Page 430 – News Stand

10 Apr

Health ministry to upgrade infrastructure to cater for surge in population

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The minister of health and social services Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, has expressed concern about the implication the increase in population poses on the Namibian health and social services infrastructure. Namibia’s population surged from 2,113,077 in 2011 to 3,022,401 in 2023. In a recent update to the nation, Shangula revealed that the health system was originally designed to serve a much smaller population of 1.4 million. “Addressing the challenges brought about by this population growth, the ministry has embarked on an extensive program to enhance public health and social services, which are vital for over 85% of Namibians,” the…

10 Apr

No shelter for adult GBV victims in the regions

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia is grappling with a deficit in safe houses catering to adult victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the various regions of the country. This was confirmed to the Windhoek Observer by various police regional commanders on Wednesday when questioned on how they handle GBV victims. This comes in the wake of increasing GBV cases in the country. Hardap Region crime investigations cordinator deputy commissioner, Eric Clay disclose that although a safe house exists in the region, it has been non-operational since 2020. "There is a safe house, but it's not operational. There have been no staff members…

10 Apr

G7 sanctions endanger Namibian diamond sector

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The global diamond industry is encountering unprecedented challenges, with significant impacts on countries like Namibia that are reliant on diamond exports for vital foreign revenue. The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo highlighted these concerns during a parliamentary budget speech. He emphasised the declining global demand and highlighted the potential risk posed by the G7's new regulatory stance on the diamond trade. The G7/EU sanctions regime is based on technological traceability and has set forth import restrictions on Russian diamonds, impacting the trade of rough and polished diamonds of any size imported directly or via third countries…

10 Apr

Mushelenga summons EU and German envoys over Itula meeting

info_e12wt4csMainMushelenga summon EU and German envoys over Itula meeting

Ester Mbathera The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga in a diplomatic move, summoned a delegation of the European Union (EU) and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany on Wednesday. The engagement followed the recent meeting between the envoys and the leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Panduleni Itula, drawing attention to the delicate balance between diplomatic engagement and respecting the sovereignty of nations. The German embassy posted a picture of their engagement on their Facebook page, stating they were meeting Itula “on behalf of the ambassadors of the European Union (EU) for…

10 Apr

Namibia experiencing a rapid slowdown in inflation

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala Namibia is currently experiencing a more rapid slowdown in annual inflation than anticipated. This was said on Tuesday by an economic researcher at Simonis Storm Securities, Halleluya Ndimulunde who was responding to the recently released economic outlook report, stating that this marks a deceleration from the 7.2% recorded in March 2023 and 5.0% in February 2024. In March 2024 the country saw an annual inflation rate of 4.5%, the lowest since July 2023. “Monthly inflation remained unchanged, consistent with the rate reported in the previous month (0.0 %). The primary contributor to headline inflation remains the food and…

10 Apr

China-Namibia trade exceeds U$1.3 billion

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala The trade volumes between Namibia and China will be U$1.3 billion in 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 16.5 percent. This was revealed by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy Shen Jian, at the promotion conference of the Seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) and Hongqiao International Economic Forum held in Windhoek on Tuesday. According to Jian, China has been the second-largest trading partner of Namibia for many years. “China welcomes more Namibian products to enter the Chinese market, and the two governments are currently negotiating on the export of Namibia’s deep-sea red crab, abalone, mutton, grape,…

10 Apr

Farm invaders arrested and ordered to remove their livestock

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché An act of desperation led to the arrest of eight farmers from Gobabis who took matters into their own hands by occupying a government-owned farm near Gobabis in the Omaheke Region on Saturday. The group, along with their livestock, set up residence at the Witsand farm, which has reportedly been unused for more than three years. This action led to their arrest for trespassing by the Namibian Police on Tuesday. The farmers, frustrated by a lack of grazing land and what they perceive as inaction on the part of authorities, erected shacks and offloaded more than 300 of…

10 Apr

N$2 million worth of pumps stolen in Ohangwena in a month

info_e12wt4csNational NewsN$2 million worth of pumps stolen in Ohangwena in a month

Hertta-Maria Amutenja About 20 water pumps, valued at N$2 million, were stolen within a month in the Ohangwena region this year. This was revealed by the deputy executive director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Elijah Ngurare, on his social media platform recently when expressing his concerns about the theft of the water pumps. The affected villages in the region are Okanghalulwena, Okanyanona, Oshalande, Omulamba, Okamanya, Okakongwena, Epangwe, Onamatadiva, Oshanashiwa, Vendome, Oshidute, Ondobeyongwena, Ekangolomuve, and Onghalulu. The ministry’s spokesperson, Jona Musheko, said the theft of water pumps and solar panels from the water points is being experienced…

10 Apr

Alex Miller Continues Dominance in Nedbank Rock and Rut XC Cycling Series

info_e12wt4csSportsAlex Miller Continues Dominance in Nedbank Rock and Rut XC Cycling Series

Namibian mountain bike sensation Alex Miller showed his form once again as he clinched victory in the XC0 race at the first leg of the Nedbank Rock and Rut XC series. Miller, who has been in top form, secured his fourth consecutive win in the event, crossing the finish line in a remarkable time of one hour, 25 minutes, and six seconds (01:25:06). The event, which took place at the IJG Trails in Kleine Kuppe, Windhoek, attracted a total of 120 cyclists. In the elite men’s race, Miller led the pack from start to finish, leaving his competitors trailing behind.…

10 Apr

Pupkewitz Nissan Renews Partnership with Namibia Rugby Union

info_e12wt4csSportsPupkewitz Nissan Renews Partnership with Namibia Rugby Union

Namibia Rugby Union NRU received a boost, when Pupkewitz Nissan, a subsidiary of Pupkewitz Motors, proudly announced the renewal of its partnership, reaffirming its dedication to the development and promotion of Namibian rugby. Under the renewed partnership, Namibia Rugby Union will continue to benefit from a fleet of vehicles provided by Pupkewitz Nissan throughout the year. The vehicles, including the Nissan Navara, Nissan NP200, Nissan Qashqai, and Nissan Magnite, will play a crucial role in supporting the NRU’s activities, facilitating efficient transportation for players, staff, and equipment both on and off the rugby field. Nico Pieters, Franchise Director of Pupkewitz…