Windhoek Observer – Page 390 – Windhoek Observer

03 Nov

Relative and absolute poverty in Namibia

Opinions

Pierre Mare I wanted to write a light-hearted comment about relative poverty and mobile bandwidth but a couple of posts about people who have electricity yet can't afford to use it gave pause for thought. Also note pedestrians carrying water to their households, showing they can't afford that utility either (nor the taxi). Relative poverty, in a nutshell, is when people have potential access to utilities, products and services but can't afford them (relative to others) and make trade-offs. Absolute poverty is when people fall below the income level necessary for basic needs such as food, housing and healthcare. Namibia…

03 Nov

Namibia’s Youth Hold the Key to Tomorrow

Opinions

Paul Nanyeni I was happy to attend the launch of the Namibian Population and Housing Census main report at Country Club (30.10.2024) The report showed that Namibia's population under 34 years of age is around 2.1 Million (0-14 *1.1 Mil, 15-34 *1.0 Mil) and then population above 60 years is a mere *261000 something. The group held power, and they recycled themselves in positions to eat until the last breath. Unemployment is high, and with this young generation, we need to proactively plan for the future of this generation! Countries like Namibia, with a young population, face several challenges, including:…

31 Oct

Case against Swapo’s choice of presidential candidate delayed

Main

Hertta-Maria Amutenja and Ester Mbathera The High Court has postponed the legal proceedings initiated by Swapo member Reinhold Shipwikineni and four other applicants against the Swapo Party and its presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to 13 November. Judge Boas Usiku presided over this decision's court session on 30 October 30. The court recorded that the parties have not filed any joint case management report. Shipwikineni’s legal practitioner, Richard Metcalfe, submitted a notice of withdrawal on the same day. Gilroy Kasper, the party's lawyer, was not present in court, so Sisa Namandje represented Swapo. Shipwiikineni, along with Joshua Vaino Martins, Petrus Ndeshipanda…

31 Oct

92 pedestrians lost their lives this year

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police expressed deep concern over the escalating number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries resulting from vehicle accidents. Statistics shared by the police on Thursday revealed that 92 pedestrians have lost their lives between January and September 2024. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division, said the rise in these tragic incidents, particularly those leading to culpable homicide charges, is posing a severe threat to road safety. She indicated that the Oshana region reported the highest number of fatalities, followed by the Ohangwena and Kavango East regions. The Khomas region saw a…

31 Oct

UPM seeks God’s healing

National News

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the United People’s Movement (UPM), Jan van Wyk, has announced the party list for prospective parliamentary candidates under the theme, “God heal our land.” He said Namibia has been struggling for 34 years, citing time for making a call to God for the healing of the damages. “Namibia, I greet you in the name of God Almighty! The UPM is to contest this year’s election under the theme “God heal our land." As we have been struggling for 34 years, the message is clear. We need to turn back to the Lord,” said van Wyk.…

31 Oct

Police hunt for a mother in connection with baby’s death

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police in Walvis Bay requested the public to assist them in tracing the whereabouts of 24-year-old Ashley Mudimu, who is suspected of killing her three-month-old baby daughter. Mudimu, a Zimbabwean national, went missing after the body of the little girl was found by members of the Namibian Navy while on patrol behind their base on Wednesday. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the police’s community affairs division in the Erongo region, the body of the baby was found in a shallow grave on the beach next to the country’s main naval base. “The…

31 Oct

Blueberry farming transforms Divundu’s job market

National News

Martin Endjala In Divundu, a rural settlement in Namibia's Kavango East region where employment opportunities are scarce, the Namibia Berries project by venture capital firm Loxworth Capital has brought newfound hope to local residents by creating much-needed jobs and skill development opportunities. Regina Muyenga, a young graduate in early childhood development, is among the workers at the berry farm. Muyenga shared how the project has provided her with stable employment, enabling her to support her family. “I was unable to find work. Many young people in Divundu do not have jobs and when I saw the chance, I took it,”…

31 Oct

Auditor General gives intelligence service a clean audit

National NewsJunias Kandjeke

Allexer Namundjembo Auditor General Junias Kandjeke has reported that the Namibia Central Intelligence Service received a satisfactory audit opinion. Kandjeke confirmed he audited the Namibia Central Intelligence Service's financial statements for the year ending 31 March, as submitted by the service’s accounting officer. “In my opinion, the financial statements of the Namibia Central Intelligence Service as of 31 March this year are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the State Finance Act of 1999 (Act 31 of 1991),” Kandjeke said. He said that the audit followed the International Standards for Supreme Audit Institutions. “My responsibilities under those standards…

31 Oct

Onesi SSS to Host “Go Hard or Go Home” annual sports tournament

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Onesi Senior Secondary School will host its annual tournament in February 2025. Rauna Haulu, the school’s sports director, announced this on Thursday. Haulu said the tournament is not just an event but a celebration of the school’s spirit. “Next year’s tournament will feature a variety of sports, including soccer (male and female), volleyball, and netball, ensuring there’s something for everyone,” she said. Haulu further added that the tournament is open to nearby schools and regions, and they are urged to register for participation. “‘Registration is open up until 7 February 2025 and the draw will be done on…

31 Oct

NamPol set to strictly enforce noise pollution regulations

National News

Niël Terblanché As Namibian students gear up for their final exams, the Namibian Police issued a strict warning to the public to adhere to regulations limiting noise pollution and controlling alcohol sales. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division in a statement on Thursday said that with the focus and academic performance of students of all ages on the line, the police are determined to create a conducive environment for studying by strictly enforcing the Liquor Act of 1998 and other public disturbance by-laws. Shikwambi stressed the importance of a quiet and safe atmosphere, not…