Windhoek Observer – Page 432 – Windhoek Observer

30 Oct

Ballot printing an emergency or ECN misstep

National News

Ester Mbathera Political parties preparing for Namibia's National Assembly and Presidential elections in November are still seeking clarity over the Electoral Commission of Namibia's (ECN) decision to use emergency procurement for ballot paper printing. According to the ECN’s annual procurement plan for 2024/25, the bidding process for printing ballot papers should have started on 25 July 2024. However, the commission opted for an emergency process instead after cancelling the initial decision to use Open International Bidding for ballot paper procurement. The ECN chief electoral and referenda officer of the ECN, Peter Shaama, on Wednesday, explained the emergency procurement process after…

30 Oct

Traditional leaders call for cultural neutrality in Miss Namibia’s national costume

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Traditional authorities have expressed discontent with the national costume recently unveiled for Miss Namibia, Prisca Anyolo, for the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant, questioning its representation of the country’s cultural diversity. The costume, made from Odelela fabric, which is traditionally associated with the Aawambo people, has ignited a debate on whether it adequately embodies Namibia’s cultural inclusivity. Maria Katjaita of the Maharero Traditional Authority, however, voiced her disappointment with the choice, arguing that a national costume should strive for cultural neutrality and inclusivity. She remarked on the costume’s ties to a specific cultural group, suggesting it could have incorporated…

30 Oct

Trust in GRN labour policies is fading

National News

Stefanus Nashama Workers are increasingly turning to social justice activists for help with labour-related issues, citing frustration with the policies of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation. Sakaria Johannes, a political analyst, said the government system has many flaws and is riddled with many loopholes that make resolving labour disputes ineffective. Johannes shared this with the Windhoek Observer this week. “Sometimes, those who are at the top are the cause of labour issues, which make it easy for them to manipulate the system,” he said. Johannes added that many workers are reluctant to report labour problems for…

30 Oct

SADC PF hearing spotlights women’s leadership in climate change

Africa / World

Moses Magadza The Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) of the SADC Parliamentary Forum recently held a virtual statutory meeting and public hearing, focusing on enhancing women’s leadership roles in climate change and disaster risk management. The meeting, chaired by Shally Josepha Raymond of Tanzania, also addressed key barriers to women’s political participation and discussed strategies for gender-responsive budgeting within national and regional development plans. Additionally, it addressed barriers to women’s political participation and strategies to strengthen regional cooperation in tackling gender inequality. The public hearing highlighted necessary policy reforms aimed at economically empowering women in rural and informal sectors, ensuring…

30 Oct

Adamastor diamond mining vessel launches new era for offshore mining

Observer MoneyKenzoll Capital, LK Mining

Staff Reporter Namibia’s offshore diamond mining industry has been augmented by the arrival of the Adamastor diamond mining vessel at Lüderitz harbour. Lazarus Jacobs, a representative of LK Mining, in a statement on Wednesday, said the arrival of the vessel in Namibia, marks a new era for Kenzoll Capital and its local partners in the offshore mining sector. “Acquired by Amsterdam-based private equity firm Kenzoll Capital, the vessel’s arrival heralds a transformative chapter in Namibia’s offshore mining capabilities, with operations set to begin in Hottentots Bay,” the statement reads. The Adamastor, equipped with cutting-edge marine mining technology, is designed for…

30 Oct

Political analysts call out MPs over parliament absenteeism

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts Rui Tyitende and Joseph Diescho have raised concerns over the absenteeism of Members of Parliament (MPs), accusing them of neglecting their constitutional responsibilities at the expense of taxpayers. Their remarks followed parliament’s failure to convene a quorum two days in a row for the review of the mid-year budget. Tyitende said the MPs are paid to execute their duties in the National Assembly, yet fail to show up. “The existing legal framework governing absence without leave should be reviewed so that punitive measures are imposed on dishonourable MPs who fail to show up without a valid…

30 Oct

CoW commits to Groot Aub’s development

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The City of Windhoek (CoW) has denied claims that its involvement in Groot Aub is counterproductive because the city remains dedicated to ensuring the development of the settlement by providing all the basic services to the community. The city said this in a statement issued on Wednesday while responding to an article by a local daily that highlighted issues raised by local farmers in the Groot Aub vicinity, which is part of Windhoek's rural areas. CoW public relations officer Lydia Amutenya said a socio-economic survey conducted by the Khomas Regional Council in 2009, and a follow-up survey by…

30 Oct

Namibia eyes BRICS benefits through ties with South Africa

National News

Niël Terblanché A strategic alignment with BRICS could be a vital step in Namibia’s aspirations to contribute to a multipolar global economy, particularly in sustainable and green energy sectors. During a working visit to South Africa on Tuesday, President Nangolo Mbumba engaged in discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa on the potential advantages Namibia could harness from the BRICS bloc, with South Africa being a founding member. The talks, held in Cape Town, reiterated Namibia’s close economic relationship with South Africa, focusing on enhanced trade, energy collaboration, and new investments stemming from BRICS developments. The leaders explored the outcomes of the…

30 Oct

GRN springs into action to repair roads in Etosha

National NewsEtosha National Park

Niël Terblanché Tour operators and tourists alike have voiced their disappointment and frustration over the deteriorating condition of roads in Namibia’s Etosha National Park, the country’s top tourist destination. A prominent tour operator, Rohl’s Tours and Safaris has taken a stand, announcing that it will cease operations within the park on 1 December. It cites severely degraded road conditions that cause extensive wear and tear on its vehicles. This decision reflects a growing sentiment among tour operators who see the road conditions as not only impacting their businesses but also tarnishing Namibia's reputation in the global tourism market. “The people…

30 Oct

Strategic initiatives underway to decarbonise Namibia’s maritime environment

Observer Money

Niël Terblanché Namibia is not only on track to reduce its carbon footprint but also set to become a leading exporter of green energy, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and environmental resilience. During a media briefing held at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) office in Windhoek, on Wednesday, Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe and Theopolina Kapani, Head of Technical and Construction at NGH2P, detailed the country’s ambitious steps towards a sustainable energy future. The two discussed outcomes from a series of international engagements and feasibility studies that aim to position Namibia as a major player in green…