National News

RA victorious as court overturns public procurement decision

RA victorious as court overturns public procurement decision

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek High Court last week overturned a decision by the Public Procurement Review Panel, providing a triumph for the Roads Authority (RA) in a case involving tender bids for routine maintenance of bitumen roads across five towns in Namibia. According to the court documents filed at the Windhoek High Court, RA advertised tenders in September 2021, inviting bids for the maintenance of bitumen roads in Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, Otjiwarongo, Oshakati and Rundu. Following the submission of bids, Lau Tom Construction cc, Polladium Civil Engineering, Ering Quarry & Civil Works and Khan Trading cc found their bids rejected for…
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Ministry of Home Affairs says visa applications for Mr Price passed scrutiny

Ministry of Home Affairs says visa applications for Mr Price passed scrutiny

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security says the work visa applications for employees of Mr Price shops to render services to the company's Namibian branches, follow the same process as any other applications. The Ministry was responding to the allegations circulating on social media, which claimed some sources in the Ministry have detected corrupt officials who are illegally issuing work visas for plumbers and cleaners from South Africa to temporarily work in Namibia. The Ministry clarified these allegations, saying that like any other application before approval, duly scrutinizes such applications. “Mr Price is a South…
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Young people urged to believe in their dreams

Young people urged to believe in their dreams

Martin Endjala Minister of Education Arts and Culture Anna Nghipondoka, has urged young people to believe in the uniqueness and achievability of their dreams, no matter how grand or unconventional they may be. She said the world has been shaped by those who dared to dream the impossible and worked tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. She remarked this during the launch of the 2024 MTC Teen Inspirational Summit last week in Windhoek, slated for 30 March 2024, under the theme, “Be Your Own Hero’’. The summit she said, will be a platform for self-expression, creativity and the celebration…
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President declares 26 February a public holiday

President declares 26 February a public holiday

Martin Endjala President Geingob will be laid to rest on Sunday, the 25th of February, at a ceremony expected to draw dignitaries, citizens, and admirers from around the globe. In a solemn declaration, President Nangolo Mbumba has announced that Sunday, the 25th of February 2024, will be a public holiday for Namibia, in honour of the late President Hage Geingob. As a result, and as per the Public Holidays Act of 1990 (Act 26 of 1990), when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a public holiday. Therefore, Monday, 26 February 2024, will be…
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Namibians should always celebrate peace and stability on Constitution Day

Namibians should always celebrate peace and stability on Constitution Day

Niël Terblanché On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Namibia’s Constitution, President Nangolo Mbumba has issued a heartfelt call to the nation, urging Namibians to cherish the peace and stability that have become the hallmarks of the country. This call to reflection and celebration comes as Namibians remember the visionary leadership of the late President Hage Geingob, a pivotal figure in the country’s journey towards independence and democracy. President Geingob remembered for his role as the Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly, the founding Prime Minister, and ultimately as the third President of Namibia, was lauded by President Mbumba for…
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Theofelus’s appointment praised as youth empowerment – SPYL

Theofelus’s appointment praised as youth empowerment – SPYL

Martin Endjala The appointment of Emma Theofelus as the new Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Minister, has been praised by the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) Secretary General Ephraim Nekongo, who described the move as inclusion and youth empowerment. Teofelus was appointed as the ICT Minister, replacing Peya Mushelenga who is the new International Relations and Cooperation Minister on 9 February 2024 by President Nangolo Mbumba. Nekongo said Teofelus’s appointment is an extraordinarily proud moment not only to him but to the entire rank and file of the SPYL “The SPYL has always advocated for genuine youth empowerment and inclusion,…
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Trade Ministry honours Geingob

Trade Ministry honours Geingob

Martin Endjala Minister of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) Lucia Iipumbu, has last week honoured the late President Hage Geingob with a candlelight ceremony for his success during his tenure as minister. She described him as a remarkable statesman, a visionary leader, and a true servant of the people, who has made an immense impact across the globe. Iipumbu said Geingob played a pivotal role in terms of shaping the trade and industrial policy regime of the country. She said that Geingob’s passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him, working…
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Hundreds of vacant houses in Windhoek still not ready for occupation

Hundreds of vacant houses in Windhoek still not ready for occupation

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development reports that 362 dwelling units, part of the Mass Housing Development Programme located in Otjomuise, Extension 10, remain vacant and are not ready for occupation. The revelation surfaced amidst growing pressure from local activists for the immediate allocation of these homes to the needy. The project, initially slated for completion in December 2017, has been marred by delays due to a legal dispute between the construction contractor and the government, leading to a halt in progress. Despite reaching reasonable stages of construction, these units lack essential services such as sewer, water,…
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More than 5,000 Windhoek residents registered to occupy vacant houses

More than 5,000 Windhoek residents registered to occupy vacant houses

Stefanus Nashama Social Activist, Michael Amushelelo, has informed the Windhoek Observer that more than 5,000 Windhoek residents have so far registered to eventually occupy vacant houses in Windhoek. The registration process started on the weekend, 10 February 2024, he said. According to Amushelelo, the government has failed on duty to keep houses vacant over 10 years ago while people are homeless. “The registration process went smoothly even though earlier in the morning before I arrived the police were threatening people and intimidating them to go back home,” he said. Despite this, the activist said upon his arrival, he had to…
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Windhoek launches debt relief programme for pensioners

Windhoek launches debt relief programme for pensioners

Niël Terblanché The City of Windhoek is reaching out to its senior citizens with a new initiative aimed at providing financial relief to pensioners burdened by outstanding municipal debts. Announced on November 30, 2023, by the city council, a comprehensive debt relief programme is set to roll out, targeting residents aged 60 and above. Starting February 15 and running through April 15, 2024, eligible pensioners are encouraged to register for the programme, designed to alleviate the financial pressures faced by Windhoek’s elderly population. Registration venues are conveniently located across the city, including the City of Windhoek Head Office, available on…
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