National News – Page 354 – Windhoek Observer

12 Feb

More than 5,000 Windhoek residents registered to occupy vacant houses

National News000 Windhoek residents registered to occupy vacant houses, More than 5

Stefanus Nashama Social Activist, Michael Amushelelo, has informed the Windhoek Observer that more than 5,000 Windhoek residents have so far registered to eventually occupy vacant houses in Windhoek. The registration process started on the weekend, 10 February 2024, he said. According to Amushelelo, the government has failed on duty to keep houses vacant over 10 years ago while people are homeless. “The registration process went smoothly even though earlier in the morning before I arrived the police were threatening people and intimidating them to go back home,” he said. Despite this, the activist said upon his arrival, he had to…

12 Feb

Windhoek launches debt relief programme for pensioners

National NewsWindhoek launches debt relief programme for pensioners

Niël Terblanché The City of Windhoek is reaching out to its senior citizens with a new initiative aimed at providing financial relief to pensioners burdened by outstanding municipal debts. Announced on November 30, 2023, by the city council, a comprehensive debt relief programme is set to roll out, targeting residents aged 60 and above. Starting February 15 and running through April 15, 2024, eligible pensioners are encouraged to register for the programme, designed to alleviate the financial pressures faced by Windhoek’s elderly population. Registration venues are conveniently located across the city, including the City of Windhoek Head Office, available on…

12 Feb

104-year-old woman killed in brutal attack

National News104-year-old woman killed in brutal attack

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through Enkombo village in the Etayi constituency of the Omusati region, a 36-year-old man stands accused of murdering his 104-year-old mother, Cecilia Vilho. The vicious attack occurred on Friday. Omusati Regional Commander, Commissioner Ishmael Basson, said the incident occurred at around 21h50 when the suspect, arrived home unexpectedly and found his mother and a witness enjoying their dinner. The eyewitnesses state that without a warning, the man grabbed a stick from the fire and brutally attacked his elderly mother. “It is alleged that the suspect beat the deceased with a…

12 Feb

Severe weather wreaks havoc at jail farm

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a devastating turn of events, the Divundu Correctional Facility Farm has faced significant setbacks as severe weather conditions unleashed havoc on its maize crop. The farm, known for its seven centre-pivot irrigation systems spanning 166.7 hectares of maize scheduled for harvesting in April 2024, suffered considerable losses, leaving only 80.55 hectares viable for harvest. The affected maize crops, a crucial component of the facility’s rehabilitation efforts, now face potential disruptions, casting a shadow over the season’s agricultural activities. The agricultural initiative, renowned for imparting valuable skills to inmates, now grapples with the aftermath of a destructive weather…

09 Feb

Geingob emphasised the eradication of tribalism, racism and all forms of division – Hengari

National NewsGeingob emphasised the eradication of tribalism, racismand all forms of division – Hengari

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Alfredo Hengari, who has served as Spokesperson to former President Hage Geingob, said as part of his deeply held wish for an inclusive Namibia, the late Head of State would always emphasise the eradication of tribalism, racism and all other forms of division in the country.Hengari made these remarks yesterday during the memorial service of the former President at his private residence Casa Rosalia on the outskirts of Windhoek. He said Geingob was a vertical, but also a horizontal leader, and many of them experienced the demanding and perfectionist side of President Geingob. Intolerance for explanations when the…

09 Feb

Women embark on self-empowerment journey

National NewsWomen embark on self-empowerment journey

Niël Terblanché In a significant stride toward self-empowerment and professional growth, five Namibian women embarked on a transformative journey with the commencement of the 2024 Katuka Mentorship Programme. This year’s programme, sponsored by Bank Windhoek for the fifth consecutive year, aims to provide a nurturing environment for young women to explore their potential, enhance their skills, and boost their confidence in the professional realm. The programme welcomed Maano Shimanda, Beauty Katjina, Elizabeth Mbidi, Esther Hatutale, and Angeline Shaningwa as mentees, each bringing unique aspirations and backgrounds to the table. Shimanda, a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Social Security Commission,…

09 Feb

Land reform will only work if farms are used productively

National NewsLand reform will only work if farms are used productively

Niël Terblanche In the wake of heated discussions surrounding land tax in Namibia, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has come forward to clarify its stance on land reform and the importance of a fair and productive agricultural land use policy.With recent debates ignited by articles in local newspapers, the NAU seeks to address the emotional public responses and outline its position on ensuring a successful land reform process in the country.Acknowledging the historical inequalities in commercial agricultural land ownership at the time of Namibia’s independence, the NAU has been an active participant in the formulation of the government’s land reform…

09 Feb

MPs urged to be strong and carry on with the constitutional mandates

National NewsMPs urged to be strong and carry on with the constitutional mandates

Martin Endjala Following the passing of President Hage Geingob, National Council Vice Chairperson Victoria Kauma, has urged members of Parliament to use the little strength left in them to carry out their constitutional mandate. “I observed that many of us are broken and weak due to the big loss of our Head of State who impacted many people’s lives in different ways. I urge you all to pull-out the little strength left, in order for us to carry out the Constitutional mandate as provided for by Article 74 and 75 of the Namibian Constitution,” she urged. She said this during…

09 Feb

Hospital ablution facilities renovated at a cost of N$1.7 million

National NewsHospital ablution facilities renovated at a cost of N$1.7 million

Martin Endjala The Katutura Intermediate Hospital’s ablution facilities have undergone significant renovations, thanks to a N$1.7 million investment. This project, a collaboration between the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, Road Fund Administration (RFA), and Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA), aimed to address the deteriorating condition of these essential services on the hospital’s second and third floors. Over five months, the renovation project successfully upgraded both male and female toilets, including showers, bathtubs, and washbasins. The improvements extend to dedicated sluice rooms and staff toilets, enhancing the overall hygiene and comfort for patients and healthcare staff alike. Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, CEO of the…

09 Feb

CoW elects two remaining management committee members

National NewsCoW elects two remaining management committee members

Martin Endjala Following recent pushback amongst council members, the City of Windhoek Council finally finally concluded its management committee member election yesterday. Former deputy mayor Magdalena Lombardt and Councillor Bernardus Araeb were successfully elected as the two remaining members of the management committee which consists of five members The proceedings were presided over by Windhoek Magistrate Ndapewa Celma Amadhila. The two slots remained unoccupied since last year after numerous attempts by the council to elect the remaining seats to join the likes of Fransina Kahungu, Sam Nujoma and Austin Kwenani who were elected last year. Both Lombardt and Araeb will…