Windhoek Observer – Page 574 – Windhoek Observer

08 Mar

Commitment strengthens the pillars of democracy in Namibia

Editorial

Niël Terblanché As Namibia embarks on yet another significant chapter in its democratic journey, the 2024 electoral processes, including the General Registration of Voters (GRV) and the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the nation's commitment to democratic principles must be the ultimate focus. The Electoral Commission of Namibia's (ECN) launch of the Electoral Calendar, Democracy Building, Awareness Campaign, and Service Charter in Windhoek marks a crucial moment, underlining an integrated effort to modernize and refine electoral systems. Yet, this moment also invites the nation to reflect critically on the health of democracy in Namibia, assessing both its strengths and the…

08 Mar

The fugitive Nico Rabebe was apprehended

National News

Niël Terblanché The nationwide manhunt for 30-year-old Nico Rabebe, a former Bank Windhoek employee accused of an audacious N$200 million theft, concluded with his arrest in Opuwo yesterday. Rabebe’s run from the law ended quietly at his girlfriend’s residence, where, in a surprising twist, he elected to turn himself in to investigators of the Namibian Police. Kunene Police Regional Commander, Commissioner James Nderura, confirmed the arrest took place early yesterday morning at about 07:00. The fugitive instructed his girlfriend to inform the police of his desire to surrender. This unexpected move brought an end to a saga that captivated the…

08 Mar

CoW approves new township development

National NewsCoW approves new township development

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek Municipal Council has last week approved the establishment of a new township on Portion 317 of Rocky Crest The new township development will be known as Rocky Crest Extension 8. The Mayor of Windhoek, Queen Kamati said, the move is aimed at addressing the escalating demand for urban housing and related amenities in the city. The proposed extension measures about 25 hectares and consists of 227 erven. It is situated to the south of the existing Rocky Crest township, along the eastern boundary of Otjomuise Road, and the northwestern boundary of Bernt Carlson Road.…

08 Mar

Tsumkwe community calls for educational expansion

National NewsTsumkwe community calls for educational expansion

Niël Terblanché In the remote settlement of Tsumkwe, a growing plea for educational reform and expansion echoes through its communities. Residents are calling for the establishment of a technical and vocational training centre, alongside the construction of more schools to accommodate the burgeoning youth population. These requests, initially presented to the Ministry of Higher Education, Innovation, and Technology two years ago, seem to have yet to prompt the desired action, leaving the community in a state of desperation. The community’s determination is evident in the proactive steps taken by the local community development committee, which has already earmarked land for…

07 Mar

Comprehensive electoral calendar for Elections 2024 launched

Main

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has officially unveiled the 2024 Electoral Calendar, Democracy Building, and Awareness Campaign alongside the Service Charter. The launch is an essential element for Namibian democracy and it is also a significant stride towards the strengthening thereof and ensuring efficient electoral processes. The ECN's Chairperson, Dr Elsie Nghikembua, said at the launch that the Electoral Calendar presents a detailed roadmap of all electoral activities slated for the year, encompassing the pre-election phase, the election phase, and the post-election phase. Nghikembua underscored the essence of the Calendar in facilitating meticulous planning, coordination, and execution…

07 Mar

Namibia and Angola enhance trade payment mechanism

National News

Martin Endjala Namibia and Angola on Wednesday announced progress in the issuance and use of innovative payment mechanisms between the two countries to respond to the need for smoother trade and transactions. This is an outcome of a renewed push by the two central banks to enhance the movement of goods and services between the two countries which was inspired by excellent government-to-government relations. The Governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Johannes !Gawaxab, said the payment systems include a variety of platforms and services that enable businesses, individuals, government and other economic agents to conduct daily financial transactions without…

07 Mar

MVA Fund takes road safety initiative to the Kunene Region

National News

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) has embarked on a week-long initiative which is aimed at increasing road safety awareness in the region, educating the public about the Fund’s mandate, benefits, and the Fund’s claims process. The outreach programme will take place in the Kunene Region and is set to run from 6 to 12 March where it will demonstrate the fund's commitment to continue to deliver services directly to residents in communities. MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku said that the Kunene region has been identified as an area that is generating a significant number of…

07 Mar

Capricorn Group creates stakeholder value worth N$2.42 billion

National News

Martin Endjala In its interim financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2023, the Capricorn Group said in their report that it created a value of N$2.42 billion for all its stakeholders. The Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Thinus Prinsloo said the Group's positive financial performance enabled the bank to create value for all stakeholders, contributing to the socio-economic development of Namibia and Botswana and positively impacting many lives including employees, suppliers, shareholders, communities and government. The value is spread across its shareholders mainly, its employees at an amount of N$563 million, the government through taxes N$574 million, ordinary…

07 Mar

Revised resettlement policy aimed at improved agricultural productivity

Observer MoneyRevised resettlement policy aimed at improved agricultural productivity

Niël Terblanché In a significant stride towards rectifying past injustices and fostering equitable land distribution, the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, presented the revised national resettlement policy to Parliament on Tuesday. Set to come into effect in April 2024, the new policy will span the next decade and aims to ensure that land acquired by the government is allocated equitably and utilized sustainably to enhance livelihoods across Namibia. Schlettwein articulated that the policy specifically targets Namibians devoid of agricultural land, including those historically disadvantaged by discriminatory laws and practices. The revised policy categorizes potential beneficiaries into…

07 Mar

Namfisa’s reform strategy will spearhead financial sector evolution

Observer MoneyNamfisa’s reform strategy will spearhead financial sector evolution

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) will undergo a critical transformation aimed at revamping its regulatory and supervisory framework to foster innovation, enhance service delivery, and ensure a robust financial sector. Namfisa’s Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Matomola, Namfisa’s stated that the reform strategy is multifaceted, focusing on institutional, legislative, and supervisory changes. Namfisa, tasked with overseeing non-banking financial institutions, has identified outdated laws as significant impediments to innovation and efficient implementation. The existing regulatory framework, based on a compliance-driven approach, contrasts sharply with the global shift towards risk-based supervision. To address these challenges, according to Matomola, Namfisa…