Page 447 – News Stand

14 Mar

Namibia needs N$14 billion for electrification

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia needs N$14 billion for electrification

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s ambitious goal to achieve nationwide electrification by 2030 has been deemed unrealistic by John Titus, the Director of Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Titus made the statement during a critical discussion on rural electrification held between the Energy ministry and the Kavango East Regional Council where he pointed to the significant financial and logistical challenges that might hamper the process. He said Namibia’s vision to illuminate every corner of the country requires a staggering N$14 billion investment, a figure that starkly contrasts with the N$130 million currently earmarked in the national budget for this…

14 Mar

Police crackdown on illegal fuel trade

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPolice crackdown on illegal fuel trade

Niël Terblanché Smugglers have suffered a significant blow to their illicit fuel trade that has been plaguing the northern border towns of Namibia. The Ohangwena Police, in a coordinated crackdown, have arrested four men involved in the smuggling and sale of approximately 2,700 litres of illegal fuel. The operation saw the suspects being apprehended at Omafo, with the illegal commodity sourced from Angola. Officers detained three men, aged 44, 33, and 20 when they were caught red-handed while in possession of the smuggled fuel. A fourth individual, a 57-year-old man, was arrested while in the act of refuelling his vehicle…

14 Mar

Gobabis municipality workers threaten to down tools

info_e12wt4csNational NewsGobabis municipality workers threaten to down tools

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Gobabis Municipality workers through their labour union representative, Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU), have threatened to stop work unless management takes action on issues raised during a meeting last year November. NAPWU, on behalf of the workers, penned a letter to the municipality’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sophia Eises highlighting unfair labour practices and disciplinary hearing discrepancies within the municipality. Union representative, Betuel Jamuine, in the letter, expressed dismay over the perceived lack of response to grievances voiced during a meeting with the workers, asserting that the situation has only worsened since. “NAPWU has realised with great concern…

13 Mar

Opposition question N$15 million reduction of ECN budget in an election year

info_e12wt4csNational NewsOpposition question N$15 million reduction of ECN budget in an election year

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Popular Democratic Movement’s Member of Parliament, Elima Dienda said she is perplexed by the reduction of N$15 million in the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) budget. Dienda was of the opinion that this is an oversight that seems inconsistent with the fact that ECN is scheduled to organise Presidential and National Assembly elections this year. She also raised concerns about the budget allocation for Planning, Registration and Voting and staff remuneration which she said has been cut by N$4 million. “This raises a critical question: Given the upcoming elections, won’t there be a need for additional part-time…

13 Mar

Brazen armed robbery shocks Windhoek residents

info_e12wt4csNational NewsBrazen armed robbery shocks Windhoek residents

Niël Terblanché In a startling breach of public safety, a daring robbery unfolded at the Monte Christo Service Station in the Lafrenz Industrial area of Windhoek on Tuesday. The brazenness of the act sent shockwaves throughout the community. According to the incident report provided by the Public Relations Division of the Namibian Police, the incident occurred at approximately 10:20 AM on Tuesday when three armed assailants executed the audacious robbery. Brandishing pistols, the trio, according to the report, launched their attack by menacing the service station’s cashiers, before brazenly making their way to the manager’s office. Their target was three…

13 Mar

Capricorn Group commits N$600,000 towards entrepreneurial training programmes

info_e12wt4csNational News000 towards entrepreneurial training programmes, Capricorn Group commits N$600

Martin Endjala The Capricorn Foundation, in one of its key focus areas of economic advancement, has committed N$600,000 towards training programmes to create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, for members of the Women at Work and Men on the Side of the Road (MSR) organisations. According to the Capricorn Group Foundation’s Executive Officer, Marlize Horn Namibia is listed among the countries with the highest unemployment rates. “The Capricorn Foundation recognises its responsibility to support organisations committed to creating job opportunities that contribute to economic growth and address social problems caused by unemployment,” she said. She added that the Women at Work…

13 Mar

SMART technology leveraged to conserve biodiversity

info_e12wt4csNational NewsSMART technology leveraged to conserve biodiversity

Niël Terblanchéfor In an effort to enhance biodiversity conservation, Namibia has adopted the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming data collection and management across the nation’s protected areas. The adoption stresses the crucial role of advanced technologies in safeguarding the environment and preserving the country’s rich natural heritage for future generations. The announcement came during the Global SMART User Conference held in Windhoek, where the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, reiterated the indispensable role of technology and digitization in the ongoing efforts to protect Namibia’s precious ecosystems. “We stand at a…

13 Mar

Integrating gender and youth perspectives crucial for Namibia’s future – Masua

info_e12wt4csNational NewsIntegrating gender and youth perspectives crucial for Namibia’s future - Masua

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a recent National Assembly session, Member of Parliament, Patience Masua emphasised the importance of integrating gender and youth perspectives into the budget process to ensure a more just, vibrant and sustainable future for all Namibians. Masua made these remarks while addressing the government’s three-pronged approach to economic resurgence, as outlined in the budget debate this week. “The principles of GYRB transform financial planning, ensuring that allocations consider the unique needs of women and young people. This means that we look at every line of our budget through a lens that considers the diverse needs of different genders,…

13 Mar

Namibia’s population surpasses three million

info_e12wt4csMainNamibia’s population surpasses three million

Stefanus Nashama A preliminary report released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has revealed that Namibia’s population currently stands at 3,022,401 million, a growth of 909,324 since the country conducted its last census in 2011. This is according to Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General of the NSA, who made the presentation at the official launch of the preliminary results of the 2023 population and housing census today in Windhoek. This was the fourth time Namibia undertook the population and housing census. In 1991, Namibia’s population stood at 1,4 million; in 2001, it was 1,8 million; in 2011, it stood at 2,1…

13 Mar

Allegations of unfair practices shake Erongo Sea Products joint venture

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAllegations of unfair practices shake Erongo Sea Products joint venture

Niël Terblanché Allegations have surfaced that the Oceana Group, might be undermining their Namibian counterparts, Erongo Marine Enterprises in the Erongo Sea Products Joint Venture. The allegations are casting a shadow over the partnership that has spanned more than 20 years. Central to the controversy is the recent suspension of Erongo Marine Enterprises’ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martha Uumati, following her inquiries into the treatment and relationship with Namibian shareholders. An independent legal assessment conducted by the firm Cronje and Kie has unveiled potential violations of the joint venture agreements, heavily favouring the South African conglomerate. Particularly alarming are the…