president Hage Geingob

Geingob cancels new state cars

Geingob cancels new state cars

. . . as fuel usage is capped Staff Writer Members of the executive and public office bearers will not be receiving new cars for the next five years and their monthly fuel consumption will now be capped, on the orders of President Hage Geingob, the Presidency announced on Thursday. The decision according to the Presidency is expected to save government over N$200 million. “As part of deepening Effective Governance, the Government reform agenda and reducing expenditure, President Geingob has directed that the vehicle fleet of the Namibian Government will not be renewed for the period 2020-2025. No new vehicles…
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‘Namibianize’ Namibia

Most Namibians love their country and do not divide their loyalty by ethnic, racial or tribal segments. They are proud Namibians. This is no less the case for us. But, when the members of boards, holders of high office and certain government job appointments, are only people from the Oshiwambo-speaking ethnic group, the playing field is uneven. This is a problem. Those responsible for this problem know that giving jobs or appointments based on tribal origin is unfair (and illegal). But, there is an unspoken arrogant response in the air, “We’ve done this and there is nothing you can do…
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Namibia eases lockdown measures

Namibia eases lockdown measures

Staff Writer President Hage Geingob on Wednesday announced that the country will be easing its lock down measures on the 4th of May at midnight but the country’s State of Emergency declared on 17 March 2020 will remain place for six months. “The countrywide lockdown will lapse at midnight on Monday the 4th May 2020. Based on our experience, available data and gauging our level of national preparedness, there is merit to relax some of the restrictions,” he said. The President announced that the country in conformity with global guidelines on the national response to COVID-19. The country will follow…
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Gawaxab appointed BoN Governor

Gawaxab appointed BoN Governor

Staff Writer President Hage Geingob on Tuesday appointed veteran financial guru, Johannes Gawaxab as the new Governor of the Bank of Namibia effective June 1, 2020. “I congratulate you Johannes Gawaxab on your appointment and appreciate your willingness to bring your talents and experience of the financial services sector towards our tireless effort in building a united inclusive and prosperous Namibian house,” the President said. The move by Geingob to appoint Gawaxab to the helm of the apex banks comes after the head of state side-stepped long serving Bank of Namibia Deputy Governor, Ebson Uanguta who has been in his…
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Tabling of national budget postponed

Tabling of national budget postponed

Newly appointed finance minister Ipumbu Shiimi has confirmed that the 2020 Appropriation Bill will be delayed until further notice. The decision is a direct result of the state of emergency declared by president Hage Geingob on 18 March 2020 in response to the deadly and fast-spreading COVID-19 virus. Meanwhile, the finance ministry has requested all government entities to comply strictly and to continue utilizing proper authorisation procedures, as well as to continue applying prudent financial management measures during the state of emergency and beyond. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 analysts have been calling for a massive stimulus package to mitigate…
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Pinehas new chief of the NDF

Pinehas new chief of the NDF

President Hage Geingob this week appointed Air Marshall Martin Kambulu Pinehas as the new chief of the Namibia Defence Force (NDF). Former commander of the Namibian Air Force (NAF) Pinehas’ appointment became effective on Wednesday, 1 April as he replaces Lieutenant General John Mutwa. “President Hage Geingob appoints Air Marshall Martin Kambulu Pinehas as chief of the Namibian Defence Force in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Namibian Defence Force and by virtue of the power vested in him by the country’s constitution,” a statement from the presidency read. According to the statement as CDF, Pinegas will be called upon…
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SHOUT OUT: No choice but to be hopeful

Jackie Wilson Asheeke Slap me for being an eternal optimist. In Namibia, “The storm is passin’ over, alleluia...” (An old Negro Spiritual). In these times, I have no choice but to be hopeful. President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos are in State House and doing their thing. And yes...I give props to the First Lady. All too often ignorant sexism prevents people from understanding that the wives of men with heavy responsibilities are “all in” whether they want to be or not. I pray that something innovative and tangible is done to help Namibia – we need many…
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Namibian tourism industry hit hard by virus

Namibian tourism industry hit hard by virus

Clementine Tjameya The Namibian tourism industry is experiencing an unprecedented crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The country is now in virtual lockdown following the declaration of a State of Emergency this week by President Hage Geingob. This move became necessary after two Romanian tourists entered the country two weeks ago and brought Covid-19 with them. A near comprehensive travel ban is now in effect, including restrictions on some border posts with South Africa, the country’s main trading partner. The troubles experienced by the hospitality, tourism and travel industry are due to Namibia’s pre-emptive actions to protect public health as…
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There is a time for everything

There is a time for everything

March 21, 2020 is the 30th year of Namibia’s independence and the inauguration of Namibia’s third president Hage Geingob for his second and final term in office. These dual celebrations are not about one individual, but about what Namibia as an entire nation of 2.6 million people, stands for. It is a freedom day that many thought would never come. Some, who are heroes in the struggle, sometimes thought liberation and self-determination would not come and yet they fought on anyway. There were dark days like Cassinga or the loss of great heroes like Tobias Hainyeko or Mandume Ya Ndemufayo.…
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