Windhoek Observer – Page 385 – Windhoek Observer

03 Sep

The changing weather patterns ahead of the summer crop season in Namibia

OpinionsLa Niña, Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum

As we approach October 2024, Namibian farmers and farm workers are gearing up for the start of the summer crop season. This period marks the beginning of land preparation and planting activities for staple crops such as maize, pearl millet (mahangu), sorghum, groundnuts, and other legumes. Much like our counterparts in Southern Africa, the timing of these activities in Namibia is heavily influenced by rainfall patterns. In Namibia, the onset of the rainy season typically begins in late October to early November. The central and northern regions, which are the main agricultural hubs, are the first to receive rain. However,…

03 Sep

Reporting on Gender-Based Violence: Ethical Considerations for African Journalists

OpinionsViolence Against Persons Prohibition

Yemisi Akinbobola Welcome to September, a month that often marks a time of reflection and renewed commitment. With just 12-weeks before the 16 Days of Activism commences on 25 November, it is crucial for us as media practitioners to remember the role we play in reporting on gender-based violence, particularly when it involves minors. Our work carries immense weight, and how we handle these stories can either foster change or perpetuate harm. In Nigeria, where Kano remains the only state yet to pass the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the need for responsible, ethical journalism is more pressing than…

03 Sep

SMEs as catalysts for Namibia’s green industrial future

OpinionsSmall and Medium-sized Enterprises

Dino Ballotti Namibia is at a critical point in its journey towards becoming a green industrialised nation. This transition presents a unique opportunity for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to assume a central role. As we fully embrace renewable energy and sustainable development, SMEs are uniquely positioned to drive innovation, form strategic partnerships, and propel economic growth. Why SMEs are the Key Players Frequently referred to as the lifeblood of an economy, SMEs are poised to become key architects of Namibia’s green future amid the country’s transition to a sustainable economy. The agility allows scalable businesses to quickly adapt to…

03 Sep

Green Industries study launched

Energy, Latest

The Localising Green Industries in Namibia study was launched in Windhoek. The launch took place at the Global African Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek, which commenced today. According to Kornelia Shilunga, the deputy minister of mines and energy, the study started in December 2023 and was completed in May 2024. She said the study was focussed on identifying actionable steps for green industrialisation in key industries such as iron, lithium and rare earth metals. Report: Martin Endjala.

02 Sep

Opposition accuses Nandi-Ndaitwah of playing political games with sports minister

MainAgnes Tjongarero, Independence Stadium, Lifalaza Simataa, Maximalliant Katjimune

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Opposition political parties argue that Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's criticism of sport, youth, and national service minister Agnes Tjongarero, because she hasn't started renovating Independence Stadium, should not be taken seriously. Opposition parties believe that Nandi-Ndaitwah is using her words as an election gimmick to portray herself as a leader who holds others accountable, even though she is not. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Maximalliant Katjimune said the timing of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s criticism of her former fellow cabinet member is questionable. He said she has been part of the government for years and has been aware of…

02 Sep

GRN expands dialysis and ICU services to district hospitals

National NewsBen Nangombe, Wilika Frai

Ester Mbathera The Ministry of Health and Social Services has initiated the installation of dialysis units in several district hospitals across Namibia. Ben Nangombe, the executive director of the health ministry, made this statement at the book launch of Wilika Frai, who received state support during her battle with endometriosis. Nangombe said the move is part of the government's broader effort to improve public healthcare delivery in the country. "As a ministry, we are working quite hard to improve the provision of public health care services in this country," said Nangombe. He said the government has previously spent over N$100…

02 Sep

Experts and activists call for reform in maternity leave disparities

National NewsNamibian Rural Women Assembly (NRWA)

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Maternity leave benefits in Namibia are under currently scrutiny after calls for urgent policy reforms to address disparities that affect women's economic empowerment. Toini Amaambo, the programme officer at the Namibian Rural Women Assembly (NRWA), has raised concerns about the differences in maternity leave policies between the public and private sectors. She said that a review of these differences is necessary to guarantee the full protection of all women's rights. "Some of these issues depend on where one is employed and the flexibility of the workplace. In the public sector, policies are generally clear, but the private sector…

02 Sep

Icelandic artist wants Samherji to apologise to Namibia

National NewsOddur Eysteinn Friðriksson, Samherji

Ester Mbathera The Icelandic artist Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson, known as ODEE, has condemned the actions of his country’s fishing giant, Samherji, in Namibia. In a video shared with the Windhoek Observer on Monday, ODEE criticised the company's practices of bribery and corruption, stating that they have strained Namibia-Iceland relations. He called for transparency and ethical behaviour from Samherji. “It is time for them to take full responsibility for their actions and work towards making things right. I also urge the international community to stand with Namibia in the fight against exploitation,” he said. ODEE expressed empathy and solidarity with those…

02 Sep

Vision for educational transformation outlined

National NewsDigital School Pilot Project, Faustina Caley

Niël Terblanché The Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Faustina Caley, stressed the critical need for enhanced school governance, financial accountability, and stakeholder engagement to accelerate educational transformation. While addressing the 2024 Regional Engagement with Principals and Heads of Departments (HODs) from the //Kharas, Hardap, Oshikoto, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, and Erongo regions, Caley pointed to the gradual progress witnessed in Namibia's basic education system. She lauded the improvement in examination results for the 2023 academic year as a clear indicator of the system's recovery and resilience. "The African Union has declared 2024 as the year of education under the theme,…

02 Sep

Drought turns the Chobe River into a trap for 200 hippos

National News

Ester Mbathera The government has been working for months to rescue 200 hippos stranded in mud puddles that shrink rapidly along a 16-kilometer stretch of the Chobe River in the Salambala conservation area. In one of the driest countries south of the Sahara, a terrible drought aggravated by the scarcity of rains has left these wild animals stranded for the past four months in an isolated and dry channel. To prevent his death, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Tourism has dug sounding wells and used pumps to supply water to ponds. But it has authorized almost at the same…