Observer – Page 393 – Windhoek Observer

13 Sep

NSA and ECN agree to enhance systems and operations

ObserverNational Newshave yesterday entered into a collaboration to promote and develop areas of mutual interest in field-related operations., Namibia Statistics Agency and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN)

Stefanus Nashama Namibia Statistics Agency and the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), have yesterday entered into a collaboration to promote and develop areas of mutual interest in field-related operations. According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties will cooperate in information systems and data analysis management, institutional resources sharing, exchange of knowledge and other electoral and statistical-related matters. The agreements were signed by Statistician General, Alex Shimuafeni and Chief Electoral Officer, Peter Shaama in Windhoek yesterday. Shimuafeni highlighted that the NSA will share knowledge and methods on the recruitment of field staff with ECN. Additionally, he said the NSA will…

13 Sep

Deaf community feels left out of Green Hydrogen

Martin Endjala Members of the deaf community have expressed their disappointment with the Green Hydrogen project because they feel excluded from the ongoing engagements and discussions. “Namibia is home to many deaf persons and we are scattered around the vast part of Namibia, however, there is little information coming to the deaf community about the GH2. We are not informed at the moment and do not know much about the projects”. These were the words of Namibia National Association of the Deaf National Director Linekela Paul Nanyeni while responding to questions sent to him by this publication on how well…

13 Sep

Namfisa to host 46th SADC non-banking authorities meeting

ObserverObserver MoneyCISNA, Namfisa to host 46th SADC non-banking authorities meeting

Martin Endjala Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa), will host the 46th meeting of the Committee of Insurance, Securities and Non-Banking Financial Authority (CISNA) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Swakopmund from 1-6 October 2023. Namfisa Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Matomola, who also serves as CISNA Chairperson, reiterated yesterday that the committee is committed to achieving SADC’s objectives by translating the objectives into actionable programmes and projects to ensure that they are attained within a specified timeframe. He said the key focus area of the convening meeting includes harmonisation of the legislative and supervisory framework, capacity building, marketing…

12 Sep

Listen Up – Up-close with Jossy Joss

ObserverFeaturedListen Up – Up-close with Jossy Joss

Take us through your journey a musician and what has inspired you to become a singer?I started out in the 90’s as young boy inspired by Tupac Shakur and R Kelly. I started writing raps and blending them with RnB but in 1999, I started an RnB group with DJ Maxi-B called 2/4U which then became Reality. The group disbanded and then I started another group called Preachaz in 2000, which was a gospel Hip hop/RnB group with DJ MO and Immo.The group then got incorporated into Dungeon Family which was Hip Hop/RnB group consisting of different groups and solo…

12 Sep

Energy transition challenges might hamper economic development

ObserverEnergy, National NewsEnergy transition challenges might hamper economic development

Niël Terblanché Namibia is currently grappling with the complex dynamics of the global energy transition, as its substantial oil reserves beckon investors while international pressure mounts for renewable energy adoption. Namibia’s Petroleum Commissioner, Maggy Shino, emphasized the importance of winning the “energy transition war” during a committee meeting. She noted that unless Namibia can construct a compelling narrative to navigate the energy transition, its oil resources may remain untapped due to international calls for renewable energy adoption. Shino explained that the energy transition agenda encourages developing countries to preserve their oil reserves and rely solely on renewable energy sources. This…

12 Sep

SADC Central Bank Governors will address economic challenges

ObserverNational NewsSADC Central Bank Governors will address economic challenges, Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Niël Terblanché There currently exists a critical need for coordinated efforts between governments and central banks to support economic growth and employment creation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). While officially opening the 57th SADC Committee of Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (CCBGM) in Swakopmund, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila highlighted the importance of monetary and macroeconomic stability in achieving future economic success. “The issue of fiscal dominance has been topical in many of our jurisdictions in the region. But as political leaders, we have a fair appreciation of the delicacy of that independence and that the power to spend money…

12 Sep

Suicide is a major public health concern: Shangula

ObserverNational NewsDr Kalumbi Shangula, Suicide is a major public health concern: Shangula

Stefanus Nashama Minister of Health and Social Service, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, noted that suicide has become a major public health concern and that urgent action is vital to prevent a further increase in the trend in Namibia “Mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are associated with an increased risk of suicide,” he said. Shangula was speaking at the commemoration of the 2023 World Suicide Prevention Day in Windhoek yesterday. The Minister said the prevention of suicide has not been actively addressed due to a lack of awareness, which is shockingly a major public health concern across the…

12 Sep

Botswana appoints new Envoy to Namibia

ObserverNational NewsBotswana appoints new Envoy to Namibia

Niël Terblanché In a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between Botswana and Namibia, the President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi has appointed Mr. Phemelo Rankoro as Botswana’s High Commissioner to Namibia. This appointment is expected to further enhance the longstanding and robust relationship between the two neighbouring nations. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Botswana, Rankoro is set to assume his role as High Commissioner in Namibia in October 2023. He will be succeeding Ambassador Dr. Batlang Serema, who has been appointed as Botswana’s envoy to China. According to the ministry, Rankoro brings a wealth of experience…

12 Sep

After-Action Review serves as a learning platform for Namibia

ObserverNational NewsAfter-Action Review serves as a learning platform for Namibia

Niël Terblanché In a significant step towards strengthening its public health response mechanisms, Namibia recently conducted an After-Action Review (AAR) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess its response to the Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic (CCHF) outbreak that occurred earlier this year. The AAR brought together various stakeholders in Windhoek to document the activities undertaken during the CCHF outbreak and evaluate Namibia’s preparedness and response capacity. The CCHF outbreak was first confirmed in the Gobabis District of the Omaheke Region on May 21, 2023, following the unfortunate death of an individual confirmed to have CCHF just three days…

12 Sep

First African climate summit produces historic declaration

ObserverNational NewsFirst African climate summit produces historic declaration

Niël Terblanché African Heads of State and Government convened for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4th to 6th, 2023. The summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including global leaders, intergovernmental organizations, Regional Economic Communities, United Nations Agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, local communities, farmer organizations, children, youth, women, and academia. The primary focus of the summit was to address the escalating climate crisis that is impacting the African continent disproportionately. The leaders issued a declaration known as “The African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to…