Windhoek Observer – Page 647 – Windhoek Observer

21 Dec

NAMFISA Refunds Consumers with More than N$3.8 Million

National News

Martin Ednjala Between July and September 2023, the Namibia Financial Services Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) ensured that approximately N$3,848,008 million was refunded to complainants through its Complaints Resolution Strategy. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the previous quarter, from April to June 2023, when a total of N$672,347 was refunded to complainants. The highest amount recovered, totalling N$3,160,857, came from the Pension Fund industry, followed by N$392,340 from the Short-term insurance industry, N$250,749 from the long-term insurance industry, N$41,295 from the Microlending industry, and N$2,767 from the Medical Aid Funds industry. Kenneth Matomola, NAMFISA’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that…

21 Dec

Legislature adopts unique vehicle registration plates

National NewsLegislature adopts unique vehicle registration plates

Stefanus Nashama In a move that will give tangible evidence of the separation of powers within the government, the Parliament of Namibia has announced a new initiative to identify the vehicles used by the country’s legislature distinctly. Starting January 2024, all official vehicles of the National Assembly and the National Council will be equipped with unique green registration plates. This initiative marks a departure from the current practice where legislative vehicles are indistinguishable from the broader fleet of Namibian Government vehicles. According to the announcement, the new registration plates will bear the abbreviations “LNA” for Legislature National Assembly and “LNC”…

21 Dec

PDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

National NewsPDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has voiced its concerns and sought clarity from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) regarding the recent appointments of Regional Electoral Officers (REOs). In a media statement, the PDM stressed the importance of transparency and scrutiny in the appointment process of such officials. While acknowledging the roles assigned to REOs in accordance with the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014, PDM Secretary for Information Hidipo Hamata, emphasised the need for tangible and visible commitment to ethical conduct in every aspect of electoral administration. “The PDM is committed to ensuring that our democracy is…

21 Dec

CRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

National NewsCRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

Niël Terblanché To address public concerns over the health risks associated with fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has launched a comprehensive Consumer Awareness Campaign. This initiative aims to educate consumers on the benefits of 5G technology and dispel lingering misinformation about its potential health risks. The advent of 5G marks a crucial moment in the realm of connectivity, introducing a new era of unparalleled speed and efficiency. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Intelligence, South Africa is spearheading the 5G deployment in sub-Saharan Africa, with Namibia and other countries like…

21 Dec

Alweendo calls on the G7 to review its decision on a ‘single node’ of diamond sales

Main

Stefanus Nashama Tom Alweendo, the Minister of Mines and Energy, has called upon the G7 member states to reconsider their decision regarding measures to restrict the sale of Russian diamonds. He urged them to engage with all diamond-producing countries to discuss the specifics of the proposed measures and their potential impact on economies and people’s livelihoods. “We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of these restrictive measures, as it is our understanding that all diamonds, whether rough, cut, or polished, entering the G7 and EU will be subject to verification through a ‘single node’ in Antwerp,” the Minister said.…

20 Dec

Agnes Tjongarero, Assumes Leadership Role in AUSC Region 5

Sports

Lilongwe, Malawi - Minister of Youth, Sport, and National Service, Hon. Agnes Tjongarero, has assumed the esteemed position of Chairperson of the AUSC Region 5 Council of Ministers. This noteworthy appointment was made on December 15, 2023, during the ordinary session of the Region 5 Council of Ministers meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi. Hon. Tjongarero takes the helm from Hon. Uchizi Mkandawire of Malawi, as stipulated by the rotational policy outlined in Article 30.6 of the Region 5 Constitution. The meeting, was attended by five Ministers and four Deputy Ministers from the ten Region 5 member countries. As the newly appointed…

20 Dec

THE ENERGY YEAR: WHY ENERGY SECTOR POLICYMAKERS AND IMPLEMENTERS ARE THE NAMIBIAN OF THE YEAR

Featured

Windhoek Observer’s Namibian of the Year is an annual supplemental issue of the Windhoek Observer and its website, featuring extraordinary Namibians, a group, an idea or an institution that has done the most to positively influence the events of the year within the country and beyond.To be selected as the Namibian of the Year such an individual has to make a meaningful impact in the country and has to capture the imagination of the nation.This year, rather than the traditional individual of the year we have chosen the booming Namibian energy sector and the trailblazers at the helm of policymaking…

20 Dec

Joel Matheus Takes Center Stage in Global Volleyball

Sports

Windhoek, Namibia —Mr. Joel Matheus has emerged as a trailblazer in high-performance training and sport governance. His illustrious journey spans various prestigious roles in both local and international sports bodies, culminating in a groundbreaking appointment as one of the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) Coaches instructors. Mr. Matheus, born and raised in Windhoek, Namibia, has become a symbol of dedication and passion for sports development. His commitment to fostering the growth of sports in Namibia and beyond has garnered him recognition and respect on the global stage. FIVB Appointment: A Landmark Achievement Recently appointed as an FIVB Coaches instructor, Mr.…

20 Dec

MTC invested half a billion dollars in network and systems

Observer Money

Martin Endjala Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has invested a total of N$504.1 million in its network and systems to enhance customer service and to enlarge its data-carrying capacity during the 2023 financial year. The company further invested N$1.7 million in the High-Tech Transfer Plaza (HTTP) centre to stimulate innovation and build a national innovation hub. This was revealed by MTC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Licky Erastus, during the company's recent financial performance announcement. According to Erastus, these activities include the MTC Tech Innovation Bazaar, Namibia National Cyber Security Competition and Namibia National High School Programming Competition amongst others.…

20 Dec

Naloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

National NewsNaloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

Martin Endjala Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) has recently sent a request to Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) Chief Executive Officer Nangula Uaandja, to facilitate an offshore familiarisation visit to the drill sites of oil rigs in February next year. According to Naloba’s vice-president, Peter Amadhila the association has a particular focus on the newly discovered oil and gas reserves. Amadhila stated that the association wants to be actively involved in these projects to ensure maximum and total benefits for all Namibian people. He said Naloba has been strongly advocating for alternative solutions to the recent fuel price inflation…