Page 590 – News Stand

24 Oct

Diamond Commissioner role not clearly defined in Diamond Board Act: Kandjeke

info_e12wt4csMainDiamond Commissioner role not clearly defined in Diamond Board Act: Kandjeke

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Auditor General (AG) Junias Kandjeke, has raised various concerns about the Diamond Board of Namibia’s operations, with one of them being the failure to clearly define the role of the Diamond Commissioner in the Diamond Board Act. The Board audited financial report for 2022, which Kandjeke submitted to the National Assembly recently for scrutiny, highlighted that the board is currently operating as a division within the Ministry of Mines and Energy. However, as per Section 21 of the Companies Act, 2004 (Act No. 28 of 2004), it is supposed to operate as an autonomous entity, while the Commissioner…

23 Oct

Trading Wisdom: Why we can’t get enough of Stacey.

info_e12wt4csFeaturedTrading Wisdom: Why we can’t get enough of Stacey.

Stacey Susa-Pinto is a best-selling author and sought after International Trade professional. She has spent over 10 years working in various trade related capacities with a major focus on inter-governmental economic diplomacy, trade programming as well as market access and trade facilitation issues. Having transitioned from private to public sector, Ms Pinto has helped shift perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the public sector as she currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Trade Forum – an agency of the Namibian Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade. Can you kindly tell us about your background?I grew up in Zambia.…

23 Oct

Digital fraudsters target financial services, travel and leisure industries

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyDigital fraudsters target financial services, travel and leisure industries

Martin Endjala Namibia's financial services providers and travel and leisure industries have reported the highest number of attempts at digital fraud in the first half of 2023, according to an analysis report by TransUnion Africa. These attempted fraud activities occurred between January 1st and June 30th, 2023. Out of all digital transactions made by consumers in Namibia, 1.4 percent were suspected to be fraudulent attempts. Financial services providers and retailers experienced the highest rates of suspected digital fraud attempts, standing at 3.9 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively. The gaming sector, including online sports betting and poker, ranked third with a…

23 Oct

New regulations on the import of fresh and frozen pork products

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNew regulations on the import of fresh and frozen pork products

Niël Terblanché The Directorate of Veterinary Service, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, has recently announced significant changes to the import conditions for fresh and frozen pork products in Namibia. According to Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Albertina Shilongo, the changes are specifically related to the control of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) amongst pigs and aim to safeguard the nation’s livestock and public health. Effective immediately, importers of fresh or frozen pork products are advised that such imports must originate from countries declared as PRRS-free. Additionally, the pork must come from zones within these countries…

23 Oct

Geingob tells IPPR’s Hopwood where to get off

info_e12wt4csNational NewsGeingob tells IPPR’s Hopwood where to get off

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a firm response to the Institute of Public Policy and Research (IPPR) and its Director, Graham Hopwood, President Hage Geingob has dismissed concerns raised by Hopwood regarding the acceptance of an award from the African Energy Chamber (AEC) and his association with Cameroonian lawyer NJ Ayuk. Geingob Spokesperson Alfredo Hengarri, stated yesterday that a series of articles published in The Namibian newspaper questioning the President’s decision to accept the AEC Lifetime Award raised concerns about NJ Ayuk’s alleged “corrupt influences” in the emerging upstream petroleum sector in Namibia, quoted Hopewood disproval of Geingob’s association with Ayuk. “I…

23 Oct

Ministry of Works and Transport to buy pool vehicles for N$25 million

info_e12wt4csNational NewsMinistry of Works and Transport to buy pool vehicles for N$25 million

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Works and Transport recently announced its plans to acquire 62 vehicles at a cost of N$25 million, to be kept in a pool for use as needed. According to Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa, the Cabinet instructed the Ministry to procure 30 Toyota Fortuners GD6 automatic 4x4 vehicles—fifteen with 2.4 engine capacities, fifteen with 2.8 engines, and two Toyota Land Cruisers 300 LC300 3.3D V6 GR-S (731). This procurement is aimed at expanding the existing fleet and reducing the government’s financial burden caused by frequent vehicle repairs. “The mentioned vehicles will serve as…

23 Oct

Unleashing the potential of entrepreneurship, a collective effort: Iipumbu

info_e12wt4csNational Newsa collective effort: Iipumbu, Unleashing the potential of entrepreneurship

Martin Endjala Industrialisation and Trade Minister, Lucia Iipumbu, is adamant that unleashing the potential of entrepreneurship in the country can only be realised through collective efforts from all industry players, hence the need for collaboration. “Let us commit to unleashing entrepreneurship potential through a coherent, multisectoral and long-term approach to enhance the role of entrepreneurship in economic, financial, social and environmental sustainability” she urged. The minister was speaking during the Enterprise Ministerial, facilitating entrepreneurship for sustainable development at the eighth World Investment Forum 2023 in Abu Dabi last week. She stressed that entrepreneurship strategies should leverage emerging business models that…

23 Oct

New NamPol facilities in Zambezi inaugurated

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama The government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, has constructed new police facilities in Singalamwe, the Zambezi region, at the cost of N$34 million. This is in addition to the allocation of N$678,307.55 for a vehicle, specifically a Toyota Land Cruiser Single Cab LDV 4x4, assigned to the Singalamwe police post. Minister Albert Kawana outlined that the Singalamwe police post facility includes a charge office with three offices, a record room, a radio room, a kitchen, a two-bedroom house, a 20-room barracks, a dining hall, a staff entertainment area, and a borehole. Speaking during…

23 Oct

U.S. citizens urged to exercise caution amid rising global tensions

info_e12wt4csNational NewsU.S. citizens urged to exercise caution amid rising global tensions

Niël Terblanché In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East and other global hotspots, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution alert last Thursday, advising U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution. The alert, triggered by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, cited the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests. This cautionary advisory comes in the wake of protests throughout the Middle East, many of which have targeted U.S. diplomatic compounds in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller emphasized that the decision to issue a worldwide alert is based…

23 Oct

Water challenges addressed at the historical symposium

info_e12wt4csNational NewsWater challenges addressed at the historical symposium

Niël Terblanché The inaugural Namibian Regional Water Symposium (NRWS) aimed at fostering collaboration of various stakeholders, will play a crucial role in addressing the country’s water-related challenges. The event was officially launched by Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, in the North Central Regions, with a particular focus on the Oshana Region. In his address at the symposium, Schlettwein highlighted the importance of the NRWS, which brings together policymakers, academia, water scientists, practitioners, researchers, and industries to discuss critical water and sanitation issues. The historic event is presented under the theme, “Water and Sanitation for All: Achieving…