National News – Page 285

21 Dec

PDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has voiced its concerns and sought clarity from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) regarding the recent appointments of Regional Electoral Officers (REOs). In a media statement, the PDM stressed the importance of transparency and scrutiny in the appointment process of such officials. While acknowledging the roles assigned to REOs in accordance with the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014, PDM Secretary for Information Hidipo Hamata, emphasised the need for tangible and visible commitment to ethical conduct in every aspect of electoral administration. “The PDM is committed to ensuring that our democracy is…

21 Dec

CRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

Niël Terblanché To address public concerns over the health risks associated with fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has launched a comprehensive Consumer Awareness Campaign. This initiative aims to educate consumers on the benefits of 5G technology and dispel lingering misinformation about its potential health risks. The advent of 5G marks a crucial moment in the realm of connectivity, introducing a new era of unparalleled speed and efficiency. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Intelligence, South Africa is spearheading the 5G deployment in sub-Saharan Africa, with Namibia and other countries like…

20 Dec

Naloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNaloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

Martin Endjala Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) has recently sent a request to Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) Chief Executive Officer Nangula Uaandja, to facilitate an offshore familiarisation visit to the drill sites of oil rigs in February next year. According to Naloba’s vice-president, Peter Amadhila the association has a particular focus on the newly discovered oil and gas reserves. Amadhila stated that the association wants to be actively involved in these projects to ensure maximum and total benefits for all Namibian people. He said Naloba has been strongly advocating for alternative solutions to the recent fuel price inflation…

20 Dec

Judge dismisses N$7.5million lawsuit against NWR by former MD

info_e12wt4csNational NewsJudge dismisses N$7.5million lawsuit against NWR by former MD

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a recent ruling, the Windhoek High Court rejected the N$7.5 million civil suit filed by Zelna Hengari, the former Managing Director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). Hengari was seeking damages for reputational harm. Following a series of hearings between September 2021 and August 2023, High Court Judge Boas Usiku ruled in favour of NWR. Usiku concluded that the central claim made in the press release, regarding Hengari’s unauthorised agreement, was substantially true. Hengari, who served as the Managing Director of NWR from July 2014 until July 2019, initiated legal proceedings against the public company, alleging defamation. The…

20 Dec

Human-wildlife conflict imposes high costs on GRN

info_e12wt4csNational NewsHuman-wildlife conflict imposes high costs on GRN

Niël Terblanché Human-wildlife conflicts have become an increasingly costly challenge for the Namibian Government, with compensation payouts totalling approximately N$31.7 million since 2019. Teofilus Nghitila, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, shed light on the escalation of the issue, citing factors such as drought and the expanding human population as exacerbating the situation. Nghitila said that the complex nature of coexisting with wild animals, which, while beneficial for employment and income generation, also carries significant costs. These costs manifest in various ways, including crop damage, livestock losses, injuries to people, and even the tragic loss…

20 Dec

NEFF threatens to shut down Rani Group

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Stefanus Nashama Michael Amushelelo, the Commissar of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) has called on workers to mobilise and unite in mass protest action and even threatened to shut down business activities of the Rani Group countrywide. This follows after the Oshakati-based Rani Group suspended more than 100 employees, who last week participated in a peaceful protest. The protest action was aimed at ending the contract labour hire system still utilised by the business. Amushelelo demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended workers and set a deadline for the return of the workers for mid-day yesterday or else the…

20 Dec

Remains of one Henties Bay drowning victim found

info_e12wt4csNational NewsRemains of one Henties Bay drowning victim found

Niël Terblanché The relentless search for two young girls who tragically drowned in the Atlantic Ocean last Friday has resulted in the discovery on Tuesday morning of one of the bodies about six kilometres north of Henties Bay. According to Inspector Iileni Shapumba, the Head of the Community Affairs Division of the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region, members of the public found the remains of the 11-year-old Marie France Brockerhoff Ngo Mbock while walking along the beach. Since the tragedy occurred, the community of the holiday town has united to bring closure to the grieving families by continuing to…

20 Dec

Erongo Regional Council reflects on 2023

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Niël Terblanché As the year 2023 draws to a close, the Erongo Regional Council held its final meeting to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges faced throughout the year. Chairperson Benitha Imbamba addressed various critical issues in her statement, emphasizing the importance of safety, environmental responsibility, and community welfare. One of the foremost concerns highlighted by Imbamba was road safety during the festive season. With an increased number of residents and visitors travelling throughout the region, she urged everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. "Do not speed and make sure when we travel that our vehicles are in good…

20 Dec

Erongo women retain mayoral positions

info_e12wt4csNational NewsErongo women retain mayoral positions

Niël Terblanché During recent elections of office bearers, two women, Dina Namubes and Irene Simeon-Kurtz, have retained their mayoral positions in Swakopmund and Usakos, respectively. Their re-election affirms their strong leadership and commitment to their respective communities. Namubes, who has already served one term as the Mayor of Swakopmund, has been reelected to continue her role. She took over from Louisa Kativa in 2022 and has since earned the trust and support of the community. In her acceptance speech, Namubes highlighted the unique and harmonious nature of the Swakopmund Town Council. She said that despite occasional disagreements, council members always…

19 Dec

Pangolins under serious threat, Environment Ministry observes

info_e12wt4csNational NewsEnvironment Ministry observes, Pangolins under serious threat

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has raised alarm over the serious threat facing pangolins in Namibia. According to Romeo Muyunda, the Ministry’s spokesperson, there has been a notable increase in pangolin trafficking cases from September to November this year, leading to a significant concern for the survival of this species. Muyunda disclosed that during this period, authorities have confiscated a total of 18 pangolin skins, 12 live pangolins, and 146 pangolin scales. This has resulted in 23 registered cases and the apprehension of 38 suspects. Remarkably, these figures surpass the combined number of cases related to…