National News – Page 95 – Windhoek Observer

29 Nov

AR welcomes public interviews for judges before appointments……Amupanda apologises to Chief

ObserverNational NewsAR welcomes public interviews for judges before appointments……Amupanda apologises to Chief

Stefanus Nashama Job Amupanda, the leader of the Affirmative Repositioning Movement (AR), has expressed the movement’s support for the decision to subject judges to public interviews during the recruitment process, emphasizing the importance of transparency. Amupanda stated that the AR movement has long advocated for transparency in the recruitment of judges, a practice already in place in neighbouring countries. This development comes in the wake of Chief Justice Peter Shivute’s recent amendment to the Judicial Service Commission Regulations, which now allows for public interviews of judges. According to Shivute, “The Commission may, if it deems it necessary, call any person…

29 Nov

More IPPs will close gap in electricity imports

ObserverNational NewsMore IPPs will close gap in electricity imports

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Mines and Energy has announced that it is hard at work to make sure that it closes the gap of the country’s dependence on imported electricity from the Southern African Power Pool, by absorbing more Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo said that the ministry continues to ensure that it supplies electricity to the country. As a result, over the last couple of years, the ministry has embraced the system of absorbing IPPs, because as of today, Namibia’s total electricity production at 85 percent through National Power Utility (NamPower) and 15…

29 Nov

Swapo calls for prioritization of rainwater harvesting

ObserverNational NewsSwapo calls for prioritization of rainwater harvesting

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Swapo’s National Council member, Melania Ndjago, has stressed the need for the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform to focus on rainwater harvesting, artificial rivers and canals to enhance irrigation capabilities. Speaking during the conclusion of debates on the Appropriation Amendment Bill, Ndjago advocated for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in mitigating the impacts of drought. “Our farmers play a significant role in the agricultural sector. The government must subsidise and offer all necessary support to small-scale farmers in particular to help them access markets with quality, consistent produce. To do…

29 Nov

National Council urged to prioritise CPA for democratic governance

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama National Council Chairperson, Lukas Muha has urged the delegation for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to make use of self-assessment to promote the advancement of parliamentary democratic governance. Muha spoke during the courtesy call by the CPA self-assessment delegation to the Parliament of Namibia, yesterday in Windhoek. The engagement aims to share skills and knowledge to improve Parliamentary-related issues for democratic improvement. While addressing the delegates, the Chairperson pointed out that self-assessment for the Namibian Parliament is imperative, particularly the National Council he presides over. “Your working visit is promoting and strengthening the good working relationship established by…

29 Nov

!Gaoseb wants resumption of hubbly bubbly ban debate

ObserverNational News!Gaoseb wants resumption of hubbly bubbly ban debate

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Swapo National Council member, Richard !Gaoseb has requested his fellow lawmakers to resume the debate on the negative effects of hubbly bubbly (hooka) pipes on the health and well-being of Namibians, especially the youth and ban the substance. !Gaoseb brought the motion forward during the 10th session, of the sixth national council in Windhoek this week. He said hubbly bubbly pipes have become popular all over the world and the Namibian youth, in particular, has joined the bandwagon, medical research has found that hubbly bubbly pipes are a major contributor to the transmission of diseases such as tuberculosis,…

29 Nov

Namibian will participate in Africa’s largest public health conference

ObserverNational Newshas been invited by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to speak at the third International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in Lusaka, Medical healthcare practitioner and Founder of MENGA Healthcare Technology Doctor Esperance Luvindao

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Medical healthcare practitioner and Founder of MENGA Healthcare Technology Dr Esperance Luvindao, has been invited by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to speak at the third International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in Lusaka, Zambia. The conference which started this week Monday will conclude on Thursday under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture.” Attendees at this year’s conference are Namibian Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema, World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Director of the Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya alongside…

29 Nov

Namibia set to host prestigious AHIF and AviaDev events

ObserverNational NewsNamibia set to host prestigious AHIF and AviaDev events

Niël Terblanché Namibia has taken a significant step in promoting its growing hospitality and aviation sectors by hosting the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) and AviaDev conferences. These events are expected to create new opportunities for Namibian stakeholders and strengthen the nation’s position as a key player in these industries. A collaborative local networking reception was held at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek to kickstart the excitement for the upcoming AHIF and AviaDev conferences, scheduled for June 2024 in Windhoek. The receptions earlier this month served as a platform for local businesses, government officials, and industry professionals to explore the…

29 Nov

FNB supports Opuwo youth with building materials

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama First National Bank (FNB), in collaboration with the FirstRand Namibian Foundation Trust and Ohorongo Cement, has provided valuable support to over 25 youths in Opuwo, with a social investment valued at more than N$300,000. During the launch of a two-day training workshop over the weekend in Opuwo, Kaarina Matheus, FNB Commercial Relationship Manager, explained that this social investment is aimed at empowering the youth in Opuwo through training in brickmaking and business skills. She also highlighted that FNB, through FirstRand and Ohorongo Cement, is providing a full starter pack equipped with the necessary equipment to kick-start their businesses.…

28 Nov

Female-headed households in Namibia struggle with poverty

ObserverNational NewsFemale-headed households in Namibia struggle with poverty

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Auditor General Junias Kandjeke has revealed that 44 percent of female-headed households in Namibia are living in poverty. In a recent Performance Audit Report on Gender Equality in Governance, Decision-Making and Economic Empowerment within the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (MGEPESW), covering the financial years of 2017/18 to 2021/22. The report sheds light on persistent challenges faced by these households, emphasising structural drivers of gender inequality, including unequal distribution of resources like land, capital and education. Further indicating that the limited participation in political and economic institutions further exacerbates the impact on women living…

28 Nov

CNFA raises serious concerns over fishing quota auctions

ObserverNational NewsCNFA raises serious concerns over fishing quota auctions

Niël Terblanché The Confederation of Namibia Fishing Association (CNFA) has strongly urged the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to reconsider its decision to auction fishing quotas, expressing concerns about the potential negative impact on the fishing industry and Namibia’s economy. During the recent Annual Fishing Industry event where the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen addressed role players in Walvis Bay, Matti Amukwa, the Chairperson of the CNFA, stated that auctioning quotas to the highest bidder contradicts the provisions of the Marine Resources Act and may not be in the best interest of the government. He argued…