National News – Page 269

11 Mar

All voters with voter cards older than ten years required to re-register

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAll voters with voter cards older than ten years required to re-register, Elsie Nghikembua

Martin Endjala All voters with voter cards older than ten years will need to register again in order to participate in the highly anticipated 2024 National Assembly and Presidential elections slated for 27 November this year. Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua, announced this during the launch of the Electoral Calendar and Democracy Awareness campaign on last week. Nghikembua informed that voter cards expire after a period of ten years, thus urging such cardholders to register as well as all eligible voters. She said this will be the seventh Presidential and National Assembly election that will be directed,…

11 Mar

Nawatiseb parts ways with LPM after only a month

info_e12wt4csNational NewsEngel Nawatiseb

Hertta-maria Amutenja Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Engel Nawatiseb, has severed ties with the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) after joining the party a mere month ago. This decision comes on the heels of his departure from the ruling party Swapo last month. “I decided to part ways with the Landless People’s Party with immediate effect today. The resolve was taken following consultation with my family in the best interest of the LPM founding members, its leader Bernardus Swartbooi and further to protect my personal integrity, reputation and credibility as well as the image of my clan/elders. I…

11 Mar

Government faces scrutiny over Fisheries Employment Program

info_e12wt4csNational NewsGovernment faces scrutiny over Fisheries Employment Program

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The leader of the Official Opposition, McHenry Venaani, has raised questions regarding the Government Employment Redress Programme, specifically focusing on the employment outcomes for fishermen within the hake sector. Venaani’s notice of questions scheduled for this week brings attention to the challenges faced by the program. He plans on asking Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, about the criteria used to select participants for the Governmental Employment Redress Programme, and the terms and conditions outlined in the designated agreements which he said are a cause for concern. “Particularly clause 3.5, which stipulates that if an employee…

11 Mar

Kapofi advocates for the apolitical stance of the NDF

info_e12wt4csNational NewsKapofi advocates for the apolitical stance of the NDF

Niël Terblanché In a message during the annual staff meeting at the defence headquarters in Windhoek, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, reminded members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) of the imperative to remain politically neutral, emphasising their role in maintaining peace and stability. The meeting, attended by all senior officials of the ministry, served as a crucial platform for the exchange of information and updates on the ministry’s strategic plans and objectives. Kapofi defined the scope of political non-involvement for NDF members, highlighting that their engagement should be limited to exercising their voting rights. He explicitly…

11 Mar

Theft of water pumps leaves rural communities high and dry at Okongo

info_e12wt4csNational NewsEfraim Shipindo, Theft of water pumps leaves rural communities high and dry at Okongo

Niël Terblanché In a concerning trend that is negatively impacting the livelihood of rural communities, the Okongo Constituency has become the latest victim of a series of water pump thefts, threatening the water supply to several communities and prompting a call for action from local and national officials. Councillor Efraim Shipindo, issued a stern warning against the ongoing theft of community water pumps, incidents that have seen a significant rise, with 13 pumps stolen since last year. He said the recent thefts from boreholes at the Okamanya, Onheleiwa, and Okanyanona villages have formed a troubling pattern that costs the government…

11 Mar

Young Namibians engage in global youth empowerment and innovation exchange

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché A group of 90 young Namibians, made their mark at the World Youth Festival (WYF) in Sochi, Russia where they delved into various fields, including business, media, international cooperation, culture, science and education programmes. The WYF, initiated by a decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin, is renowned as the globe’s most significant youth gathering, drawing in thousands of young leaders from Russia and beyond. The group of young Namibians was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Emma Kantema-Goamas. The festival serves as a crucial platform for discussing and addressing the world’s most pressing…

09 Mar

Agriculture ministry appoints four women to leading roles in Communal Land Boards

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAgriculture ministry appoints four women to leading roles in Communal Land Boards

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced the appointment of four women to key positions within the Communal Land Boards. Emphasising the importance of diverse representation, Minister Calle Schlettwein highlighted that each board will now include two women engaged in farming operations in the board’s area and two women with expertise relevant to the functions of the board. “The aspects of appointments of women have been made to ensure that women are represented in the highest decision-making bodies,” stressed Schlettwein. He added this move aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering fair and transparent land…

09 Mar

Namibia pledges relentless empowerment of women

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia pledges relentless empowerment of women

Niël Terblanché As Namibia joined the world to commemorate International Women’s Day, the country’s remarkable progress in gender equality and the empowerment of women, was celebrated for its journey of achievement and its inclination to address ongoing challenges. President Nangolo Mbumba, in a touching statement, reiterated Namibia’s commitment to building an inclusive society where women are not only free from violence but where they will play an essential role in leadership and decision-making. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Inspire Inclusion. Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” reflects the nation’s aspiration and commitment to gender parity. President Mbumba reflected on the…

08 Mar

Namibia calls for lifting sanctions against Zimbabwe amid economic strain

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia calls for lifting sanctions against Zimbabwe amid economic strain

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Government has taken a firm stand by urging the global community to lift the economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States of America. These sanctions, initially aimed at penalizing certain individuals within Zimbabwe’s government for alleged corruption and human rights abuses, are now being criticized for their broader, adverse effects on the country’s economy and its ripple effects across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Dr Peya Mushelenga, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, vocalized the region’s concerns and stated that the sanctions have outgrown their purpose and are now counterproductive. According to…

08 Mar

Nampol pledges strengthened efforts to combat GBV

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNampol pledges strengthened efforts to combat GBV

Niël Terblanché The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, in a special message on International Women’s Day, stressed the profound significance of the day for the force and the wider society. Marking a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for accelerating gender parity, the General emphasized the Namibian Police’s dedication to recognizing and honouring the indispensable role women play across all facets of life, including in the realm of law enforcement and societal safety. Under the theme of inspiring inclusion and fostering empowerment, General Shikongo proudly noted the Namibian Police’s ongoing commitment…