Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché Namibia's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are shedding their reputation as financial burdens and emerging as vital contributors to national development. This transformation was the central theme at the ninth annual State-Owned Enterprises Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Oshakati over the weekend. The event, which also featured a series of inter-SOE sports events, highlighted the evolving role of SOEs in the country’s economic landscape. The chairperson of the Public Enterprises Chief Executive Officer’s Forum, Fluksman Samuehl, expressed optimism about the future of SOEs. “Namibia’s SOEs are no longer seen as liabilities to the government. They are now crucial partners…

Ester Mbathera Public hospitals are struggling with the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery due to unreturned medical equipment, including wheelchairs, crutches, and other assistive devices, as well as technological products such as prostheses, hearing aids, and visual aids. Walter Kamaya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS), pointed out that the failure to return loaned medical equipment is hampering service provision in public hospitals, particularly within the occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and medical rehabilitation departments. “The personal mobility of clients who require wheelchairs has been greatly impacted due to the shortage of wheelchairs in the country. This…

Niël Terblanché The construction of a new communications tower in Ikumwe village represents a significant milestone in Namibia's quest to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity in rural areas. Emma Theofelus, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, stressed the transformative potential of this project during the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday. According to her, the new tower will usher in a new era of digital inclusion and economic development for the village and the larger Zambezi Region. Theofelus said that the lack of digital infrastructure in Namibia has long hindered local businesses from competing in the broader marketplace, thereby…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has issued a stern warning to the public about a fraudulent scheme involving false promises of employment with the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS). According to Deputy Commissioner John Kambimbi, spokesperson for the NCS, these fraudsters are soliciting money from unsuspecting individuals by claiming they can secure positions at the NCS in exchange for payment. Kambimbi cited numerous instances in which these scams have deceived people. In one notable case, a fraudulent recruiter demanded N$2,000 from a victim, falsely promising that the payment would cover the cost of specialised training…

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Standards Institution (NSI) recently convened a diverse group of stakeholders to strategize on the country’s transition to greener energies to move towards sustainable development, The focus of the discussion was the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework for green hydrogen, aimed at boosting investor confidence and aligning Namibia with global energy markets. Eino Mvula, the chief executive officer of NSI, emphasised the pivotal role of the institution in setting standards that will underpin the growth of the renewable energy sector. “Our goal is to foster economic growth and position Namibia as a leader in renewable energy…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has taken a step towards enhancing its international investment landscape by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea's Trade Investment Promotion Agency. The Namibian Cabinet approved and signed this agreement during last week's inaugural South Korea-Africa summit in Seoul. The summit, a landmark event, brought together representatives from 48 African nations, including 25 African heads of state. The summit's discussions centred on enhancing trade, technology, and investment ties between South Korea and the African continent. According to Eino Mvula, chief executive officer of the Namibia Standards Institution (NSI), the MoU is a crucial development in…

Niël Terblanché Residents of Walvis Bay will face increased utility costs after the town's budget for the upcoming financial year is approved. The Walvis Bay Town Council has greenlighted a budget that includes tariff hikes of 5% for water and 2.5% for sewerage, refuse, rates, and taxes. Richard Hoaeb, the chairperson of the management committee, presented the budget, which totals N$566 million, during a council meeting on Thursday. According to Hoabeb, the budget outlines both expected revenue and expenditure for the new financial year, with each amounting to approximately N$566 million. “This balanced approach adheres to the line ministry’s requirement…