Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché In an effort towards strengthening environmental protection, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, has urged traditional leaders to adhere to the Environmental Management Act (EMA) when allocating land. The minister spoke at the appointment of new environmental officers in Windhoek on Friday. Shifeta expressed concerns over the illegal sale and allocation of land in protected areas, as well as the authorization of activities that negatively impact the environment without obtaining the necessary environmental clearance certificates. Shifeta stressed the critical role of traditional leaders in safeguarding the environment, noting that their decisions have far-reaching consequences for…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja International organisations and local activists have expressed support for the Namibian High Court’s ruling that declared the sodomy law unconstitutional and invalid. The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) congratulated Friedel Dausab and the Namibian legal team for this landmark ruling on their social media platform X. "Well done to the legal team," SALC said. Global Black Gay Men Connect celebrated the ruling, stating, "We celebrate today's high court ruling in Namibia that declared the criminalisation of sexual acts between men in Namibia as unconstitutional and invalid! Sodomy and 'unnatural sexual offences' are common law crimes that are unconstitutional…

Ester Mbathera Research on climate change and its effects on the nation's marine ecosystem is lacking. This is according to the outgoing member of the Marine Resource Council, Alex Kirov. Kirov, who has been in the fishing industry for over 30 years and has served on the council since 2021, believes there is a need for more research, especially on the various non-quota species that may be considered harvestable resources. “Unfortunately, the problem of limited research is more complex than simply saying we need more research. Our marine scientists will require additional funding, as well as the support of other…

Niël Terblanché Investors, business leaders, senior government officials, and expert advisors from 41 countries are set to gather in Windhoek from 25 to 27 June 2024 for a landmark event in the hospitality industry—the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF). The three-day forum, a first for Southern Africa, promises high-level networking, formal business meetings, and in-depth discussions on the latest trends and developments in the hospitality sector. Months of meticulous planning have culminated in this significant event, spearheaded by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). As the host partner, NIPDB played a pivotal role in securing the bid for…

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s agricultural sector witnessed a significant milestone with the launch of Kadila Poultry Farming on Friday. Calle Schlettwein, the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, said at the inauguration of the new project that it is set to reinforce the country's food security, create jobs, and empower local communities. Schlettwein stressed the importance of Kadila Poultry in enhancing Namibia's agricultural landscape. "We are not just inaugurating a new poultry farm; we are celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and private sector initiative that drives our nation forward," he said. The Minister reiterated the vital role of the…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) celebrated its 34th anniversary on 21 June 2024 at the Lt Gen Dimo Hamaambo Garrison in Grootfontein. The event, which commemorated the establishment and achievements of the NDF, was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi. Kapofi while addressing dignitaries and soldiers assembled on parade, paid tribute to the NDF’s remarkable journey since its inception in 1990, following Namibia’s independence. He honoured the memory of the late Lieutenant General Jerobeam Dimo Hamaambo, the NDF’s first Chief of Defence, who played a crucial role in uniting former combatants of…

Niël Terblanché Dr George Simataa, the Secretary to the Cabinet, has clarified the qualifying criteria for receiving drought relief, highlighting the need for improved communication from public servants to ensure those in need benefit from government initiatives. Speaking at the Public Sector Information Sharing Session in Opuwolast week, Simataa stated that households with a combined income of N$3 200 per month or less are eligible for drought relief assistance. Simataa pointed out a substantial lack of information dissemination regarding the Drought Relief Programme, which has led to many rural communities not benefiting from the programme despite being eligible. He attributed…

Niël Terblanché In a historic and momentous judgment delivered on Friday, a panel of Namibian High Court Judges declared the common law offences of sodomy and whatever else is deemed as unnatural sexual offences between men, unconstitutional. The conclusion was reached by High Court justices Nate Ndauendapo, Shafimana Ueitele, and Claudia Claasen and the ruling is being celebrated as a major victory for the LGBTQ+ community in Namibia, signifying a vital step towards equality and justice. The case, brought forward by Friedel Laurentius Dausab against the Minister of Justice and other key government officials, challenged the constitutionality of laws that…