Windhoek Observer – Page 419 – Windhoek Observer

04 Feb

Environmental crimes court now operational

National News

Niël Terblanché With the Environmental Crimes Court (ECC) now officially operational, environmental advocates and law enforcement agencies hope that swift and firm justice will deter criminals involved in poaching and other wildlife crimes to reinforce Namibia’s reputation as a leader in conservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has welcomed the establishment and progress of Namibia’s first-ever specialised ECC in Otjiwarongo, which is set to play a crucial role in tackling wildlife-related offences. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, the court represents an important milestone in the country’s fight against environmental and wildlife crimes. In a statement…

04 Feb

Okongo youth clears road for community

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Determined to improve access to their communities, young people in the Okongo Constituency have taken it upon themselves to clear and debush the Okongo-Oshiti Shaihanya road. Their efforts, driven by a sense of responsibility and community spirit, have brought renewed hope to residents who have long struggled with poor road conditions. Okongo Constituency Councillor Ephraim Shipindo confirmed the initiative to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday. “They have volunteered themselves, even after the regional council gave them a token of appreciation. They are almost done, with less than two kilometres left,” he said. Shipindo said the initiative, which began…

04 Feb

Breastfeeding mother urged to donate milk

National News

Mallex Shipanga The Namibia Breast Milk Bank (NBMB) is in need of breast milk donors in Windhoek. Paediatrician, Gerald Morkel explained that the donations support babies who do not have access to their mother's milk, especially those weighing 1.5 kg or less, who may need supplemental feeding. “Breast milk donations save babies' lives by providing essential nutrition and immune protection that is crucial for their development, especially for premature or sick infants. By receiving donor breast milk, these infants have a better chance of survival, reduced complications, and healthier growth outcomes, ultimately leading to a significant decrease in infant mortality…

04 Feb

Namibia Regional Water Symposium set to confront lack of water security

National News

Niël Terblanché Keetmanshoop is hosting the second Namibia Regional Water Symposium (NRWS), a critical platform bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and community representatives to address the country’s pressing water security challenges. The three-day event, convened by the Department of Water Affairs under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, on Tuesday, will focus on the theme, “Water Security: A Generational Human Right for Sustainable Economic Development.” The governor of the Omaheke region, Pijoo Nganate, opened the symposium by stressing the urgent need for collaboration and commitment in securing Namibia’s water future. “Water is the single most powerful resource that…

04 Feb

Export earnings reach N$12.6 billion in December 2024

Observer Money

Stefanus Nashama The country’s export earnings in December 2024 rose to N$12.6 billion, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous month. This is according to the latest Merchandise Trade Statistics Bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) on Tuesday. The bulletin highlighted that the country's import bill for the same month was N$12.7 billion, which reflects a notable decrease of 28% from the N$17.6 billion recorded in November 2024. This shift contributed to a significant reduction in the country’s trade deficit, which stood at N$119 million in December 2024, compared to a trade deficit of N$5.5 billion the previous…

04 Feb

Namibia’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab launched

Observer Money

Mallex Shipanga The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has launched the country’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab in collaboration with Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA). Set to open in February at NUST’s High-Tech Transfer Plaza Select, the lab will be equipped with 12 Bloomberg Terminals—computer software systems that provide real-time analytics, data, and news. It will offer both undergraduate and graduate students the skills necessary for a career in finance. Through this lab, students will have the opportunity to earn globally recognised certifications, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. “The Bloomberg…

04 Feb

MTC launch Runners Connect Marathon to serve as Two Oceans qualifier

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Mobile Telecommunication (MTC) launched the MTC Runners Connect Marathon on Tuesday, which will serve as a qualifier for the Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa. MTC announced that all the proceeds from the marathon event will be donated to the Namibia National Children's Hearts Trust. MTC’s Corporate Affairs Manager, John Ekongo, said a healthy lifestyle is vital to productivity, whether at a personal or corporate level. “Wellness is very important, whether in a company or an individual’s life; it is key to productivity. There is no business continuity when the health of employees is compromised. Hence, we call…

04 Feb

The paradoxical effect of trumponomics: Lesson for African leaders

Opinions

Josef Kefas Sheehama President Trump's executive orders serve as a wake-up call for African leaders, demanding that they put public service and economic development ahead of foreign aid and begging. The time has come for them to learn from these directives. To make sure that everyone feels appreciated and respected, every sovereign country should put in place an inclusive and equitable system. Trumponomics and Double-Edged Sword President Trump must be credible and relevant in his actions against world leaders. It is true that America has been feeding African nations for a long time despite the fact that they have rich…

03 Feb

No value chain for crocodile products

Main

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is struggling to find markets for crocodile by-products due to the absence of a well-established value chain. This was confirmed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda in an interview with the Windhoek Observer last week. “What do you do with them?” he asked. Several communities, particularly along the Okavango River, have on several occasions requested quotas for crocodile consumption. Muyunda explained that the ministry is only interested in working with those who intend to farm crocodiles, not those seeking to consume them. Regarding crocodile population management, he said that continuous monitoring…

03 Feb

Swapo not planning a remembrance event for Geingob

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Swapo Party has no plans to host a remembrance ceremony for its former president, Hage Geingob, who passed away on 4 February last year. This was confirmed by Swapo Youth League Secretary, Ephraim Nekongo to the Windhoek Observer on Monday. “No formal communication was issued, but those who will be hosting remembrance ceremonies are welcome to do so,” Nekongo said. Swapo’s spokesperson, Hilma Nikanor, also confirmed that she does not know about any planned events. “All I am aware of is the wreath-laying ceremony at Heroes Acre, where the gates are open to the public,” Nikanor said.…