FlyNamibia finally renews its air service license after legal battles

FlyNamibia finally renews its air service license after legal battles

Stefanus Nashama FlyNamibia has announced that its air service license has finally been renewed by the Transport Commission of Namibia (TCN) after legal battles in the High Court. “We are thrilled to inform our passengers and partners that the license has now been renewed,” the company said. This follows a period of discussions and an urgent application to the High Court of Namibia after an initial notification of rejection from the TCN. The aviation company's application for license renewal was rejected by the Transport Commission after missing the deadline for submitting the renewal. The renewal of the license allows FlyNamibia…
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Ministry of Fisheries engages public with exhibition at Parliament

Ministry of Fisheries engages public with exhibition at Parliament

Niël Terblanché In an innovative approach to public engagement and awareness, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, turned the National Assembly into a vibrant marketplace and exhibition centre for Namibia's bountiful seafood. On the evening of 2 April 2024, Parliament became the stage for a unique showcase aimed at promoting the nation's fisheries sector. During the budget presentation for Vote 22 (Fisheries Vote), Klazen extended an invitation to fishing companies and the general public to participate in an event that was as much about parliamentary debate as it was about celebrating Namibia’s aquatic resources. Annely Haiphene, the…
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PDM demands action on the ever-increasing electricity prices

PDM demands action on the ever-increasing electricity prices

Hertta-Maria Amutenya The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has expressed concern about the cost of electricity, emphasising the urgent need for transparency and accountability from all involved stakeholders this week. In a recent statement, demanding clarity on the factors contributing to these prices, the PDM stressed the need for both the government and regulatory bodies to prioritise the welfare of the people. Highlighting the plight of ordinary citizens, especially those in remote areas, PDM Secretary for Information and Publicity, Hidipo Hamata, stressed the necessity for immediate action to alleviate financial burdens imposed by exorbitant electricity prices. Hamata emphasised that every Namibian…
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Senior news editor accused of assaulting radio journalist

Senior news editor accused of assaulting radio journalist

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A senior male editorial employee from a local daily newspaper is facing allegations of assaulting his girlfriend, a radio journalist, on Tuesday, following an April Fool's prank. It's alleged the prank resulted in water spilling over the editor’s passport. A case of assault was opened by the victim with the Namibian police. The Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU) condemned the alleged assault, expressing concern over the prevalence of violence against women in local newsrooms. According to NAMPU, the suspect, identified as a prominent editor, has allegedly engaged in such behaviour repeatedly. NAMPU emphasised the importance of justice, demanding…
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Auditor-General mum on August 26 forensic audit report

Auditor-General mum on August 26 forensic audit report

Stefanus Nashama The Office of the Auditor-General remains mum on the forensic audit report of August 26. The audit of the state-owned company started in 2021, following claims that the company failed to account for public funds. Criticism raised by members of the public and opposition parties requested the Office of the Auditor-General to provide the forensic audit report. The spokesperson in the Office of the Auditor-General, Christell Nassauw, did not respond to questions on when the report will be released. “Your questions have been received and forwarded to the information bearers of the questions of which the technical team…
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Hiked fuel prices to hit consumer pockets

Hiked fuel prices to hit consumer pockets

Martin Endjala Economist Josef Sheehama says that the recently announced hike in fuel prices by the Ministry of Mines and Energy will negatively impact the already struggling consumers. According to Sheehama, this will trigger inflation and the hike in oil prices will further stifle the growth of the economy through the supply and demand for goods. He added that the increase in oil prices will depress the supply of other goods due to the increase in the cost of production. “Oil price increases are generally thought to increase inflation and reduce economic growth. A rise in prices impacts the current…
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BoN declares dividend of N$511 million

BoN declares dividend of N$511 million

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has announced a dividend of N$ 511.5 million to the State Revenue Fund for the 2023 financial year, an improvement compared to the N$413.7 million recorded in the 2022 financial year. The Bank’s Governor Johannes !Gawaxab, stated that despite a challenging global economic environment, the financial sector’s performance remained sound during 2023. With the stock of international reserves rising by 11.9 percent to N$53.2 billion. He made this announcement yesterday during the launch of its 2023 annual report in Windhoek. Stating that from N$ 47.6 billion recorded at the end of 2022 to…
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Global unity needed to battle cybercrime

Global unity needed to battle cybercrime

Niël Terblanché The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Modestus Amutse, called on United Nations member states to urgently finalize the Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Criminal Purposes. Amutse spoke at the China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum where he said that unity will be a critical step forward in the global fight against the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime. He highlighted the need for a unified and robust legal framework to prosecute cybercrime perpetrators effectively. The deputy minister emphasized that the complexity and borderless nature of cyber threats demand a cohesive effort…
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President Mbumba commissions new Delimitation Commission

President Mbumba commissions new Delimitation Commission

Niël Terblanché In order to reassess and possibly reshape the electoral landscape, President Nangolo Mbumba officiated the commissioning of the Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commissioners at State House. This key event marks the beginning of the fifth Delimitation Commission's work since Namibia gained independence, reflecting the nation's commitment to ensuring equitable representation and governance. Presidential Press Secretary, Alfredo Hengari said that the commission's task is to evaluate the current regional and constituency boundaries. He added that this assessment aims to determine the necessity for modifications to enhance development planning and ensure effective governance. “The initiative is grounded in the Constitution…
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SIM card suspension causes pandemonium

SIM card suspension causes pandemonium

Niël Terblanché The completion of the mandated SIM card registration exercise, as directed by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), has left thousands of mobile phone users temporarily disconnected from network services. This follows the March 31st deadline, which marked the end of an extensive campaign aimed at enhancing security and customer verification processes within the country's telecommunications sector. Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), Namibia's largest mobile operator, reported a registration compliance rate of 83.3 percent, having successfully registered 1,613,893 SIM cards. However, 323,236 users failed to meet the deadline, rendering their SIM cards suspended, but not deactivated, pending compliance.…
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