Observer – Page 24 – Windhoek Observer

03 Nov

NIDA’s road to recovery

ObserverObserver MoneyNational Council members

Martin Endjala The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) is finalising its 2023/24 fiscal year report and addressing criticism over poor infrastructure, performance, and transparency. In August, National Council members suggested dismantling Nida due to its shortcomings, including a N$100 million abandoned crocodile farm in Kongola, Zambezi region. Acting CEO Richwell Lukonga assured that financial reports would be public by year-end and outlined the agency's strategic plan for 2024-2028. “These reports, which cover the financial performance of the agency, are expected to be made public towards the end of the year,” he confirmed. Nida is also focusing on sustainable livestock management…

03 Nov

Fuel prices remain steady amid global uncertainty

ObserverObserver Money

Niël Terblanché In a bid to offer some relief to Namibian consumers, the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged for November 2024, despite rising international oil prices. The price of petrol will stay at N$20.25 per litre, while diesel 50ppm and 10ppm will remain at N$19.72 and N$19.82 per litre, respectively, in Walvis Bay. In a statement released on Friday, the ministry attributes the global uptick in oil prices to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decision to extend production cuts by 2.2 million…

03 Nov

Leading the charge in Women’s Football

ObserverFeatured, Sports

Katima Mulilo-born Candy Namataa Kulatau has carved an impressive path in Namibian sports, rising from a young football enthusiast to a leading figure in women's football and refereeing. Speaking about her journey, Kulatau shared insights into her career and the challenges she has faced. "I handle regional affairs as a regional convenor for athletics, NSSU, and as the Regional Chairperson for the Zambezi Women’s Football League," she explained. Despite her many responsibilities, refereeing has been her true passion. "Of all the responsibilities, I had chosen to referee as my favourite path." Her love for sports started early. “As I was…

03 Nov

Namibia’s import bill stands at N$14.8 billion

ObserverObserver MoneyNamibia Statistics Agency (NSA)

Martin Endjala The country’s import bill reached N$14.8 billion in January 2024, marking a 20.5% increase from N$12.3 billion in August, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). In September, export earnings rose slightly to N$9 billion from N$8.7 billion in August, resulting in a trade deficit of N$5.8 billion, up from N$3.6 billion the previous month. This translates to a trade deficit of N$5.8 billion during September when compared to the N$3.6 billion recorded in August. “Exports were revised upwards, increasing by N$12 million, while imports were revised downwards, with variations amounting to N$1 million,” read the report. In…

03 Nov

Relative and absolute poverty in Namibia

ObserverOpinions

Pierre Mare I wanted to write a light-hearted comment about relative poverty and mobile bandwidth but a couple of posts about people who have electricity yet can't afford to use it gave pause for thought. Also note pedestrians carrying water to their households, showing they can't afford that utility either (nor the taxi). Relative poverty, in a nutshell, is when people have potential access to utilities, products and services but can't afford them (relative to others) and make trade-offs. Absolute poverty is when people fall below the income level necessary for basic needs such as food, housing and healthcare. Namibia…

03 Nov

Namibia’s Youth Hold the Key to Tomorrow

ObserverOpinions

Paul Nanyeni I was happy to attend the launch of the Namibian Population and Housing Census main report at Country Club (30.10.2024) The report showed that Namibia's population under 34 years of age is around 2.1 Million (0-14 *1.1 Mil, 15-34 *1.0 Mil) and then population above 60 years is a mere *261000 something. The group held power, and they recycled themselves in positions to eat until the last breath. Unemployment is high, and with this young generation, we need to proactively plan for the future of this generation! Countries like Namibia, with a young population, face several challenges, including:…

31 Oct

Case against Swapo’s choice of presidential candidate delayed

ObserverMain

Hertta-Maria Amutenja and Ester Mbathera The High Court has postponed the legal proceedings initiated by Swapo member Reinhold Shipwikineni and four other applicants against the Swapo Party and its presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to 13 November. Judge Boas Usiku presided over this decision's court session on 30 October 30. The court recorded that the parties have not filed any joint case management report. Shipwikineni’s legal practitioner, Richard Metcalfe, submitted a notice of withdrawal on the same day. Gilroy Kasper, the party's lawyer, was not present in court, so Sisa Namandje represented Swapo. Shipwiikineni, along with Joshua Vaino Martins, Petrus Ndeshipanda…

31 Oct

92 pedestrians lost their lives this year

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police expressed deep concern over the escalating number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries resulting from vehicle accidents. Statistics shared by the police on Thursday revealed that 92 pedestrians have lost their lives between January and September 2024. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division, said the rise in these tragic incidents, particularly those leading to culpable homicide charges, is posing a severe threat to road safety. She indicated that the Oshana region reported the highest number of fatalities, followed by the Ohangwena and Kavango East regions. The Khomas region saw a…

31 Oct

UPM seeks God’s healing

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the United People’s Movement (UPM), Jan van Wyk, has announced the party list for prospective parliamentary candidates under the theme, “God heal our land.” He said Namibia has been struggling for 34 years, citing time for making a call to God for the healing of the damages. “Namibia, I greet you in the name of God Almighty! The UPM is to contest this year’s election under the theme “God heal our land." As we have been struggling for 34 years, the message is clear. We need to turn back to the Lord,” said van Wyk.…

31 Oct

Police hunt for a mother in connection with baby’s death

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police in Walvis Bay requested the public to assist them in tracing the whereabouts of 24-year-old Ashley Mudimu, who is suspected of killing her three-month-old baby daughter. Mudimu, a Zimbabwean national, went missing after the body of the little girl was found by members of the Namibian Navy while on patrol behind their base on Wednesday. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the police’s community affairs division in the Erongo region, the body of the baby was found in a shallow grave on the beach next to the country’s main naval base. “The…