Observer

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Masubia Traditional Authority given three months to elect a chief

Masubia Traditional Authority given three months to elect a chief

Martin Endjala Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni, has given the Masubia Traditional Authority three months to choose one candidate for the chieftainship position which has been vacant since the death of former chief Munitenge Kisco Liswani III in July 2021. Uutoni wrote to Masubia Traditional Community Head Princess, Sinte Maiba, earlier this month, informing her about the outcome of the ministerial investigations in the chieftainship succession dispute which was carried out between 05 to 18 December 2022 and 15 to 20 May 2023. The minister informed Maiba that, the investigating committee revealed that according to their observations,…
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Repo rate remains unchanged at 7.75 percent

Repo rate remains unchanged at 7.75 percent

Martin Endjala Following a comprehensive review of global, regional and domestic economic developments, the Bank of Namibia Monetary Policy Committee decided to maintain the current repo rate at 7.75 percent for the next two months, while also ensuring that stable platforms are created to grow the economy. During the announcement yesterday in Oshakati, Bank of Namibia Governor, Johannes !Gawaxab, responded to concerns and the impact the repo rate has on the economy and unemployed individuals. He said that the repo rate has a negative and positive impact on people’s lives and the economy, however, he is of the view that…
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Venaani claims rural SMEs lack support for business development

Venaani claims rural SMEs lack support for business development

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Leader, McHenry Venaani, says there is a huge gap existing in the country’s rural areas in accessing to necessary resources for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) development. “Without adequate funding, coaching and mentoring resources, these businesses are hindered from reaching their full potential and driving sustainable economic growth in their communities,” he said. He highlighted that SMEs play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and fostering local development. “It is for this reason, the government should address the challenges faced by rural SMEs and empower them to contribute effectively to…
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Oil and Gas Conference kicks off today

Oil and Gas Conference kicks off today

Niël Terblanché Namibia is fast emerging as one of the world’s final frontiers for oil exploration with sizeable oil discoveries already announced offshore. Over 700 delegates are expected to attend the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2023, and the occasion is set to become one of the biggest civil society-focused events of the year. Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila is set to officially open the conference later today. The primary objective of the conference is to create a platform for a large-scale public consultation, bringing together key stakeholders including industry experts, policymakers and civil society to discuss and explore opportunities, challenges,…
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Kevin de Bruyne injury: Man City midfielder out for up to four months and may need surgery

Kevin de Bruyne injury: Man City midfielder out for up to four months and may need surgery

Kevin de Bruyne could miss the next four months of the season as Manchester City decide whether he needs surgery on a hamstring injury, manager Pep Guardiola says. The 32-year-old limped off after 23 minutes in City’s opening win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Friday. De Bruyne also went off injured during the Champions League final win over Inter Milan in June. “It’s a serious injury,” said Guardiola. Super Cup: Man City have hunger to win every trophy - Rodri The Belgium midfielder missed all City’s pre-season matches and returned as a second-half substitute in the Community Shield defeat…
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Inspiring American Para-Swimmer EncouragesNamibian Athlete to Dream Big

Inspiring American Para-Swimmer EncouragesNamibian Athlete to Dream Big

Diego Kahlari In a heart-warming display of cross-continental support and camaraderie, American para-swimmer and member of the U.S. Paralympics 2023 National Team, Taylor Winnet, recently connected with aspiring Namibian para-swimmer, Keila de Oliviera. The virtual meeting served as a beacon of encouragement and empowerment, as the seasoned athlete shared her remarkable journey and offered invaluable insights to inspire Keila’s own para-swimming career. Taylor Winnet has overcome formidable challenges to become a beacon of inspiration in the para-sports community. After sustaining a series of life-altering accidents, Winnet discovered the world of Paralympic Swimming through Coach Brian Loeffler from Loyola University Maryland.…
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International pressure dictating the management of our natural resources: Hambukushu Chief

International pressure dictating the management of our natural resources: Hambukushu Chief

Stefanus Nashama Chief of the Hambukushu tribe, Erwin Munika Mbambo, has deeply expressed his concern over the issue of Namibia’s Obeisance to international pressure on how the country manages its natural resources. As a traditional leader, Mbambo said he has observed that international conservation groups have tendencies to dictate and manipulate how African countries should manage their natural resources, causing the country to suffer the consequences afterward. According to him, international conservation individuals have no understanding of the social dimensions and realities of local communities in countries, like Namibia, citing that their interest only relies on their benefits. In this…
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Leader of protesting DRC residents not eligible for more housing

Leader of protesting DRC residents not eligible for more housing

Niël Terblanché A group of frustrated residents of the DRC informal settlement of Swakopmund gathered at the municipality’s head office to demand faster and more effective action on housing matters because they were reportedly overlooked by the local authority. According to Linda Mupupa, the Public Relations Officer of the Swakopmund Municipality, the group of disgruntled people marched to the municipality headquarters this morning last Friday to voice their concerns over the slow progress with the local authority’s way of addressing housing issues. “The residents intended to present a petition demanding faster and more effective action on housing matters as they…
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Trade ministry gets IT equipment worth N$ 123 m to boost international markets

Trade ministry gets IT equipment worth N$ 123 m to boost international markets

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has received Information Technology (IT) equipment from the European Union (EU) worth N$ 123 million to help the country boost international markets. The equipment is provided through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation Plan Programme that exist between Namibia and the EU. They are intended to assist operations of the Directorate of International Trade Programme in the ministry, which aims to enhance Namibia’s access to export markets by improving the Government’s capacity to manage international trade agreements, with a specific focus on trade with the EU. During the handover ceremony which took…
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Destination Namibia sees record number of tourist arrivals

Destination Namibia sees record number of tourist arrivals

Niël Terblanché Namibia recorded a record increase in the number of international and inbound tourists last year. Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism during the launch of the Annual Tourist Statistical Report for 2022 said the country experienced a record 98.1 percent increase in tourist arrivals from 232 756 in 2021) to 461 027 in 2022. He added that the figure indicates a 28.9 percent recovery level from the annual tourist arrivals of 2019. “The report highlights and summarizes tourist arrivals in the country and also includes variables such as age group, gender, point of entry, purpose…
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