Windhoek Observer – Page 439 – Windhoek Observer

22 Oct

Namibia hosts African risk reduction forum

National News

Niël Terblanché While Africa continues to face escalating climate-induced disasters, governments find themselves on the frontlines of continuously managing the aftermath of disasters, the situation calls for concrete steps that safeguard the future of the continent and its people. Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister, John Mutorwa, while launching the 9th Session of the Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9) in Windhoek on Tuesday, said the event is aimed at addressing the continent’s growing need for disaster risk management strategies. He said the conference provides a platform for the continent's leaders and experts to evaluate progress made in disaster management,…

22 Oct

Swakop Uranium injected N$7.9 billion in local procurement

Observer MoneyLeading in Mining Excellence

Martin Endjala The Swakop Uranium has contributed N$7.9 billion to the local economy through procurement, taxes, royalties, and social development. The company released its 2023 sustainability report in Windhoek on Monday. The report was launched under the theme “Leading in Mining Excellence.”. In a speech delivered on her behalf by international relations deputy minister, Jennely Matundu, mines and energy deputy minister, Kornelia Shilunga said Swakop Uranium is poised to become a global leader in the supply of uranium because. She added that she has reliable information that the Husab Mine will reach its nameplate capacity by the end of the…

22 Oct

Namibia to host 7th International Energy Conference in 2025

Observer MoneyNamibia International Energy Conference (NIEC), RichAfrica Consultancy

Niël Terblanché Namibia will host the 7th edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) from 23 to 25 April 2025, in Windhoek. According to a statement released on Tuesday by RichAfrica Consultancy’s chief executive officer, Selma Shimutwikeni, the event aims to solidify Namibia’s position as a regional energy hub. Themed “Leading the Way: Becoming an Energy Hub with In-Country Value,” the conference will bring together key players in the global and local energy sectors to explore opportunities for growth, investment, and sustainable development. The 2025 edition of the NIEC Organised by RichAfrica Consultancy and endorsed by the Ministry of…

21 Oct

Hyphen’s green hydrogen project to proceed beyond elections

MainEline van der Linden, Hyphen Hydrogen Energy Namibia, Panduleni Itula

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) management is confident that whoever becomes Namibia’s next president will honour the signed contractual agreements that the company has with the current government. This is according to the Programme’s head of environmental, social and governance Eline van der Linden. She made the statement during a media presentation at Lüderitz over the weekend. Van der Linden said the incoming government should let the project continue as planned, as it has the potential to turn around the country’s economic landscape. “We have signed contracts committing both the government and Hyphen to complete this project to…

21 Oct

Shortage of qualified teachers slows native language rollout

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The rollout of native language education in schools is facing setbacks due to a shortage of qualified teachers in the Khomas and Erongo regions. This is especially for the Rukwangali and Khoekhoegowab, leaving many learners without the opportunity to study their mother tongues. Despite government policies to address these challenges, the implementation thereof has been slow, with little being done to employ educators from regions where native languages are spoken. Educational director Paulus Nghikembua on Monday told the Windhoek Observer that the situation is impacting the learners badly. “Currently the Rukwangali language is being offered at Dr. Frans…

21 Oct

TB cases high among mine workers

National News

Niël Terblanché TB incidence among mine workers is estimated to be ten times higher than in the general population. This is according to the health ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe. He said this during the signing of a new set of Mine Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Monday in Windhoek. “Mining as a critical sector in Namibia’s economy, has long been associated with health risks such as TB due to the working conditions, including poor ventilation and exposure to hazardous dust,” he said. According to Nangombe the high prevalence of TB among miners is exacerbated by factors…

21 Oct

Updates on Namibia’s Hydrogen Projects

National News

Suzie Shefeni Interesting developments have been taking place in the Namibian green hydrogen sector since the launch of the inaugural Green Hydrogen Monitor. Namibia’s Blueprint for Green Hydrogen was published in August and various global green hydrogen convenings saw the establishment of a myriad of partnerships all with the aim of turning Namibia’s ambition into reality. This article looks at 6 of the newer players that have been creating momentum and explores the postponement of the HyRail project. Zhero Green Hydrogen One of the newer players on the block is Zhero Molecules Walvis Bay. The company is partnered with Envision…

21 Oct

IOC President Thomas Bach visits South Africa

Sports

IOC President Thomas Bach recently visited Johannesburg, on the second leg of his tour of Africa. In South Africa, he was welcomed by the President of the National Olympic Committee (SASCOC), Barry Hendricks, IOC Honorary Member Sam Ramsamy and IOC Member Anant Singh. All three accompanied President Bach throughout the visit, along with IOC Member and President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Mustapha Berraf. At the SASCOC headquarters, President Bach joined the “Indaba”, a meeting of the South African athletes, during which he took part in the discussions, and focused on the outcomes and lessons…

21 Oct

RP leader vows to halt Chinese tenders if elected president

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Republican Party (RP) leader, Henk Mudge, has pledged to impose an immediate embargo on all tenders awarded to Chinese companies and cancel existing contracts if he becomes Namibia's next president. The politician said this on Monday during a press conference in Windhoek while outlining his plans for a Namibian-first approach. “I will order an immediate investigation into the legality of the documentation of all the Chinese citizens, especially shop owners all over Namibia. I believe that the vast majority will be fond to either have achieved their documents in a corrupt manner that they have no right to…

21 Oct

Mbumba confident about Swapo’s vision for Namibia

National Newscountry's socio-economic landscape, Unity in Diversity

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba confirmed his trust in the Swapo Party presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, becoming Namibia's first female president. Addressing a large crowd at a SWAPO Party star rally in Swakopmund on Sunday, Mbumba spoke about the party’s vision for economic emancipation and its readiness to secure another five-year mandate in the upcoming elections. “With Nandi-Ndaitwah at the helm, Namibia’s future would be in capable hands,” he assured the gathering. Mbumba reiterated the party’s long-standing leadership and its crucial role in shaping the country's socio-economic landscape. He pointed out that SWAPO’s governance has been instrumental in the peace,…