National News – Page 331 – Windhoek Observer

27 Feb

CoW takes steps forward in enhancing food security and nutrition

National News

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek has taken significant steps in enhancing food security and nutrition in urban areas. The plans were revealed during an AFRI-FOODLINKS City Exchange workshop in Windhoek, with 12 delegates from Africa and Europe attending. According to the Chairperson of Economic Development, Public Safety and Citizen’s Welfare Advisory Committee, Austin Kwenani, the AFRI-FOODLINKS is a four-year initiative that aims to transform the urban food environment by strengthening inter-city linkages in Africa and Europe. Kwenani stated that the purpose of the workshop is to stimulate mutual knowledge exchange and skills-sharing in the field of urban food and…

27 Feb

EIF and GIPF collaborate to address home loan scheme

National News

Martin Endjala The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) has revealed that it will be partnering with the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) to address the pension-backed home loan scheme for members. This comes after the EIF became aware of the unauthorised dissemination of a communique between the EIF and GIPF, addressing the pension-backed home loan scheme. In a statement issued last week by the GIPF, the company explained that the letter which was not approved for dissemination to the public, is a collaborative effort between two stakeholders, who will explore an alternative housing loan scheme proposed by GIPF for…

27 Feb

German government intent on reconciliation with Namibia over genocide

National NewsGerman government intent on reconciliation with Namibia over genocide

Niël Terblanché In a solemn commitment to reconciliation, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has publicly voiced the necessity for Germany to extend a formal apology to the Namibian people for the atrocities committed during the colonial era, particularly the genocide of the Herero and Nama communities. This historic acknowledgment was presented during a memorial service in Windhoek for the late Namibian President Hage Geingob, where President Steinmeier stressed the importance of confronting the dark chapters of the shared history of both countries. The genocide, a brutal legacy of Germany’s colonial rule in Namibia, resulted in the horrific deaths of more than…

27 Feb

Geingob was a fierce debater and a master negotiator – Venaani

National NewsGeingob was a fierce debater and a master negotiator - Venaani

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement leader, McHenry Venaani has described the late President Hage Geingob as a unifying force whose influence inspired the Namibian nation with hope. “Namibia is better for his presence among us. The world is smaller for his departure, and we will remember him, as he was unwavering and towering. We will remember his husky voice, his jovial smile, and his laugh. We will remember his composure. We will remember that he brought a sense of calm to an office ever so serious,” Venaani said. Speaking at Geingob’s funeral, Venaani told mourners that Geingob was a leader,…

27 Feb

Goodbye to an icon, a revolutionary and a guerilla leader – Mnangagwa

National Newsa revolutionary and a guerilla leader - Mnangagwa, Goodbye to an icon

Martin Endjala Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the late Namibian head of state, Hage Geingob was an icon, a revolutionary and a guerilla leader. “I join Namibia in saying goodbye to an icon, a revolutionary and a guerilla leader Dr Hage Geingob, a son of the soil whose impact transcended geographical boundaries and borders. In honour of his memory and legacy, let us use this solemn occasion to recommit ourselves to continue building and modernising our respective nations, for a higher quality of living for our people in our regions and the African continent at large,” Mnangagwa said. Mnangagwa also…

27 Feb

President Geingob posthumously honoured with Cuba’s highest award

National NewsPresident Geingob posthumously honoured with Cuba’s highest award

Niël Terblanché In a touching ceremony that emphasized the deep ties between Namibia and Cuba, the late President Hage Geingob was posthumously awarded the prestigious José Martí Order, Cuba’s highest national honour. The award was bestowed by the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba, Esteban Lazo Hernández, and received by Monica Geingos, the former First Lady of Namibia Bestowing the award marked a significant moment of international recognition for the departed Namibian leader’s contributions to democracy, peace, and justice. The announcement of this honour took place on 26 August 2023, during the commemoration of Namibia’s Heroes…

27 Feb

NEFF set to motivate its labour-hire system bill in parliament

National NewsNEFF set to motivate its labour-hire system bill in parliament

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) stated that it is ready to motivate its bill concerning the issue of the labour-hire system in the country. The bill seeks to address issues such as poor working conditions, low salaries, non-existent incentives and the exploitation of workers. According to the Party’s Deputy Leader, Longinus Kalimbo Iipumbu, the bill was supposed to be tabled in Parliament last week, for other members to contribute, however, this could not happen due to preparations for President Hage Geingob’s memorial and funeral arrangements. “We will see by this week whether the discussion of the bill…

27 Feb

Namibia’s border operations shortened due to power outages

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s key southern border crossing points into South Africa have been forced to operate on reduced hours due to ongoing power supply interruptions, significantly impacting travel and trade between the two countries. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security announced that Ariamsvlei, Noordoewer, and Klein Manasse border posts in the ||Kharas Region have been grappling with electricity blackouts since last Monday, necessitating a temporary adjustment in their operational hours. In light of the power failure, the border posts, which normally operate around the clock, will now only be open from 07:00 to 19:00. This reduction in…

23 Feb

Uranium outlook looks good

National News

CHAMWE KAIRA The global uranium footprint is expanding with ever increasing number of governments turning to nuclear power, Deep Yellow, Managing Director, John Borshoff has said. He disclosed that Belgium has reversed its decision to shut down reactors in 2025 and has now extended the deadline to 2036 and also plans to build two more reactors. Furthermore, Italy plans to introduce nuclear, as early as 2032 while Bulgaria announces plans to build four new reactors. Borshoff added that France accelerating construction of 14 new generation reactors while the United Kingdom is accelerating nuclear commitment and has planned 25% nuclear by…

23 Feb

Judiciary warns judges amidst Presidential succession debate

National NewsJudiciary warns judges amidst Presidential succession debate

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Judiciary has issued a stern warning to judges, to refrain from public discussions on constitutional matters outside of formal judicial contexts. Amid the recent swearing-in of Namibia’s fourth President, Nangolo Mbumba, following the untimely passing of former President Hage G. Geingob, the constitutional intricacies surrounding Mbumba’s ascension have taken centre stage, triggering legal scrutiny and public discourse. “The Namibian Constitution vests judicial authority in the Courts of the Republic. As such, it is inappropriate for Judges to publicly discuss issues relating to the interpretation of the Constitution outside of a formal judicial context,” warned, Deputy Director…