Page 994 – News Stand

05 Aug

‘Complicated’ COVID-19 guidelines boots recoveries

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyCovid-19, Ministry of Health and Social Services

Andrew Kathindi The recently introduced new de-isolation policy by the Ministry of Health and Social Services policy has boosted the country’s recovery figures, with a record 345 new COVID-19 recoveries having been recorded in one day as announced on Wednesday. According to the new de-isolation guidelines, which are in line with international recommendations from World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC), state once a patient has been infected with COVID-19 for ten days and their symptoms have resolved, there is no risk that the virus can still be spread to other people. As a result, people who…

05 Aug

Kahimise offered CENORED top job

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyCentral Northern Electricity Distributor (CENORED), City of Windhoek, Robert Kahimise

Staff Writer City of Windhoek Chief Executive Offer, Robert Kahimise has been offered the Central Northern Electricity Distributor (CENORED) top job, a move which could find the municipality without a head if he takes up the offer. The development comes as Kahimise has had a turbulent time as CEO of the municipality, a position which could play a key part in his decision on whether to take up the CENORED offer. “I did receive an offer but I have not resigned,” he told the Windhoek Observer. When quizzed if he planned to take up the offer, Kahimise was tightlipped. “I…

04 Aug

Philip Chapman appointed new RMB CEO …as Selma Kapeng takes up Group Treasurer post

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedFirstRand Namibia, RMB Namibia

Staff Writer Philip Chapman has been appointed as the new CEO of RMB Namibia replacing Conrad Dempsey who was appointed FirstRand Namibia Group CEO Designate effective 1 July 2020 , takeover reigns from Sarel van Zyl who retires on 30 September 2020. Chapman as part of his appointment which is subject to regulatory approval , will also serve on the FirstRand Namibia Executive Committee. Chapman previously headed up RMB Corporate Credit in Namibia, and was also RMB Credit co-head regionally and most recently headed FNB Commercial and Business Banking. “With Phillip’s experience both in RMB and FNB Commercial we look…

04 Aug

MTN, The GridOnline sign deal

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedGridOnline, MTN Namibia, NamPower

Staff Writer MTN Namibia has signed its first commercial contract for bulk data transmission services, provided by The GridOnline, a NamPower owned company, a move expected to grow Namibia’s ICT sector. “This significant event demonstrates another example of corporates consolidating efforts to propel the national and Southern African ICT sector forward and stabilising the framework within which development can be streamlined. The availability of reliable and affordable telecommunications is seen by both organisations as a fundamental pillar for the growth of a multitude of sectors, including education, trade and industry, medical services, tourism and entertainment, engineering and manufacturing, infrastructure development…

04 Aug

Haufiku firing wastes scarce resources

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCovid-19, Walvis Bay

The firing of former health minister, Dr Bernard Haufiku from his post on the pandemic Task Team is a waste of limited resources. At a time when there are insufficient healthcare workers to assist where needed in Namibia, a top medical expert has been kicked to the curb. Was that the only option or just the easiest one? The final clash between the current minister of health Kalumbi Shangula and his predecessor was predictable. The strain between the two parties was evident from previous conflicting comments. Haufiku’s demonstrated method is to tackle issues straight on. He seems to speak his…

04 Aug

NAC in urgent runway fix for Eros

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyNAC, Namibia Airports Company (NAC)

Staff Writer The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is set to embark on urgent rehabilitation works for its ‘expired’ runway at Eros Airport, with the airstrip having exceeded its design life of 25 years. This comes as the airports operator has resorted to daily inspections of the runway which has now developed potholes and has become bumpy for aircraft when landing and taking off. Although the runway is still safe, the repairs are a part of safety measures. The project which is set to commence this month at a cost of N$25 million, when completed, will add an additional lifeline of…

04 Aug

Tourism sector initiative could risk lives

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyNamibians, president Hage Geingob

Andrew Kathindi Thousands of workers in the tourism sector could be at risk of contracting COVID-19 as new measures announced by government to revive the sector do not require quarantine for incoming tourists. President Hage Geingob announced that the International Tourism revival initiative, which was initially supposed to kick off on 15 July but was delayed over disagreements on measures during the consultation process, has now been approved. According to new measures announced by the President which tourists will not be subjected to a mandatory quarantine, “They will however be required to remain at their first initial destination in the…

04 Aug

New party or same story

info_e12wt4csNational NewsIndependent Patriots for Change (IPC), Panduleni Itula

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), helmed by former Independent Political candidate Panduleni Itula has been launched. The formulation of another anti-Swapo party can signal a mature change in the Namibian political scene. Or, it can be yet another party formed on the basis of what they are against, rather than what they are for. There is no doubt that Itula is a force to be reckoned with in Namibian politics, at least for now. Having a party to allow his constituency to have a base from which to grow is an important step. We note that the overwhelming majority…

04 Aug

Choppies plans to exit 4 countries

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedChoppies, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania

Staff Writer Choppies is exiting South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique having suffered running shortfalls, worsened by fraudulent activities, that contributed to the P139 million loss unveiled last week for the half-year ended December 31, 2019. Choppies has 88 stores in South Africa and first entered the country in 2008 The regional grocer will focus its attention on its cash cow, Botswana, as well as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia, but rather than its previous aggression in expanding its footprint, Choppies now plans a “careful, phased” approach. “We are exiting from a few markets where the growth has been coming at…

04 Aug

Shiimi in tribalism storm . . . as opposition parties push back

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyIipumbu Shiimi, SWAPO

Andrew Kathindi Opposition party leaders have hit back at Finance Minister, Iipumbu Shiimi for claims that new political parties were being founded by tribalists. On his social media page, Shiimi stated, “Tribalism will destroy Namibia as it has done in some countries. I am concerned about new political parties/associations that are being formed by tribalists. True Namibians should reject these tribal projects.” Shiimi’s comments were met with a barrage of criticism. It is believed that his comments may have been aimed at parties such as Landless People’s Movement (LPM), which was formed in 2018. Its leader, Bernadus Swartbooi has been…