National News – Page 286

19 Dec

SPYL pleads for an extension of SIM card registration period

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama Despite the official announcement of no extension for the SIM card registration period, the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) has made a heartfelt plea to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, urging them to reconsider its decision.SPYL is requesting that the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) halt the deactivation of unregistered SIM cards by the end of December 2023.CRAN initially set the registration period from 1 January to 31 December 2023.The SPYL’s Secretary, Ephraim Nekongo pointed out that service providers like the Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) have indicated that only 25 percent of their clientele has…

19 Dec

Loan boosts Namibian agriculture with N$400 million

info_e12wt4csNational NewsLoan boosts Namibian agriculture with N$400 million

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s agricultural sector received a significant boost as the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) and KfW Development Bank inked a historic agreement, securing a concessional loan of just over N$400 million. The collaboration, which aims to empower Namibian farmers and related food-producing businesses, promises to revolutionize access to financing for the communal and commercial farming sectors and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in agriculture and food processing. Agribank, as the recipient of the funds, plans to utilize the resources to provide expanded financing facilities to small-scale farmers and MSMEs engaged in primary agriculture and agro-processing. By…

19 Dec

ECB approves cost of unserved energy

info_e12wt4csNational NewsECB approves cost of unserved energy

Martin Endjala Namibia’s Electricity Control Board last week announced that it has approved the Cost of Unserved Energy (COUE) study which is considered key economic and financial parameters of customer interruptions. The cost of unserved energy refers to the economic impact or cost of discomfort on households when there is a lack of available energy to meet their needs. The ECB’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kahimise said that the study provides an economic value to the cost of unplanned electricity interruptions, as well as the inability to meet electricity demand at a given time to electricity customers and the economy…

19 Dec

Scammers are stooping to a new low, targeting war veterans

info_e12wt4csNational NewsScammers are stooping to a new low, targeting war veterans

Niël Terblanché In a disturbing turn of events, scammers have resorted to impersonating officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) in an attempt to extract personal bank account information from Veterans of the National Liberation Struggle. Colonel Petrus Shilumbu, the head of MODVA’s public relations division in a statement said this new and alarming trend has raised concerns among authorities, prompting him to issue a call to struggle veterans to be cautious. According to the colonel, the Ministry recently received credible information regarding individuals falsely representing themselves as MODVA officials. “These imposters approach war veterans, requesting their…

19 Dec

Erongo Region welcomes new Chief Regional Officer

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Niël Terblanché The Erongo Regional Council has welcomed a new leader to its ranks with the appointment of Mupenzeni Ntelamo as the Chief Regional Officer (CRO), effective from December 1st. Ntelamo’s appointment follows the resignation of the former CRO, Ludmilla Habate Doȅses, in September last year. In a statement, Benita Imbamba, Chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, expressed the council’s enthusiasm for this new chapter. “The entire Erongo Regional Council, management, and staff, are honoured to welcome Mr Ntelamo as the new Chief Regional Officer,” she said. Imbamba conveyed her confidence in Ntelamo’s leadership abilities and vision for development, emphasizing…

18 Dec

Verdict for SIM card registration extension set for 29th

info_e12wt4csNational NewsVerdict for SIM card registration extension set for 29th

Martin Endjala The Executive Director of the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology (MICT), Audrin Mathe, announced that the ministry will decide on 29 December 2023, regarding whether to extend the national Subscriber Identity Model card (SIM card) registration process. Mathe explained that this decision will be based on the data collected weekly by both Mobile Telecommunications (MTC) and Telecom Namibia in collaboration with the ministry. “As things stand, the deadline remains unchanged, and we will not make any changes to the registration process. The deadline of December 31, 2023, still stands. Over the next two weeks, we will engage…

18 Dec

Ministry of Health refutes claims about secret WHO negotiations

info_e12wt4csNational NewsMinistry of Health refutes claims about secret WHO negotiations

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHHS) has denied allegations of misinformation surrounding Namibia’s involvement in negotiations at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The ministry has expressed concern over the potential impact of falsehoods on national interest and public sentiment. The controversy arose following a press conference led by the leader of the Republican Party of Namibia Henk Mudge, earlier this month. Mudge’s speech delved into concerns about the WHO’s proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations of 2005 and the introduction of a new pandemic treaty. He asserted that the global health crisis,…

18 Dec

Relentless search for drowning victims continues in Henties Bay

info_e12wt4csNational NewsRelentless search for drowning victims continues in Henties Bay

Niël Terblanché The coastal town of Henties Bay remains in mourning as the relentless search for the bodies of two young girls who tragically drowned in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday continues. The community has come together to support the search efforts, determined to bring closure to the grieving families. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded three days ago on a popular Henties Bay beach. The two young girls, identified as Hilia Rashmie and Mary-Anne Mimie Mbok, aged 10 and 11, were swept away by powerful waves while playing with a group of friends along the shoreline. Inspector Illeni Shapumba, the head…

18 Dec

Visas-on-arrival now available at Zambezi border post

info_e12wt4csNational NewsVisas-on-arrival now available at Zambezi border post

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has introduced visa applications for travellers upon their arrival at the Katima Mulilo, Ngoma, and Impalila Island border posts in the Zambezi Region. This initiative complements the existing visa-on-arrival services at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Trans Kalahari, and Walvis Bay border posts. During the launch of this service in the Zambezi Region last week, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Albert Kawana, emphasized the visa application process and payment methods. Travellers arriving at the Katima Mulilo border post will be required to complete visa application forms, attach…

18 Dec

MUN members gain access to new financial products

info_e12wt4csNational NewsMUN members gain access to new financial products

Niël Terblanché The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has unveiled a suite of new financial products for its members, providing them with expanded opportunities through the Namibia Miners Investment Trust (NAMIT) Education Fund. The announcement was made during the union’s recent Indaba, which took place in Swakopmund and was attended by MUN leadership from various parts of Namibia, NAMIT management, and technical partners from Legalwise in South Africa. MUN President Ismael Kasutasai expressed the union’s commitment to meeting the needs of Namibian workers. “At the MUN, we always put the needs of Namibian workers as our motivation. This does not…