Observer

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Namdeb private hospital for sale

Namdeb private hospital for sale

Martin Endjala The diamond mining company Namdeb has put its private hospital in Oranjemund up for sale or is seeking to outsource its operations to service providers. The company recently issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) notice to registered authorities, who will evaluate it and shortlist those who meet the criteria. “Namdeb is seeking experienced and reputable healthcare service providers to express their interest in the sale or outsourcing of the Namdeb Private Hospital in Oranjemund,” read the notice seen by the Windhoek Observer. Compulsory virtual information sessions were held on 12 November, with the submission deadline set for 20…
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Former police reservist sentenced to three years in prison

Former police reservist sentenced to three years in prison

Martin Endjala The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chief communications officer, Josefina Nghituwamata, has announced that former police reservist Sakaria Kokule has been sentenced to three years in prison. Kokule was convicted following his attempt to bribe an ACC official to remove ATM cards from evidence obtained by the ACC in connection with the Fishrot investigation. According to Nghituwamata, Kokule was sentenced on 5 November after being found guilty by the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on 2 October. Nghituwamata stated that Kokule was arrested in January 2020, and during the trial, the ACC provided evidence showing that a N$250 000 bribe was offered…
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Major dredging project set to enhance Walvis Bay port capacity

Major dredging project set to enhance Walvis Bay port capacity

Niël Terblanché The Port of Walvis Bay is set to undergo a transformation with the commencement of a six-month-long capital dredging project aimed at widening and deepening its main navigation channel. The Namibian Ports Authority’s (Namport)Chief Port Captain, Lukas Kafuna has outlined the operational details of the dredging project, which will involve three dredger vessels, each measuring 140 metres in length, supported by a 24-metre Multi Cat and a survey vessel. To ensure maritime safety during the dredging operations, Namport has issued a notice to all marine stakeholders detailing the movement schedules of each dredger over the six months, as…
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Stakeholders aim to find new funding initiatives for SMEs

Stakeholders aim to find new funding initiatives for SMEs

Niël Terblanché Namibia is moving towards bridging the knowledge and resource gaps that many Namibian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face, particularly aimed at youth-owned businesses that play an essential role in job creation and poverty alleviation. In this regard, the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) hosted a landmark discussion on addressing the funding challenges faced by Namibian startups and SMEs in Windhoek on Monday. The event brought together key players from government, financial institutions, and business associations to explore practical solutions for creating a more supportive financial ecosystem for Namibia’s growing entrepreneurial sector. The Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth,…
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Plan to transform Namibian agriculture launched

Plan to transform Namibian agriculture launched

Niël Terblanché Namibia has embarked on a transformative journey for its agricultural sector with the launch of the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-Food Sector (STAS) and the signing of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Compact. With this launch, the country has set a transformative agenda to empower its agricultural sector, ensuring it contributes robustly to the nation’s economic future and the prosperity of its people. The Compact signed in Windhoek on Wednesday marks a new era in Namibia’s agricultural development, with the aim of improving food security, creating job opportunities, and enhancing resilience against climate challenges.…
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SADC PF workshop seeks better monitoring and domestication of child marriage Mode Law

SADC PF workshop seeks better monitoring and domestication of child marriage Mode Law

Moses Magadza A workshop aimed at enhancing the monitoring and evaluation framework for the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage got underway in Johannesburg, South Africa. The SADC Parliamentary Forum partnered with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Plan International, Hivos, Girls Not Brides and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to convene the workshop that drew members of the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee (RPMLOC) of the SADC PF and technical partners. The workshop follows the recent launch of the SADC PF’s Strategic Plan (2024-2028), which seeks, inter alia, to promote robust democracy,…
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NUST unveils state-of-the-art AI and robotics lab

NUST unveils state-of-the-art AI and robotics lab

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) inaugurated a new state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics laboratory. This cutting-edge facility was made possible by a strategic partnership between the university and the Bank of Namibia (BoN), representing a major milestone in the advancement of AI and robotics in the country. BoN's investment in this project highlights its dedication to modernising Namibia’s financial and technological landscape. Naufiku Hamunime, a technical expert in international relations and sustainability at BoN, noted that this investment aligns with the bank’s broader transformation strategy, which prioritises equipping Namibians with future-orientated technical skills to…
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Shalulile’s Temporary Slump: A Lesson in Loyalty and Resilience

Shalulile’s Temporary Slump: A Lesson in Loyalty and Resilience

Peter Shalulile, the talismanic Mamelodi Sundowns and Brave Warriors striker, has recently experienced a dip in form that has raised eyebrows and sparked heated debates among local sports enthusiasts. While some have been quick to criticize and question his continued selection for the national team, it's important to reflect on the support and understanding he has received from his club. Mamelodi Sundowns, a club renowned for its professionalism and player development, has stood by Shalulile during his challenging period. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in his resurgence, as he has rediscovered his scoring touch and once again become a…
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The Namibian Education System: A Call for Accountability and Real Change

Andreas Robert The education system in Namibia has long been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny, with many attributing its shortcomings to the system itself. However, I firmly believe that it is not the structure or curriculum that is failing us, but rather the individuals responsible for overseeing and implementing these systems. This reality has often been ignored in discussions about the future of education in Namibia. As an experienced educator and high school counselor, I feel compelled to address these issues and advocate for a critical reevaluation of the leadership, accountability, and attitudes that shape our educational landscape.…
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Strengthening Namibia’s global sporting identity

Strengthening Namibia’s global sporting identity

Dimitri Bittler In recent years, the global sports landscape has evolved, with countries increasingly recognizing the importance of hosting international competitions as a means to bolster their national identity and economic growth. For Namibia, the opportunity to transform its image from a budding participant to a recognized sporting nation is ripe for the taking, particularly through the conversion of the abandoned Ramatex facility into a modern indoor sports arena. Hosting international sporting events is about more than just economic gain; it is a powerful catalyst for national pride and unity. When Namibia steps onto the world stage, it not only…
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