National News – Page 268

19 Mar

NDF warns public about increased military activities

info_e12wt4csNational NewsIn the lead-up to Independence Day, the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) is meticulously preparing for a parade that is expected to be a centrepiece of the celebrations.

Niël Terblanché In the lead-up to Independence Day, the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) is meticulously preparing for a parade that is expected to be a centrepiece of the celebrations. The streets around Katima Mulilo Stadium have become rehearsal grounds, with members of the military gathering since Sunday to perfect their routines. The public has been advised to anticipate unusual movements, as soldiers and armoured vehicles will be more visible in the area from the 17th to the 22nd of March. According to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, these activities are part of the routine preparations for the Independence…

19 Mar

ECN stresses non-partisan conduct for Elections 2024

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja Ahead of Namibia’s 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in November, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has emphasised non-partisan conduct and transparency among Regional and Constituency Heads during the training session of Supervisors of Registration this week. With a stance against negligence, the Commission stressed the vital role of Supervisors of Registration during the electoral process. “As you may be aware, the Commission has employed Regional Electoral Officers in all 14 regions of the country permanently, replacing the temporary Regional Coordinators and Assistant Regional Coordinators. The Supervisors of Registration will work with and report directly to Regional…

19 Mar

Cybersecurity behind SIM card registration

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCybersecurity behind SIM card registration

Niël Terblanché In order to strengthen national security and enhance digital innovation, the Namibian government has reinforced its commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring a secure digital environment for its citizens. This commitment was articulated in a comprehensive ministerial statement delivered by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus to the National Assembly. Theofelus addressed critical topics of SIM card registration and cybersecurity measures. According to the Theofelus, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology mandated the registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards as a strategic measure to deter mobile fraud, and identity theft, and facilitate lawful…

19 Mar

Venaani engages unemployed fishermen

info_e12wt4csNational NewsVenaani engages unemployed fishermen

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), last week, met with the retrenched fishermen who live in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. His journey was to inform the fishermen of the progress of his queries to both the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and President Nangolo Mbumba, during the State of the Nation Address. During the State of the National Address, last week, Venaani questioned the efficiency of the Government Redress Employment Program. Speaking to the fishermen, the leader of the official opposition called on all fishermen to be sent back to the sea, as per their…

18 Mar

Alweendo’s decision to cancel Fuel Retail License ruled unlawful by court

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a landmark judgment delivered by High Court Judge Eileen Rakow, the decision by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, to cancel a fuel retail license has been declared unlawful and contrary to the provisions of Article 18 of the Namibian Constitution. The ruling, following a review application brought by Gochas Lewende Hawe Agente CC against the Minister of Mines and Energy, highlights the limitations of Alweendo’s authority and the legal grounds upon which the fuel retail license was revoked. The license was revoked on 15 March 2022. Judge Rakow said the powers of the Minister…

18 Mar

Crumbling infrastructure endangers detainees

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCrumbling infrastructure endangers detainees

Niël Terblanché A recent fact-finding mission by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs to Walvis Bay has shed light on the grim reality faced by trial awaiting prisoners in the Namibian Police holding cells. The committee's visit, aimed at assessing infrastructure and conditions within the justice system, has uncovered a situation that calls for urgent governmental intervention. During their visit, the committee discovered that detainees, including mentally ill individuals and juveniles, are subjected to appalling conditions. Overcrowding has become a significant issue, with some detainees forced to sleep on the floor without mattresses. The revelation that juveniles…

18 Mar

Fishing rights owned by 90 percent of Namibians

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Martin Endjala President Nangolo Mbumba, during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), revealed that to date, 90 percent of fishing rights are owned by Namibians and that the sector employs an estimated 18,000 Namibians. He said the promotion of Namibianisation in the fisheries sector is progressing well. Additionally, the government has successfully implemented the employment redressing programme which employs 2,367 people. Mbumba emphasised that the move is a sustainable job opportunity initiative, addressing the challenges of joblessness experienced by former fishermen since 2015. With regard to job creation to secure livelihoods, the government facilitated the placement of 1,350 job…

18 Mar

Namibia launches Central Securities Depository to boost stock market efficiency

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Niël Terblanché In a significant development for Namibia's financial market, the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has announced the approval of the Central Securities Depository (CSD). According to Victoria Raimond, spokesperson of Namfisa, the approval of a CSD is set to revolutionize stock trading in the country. She added that the establishment of the CSD aims to provide a centralized platform for the holding, safekeeping, and settlement of securities such as shares, bonds, and other financial instruments in electronic form, thereby enhancing market efficiency and liquidity. Owned jointly by the Bank of Namibia and the Namibia Stock Exchange, the…

18 Mar

MIT and MWT warn against bogus international bidding scheme

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) and the Ministry of Works and Transport (MWT) have issued a stern caution to the public regarding a fraudulent bid invitation circulating in the public domain. Under the guise of legitimate government initiatives, this fraudulent scheme has been soliciting funds from both local and international investors, posing significant risks to unsuspecting individuals and organisations. The deceptive bid invitation, purportedly under the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 15 of 2015, falsely claims to invite international bidders for the construction of substantial developmental projects. These projects include the construction of 2,500 and…

18 Mar

New road on Impalila Island nears completion

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Niël Terblanché The 25-kilometer road network project on Impalila Island is drawing to a close, marking a significant milestone in the Zambezi Region's infrastructure development. The Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer, Conrad Lutombi, confirmed that the road would be inaugurated soon, heralding a new era of economic development and accessibility for the island. The road construction project, which employed over 135 locals, showcases innovative engineering with the construction of larger bridges to facilitate animal crossings, and the use of a low-volume seal standard to reduce maintenance costs. The initiative is celebrated as a beacon of economic progress, expected to attract…