Observer – Page 399 – Windhoek Observer

06 Sep

Home Affairs did not ban names with click-sound characters

ObserverNational NewsHome Affairs did not ban names with click-sound characters, Margaret Kalo

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has distanced itself from recent media reports that it has banned the use of special characters such as !Gawaxab or //Karas when indicating click sounds in some names as part of its services. This is despite the assertion that click-sound symbols could potentially lead to confusion and inconsistencies in official documentation as was reported by some media houses. According to the Ministry’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Margaret Kalo the government through the Ministry has no policy to discriminate against any section of the community as reported. Kalo noted that…

06 Sep

Japan commits to supporting Namibia’s development efforts

ObserverNational NewsJapan commits to supporting Namibia’s development efforts, US$271 million

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Japan stands as one of Namibia’s most significant donor nations, having contributed more than US$271 million to Namibia’s development efforts since independence. This was revealed during a courtesy call by the Japanese Ambassador to Namibia, Nishimaki Hisao, on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi yesterday. During the visit, the Japanese diplomat emphasised that Namibia has received assistance in various crucial areas, including human resource development, agriculture and emergency response. “Japan has extended support by providing food to vulnerable citizens affected by drought and they have also offered medical assistance,” he said. Further explaining that Japan and…

06 Sep

Freedom of expression should be accompanied by responsible reporting: Shikongo

ObserverNational NewsFreedom of expression should be accompanied by responsible reporting: Shikongo

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Force, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo has emphasised the need for responsible reporting alongside freedom of expression by media practitioners when carrying out their duties. He said this during the Training of Trainers on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists at the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). “Despite this, I must caution that freedom of expression should also be accompanied by responsible reporting. The media must realise that where their freedom or rights end, the freedom and rights of others…

06 Sep

Domestic resources must be mobilizedto navigate financial challenges: !Gawaxab

ObserverMainDomestic resources must be mobilizedto navigate financial challenges: !Gawaxab, Gross Fixed Capital Formation, Namibia Revenue Agency

Martin Endjala For Namibia to navigate its way out of daunting financial challenges, the country must first mobilise its domestic resources, build fiscal buffers and engage in structural reforms. “Namibia stacks up well despite the challenges posed by the country’s declining rate of Gross Fixed Capital Formation and the limited skills base. While these challenges are daunting, they are not insurmountable. To navigate our way out of these challenges, Namibia must first mobilise its domestic resources, build fiscal buffers and engage in structural reforms,” Bank of Namibia Governor, Johannes !Gawaxab said. !Gawaxab spoke at Bloomberg’s flagship event in Namibia titled…

05 Sep

When fuel prices spike people can expect an increase in inflation

ObserverObserver MoneyMinistry of Mines and Energy, When fuel prices spike people can expect an increase in inflation

Martin Endjala Consumers may already understand the implications of higher oil prices because when fuel prices increase, a larger share of households’ budgets is likely to be spent on it, which leaves less to spend on other goods and services. The same goes for businesses whose goods must be transported from place to place or that use fuel as a major input such as mining, agriculture and construction industries. These were the words of Independent Researcher and Economist, Joseph Sheehama while reacting to the fuel price increment by the Ministry of Mines and Energy yesterday. The Ministry informed the public…

05 Sep

Namibians face a sharp increase in fuel price

ObserverObserver MoneyNamibians face a sharp increase in fuel price

Niël Terblanché NAMIBIAN motorists face a sharp increase in spending as the price of fuel has been drastically adjusted upwards for the month of September. The Ministry of Mines and Energy issued a statement in which it announced that the pump price for petrol will increase by N$1.20 and both kinds of diesel sold in Namibia will increase by N$1.70. As a result, the pump price for petrol in Walvis Bay will be adjusted to N$20.98 while 50PPM diesel will cost N$20.75 and 10PPM diesel will cost N$20.95. The ministry said that the price will be adjusted according to distance…

05 Sep

For Namibia to become industrialised,it will require investors: Alweendo

ObserverNational NewsFor Namibia to become industrialised, Tom Alweendo

Martin Endjala Mines and Energy Minister, Tom Alweendo has emphasised that if Namibia is to become an industrialised country, then leaders must continue inviting and attracting investors which is part of the vision to tap into mineral resources. Alweendo made these remarks during the Namibia-Korea Energy Resources Business Forum yesterday in Windhoek. The Minister stressed that Namibia will only allow investments into its critical raw minerals to be exploited on a win-win outcome. He said that gone are the days, where the country’s valuable minerals get chipped out of the country and refined elsewhere without value addition, for this reason,…

05 Sep

MPs expected to address health issues and other challenges as Parliament resumes today

ObserverNational NewsDuminga Ndala, MPs expected to address health issues and other challenges as Parliament resumes today

Martin Endjala National Assembly will be under immense pressure as Namibians anticipate numerous issues to be on the agenda when Parliament resumes today following a break where several oversight visits across the country by various Parliamentary Standing Committees and the race to pass all bills to avoid financial greylisting. During the oversight visits, issues ranging from the state of health facilities, education, poverty, road infrastructures, Gender-Based Violence, and various water and electricity crises are among many issues anticipated to take centre stage in the August house. Political Analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah, yesterday said Members of Parliament have set for themselves high…

05 Sep

New minimum wage agreed for Namibia’s agricultural sector

ObserverNational NewsNamibia Agricultural Labour Forum (NALF), New minimum wage agreed for Namibia’s agricultural sector

Niël Terblanché In a significant step forward for labour rights, the Namibia Agricultural Labour Forum (NALF) has successfully concluded negotiations to increase the minimum wage for farmworkers in both the commercial and communal farming sectors. The newly agreed-upon minimum wage, effective from 1 October 2023, represents a 10 percent increase 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. In addition, workers who do not receive free rations will see their monthly ration allowance increase…

05 Sep

Savanna Beef Processors plans new state-of-the-art processing facility

ObserverNational NewsSavanna Beef Processors (SBP), Savanna Beef Processors plans new state-of-the-art processing facility

Niël Terblanché Savanna Beef Processors (SBP) celebrated a significant milestone during its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) where the company showcased remarkable achievements in the fields of engineering, financial planning and market engagement over the past year. One of the most outstanding announcements was SBP’s successful capital-raising efforts, which have secured N$181 million to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art export beef-processing facility in Namibia. In a statement, the company said it is actively pursuing a third private placement, set to close on September 7, with the goal of reaching N$200 million in total funding. Several key developments were discussed…