National News – Page 349 – Windhoek Observer

27 Nov

Nampol receives new vehicles to safeguard the festive season

National NewsNampol receives new vehicles to safeguard the festive season

Niël Terblanché As the festive season approaches, Traffic Law Enforcement Officers of the Namibian Police will be deployed at various roadblocks across the country, ready to respond swiftly to road incidents, day or night. In a significant move to enhance road safety and law enforcement during the upcoming festive season, the Namibian Police (NAMPOL) received a generous donation of vehicles from the Road Fund Administration (RFA). The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, expressed his appreciation for the support, highlighting the critical role these vehicles will play in ensuring public safety. General Shikongo praised the RFA…

24 Nov

Fisheries Minister concerned about overexploitation of freshwater resources

National NewsFisheries Minister concerned about overexploitation of freshwater resources

Niël Terblanché Derek Klazen, Namibia’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has raised a red flag regarding the escalating issue of unregulated fishing and the overexploitation of the country’s freshwater resources during his annual fishing address. The minister’s remarks during his annual fishing industry address shed light on pressing challenges and initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainability of Namibia’s aquatic ecosystems. He pointed to the growing problem of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has garnered significant media attention over the past year. The minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to using all available resources to combat practices that jeopardize…

24 Nov

OPM ensures its compliance with all financial regulations

National NewsOPM ensures its compliance with all financial regulations

Niël Terblanché The Office of the Prime Minister has issued clarifications regarding the utilization of the National Emergency Disaster Fund (NEDF) and reiterated its commitment to maintaining accountability and transparency in accordance with financial regulations. In a statement, Rhingo Mutambo, the OPM’s Chief Public Relations Officer, stated that the Office of the Prime Minister wishes to ensure Namibians that all NEDF transactions adhere to the State Finance Act of 1991 and the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2012. “Furthermore, every transaction, both incoming and outgoing, is subject to audit scrutiny, ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes,” Mutambo…

24 Nov

“I am not a politician,” says Itula

National News“I am not a politician, ” says Itula

Stefanus Nashama Dr. Panduleni Itula, the leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), has stated that he does not consider himself a politician but rather a leader of a political party. According to Itula, there is a clear distinction between politicians and leaders, particularly in terms of policy formulation. He explained that leaders formulate policies based on the needs of the people, whereas politicians have their own way of doing things. Itula made these remarks during an interview on the MAD Podcast this week, where he discussed how IPC came into existence. Itula emphasized that his direct visits and…

24 Nov

Klazen calls for sustainable practices in the fishing industry

National NewsKlazen calls for sustainable practices in the fishing industry

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, reiterated the importance of responsible fishing practices, conservation, and good corporate governance for the country’s fishing sector. Klazen delivered his annual fishing industry address in Walvis Bay where he urged Namibians to unite in their commitment to responsible fishing practices, and highlighted the need for collaboration, open dialogue, and innovation. He stressed that these principles are crucial for safeguarding the health of Namibia’s oceans, ensuring the prosperity of its fishing industry, and leaving a legacy of responsible stewardship for future generations. He stressed the invaluable resources found in Namibia’s…

24 Nov

American airport officials explore collaboration opportunities in Namibia

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia, a nation not often in the spotlight for many in the United States of America, recently drew the attention of a high-level delegation from the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The delegation, led by Balram Bheodari, the General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, embarked on a visit to Namibia with the aim of advancing air service development efforts, which essentially means exploring opportunities for new passenger or cargo flights. The visiting group also included leaders from the airport’s infrastructure and commercial team. During their factfinding mission, the delegation engaged with various Namibian entities, including…

24 Nov

Sinimbo urges for diversification in expertise in trade and economics

National NewsSinimbo urges for diversification in expertise in trade and economics

Stefanus Nashama The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industrialisation, Verna Sinimbo, has made an appeal to international and development partners for the supply of expertise in trade and economic diversification. Speaking at a consultative workshop on skills for trade and economic diversification held in Windhoek, Sinimbo stressed that the days when trade was limited to the exchange of physical goods were long gone. She stressed that Namibia’s competitiveness in the global trade arena depends on the skills of its workforce. “A highly skilled labour force not only enhances productivity but also positions us as a preferred partner in international trade…

24 Nov

Chinese hospitals overwhelmed as cases of mystery disease increase

National NewsChinese hospitals overwhelmed as cases of mystery disease increase

Niël Terblanché Chinese hospitals are grappling with a sudden surge in cases of a mysterious respiratory illness that has left authorities baffled and the World Health Organization (WHO) deeply concerned. While China struggles with this mystery illness and its potential implications, the world is anxiously watching and hoping for swift answers and effective containment measures to protect public health. The outbreak has raised alarms as it primarily affects children, adding to the existing healthcare challenges faced by the nation. Reports of the illness first emerged from various regions across China, but cases have now also been confirmed in the capital…

24 Nov

Aunt murders two-year-old niece with palm frond

National NewsAunt murders two-year-old niece with palm frond

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A 40-year-old woman from Okafitukakuni Village in the Outapi Constituency was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly assaulting her two-year-and-6-months-old niece, Susan Noongo, with a dry stick part of palm frond. The assault resulted in Noongo sustaining a broken right arm and losing consciousness. The incident is alleged to have occurred around 14H00. According to the Omusati Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Ishmael Basson in a grim turn of events, at around 18h00 on the same day, the suspect reportedly placed the unconscious child in a baby carrier and transported her to Omahenene clinic. “The suspect put the deceased in…

23 Nov

NSFAF policies entrap unemployed youth in debt

National NewsNSFAF policies entrap unemployed youth in debt

Stefanus Nashama In a passionate plea, Parliamentarian and Lawmaker Inna Hengari from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has called for a thorough review of the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) policies governing loan conditions for students. Hengari made this impassioned appeal during her recent parliamentary address, where she urged NSFAF to explore ways to incentivize loan beneficiaries to pursue entrepreneurship and job creation after completing their studies. According to her, the current six-month grace period for repaying NSFAF loans is inadequate and leads to a troubling situation where unemployed graduates find themselves burdened with debt shortly after receiving their…