NamRA activates a reward system to catch revenue evaders

NamRA activates a reward system to catch revenue evaders

Niël Terblanché In a proactive move to combat revenue evasion and protect Namibia’s fiscal integrity, the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has officially launched a comprehensive Reward System Policy designed to incentivize both NamRA staff members and private individuals to collaborate in identifying and reporting cases of duty and tax evasion. According to the Chief of NamRA’s Strategic Communications and Support Engagement, Steven Ndorokaze, evasion practices such as undervaluation, misclassification, concealment, and misrepresentation have long been a challenge for revenue collection agencies worldwide. “The implementation of this Reward System represents a significant step in addressing these issues and ultimately curbing revenue…
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Scammer steals thousands of dollars from his friend

Scammer steals thousands of dollars from his friend

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A former employee of Telecom Namibia in Tsumeb stands accused of defrauding a friend out of N$148 000 under the pretence of acquiring a discounted company vehicle. The case has been reported to the Oshikoto Regional Police as theft under false pretences. According to the Regional Commander, Commissioner Theopolina Kalompo-Nashikaku, the suspect, convinced the victim who is his friend that Telecom Namibia was auctioning off some of its vehicles at a reduced price for employees. The suspect claimed that he could secure the bakkie at a discount rate which is always offered to Telecom employees when such activities…
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City says its participation at OAT takes services closer to residents in the north

City says its participation at OAT takes services closer to residents in the north

Hertta-Maria Amutenja After a three-year hiatus due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Windhoek (CoW) has resumed its participation in the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) and highlighted that it a crucial way to ensure that residents of the capital continue to receive essential services. CoW spokesperson, Harold Akwenye, emphasised that their participation could potentially attract investments and partnerships, leading to further development and enhancements for residents. He was responding to Windhoek Observer questions on how the city’s participation in the OATF benefitted its residents. “In essence, our participation is not merely about presence. It is…
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Swakopmund Municipality extends CEO’s contract

Swakopmund Municipality extends CEO’s contract

Niël Terblanché In a resounding vote of confidence and appreciation for outstanding leadership, the Swakopmund Municipality has officially extended Alfeus Benjamin’s contract as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for an additional five years. The decision was made in accordance with the provisions of section 27 of the Local Authority Act, Act 23 of 1992, as amended. Benjamin, who assumed office on December 1, 2018, will continue to guide the municipality with his proven leadership and vision. His new tenure will start on 1 December 2023. For the past five years, Benjamin has been a driving force behind numerous positive changes and…
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NamPol joins the world in celebrating a century of InterPol

NamPol joins the world in celebrating a century of InterPol

Stefanus Nashama Namibia, through the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) yesterday joined the world in celebrating 100 years of creating global safety by being part of Interpol. According to InterPol’s Executive Committee Delegate for Africa, Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, the international police organisation is the golden thread fit for the purpose of international cooperation to fight all kinds of crime. Major General Nainda, who is the Deputy Inspector General of the Namibian Police responsible for administration indicated that Namibia as a member state has joined the world in celebrating 100 years of InterPol’s existence under the theme “Interpol 100 years through…
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Katutura residents demand action over debt collection

Katutura residents demand action over debt collection

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Katutura residents are up in arms and demanding swift action from both the City of Windhoek (CoW) management, the Council and the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, regarding their grievances over the use of Redforce Debt Management for debt collection. They aired their frustration during a protest at the CoW premises and the Ministry yesterday, demanding responses to a petition they submitted to both institutions on 19 July 2023. The group through its representative committee called Katutura Residents Committee, led by its Chairperson, Benestus Kandundu, expressed their dissatisfaction with the city’s approach to debt collection…
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Menzies Aviation’s lies and conspiracy theories

Menzies Aviation’s lies and conspiracy theories

Niël Terblanché Claims by Menzies Aviation Namibia about releasing critical lifesaving medical supplies for the Namibia Blood Transfusion Service (NamBTS) from its locked-up air cargo warehouse at the Hosea Kutako International Aiport (HKIA) were exposed as blatant lies. The United Kingdom-based company, in a press statement issued on Tuesday, claimed to have released crucial medical supplies about an hour before the actual event occurred. Dan Kamati, the spokesperson of the Namibia Airports Company stated that he was made aware of the publication of the press release shortly after a court ordered mediation process between NAC, Menzies Aviation and Paragon Aviation…
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Kawana tasked to explain prisoners escaping from lawful custody

Kawana tasked to explain prisoners escaping from lawful custody

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement Parliamentarian, Hidipo Hamata, is expecting the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Albert Kawana, to explain to the public how some inmates managed to escape from lawful custody at some correctional facilities. “The minister owes the public an explanation how these escapes are happening,” he said. Hamata, who put his notice of questions to Kawana in Parliament this week, said the Minister also owes the public an explanation. The Parliamentarian said Kawana, should indicate how the Ministry will deal with the matter. He also wanted to know what operational and security improvements the…
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Labour Ministry not endorsing wage increase for farm workers

Labour Ministry not endorsing wage increase for farm workers

Niël Terblanché The recent announcement by the Namibia Agricultural Labour Forum (NALF) that it has successfully concluded negotiations to increase the minimum wage for farmworkers in both the commercial and communal farming sectors, has been welcomed by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation. The NALF announced that wages will increase by ten percent over the previous year’s minimum wage. The current minimum wage, which was in place throughout 2022, is set to rise to N$6.00 per hour or N$1,170 per month for employees working a 45-hour workweek. Additionally, workers who do not receive free rations will see…
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Alcohol and drug abuse exacerbated by a lack of opportunities

Alcohol and drug abuse exacerbated by a lack of opportunities

Martin Endjala The management of the Swanson Tantalum mining project which is set to open next year in the //Karas Region, says as much as they wish to employ local people, alcohol and drug abuse among them might force them to recruit people from elsewhere. The Mining company’s Chief Executive Officer, Phillip Le Roux, raised this concern during an interview with the Windhoek Observer recently. Le Roux said that the behaviour of some locals in the region might pose an issue during the recruitment process because mining activities require individuals to be absolutely sober. He emphasised that the community in…
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