Governor to discuss Waterberg farmland issue

Governor to discuss Waterberg farmland issue

Stefanus Nashama The Governor of the Otjozondjupa Region, James Uerikua, will initiate procedures to investigate the dispute over land ownership at Okamuru Farm located in the Omatako constituency near Waterberg. This follows a situation where the owner of the farm, Joachim Rust, threatened to demolish the houses of the fifth generation of descendants of farmworkers residing on the farm. According to reports, Rust plans to evict the descendants and sell the farm to a German national for use as a game reserve or lodge. The initial eviction notice was given in 2019. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Uerikua…
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Regional councillors urged to regularly update drought relief beneficiary list

Regional councillors urged to regularly update drought relief beneficiary list

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Office of the Prime Minister has urged regional councils to continuously update drought relief beneficiary lists to ensure that only eligible individuals receive aid. The Executive Director in the Office of the Prime Minister, I-Ben Nashandi, stressed the importance of regularly identifying new beneficiaries and updating the current list to reflect those who meet the criteria. He said that some individuals registered since 2022 may no longer be eligible due to changes in their circumstances, such as relocating or finding employment. "A lot of people don’t know the true meaning of the drought programme. It is a…
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Medicine shortages hamper health service delivery

Medicine shortages hamper health service delivery

Niël Terblanché Despite its critical role, the pharmaceutical sector in Namibia faces numerous challenges, including limited resources, a lack of local manufacturing capacity, medication shortages, and the need for better integration of pharmacy services into the broader healthcare system. The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Ester Muinjangue, said this during the launch of the Annual National Pharmaceutical Services Forum on Wednesday. “Despite these challenges, there are numerous examples of innovative solutions and best practices that we can learn from and adapt to our context,” she said. The Annual National Pharmaceutical Services Forum serves as a platform for addressing…
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Calls for criminal charges over Walvis Bay debt collection tender

Calls for criminal charges over Walvis Bay debt collection tender

Ester Mbathera An interim report on the controversial appointment of RedForce Debt Management Company as the exclusive debt collector for the Municipality of Walvis Bay has revealed severe procedural and financial irregularities. The report compiled by the municipality’s representative, Advocate Richard Metcalfe, seen by the Windhoek Observer, revealed that there appear to be various criminal offences arising from this preliminary investigation. Metcalfe suggested that the criminal offence be transferred to the authorities for prosecution after further investigation. “At this juncture, it is also already clear that the general manager for finance and manager for revenue and credit control will face…
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Diplomats warn against funding from the West

Diplomats warn against funding from the West

Martin Endjala A former diplomatic representative of Namibia, Ambassador Pius Dunaiski urged the government to exercise caution when accepting financial support from countries outside Africa, as this could compromise the country’s ability to remain independent. Dunaiski said this on Wednesday during a telephone interview with the Windhoek Observer when asked about the possible implications of accepting financial support for the country's policy-making processes. The National Planning Commission (NPC), in a notice, invited the government, and other interested parties to provide input to the draft of the new Government-Civil Society Partnership and Engagement Policy. The notice was published in local newspapers…
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Urgent action needed to combat child labour

Urgent action needed to combat child labour

Niël Terblanché As the world unites to observe the World Day Against Child Labour on 12 June attention is drawn to an unrelenting abuse that affects millions of children globally. A report by Greta Campora and Ariane Genthon, experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), reveals the grim reality that child labour continues to be a significant problem worldwide. According to the report, child labour is defined as work that is unsuitable for a child's age, disrupts their education, or poses risks to their health, safety, or morals. Alarmingly, 160 million children are engaged in…
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CONDOLENCES:

The former secretary general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Esau Chiviya, has died. Chiviya, a Zimbabwean who served at the helm of the regional interparliamentary body, died on Monday (3 June) in Windhoek, according to a statement by the forum. His body will be repatriated to Zimbabwe for burial. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, led parliament on Tuesday, observing a minute of silence in memory of Chiviya.
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Engen and Shell service stations to undergo divestiture

Engen and Shell service stations to undergo divestiture

Martin Endjala Following Vito Emerald Bidco (Pty) Ltd's acquisition of Engen Ltd, including its subsidiary Engen Namibia (Pty) Ltd ("Engen Namibia"), the Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) has mandated a major divestiture to ensure competitive market conditions. This decision is part of the conditions imposed on the acquisition, as outlined in Notice No. 805 of Government Gazette No. 8274, dated 12, 2023. The Competition Commission's conditions necessitate the divestiture and transfer of 58 Engen and Shell service stations, along with their retail supply agreements, on reasonable commercial terms. This move is designed to address concerns about the merged entity acquiring a…
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PowerCom is committed to bridging the digital divide

PowerCom is committed to bridging the digital divide

Niël Terblanché PowerCom has announced a series of measures to enhance connectivity and bridge the digital divide across Namibia. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Beatus Amadhila, highlighted these initiatives at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new network tower in Ikumwe village, located in the Zambezi Region. Amadhila outlined PowerCom’s plans to roll out network towers nationwide, reflecting the company’s commitment to ensuring that all Namibians, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, have access to reliable, high-speed internet. “This initiative represents our dedication to bridging the digital divide and bringing every individual into the digital fold,” Amadhila said. PowerCom has…
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Omuthiya preparing for Heroes Day

Omuthiya preparing for Heroes Day

Niël Terblanché The Heroes' Day commemoration preparatory committee met on Monday to discuss and plan for this year's event, which will take place in Omuthiya. The committee, under the leadership of Oshikoto Regional Governor Penda Ya Ndakolo, is focused on organising a memorable event to honour Namibia's heroes and heroines. Heroes Day, celebrated annually on 26 August, is a national holiday in Namibia that commemorates the country's struggle for independence and honours those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. The day marks the start of the armed struggle against the South African occupation in 1966 when members of the South…
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