National News – Page 430 – Windhoek Observer

16 Oct

Active SIM cards dropped six percent in Q2

National News

Chamwe Kaira Active Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards experienced a six percent decline in the second quarter. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) attributed this decrease primarily to a reduction in Prepaid SIM card users. One potential factor contributing to this drop is the introduction of new Aweh and Jiva packages, which offer extended validity periods and may reduce the need for customers to purchase multiple SIM cards for different purposes. However, there was a seven percent increase in mobile broadband usage, with 74 percent of SIM cards accessing the internet, resulting in a nine percent increase from the…

16 Oct

EFF alleges Amushelelo’s arrest was aimed at muting dissent

National NewsEFF alleges Amushelelo’s arrest was aimed at muting dissent

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The South African political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, has claimed that the arrest of Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member Michael Amushelelo, was a clear attempt to silence him, setting an example to radical voices calling for revolutionary change in Namibia. EFF National Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, stated that the EFF has consistently maintained that Amushelelo’s arrest and detention were politically motivated. “The EFF has consistently maintained that Amushelelo’s arrest and detention were politically motivated, as stated in our statement of support from 28 September 2023. Amushelelo is a vocal critic of the…

16 Oct

Ministry of Fisheries spends millions to combat illegal fishing

National NewsThe Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources disclosed an expenditure of over N$70 million in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities within the country’s territory last year.

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources disclosed an expenditure of over N$70 million in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities within the country’s territory last year. According to the Ministry, the expenditure does not encompass the salaries of fisheries inspectors and all involved personnel. Furthermore, the Ministry has revealed that it allocates over N$130,000 per day for each patrol vessel involved in sea operations. These revelations come in response to queries raised by the Leader of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Bernadus Swartbooi, regarding alleged illegal fishing activities along the northern borders. Swartbooi…

16 Oct

Geingob and Ramaphosa Address Global concerns in Windhoek

National NewsGeingob and Ramaphosa Address Global concerns in Windhoek

Niël Terblanché The third session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by President Hage Geingob of Namibia and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, took place on October 13, 2023, in Windhoek, Namibia. The meeting followed a ministerial gathering on October 12, 2023, and a senior officials’ meeting held from March 7 to March 9, 2023, setting the stage for constructive discussions and agreements. The two Heads of State stressed the importance of nurturing the longstanding bilateral relations that exist between Namibia and South Africa. These relations are deeply rooted in historical bonds of solidarity, socio-economic connections, and…

16 Oct

Uutoni to invoke more actions against defiant Karasburg Town Council

National NewsErastus Uutoni, Uutoni to invoke more actions against defiant Karasburg Town Council

Martin Endjala The Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni, has threatened to take action against the continuous defiance of the Local Authorities governing law and un-procedural conduct by the Karasburg Town Council. Uutoni said that in terms of Article 40 (k) of the Namibian Constitution, and given his previous directives which were ignored, he is again directing the Council to rectify all the violations as pointed out previously by making a representation and providing proof to his office on or before 27 October 2023 and to submit a comprehensive report that they have fully complied. Failure by the…

16 Oct

Ford Ranger Raptor Waiting List Surpasses 1,009

National NewsFord Ranger Raptor Waiting List Surpasses 1

Chamwe Kaira In Windhoek, Namibia, the demand for the new Ford Ranger Raptor is surging, with over 1,009 eager customers currently on the waiting list. Simonis Storm disclosed that the Namibian market continues to be predominantly driven by Toyota, contributing to 45% of total sales. Following Toyota are Volkswagen (12%), Kia (8%), Ford (7%), and Nissan (4%). The report highlighted that the demand for new vehicles in Namibia has seen a decrease for the third consecutive month, with a 3.7% decline in September compared to a more substantial drop of 13.2% in August. In September, the number of vehicles sold…

16 Oct

Building resilience at all levels is an urgent priority

National NewsBuilding resilience at all levels is an urgent priority, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila

Martin Endjala Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, says in order to address the threat of climate change, building resilience at every level of society has become an urgent priority. “As we face these complex and ever-evolving threats, building resilience at every level of our society has become an urgent priority,” she said. The premier said this last week at the commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction at the Uukwangula, Okatana Constituency, in the Oshana region. She said the day is a reminder about the importance of disaster risk reduction, in the face of increasing and unprecedented natural and…

13 Oct

Amushelelo and Nauyoma acquitted

National NewsAmushelelo and Nauyoma acquitted

Stefanus Nashama Political activists, Michael Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma were acquitted of all charges after seven months by Magistrate Linus Samuzala at the Katutura Magistrate Court yesterday. Magistrate Samuzala cited the poor quality of evidence presented by the state, noting that Amushelelo had been continually incarcerated since his arrest on 21 March this year. He was arrested alongside Nauyoma and Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Inna Hengari. The evidence provided by the complainant, Chief Inspector Frederick Ndjatila of the Namibian Police Force, who was the state’s key witness, was deemed immaterial by the Magistrate. Magistrate Samuzala also dismissed oral…

13 Oct

Namibia expects to produce oil by 2030

Energy, National NewsNamibia expects to produce oil by 2030

Niël Terblanché With its burgeoning oil reserves, Namibia is embarking on a transformative journey, promising not only to reshape its economic landscape but also to solidify its position on the global energy stage. Namibia has set its sights high on significant offshore oil finds and expects to tap into these vast reserves by 2030. Petroleum Commissioner, Maggy Shino, at a recent oil conference in Cape Town, South Africa, introduced plans for a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform to facilitate crude oil export. Since the discoveries, Namibia has garnered considerable attention from global energy magnates. This surge in interest…

13 Oct

Household drought relief Food increased significantly

National NewsHousehold drought relief Food increased significantly

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Cabinet has given the green light for an increase in the provision of bags of maize meal for drought relief. Now, each household will receive 20 kilograms of maize meal bags every month throughout the drought relief program for the 2023/24 financial year. This substantial increase replaces the previous 12.5-kilogram allocation to each household. This announcement was made by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Peya Mushelenga, during the 17th cabinet decision-making meeting. The minister has also addressed several other crucial decisions made by the executive. He said the Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Gender, Equality,…