National News

Eight new industries could emerge from the Green Hydrogen boom

Eight new industries could emerge from the Green Hydrogen boom

Martin Endjala James Mnyupe, the Green Hydrogen Commissioner, has revealed that the Green Hydrogen Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Small Medium Enterprise Development and the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, has identified eight potential new industries. This announcement was made last December during an update on the Green Hydrogen Progress, which is poised to significantly impact the Namibian economy. Mnyupe indicated that among the eight potential new industries are solar panel and wind turbine assembly, critical raw minerals value addition, synthetic fuel production, and hot-briquette iron production. Preliminary estimates suggest that these developments could…
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Steenkamp urges country to prioritise tutors for struggling learners

Steenkamp urges country to prioritise tutors for struggling learners

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Executive director of the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has urged the country to prioritise securing tutors for students facing learning difficulties. With the looming release of the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary and Advanced Subsidiary Levels (NSSCO and NSSCAS) results on Wednesday, Steenkamp emphasised the significance of teaching and learning environment within classrooms as a decisive factor. She stressed the need for comprehensive support, not only from families but also from tutors. “So of course the support the learners are getting not just at home but also from the tutors. We should get into…
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Amushelelo’s latest case dismissed, workers remain suspended

Amushelelo’s latest case dismissed, workers remain suspended

Stefanus Nashama The Oshakati Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the case against social activist Michael Amushelelo, who was arrested on Monday while attempting to represent Rani Supermarket employees suspended for participating in a demonstration late last year, calling for the abolition of contract labour hire and other demands. Amushelelo’s legal representative, Kadhila Amoomo, confirmed this development to the Windhoek Observer yesterday. Amushelelo’s arrest was related to his alleged violation of a court order, which had instructed him to stay at least 400 meters away from the Rani Business premises. Speaking to this publication, Amushelelo stated that his primary concern was the…
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Women living with HIV at higher risk of contracting cervical cancer – Moeti

Women living with HIV at higher risk of contracting cervical cancer – Moeti

Niël Terblanché Women living with HIV face a higher risk of developing cervical cancer due to their increased vulnerability to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, according to recent studies. While this challenge is particularly prominent in Africa, where high rates of HIV infection persist, it also presents an opportunity for screening and prevention, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, the African Regional Director of WHO, stressed the importance of leveraging HIV screening and treatment services to raise awareness about cervical cancer and offer screening and vaccination opportunities for women attending HIV services. The WHO has been…
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Economic revitalization will bring more migrants to urban areas

Economic revitalization will bring more migrants to urban areas

Niël Terblanché High numbers of people are expected to migrate to the Erongo Region following the future establishment of at least two green hydrogen-producing plants along the Namibian coast and the prospect of improved Uranium prices on the world market. These developments have ignited hope among the region’s residents for a brighter economic future. Dina Namubes, the Mayor of Swakopmund expressed optimism about the resurgence of mining activities in the area, particularly at Langer Heinrich, where mining operations were restarted last year. The mining sector holds great promise for job creation and economic growth in the region. Mayor Trevino Forbes…
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President Geingob undergoes another minor surgical procedure

President Geingob undergoes another minor surgical procedure

Niël Terblanché President Hage Geingob underwent routine colonoscopy and gastroscopy tests in a Windhoek hospital yesterday. According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, the procedure was a follow-up to Geingob’s annual medical checkup. The statement said that President Geingob always advises Namibians to undertake routine medical checkups in light of the importance of early detection and prevention of possible serious diseases. The tests on President Geingob lasted for two hours, following which the President returned to his residence. The most recent procedure follows after the President was admitted to a hospital in Windhoek in July 2023…
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Amushelelo arrested and detained again

Amushelelo arrested and detained again

Stefanus Nashama In his quest to advocate for over 100 suspended retail employees at the Oshakati-based Rani Group, social activist Michael Amushelelo found himself under arrest once again by the Namibian Police Force yesterday. His legal representative, Kadhila Amoomo, confirmed the arrest, describing it as an apparent political witch-hunt. Amoomo said that Amushelelo does not pose a flight risk and could have been summoned to court if he had violated any court orders. The lawyer accused the police of neglecting their duty to enforce the law where it is needed most. He went further to suggest that the police appear…
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SIM card registration process must be intensified – Ndala

SIM card registration process must be intensified – Ndala

Martin Endjala Following the extension of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration deadline from 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024, by Information Communication and Technology Minister Peya Mushelenga, Duminga Ndala of the Landless People’s Movement stressed the need to intensify the registration process. Ndala stated that it is now the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that, by the set deadline, all subscribers have completed their registration. “Three months is a sufficient timeframe, but what needs to be done is to launch campaigns emphasizing the importance of registering our SIM cards, considering the lengthy period provided over the…
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Labour ministry endeavours to restore critical job matching system

Labour ministry endeavours to restore critical job matching system

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Integrated Employment Information System (NIEIS), a cornerstone of the Namibian job market, is currently experiencing intermittent interruptions and the unexpected downtime has raised concerns about its impact on both employers and job seekers. NIEIS, launched by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation in Namibia, is designed to connect employers with potential employees. It requires designated employers to report job vacancies, creating a comprehensive database of employment opportunities in accordance with the Employment Service Act (Act No. 8 of 2011). Kyllikki Sihlahla, the Acting Executive Director of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and…
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57 fatalities recorded during the festive season

57 fatalities recorded during the festive season

Hertta-Maria Amutenja According to the Namibia Police Force, the country has recorded 57 deaths as a result of road accidents during the festive season.The latest road traffic crash comparative statistics for the period between 17 November 2023 and 1 January 2024, reveal that the country’s road accident fatalities marked a 14 percent decrease from the previous year’s toll of 66 fatalities.The report further reveals a five percent surge in overall road crashes and a two percent increase in injuries.“The latest road traffic crash statistics reveal a 14 percent decrease in fatalities. While this may be a positive development, the overall…
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