Namibian Navy enhances security in Zambezi Region

Namibian Navy enhances security in Zambezi Region

Niël Terblanché In order to bolster security along Namibia’s perennial waterways, the deployment of the Namibian Navy on the Zambezi, Chobe, and Kavango rivers has markedly diminished security challenges that have long plagued the region. The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, said that the deployment of sailors in troubled areas is clear evidence of the Navy's successful efforts in curtailing illegal border crossings, unregulated fishing, poaching, and drug smuggling. The transformative impact of this deployment was underscored during the ceremonial renaming of the Naval Base Impalila to Naval Base Lieutenant General John Sinvula Mutwa, in honour of…
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Otjiwarongo taxi drivers protest for better roads

Otjiwarongo taxi drivers protest for better roads

Niël Terblanché Approximately 300 taxi drivers in Otjiwarongo ceased their operations and took to the streets yesterday in protest of the deplorable condition of the town's roads. Their show of unity and determination in the collective action brought to light the growing frustration among local taxi operators over deep potholes and other infrastructural issues that have long plagued their daily operations which include vehicle damage that hinders their ability to provide essential services. Lazarus Mateus, acting as the group's spokesperson, presented a petition to the Otjiwarongo Municipality, voicing several critical concerns. Chief among these was the dire state of the…
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RA reflects on its road network journey

RA reflects on its road network journey

Martin Endjala As Namibia celebrates its 34th Independence, the Roads Authority (RA) in keeping with its mandate of building road networks for Namibia, is celebrating a journey that started in the year 2000. The journey saw RA build a state-of-the-art national road network that is estimated to be worth N$129 billion. Namibia’s national road network has grown by approximately 15 percent or 6,220 kilometres over 23 years. Namibia’s road network currently stands at a total length of 49 202,9 kilometres, of which 8,037 kilometres is bitumen standard, 26,055 kilometres is gravel standard, 13,755 kilometres earth roads and 330 kilometres of…
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Nande and Walters Triumph in First Round of 2024 Nedbank for Good Series

Nande and Walters Triumph in First Round of 2024 Nedbank for Good Series

Omeya Golf Club was the venue for the first round of the 2024 Nedbank for Good Series this past weekend. And it prived to be good hunting ground for Likius Nande and Cehesta Walters as they emerged as the champions in the inaugural round of the 2024 Nedbank for Good Series, The event, aimed at raising funds for Agra ProVision, witnessed a total of 112 players, comprising 100 men and 12 women. Nande secured victory in the men’s event with a remarkable 43 points, closely followed by Jean-Mark Mouton, who also scored 43 points, and Rudolf Meyer, finishing third with…
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20 cops charged for drug-related crimes, 10 for murder cases

20 cops charged for drug-related crimes, 10 for murder cases

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A total of 20 members of the Namibian Police Force have been charged with drug-related crimes while 10 others have been charged with murder over the last three years. This is according to Namibian Police Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, who disclosed that over the past three years, 20 cases involving drug-related offences have been lodged against members of the Namibian Police Force. Three of those police officers have been found guilty by the courts and convicted, while a staggering number of 17 cases remain pending on court dockets nationwide. Shikongo emphasised the seriousness with which such…
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Differences between LPM leaders, not party related

Differences between LPM leaders, not party related

Stefanus Nashama The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) says differences between its party leader Bernadus Swartbooi and his deputy Henny Seibeb are not related to the party. The differences are at an administrative level with no influence of the party. “If there are any disagreements between the two, it's nothing major or party related because it is insignificant and is also not party related. It would be nothing the party would have to invest in nor alarming,” Lifalaza Simataa, LPM National Spokesperson told Windhoek Observer this week. Simataa was responding to questions about the alleged fight between the two LPM founders.…
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Crisis-level drought justifies a state of emergency

Crisis-level drought justifies a state of emergency

Niël Terblanché The National Democratic Party (NDP) is urging the Namibian government to declare a national state of emergency in response to the severe drought conditions afflicting the nation. Party president, Martin Lukato emphasized the grave situation by pointing out widespread crop failures, escalating food shortages, and the critical lack of water affecting both people and livestock across the country. The NDP's appeal stresses the urgent need for increased resources and better coordination to effectively tackle the crisis at hand. Lukato said collaboration between the government and various stakeholders to bolster support mechanisms for those people hardest hit by the…
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NamPower clarifies recent power outages

NamPower clarifies recent power outages

Martin Endjala Following public agitation towards power outages experienced last week and in February, the Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) has clarified that the recent interruption in electricity supply in some regions was due to severe rainfall, lightning and the breakdown of a transformer. In response to Windhoek Observer questions last week, NamPower Corporate Communication Officer Rosa Nikanor, explained that the outages in southern Namibia and the Omaheke Region were the result of heavy rainfall in those areas. She said it is important to note that various factors can contribute to grid failures, with weather conditions playing a significant role. While…
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Kawana invites everyone to celebrate Independence Day

Kawana invites everyone to celebrate Independence Day

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Dr Albert Kawana, has invited all Namibians to partake in the 34th Independence Day celebrations, while also emphasizing the significance of the occasion. Addressing the public and community policing forums in Katima Mulilo recently, Kawana stressed the importance of the event, encouraging every person but especially, the residents of the Zambezi Region to attend in large numbers and to be witness to the special day. Kawana highlighted the country's remarkable journey over the past 34 years, noting the achievements and advancements made in various sectors. He pointed out the…
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Capricorn Foundation pledges N$1m towards rural economic revival

Capricorn Foundation pledges N$1m towards rural economic revival

Martin Endjala The Capricorn Foundation has availed N$1 million towards the Wolwedans Foundation's flagship initiative, RuralRevive: Building a Desert-based Economy, demonstrating its dedication to economic advancement, sustainable development and the empowerment of the Maltahöhe community. The pledge follows the unique partnership officially launched in Maltahöhe, in the Hardap Region last week between the Capricorn Foundation and the Wolwedans Foundation. The contribution will go towards the establishment and enhancement of six work packages, including Horticulture Capacity Building (Skills Transfer), which includes setting up five small holding farmers for organic vegetable production and establishing a fresh produce distribution hub called the Barn…
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