Windhoek Observer – Page 404 – Windhoek Observer

29 Sep

Pure criminality behind Omusati rape cases – Basson

National News

Hertta- Maria Amutenja Omusati regional police commander, Commissioner Ishmael Basson, has condemned the recent surge in rape cases in the region, calling them acts of "pure criminality". Basson made these remarks in response to a surge in rape cases reported in the region. “The pattern that this is happening is unbelievable, and there should be no excuse to harm people,” Basson said. He urged parents and guardians to report such crimes immediately, particularly those involving minors. He further rejected the notion that culture or socio-economic drivers could justify the crimes, asserting that the police would take strong action against the…

29 Sep

Van Wyk dismisses removal, claims he remains UPM President

National News

Martin Endjala Jan van Wyk rejected the United People's Movement's (UPM) management committee's decision to recall him as the party president. He lost his position as UPM president on Friday because he did not attend three consecutive management committee meetings. He was removed along with Mita Pickering, the vice president, and Justin Coetzee, the local authority councillor at Rehoboth. On Sunday, Jan van Wyk told the Windhoek Observer that there is no reason for him to take any action against what he described as failed politicians who are not members of the UPM. “They were expelled from the party in…

29 Sep

Unions question PAYE reimbursement plans

National Newsnew taxation regulations

Martin Endjala Various labour unions have criticised the lack of consultation on the tax reimbursement of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) to be paid by employers to employees between 1 March and 30 September. They said that a lack of prior consultation raises questions about transparency and the potential implications of the new taxation regulations for businesses and employees. In a joint statement released last week, we responded to the announcement made earlier this month by the finance minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, regarding tax refunds. The gazetting of the Namibian Income Tax Amendment Act (Act 4 2024) was met with trepidation by employer representatives,…

29 Sep

LPM councillor challenges RedForce settlement at Walvis Bay

National NewsRedForce Debt Management., Ryan Gordon

Martin Endjala The Landless People’s Movement’s (LPM) councillor of the Walvis Bay municipality, Ryan Gordon, has raised concerns regarding the settlement agreement between the municipality and RedForce Debt Management. He questioned the legality of the 12% levy on RedForce collections, arguing that neither the municipality's credit control policy nor gazetted documents reflect it. He requested this in a letter dated 20 September. The letter was seen by the Windhoek Observer. “We have noted Advocate Metcalfe describing the councillors as corrupt because illegal tariffs are imposed on municipality customers by the 12% levy imposed on Redforce collections. Please show me where…

29 Sep

UDF set to launch manifesto in October

National News

Hilarius Hamutenya The United Democratic Front (UDF) will launch its election manifesto during its congress in Otjiwarongo on 12 October. Last week, the UDF’s spokesperson, Mabasen Narib told the Windhoek Observer that in the manifesto, the party's leadership will unpack how the party intends to change the state of government and make service delivery the order of business. “UDF presents itself as the next best alternative party to the voters. The manifesto will give a detailed strategic plan on how we intend to address the bread and butter issues of our people,” he said. Narib added that the UDF has…

29 Sep

Mbumba’s participation in UNGA solidifies Namibia’s global role

National NewsUnited Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79)

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba returned home on Saturday after his working visit to the United States, where he participated in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York. The session, held from 19 to 26 September, was themed “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for the present and future generations.” Mbumba also co-facilitated the Summit of the Future with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, according to a statement from the Namibian Presidency. The summit was convened under the theme “Summit of the Future: Multilateral…

29 Sep

Netball Namibia honours its former presidents

SportsRebekka Goagoses

Ester Mbathera Netball Namibia has awarded honorary membership to its former presidents, recognising their invaluable contributions to the sport's growth in the country. Federation president, Rebekka Goagoses announced this during the conclusion of the MTC Premier League in Otjiwarongo on Sunday. “Recently, at our annual general meeting held in Ongwediva, we took significant steps to honour those who have paved the way for Namibian netball. We awarded honorary membership to former presidents Agnes Tjongarero, Carol Garoes, Lydia Kandetu, Lydia Mutenda, and former Vice President Isadore Nell. Their contributions laid the foundation for the growth we celebrate today, and we owe…

29 Sep

SADC PF convenes retreat to strengthen budgetary practices for SRHR advocacy

Africa / WorldSADC Parliamentary

Moses Magadza The SADC Parliamentary Forum's SIDA-funded Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV, and AIDS Governance Project has convened a budget analysis retreat for researchers and staff of national parliaments to strengthen budgetary practices for SRHR advocacy. The retreat began in Johannesburg on September 28 with the secretary general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, underscoring the need for rigorous budget planning in SRHR. “Without a budget, nothing can be achieved,” Sekgoma said when she officially opened the retreat, highlighting the role financial resources play in implementing essential health initiatives. She highlighted the interconnectedness of budget allocations…

29 Sep

Katima Mulilo correctional facility transformed into agricultural hub

National News

Niël Terblanché On Friday, Namibia took an innovative step towards improving food security and rehabilitating offenders serving sentences in prison with the inauguration of an agricultural project at the Katima Mulilo Correctional Facility. The project, located in the Zambezi region, aims to repurpose the idle Katima Farm into a food-producing correctional facility, marking an important milestone for both the country’s correctional system and agricultural sector. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, while speaking at the event, stressed the transformative potential of the project. "This facility will not only provide a secure environment for individuals serving…

29 Sep

Envisaged LPG terminal to strengthen Namibia’s energy security

Observer MoneyLiquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), Walvis Bay Corridor Group

Niël Terblanché A new era in Namibia’s energy landscape started on Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony at the envisaged Erongo Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Import Bulk Storage Facility in Walvis Bay. The project will address the country's severe LPG shortages while also fostering trade with its neighbours. The Erongo regional governor, Neville Andre, while speaking at the ceremony, explained the strategic importance of the project, which will cater not only to Namibia but also to Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and various other countries from the Southern African Development Community (SADC). “This facility will not only cater to the Namibian market but…