National News – Page 343

12 Oct

NHE fails to meet its own housing target

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNHE fails to meet its own housing target

Martin Endjala According to the National Housing Enterprise (NHE)’s five-year strategic plan, the entity aimed to construct 2,200 houses annually until the housing backlog was resolved.However, from 2019 to the present, the institution has only succeeded in building 1,090 houses nationwide.NHE’s mandate is to provide housing to low- and middle-income Namibian households by initiating and financing housing projects.Mutonga Matali, the Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager of NHE, informed the Windhoek Observer that due to the rising demand for homeownership, it’s imperative for NHE to recalibrate its strategy to address the housing backlog and guarantee access to affordable homes.“New housing targets,…

12 Oct

All enumerators will be paid by the end of October

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAll enumerators will be paid by the end of October

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has urged Census 2023 enumerators involved in fieldwork, who have yet to receive their remuneration, to remain patient. The agency is actively addressing the issue, aiming to complete all payments by the end of October. At a media conference in Windhoek, updating on the 2023 population and housing census and the launch of the post-enumeration survey, NSA Statistician-General Alex Shimuafeni assured that payments would be expedited. Shimuafeni revealed that 60% of the enumerators have already been compensated, leaving only 40% awaiting payment. “The funds are in the NSA bank account. Payments will be…

12 Oct

Venaani displeased with Swapo’s decisionto reject the Bill recognizing Basters

info_e12wt4csNational NewsVenaani displeased with Swapo’s decisionto reject the Bill recognizing Basters

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), expressed disappointment yesterday over the decision by Swapo members of Parliament to reject the Private Member’s Bill he introduced in the National Assembly. This bill aimed to recognize the Basters’ Traditional Authority. Titled “Baster Traditional Authority Recognition and Urban Traditional Authorities Establishment,” the bill sought to recognize, protect, and promote the rights of the Baster Traditional Authority in urban areas. Venaani stated it was turned down by Swapo Party members. “The rejection of this bill is deeply troubling. It highlights a concerning pattern of neglect and dismissal of the…

12 Oct

Geingob and Ramaphosa to convene for the third Bi-National Commission

info_e12wt4csNational NewsGeingob and Ramaphosa to convene for the third Bi-National Commission

Niël Terblanché The spirit of mutual cooperation and collaboration between South Africa and Namibia is set to shine through this week. On 13 October 2023, President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia will welcome his South African counterpart, President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, for the third Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC). The session, co-chaired by both presidents, follows an agreement reached during President Geingob’s State Visit to South Africa on 20 April 2023. Established in 2012, the BNC has since been a pivotal forum to boost bilateral ties, coordinate diplomatic stances, and discuss shared concerns at both regional and…

12 Oct

Parliamentary Chair urges vigilancefor enhanced personal security

info_e12wt4csNational NewsParliamentary Chair urges vigilancefor enhanced personal security

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Innovation, Modestus Amutse, has emphasised the critical role of cybersecurity in enhancing personal security.Speaking at the 7th National Youth Summit, Amutse highlighted the importance of proactive participation in cybersecurity programs under the theme “Re-thinking cybersecurity investment to secure the digital economy and its opportunities.”He stressed the necessity to fortify cybersecurity to remain vigilant and extend a helping hand to protect one another. He mentioned recent media reports that drew attention to criminal syndicates exploiting ICT to engage youth in fraudulent activities and abhorrent practices like…

12 Oct

SADC Anti-Corruption workshop kick starts in Swakopmund

info_e12wt4csNational NewsSADC Anti-Corruption workshop kick starts in Swakopmund

Niël Terblanché The heads of anti-corruption agencies across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region converged in Swakopmund for a critical three-day workshop. The event will be spearheaded by Thom Shamakamba, the newly appointed Chairperson of the SADC Anti-Corruption Committee. Assuming the position from Paulus Noah, Director General for the Anti-Corruption Commission of Namibia, Shamakamba commended his predecessor for his leadership. He also lauded the Republic of Namibia, represented by the Governor of the Erongo Region, Neville Andre, for their hospitality. The workshop, in its second iteration, will focus on galvanizing joint efforts against corruption, which plagues the region by…

11 Oct

Nandi-Ndaitwah allays fears of election sabotage

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNandi-Ndaitwah allays fears of election sabotage

Martin Endjala Deputy Prime Minister, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has assured Namibians that the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections next year will be conducted with the highest standards. She stated that neither Namibians nor opposition parties should be concerned about any sabotage. “I would like to allay any concerns or fears that the Hon. Member might have regarding the upcoming 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections. The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and good governance,” she said. This includes working in the context of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, of which Namibia…

11 Oct

Proposed compulsory DNA testing could violate constitutional rights

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Panduleni Itula, expressed concern yesterday that the legislature’s proposed compulsory DNA testing might infringe upon fundamental constitutional rights.“In my informed view, compulsory DNA testing, without an accompanying criminal offence, would likely fail a legal challenge. I cannot envision a judge authorizing it without violating a basic constitutional right,” Itula declared. His comments follow a proposal from the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Christine //Hoebes, earlier this year. She suggested that lawmakers should explore ways to make DNA testing mandatory and more accessible. The idea of obligatory DNA testing has also…

11 Oct

Khomas Governor criticises government vehicle moratorium

info_e12wt4csNational NewsKhomas Governor criticises government vehicle moratorium

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Khomas Regional Governor, Laura McLeod-Katjirua, has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s vehicle moratorium, stating that it has adversely impacted service delivery for the council. Last week, the National Council Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Housing engaged with officials responsible for the Government Garage to assess the impact of the government’s moratorium on vehicle procurement for Offices, Ministries, Agencies (OMAs), and Regional Councils. The committee’s oversight mission aims to evaluate various issues, including the accessibility, reliability, and safety of government vehicles and transport in general. During the engagement, Governor Katjirua voiced her concerns regarding the moratorium’s impact on…

11 Oct

Non-NUDO members attacking the leadership – Kauandenge

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNon-NUDO members attacking the leadership - Kauandenge

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Joseph Kauandenge, the Secretary-General of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo), has stated that none of the party members are at the forefront of attacking democratically elected leaders or interfering in internal affairs under the pretext of “Otjira tjo tjiuana.” Kauandenge described these agitators as failed politicians, scholars, unsuccessful businesspeople, former ambassadors, armchair critics, and even failed pastors. He expressed disbelief at how such individuals feel they possess the moral authority to criticize Nudo leaders. “Just as a household has its hierarchy, so does Nudo. Not everyone can simply walk in from the streets and attempt to seize…