Windhoek Observer – Page 435 – Windhoek Observer

22 Aug

Car sales exceeded pre-pandemic levels

Observer MoneyBank of Namibia, Simonis Storm Securities

CHAMWE KAIRA Simonis Storm Securities believe that the 25 basis point repo rate cut by the Bank of Namibia is unlikely to significantly impact vehicle sales in the short term, given that current sales figures have already exceeded pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a resilient market recovery. The firm noted that the second-hand vehicle market has gained considerable traction, becoming an attractive option for buyers amid economic prudence. This trend suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards more cost-effective alternatives, especially in an environment where luxury vehicle purchases remain restricted. Simonis noted the deceleration in motor vehicle price inflation suggests some relief…

22 Aug

Qatar Airways acquires 25% stake in Airlink

Observer MoneyRodger Foster, World’s Best Airline’s Africa

Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Southern Africa’s premier independent regional carrier, Airlink. The announcement is a continuation of the multi award-winning airline’s ambition to further develop its operations across the African continent. The investment in Airlink, which flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries will enhance a code-sharing partnership between the two airlines. The deal will bolster the World’s Best Airline’s Africa growth strategy and cement its role as a key driver to the continent’s economic success. On the announcement, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer,said: “Our investment in…

22 Aug

Southern Africa tourism safe from Mpox

Observer MoneyAfrica Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), Tshifhiwa Tshivengwa

In light of recent global health declarations regarding Mpox, the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance has reaffirmed that Southern Africa remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourism. The Tourism Alliance emphasized the region’s swift and coordinated response to the situation, while highlighting the minimal risk to travellers. On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years. This was followed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on 13 August. These…

21 Aug

Oil industry warned against fronting

Energy, Main

Martin Endjala The deputy minister of Mines and Energy, Kornelia Shilunga, has warned players in the oil and gas industry against fronting Namibians into positions. She made these remarks during the 2024 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference that started in Windhoek on Wednesday. “Ideally, all vacant positions should be advertised in local media to ensure that Namibians, who meet minimum requirements from all corners of the country, have an equal employment opportunity,” she said. This year's conference theme is “The Next Step Towards a Prosperous Oil and Gas Industry.” Shilunga said she has learnt that some oil industry players are…

21 Aug

Ally Angula blames Swapo for 34 years of economic disaster and broken dreams

National Newsnational economic disaster

Stefanus Nashama Independent presidential candidate, Ally Angula has accused the Swapo-led government of causing a national economic disaster and financial struggle. Angula made this statement on Monday on her digital election campaign platforms. She believes that, economically, the past 34 years have yet to deliver a satisfactory life for most people. “The current administration led by the Swapo party has for 34 years slowly created an economic national disaster that has left way too many people out in the cold with no chance at earning an income,” she said. According to Angula, many regional capitals lack a manufacturing base to…

21 Aug

Experts urge funding for media fair 2024 election reporting

National NewsChristian Keulder

Martin Endjala Several experts have called for increased funding for media personnel covering the 2024 national elections due to financial constraints. Christian Keulder, an independent researcher, said many media houses are grappling with the harsh reality of a lack of funds when covering news events across the country, with journalists resorting to only covering news in their immediate areas. On Wednesday, FesMedia organised a panel discussion on the role of media in promoting democratic elections in Namibia, during which he shared this information. Keulder is worried about the accuracy and coverage of the 2024 elections due to the circumstances he…

21 Aug

PDM’s Hamata pushes for leadership continuity

National NewsHidipo Hamata, Popular Democratic Movement

Stefanus Nashama A member of the Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) central committee, Hidipo Hamata, is advocating for the party members to give the current top six leaders another term. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Hamata said the upcoming election requires PDM to maintain the current leadership to navigate and ensure the party’s continuity, leveraging their necessary experience and strategic insight. “As our party approaches the upcoming national congress in the Zambezi region, I strongly urge all delegates to endorse the current top six leaders for another term. The forthcoming election is a pivotal moment for the…

21 Aug

Character witnesses testify in mitigation of Dippenaar’s sentencing

National NewsSwakopmund Regional Court

Niël Terblanché Jandre Dippenaar’s legal team and the state prosecutor are set to present arguments for mitigation and aggravation of sentencing before Magistrate Gaynor Paulton at the Swakopmund Regional Court when the pre-sentencing portion of the murder trial continues on Thursday. This comes after two witnesses testified on behalf of Dippenaar's character in mitigation of sentencing Wednesday. In June, Magistrate Paulton convicted Dippenaar on six counts of murder, one count of reckless and negligent driving, and one count of driving a vehicle without a valid driver's license in a trial that continued for almost ten years. The guilty verdict stems…

21 Aug

Omaheke governor refutes claims of 800 hunger deaths

National Newscases of malnutrition, Pio Nganate

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Omaheke regional governor, Pio Nganate has refuted reports that 800 people died of hunger in the region over the past two years. Nganate reported that during the specified period, malnutrition resulted in 139 fatalities. He said that in the 2022/23 financial year, there were a total of 554 new cases of malnutrition, and 15 malnourished patients were successfully treated. “When it comes to deaths due to malnutrition in the same period under review, 13 cases were recorded out of the total number of 554 new cases and this translates to 2.3%. Malnutrition deaths due to integrated management of…

21 Aug

Hippos saved by decisive action

National News

The Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has successfully intervened to rescue a group of hippos stranded on dry land in the Salambala Conservancy in the Zambezi region. The severe drought caused a significant decrease in water levels in the floodplains of the major rivers that flow through the region, leaving the pond where the hippos had been making their last stand for months reduced to mud that did not protect them from the sun. Romeo Muyunda, the ministry’s spokesperson, said on Wednesday that by May 2024, the situation had become critical, prompting immediate action from officials.…