MJA deeply concerned about safety at courts

MJA deeply concerned about safety at courts

Niël Terblanché The Magistrates and Judges Association of Namibia (MJA) expressed deep concern over an arson attack on the Gobabis Magistrate Court on 1 October 2024 noting that it exposes a troubling gap in the security of court premises across Namibia. The association successfully concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 September 2024 in Swakopmund, announcing the appointment of a new Executive Committee tasked with advancing the association’s mission. One of the primary concerns raised during the AGM was the critical issue of judicial safety, which has come to the fore after a concerning arson attack at the Gobabis…
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Omaruru implements water restrictions due to power outages and pipe burst

Omaruru implements water restrictions due to power outages and pipe burst

Martin Endjala The Omaruru Municipality has implemented a three-day restriction on the use of water due to power outages and a burst supply pipeline. According to the notice seen by the Windhoek Observer, these disruptions have prevented reservoirs from meeting the town's water demand. “The restrictions will be implemented from 2 to 4 October from 09h00 to 17h00. The purpose for this is to allow the reservoirs to be refilled to full capacity,” read the notice. The municipality urged all stakeholders to use water wisely until the reservoirs are refilled to full capacity. The town's chief executive officer, Sindongo Valentinus,…
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Agriculture ministry responds to Gam farmers’ pleas

Agriculture ministry responds to Gam farmers’ pleas

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Farmers in the Gam settlement in the Otjozondjupa region are grappling with huge challenges in accessing drought relief subsidies, with some forced to travel over 400 kilometres to make bank deposits required for receiving animal feed. This has placed a severe financial strain on the farming community, prompting frustration and calls for change. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has acknowledged these concerns. The ministry’s spokesperson, Jona Musheko, said this issue arises from the limited availability of revenue collection points at the ministry's offices near these farming communities. “The ministry acknowledges the challenges that some…
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Health access in Otjiwarongo enhanced by the Ombili Clinic

Health access in Otjiwarongo enhanced by the Ombili Clinic

Niël Terblanché In another step toward improving healthcare services in Namibia, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, officially inaugurated the Ombili Clinic in Otjiwarongo on Wednesday. The newly constructed clinic, built at a cost of N$6 million through the generous support of B2Gold Namibia, is set to provide essential health services to over 19 000 residents in underrepresented informal settlement communities such as Ombili, DRC, Telecom, and Xara-aibes. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Shangula highlighted the clinic's crucial role in filling a long-standing gap in healthcare service delivery. “For years, residents in these areas have…
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Namibia gears up for World Clean-Up and Arbour Days

Namibia gears up for World Clean-Up and Arbour Days

Niël Terblanché By participating in the commemoration of both World Clean-Up Day and Arbour Day, Namibians will have the opportunity to be part of global efforts to protect the environment and enhance sustainable living. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has announced that Namibia will be commemorating these important global events. The ministry's spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, said that the country will raise awareness about environmental health and sustainability on both World Clean-Up Day and Arbour Day. World Clean-Up Day, celebrated internationally on 20 September, has been postponed to 12 October 2024 in Namibia. “The ministry is calling on Namibians…
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!Gawaxab calls for innovation with stability in financial transformation

!Gawaxab calls for innovation with stability in financial transformation

Martin Endjala The governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Johannes !Gawaxab has called for adaptability and innovation in Namibia’s financial sector, urging the country to embrace technological advancements while maintaining stability. !Gawaxab made this statement on Tuesday during a lecture at the University of Namibia (UNAM) titled "Modernising Namibia’s Financial Landscape for a Prosperous Future." The lecture provided a platform to outline the bank’s strategic transformations to foster a financial system that promotes inclusivity, resilience, and sustained growth. "Success will depend on our ability to stay ahead of the curve, be adaptable, and foster innovation without compromising stability,” he…
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Namfisa leads consumer protection drive

Namfisa leads consumer protection drive

Martin Endjala The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) has dedicated October to consumer protection to raise public awareness about financial rights and obligations. Namfisa's chief executive officer, Kenneth Matomola, on Wednesday, emphasised the importance of educating consumers on protecting themselves from market misconduct and making informed financial decisions. “This initiative provides a valuable platform to highlight the critical importance of protecting and upholding consumer rights, shielding them from market misconduct, and ensuring they are informed about their responsibilities when engaging with financial institutions,” explained Matomola. Despite the country lacking a formal Consumer Protection Bill, consultations are ongoing, led by…
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Alpha Petroleum denies ties with Nigerian firm

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Alpha Petroleum (Pty) Ltd., a Namibian company in the oil and gas business, as well as offshore diamond mining, has refuted claims of having a connection with Alpha Energy Nigeria. This is in response to an article that was published in NewsGuide Africa and Business Express Namibia claiming that Alpha Petroleum has engaged Alpha Energy Nigeria and their representative to initiate offshore diamond mining operations under contract with Namdeb. Ashley Brendell, representing Alpha Petroleum, said in a statement that these claims are false and misleading. “These articles contain significant inaccuracies and misrepresentations, which are both damaging and completely…
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Manica Group marks century of logistics excellence

Manica Group marks century of logistics excellence

Niël Terblanché Manica Group Namibia marked its centennial anniversary with a vibrant and energetic street carnival in Walvis Bay on Tuesday. The company, founded in 1924, reached an extraordinary milestone this year, commemorating 100 years of logistics expertise in Namibia. Ralph Ruiters, Managing Director of Manica Group Namibia, reflected on the company’s incredible journey. "It’s not every day that a company turns 100 years old, but here we are," he said, acknowledging the support of Manica’s customers and suppliers. He also stressed the critical role Manica plays in Namibia’s economic growth. “In the last two years, Walvis Bay has exploded…
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Ageism in Namibia: A barrier to youthful leadership?

Ageism in Namibia: A barrier to youthful leadership?

Johanna Hipangelwa Namibia has witnessed a significant debate surrounding ageism, particularly with the appointment of 22-year-old Fenny Tutjavi to the parliamentary list of the SWAPO party. This event has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning her capacity to serve effectively due to her age. This reaction highlights a broader issue of ageism in Namibian society, where both the young and the elderly face discrimination based on their age. Fenny Tutjavi’s appointment has been met with mixed reactions. While some celebrate the inclusion of young voices in politics, others express doubt about her ability to handle the responsibilities of a parliamentary…
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