Windhoek Observer – Page 447 – Windhoek Observer

15 Aug

Swapo split in Omaheke over new branch leadership

Main

Stefanus Nashama Swapo regional coordinator in the Omaheke region, Ruth Kaukuata-Mbura, has denied having received any reports of a Swapo member being slapped by another. This follows claims by the former Omaheke Swapo Women’s League regional coordinator, Bianca Van Wyk, who alleged that the former Omaheke regional governor, Festus Ueitele, slapped her during the Okorukambe branch meeting in Gobabis. The meeting was set to restructure the branch since the term of the current office bearers has lapsed. “No one was beaten by Ueitele at the branch meeting and my office did not receive any report that Bianca was beaten,” Kaukuata-Mbura…

15 Aug

Calls grow for VAT exemption on essential foods

National NewsJosef Sheehama, McHenry Venaani

Erasmus Shalihaxwe, Martin Endjala and Hilarius Hamutenya There are increasing calls for the exemption of essential food items from Value Added Tax (VAT) to ease the financial burden on households. The call by independent bank researcher and economist Josef Sheehama is part of broader efforts to address the country's high food inflation rate. “Namibia should establish a commodity taskforce and exempt essential food items from VAT. This will relieve pressure on households, particularly those residing in informal settlements,” he said. He suggests establishing a national task force on commodities to regulate food prices and provide subsidies to small-scale farmers. Sheehama…

15 Aug

ELCIN elects first female bishop

National NewsRev. Hilja Nghaangulwa

Ester Mbathera The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) made history on Wednesday when the synod appointed Rev. Hilja Nghaangulwa as the first female bishop for the Eastern Diocese and the mainline churches in the country. The election took place at the ELCIN Centre in Ongwediva during the church's synod. In a competitive race against Rev. Dr. Johannes Haufiku and Rev. Eino Nangula, Rev. Nghaangulwa emerged victorious. In the same synod, Rev. Dr. Gideon Niitenge was elected as the bishop of the Western Diocese, further solidifying the leadership structure of ELCIN. Haufiku, who is also the ELCIN's Secretary General, provided…

15 Aug

Otjozondjupa governor decries slow pace of road construction

National NewsJames Uerikua, Otjozondjupa Region

Martin Endjala Otjozondjupa regional governor, James Uerikua has expressed disappointment in the delays in road infrastructure due to the slow pace and lack of finance. “How long do we have to wait for financing? That is the key issue. That’s why, in 2020, my office was briefed by the Roads Authority (RA) on the readiness of the detailed plan, but up to now, as we are talking, I have not seen that advertisement through which they would have advertised to say we are now starting the road construction as far as this road is concerned,” argued the governor. He said…

15 Aug

Erongo celebrates achievements of the past year

National NewsErongo Regional Council, State of the Region Address (SORA)

Niël Terblanché In his fifth State of the Region Address (SORA), Erongo regional governor, Neville Andre highlighted the region's notable accomplishments over the past year while focussing on advancements in governance, infrastructure, and social development. Andre reflected on the challenges faced at the start of his tenure, including the economic difficulties caused by the prolonged drought and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed to the people of the region's resilience and collective efforts in overcoming these adversities. "Despite the challenges, we have achieved remarkable progress in various sectors, positioning Erongo as a region of excellence," Andre said.…

15 Aug

AR inquires about unpaid wages at Goreangab housing project

National NewsAffirmative Repositioning, Erastus Uuton, Moses Matyayi

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Affirmative Repositioning movement (AR) has raised concerns over alleged non-payment of workers' salaries at the 113 House Construction Project at Goreangab Dam Extension 4. In a letter dated 13 August, AR Khomas Regional Chairperson, Sem David called on the minister of urban and rural development, Erastus Uutoni, the minister of labour, industrial relations and employment creation, Utoni Daniel Nujoma, and City of Windhoek CEO Moses Matyayi, to address the matter urgently. David commended the government's and the City of Windhoek's efforts in completing the 113 houses, but he highlighted unresolved issues. “A total of 28 employees working…

15 Aug

Criminal case filed against Nawatiseb and his wife

National News

Hertta -Maria Engel Nawatiseb, the former deputy minister of information and communication technology and his wife are facing criminal charges in connection with the sale of a property in Windhoek The Makumbi family initiated the case, bringing to light the allegations of misconduct and the pursuit of justice in the property sale by Nawatiseb and his wife Lina Nawatises. According to court documents filed in May 2023, Godfrey Makumbi entered into a sale agreement with the Nawatisebs for the property in question. However, the transaction soon became a point of contention. In a letter dated 10 August 2024, Boniface Makumbi,…

15 Aug

Namibia leads dialogue on agriculture and climate resilience

National Newsagriculture and climate, Kandjii-Murangi, RUFORUM

Niël Terblanché Namibia has once again positioned itself at the forefront of agricultural and scientific innovation by hosting the second triennial conference of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). Namibia's Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, stressed at the start of the conference on Thursday the critical role of agriculture in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2—No Poverty and Zero Hunger. "The theme of this year's conference, 'Operationalising Higher Agricultural Education and Research Ecosystems for Innovation, Industrialisation, and Economic Development in Africa: A Call for Action,' resonates…

15 Aug

Japan extends another lifeline to Namibia

National NewsEl Niño, Japanese government, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)

Niël Terblanché As Southern Africa grapples with one of its most severe droughts in recent history, the Government of Japan has stepped in to provide much-needed relief. The drought, exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, has led to a significant decline in cereal harvests, pushing the region, including Namibia, into a state of serious food insecurity. In response to this crisis, the Japanese government by way of its diplomatic representative to Namibia, Ambassador Hisao Nishimaki, announced that it has committed US$2.5 million in Emergency Grant Aid, with US$500 000 specifically allocated for Namibia. This aid will be administered through…

15 Aug

Repo cut to revive consumer spending

Observer MoneyBank of Namibia, Economist Halleluya Ndimulunde

CHAMWE KAIRA Economist Halleluya Ndimulunde believes that a reduction in the repo rate generally leads to lower borrowing costs for both households and businesses. The Simonis Storm Security economist said in the aftermath of Bank of Namibia cutting the interest rate by 25 basis points down to 7.50%, that this may encourage a revival in private sector credit extension, which has been subdued, as confidence in a less restrictive monetary policy environment grows. “Overall, this rate cut is likely to stimulate economic activity by improving access to credit, thereby supporting increased spending and investment across the economy,” said Ndimulunde. Additionally,…