National News – Page 336 – Windhoek Observer

15 Jan

Lüderitz Airport resumes operations after a temporary halt

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) announced that Lüderitz Airport has resumed full operations on Friday, 12 January 2024, following a brief suspension due to mechanical issues with the Fire and Rescue truck. to Dan Kamati, the spokesperson of the NAC, the airport experienced difficulties with its Fire and Rescue last week, prompting the issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the unavailability of Airport Rescue and Firefighting services. “The NAC immediately activated plans to address the situation and restore normal operations as swiftly as possible,” he said. Kamati added that the resumption of operations on 12 January…

15 Jan

MIT Achieves Milestone in 2023 – Mukobonda

National NewsMIT Achieves Milestone in 2023 - Mukobonda

Martin Endjala In 2023, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) accomplished significant milestones, setting the stage for further progress in 2024. Chief Communications Officer, Elijah Mukobonda, explains that MIT’s primary objective is to foster sustainable social and economic development by creating an enabling environment that benefits all citizens. This mission is accomplished through the formulation of conducive policies, legislation, and strategies, aimed at facilitating business operations, promoting investments, establishing industries, supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and expanding and developing export markets and products. During the review period, Mukobonda highlighted the ministry’s creation of the National Informal Economy,…

15 Jan

Delta student claims top spot in 2023 NSSCO AS level…dedication and study strategies propel him to the academic pinnacle

National Newsdedication and study strategies propel him to the academic pinnacle, Delta student claims top spot in 2023 NSSCO AS level

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Jonathan Louw, a student from Delta Secondary School in the Khomas region, has secured the coveted first position in the 2023 NSSCO Advanced Subsidiary Level Examinations. In an exclusive interview with this publication, Louw said his dedication and commitment to his studies have positioned him as a beacon of academic excellence and a role model for aspiring students. Louw shared insights into his successful journey, shedding light on the meticulous approach he undertook to clinch the top spot. “I approached it with consistency throughout the year and with the knowledge that the work would be much more than…

15 Jan

No customer funds were affected by attempted theft of N$200 million

National NewsNico Hijendepi Rebebe, No customer funds were affected by attempted theft of N$200 million

Staff Writer Nico Hijendepi Rebebe, a 30-year-old employee of Bank Windhoek in Opuwo, is currently on the run after attempting to steal an amount of N$200 million on Saturday 13 January 2024. It is alleged that Rebebe transferred N$100 million into two different bank accounts without the authorization of the bank manager. The bank manager told investigators that the two accounts were opened on 20 December 2023. After making the transfer the suspect left the bank and disappeared. Baronice Hans, the Managing Director of Bank Windhoek in a statement said that the bank managed to keep its losses to less…

12 Jan

Nearly N$10 million worth of drugs seized in December

National NewsDeputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, Nearly N$10 million worth of drugs seized in December

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has seized a staggering N$9 074 362.40 worth of drugs during the period of 1-31 December 2023. The operation led to the arrest of 112 individuals, including 109 Namibians, one Burundian, one Motswana and one Zambian nationals. According to NamPol Spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the seized substances include 885 830.24kg of cannabis, 762 full tablets of Mandrax, 196.2 units of crack cocaine, and 210 grams of Methcathonine(cat). Expressing concern over the impact of illicit substances on the youth, Shikwambi appealed to the public for assistance in curbing these crimes. “Illegal substances are…

12 Jan

The annual Inflation Rate increased by 3.4 percent

National NewsThe annual Inflation Rate increased by 3.4 percent

Martin Endjala Namibia’s annual inflation rate for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel components, which account for 28.4 percent of the consumer basket, saw a significant improvement as it registered a 3.4 percent increase in December 2023 compared to the 2.1 percent observed in December 2022. The country’s overall annual inflation rate stood at 5.3 percent in December 2023, showing a decline from the 6.9 percent recorded in December 2022. Every month, the inflation rate for December 2023 recorded a deflation of 0.1 percent, a decrease from the 0.3 percent recorded in the preceding month. These statistics are based…

12 Jan

NamRA launches second time release study at Trans Kalahari Border Post

National NewsNamRA launches second time release study at Trans Kalahari Border Post

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has announced the commencement of the second Namibia Time Release Study (TRS) at the Trans Kalahari Border Post in the Omaheke Region The Time Release Study, set to take place from 15 to 25 January 2024 is an internationally recognized tool developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), serves as a strategic method to measure the actual time required for the release and/or clearance of goods. According to Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, the Chief of Communications and Support Engagements of the NamRa, the process involves tracking cargo from the moment of arrival until its physical…

12 Jan

South Africa argues genocide case at UN top court

National NewsSouth Africa argues genocide case at UN top court

Staff Reporter On the first of two days of legal arguments at the International Court of Justice, South Africa’s Justice Minister presented his country’s case against Israel whom they accuse of genocide in its war in Gaza. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said on Thursday that Israel’s response to the 7th of October 2023 attack had crossed a line “and gives rise to the breaches of the convention.” South Africa launched its case at the United Nations’ top court in November and has asked the ICJ to order an immediate halt to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. South African lawyer Adila…

12 Jan

FlyNamibia Cancels Flights Due to Safety Regulatory Concerns

National NewsFlyNamibia Cancels Flights Due to Safety Regulatory Concerns

Stefanus Nashama FlyNamibia was forced to cancel all flights to and from Lüderitz Airport due to regulatory safety issues that arose at the coastal town’s airport. The airline explained that the cancelled flights were originally scheduled for yesterday, but they had to be called off due to unforeseen mechanical problems. FlyNamibia maintained that passenger safety remains their top priority. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the cancellations. They clarified that the issue was related to a mechanical problem with a fire-fighting vehicle operated by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC). This vehicle is crucial for ensuring passenger safety…

12 Jan

Namibia’s digital transformation journey gains momentum

National NewsNamibia’s digital transformation journey gains momentum

Niël Terblanché Namibia is gearing up for a profound digital transformation, with an unwavering commitment to leveraging digitalization for prosperity. Audrin Mathe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, stressed the crucial role of governance and strategic foresight in this digital evolution. Speaking at the official opening of a workshop earlier this week, Mathe reiterated that digitalization had moved beyond being a mere option; it was now an imperative for Namibia’s development. He stressed the significance of crafting a focused vision for the country’s digital future, laying the foundation for this transformative journey. One of the…