Windhoek Observer

Allexer Namundjembo The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund says it cannot increase the N$7 000 funeral payout to families of road accident victims. The fund explained that the amount is fixed by law. Speaking at a media conference in Windhoek on Friday, senior claims manager Helena Shilongo said the fund does not have the power to raise the payout.  “We can only make recommendations through our board. We can only make recommendations to the minister so that changes can be made,” she said. She explained that families are free to use the N$7 000 at their discretion. “We cannot demand…

Justicia Shipena  The Ondangwa Northern Tannery is set to produce 2 000 shoes per day once it becomes fully operational.  This follows a new agreement between the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida), and Desert Planet Industries (DPI). DPI chief executive officer Doriano said the company will invest N$58 million for the 25-year lease and plans to employ about 1 000 people.  Doriano said the tannery has potential for revitalisation and growth.  "At Desert Planet Industry, we are fully dedicated to unlocking this potential to add value to Namibia’s economy,” Doriano said. The minister…

Justicia Shipena Environment, Forestry and Tourism minister Indileni Daniel says her ministry will assess whether preventative measures can be taken along the Chobe River following the death of 90 buffaloes in a stampede. The incident happened on 23 September when a herd of buffaloes, chased by lions in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, tried to cross into Namibia.  At the steep riverbank, the animals fell on each other and drowned. Fishermen discovered the carcasses in the early morning. Daniel said the assessment will focus on the riverside where the incident occurred but warned against altering the landscape.  “Our intention is not…

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for the establishment of a sister city agreement between Philadelphia and a Namibian city or town to strengthen cooperation in education, trade, health, urban development, and cultural exchange. She made the call at Philadelphia City Hall on Thursday, where she was honoured citations from the City Council.  “It would allow our municipalities to learn from one another’s experiences, share innovative practices, and promote grassroots diplomacy that connects our citizens directly,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted opportunities for cooperation through maritime connectivity between the ports of Philadelphia and Walvis Bay, direct air links between the…

Allexer Namundjembo  The late liberation hero, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, was honoured with a statue at Robben Island during the second reunion of political ex-prisoners on Saturday.  The event brought together former political prisoners from Namibia and South Africa and marked the unveiling of six statues, including Toivo ya Toivo's, as well as the awarding of commemorative medals to ex-Robben Island prisoners. Namibia’s delegation included speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp, and veteran politician Jerry Ekandjo. Delivering a message on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Steenkamp described the…

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for the responsible use of nuclear energy. She urged that safeguards be implemented to ensure transparency and safety in the development of nuclear technology. Speaking on Friday in the United States at the United Nations high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia supports the peaceful use of atomic energy while strongly opposing nuclear weapons.  “Namibia calls for the accountable use of nuclear energy and ensures that comprehensive safeguards are in place to remove any limitations and restrictions on the use of nuclear material,…