Page 51 – News Stand

04 Mar

African journalists condemn repression of press freedom in Namibia

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has strongly condemned what it describes as a systematic and orchestrated campaign of repression and victimisation targeting journalists in Namibia. The case of senior journalist Jemima Beukes has drawn widespread outrage, with FAJ labelling it as an assault on press freedom, labour rights, and gender equality in the media sector. Beukes, who serves as Secretary General of the Federation of Southern African Journalists (FeSAJ) and Acting Secretary General of the Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU), has built a reputation for her fearless investigative journalism and commitment to holding power to account. However,…

04 Mar

Marine scientist caution against ocean exploration activities

info_e12wt4csMain

Nyasha Nyaungwa and Ester Mbathera U.S.-based marine scientist Dr. Vincent Pieribone has warned against the risks of pollution and overexploitation of Namibia’s offshore ecosystem due to oil and gas exploration, fishing, and diamond mining activities. Pieribone, who serves as the co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, a global ocean exploration nonprofit that operates the OceanXplorer - a research and media vessel for multifaceted scientific missions -said in a recent interview that Namibia’s vast and largely inaccessible coastline, rich in marine resources, is at risk of severe environmental degradation. He cautioned against the potential damage caused by extractive industries such…

04 Mar

Malnutrition crisis goes beyond health sector

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services has acknowledged the ongoing impact of malnutrition on women and children in Namibia. Executive director of the health ministry, Ben Nangombe said on Tuesday that the issue extends beyond the health sector. “The Ministry of Health is not entirely responsible for the provision of food to people. We are responsible for addressing the clinical aspects and the impact of lack of access to nutritious food,” Nangombe said. The ministry, with support from UNICEF and funding from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), is implementing interventions to prevent and manage moderate and…

04 Mar

Drought relief brings surprise extra aid

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The arrival of drought relief food in Nehale Lyampingana Constituency on Monday brought joy and relief to beneficiaries who were surprised to receive an extra 50kg bag of rice alongside their monthly drought food parcel. The unexpected addition to their food aid was part of a consignment of 27,200 bags of rice donated by the Chinese government to aid Namibia’s ongoing drought relief efforts. Two soldiers from the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), tasked with distributing drought relief food in the region, embarked on their journey at the start of the week, closely followed by a crew from the…

04 Mar

Botswana reroutes traffic to Namibia due to floods

info_e12wt4csNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Botswana has rerouted traffic to Namibia due to severe flooding that has forced the closure of several border posts between Botswana and South Africa. The Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS) issued a warning on Tuesday, alerting the public to expect potential congestion at Namibian borders as a result. TKCS executive director, Leslie Mpofu urged motorists, particularly truck owners and drivers, to plan their routes carefully to avoid delays. The affected border posts include Stockpoort/Parr’s Halt, Makgobistad/Phitsane Molopo, Bray, Groblersbridge/Martins Drift, and Pontdrift. Traffic will now be diverted to Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) borders, such as Tlokweng/Kopfontein, Pioneer/Skilpadshek, and…

04 Mar

Rehoboth residents receive title deeds

info_e12wt4csNational News

Allexer Namundjembo Thirty-one residents of Rehoboth received title deeds on Monday as part of the town’s Alienation Program. The initiative aims to address past land injustices and ensure fair land distribution. Rehoboth’s mayor, Justin Coetzee, said the occasion was more than just about improving services. He said it was a celebration of justice, dignity, and the fulfilment of a promise to those affected by past land dispossession. "The 31 title deeds are not just documents; they represent justice and the restoration of land rights," he said. He credited Hardap governor Salomon April and the Rehoboth Town Council, particularly councillor Jacky…

04 Mar

Supreme Court ruling ends IPC, LPM Electoral Court challenge

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenya The Supreme Court ruling on 28 February has brought an end to the Electoral Court case involving the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM). The dispute stems from an extension of the voting period from the initially designated 27 November 2024 to 29 and 30 November 2024, as per Proclamation 34 of 2024 issued by President Nangolo Mbumba on the recommendation of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). Chief Justice Peter Shivute, while delivering the unanimous decision by a bench of Justices of the Supreme Court last week, ruled that the extension was…

04 Mar

GRN accused of burdening consumers with wage bill

info_e12wt4csNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Cabinet member and Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, has questioned the government’s decision to increase fuel prices to subsidise employers in the fuel sector to pay minimum wages to their employees. Schlettwein, who is also a member of parliament, raised these concerns on his social media platforms on Monday. This follows an announcement by the Ministry of Mines and Energy last Friday that fuel prices would increase for March, effective 5 March. “Petrol and diesel prices are to be increased to fund road maintenance and minimum wages, we are told. The latter is a…

04 Mar

Namibia seeks approval for investment in climate resilience

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Calle Schlettwein, the minister of agriculture, water and land reform urged the Trust Fund Committee of the Climate Investment Fund (CIF) to approve and support the implementation of the Zambezi Region Nature, People, and Climate (NPC) Investment Plan. The plan, aimed at tackling climate change, ecosystem degradation, and human activity impacts, was presented at the CIF Strategic Climate Fund (SCF) Trust Fund Committee meeting in Washington, USA last week. Schlettwein, who also serves as Chair of the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) Council of Ministers, stressed the plan’s significance, calling it a shared vision of sustainable development that aligns…

04 Mar

MTC expands fibre network to 2738 km

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Hertta-Maria Amutenja MTC has extended its fibre transmission network to 2 738 km to strengthen its backbone infrastructure to meet increasing demand for fixed internet services and reduce dependency risks. The expansion, which covers Windhoek and coastal areas, is part of MTC’s strategy to enhance digital connectivity for businesses and households. The company aims to provide reliable and high-speed internet services, supporting Namibia’s digital transformation and economic growth. MTC’s chief brand, marketing, communications, and sustainability officer, Tim Ekandjo, explained the importance of robust infrastructure in maintaining the company’s market leadership. “The ability to continue meeting the market’s demands requires that…