Windhoek Observer – Page 598 – Windhoek Observer

08 Apr

Justice ministry spent N$35 million on legal aid

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe A total of 9,110 people applied for legal aid during the 2023/24 financial year, of which 5,428 applications were granted while some are still pending. This was done with a budget of N$35 million, which includes expenditure for ongoing cases. The Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab revealed this in the National Assembly this week during the budget debate. She stated that Namibia is one of the few countries in the African continent that provides legal aid to indigent litigants at the expense of the State. Therefore, the government makes budget provisions for that purpose every year, because access…

08 Apr

Namdeb workers claim union received bribes while workers sleep in the open

National News

Martin Endjala Employees of Namdeb who have been sleeping in tents in Oranjemund accused the Mineworkers Union (MUN) of taking bribes from the country’s largest diamond miner, to ignore their problems with proper housing. “We are paid up members to the union. This union ought to fight for us, but for reasons only known to them, they are very reluctant to fight our issue, it seems like they got bribed to look the other way. We have sent letters to the union but received no feedback until now. We are still sleeping outside and this is unacceptable. We worked for…

08 Apr

Lion mauls resident of Katima

National News

Niël Terblanché A resident of Katima Mulilo, Likando Mambena, sustained serious injuries when a stray lion attacked him earlier on Monday. The lion is possibly part of a pride of lions that were seen crossing into Lake Liambezi in the area of Zilitene via Salambala. The lions are presumably from Botswana. The lions were also sighted in the surroundings of Musanga and Serera last weekend. An initial report provided by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said they are aware of the lions on the loose in the Zambezi region. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, details are…

08 Apr

Another woman brutally murdered

Main

Niël Terblanché The 29-year-old Frieda Amadhila was allegedly killed by her 22-year-old boyfriend in the early hours of Monday at a flat in Windhoek. Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga, member of the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division, confirmed that Amadhila was stabbed in the chest and arms with a knife at around 01:07 today. It is alleged that the suspect and the deceased were fighting in their residence in a block of flats on Ballot Street. He said the neighbours called the police and reported the domestic violence incident. Upon arrival, the police found the flat locked and were informed by…

08 Apr

Katjavivi want ACC budget increased to better combat corruption

Featured

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi called for an increase in the budgetary allocation of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Katjavivi made the call during the budget motivation in Parliament last week, emphasizing the role the commission plays in combating corruption within Namibia. “I therefore will appeal that we should look at how best we can allocate more resources to fund ACC for it to execute its mandate efficiently. Allow me to reiterate and emphasize that the impact of corruption is severe if it is allowed to persist. It impacts negatively on investors’ confidence, economic growth…

08 Apr

President Mbumba gains insight into green economy advances

Featured

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba took strides towards advancing Namibia's green economy and economic independence during engagements in Lüderitz over the weekend. He initiated several projects aimed at promoting renewable energy and local development. This included the inauguration of the Hyphen Meteorological Mast to measure wind potential for renewable energy generation, and a visit to the site of the Hyphen Angra Point Industrial Chemical Facility, which showcased infrastructure developments for ammonia storage, water abstraction, and desalination. Mbumba also met with the town council's management, executives from government institutions, and local business leaders to discuss plans for upcoming projects aimed at…

08 Apr

Swapo members distance themselves from IPC funding allegations.

National News

Ester Mbathera Former Swapo parliamentarians have distanced themselves from a list circulating on social media claiming they are part of a group that funds the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party. On the list are Helmuth Angula, Isack Katali, and Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana, business personalities Marth Namundjebo-Tilahun, Erastus Shapumba, and Israel Kalenga, as well as the founderof the International University of Management (IUM), David Namwandi. The message comes as many are questioning the fundraising of the IPC, which recently acquired a fleet of 100 vehicles. Ivula-Ithana said the list is old but believes its resurrection serves a particular agenda aimed at…

08 Apr

Police looking at new strategy to fight GBV

Main

Hertta-Maria Amutenja and Niël Terblanché In light of escalating concerns surrounding gender-based violence (GBV), the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo said the law enforcement agency is looking to implement new strategies to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV). “Identifying and calling survivors to speak out is the main focus. When survivors are speaking out, potential victims could be saved. They will know what signs to look out for. As of May, we are to have our police band across the country and invite people and GBV survivors to come out and talk about their experiences in the…

08 Apr

Nashua Namibia Partners with Cricket Namibia to Launch Junior Franchise Cricket Competition

Sports

Cricket Namibia has marked a historic moment in the country's cricketing landscape with the launch of the Nashua Junior Franchise competition, aimed at nurturing young cricketing talent. The draft for this groundbreaking competition took place on April 4th at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, heralding a new era for youth cricket in the nation. The draft saw 137 aspiring cricketers being selected into six teams, comprising three U14 teams and three U19 teams. Notable team owners, including Grove Mall, STADIO Higher Education, Ashburton Investments, and KFC, have come forward to support this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to the…

08 Apr

Ondangwa Town Council Boosts Local Sports Teams with N$93,000 Sponsorship

Featured, SportsOndangwa Town Council Boosts Local Sports Teams with N$93

In a bid to bolster community development and support local sporting talent, the Ondangwa Town Council has extended a generous sponsorship to five football teams and one volleyball team, totaling N$93,000 worth of football and volleyball items. The beneficiary teams include the SOS Volleyball Academy, the Ondangwa Soccer Academy, Young Braves Football Club, Ondangwa United Football Club, Mama Love Football Club, and KK Palace Football Club. This investment underscores the council’s commitment to nurturing grassroots sports and empowering youth within the region. Mayor Paavo Amwele expressed gratitude towards the teams for their invaluable contribution to the town’s development, emphasizing the…