National News

Martin Endjala The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced the appointment of Mufaro Nesongano, as its new Executive Public Relations Officer. The appointment came into effect on 20 March 2024. CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Emilia Nghikembwa, announced that Nesongano assumed the role of Executive of Communication and Consumer Relations, a position previously held by Katrina Sikeni. Nesongano previously served as Marketing and Communications Manager at Old Mutual Namibia, and in his new role, he will lead CRAN's strategic initiatives, focusing on communication, international relations, and stakeholder and consumer engagement strategies. He will drive the development and execution…

Niël Terblanché Namibia showcased its ambitious strides towards becoming a green economy powerhouse, underpinned by innovative green hydrogen projects and significant educational initiatives at the Green Hydrogen Symposium currently underway at the Windhoek Country Club. Obeth Kandjoze, the Director General of the National Planning Commission and Chairperson of the Green Hydrogen Council, while officially opening the gathering celebrated Namibia's "first harvest" in its green economy transition. "Almost three years ago, Namibia planted its first seeds towards a green economy," Kandjoze remarked, referencing the country's Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II. Today, we are privileged to witness the fruits…

Stefanus Nashama The ruling party of Namibia, Swapo, in its capacity as the steering body of the Namibian government, has in the strongest terms, condemned the killing of 139 unarmed civilians at a Moscow concert hall in Russia. Swapo Party Secretary-General, Sophia Shaningwa, condemned Friday’s attack on behalf of the party this week. “The collective leadership of the Swapo Party and its entire rank and file has condemned in the strongest possible terms, the killing of unarmed civilians of the Russian Federation, by terrorists and assailants who wish to threaten peace and stability of the Russian Federation by targeting innocent…

Niël Terblanché A Green Hydrogen Symposium that will take place in Windhoek over the next few days will further bolster Namibia’s ambitions to become a hub for green energy innovation. The gathering with the theme "Green Hydrogen in Practice: Pilot Projects and Y4GH2 Scholarships," aims to present a comprehensive mid-term status report on the significant strides made in the green hydrogen sector, particularly focusing on ongoing pilot projects and the progress of the Youth for Green Hydrogen (Y4GH2) Scholarships. Namibia's commitment to sustainable energy and climate action will take centre stage at the gathering, which will draw key stakeholders from…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has positioned itself as a leader in gender equality within its parliamentary ranks, achieving an impressive 50 percent female representation in the National Assembly which is a significant rise from 46 percent the previous year. This achievement was announced by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, who again stressed the nation's commitment to gender parity in politics. Despite this remarkable progress in the National Assembly, the National Council's female representation lags at just over 14 percent. Both Katjavivi and the Vice Chairperson of the National Council, Victoria Kauma, stressed the importance of sustaining gender…

Niël Terblanché In a groundbreaking move that signifies the growing international cooperation in renewable energy, the German government has extended a letter of intent to Enertag, supporting Hyphen Hydrogen Energy's ambitious green hydrogen project in Namibia. The initiative, valued at US$10 billion, is poised to set a new precedent for strategic foreign undertakings, receiving targeted support from Germany, a nation at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution. Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, a Namibian-based renewable energy firm, has been awarded preferred-bidder status for the development of a vast 4,000 square kilometre green hydrogen project within the Tsau ||Khaeb National Park, near…

Stefanus Nashama The Secretary for Information and Publicity and Member of Parliament of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Hidipo Hamata, said the ruling party, has for years been hijacking Independence Day which is supposed to be a national day for all Namibians regardless of their political affiliation. Hamata stated that the Swapo Party does this every year for their political gain which betrays the spirit of inclusivity and national unity that Independence Day represents. “Independence Day is a cherished occasion for all Namibians to come together in unity and celebration of our nationhood. “It is a time when people from…

Martin Endjala The Development Bank of Namibia is leveraging development partnerships with other development finance institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), which is a critical enabler of DBN's strategy. This follows a meeting that took place in Windhoek between the two banks last week. The meeting was part of the consultation mission to Namibia, by the AfDB Executive Director of Southern Africa Group II Constituency, Dr João Ngimbi to Namibia. The DBN’s Chief Executive Officer, John Steytler, said that the bank’s strategy for the next five years has been submitted to the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises…

Stefanus Nashama The government, through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development yesterday launched the construction of 113 houses in Extension 4 of Goreangab in Windhoek. The houses will range from two-bedroom, one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats. The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, NHE and Windhoek Municipality are collaborating to bring the project to fruition. Speaking at the launch event, the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele said the project aims to eliminate shacks in informal settlements in the country. According to her, the program has delivered a total of 694 affordable houses to residents of Windhoek…

Martin Endjla The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) celebrated the decentralization of services and enhanced accessibility during the official opening of its new regional office in Outapi. Edwin Tjiramba, the GIPF’s General Manager of Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, stressed the importance of this expansion and reiterated the GIPF’s commitment to decentralization and bringing services nearer to the populace. With the GIPF now present at 11 regional and four satellite offices, the institution aims to meet and exceed the expectations of its members, many of whom are far from Windhoek. Tjiramba said the development aligns with the GIPF's strategic vision of…