SAN cautions against wage increments

SAN cautions against wage increments

Martin Endjala The Security Association of Namibia (SAN) vice president, Corinus Kotzé, has cautioned against increasing the salaries of its employees without considering the market the sector operates within. His caution comes after some security guards belonging to the association and non-members demanded an increment, stating that market prices dictate the increment percentages. Kotzé said this during a minimum wage consultation for the security sector on Tuesday  in Windhoek. “We could find ourselves in a situation where we have to let go of employees. Which we want to avoid at all costs, but we need to find a solution to…
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NEFF condemns exclusion of small traders at Lüderitz Crayfish Festival

NEFF condemns exclusion of small traders at Lüderitz Crayfish Festival

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) has denounced the exclusion of Namibian traders from participating in the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival, slated for 29 April to 5 May at the Lüderitz Waterfront. In a statement issued on Tuesday, NEFF condemned the actions of festival organisers, particularly Victoria de Klerk, labelling them as deplorable and a violation of the rights of local entrepreneurs. According to the NEFF, four traders, Ronald Engelbrecht, Hendrina Willem, Magdalena Mckay, Maria Gumbo, and Sodom Andreas - have been unfairly denied space at the festival. NEFF deputy commander in chief, Kalimbo Iipumbu said these traders, who…
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Research and development to propel sustainable economic development

Research and development to propel sustainable economic development

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation launched the much-anticipated Research and Experimental Development Survey Report for the fiscal year 2021/22 in Windhoek earlier this week. Dr Lisho Mundia, the ministry’s acting deputy executive director and director of research, innovation and training, on behalf of Minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi said the report has created a roadmap for the development of a knowledge-based economy. Mundia said the information in the report will be used to leverage science, technology, and innovation for sustainable and inclusive growth. She pointed to the progress made with research and development since the first National…
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MUN president digs in heels

MUN president digs in heels

Ester Mbathera Ismael Kasuto, the president of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), and his deputy Densley Somseb are refusing to vacate their respective positions in the union. On Monday, the two of them, along with two other leaders, Abraham Baisako and Delila Tsibes, issued a statement, in which they claim that they received information that the group that removed them, is trying to take over the union. They claim that the group wants to block them from carrying out a forensic audit of the union’s finances. They stated that the decision to release the financial report was one of…
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Arrest in Windhoek ends hunt for Maasdorp murder suspect

Arrest in Windhoek ends hunt for Maasdorp murder suspect

Niël Terblanché The countrywide manhunt for Wentzel Maasdorp ended in the central business district of Windhoek on Tuesday afternoon when members of the Namibian Police arrested him. According to Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division, the suspect was apprehended in the area of the capital colloquially known as Triple J while he was trying to get a lift to Rehoboth. Earlier on Tuesday the Namibian Police in the Kavango East Region reported that the light metallic blue 3 Series BMW was found parked near a filling station in Rundu. Maasdorp was last seen on…
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Namibia to champion press freedom at global conference in Chile

Namibia to champion press freedom at global conference in Chile

Niël Terblanché Namibia's recognition as the African leader in press freedom has placed it at the forefront of the global dialogue on media independence and environmental journalism.  The  Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, is set to lead a delegation to the 31st World Press Freedom Day global conference in Santiago, Chile from 2 -4 May. This was confirmed by MICT acting executive director Frans Nghitila on Tuesday in a media statement. “With a theme focused on the critical role of journalism in addressing the environmental crisis, the conference will explore how freedom of expression can contribute to…
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CAPACITY INCREASED:   

CAPACITY INCREASED:   

The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), has announced the reopening of the Bo-Plaatz Campsite which is situated along the Orange River. This was announced by NWR's spokesperson, Nelson Ashipala on Tuesday. He said that the campsite will officially re-open for visitors on 30 April, following its temporary closure for much-needed renovation work. "The closure of the campsite was necessary to address increased concerns and to expand the capacity of the facility," said Ashipala. He said with assistance from its line ministry, the NWR successfully implemented additional security measures and constructed extra ablution blocks. Ashipala stated that the Bo-Plaatz campsite serves as…
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Boxing world champion, Dingaan Thobela has died

Boxing world champion, Dingaan Thobela has died

South African three-time world champion boxer Dingaan Thobela better known as ‘The Rose of Soweto’ has died at age 57. Thobela was found dead on Monday in his apartment by members of his family and police after numerous attempts to contact him failed. According to South African media outlets, Thobela was battling illness. At his peak, Thobela held the three world titles in two weight divisions: The WBO title from 1990-1992, the WBA title in 1993 and the WBC super-middleweight title, which he won in 2000. Veteran sports journalist, Carlos Kambaekwa said in a report that Thobela played an instrumental…
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Namdeb employing workers on fixed-term contracts is poor labour practice – expert

Namdeb employing workers on fixed-term contracts is poor labour practice – expert

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Labour expert Herbert Jauch, says the mining company Namdeb's decision to employ 171 workers on a fixed-term contract is a poor labour practice that disadvantages the affected workers. Jauch said this on Monday during an interview with Windhoek Observer while reacting to Namdeb chief executive officer Riaan Burger’s revelation that the diamond mining company has 1684 workers on permanent contracts and 171 fixed-term contracts. “I do not know the specific reasons why so many workers are employed on fixed-term contracts at NAMDEB. It is certainly a poor labour practice that disadvantages the affected workers,” said Jauch. Jauch said…
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Fly Namibia expands service to Lüderitz

Fly Namibia expands service to Lüderitz

Niël Terblanché Ongoing growth in the Lüderitz energy market has necessitated the expansion of airline services for daily travel between Windhoek and Namibia’s secondary port. Since the service was introduced by FlyNamibia last July, about 5,000 passengers have flown between Windhoek and Lüderitz. French multinational oil giant, TotalEnergies was instrumental in implementing the service. FlyNamibia managing director Andre Compion said: “Our enduring partnership with TotalEnergies enables us to continuously adapt and offer the best service to our customers.” According to Compion, the new service would not have been possible without TotalEnergies, who was the driving force behind unlocking access to…
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