National News – Page 201 – Windhoek Observer

15 Sep

Private schools accused of only enrolling smart students

National NewsHidipo Hamata, PDM, Vincent Mareka

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Swapo Party Member of Parliament, Vincent Mareka said the passing rate of learners at private schools is questionable. He said this is because private schools only accept smart and well-prepared learners who are going to pass in order to satisfy their rich parents who have to pay high school fees. Mareka made these remarks in parliament last week while contributing to the motion on the state of education in the country, which was tabled by Hidipo Hamata of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM). Mareka stated that private schools are single businesses or commercial entities established to make a…

15 Sep

SADC warn against AI interference in elections

National NewsArtificial Intelligence (AI)

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Southern Africa Development Community’s (SADC) Secretary General, Boemo Sekgoma stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a friend but that it can also become a hostile enemy to democratic processes if left unchecked. Sekgoma said this in a statement issued on Sunday, the international day of democracy commemorated on 15 September every year. This year’s theme focuses on AI as a tool for good governance, considering the advantages of using AI to save time and promote productivity and efficiency. She said even though AI saves time and promotes productivity, it should also be recognised at the same…

15 Sep

TransNamib temporarily pauses dual-fuel locomotive project

Energy, National NewsNamibia's Green Hydrogen Programme

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s national transporter, TransNamib has decided to pause its ambitious dual fuel locomotive project as part of a strategic shift aimed at focusing on its core objectives, including the procurement of new rolling stock worth N$2.6 billion and plans to more than double its annual freight volume over the next five years. The decision was made to allow the national rail operator to channel its resources towards immediate priorities critical for the country’s rail infrastructure and economic development. The decision to reassess the dual fuel project was confirmed by James Mnyupe, the commissioner of Namibia's Green Hydrogen Programme…

15 Sep

MVA requests community involvement in outreach programme

National NewsMotor Vehicle Accident, MVA Fund on Wheels, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund is calling on the Zambezi region's residents to participate in its weeklong outreach programme aimed at promoting road safety. The outreach initiative will take place from 16 to 21 September in various towns and villages across the region, including Bukalo, Ngoma, Masokotwane, Sangwali, Mubiza, and Kongola. MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku said the initiative, known as "MVA Fund on Wheels," seeks to engage underserved communities. "The MVA Fund on Wheels programme allows us to take our services directly to the people. Our team will assist communities with claims, enable residents…

12 Sep

Weather experts warn of another uncertain rainy season

National News

Niël Terblanché Following a challenging 2023/24 season marked by poor rainfall which prolonged the drought, Namibia must for a slow onset to the rainy season, with the potential for improved rainfall as the year progresses. The Namibia Meteorological Service has released its seasonal forecast for 2024/25, presenting a mixed outlook for the country’s rainfall and climate conditions. According to the forecast, the 2023/24 season saw erratic weather patterns with most of Namibia experiencing below-average rainfall. Several regions, including Erongo, Omusati, and Kunene, faced their fifth consecutive year of drought, while Kharas, Hardap, Khomas, and parts of Omaheke experienced their second…

12 Sep

Aranos mayor denies GBV accusation

National News

Martin Endjala The mayor of Aranos, Hans Bafrath, has denied allegations of gender-based violence (GBV) levelled against him. He described the allegations as a politically motivated smear campaign. Bafrath, a member of the Landless People's Movement (LPM), claims the accusations are part of a plot to unseat him as mayor. “She is right here with me. I did not assault her as reports suggest”. The girlfriend who spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity also denied that Bafrath assaulted her. “No. He did not assault me as I am speaking to you, we are together right now. Those…

12 Sep

Namdeb employees accuse management of mistreatment

National News

Martin Endjala Several Namdeb employees have expressed unhappiness with the company, claiming it treats them badly following demotions and voluntary separation actions. Some of the employees, who prefer anonymity due to fear of victimisation, shared their discontentment towards the company. The workers told the Windhoek Observer that Namdeb received royalty tax relief from the government for five years to expand the life of its mines and to recruit more employees. The workers said they are facing demotion of certain employees and unprocedural redeployment while being used as cheap labour because they are working temporarily for three months or on fixed-term…

12 Sep

MP accuses NaTIS officials of corruptly selling driver’s licences

National NewsJohn Motorwa, Reggie Diergaardt

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament (MP) Reggie Diergaardt has raised concerns over widespread corruption at Namibian Traffic Identification System (NaTIS) testing centres and offices across the country. Diergaardt claims that the public is buying learners' permits, driver's licenses, and roadworthy certificates, but the responsible ministry is hesitant to intervene. Diergaardt made these accusations in parliament on Wednesday, stating his intention to question the Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, about the alleged maladministration at NaTIS offices nationwide. He added that NaTIS testing officials are also accused of deliberately failing applicants during their driving license tests…

12 Sep

Hunger threatens nearly half of Namibia’s population

National NewsIntegrated Food Security Phase Classification

Niël Terblanché The large-scale food insecurity crisis in Namibia will need immediate and sustained interventions to protect vulnerable communities and ensure the long-term sustainability of food systems in the country. With approximately 1.1 million citizens facing acute food shortages, the dire need for determined action has once again been put in the spotlight. The number of people left vulnerable by the drought accounts for nearly half of the country's population and highlights the growing impact of prolonged drought and escalating food prices. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, released in conjunction with the Office of the Prime…

12 Sep

Venaani pressures presidency over delayed August 26 audits

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe McHenry Venaani, the leader of the official opposition, has called on the presidency to provide clear reasons for August 26 Holdings (Pty) Ltd's continued failure to submit its audited financial reports. Despite multiple requests and even interventions from the Ombudsman, the company has yet to comply. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Venaani, president of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), directed his questions to Christine Hoebes, the minister in the presidency. “During a meeting in July of this year with President Nangolo Mbumba, he disclosed to my delegation and me that although he has received the reports, his office…