Observer – Page 390 – Windhoek Observer

15 Sep

Amushelelo case borders on a judicial scandal

ObserverNational NewsAmushelelo case borders on a judicial scandal

Martin Endjala The Political analyst, Henning Melber said the ongoing court saga where Michael Amushelelo is being held in police custody without bail, borders on a judicial scandal but the process and the elements of the case against him should not be perceived as a failure of democracy. Melber made these remarks yesterday while reacting to Epafras Mukwiilongo, the president of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), who questioned the principles of democracy in Parliament with regard to Amushelelo being denied bail on numerous occasions. Melber said Amushelelo’s case is a matter in court, and his treatment needs to be…

15 Sep

New banking laws will empower finance minister to regulate banking charges

ObserverNational NewsNew banking laws will empower finance minister to regulate banking charges

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) is on the verge of introducing the Banking Institutions Act of 2023 (Act 13 of 2023), and the Payment System Management Act of 2023 (Act no. 14 of 2023), which will empower the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises to make regulations relating to fees and charges imposed by banking institutions on their clients. While announcing this yesterday, BoN Acting Director for Strategic Communications and International Relations, Sandra Garises, said service charges by banking institutions on their clients have been receiving the public and the legislature’s attention, which prompted the government to draft…

15 Sep

The President is on his way to the UNGA

ObserverNational NewsThe President is on his way to the UNGA

Niël Terblanché As the leader of one of the countries with the most advanced social protection systems in Africa, President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia is poised to play a pivotal role in global discussions at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). President Geingob’s presence is not only significant within the main assembly but also extends to important events on the sidelines, making him a central figure in discussions on sustainable development, social protection, climate action, and international cooperation. President Geingob will take the stage at the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection…

15 Sep

Namibia embraces new development in the fight against cervical cancer

ObserverNational NewsNamibia embraces new development in the fight against cervical cancer

Niël Terblanché In a significant move towards improving public health, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia recently convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The meeting, which brought together key participants, stakeholders, and development partners, aimed to set the stage for the rollout of the vaccination program. A Crucial Intervention The Acting Executive Director of the MoHSS, Taimi Amaambo said during the meeting that the introduction of the HPV vaccine program in Namibia comes at a time when there is overwhelming support at all levels. “Cervical cancer ranks…

15 Sep

Trans-Kalahari Railway to move 14 million tons per annum

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Chamwe Kaira The proposed Trans-Kalahari Railway, slated for construction between Namibia and Botswana, is anticipated to facilitate the transportation of 14 million tons annually in its inaugural year of operation, with the potential to increase to 56 million tons per annum by its 30th year of service, as revealed in project tender documents. Scheduled to commence construction in January 2025, this ambitious project comes with a multi-billion-dollar price tag. Stretching across a distance of 1500 kilometers, this railway will span from Mmamabula in Botswana to its final destination, Walvis Bay, primarily serving as a conduit for transporting coal and copper…

15 Sep

Simataa dives deep while evaluating the state of the Public Service

ObserverNational NewsSimataa dives deep while evaluating the state of the Public Service

Niël Terblanché George Simataa, the Secretary to the Cabinet, delivered an insightful address at the Engagement Meeting of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) with Chief Regional Officers in Otjiwarongo, Namibia. The topic of his speech was “Is the Public Service Fit for Purpose? The Collaborative Nature of Offices, Ministries, and Agencies (OMAs) in Service Delivery.” Simataa answered “yes” to the question of whether the public service is fit for purpose but delved deeper into the complexities of this assertion. Public Service as the Implementing Arm of the Government Simataa emphasized the critical role that the public service…

15 Sep

PDM calls for increased support of local musicians

ObserverNational NewsPDM calls for increased support of local musicians

Stefanus Nashama A Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Jan van Wyk, has this week tabled a motion calling for more support of Namibian musicians and the development of infrastructure and resources for the Namibian Music Industry. “The Namibian music industry remains under-developed with no major record labels or distribution infrastructure,” Van Wyk noted. According to him, Namibia is blessed with an abundance of entertainers from every art form imaginable, including music but the government seems not to be committed to supporting the local music industry. He is of the view that Namibian Music can still contribute to the country’s…

15 Sep

Elevated fuel cost to fuel inflation

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According to Simonis Storm, the surge in fuel prices is anticipated to trigger a rise in inflation in Namibia. This increase in fuel costs could result in higher transportation expenses, a significant component of the consumer basket, eventually impacting overall inflation. Currently, fuel prices in the United States have reached their highest seasonal level in more than a decade, surpassing last year’s rates, with the national average for regular gasoline reaching US$3.81 per gallon. The firm attributed this increase to Saudi Arabia and Russia extending their oil supply curbs for an additional three months, maintaining production cuts that have kept…

15 Sep

Goreangab residents get improved network connection and free WiFi

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama After years of poor network connectivity, the residents of the Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek this week received network towers from PowerCom that will improve their network connectivity and even free WiFi. Constituency Councilor, Nestor Kalola, yesterday said the tower has brought much relief to residents who have been struggling with network connection over the years, and the free WiFi made it even much better for tertiary students who will use it for their academic work. He said ever since assuming council duty in 2020, his office has been overwhelmed by residents requesting for improved network connection in…

15 Sep

Uis Mine to increase productivity and output

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Andrada Mining Limited, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Anthony Viljoen, has unveiled plans to enhance productivity and increase output at its Uis mining projects. This decision comes in the wake of securing N$100 million in funding from the Development Bank of Namibia, a crucial element of their comprehensive funding and development strategy. The allocated funds will be strategically utilized to implement improvements at the Uis Mine, aiming to boost the plant’s productivity and output. Viljoen emphasized that these resources will expedite the implementation of the Uis Mine Stage II Continuous Improvement Project. Furthermore, Viljoen expressed optimism that the…