Energy transition challenges might hamper economic development

Energy transition challenges might hamper economic development

Niël Terblanché Namibia is currently grappling with the complex dynamics of the global energy transition, as its substantial oil reserves beckon investors while international pressure mounts for renewable energy adoption. Namibia’s Petroleum Commissioner, Maggy Shino, emphasized the importance of winning the “energy transition war” during a committee meeting. She noted that unless Namibia can construct a compelling narrative to navigate the energy transition, its oil resources may remain untapped due to international calls for renewable energy adoption. Shino explained that the energy transition agenda encourages developing countries to preserve their oil reserves and rely solely on renewable energy sources. This…
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SADC Central Bank Governors will address economic challenges

SADC Central Bank Governors will address economic challenges

Niël Terblanché There currently exists a critical need for coordinated efforts between governments and central banks to support economic growth and employment creation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). While officially opening the 57th SADC Committee of Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (CCBGM) in Swakopmund, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila highlighted the importance of monetary and macroeconomic stability in achieving future economic success. “The issue of fiscal dominance has been topical in many of our jurisdictions in the region. But as political leaders, we have a fair appreciation of the delicacy of that independence and that the power to spend money…
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Suicide is a major public health concern: Shangula

Suicide is a major public health concern: Shangula

Stefanus Nashama Minister of Health and Social Service, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, noted that suicide has become a major public health concern and that urgent action is vital to prevent a further increase in the trend in Namibia “Mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are associated with an increased risk of suicide,” he said. Shangula was speaking at the commemoration of the 2023 World Suicide Prevention Day in Windhoek yesterday. The Minister said the prevention of suicide has not been actively addressed due to a lack of awareness, which is shockingly a major public health concern across the…
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Botswana appoints new Envoy to Namibia

Botswana appoints new Envoy to Namibia

Niël Terblanché In a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between Botswana and Namibia, the President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi has appointed Mr. Phemelo Rankoro as Botswana’s High Commissioner to Namibia. This appointment is expected to further enhance the longstanding and robust relationship between the two neighbouring nations. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Botswana, Rankoro is set to assume his role as High Commissioner in Namibia in October 2023. He will be succeeding Ambassador Dr. Batlang Serema, who has been appointed as Botswana’s envoy to China. According to the ministry, Rankoro brings a wealth of experience…
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After-Action Review serves as a learning platform for Namibia

After-Action Review serves as a learning platform for Namibia

Niël Terblanché In a significant step towards strengthening its public health response mechanisms, Namibia recently conducted an After-Action Review (AAR) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess its response to the Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic (CCHF) outbreak that occurred earlier this year. The AAR brought together various stakeholders in Windhoek to document the activities undertaken during the CCHF outbreak and evaluate Namibia’s preparedness and response capacity. The CCHF outbreak was first confirmed in the Gobabis District of the Omaheke Region on May 21, 2023, following the unfortunate death of an individual confirmed to have CCHF just three days…
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First African climate summit produces historic declaration

First African climate summit produces historic declaration

Niël Terblanché African Heads of State and Government convened for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4th to 6th, 2023. The summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including global leaders, intergovernmental organizations, Regional Economic Communities, United Nations Agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, local communities, farmer organizations, children, youth, women, and academia. The primary focus of the summit was to address the escalating climate crisis that is impacting the African continent disproportionately. The leaders issued a declaration known as “The African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to…
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Capricorn Foundation Commits N$517,000.00 to One Economy Foundation

Capricorn Foundation Commits N$517,000.00 to One Economy Foundation

Martin Endjala Capricorn Foundation on Friday last week affirmed its support for the One Economy Project at the opening of the #BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura. The fund which will go towards the Youth Campus’ training facility, brings the total contribution to the Campus to over N$1 million, with the first handover done in October last year of N$500,000.00 for the construction of the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Training Centre. The #BeFree Youth Campus aims to create a one-stop solution for youth between the ages of 13 and 30 to receive integrated multidisciplinary services that offer a holistic approach…
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Gale-force winds cause havoc at the coast

Gale-force winds cause havoc at the coast

Niël Terblanché Several buildings situated in the central coastal towns of Namibia have been damaged by gale-force winds that have been blowing from a southerly direction since Monday morning. In some cases, walls have been blown over while in other areas several roofs sustained severe damage by the wind that at some stage blew at a speed of 50 knots or 92 kilometres per hour. People who live in a block of flats in the Tamariskia residential area of Swakopmund narrowly escaped death when the wind ripped the roof of the building. Pieces of the roof structure collapsed into their…
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N$600 000 lost through e-wallet scam

N$600 000 lost through e-wallet scam

Martin Endjala First National Bank (FNB) of Namibia has confirmed that a total of N$600 000 is estimated to have been lost through e-wallet scams that targeted its clients between August 2022 and August 2023. The bank’s Retail Executive Officer, Nangula Kauluma revealed this yesterday during a media briefing after the bank received multiple complaints from clients who lost their money in this way. She said a total number of 788 transactions were compromised which resulted in N$600 000 getting lost and not reaching their intended recipients. Kauluma pleaded with clients to maintain a high level of vigilance when handling…
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THE POETS QUILL: This little light of mine

THE POETS QUILL: This little light of mine

SheIsKingDesire As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Marianne Williamson said it better in her book, A Return to Love: “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” There is a light in a very soul, some lights are brightly burning and others are dark and cold. For me having a light that is brightly burning means doing things that make me feel free and peaceful, surrendering control, trusting my intuition, showing compassion and kindness to myself and others, and believing the simple truth that I…
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