Page 378 – News Stand

09 Jun

PDM motivated by SA elections to garner votes

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president, Mchenry Venaani, says the recent South African elections served as a beacon of hope in gunning for votes. Venaani made this statement over the weekend during its mega rally in Opuwo. “Look to our neighbours in South Africa, where the recent election has shown us a beacon of hope. The ANC's dwindling support, coupled with the rise of opposition voices, demonstrates a clear desire for change among the electorate, with the governing ANC recording only 40.18% of the vote. “South Africa has done it, and now it is up to us to…

09 Jun

High electricity tariffs detrimental to business and households

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) has raised concerns regarding electricity tariff increases, which it says are detrimental to businesses and households alike. NALOBA vice president Peter Amadhila, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer last week, said that electricity has become unaffordable in Namibia, affecting every economic activity for strategic growth. “Electricity is no longer affordable in Namibia, both for domestic and international businesses, and it is a key component of every economic activity for strategic growth. The main cause has been attributed to the failure to implement previously initiated capital projects such as the development of…

09 Jun

Disruptive Namib Mills employees dismissed

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama Namib Mills eventually dismissed more than 26 employees for unlawfully blocking the entrance to the company’s premises and threatening to shut down its operations in March. Social activist Michael Amushelelo, who led the efforts, confirmed this on Thursday. Despite their dismissal, Amushelelo insisted that he was not responsible for the workers' job losses. He accused institutions such as the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, and the Labour Commission of failing to protect workers' interests. “The suspended employees were all eventually dismissed. My actions are not the reason why workers lose their jobs; employees lose their…

09 Jun

Hydrogen projects threaten Namibia’s biodiversity

info_e12wt4csEnergy, Main

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE) has issued a strong warning against a proposed "green" hydrogen project that threatens to transform one of Namibia's most significant biodiversity hotspots into an industrial site. Launched on International Biodiversity Day, the position paper underscores the severe environmental consequences of the project, which aims to produce hydrogen using renewable energy but at the cost of biodiversity loss. Chris Brown, CEO of the NCE, argued that hydrogen production at the expense of biodiversity should be termed “red hydrogen” rather than “green hydrogen.” “The term ‘green hydrogen’ refers to hydrogen produced using 100% renewable…

09 Jun

Tsumeb residents demand constituency councillor’s arrest

info_e12wt4csMain

Martin Endjala Residents in Tsumeb town are demanding the arrest of the Tsumeb constituency councillor, Gottlieb Ndjendjela. They are claiming he is involved in the theft of drought relief, as several community members accused him of selling it to them. Johannes Johannes, an activist for Affirmative Repositioning (AR), also called for Ndjendjela's removal from the regional council on behalf of a resident concern group. “With all this evidence presented by the community, why is Gotty not being arrested like others? What is the police waiting for?” he questioned. Last month, a farmer was arrested for purchasing the stolen drought aid…

09 Jun

NFA proposes renaming of technical centre

info_e12wt4csLatest

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has proposed renaming its technical centre to the late Elliot Paul Hiskia (known as Hampau), to the executive council.NFA general secretary Charles Siyauya says the renaming is honouring Hiskia's invaluable contribution to the sport and remembering his legacy.The late Hampau as many used to call him passed on in 2021. He served the sports fraternity on different levels.The NFA technical centre is currently undergoing upgrades and renovation.Report: Martin Endjala

07 Jun

Namibia steps closer to greater transparency

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia Open Budget Survey 2023 Report

Niël Terblanché Namibia's commitment to fostering an open and transparent budgeting system has yielded positive outcomes, according to the recently launched Namibia Open Budget Survey 2023 Report. The survey, part of the International Budget Partnership’s (IBP) global initiative, evaluates the accessibility, comprehensiveness, and timeliness of budget information across 120 countries. The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, stressed the significance of budget transparency in enhancing democratic processes and promoting economic stability during the report's launch. "A growing body of evidence shows that countries with more open budgeting systems have stronger democracies, greater equity, and better development outcomes," Shiimi…

07 Jun

Namibia advances Blue Economy initiatives

info_e12wt4csMainNamibia’s Blue Economy Policy, Nangolo Mbumba

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba has called for unity in safeguarding the ocean and addressing climate change as Namibia joined the global community in celebrating World Ocean Day. Speaking at the commemoration ceremony in Walvis Bay, President Mbumba announced the nearing completion of Namibia’s Blue Economy Policy, which includes a comprehensive Marine Spatial Plan and the development of a Sustainable Ocean Plan by 2025. “Our Blue Economy Policy is built on three pillars: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social inclusion. It is crucial that we protect our ocean from adverse impacts and adopt a precautionary approach towards activities that may…

07 Jun

New Namibian Veterinary Council commits to high standards

info_e12wt4csNational NewsMinistry of Agriculture, water and land reform

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform announced the appointment of new members to the Veterinary Council of Namibia. The inauguration ceremony, held in Windhoek on Friday, was presided over by Deputy Minister Anna Shiweda, who highlighted the crucial role the Council plays in regulating veterinary standards across the country. Shiweda pointed out that the Namibian Veterinary Council is a statutory body mandated to oversee and regulate the standards of both veterinary and para-veterinary professions in Namibia. “It is my privilege to preside over the inauguration of the fourth Namibian Veterinary Council appointed since the promulgation of…

06 Jun

Olavi Hamwele takes reigns of NTB board

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has announced the voluntary resignation of Janette Fourie, the Chairperson of its Board of Directors, with immediate effect. Fourie, who served as a board member from 2020 to 2023 as an ordinary director, was appointed chairperson for the term 2023 to 2026. During her tenure, Fourie provided valuable leadership and guidance to the NTB. The board expressed its gratitude for her dedication and commitment to promoting tourism in Namibia. "Her contributions have been greatly appreciated," stated the NTB in their announcement to stakeholders. In accordance with Section 4(5) of the NTB Act, Act…