Page 262 – News Stand

15 Jul

Shifeta calls for improved customer service in tourism

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The minister of environment, forestry and tourism (MEFT), Pohamba Shifeta, has urged the travel and tourism sector to improve its customer service. Speaking at the launch of the 2023 Annual Tourist Statistical Report, Shifeta highlighted the importance of trained staff to enhance service quality. "I have met some clients complaining about our service and that we need to look at our services. I call upon the industry players to train our staff, as these are the staff that can make it or break it," said Shifeta. He emphasised the need for better coaching, not just in public service…

15 Jul

No legal avenues available for 1904–08 genocide reparations

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Ester Mbathera There appear to be no obvious legal avenues available to pursue reparations for the 1904-08 Ovaherero-Nama genocide. This is according to a recent report by the International Human Rights Clinic titled “Restitution, Reconciliation, and Reparations for Namibia.” The reports highlighted the difficulties in obtaining legal redress for the Ovaherero and Nama genocide, despite the clear classification of the events under both conventional and customary international law. The report emphasises the need for continued research into potential avenues for achieving restorative justice, both domestically and internationally. It also calls for further exploration of whether the non-retroactivity of the 1948…

15 Jul

Namibia hosts African Telecommunications meeting

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is hosting the first African Preparatory Meeting (APM26-1) for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) and the second African Preparatory Meeting for the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25). The meeting organised by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) started on Monday in Windhoek. Emma Theofelus, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), at the opening of the meeting, stressed the significance of these preparatory meetings. Theofelus highlighted that the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and the World Telecommunication Development Conference are crucial for setting strategic goals and priorities in telecommunications and ICT development, especially for…

15 Jul

A Hero’s Path to Reconciliation and Nation-Building: Review of “My Journey” by Nico Kaiyamo.

info_e12wt4csOpinionsNiko Kaiyamo

Ndumba J Kamwanyah Niko Kaiyamo’s autobiography, "My Journey," stands as a testament to the transformative power of personal and collective resilience. Set against the backdrop of Namibia’s transition from colonial rule to independence, the book provides an intimate look into Kaiyamo’s life and the broader historical events that shaped his nation. Contribution to Reconciliation and Nation-Building: Kaiyamo’s narrative plays a crucial role in Namibia's ongoing reconciliation and nation-building efforts. Through his detailed recounting of personal sacrifices and the values of faith, family, and friendship, he underscores the importance of addressing historical injustices to build a cohesive and peaceful society. His…

15 Jul

Analysing the performance of Namibia’s young parliamentarians

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Appolonia Iithete In recent years, Namibia has observed a transformative evolution in its political landscape, driven by the dynamic rise of young parliamentarians championing youth empowerment and innovation. These young leaders, entering political arenas early in their careers, have demonstrated remarkable resilience and vision, challenging conventional scepticism and redefining leadership expectations. In their roles, these parliamentarians have not only tackled pressing issues but also initiated transformative projects that resonate across the country. Their commitment to innovation and inclusivity has brought tangible advancements, from digital transformations to environmental sustainability efforts. One notable initiative is their advocacy for women's and adolescent sexual…

15 Jul

Why Vote?

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Henning Melber After the horror of the Nazi regime and witnessing the Soviet dictatorship under Stalin, the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared in 1947: ‘Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…’ Namibian Fight for Democracy Namibians suffered under white minority rule until 1990. There was no democracy. Only whites were entitled to…

14 Jul

MAWLR managers visit Etunda Green Scheme

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Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) recently concluded a four-day performance review workshop in Oshakati, culminating in a visit to the Etunda Green Scheme Irrigation Project. This visit aimed to familiarise the ministry’s management with various projects within the northern communal areas. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the MAWLR’s executive director, emphasised the importance of exposing management to these projects. “It was important to bring the managers here, most of them who are sitting in other regions, to see how other regions are faring and also those who are sitting in Windhoek, so that they know the impact…

14 Jul

Export of weaners and import of feed to and from SA allowed

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) issued a public notification on Friday to clarify the status of exporting weaners (young cattle) to South Africa and the importation of livestock feed from the same country. According to John Shoopala, acting chief veterinary officer, the exportation of live cattle to South Africa has not been halted, as per rumours circulating on social media. “Anyone who wishes to export live cattle to SA should apply for the South African veterinary permit,” he said in the notice. Shoopala added that Namibia continues to allow the importation of fully processed…

14 Jul

44 MW wind farm to be commissioned in 2025

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Diaz wind farm near Luderitz has a total capacity of 44 megawatts (MW) and is scheduled for commissioning in July 2025. Construction of the farm started in 2023 and is being developed by InnoVent, a company specialising in the installation and operation of wind and solar farms in France and Africa. According to a statement issued by the company, the Diaz wind farm, with its eleven turbines, will boost Namibia’s renewable energy capacity. “With an annual production of over 230 GWh of green electricity, the Diaz wind farm will represent 5 to 6% of Namibia’s electricity consumption…

14 Jul

Namibia and South Africa agreed to conduct research for a green hydrogen pipeline

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Stefanus Nashama Namibia and South Africa will collaborate on developing a cross-border green hydrogen pipeline. This follows after the two countries reached an agreement at the World Hydrogen Summit in May. Theopolina Kapani, the head of technical and construction at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, said the move will potentially transform the energy landscape in Southern Africa. “The initial focus will be on the pipeline segment between Lüderitz in Namibia and the Northern Cape in South Africa. This first phase is crucial for setting the foundation for future expansions, which include extending the pipeline to the Western Cape in South…