Observer – Page 543 – Windhoek Observer

07 Feb

‘Struggle kids’ too old to benefit, says Kapofi

ObserverNational NewsFrans Kapofi, says Kapofi, ‘Struggle kids’ too old to benefit

Hertha-Maria Amutenja Veterans Minister Frans Kapofi today said that incorporating exile kids into the Veterans ministry and ultimately declaring them veterans or beneficiaries would be an impossible thing to do as the so called struggle kids are not 18 years and below. Kapofi said this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer, shortly after receiving the struggle kids’ petition to have them fall under his ministry. He says only children or dependents under the age of 18 can be registered under the ministry. “They wrote a letter and we have explained to them that the law that we are administering…

07 Feb

Free Wi-Fi motion triggers mixed feelings

ObserverNational NewsFree Wi-Fi motion triggers mixed feelings, Modestus Amutse, Parliamentary Standing Committee on ICT

Martin Endjala The idea of free Wi-Fi across the country particularly in public places, towns, public transportation and schools, has been welcomed by some public members with a cautious mind, as some public members are concerned about the dangers it can bring while also being cognizant of the successes it can bring. However, according to some public members in Luderitz, Bethanie and Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas region, free Wi-Fi will alternatively respond to local digital exclusion. Information Communication Technology stakeholders and Community members noted that it is often low-income communities that are getting left behind by the incumbent ICT infrastructure,…

07 Feb

NAFAU distances itself from suspended Shoprite workers

ObserverNational NewsNAFAU distances itself from suspended Shoprite workers, NAFAU Jacob Penda

Martin Endjala The Namibia Food Allied Union (NAFAU) has distanced itself from the Shoprite workers’ protests, saying that it did not call for such a protest and they have already discussed and advised its members not to participate in illegal protests as this is an infringement of the law. This is according to the Secretary General of NAFAU Jacob Penda, who explained in an interview with the Windhoek Observer that they were not aware of workers suspended for participating in the said illegal protests. He says they have not staged a protest and those who are participating in the protest…

07 Feb

OTA shows self as democratic trailblazer

ObserverNational Newse Paramount Chief of the OTA, Hoze Riruako, OTA shows self as democratic trailblazer

Staff Writer The Ovaherero Traditional Authority(OTA) Spokesperson Uazuva Kaumbi says that the OTA has demonstrated that it is a trailblazer in democratic credentials and culture at a traditional level, which other authorities can learn from and emulate. Kaumbi said this following the election of Hoze Riruako, as the Paramount Chief of the OTA at a marathon senate meeting, which lasted until the wee hours of Sunday morning. While only about 267 delegates partook and voted, delivering Riruako with 195 votes, which is almost triple the collective votes of 74 of the other two aspirants, parliamentarians McHenry Venaani (41) and Mike…

06 Feb

N$ 1.3 million Arts council bursary benefits arts students

ObserverNational NewsN$ 1.3 million Arts council bursary benefits arts students, National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN)

Hertha Maria-Amutenja A total of 36 students from various institutions in Namibia and South Africa are beneficiaries of bursaries worth N$ 1 354 004.88 from the National Arts Council of Namibia. It is reported that 200 applications were received. “Thus, the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has the pleasure to announce the bursary application results, at the value of N$ 1,354,004.88, which will provide bursaries to 36 approved applications under the NACN Bursary Fund,” said the council. The successful applicants consist of 13 students from the College of the Arts, eight students from the University of Namibia, five students…

06 Feb

Father hacks daughter with panga over eggs

ObserverNational NewsEenhana District State, Father hacks daughter with panga over eggs, Johannes Stefanus from Onegandjo

Martin Endjala A 42-year-old man was arrested after he reportedly hacked his nine year old daughter with a panga last Friday. Police say the incident occurred at Engela laShikondongolo village after the suspect discovered his eggs were eaten up. According to the police report, the victim was taken to Eenhana District State hospital and described to be in stable condition. Police investigations continue. In a separate incident, the police are investigating an inquest, after an 87 year old pensioner, Johannes Stefanus from Onegandjo village- Ontananga area hanged himself in his bedroom. No foul play is suspected and his next of…

06 Feb

Loan scheme to boost business enterprises

ObserverNational NewsLoan scheme to boost business enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Martin Endjala Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are now eligible to get a loan scheme from the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises as well as the Bank of Namibia, which will effectively guarantee economic revival after N$ 500 million was availed towards the scheme for eligible enterprises. This commitment was launched last week during the launch of the loan scheme for small and medium enterprises by the Minister of Finance, Iipumbu Shimi. The Ministry of finance today said that the loan scheme is designed to assist Small and Medium Enterprises to withstand the prevailing economic challenges by providing working…

06 Feb

Namibia to reduce duration of business registrations

ObserverNational NewsBusiness and Intellectual Property Authority(BIPA)., Lucia Iipumbu, Namibia to reduce duration of business registrations

Martin Endjala The Minister of Industrialization and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu today said that due to outdated laws, business processes and procedures have been hampered, while also stating that they do not speak to the current environment and have been a hindrance towards the ease of doing business in Namibia. According to the minister, Namibia performed poorly in terms of ease of doing business rankings. This, she said is due to a number of challenges, of which one is the number of days it takes to start a business. Iipumbu made comparisons with South Africa, Botswana and Rwanda. She says while…

03 Feb

OTA poised for another Paramount Chief

ObserverNational NewsOTA poised for another Paramount Chief, Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA)

Staff Writer The Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA) is poised for another and second Paramount Chief (PC) with the elections scheduled tomorrow in Otjimbingue. This is after another group last year already elected and inaugurated in the same position, Mutjinde Katjiua, to replace the late late Vekuii Rukoro. The OTA calls its chief Paramount Chief, which is permissible in terms of the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000, for any authority to call its leader by her/his preferred title. But in terms of the Traditional Authorities Act of 2000, the OTA chief is equal to all chiefs of other traditional authorities recognised…

03 Feb

LPM petitions against CPBN

ObserverNational Newse Central Procurement Board of Namibia, LPM petitions against CPBN

Martin Endjala The Landless Peoples Movement have submitted a petition calling on the Central Procurement Board of Namibia to submit solutions on accountability, fairness and inclusion for all, in the interest of all citizens. The petition was handed over today by LPM former Windhoek Mayor Sade Gawanas who said that “as the citizens of the Republic of Namibia and the members of the people’s movement and as undersigned eligible voters of Namibia in accordance with the constitution of this country. Petition for the procurement board of Namibia, to submit the following solutions in the interest of accountability, fairness and inclusion…