Page 473 – News Stand

27 Feb

Namibia’s border operations shortened due to power outages

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s key southern border crossing points into South Africa have been forced to operate on reduced hours due to ongoing power supply interruptions, significantly impacting travel and trade between the two countries. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security announced that Ariamsvlei, Noordoewer, and Klein Manasse border posts in the ||Kharas Region have been grappling with electricity blackouts since last Monday, necessitating a temporary adjustment in their operational hours. In light of the power failure, the border posts, which normally operate around the clock, will now only be open from 07:00 to 19:00. This reduction in…

27 Feb

Geingos pays touching tribute to her late husband

info_e12wt4csMainGeingos pays touching tribute to her late husband

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a sombre memorial held at Independence Stadium, former First Lady, Monica Geingos delivered a poignant tribute to her late husband, former President Hage Geingob, encapsulating the profound impact of his life and the unexpected turn of events leading to his death. “His passing was traumatising and unexpected. He was eager to retire and had such plans. And true to his words, he didn’t overstay. In the last few months, he spoke often about ensuring a smooth transition. And even though he left too early, the transition was smooth; it just wasn’t the one he expected,” she remarked.…

23 Feb

The Observer Tribute: Footsteps of a Giant

info_e12wt4csFeaturedThe Observer Tribute: Footsteps of a Giant\

Of all the places a nation’s destiny would be fashioned by the hand of God, one would never think to find its future under a tree. But as fate would have it, for Namibia, the story of one of its greatest political leaders and in many ways, her own story of becoming a nation, of defying odds and overcoming them, starts there. In the district of Otavi, at farm Sawes, Namibia became a hero richer on 3rd August 1941. President Hage Gottfried Geingob who was born under a tree at this farm, had himself become one, under whose shade the…

23 Feb

STATE FORMATION IN NAMIBIA: PROMOTING DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE.

info_e12wt4csFeaturedSTATE FORMATION IN NAMIBIA: PROMOTING DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE.

(A chapter review of the Ph.D Thesis by Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob)By: Stanley Nick Katzao“Leaders are bridges that connect people to the future” We are looking at a scholarly project representing an academic endeavour at providing an intellectual discourse that connects the process of state formation to the democratization imperative.Overall, Dr. Geingob’s study sets out to do four things:It examines significant events in the process of state formation in Namibia;It identifies and dissects the different actors who played a major role in shaping the Namibian state that evolved;It examines how Namibians sought to build a united and peaceful society; andIt…

23 Feb

Tsumeb Smelter is unique asset

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

This week, Alina Garises, communications manager at Dundee Precious Metals talks about the possible sale of the Tsumeb Smelter and impact it could have on the country’s economy. Observer Money (OM): What impact will the sale of Tsumeb Smelter have on the current employees; does this mean they will lose jobs? Alina Garises (AG): It is currently business as usual at the smelter. Decisions on future employment will belong to a new owner but we are extremely impressed by the quality and commitment of our Namibian workforce. While we cannot speak for a new owner, we believe that the reductions…

23 Feb

Tsumeb Smelter put on the market

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Following the announcement Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb has decided to undertake a strategic review of its Tsumeb operation, including a potential sale, the Windhoek Observer looked at the possible impact this move would have on the Namibian economy and the local impact on the town of Tsumeb. Dundee said given that the smelter is no longer expected to process any Chelopech concentrate from its subsidiary in Bulgaria, commencing in 2024 and as a result, it is no longer seen as strategic to DPM's asset portfolio. Statistics from the Chamber of Mines of Namibia showed that local procurement spend…

23 Feb

Trans-Zambezi Railway important for iron project

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The proposed Trans-Zambezi Railway Extension Grootfontein-Rundu-Katima Mulilo is very important for Tsodilo Resources Limited, which is developing the Xaudum Iron Project in Botswana close to the Namibian border. The company’s chairman and CEO, James Bruchs, said the railway line is very important for the rail shipment, once the Xaudum Iron Project is off the ground. In September, the Namibian Cabinet has approved the final feasibility study for the Trans-Zambezi Railway Extension Grootfontein-Rundu-Katima Mulilo. The extension of the Grootfontein-Katima Mulilo will connect Namibia, Zambia and Botswana, through Ngoma up to Kasane, and link up with Zimbabwe and Zambia, up…

23 Feb

FNB profit drop up to 5%

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

FirstRand Namibia Limited has advised shareholders that the group's profit after tax for the period ended 31 December 2023 is expected to be 0% to 5% lower than the comparative period partly due to higher impairments, with pre-provision profit improving between 3% to 8% with strong underlying performance from operations. The group's reviewed financial results will be released on 29 February 2024, said Nelago Makemba company secretary. By comparison, FNB Namibia’s earnings for the six months ended 31 December 2022 increased by 38% to N$813 million, a performance the company said was a testament to the quality of its operating…

23 Feb

Beer, wine, cigarettes prices up

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA Consumers can expect prices of alcohol products and cigarettes to go up in line with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) excise duties when Minister of Finance, Ipumbu Shiimi tables the 2024 budget next week. This week, South African Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana said for alcohol products excise duties, above-inflation increases of between 6.7% and 7.2% for 2024/25 are proposed. This means a can of beer increased by 14 cents, a can of a cider and alcoholic fruit beverage went up by 14 cents, a bottle of wine will cost an extra 28 cents, a bottle of…

23 Feb

Geingob cared deeply for the elderly – Nujoma

info_e12wt4csFeatured, OpinionsGeingob cared deeply for the elderly - Nujoma

Hertta-Maria Amutenja As Minister Utoni Nujoma paid tribute to former President Hage Geingob, he reflected on the late President’s commitment to addressing socio-economic disparities and his lasting impact on the Namibian Nation. “President Geingob cared deeply about the elderly and working poor,” Nujoma affirmed, setting the tone for a poignant tribute that unveils the compassionate side of the late President. Nuujoma recalled pivotal moments during Geingob’s presidency, such as the compassionate decision to raise the old age grant, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the nation’s senior citizens. In addition, Nujoma highlighted the late President’s dedication to improving the…