info_e12wt4cs – Page 493

08 Nov

ECN refutes allegations of inconsistency in new system

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has strongly denied allegations made by the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) regarding the consistency of the new integrated election system. ECN’s Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Peter Shaama, stressed that the 2024 integrated election system is both valid and transparent, asserting its functionality. In a statement issued by LPM Representative, Ivan Skrywer, concerns were raised about inconsistencies in the new integrated election system, which allegedly involved local high school learners while sidelining ECN officials who played a crucial role in its design. Skrywer also claimed that ECN officials were kept in the…

08 Nov

Khomas Regional Council charts a new course for citizen satisfaction

info_e12wt4csNational NewsKhomas Regional Council charts a new course for citizen satisfaction, Shaalukeni John Moonde

Niël Terblanché The Khomas Regional Council has convened in Swakopmund for a critical mid-year review, where they assessed their accomplishments in the first two quarters of the year and contemplated the challenges faced in their pursuit of citizen satisfaction. Council Chairman, Shaalukeni John Moonde, set the tone for the session by emphasizing the need for the council to stay true to the aspirations of the region’s residents and channel their energy and resources toward meeting citizen expectations. “Our government has identified priority areas to uplift our people from poverty and underdevelopment. Our plans and strategies are all aligned with national…

08 Nov

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State visits Namibia to strengthen bilateral relations

info_e12wt4csNational NewsMoly Phee, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State visits Namibia to strengthen bilateral relations

Niël Terblanché Moly Phee, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, paid a courtesy call on President Hage Geingob at State House earlier this week, as part of her four-day visit to Namibia. The primary aim of her visit is to bolster and deepen the already strong relations between Namibia and the United States. During their meeting, Phee expressed her appreciation to President Geingob for his exceptional leadership, significant contributions to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and his vital role within the African Union in addressing governance challenges across the continent. She also commended the President…

08 Nov

Structural changes and administrativereforms yield positive results

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has embarked on a comprehensive reform initiative of the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS), resulting in the recovery of N$43 million. According to Wilson Shikoto, the spokesperson of the Finance Ministry, PSEMAS has had unsustainable expenditure patterns over the years, prompting a need for structural changes to ensure its long-term viability. “The unsustainable escalation of expenditures in recent years prompted the government to undertake a holistic reform effort,” Shikoto said in a statement. He indicated that a consortium of consultants with extensive expertise in the industry was engaged to provide…

08 Nov

Urban ministry owes CoW more than N$100 million

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja City of Windhoek (CoW) leadership has revealed that the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development owes the city over N$100 million, adding to the capital city’s ongoing fiscal challenges. This revelation comes alongside the approval of the city’s 2023/24 budget, which has grown to a substantial N$5 billion. “The ministry owes us N$ 110 million including interest. They have committed to repay it. We are expecting an answer soon on what will be refunded,” said CoW Strategic executive for Finance and Customer Services, Jennifer Comalie. Mayor Joseph Uapingene emphasised that the approved budget serves as evidence of the…

07 Nov

Artist in the spotlight: Pekelatate Haindongo

info_e12wt4csFeaturedArtist in the spotlight: Pekelatate Haindongo

Who are you, where are you from and how did you get into the arts and the photography industry? I am Pekelatate Haindongo, a full time photographer based in Swakopmund. In 2018 my big brother acquired a small camera, that ended up spending more time in my hands and that’s when I grew fond of photography, and seemingly, having little time for anything else. At some point, it might have been an obsession. What is your earliest memory of you being creative?I guess I have been creative for as long I can remember. I was a decent drawer from my…

07 Nov

MTC dedicates ‘knockout’ project towards Brave Warriors’ journey to AFCON

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Staff Writer Premier digital enabler, MTC Namibia, through its annual innovative initiative, the MTC Knockout Project, has this year resolved to dedicate the flagship social project to the senior national team the Tafel Lager Brave Warriors as they prepare for AFCON 2024. The Knockout Project, which in its’ three editions raised money to sensitize and create dialogue around GBV, then continued to raise funds to build affordable housing for the homeless, before bolstering TVET students and upcoming gardeners to aid in food security, will this year lobby for financial support amongst corporates to bolster the Brave Warriors on their campaign…

07 Nov

Groundbreaking ceremony marks Namibia’s path to green iron production

info_e12wt4csNational NewsGroundbreaking ceremony marks Namibia’s path to green iron production

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Minister in the Presidency, Christine //Hoebes, underscored Namibia’s commitment to addressing the universal challenge of climate change. “As we stand here in the majestic landscape of the Namib Desert, we are celebrating a project that will bring us a step closer to achieving this goal. The HyIron Oshivela project has the potential to contribute towards the decarbonisation of the planet while positioning Namibia at the forefront of the green industrial transition. In addition to that, because of this project, Namibia will become the first country in the world to produce green iron, which is iron produced at zero…

07 Nov

Regional Dialogue ready to address urgent climate challenges

info_e12wt4csNational NewsRegional Dialogue ready to address urgent climate challenges

Niël Terblanché Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased climate variability are among the most difficult challenges faced by Africa. Climate change poses an existential threat to the population, environment, and economy of the continent. Pohamba Shifeta, Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, called on regional leadership for collective action against the pressing climate crisis. He officiated at the official opening of the Green Climate Fund’s Regional Dialogue with Africa. Shifeta stressed the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. “The consequences of climate change in Africa are vast,…

07 Nov

Unpaid census enumerators a concern for UPM

info_e12wt4csNational NewsUnpaid census enumerators a concern for UPM

Stefanus Nashama The United Peoples Movement (UPM) has expressed its disappointment with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) for not paying the enumeration workers, who participated in the fieldwork of the 2023 Population and Housing Census. Expressing the concern last week, the party leader Jan van Wyk, stated that it is unbelievable that the agency would continuously fail to address the issue of pending payments. “It is unacceptable that workers must now wait so long for their hard-earned wages, further deepening the financial woes they currently face. These same workers have endured a lot of inconvenience in ensuring the job is…