National News – Page 99 – Windhoek Observer

27 Oct

Convicted prophet Babi returns to court for unpaid rent

ObserverNational NewsConvicted prophet Babi returns to court for unpaid rent

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Self-proclaimed prophet and founder of House of Joy Ministries, Jackson Babi, who made headlines last year after being sentenced to ten years imprisonment for his involvement in rhino poaching, has once again found himself entangled in a legal battle. This time, it’s not wildlife crimes that have brought him to court but rather a landlord-tenant dispute over unpaid rent. Babi and his wife, Maria Babi, are currently facing legal action for allegedly failing to pay their rent, as revealed in particulars of a claim filed at the Windhoek High Court earlier this year. They are accused of failing…

27 Oct

Erongo Business and Tourism Expo energizes economic prospects

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The 15th edition of the Erongo Business and Tourism Expo, hosted by the Walvis Bay municipal council, is in full swing, promising to invigorate the local and national economies. Neville Andre, the Governor of the Erongo Region, during his opening address stressed the event’s significance in bringing together Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their offerings, thereby reinforcing socio-economic development and creating employment opportunities. Positioned as one of Namibia’s economic epicentres, Walvis Bay recognizes the evolving landscape of business and the need for transformative changes in both the tourism and business sectors. This annual event also fosters…

27 Oct

The working space is becoming too small for new graduates: Iipumbu

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, has expressed concern that the job market is becoming increasingly saturated for new graduates. She pointed to the need for graduates to shift away from traditional employment aspirations and consider entrepreneurship as a viable alternative. Iipumbu made these remarks during the launch of Harambean Entrepreneurship, a collaborative initiative with FirstRand Namibia and First National Bank, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship. Highlighting the high rate of unemployment in the country, Iipumbu encouraged young people to explore entrepreneurship and foster partnerships as a means to improve their lives and contribute to the economy.…

27 Oct

TAC gathers input for the preservation of retirement savings regulations

ObserverNational NewsTAC gathers input for the preservation of retirement savings regulations

Niël Terblanché In a significant move towards promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has initiated a series of public consultations on proposed standards and regulations, including Regulation RF.R.5.10, known as the “Preservation of Retirement Savings Regulation.”According to Dr Manfred Zamuee, the Chairperson of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), these regulations are intended to be issued under Chapter 5 of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act, Act No. 2 of 2021. The first round of public consultations is slated to commence on November 13, 2023, and will kick off in the Kunene and Hardap Regions.…

26 Oct

Real poverty plagues the two Kavango regions says Kauandenge

ObserverNational NewsReal poverty plagues the two Kavango regions says Kauandenge

Stefanus Nashama Joseph Kauandenge, the Secretary-General of the National Unity Democratic Organisation, lambasted the government in Parliament last week for neglecting the two Kavango regions and allowing their inhabitants to suffer in abject poverty, which, he contended, was palpable. Kauandenge stated that the poverty in the two regions is so evident that one can already smell it upon entering a town like Rundu. He accused the Swapo-led government of doing nothing to address the issue and instead turning the residents of these regions into mere “voting cows.” However, a heated debate erupted when Faustina Caley, the Deputy Minister of Education,…

26 Oct

Critical raw minerals are key components of industrialisation

ObserverNational NewsCritical raw minerals are key components of industrialisation

Martin Endjala Critical raw minerals, vital components of Namibia’s industrialization drive, must be developed in a way that aligns with the country’s industrialization goals and enhances its capacity to add value where feasible. This assertion was made by Sikongo Haihambo, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, during the European Union-Namibia business forum in Brussels, Belgium, held yesterday. “In the Namibian context, all minerals are crucial, and in 2021, we collaborated with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to establish a National Mineral Beneficiation Strategy. The guiding principles of our strategy revolve around value addition and fostering…

26 Oct

Namibia stops Chinese miner from transporting lithium ore

ObserverNational NewsNamibia stops Chinese miner from transporting lithium ore

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s government has instructed the Namibian Police to prevent the transportation of lithium ore by Chinese mining company Xinfeng Investments within the country. The action also prevents the export of raw materials from the Port of Walvis Bay and is in response to allegations that Xinfeng Investments is violating Namibia’s ban on the export of critical raw minerals. Namibia’s Mining Commissioner, Isabella Chirchir, issued a letter dated October 19th, instructing the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, to halt any trucks carrying raw lithium ore originating from Xinfeng’s Kohero mine, located near Uis about…

26 Oct

Home Affairs Ministry refutes allegations of election fraud

ObserverNational NewsHome Affairs Ministry refutes allegations of election fraud

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has responded forcefully to an article purportedly published by a Angolan newspaper, Para Portuguese, with the headline “Registration of Angolan nationals may backfire.” The article’s allegations of possible election fraud have been strongly refuted by Ettienne Maritz, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Maritz addressed the claims made in the article, which suggested that Namibian officials crossed the border into Angola in September to issue Namibian identity documents to Angolan nationals at Ondjiva, specifically in the Tuviticha building. According to Maritz, the alleged purpose of this…

26 Oct

Amushelelo plans another protest against unemployment

ObserverNational NewsAmushelelo plans another protest against unemployment

Stefanus Nashama Social activist Michael Amushelelo announced this week his intention to organize a national protest against unemployment in the country. Amushelelo, who was recently released from prison a few weeks ago, informed the Windhoek Observer that the peaceful protest will commence once preparations are made, including seeking approval from the Namibian Police. He spent approximately seven months behind bars following his arrest by the Namibian Police on Namibia’s Independence Day celebrations for spearheading and organizing a protest of a similar nature. Despite being denied bail multiple times during his detention this year, he was acquitted of all charges and…

26 Oct

Namibia and EU join forces for Sustainable Development

ObserverNational NewsNamibia and EU join forces for Sustainable Development

Niël Terblanché In a historic address at the Inaugural Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Namibian President Hage Geingob outlined a collaborative vision for a sustainable future, stressing the importance of green energy transition and green hydrogen in the global landscape. President Geingob’s remarks came during a Leaders Session at the forum, where leaders from around the world convened to discuss critical issues related to sustainability. The President recounted his significant meeting with Dr Ursula von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at COP27 in Sharm-El Sheikh, Egypt, last year. During this meeting, the two leaders signed a Memorandum of…