National News – Page 360 – Windhoek Observer

12 Feb

Theofelus’s appointment praised as youth empowerment – SPYL

National News

Martin Endjala The appointment of Emma Theofelus as the new Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Minister, has been praised by the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) Secretary General Ephraim Nekongo, who described the move as inclusion and youth empowerment. Teofelus was appointed as the ICT Minister, replacing Peya Mushelenga who is the new International Relations and Cooperation Minister on 9 February 2024 by President Nangolo Mbumba. Nekongo said Teofelus’s appointment is an extraordinarily proud moment not only to him but to the entire rank and file of the SPYL “The SPYL has always advocated for genuine youth empowerment and inclusion,…

12 Feb

Trade Ministry honours Geingob

National News

Martin Endjala Minister of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) Lucia Iipumbu, has last week honoured the late President Hage Geingob with a candlelight ceremony for his success during his tenure as minister. She described him as a remarkable statesman, a visionary leader, and a true servant of the people, who has made an immense impact across the globe. Iipumbu said Geingob played a pivotal role in terms of shaping the trade and industrial policy regime of the country. She said that Geingob’s passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him, working…

12 Feb

Hundreds of vacant houses in Windhoek still not ready for occupation

National NewsHundreds of vacant houses in Windhoek still not ready for occupation

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development reports that 362 dwelling units, part of the Mass Housing Development Programme located in Otjomuise, Extension 10, remain vacant and are not ready for occupation. The revelation surfaced amidst growing pressure from local activists for the immediate allocation of these homes to the needy. The project, initially slated for completion in December 2017, has been marred by delays due to a legal dispute between the construction contractor and the government, leading to a halt in progress. Despite reaching reasonable stages of construction, these units lack essential services such as sewer, water,…

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…