National News – Page 327

18 Sep

MVA Fund disburses an average of N$200 million for medical claims annually

info_e12wt4csNational NewsMVA Fund disburses an average of N$200 million for medical claims annually

Martin Endjala For the past three years, with the exception of medical claims, the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) spent on average N$200 million per year on service providers such as doctors, hospitals and medical treatment of victims of road crashes. This was revealed by the Fund’s Chief Executive Office, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, during a media engagement in Windhoek last week. She said that the fund also pays out personal claims such as funerals, injury grants, loss of support grants and loss of income. She indicated that in 2021 the fund was taxed with 2 741 claims valued at N$71 million.…

18 Sep

International travel vlogger blacklistedby MEFT for breaking park rules

info_e12wt4csNational NewsInternational travel vlogger blacklistedby MEFT for breaking park rules

Hertta-Maria Amutenya The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) has strongly condemned the violation of park rules within Namibia’s national parks after a foreign visitor was filmed violating the rules and regulations of Etosha National Park. The travel vlogger, operating under the account name Travel with PEACE, broke park regulations earlier this month after a video of him was posted on social media when he ventured outside his vehicle with his crew in Etosha National Park. The team was filming black rhinos which is prohibited by all means. Romeo Muyunda, the ministry’s spokesperson, condemned the incident and announced the…

18 Sep

Amoomo pleads for financial support to fight redline

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAmoomo pleads for financial support to fight redline

Stefanus Nashama Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo, representing Affirmative Repositioning Movement Leader, Job Amupanda, in the court battle to remove the veterinary cordon fence (red line), has pleaded with the public for financial support to continue with the case. Amoomo begged the public for financial support over the weekend, saying that as the fight continues, they would need money to cover legal costs to continue with the case in the Supreme Court. He has said that so far only three people have made financial contributions. According to the lawyer, the government has now taken his client, Amupanda to the Supreme Court regarding…

18 Sep

Persons with disabilities to be accorded equal opportunities in the GH2 project

info_e12wt4csEnergy, National NewsPersons with disabilities to be accorded equal opportunities in the GH2 project

Martin Endjala The Government has reiterated that it will ensure that all persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities not only in the Green Hydrogen (GH2) project but in all developmental projects in the country. This comes after the Namibia National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) Executive Director Linekela Nanyeni, expressed concerns about the lack of representation of the deaf community in the GH2 and other development projects in the country. He expressed the deaf community’s disappointment with the GH2 project, saying that they feel excluded from the ongoing engagements and discussions. “Namibia is home to many deaf persons and…

18 Sep

Taxpayers must comply with freight tax regulations

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has issued a notice to all taxpayers regarding the declaration and payment of freight tax before 1 December 2023. Commissioner Sam Shivute highlighted the importance of adhering to the stipulated regulations as set out in the Income Tax Act of 1981. The tax, as outlined in Section 34 of the Act, focuses primarily on non-resident owners or charterers of ships and aircraft. It targets income generated from the embarking of passengers and the loading of livestock, mail, or goods within Namibian territory. The levy applies to 10 percent of the gross income (considered…

15 Sep

Amushelelo case borders on a judicial scandal

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAmushelelo case borders on a judicial scandal

Martin Endjala The Political analyst, Henning Melber said the ongoing court saga where Michael Amushelelo is being held in police custody without bail, borders on a judicial scandal but the process and the elements of the case against him should not be perceived as a failure of democracy. Melber made these remarks yesterday while reacting to Epafras Mukwiilongo, the president of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), who questioned the principles of democracy in Parliament with regard to Amushelelo being denied bail on numerous occasions. Melber said Amushelelo’s case is a matter in court, and his treatment needs to be…

15 Sep

New banking laws will empower finance minister to regulate banking charges

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNew banking laws will empower finance minister to regulate banking charges

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) is on the verge of introducing the Banking Institutions Act of 2023 (Act 13 of 2023), and the Payment System Management Act of 2023 (Act no. 14 of 2023), which will empower the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises to make regulations relating to fees and charges imposed by banking institutions on their clients. While announcing this yesterday, BoN Acting Director for Strategic Communications and International Relations, Sandra Garises, said service charges by banking institutions on their clients have been receiving the public and the legislature’s attention, which prompted the government to draft…

15 Sep

The President is on his way to the UNGA

info_e12wt4csNational NewsThe President is on his way to the UNGA

Niël Terblanché As the leader of one of the countries with the most advanced social protection systems in Africa, President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia is poised to play a pivotal role in global discussions at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). President Geingob’s presence is not only significant within the main assembly but also extends to important events on the sidelines, making him a central figure in discussions on sustainable development, social protection, climate action, and international cooperation. President Geingob will take the stage at the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection…

15 Sep

Namibia embraces new development in the fight against cervical cancer

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia embraces new development in the fight against cervical cancer

Niël Terblanché In a significant move towards improving public health, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia recently convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The meeting, which brought together key participants, stakeholders, and development partners, aimed to set the stage for the rollout of the vaccination program. A Crucial Intervention The Acting Executive Director of the MoHSS, Taimi Amaambo said during the meeting that the introduction of the HPV vaccine program in Namibia comes at a time when there is overwhelming support at all levels. “Cervical cancer ranks…

15 Sep

Simataa dives deep while evaluating the state of the Public Service

info_e12wt4csNational NewsSimataa dives deep while evaluating the state of the Public Service

Niël Terblanché George Simataa, the Secretary to the Cabinet, delivered an insightful address at the Engagement Meeting of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) with Chief Regional Officers in Otjiwarongo, Namibia. The topic of his speech was “Is the Public Service Fit for Purpose? The Collaborative Nature of Offices, Ministries, and Agencies (OMAs) in Service Delivery.” Simataa answered “yes” to the question of whether the public service is fit for purpose but delved deeper into the complexities of this assertion. Public Service as the Implementing Arm of the Government Simataa emphasized the critical role that the public service…