Page 504 – News Stand

21 Dec

Amushelelo defies legal threats amidst workers’ rights advocacy

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja Activist and member of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), Michael Amushelelo, is facing legal threats after attempting to shut down a shop in the Okuryangava area of Windhoek earlier this week. Amushelelo, undeterred despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the law firm Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc., is accused of engaging in what the firm describes as “chaotic behaviour of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful instigation of protests and disruption” of their client’s business affairs. In the letter, the law firm urges Amushelelo to cease his actions, warning of potential legal consequences, including opening a case with…

21 Dec

Implementing climate change plans will be a multibillion-dollar commitment

info_e12wt4csNational NewsImplementing climate change plans will be a multibillion-dollar commitment

Niël Terblanché Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, in a recent address to parliament, declared that Namibia’s efforts to combat climate change, in line with the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), will require a substantial investment of around N$112.3 billion. The allocated budget reflects Namibia’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, with N$65.2 billion dedicated to mitigation measures and N$47.1 billion aimed at adaptation targets. The minister added that the majority of this funding, approximately 90 percent, is expected to be sourced from international multilateral and bilateral channels, reducing the financial burden on domestic resources. Last year…

21 Dec

NAMFISA Refunds Consumers with More than N$3.8 Million

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Martin Ednjala Between July and September 2023, the Namibia Financial Services Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) ensured that approximately N$3,848,008 million was refunded to complainants through its Complaints Resolution Strategy. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the previous quarter, from April to June 2023, when a total of N$672,347 was refunded to complainants. The highest amount recovered, totalling N$3,160,857, came from the Pension Fund industry, followed by N$392,340 from the Short-term insurance industry, N$250,749 from the long-term insurance industry, N$41,295 from the Microlending industry, and N$2,767 from the Medical Aid Funds industry. Kenneth Matomola, NAMFISA’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that…

21 Dec

Legislature adopts unique vehicle registration plates

info_e12wt4csNational NewsLegislature adopts unique vehicle registration plates

Stefanus Nashama In a move that will give tangible evidence of the separation of powers within the government, the Parliament of Namibia has announced a new initiative to identify the vehicles used by the country’s legislature distinctly. Starting January 2024, all official vehicles of the National Assembly and the National Council will be equipped with unique green registration plates. This initiative marks a departure from the current practice where legislative vehicles are indistinguishable from the broader fleet of Namibian Government vehicles. According to the announcement, the new registration plates will bear the abbreviations “LNA” for Legislature National Assembly and “LNC”…

21 Dec

PDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has voiced its concerns and sought clarity from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) regarding the recent appointments of Regional Electoral Officers (REOs). In a media statement, the PDM stressed the importance of transparency and scrutiny in the appointment process of such officials. While acknowledging the roles assigned to REOs in accordance with the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014, PDM Secretary for Information Hidipo Hamata, emphasised the need for tangible and visible commitment to ethical conduct in every aspect of electoral administration. “The PDM is committed to ensuring that our democracy is…

21 Dec

CRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

Niël Terblanché To address public concerns over the health risks associated with fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has launched a comprehensive Consumer Awareness Campaign. This initiative aims to educate consumers on the benefits of 5G technology and dispel lingering misinformation about its potential health risks. The advent of 5G marks a crucial moment in the realm of connectivity, introducing a new era of unparalleled speed and efficiency. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Intelligence, South Africa is spearheading the 5G deployment in sub-Saharan Africa, with Namibia and other countries like…

21 Dec

Alweendo calls on the G7 to review its decision on a ‘single node’ of diamond sales

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Stefanus Nashama Tom Alweendo, the Minister of Mines and Energy, has called upon the G7 member states to reconsider their decision regarding measures to restrict the sale of Russian diamonds. He urged them to engage with all diamond-producing countries to discuss the specifics of the proposed measures and their potential impact on economies and people’s livelihoods. “We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of these restrictive measures, as it is our understanding that all diamonds, whether rough, cut, or polished, entering the G7 and EU will be subject to verification through a ‘single node’ in Antwerp,” the Minister said.…

20 Dec

Agnes Tjongarero, Assumes Leadership Role in AUSC Region 5

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Lilongwe, Malawi - Minister of Youth, Sport, and National Service, Hon. Agnes Tjongarero, has assumed the esteemed position of Chairperson of the AUSC Region 5 Council of Ministers. This noteworthy appointment was made on December 15, 2023, during the ordinary session of the Region 5 Council of Ministers meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi. Hon. Tjongarero takes the helm from Hon. Uchizi Mkandawire of Malawi, as stipulated by the rotational policy outlined in Article 30.6 of the Region 5 Constitution. The meeting, was attended by five Ministers and four Deputy Ministers from the ten Region 5 member countries. As the newly appointed…

20 Dec

THE ENERGY YEAR: WHY ENERGY SECTOR POLICYMAKERS AND IMPLEMENTERS ARE THE NAMIBIAN OF THE YEAR

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Windhoek Observer’s Namibian of the Year is an annual supplemental issue of the Windhoek Observer and its website, featuring extraordinary Namibians, a group, an idea or an institution that has done the most to positively influence the events of the year within the country and beyond.To be selected as the Namibian of the Year such an individual has to make a meaningful impact in the country and has to capture the imagination of the nation.This year, rather than the traditional individual of the year we have chosen the booming Namibian energy sector and the trailblazers at the helm of policymaking…

20 Dec

Joel Matheus Takes Center Stage in Global Volleyball

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Windhoek, Namibia —Mr. Joel Matheus has emerged as a trailblazer in high-performance training and sport governance. His illustrious journey spans various prestigious roles in both local and international sports bodies, culminating in a groundbreaking appointment as one of the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) Coaches instructors. Mr. Matheus, born and raised in Windhoek, Namibia, has become a symbol of dedication and passion for sports development. His commitment to fostering the growth of sports in Namibia and beyond has garnered him recognition and respect on the global stage. FIVB Appointment: A Landmark Achievement Recently appointed as an FIVB Coaches instructor, Mr.…