Page 285 – News Stand

04 Sep

FIMA still under review

info_e12wt4csNational NewsFinancial Institutions Markets Act (FIMA), Kenneth Matomola

Martin Endjala The technical committee under the Ministry of Finance is still scrutinising the Financial Institutions Markets Act (FIMA). The Windhoek Observer understands that while public consultations have concluded, the research component is still ongoing, and findings have yet to be presented to the finance minister. During a media engagement last week in Windhoek, Namibia Financial Institution Supervisory Authority’s (Namfisa) chief executive officer, Kenneth Matomola stated that FIMA can only come into effect once the minister gives the green light. “As it stands now, FIMA can only come into force once the minister says, ‘Yes, let’s go and implement,’” he…

04 Sep

City Police struggle to secure crime-ridden former Club Pamodzi

info_e12wt4csNational NewsClub Pamodzi, Windhoek City Police

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek City Police are facing several challenges as they seek to secure the abandoned building in Rykmans Dorp, formerly known as Club Pamodzi. This site has been a hotspot for criminal activities since its closure in 2015, leading to mounting safety concerns among nearby residents. The spokesperson of the Windhoek City Police, Marceline Murapo, highlighted the difficulties in resource allocation and communication between various stakeholders. “The rapid population growth in Windhoek has contributed to rising crime rates, necessitating a comprehensive approach to urban safety and law enforcement,” she stated. Last week, a woman and her two sons…

04 Sep

ICT summit will focus on digital transformation and AI

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) is set to host The eighth National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Summit from 9 to 11 September in Windhoek. The summit will be presented under the theme “Building Resilience to ‘Adapt or Die’ in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI).” The event in Windhoek is set to be the largest yet, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the globe. According to the ministry’s executive director, Adrin Mathe, the summit aims to tackle the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements and the growing influence…

04 Sep

Dr Hage Geingob Cup’s grand finale

info_e12wt4csFeatured, SportsEmma Kantema-Gaomas, The Legacy Continues

HILARIUS HAMUTENYA The tenth and final edition of the Dr. Hage Geingob Cup was launched on Wednesday in Windhoek under the theme, "The Legacy Continues." This highly anticipated event is set to take place on 19 October at the Independence Stadium and promises to captivate Namibian football fans as six teams compete for the top prize. The participating teams are Eeshoke Chula Chula, African Stars, Girls and Goals, FC Ongos Ladies, Omake Celebrities (powered by MTC), and Danger Points Celebrities (powered by NBL and Bank Windhoek). Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, who officiated at the…

04 Sep

Bank Windhoek seeks successor as Baronice Hans prepares to step down

info_e12wt4csNational NewsBaronice Hans, Gerhard Fourie

Niël Terblanché Bank Windhoek has initiated the search for a new managing director as Baronice Hans, the bank's first female and longest-serving MD in its 42-year history, prepares to step down at the end of June 2025. Hans, who has led the bank since July 2016, has been praised for steering the institution through economic challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the bank's board chairperson, Johan Swanepoel. “Her leadership has been praised for steering the bank through these turbulent times while achieving notable growth and success,” he said. Under Hans' stewardship, Bank Windhoek saw a 45% increase in loans…

04 Sep

Namibia champions sustainable green industrialization

info_e12wt4csEnergy, National NewsGlobal African Hydrogen Summit, Harambee Prosperity Plan

Niël Terblanché Namibia's commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation was the focal point of vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's address at the Global African Hydrogen Summit currently in progress in Windhoek. While addressing delegates on Wednesday, she stressed that environmental protection is both a natural responsibility and a constitutional obligation for Namibia, as the country strives to balance economic growth with ecological care. “For the past 34 years, Namibia has worked strategically to industrialise its economy sustainably and competitively,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that the nation has placed environmental sustainability at the forefront of its developmental objectives. “This approach is…

03 Sep

Paragon Investment Holdings enters offshore mining industry

info_e12wt4csMainEdgehill Resources, Kenzoll Capital, LK Mining

Niël Terblanche Paragon Investment Holdings, through its subsidiary Edgehill Resources, has made an entrance into the offshore diamond mining sector. Partnering with Kenzoll Capital and other key stakeholders, Paragon is part of the joint venture behind the acquisition of the Adamastor, a state-of-the-art mining vessel set to operate in Hottentots Bay. This move positions Paragon as a new player in the lucrative offshore diamond industry, which is crucial to the country's economy. LK Mining’s representative, Lazarus Jacobs, has expressed optimism about the project’s potential, highlighting the favourable marine conditions and the high recovery rate of diamonds in the area. “The…

03 Sep

Mbumba and Xi Jinping to strengthen Namibia-China partnership

info_e12wt4csNational NewsFOCAC, President Xi Jinping

Erasmus Shalihaxwe President Nangolo Mbumba has arrived in Beijing, China, to participate in the Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled to take place from 4 to 6 September. Press secretary Alfredo Hengari announced this on Tuesday, saying the forum is an official forum between the People's Republic of China and most African countries, as well as the African Union. Hengari said that on the forum's margins, President Nangolo Mbumba will hold a courtesy meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China. ‘’Namibia's participation in the FOCAC has proven beneficial, as it has received support in the…

03 Sep

Public urged to hand over Illegal weapons

info_e12wt4csNational NewsThe amnesty for illegal arms

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security declared September 2024 as an amnesty month during which all citizens are urged to surrender illegal and unwanted arms, ammunition, and armaments without facing prosecution. The initiative, themed "Together for a Peaceful Future: Surrender Your Arms Today", is part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of armed violence in the country and it was launched by home affairs minister, Dr Albert Kawana. In a statement on Tuesday Kawana said that the amnesty that will be subject to the Arms and Ammunition Act of…

03 Sep

Mootu demands Tjongarero’s resignation over Independence Stadium renovation failures

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAgnes Tjongarero, Independence Stadium renovation, Utaara Mootu

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Utaara Mootu of the Landless People's Movement (LPM) and member of parliament called on Agnes Tjongarero, the minister of sport, youth and national services to apologise to the public and resign for failing to start the renovation of Independence Stadium on time as she promised. Tjongarero has been under fire since Saturday when Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah accused her last week of lying about the progress of the renovation. However, nothing has been done to date. On Tuesday, while posing her questions to Tjongarero in parliament, Mootu asked the sports minister if it was not the honourable thing…