Observer

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Audit exposes N$10 million discrepancy in Okahao financial statements

Audit exposes N$10 million discrepancy in Okahao financial statements

Allexer Namundjembo The chairperson of the National Council Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Economy, Peter Kazongominja, revealed that the Okahao Town Council lacked financial accounting procedures, guidelines, and manuals. He made this statement during the town council's public hearing on Wednesday regarding the adverse audit opinion on their financial statements for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Kazongominja said the committee observed that the council did not adopt an appropriate financial reporting framework as per the circular from the Minister of Urban and Rural Development in preparing its financial statements. “The auditors noted a difference amounting to N$9…
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Ren-Form denies relations with Zimbabwean businessman Chivhayo

Ren-Form denies relations with Zimbabwean businessman Chivhayo

Ester Mbathera Ren-Form CC, a South African company that won a contract to print over 3.8 million ballot papers for the National Assembly and Presidential elections, has broken off ties with Wicknell Chivhayo, a Zimbabwean businessman. Zimbabwean media and the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) highlighted the connection to Chivhayo. They alleged corruption and maladministration in the awarding of the tender by the Electoral Commission of Namibia. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the company's lawyers, Mathopo Attorneys, said Ren-Form has, on numerous occasions, placed on record in the public domain that the allegations of corruption and price inflation levelled against…
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Shangula wants every penny accounted for

Shangula wants every penny accounted for

Niël Terblanché The minister of health Kalumbi Shangula has reiterated that every cent allocated to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) must be accounted for. He made the call during the annual ministerial planning and financial management meeting held in Swakopmund on Tuesday. “Not spending the available funds, denies service to the intended beneficiaries and is a form of financial mismanagement that must be avoided,” he said. Shangula stressed the importance of financial sustainability and sound management as cornerstones for advancing Namibia’s health system. He also stressed the need to address the social determinants of health, such as…
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CPBN executed contract projects valued at N$6.7 billion

CPBN executed contract projects valued at N$6.7 billion

Martin Endjala From 1 April to 30 September, the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) executed contract projects worth N$6.7 billion countrywide. The contracts are still ongoing in all regions, with 164 projects. This was revealed by CPBN monitoring and evaluation manager Toini Hamata during a media briefing in Windhoek for both the first and second quarters (Q1 and Q2). The largest category in terms of project value is work projects, with over 60% of the total value of N$4.1 billion, with non-consultancy services leading in the number of projects. Public entities and service providers were the most actively involved…
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Youth called upon to find sustainable climate solutions

Youth called upon to find sustainable climate solutions

Niël Terblanché Hopes are high that the collective effort of Namibia’s youth will lead to tangible solutions for the nation’s climate-related challenges, ensuring that future generations inherit a more sustainable and resilient environment. In this regard the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Namibia 2024 kicked off in Windhoek this week, bringing together 50 youth delegates from all 14 regions of Namibia to find sustainable solutions for the country’s climate challenges. Presented under the theme “Youth at the Forefront: Driving National Climate Solutions,” the conference is focused on key climate issues such as adaptation, mitigation, and a just transition to renewable…
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BoN sounds alarm on fraudulent schemes

BoN sounds alarm on fraudulent schemes

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) issued an alert in which it warned the public about rising fraudulent investment schemes falsely promising financial backing for Namibia’s development initiatives. BoN cautioned that these schemes are targeting high-ranking government officials, ministries, traditional leaders, and prominent public figures, exploiting their reputations to lend credibility to deceptive offers. “Of late, the bank has observed that prominent religious and traditional leaders, as well as church elders, are also approached to advance these investment schemes to their church communities by using their influence,” said Johannes !Gawaxab, the central bank's governor. He explained that the people…
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NamWater donates N$240 000 worth of textbooks to Ohangwena Schools

NamWater donates N$240 000 worth of textbooks to Ohangwena Schools

Stefanus Nashama NamWater, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, donated textbooks valued at N$240 700 to 12 schools in the Ohangwena region. Abraham Nehemia, the chief executive officer at NamWater, announced the donation on Wednesday. The recipient schools are Oshamono Combined School, Onanona Combined School, Ndjabeka Primary School, Elakalapwa Combined School, Onamunhama Combined School, Kaupumhote Nghituwamhata Combined School, Lazarus Haufiku Combined School, Oshawapala Combined School, Okahenge Combined School, Ounyenye Combined School, Haihambo Primary School, and Amwiimbi Combined School. According to Nehemia, this contribution is part of NamWater’s broader effort to ensure that learners have the tools…
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News editors call for press freedom in Zambia

News editors call for press freedom in Zambia

Niël Terblanché The Southern African Editors Forum (SAEF) called on the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema to uphold his commitment to press freedom in the country. The forum expressed deep concern over the repeated arrests of Zambian investigative journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo. The forum’s chairperson, Willie Mponda, in a statement released on Wednesday, criticised the growing trend of harassment faced by Zgambo, most recently arrested on 16 October for allegedly defaming political figures connected to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Zgambo, a contributor to the Zambia Whistleblower website, has been a vocal critic of the government, exposing…
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Namibia’s oil industry set for major growth by 2025

Namibia’s oil industry set for major growth by 2025

Oliver Diggle Since Shell's 2022 oil discovery at the Graff-1X well, the Namibia oil sector has gained significant international attention. The prospect of the new industry providing significant local content opportunities and in generating substantial government revenue has provided a degree of hope to a stumbling economy. The probability of ever reaching first oil in a market-enabling economic and judicial state has constantly been debated. However, as more information comes to light, that probably is becoming ever more likely. 2025 is expected to be pivotal for offshore drilling in Namibia, with over a dozen wells planned by companies such as…
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Nuclear science and technology conference aims to unlock development potential

Nuclear science and technology conference aims to unlock development potential

Niël Terblanché Namibia aims to position itself as a key player in the African nuclear landscape while exploring the potential of the latest technology to find sustainable solutions to the country’s energy needs to support industrial growth and environmental sustainability The Second Nuclear Science and Technology Conference commenced in Swakopmund on Wednesday and brought together experts, policymakers, and international stakeholders to discuss the role of nuclear science in Namibia’s development. The event has attracted international experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and various African nations. The conference, themed “Unlocking the Potential of Nuclear Science and Technology for Namibia’s…
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