Page 3 – Windhoek Observer

16 May

Pick n Pay Stores to recapitalise with R40 billion

ObserverObserver Money

Pick n Pay Stores Limited has informed shareholders through a cautionary announcement released on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange that the board has approved a two-step recapitalisation plan. The recapitalisation plan will comprise a rights offer to existing shareholders of the Company of up to R4 billion, expected to take place in mid-2024, followed by an offering and listing of the Group’s Boxer business on the Main Board of the JSE expected towards the end of 2024. Pick n Pay said the terms and conditions of the recapitalisation plan are being refined in consultation with the board and the final recapitalisation…

16 May

Lion sightings cause panic and force school closures in Kavango East

ObserverNational NewsKavango East Region

Niël Terblanché Panic ensued amongst certain communities of the Kavango East Region following the sightings of stray lions in areas where hundreds of learners walk to and from school daily. This has led to the temporary suspension of classes at four schools in the Mukwe circuit. According to a warning issued by the Directorate of Education, Arts and Culture in Kavango East, the schools affected are Kangongo Combined School, Thikanduko Primary School, Mayara Combined School, and Katanga Primary School. The authority added that classes have been suspended for Thursday and Friday, while teachers and support staff members will have to…

15 May

Navigating the Namibia-China Partnership: A Strategic Advisory

ObserverOpinions

Dr Penny TM Uukunde As Namibia prepares to engage with China in the evolving landscape of Sino-African relations, it is crucial to chart a clear and strategic path forward. The enduring friendship between Namibia and China extends beyond economic cooperation, encompassing shared values, cultural exchanges, and a mutual commitment to deepening bilateral ties. Strengthening Economic Ties: Beyond Traditional Frameworks While China remains a vital economic partner for Namibia, recent developments in China's investment strategy for Africa necessitate a reevaluation of traditional frameworks such as FOCAC. Namibia must explore alternative avenues for economic cooperation and foster closer collaboration with Chinese stakeholders…

15 May

Iran aims to expand its economic footprint in Namibia

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Iran has announced new investment plans in Namibia, including the possibility of establishing an oil refinery and oil storage facilities in Walvis Bay. Iran's ambassador to Namibia, Seyed Ali Sharifi, made this announcement at a business event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The event, hosted in collaboration with the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), sought to foster business networks and future investment opportunities. Ambassador Sharifi emphasised Iran's intention to expand bilateral relations with Namibia across various sectors, particularly focusing on the oil market. He emphasised Iran's ability to help Namibia achieve self-sufficiency in fuel production.…

15 May

Robust partnerships needed to achieve clean cooking goals

ObserverEnergy, National News

Niël Terblanché Cooking on fires fueled by wood or animal dung has severe health, environmental, and gender equality implications, leading to approximately 600,000 premature deaths annually, mostly among women and children around the world. The Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, stressed an urgent need for robust partnerships with industrialised countries, multinational companies, and the global private sector to finance clean cooking initiatives across Africa. Schlettwien spoke at the Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, which is currently underway in Paris. He pointed to the financial constraints that have impeded Namibia and many other African countries from…

15 May

Judiciary mourns Lady Justice Mokgoro

ObserverNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibian Office of the Judiciary has described the late Lady Justice Jennifer Mokgoro, a former South African judge, as a true legal giant who made immense legal contributions to the southern African region, including Namibia. The executive director of the Office of the Judiciary, Benhardt Kukuri, said on Tuesday that Mokgoro, a retired judge, died on 9 May in Johannesburg, South Africa. She said that the legal community held Justice Mokgoro in high regard, not just in her native South Africa but also in the Southern African Development Community and globally. Justice Mokgoro was one of the…

15 May

Amushelelo and CoW’s cleaners case dismissed

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama The Windhoek Magistrate's Court dismissed the case against social activist Michael Amushelelo and three City of Windhoek cleaners for allegedly inciting public violence after demanding salary increases. This was confirmed on Wednesday by lawyer Kadhila Amoomo, who represented Amushelelo and the workers. “The criminal political case of Michael Amushelelo was thrown out of court today,” he said. Amushelelo represented contract cleaners in the City of Windhoek in February 2023, which led to his arrest and the arrests of three others: Immanuel Mbonda, Alfred Kashimbi Sabas, and Padelia Hamukwaya. Workers, among other things, demanded fixed employment, improved wages, and…

15 May

Second desalination plant to combat water scarcity

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché In a strategic move to combat the ongoing water scarcity in Namibia's coastal and central regions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced plans to start the construction of a second desalination plant in early 2025. This project, set to enhance the country's water infrastructure, will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein confirmed that NamWater will collaborate with the Swakop Uranium on this initiative. The new plant intends to significantly boost the Erongo Region's water supply capacity by converting seawater into potable water. This is in response to escalating…

15 May

Suggestions that Mukwe’s old delimitation was politically motivated

ObserverFeatured

Martin Endjala The previous Boundary Delimitation and Demarcation Commission decision in 1990 to make the Mukwe constituency part of Caprivi, the now-Zambezi region, was politically motivated. This is according to Rundu Rural Constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, Mbangu clarified the issue of which region should integrate the Mukwe constituency. “Many people are not aware of this, but let me clarify how the issue started. In 1990, when Namibia gained independence, the first delimitation commission decided to make Mukwe part of Caprivi, but Mukwe was long part of Kavango. Since they did not…

15 May

Swakopmund handles N$132m debt in-house

ObserverNational News

Ester Mbathera Swakopmund municipality prefers to handle its clients' debts in-house. This is despite the fact that residents, businesses, NGOs, ministries, and other property owners collectively owe the municipality a total of N$132 million. Linda Mupupa, the municipality’s spokesperson, told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday that they are merely sticking to their mandate to operate as a self-sustaining entity as per the Local Authority Act of 1992, as amended. “Self-sufficiency in this regard means the council is to collect rates and taxes from residents, business owners, and property owners in return for services rendered. The council's current stance is to…