info_e12wt4cs – Page 470

28 Feb

Mbumba applauds the unity and spirit of Namibians

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba, in a heartfelt address to the nation, expressed profound gratitude towards the people of Namibia for their dignified and orderly conduct in the wake of President Hage Geingob's passing. He said that throughout the three weeks of national mourning, Namibians across the country came together in an outstanding display of unity, resilience, and grace while paying tribute to Geingob's enduring legacy. Mbumba commended the nation for its collective spirit during this period of profound loss, highlighting how Namibians "held hands in mourning and honour of Geingob's legacy in the most befitting manner." The President remarked…

28 Feb

National Budget prioritises social welfare

info_e12wt4csMainNational Budget prioritises social welfare

Niël Terblanché In a move aimed at bolstering social welfare and economic stability, Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi announced an increase of N$200 in the Old Age Grant and the Disability Grant from N$1,400 to N$1,600 per month The increase will become effective on 1 April 2024. He made the announcement during the tabling of the National Budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the living standards of its most vulnerable citizens. Shiimi acknowledged the aspirations of the late President for a considerable uplift in the Old Age Grant. “We fully recognize the dream of our departed President for a significant…

28 Feb

Namibia hosts crucial transport and logistics conference to bolster regional development

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia hosts crucial transport and logistics conference to bolster regional development

Niël Terblanché Namibia further solidified its pivotal role in the development regional transport and logistics sector by, for the first time, hosting the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Intermodal Africa Conference and Exhibition in Swakopmund. John Mutorwa, the Minister of Transport and Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia, officiated the official opening of the intermodal conference where he stressed the Namibian government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure development and maintenance through the continued creation of sectoral policy, regulation, and applicable laws. “Logistics and transportation management are essential for international trade, and it is…

28 Feb

Egypt pledges support to Namibia in wake of President Geingob’s death

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Egypt, in a selfless gesture of solidarity, has extended its support to Namibia following the death of President Hage Geingob. Mohamed Hegazy, the Special Envoy of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, met with President Nangolo Mbumba, at the State House to convey Egypt's condolences and to offer assistance. During the meeting, Hegazy expressed Egypt's readiness to support Namibia as it navigates the aftermath of President Geingob's passing. The special envoy highlighted the strong historical ties between the two countries, stressing the successes of past project cooperation and the shared grief over the loss of a prominent African leader. President…

28 Feb

Government’s microfinancing fund will assist SMEs

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala The government has decided to step in to establish a microfinancing fund tailor-made to assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a result of limited funding for SME loan schemes by the Development Bank of Namibia and other challenges. The new plan was announced by Prime Minister Saara Kuukongelwa-Amadhila in Parliament earlier today. The Prime Minister was responding to a motion tabled by a member of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Maximillian Katjimune. The motion is calling for an investigation into the bottlenecks around financing for SMEs in Namibia to unleash greater access and economic potential for the…

28 Feb

Boosted bunkering services enable Walvis Bay to capitalise on the Suez Canal crisis

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyBoosted bunkering services enable Walvis Bay to capitalise on the Suez Canal crisis

Niël Terblanché The port of Walvis Bay has witnessed a remarkable 32 percent year-on-year increase in vessel calls for the year ending on 31 December 2023 because of the continued surge of maritime activity around the southern tip of Africa The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) attributed the growth in port calls to a variety of vessels including container ships, dry bulk carriers, and reefers to geopolitical tensions that have prompted a significant shift in global shipping routes. Andrew Kanime, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Namport, said the surge is not just in the number of vessels but also in…

28 Feb

NWR observes surge in bookings of out-of-town conference venues by companies

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyNWR observes surge in bookings of out-of-town conference venues by companies

Martin Endjala The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has witnessed a remarkable surge in companies and organisations opting for out-of-town conference venues in a bid to prioritise productivity and focus during business gatherings. NWR Corporate Communications Manager Nelson Ashipala, who is also responsible for overseeing meetings, conferences and event bookings, shared insights into this growing trend. Ashipala said that with the advantage of reduced disturbances and distractions, venues such as Gross Barmen and Hardap Dam resorts have become sought-after destinations for corporate events. Traditionally, bustling urban environments often accompany conferences and business meetings, leading to interruptions and distractions. However, the serene…

28 Feb

Women Take the Lead in Football Administration Workshop in Zambezi Region

info_e12wt4csSportsWomen Take the Lead in Football Administration Workshop in Zambezi Region

In a significant step forward for gender inclusivity in sports administration, women took center stage at the recently concluded administration workshop for the Zambezi Football Regional League. Held from February 13 to 16, 2024, at the Katima Mulilo Youth Centre, the workshop saw a remarkable dominance of female participants. Supported by the Namibia Football Association (NFA), the workshop welcomed a total of twelve women football club administrators out of 24 participants for an intensive four-day program. Covering a wide array of topics, the course aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills crucial for effective football management. Among the…

28 Feb

Young people are surviving on the pensions of their grandparents – Venaani

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement, McHenry Venaani, said young people, especially in the rural areas depend on the pension of their grandparents to survive. This, he said, is because the country’s economy is not functioning for young people to start up and grow small and medium enterprises (SMEs). “Penioners drive the economy in the villages because there is no functional rural economy. Young people live on the pension money,” Venaani said. He was contributing to a motion brought to parliament yesterday by the PDM’s member, Maximillian Katjimune, for the house to investigate the bottlenecks around SME’s…

28 Feb

Innovative solutions address CoW’s financial challenges

info_e12wt4csNational NewsInnovative solutions address CoW’s financial challenges

Niël Terblanché The City of Windhoek (CoW) has announced a series of strategic measures that have led to a marked improvement in the municipality’s fiscal health over the last two financial years in a significant turnaround from previous financial challenges. According to a statement by the CoW, the key that was central to this success has been the containment of over-expenditure, with amongst others, a freeze on salary increases since 2020. To address financial inefficiencies, the CoW has embarked on a rigorous cost-cutting initiative that has substantially enhanced the municipality’s liquidity. The statement indicated that fiscal prudence has been accompanied…