Windhoek Observer – Page 609 – Windhoek Observer

21 Feb

Overpriced school furniture angers taxpayers

National News

Martin Endjala The procurement of school furniture which the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MOEAC) purchased for an amount of N$1 578, 600, has left taxpayers fuming to what they term as ridiculous and unacceptable. According to purchase order documents seen by Windhoek Observer, which the ministry confirmed, 240 mattresses were procured. The ministry was charged N$1200 per learner chair, N$1500 per learner table, N$2 700 per teacher desk, N$2 500 per teacher chair, N$4000 for each laboratory tool and N$5 500 for the 120 bunk beds. The school in question is the Himarwa Iithete Senior Secondary School, situated…

21 Feb

World leaders will gather for President Geingob’s final farewell

MainWorld leaders will gather for President Geingob’s final farewell

Niël Terblanché In a sincere display of international solidarity and respect, leaders from at least 27 countries are set to converge in Namibia for the final memorial and state funeral services of the late President Hage Geingob. The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, announced that the ceremony will see an unprecedented gathering of 18 Heads of State, alongside Prime Ministers, Speakers, and Ambassadors at Large, reflecting the global impact of President Geingob’s legacy. As the capital city braces for the influx of dignitaries, the government has issued a call to road users to observe traffic regulations, ensuring…

21 Feb

Uumati challenges suspension amidst allegations of discrimination

National NewsUumati challenges suspension amidst allegations of discrimination

Niël Terblanché Dr Martha Uumati, the suspended Managing Director of Erongo Marine Enterprises (EME), has initiated legal action against the Oceana Group, accusing the company of unlawful suspension and discrimination The dramatic twist in the dispute, which has sparked widespread attention, centres around allegations of racism, gender discrimination, and procedural irregularities in Uumati’s suspension process. Uumati found herself in the middle of a storm following her suspension last week. According to Advocate Richard Metcalfe, Uumati’s legal representative, the suspension came without a formal board resolution from Oceana’s local subsidiary and disregarded Namibian company legislation. Metcalfe further accuses Oceana’s CEO, Neville…

21 Feb

NSA concludes census fieldwork

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has concluded the 2023 population and housing census fieldwork. Statistician-General, Alex Shimuafeni, made an official announcement yesterday. Shimuafeni said there would no longer be census officials going around to households for any census-related activities. “We extend our profound appreciation for the support and full participation of all individuals, households, structures, and institutions, for ensuring that everyone was counted,” he acknowledged. According to the report from NSA, seen by Windhoek Observer, the census fieldwork commenced with the data collection on 18 September 2023 and concluded with the post-enumeration survey (PES) reconciliation field visits on…

21 Feb

MME maintains licensing moratorium to support existing businesses

National NewsMME maintains licensing moratorium to support existing businesses

Niël Terblanché In a critical move aimed at stabilizing the fuel retail sector, Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo recently reaffirmed the government’s stance to uphold the moratorium on issuing new fuel wholesale and retail licenses. During a presentation in the National Assembly, Alweendo reiterated the government’s intention to protect the interests of existing fuel retailers amid concerns over market saturation. The moratorium, which was initially announced in the middle of last year, seeks to address the grievances of current fuel business operators. These operators have voiced their challenges following the ministry’s issuance of a significant number of retail licenses,…

21 Feb

Erongo Region Commemorates Geingob’s legacy with memorial tree planting

National NewsErongo Region Commemorates Geingob’s legacy with memorial tree planting

Niël Terblanché In a touching tribute to President Hage Geingob, the Erongo Region held a tree-planting ceremony, led by Regional Governor Neville Andre. The event took place at the site of the future Office Park of the Erongo Regional Council, marking a lasting homage to a leader whose vision and dedication have significantly shaped the nation’s trajectory. Governor Andre said that the ceremony is more than a mere ritual. He said it symbolizes the profound respect and admiration for President Geingob’s contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Erongo Region and beyond. “The selection of a tree, accompanied by…

20 Feb

Business community pays homage to Geingob

Main

Martin Endjala In a unified voice, the Business community yesterday paid tribute to the late President Hage Geingob, describing him as a man of inclusivity and shared prosperity during a memorial service at Casa Rosalia. Ohlthaver & List Group, Chairman Sven Thieme, recalled his first encounter with Geingob at the opening of Mokuti Lodge, when he was the Prime Minister, marking the beginning of a relationship that would evolve into a deep and enduring friendship. “This bond extended through to the establishment of landmarks like the Wernhil mall, Namibia's first shopping mall, reflecting our confidence in the nation's leadership and…

20 Feb

PDM concerned about closure of Mashare Village Clinic

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Winnie Moongo, has strongly condemned the closure of the Mashare Village Clinic in the Kavango East region. The clinic, situated east of Rundu, has reportedly been shut down due to a severe lack of potable water, hindering healthcare professionals from carrying out their crucial duties. Moongo expressed deep concern over the potential implications for the health and well-being of community members who depend on the clinic for primary healthcare services. Stating that the Ministry of Health has abandoned its duty and commitment to providing accessible and quality health services to the surrounding…

20 Feb

Public urged to make use of mass civil registration drive

National News

Stefanus Nashama The government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has urged the members of the public across the country to utilise the mass civil registration outreach program to acquire national documents. According to Margaret Kalo, Chief Public Relations Officer in the Ministry, the registration program began on 5 February and will run until 30 July 2024. Services on offer during the outreach program include national documents such as birth registration for persons of all ages, applications for duplicate birth certificates, applications for identity documents, and applications for duplicate identity documents. The program will cover all…

20 Feb

BoN concludes first Monetary Policy Strategy session

Observer Money

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has successfully concluded its Monetary Policy Strategy session, a landmark event aimed at fortifying the understanding and implementation of monetary policy within the country. The session, held on 15 February 2024, brought together key stakeholders including members of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Board members and essential staff members. The primary objective of the session was to educate and sensitise participants on the intricate process of formulating monetary policy at the Bank of Namibia. Drawing insights from its sister central banks such as the South African Reserve Bank and the Bank of…