National News – Page 313

15 Dec

Namibia is on track with economic recovery and stability

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Niël Terblanché Namibia is currently navigating a path of economic recovery by focusing on preserving macroeconomic stability, advancing structural reforms, and protecting its most vulnerable citizens which is crucial for fostering private sector-led inclusive growth. This approach is also seen as key to reducing the persistent challenges of unemployment and inequality in the country. In a recent assessment by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its 2023 Article IV Consultation, Namibia has shown remarkable resilience against global economic shocks. According to the IMF’s findings, the country has effectively managed the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing geopolitical…

15 Dec

PM calls for human rights-centred development policies in Geneva

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Niël Terblanché Namibia’s challenges in accessing global capital markets, exacerbated by factors such as exchange rate and market volatility came under scrutiny at the Human Rights 75 high-level event in Switzerland. The country’s classification as an upper-middle-income country is limiting its access to developmental assistance because of stringent loan conditions that are not centred on human rights. Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the Prime Minister of Namibia, while chairing the third roundtable discussion at the event marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in Geneva said that there is an urgent need to address global inequalities and…

15 Dec

SIM card registration period will not be extended

info_e12wt4csNational NewsSIM card registration period will not be extended

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has maintained that the period for the registration of Subscriber Identity Model (SIM) cards will not be extended beyond the 31 December 2023 deadline. This is despite calls from various sections of society to extend the set deadline During an interview with Windhoek Observer this week, the Executive Director of the information ministry, Audrin Mathe said that despite the time frame provided for this critical process, it is disappointing to observe the low public response, reiterating that there will be no extensions. Mathe and representatives from both the Communication Regulatory…

15 Dec

Germany commits millions to improve Namibia’s water infrastructure

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Niël Terblanché Namibia, with over 80 percent of its land area consisting of desert or semi-desert regions, has long struggled with extreme and protracted drought periods, leading to severe water supply challenges across the country, particularly in the central parts of Namibia. These challenges necessitate precise demand management, responsible management and recycling of existing water resources, and the urgent development of new sources. The Namibian government, in its ongoing efforts to mitigate water scarcity in especially the central parts of the country, has secured a substantial financial boost from the German government. In this regard, an agreement was signed between…

15 Dec

Walvis Bay mayor calls for a peaceful festive season

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Niël Terblanché As the festive season fills the air with joy and anticipation in Walvis Bay, Mayor Trevino Forbes has taken a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and extend warm wishes for a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season. “The end of the year is a time for reflection and setting new goals for the future,” he said in his special message. Despite the challenges that 2023 brought, Mayor Trevino Forbes expressed pride in the significant steps and milestones achieved in the coastal town. Some of the notable highlights include the successful relocation of the first…

15 Dec

NSA records third quarter GDP growth of N$6.8 billion

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNSA records third quarter GDP growth of N$6.8 billion

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has recorded the economic expansion of N$6.8 billion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2023. NSA Statistician-General, Alex Shimuafeni, announced this yesterday and said the size of the Namibian economy, as quantified by the GDP at current prices, reached N$59.7 billion during the quarter under scrutiny. This, he said indicates an increase from the N$52.9 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2022, which then consequently has experienced the expansion in the GDP size amounting to an increment of N$6.8 billion. In percentage, the GDP of the third…

14 Dec

Numerous potentially fraudulent Black Friday transactions uncovered

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNumerous potentially fraudulent Black Friday transactions uncovered

Martin Endjala It has been revealed that 3.1 percent of Namibian transactions conducted during the Black Friday period, spanning from 23 to 27 November 2023, were potentially fraudulent. Globally, the figure stood at 3.6 percent for all e-commerce transactions according to findings from TransUnion regarding global e-commerce fraud trends for the start of the 2023 Christmas season. TransUnion also detected that the average number of suspected digital fraud attempts on any given day in Namibia during that period was 87.5 percent higher than during the same period in 2022 and 19.5 percent higher than the rest of 2023 (from January…

14 Dec

Nampower secures grant from KfW

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Martin Endjala The Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) received a significant grant of N$400 million from the German Development Bank to embark on the construction of Namibia’s inaugural utility-scale Battery Storage Energy System (BESS). The grant was formalized on 7 December 2021, when the KfW Development Bank, in collaboration with the National Planning Commission and NamPower, signed an agreement for the grant to facilitate the implementation of the first utility-scale BESS not only in Namibia but also in the broader Southern African region. The funds provided by Germany are specifically allocated for the construction of a 54 MW / 54 MWh…

14 Dec

Home Affairs issued more than 90 000 birth certificates

info_e12wt4csNational NewsHome Affairs issued more than 90 000 birth certificates

Herta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS) has reported that it has issued a staggering 92,330 birth certificates from January to December this year. This is according to Deputy Minister Lucia Witbooi while speaking during the cabinet committee briefing yesterday. Witbooi stressed the importance of the birth registration process, asserting, “Birth registration is, therefore, a human right. It establishes the child’s legal identity, which, together with the ascertainment of that child’s citizenship, is essential for accessing a range of services such as education, healthcare and social protection.”However, amidst this achievement, the ministry revealed that out…

14 Dec

Second unemployment protest planned for Independence Day 2024

info_e12wt4csNational NewsSecond unemployment protest planned for Independence Day 2024

Stefanus Nashama Gregory Cloete, Head of Planning and Mobilization for the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), has officially informed the Namibian Police Force about a nationwide peaceful protest against unemployment scheduled for 21 March 2024. Cloete’s decision to notify the police well in advance stems from concerns over the violation of fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Namibian Constitution. He referred specifically to Chapter 3, Article 21 (1) (d) of the Namibian Constitution, which asserts that all individuals have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms. “We are giving the Namibian Police enough time to ensure that they will mobilise…