Observer – Page 398 – Windhoek Observer

07 Sep

Menzies Aviation’s lies and conspiracy theories

ObserverMainMenzies Aviation’s lies and conspiracy theories, Namibia Blood Transfusion Service (NamBTS)

Niël Terblanché Claims by Menzies Aviation Namibia about releasing critical lifesaving medical supplies for the Namibia Blood Transfusion Service (NamBTS) from its locked-up air cargo warehouse at the Hosea Kutako International Aiport (HKIA) were exposed as blatant lies. The United Kingdom-based company, in a press statement issued on Tuesday, claimed to have released crucial medical supplies about an hour before the actual event occurred. Dan Kamati, the spokesperson of the Namibia Airports Company stated that he was made aware of the publication of the press release shortly after a court ordered mediation process between NAC, Menzies Aviation and Paragon Aviation…

07 Sep

Kawana tasked to explain prisoners escaping from lawful custody

ObserverNational NewsAlbert Kawana, Hidipo Hamata, Kawana tasked to explain prisoners escaping from lawful custody

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement Parliamentarian, Hidipo Hamata, is expecting the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Albert Kawana, to explain to the public how some inmates managed to escape from lawful custody at some correctional facilities. “The minister owes the public an explanation how these escapes are happening,” he said. Hamata, who put his notice of questions to Kawana in Parliament this week, said the Minister also owes the public an explanation. The Parliamentarian said Kawana, should indicate how the Ministry will deal with the matter. He also wanted to know what operational and security improvements the…

07 Sep

Labour Ministry not endorsing wage increase for farm workers

ObserverNational NewsLabour Ministry not endorsing wage increase for farm workers, NALF, y

Niël Terblanché The recent announcement by the Namibia Agricultural Labour Forum (NALF) that it has successfully concluded negotiations to increase the minimum wage for farmworkers in both the commercial and communal farming sectors, has been welcomed by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation. The NALF announced that wages will increase by ten percent over the previous year’s minimum wage. The current minimum wage, which was in place throughout 2022, is set to rise to N$6.00 per hour or N$1,170 per month for employees working a 45-hour workweek. Additionally, workers who do not receive free rations will see…

07 Sep

Alcohol and drug abuse exacerbated by a lack of opportunities

ObserverNational NewsAlcohol and drug abuse exacerbated by a lack of opportunities, Swanson Tantalum

Martin Endjala The management of the Swanson Tantalum mining project which is set to open next year in the //Karas Region, says as much as they wish to employ local people, alcohol and drug abuse among them might force them to recruit people from elsewhere. The Mining company’s Chief Executive Officer, Phillip Le Roux, raised this concern during an interview with the Windhoek Observer recently. Le Roux said that the behaviour of some locals in the region might pose an issue during the recruitment process because mining activities require individuals to be absolutely sober. He emphasised that the community in…

07 Sep

Certain houses in Khomadal and Katutura to be declared heritage centres

ObserverNational Newsapartheid-era legacy of the Katutura and Khomasdal townships, Certain houses in Khomadal and Katutura to be declared heritage centres

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek (CoW) Council has approved plans to declare houses that are over 50 years old into heritage centres in the areas of Khomasdal and Katutura, with the aim of transforming the apartheid-era legacy into vibrant hubs offering employment creation opportunities. The City’s Ordinary Council meeting that took place last week, agreed that an identification and nomination process should be carried out to select certain houses in Khomasdal and Katutura locations such as the Herero, Damara, Wambo, Donkerhoek and Gemengde to create a cultural precinct by developing a trail around the said townships as they were…

07 Sep

Namibia recorded zero ozone-depleting substances: Sinimbo

ObserverNational NewsChlouro-Flouro-Carbons (CFCs)., Namibia recorded zero ozone-depleting substances: Sinimbo

Stefanus Nashama The Deputy Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Verna Sinimbo, has noted that the country recorded zero consumption of the ozone-depleting substance, Chlouro-Flouro-Carbons (CFCs). Sinimbo said the improvement of such a record was made possible by the control of the ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol discussion nations in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Member States. She was speaking at the National Ozone Unit and Customs Twinning Workshop and Border Dialogue for countries of the SADC region yesterday in Windhoek. The border dialogue aims to strengthen cooperation between Customs Departments from the countries in monitoring the trade of…

06 Sep

NamRA clarifies import procedures for goods from non-SACU Member States

ObserverObserver MoneyNamRA clarifies import procedures for goods from non-SACU Member States, non-Southern African Customs Union (SACU)

Niël Terblanché Importing goods from non-Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member states into Namibia involves a series of procedures and regulations governed by the Customs and Excise Act, 1998 (Act No. 20 of 1998). In a notice, the Namibian Revenue Agency said regulations aim to ensure transparency, tax compliance, and adherence to health and environmental standards. Navigating these importation procedures is crucial for ensuring compliance with Namibia’s customs regulations and fostering trade while protecting public health and the environment. Importers and travellers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these regulations to facilitate smooth and lawful importation processes. Importation of Commercial…

06 Sep

Germany commits N$1.3 billion to sustainable urban development projects

ObserverNational NewsGermany commits N$1.3 billion to sustainable urban development projects, Joseph Uapingene

Martin Endjala The German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development has committed to provide approximately N$1.03 billion for projects related to sustainable urban development, vocational training, climate change adaptation and the protection of biodiversity and improved water supply in Namibia. This was announced by the City of Windhoek Mayor, Joseph Uapingene, during the ordinary council meeting held last week. This follows the successful negotiations on the development cooperation between the Government of Namibia and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany held in Berlin from 7-8 June 2023. Wilhencia Uiras, Executive Director of the National Planning Commission, led…

06 Sep

Urgent action needed to accelerate climate-resilient investments in water

ObserverNational NewsCalle Schlettwein, Urgent action needed to accelerate climate-resilient investments in water

Niël Terblanché While the world struggles with the impacts of climate change, it has become increasingly evident that the planet is facing a water crisis that threatens the existence of all people. It has emerged at the Africa Climate Summit currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya, that a three-pronged global crisis that encompasses climate change, financial instability, and political upheaval has highlighted the urgency of prioritizing climate-resilient investments in water. The theme of this year’s summit is “Accelerating Climate Resilient Investments in Water.” Calle Schlettwein, Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, while addressing the summit said that climate change…

06 Sep

Itula refutes speculation about his political path

ObserverNational NewsIndependent Patriots for Change (IPC), Itula refutes speculation about his political path

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Panduleni Itula, has refuted speculations that he has been convinced to return to Swapo after he was recently seen with President Hage Geingob at State House. Itula said he is a full member of IPC, and that makes him stand loyal to his party and the people he represents. “I have no intention whatsoever to return to the same party that expelled me for standing up for the Namibian people, rather than honouring the invitation from State House, he stated. Itula was responding to public speculations on Monday after…