Page 505 – News Stand

20 Dec

MTC invested half a billion dollars in network and systems

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Martin Endjala Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has invested a total of N$504.1 million in its network and systems to enhance customer service and to enlarge its data-carrying capacity during the 2023 financial year. The company further invested N$1.7 million in the High-Tech Transfer Plaza (HTTP) centre to stimulate innovation and build a national innovation hub. This was revealed by MTC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Licky Erastus, during the company's recent financial performance announcement. According to Erastus, these activities include the MTC Tech Innovation Bazaar, Namibia National Cyber Security Competition and Namibia National High School Programming Competition amongst others.…

20 Dec

Naloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNaloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

Martin Endjala Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) has recently sent a request to Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) Chief Executive Officer Nangula Uaandja, to facilitate an offshore familiarisation visit to the drill sites of oil rigs in February next year. According to Naloba’s vice-president, Peter Amadhila the association has a particular focus on the newly discovered oil and gas reserves. Amadhila stated that the association wants to be actively involved in these projects to ensure maximum and total benefits for all Namibian people. He said Naloba has been strongly advocating for alternative solutions to the recent fuel price inflation…

20 Dec

Judge dismisses N$7.5million lawsuit against NWR by former MD

info_e12wt4csNational NewsJudge dismisses N$7.5million lawsuit against NWR by former MD

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a recent ruling, the Windhoek High Court rejected the N$7.5 million civil suit filed by Zelna Hengari, the former Managing Director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). Hengari was seeking damages for reputational harm. Following a series of hearings between September 2021 and August 2023, High Court Judge Boas Usiku ruled in favour of NWR. Usiku concluded that the central claim made in the press release, regarding Hengari’s unauthorised agreement, was substantially true. Hengari, who served as the Managing Director of NWR from July 2014 until July 2019, initiated legal proceedings against the public company, alleging defamation. The…

20 Dec

Human-wildlife conflict imposes high costs on GRN

info_e12wt4csNational NewsHuman-wildlife conflict imposes high costs on GRN

Niël Terblanché Human-wildlife conflicts have become an increasingly costly challenge for the Namibian Government, with compensation payouts totalling approximately N$31.7 million since 2019. Teofilus Nghitila, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, shed light on the escalation of the issue, citing factors such as drought and the expanding human population as exacerbating the situation. Nghitila said that the complex nature of coexisting with wild animals, which, while beneficial for employment and income generation, also carries significant costs. These costs manifest in various ways, including crop damage, livestock losses, injuries to people, and even the tragic loss…

20 Dec

NBL makes generous donations to promote road safety

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Niël Terblanché Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has reiterated its commitment to road safety by pledging N$200,000 to support various initiatives aimed at promoting safe driving practices throughout the country. This generous contribution includes N$90,000 allocated for refreshments for members of the Namibian Police stationed at roadblocks, as well as contributions to the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund's (MVA) road safety awareness campaigns. NBL is not only dedicated to producing quality beer but also advocates for responsible drinking behaviour. Surihe Gaomas-Guchu, NBL's Corporate Affairs Manager, emphasized the importance of consuming alcohol responsibly and avoiding drunk driving during the holiday season when many…

20 Dec

NEFF threatens to shut down Rani Group

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama Michael Amushelelo, the Commissar of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) has called on workers to mobilise and unite in mass protest action and even threatened to shut down business activities of the Rani Group countrywide. This follows after the Oshakati-based Rani Group suspended more than 100 employees, who last week participated in a peaceful protest. The protest action was aimed at ending the contract labour hire system still utilised by the business. Amushelelo demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended workers and set a deadline for the return of the workers for mid-day yesterday or else the…

20 Dec

Remains of one Henties Bay drowning victim found

info_e12wt4csNational NewsRemains of one Henties Bay drowning victim found

Niël Terblanché The relentless search for two young girls who tragically drowned in the Atlantic Ocean last Friday has resulted in the discovery on Tuesday morning of one of the bodies about six kilometres north of Henties Bay. According to Inspector Iileni Shapumba, the Head of the Community Affairs Division of the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region, members of the public found the remains of the 11-year-old Marie France Brockerhoff Ngo Mbock while walking along the beach. Since the tragedy occurred, the community of the holiday town has united to bring closure to the grieving families by continuing to…

20 Dec

Erongo Regional Council reflects on 2023

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché As the year 2023 draws to a close, the Erongo Regional Council held its final meeting to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges faced throughout the year. Chairperson Benitha Imbamba addressed various critical issues in her statement, emphasizing the importance of safety, environmental responsibility, and community welfare. One of the foremost concerns highlighted by Imbamba was road safety during the festive season. With an increased number of residents and visitors travelling throughout the region, she urged everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. "Do not speed and make sure when we travel that our vehicles are in good…

20 Dec

Erongo women retain mayoral positions

info_e12wt4csNational NewsErongo women retain mayoral positions

Niël Terblanché During recent elections of office bearers, two women, Dina Namubes and Irene Simeon-Kurtz, have retained their mayoral positions in Swakopmund and Usakos, respectively. Their re-election affirms their strong leadership and commitment to their respective communities. Namubes, who has already served one term as the Mayor of Swakopmund, has been reelected to continue her role. She took over from Louisa Kativa in 2022 and has since earned the trust and support of the community. In her acceptance speech, Namubes highlighted the unique and harmonious nature of the Swakopmund Town Council. She said that despite occasional disagreements, council members always…

20 Dec

Nampol refutes reports of spending N$2,5 million on the Inspector General’s new vehicle

info_e12wt4csMain5 million on the Inspector General’s new vehicle, Nampol refutes reports of spending N$2

Stefanus Nashama Reports claiming that the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, received a new Mercedes Benz worth over N$2.5 million have been vigorously denied and the rumours were labelled as malicious, false, and misleading. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division, clarified that the actual price of the vehicle was slightly over N$1.9 million. “We would like to clarify that the vehicle in question was purchased through an approved procurement process for N$1,968,643.50,” Shikwambi stated. She stressed that the vehicle remains government property, designated for the official use of…