National News – Page 332 – Windhoek Observer

22 Jan

Walvis Bay witnesses a surge in bunker fuel demand as ships seek safer routes

National NewsWalvis Bay witnesses a surge in bunker fuel demand as ships seek safer routes

Niël Terblanché In response to the escalating security threats in the Red Sea, commercial ships are rerouting their journeys through African ports, creating a surge in demand for bunker fuel and reshaping global refuelling patterns. The Middle East has been on edge due to a series of attacks on cargo ships and subsequent American retaliation, leading to heightened tensions in the region. As a result, the Red Sea has become a risky passage for vessels, causing them to seek alternative routes and refuelling stops. In the face of growing security concerns, the shipping industry is undergoing a transformation in its…

22 Jan

UDF Elective congress ends in disarray

National NewsUDF Elective congress ends in disarray

Niël Terblanché The United Democratic Front (UDF) found itself in turmoil at its highly anticipated elective congress held in Swakopmund on Saturday, as party members were left without crucial financial reports and the opportunity to question outgoing leaders. The event marked the UDF’s first congress in a decade, following its last gathering in 2013. The primary agenda item on the congress’s docket was the election of a new leadership, but the proceedings quickly took an unexpected turn. All party structures were dissolved by the Congress before any reports were presented, causing consternation among the party faithful. Outgoing president Apius Auchab…

22 Jan

Inmate seeks N$2.5 million in damages from government …claims violation of rights by Correctional Services

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a legal battle at the Windhoek High Court, Kassian Mukuve Mbathera, an inmate serving a 19-year sentence for murder, is pursuing a claim against Commissioner General of Namibian Correctional Service Raphael Hamunyela and five other defendants for damages and relief under common law. Mbathera’s total claim amounts to N$2.5 million, addressing alleged violations of his rights during an incident that transpired in May 2021 and subsequent events. He contends that the defendants, including Hamunyela and other government officials, engaged in wrongful, unlawful, and unconstitutional conduct against him. The inmate’s particulars of claim state that he suffered cruel,…

22 Jan

Mbumba calls for unity and economic cooperation among developing countries

National NewsMbumba calls for unity and economic cooperation among developing countries

Niël Terblanché Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia, took part in the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Uganda, held from January 19 to 20, 2024. The summit, hosted by Uganda, brought together leaders from NAM member states to discuss and strategize on global issues affecting developing countries. The NAM Summit, which is the primary political platform for advancing the interests of developing nations, was preceded by a Ministerial Meeting on January 17 and 18, 2024. During this meeting, participants emphasized the importance of enhancing South-South, North-South, and…

22 Jan

City Police warn against street kids’ robbery scams

National NewsCity Police warn against street kids’ robbery scams

Martin Endjala Windhoek City Police Chief, Leevi Ileka has issued a stern warning to residents regarding the increasing incidents in which street children pose as individuals seeking help with various needs, such as food and money, but ultimately engage in robbery. Ileka delivered this warning during a media briefing on Friday, emphasizing the rising number of complaints received by city police regarding robberies committed by groups of homeless children in the capital. “These street children approach people under false pretences, requesting money or assistance, and as the victims search their pockets and handbags for change, the culprits swiftly swoop in…

22 Jan

Chinese Embassy denies allegations of worker exploitation

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Chinese Embassy in Namibia has denied allegations of worker exploitation and underpayment raised by social activist Michael Amushelelo. In a statement released following a Facebook post by Amushelelo, the embassy defended its employment practices and addressed the concerns raised. According to the embassy’s spokesperson, all local employees are hired under legally compliant contracts adhering to Namibian laws. The statement refutes claims made by Amushelelo, stating that allegations of low pay, forced work, lack of overtime compensation, no provision for injury compensation, and mistreatment are entirely false and baseless. “In addition to complying with the laws of the…

22 Jan

Mediation could resolve defamation lawsuit involving former Walvis Bay CEO

National News

Niël Terblanché The Former Chief Executive Officer of the Walvis Bay Municipality, Muronga Haingura, has taken legal action against the Walvis Bay town council, former regional councillor Knowledge Ipinge, and municipal employee relations officer Gertrude Usiku, alleging defamation and demanding N$1.5 million in compensation. The lawsuit stems from accusations that Haingura misappropriated N$24 million intended for a government-funded mass land servicing project. In a recent development, the legal representatives of the municipal council have proposed a mediation process to explore the possibility of settling with the plaintiff and the first respondents. The mediation date has been set for Friday, 26…

22 Jan

Hand grenade explosion kills one and injures three at Katima Mulilo

National NewsHand grenade explosion kills one and injures three at Katima Mulilo

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Tragedy struck in the Luliba village, Mpacha area of Katima Mulilo, as a 14-year-old boy, Yamuno Mulatehi, lost his life in a hand grenade explosion that occurred between 17:00 and 18:00. According to the crime report released over the weekend and conveyed by Namibian Police Force national spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi, the fatal incident occurred on Friday when the deceased’s 35-year-old father brought a hand grenade home from the bush and began striking it with an axe. The police investigation revealed that the father had collected the explosive device and other spent cartridges from the Mpacha and Liselo areas.…

21 Jan

At home with Valencia Katjipuka

Featured, National NewsAt home with Valencia Katjipuka

Valencia Katjipuka is a certified Neuro-linguistic programming life coach. She is also a qualified Economist - having served in public service before resigning to pursue a career in Psychology at Unam full-time. She has a heart for people, and she loves to uplift and inspire others. She is passionate about personal development and all things psychology - mental health. Who is Valencia Katjipuka?Valencia Katjipuka is God’s daughter. I firmly place my identity on a higher power. And that’s where all the roles and the titles I carry trickle down from. I am a wife and a mother of boys. I…

19 Jan

Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for stronger ties at NAM summit

National NewsNandi-Ndaitwah calls for stronger ties at NAM summit, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit

Niël Terblanché The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala has paved the way for stronger ties and increased economic cooperation between Namibia and Uganda, setting a positive trajectory for the future of both nations and the broader Non-Aligned Movement. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation led a delegation to attend the summit in Kampala, Uganda. The summit, held under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Global Affluence,” concluded today after a week of discussions and deliberations among member nations. The primary focus of the summit was to foster cooperation among member nations, addressing…