Page 270 – News Stand

30 Oct

Political analysts call out MPs over parliament absenteeism

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts Rui Tyitende and Joseph Diescho have raised concerns over the absenteeism of Members of Parliament (MPs), accusing them of neglecting their constitutional responsibilities at the expense of taxpayers. Their remarks followed parliament’s failure to convene a quorum two days in a row for the review of the mid-year budget. Tyitende said the MPs are paid to execute their duties in the National Assembly, yet fail to show up. “The existing legal framework governing absence without leave should be reviewed so that punitive measures are imposed on dishonourable MPs who fail to show up without a valid…

30 Oct

CoW commits to Groot Aub’s development

info_e12wt4csNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The City of Windhoek (CoW) has denied claims that its involvement in Groot Aub is counterproductive because the city remains dedicated to ensuring the development of the settlement by providing all the basic services to the community. The city said this in a statement issued on Wednesday while responding to an article by a local daily that highlighted issues raised by local farmers in the Groot Aub vicinity, which is part of Windhoek's rural areas. CoW public relations officer Lydia Amutenya said a socio-economic survey conducted by the Khomas Regional Council in 2009, and a follow-up survey by…

30 Oct

Namibia eyes BRICS benefits through ties with South Africa

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché A strategic alignment with BRICS could be a vital step in Namibia’s aspirations to contribute to a multipolar global economy, particularly in sustainable and green energy sectors. During a working visit to South Africa on Tuesday, President Nangolo Mbumba engaged in discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa on the potential advantages Namibia could harness from the BRICS bloc, with South Africa being a founding member. The talks, held in Cape Town, reiterated Namibia’s close economic relationship with South Africa, focusing on enhanced trade, energy collaboration, and new investments stemming from BRICS developments. The leaders explored the outcomes of the…

30 Oct

GRN springs into action to repair roads in Etosha

info_e12wt4csNational NewsEtosha National Park

Niël Terblanché Tour operators and tourists alike have voiced their disappointment and frustration over the deteriorating condition of roads in Namibia’s Etosha National Park, the country’s top tourist destination. A prominent tour operator, Rohl’s Tours and Safaris has taken a stand, announcing that it will cease operations within the park on 1 December. It cites severely degraded road conditions that cause extensive wear and tear on its vehicles. This decision reflects a growing sentiment among tour operators who see the road conditions as not only impacting their businesses but also tarnishing Namibia's reputation in the global tourism market. “The people…

30 Oct

Strategic initiatives underway to decarbonise Namibia’s maritime environment

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Niël Terblanché Namibia is not only on track to reduce its carbon footprint but also set to become a leading exporter of green energy, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and environmental resilience. During a media briefing held at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) office in Windhoek, on Wednesday, Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe and Theopolina Kapani, Head of Technical and Construction at NGH2P, detailed the country’s ambitious steps towards a sustainable energy future. The two discussed outcomes from a series of international engagements and feasibility studies that aim to position Namibia as a major player in green…

30 Oct

Businesses get breathing room

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Allexer Namundjembo The finance and public enterprises minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, has provided much-needed relief to businesses and individuals struggling to recover from recent economic challenges by announcing a two-year extension to the national tax amnesty programme. Shiimi made this announcement yesterday while presenting the mid-year budget in parliament. The minister recognised that many businesses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some businesses shut down, impacting their ability to pay their tax. “I thus postpone the deadline for two more years, and we will not extend the deadline further,” he said. Shiimi also highlighted the government’s commitment to tax policy…

30 Oct

Letshego calls for collective fight against cybercriminals

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Stefanus Nashama Letshego Holdings Namibia has called for collective responsibility in tackling cybersecurity threats within the financial sector. The bank also urged its clients, both in the public, private, and financial sectors, to remain vigilant. Morgan Beukes, IT risk and information security manager at Letshego Bank Namibia, announced on Wednesday. “The digital landscape presents both endless opportunities and growing threats to the financial sector as cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated. With cybersecurity awareness month ending this October, Letshego Holdings Namibia urges customers, as well as employees across government, private, and financial sectors, to remain vigilant,” he said. He highlighted the need…

30 Oct

SADC PF SG calls for participation in Botswana elections

info_e12wt4csAfrica / World

Moses Magadza As Batswana started voting on Wednesday , the secretary general of the SADC PF, Boemo Sekgoma, issued a message encouraging active participation in the electoral process. “Dear Batswana, as you vote today, I extend my warm wishes on behalf of the SADC PF,” wrote Sekgoma. “This year’s elections represent yet another milestone in Botswana's long established democratic tradition, which began with the first election under universal suffrage in 1965,” she said. Sekgoma underscored the role of voter participation. “Your participation in the voting process today is crucial as it demonstrates your unwavering commitment to democratic principles and is…

29 Oct

Josua Maponga challenges Swapo to deal with land issue

info_e12wt4csMain

Ester Mbathera Outspoken thought leader, Joshua Maponga has urged Swapo leaders to take immediate action on land reform, calling for a strategic approach to reclaim land from white ownership. Maponga to Swapo members during the public discussion of the party’s manifesto on Monday in Windhoek. “Swapo, hear me well. Stop acting like an opposition party. You are a ruling party; you are not an opposition party. Set the agenda items loud and clear and let the rest of the nation follow your agenda,” he said. He criticises the party for what he perceives as a lack of urgency in addressing…

29 Oct

New divorce law criminalises publication of case details

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia's newly introduced Dissolution of Marriages Act, 2024 (Act No. 10 of 2024) now makes it a crime to publish details of divorce cases, with only a few exceptions. Gazetted on 24 October, the Act allows publication only for legal research, law reports, or when the court specifically grants permission. It is unclear whether the media is also restricted from reporting on these cases. The law is aimed at reducing the trauma associated with divorce, particularly for the individuals involved and their children. It encourages a "do-it-yourself" method for divorce proceedings, promoting privacy and easing the emotional burden…