National News – Page 98 – Windhoek Observer

20 Jul

NNN urges public servants not to betray her trust

National News

Justicia Shipena “I am really appealing. I said I have confidence in you, and I mean it. Don’t betray my trust in you for us to transform our economy.” This was President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s message to civil servants during her address in Windhoek on Friday. She urged public servants to recommit to service delivery, integrity, and accountability while cautioning against corruption and poor conduct in public offices. “We must remain vigilant against corruption in all its forms by understanding it, as it is tantamount to treason. If corruption becomes a norm, you frustrate the population, and one day they can…

20 Jul

Over 400 000 homes still without power

National NewsNatangue Ithete, Ndeshihafela Larandja, Tobias Hainyeko constituency

Erasmus Shalihaxwe More than 400 000 households across the country are still without electricity. To meet its target of universal access by 2040, the government must connect at least 26 700 households per year, which currently represents just 6.68% of the total connected homes annually. This is according to the deputy prime minister and minister of industry, mines and energy, Natangue Ithete, who was speaking over the weekend during the commissioning of electrification projects in Windhoek’s informal areas, in the Tobias Hainyeko constituency. This comes as the cabinet approved the National Electrification Policy in 2022, which sets out that every…

20 Jul

Ballotti rallies creatives to make ‘Geld’

National NewsDino Ballotti, Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6)

Allexer Namundjembo Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture, Dino Ballotti has called for the formalisation of cultural entrepreneurship. He says this move will help unlock economic opportunities and promote sustainable development. Speaking at a recent training workshop for cultural entrepreneurs in the cultural heritage sector held in Swakopmund, Ballotti said the country's rich cultural heritage can support livelihoods and contribute to the national economy when used effectively. “We must formalise the hustle. Why are we afraid of formalisation?” he asked. “Formalisation is key to accessing finance, mentorship, and markets which are essential for scaling and sustaining…

20 Jul

Palms for Life opens doors for ex-nun turned hospitality star

National News

Allexer Namundjembo From quiet halls of a convent to bustling hotel corridors, 30-year-old Ermelinda Amses of Gobabis has traded her life as a Catholic nun for a new journey in hospitality and tourism. Armed with vocational training and unwavering determination, she is redefined her path. Raised on a resettlement farm by her Ju/’hoansi mother and Nama father, Ermelinda’s path reflects the barriers many Namibian youth face in securing sustainable employment. She began her schooling at Gunichas Roman Catholic Primary School and completed Grade 12 at Epako Secondary School in 2013 with 18 points. Her dream of becoming a teacher was…

20 Jul

Windhoek eyes 11 new townships by 2027

National NewsMoses Matyayi, Vivo Energy

Allexer Namundjembo The City of Windhoek plans to establish 11 new townships in the next two years as part of its Vision 2027 under development strategy. As part of the plan, the municipality aims to service 326 erven and construct over 200 affordable houses. The city also intends to electrify 800 homes, formalise 7 300 lease agreements in informal settlements, and upgrade its water infrastructure as it pushes to meet its urban development targets by the 2027 deadline. These commitments were shared by the City of Windhoek chief executive officer Moses Matyayi during a recent public participation in Windhoek. The…

20 Jul

ECN accuses Amupanda of undermining public trust

National NewsDe Wet Siluka, Job Amupanda

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has rejected allegations made by Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda, who alleged that the Commission is colluding with the ruling Swapo party to delay a by-election in Outapi constituency. Amupanda took to social media last week, claiming ECN and Swapo were engaged in “behind the scenes” meetings to avoid calling a by-election in Outapi after former councillor Immanuel Shikongo was appointed governor of Omusati Region. In response, ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka labbeled the accusations false and aimed at creating confusion and public mistrust in the Commission. He said the ECN…

18 Jul

Man gets 15 years for killing stepfather

National News

Justicia Shipena The Windhoek High Court has sentenced Keetmanshoop resident Kevin Mathew Cloete (34) to 15 years in prison for the murder of his mother’s domestic partner, Deon Bobeje. High Court judge Philanda Christiaan delivered the judgement on Thursday, finding Cloete guilty of murder with direct intent. Six years of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that Cloete is not convicted of murder or attempted murder during that period. Cloete stabbed Bobeje once in the chest with a knife during a social gathering in Keetmanshoop on 27 February 2021. Cloete had admitted the stabbing during the trial…

18 Jul

Zaamwani urges residents to pay for water

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Agriculture, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani has warned that the continued failure to pay for water services poses a serious risk to the sustainability of Namibia’s water infrastructure. Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of the N$743 million Oshakati Water Treatment Plant extension on Thursday Zaamwani said the country’s main bulk water supplier, NamWater, operates on a cost-recovery basis and cannot sustain services if users do not pay. “Water infrastructure is not sustainable without payment for the water we use.While we understand the economic hardships that some households face, I must urge our people to prioritise payment…

18 Jul

Swapo denies Nujoma shielded corruption

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Swapo party has rejected allegations that the late founding president Sam Nujoma covered up corruption during his presidency. The party says the claims are false and aimed at distorting the country’s history. The statement, dated 16 July, was issued by Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa. It follows a series of social media posts and audio recordings accusing Nujoma of protecting politically connected individuals from corruption investigations. “We categorically reject, dismiss and vehemently condemn these unfounded claims, which seek to tarnish the legacy of an iconic liberation hero who fearlessly led Namibia to independence,” the party said. Swapo…

17 Jul

Housing scheme not enough, says Amupanda

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda has questioned the government’s failure to improve civil servants’ working and living conditions, despite the recent launch of a pension-backed housing scheme. His comments come as many low-level public workers continue to struggle with poor salaries and limited access to housing. In a social media post, Amupanda criticised the government's slogan, “We are too few to be poor,” calling it misleading. “If three million people are few, how about the 120,000 government employees? Why is their employment condition still poor? From salaries, professional development, incentives and opportunities, government employees are left behind,:…