Windhoek Observer – Page 384 – Windhoek Observer

05 Mar

No leads on missing St. George’s learner

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Police have reported no new information regarding the disappearance of Joliane Kabwe (17), a Grade 11 learner from St. George’s Diocesan School in Windhoek, who has been missing since Monday. Deputy Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo on Wednesday confirmed that a missing person file has been opened and that patrols are ongoing. “The search is ongoing; however, we have no clues yet. We are doing patrols, but there are no concrete leads as to where she might have gone,’ said Mubebo. Mubebo has urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any sightings or information that…

05 Mar

Payment for loss of cattle to wildlife conflict increased to N$ 8000

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta announced that starting 1 April 2025, the government will compensate farmers N$8 000 for cattle lost due to wildlife conflicts. Shifeta made the announcement on Wednesday in the National Assembly while introducing the “Human Wildlife Conflict Self Reliance Scheme (HWC).” The scheme aims to directly offset losses suffered by farmers due to wildlife damage to livestock and crops. Shifeta explained that although the compensation was previously increased from N$ 3000 to N$ 5000, it will now rise to N$8 000. This adjustment aims to promote fair benefit distribution and ensure…

05 Mar

Fears grow over uranium mining in Stampriet Artesian Basin

National News

Niël Terblanché Concerns have again been raised over the potential threat to underground water supply, as key discussions on the proposed in situ leach uranium mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin (SAB) were removed from the agenda at the recent Namibia Regional Water Symposium in Keetmanshoop. The SAB is a water source for towns such as Leonardville, Aranos, Aminuis, Stampriet, Gochas, and Koës in the Hardap region. It also serves as a water supply for farming communities and large-scale irrigation projects that contribute to national food security. Recognising its importance, the government has designated the SAB as a legislated Water…

05 Mar

Effectiveness of drought commodity voucher programme assessed

National News

Niël Terblanché In a bid to alleviate the dire food shortages caused by the El Niño-induced drought, the Government of Japan and the World Food Programme (WFP) have provided life-saving assistance to thousands of Namibians through a commodity voucher programme. A delegation led by Japan’s Ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, WFP Namibia’s Acting Country Director, Tiwonge Machiwenyika, and Kunene Governor, Marius Sheya, recently visited Queen Sofia Farm and De Riet settlement to assess the impact of the initiative. The programme, backed by a N$9.3 million contribution from the Government of Japan, has provided essential food relief to 26 556 people…

05 Mar

GIPF needs proof of life before the end of June

National News

Niël Terblanché The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) urged all pensioners, children, and spousal beneficiaries to complete their biometric verification (proof of life) process for the period ending on 30 June. Those who fail to verify their status before the deadline risk having their monthly benefits suspended. In a statement released on Wednesday, GIPF spokesperson Edwin Tjiramba stressed the importance of the verification process, stating that it ensures benefits are paid to the rightful recipients without delay. “Proof of life on the biometric system is key to ensuring that the Fund pays benefits to the rightful beneficiaries and on time,”…

05 Mar

ECB eyes sustainable electricity pricing

Observer Money

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Electricity Control Board (ECB) Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kahimise said proposed tariff structures must balance the operational viability of utilities with ensuring electricity remains accessible and affordable for all Namibians. Kahimise spoke at the Nampower 2025/2026 bulk tariff public presentation in Windhoek on Wednesday. He said the ECB, as a regulator, aims to create tariffs that are fair and support economic growth at both business and household levels. “We are not just inundated with access and affordability concerns. The long-term sustainability of our national electricity utility also features pertinently given its creditworthiness—which is foundational not only to its…

05 Mar

Ohangwena appoints technical team to manage Newspaper Cup team

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ohangwena Regional Football Association has appointed a technical team to manage the regional under-20 team for the Nedbank Newspaper Cup 2025. Oom Kamati will lead the team as department head, with Kadhila Silva as his deputy. Leonard Nangombe has been named head coach, supported by Matheus Hameva as first assistant coach and Lineekela Shalyefu as second assistant coach. Asser Ndinondjene will serve as goalkeeper coach, Member Nashivela as kit manager, and Veronica Johannes as team manager. Simon Hedimbi is the team doctor, and Fredrick Sitali is the safeguarding officer. Kamati told the Windhoek Observer that nearly 60…

04 Mar

African journalists condemn repression of press freedom in Namibia

National News

Niël Terblanché The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has strongly condemned what it describes as a systematic and orchestrated campaign of repression and victimisation targeting journalists in Namibia. The case of senior journalist Jemima Beukes has drawn widespread outrage, with FAJ labelling it as an assault on press freedom, labour rights, and gender equality in the media sector. Beukes, who serves as Secretary General of the Federation of Southern African Journalists (FeSAJ) and Acting Secretary General of the Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU), has built a reputation for her fearless investigative journalism and commitment to holding power to account. However,…

04 Mar

Marine scientist caution against ocean exploration activities

Main

Nyasha Nyaungwa and Ester Mbathera U.S.-based marine scientist Dr. Vincent Pieribone has warned against the risks of pollution and overexploitation of Namibia’s offshore ecosystem due to oil and gas exploration, fishing, and diamond mining activities. Pieribone, who serves as the co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, a global ocean exploration nonprofit that operates the OceanXplorer - a research and media vessel for multifaceted scientific missions -said in a recent interview that Namibia’s vast and largely inaccessible coastline, rich in marine resources, is at risk of severe environmental degradation. He cautioned against the potential damage caused by extractive industries such…

04 Mar

Malnutrition crisis goes beyond health sector

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services has acknowledged the ongoing impact of malnutrition on women and children in Namibia. Executive director of the health ministry, Ben Nangombe said on Tuesday that the issue extends beyond the health sector. “The Ministry of Health is not entirely responsible for the provision of food to people. We are responsible for addressing the clinical aspects and the impact of lack of access to nutritious food,” Nangombe said. The ministry, with support from UNICEF and funding from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), is implementing interventions to prevent and manage moderate and…