Windhoek Observer – Page 688 – Windhoek Observer

08 Jan

Fewer fatalities despite more crashes

National News

Niël Terblanché Recent statistics released by the Namibian Police have revealed an increase in motor accidents during the past festive season compared to the same period last year. Despite the rise in accidents, there has been a 14 percent decrease in fatalities, shedding light on the complex road safety situation in the country. Between November 17, 2022, and January 1, 2023, the police recorded a total of 382 accidents, 711 injuries, and 66 fatalities. In contrast, for the period from November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024, there were 403 accidents and 724 injuries, but only 57 fatalities. While the…

08 Jan

NTTU President says Namibian justice system is unfair

National NewsNTTU President says Namibian justice system is unfair, Werner Januarie

Stefanus Nashama Werner Januarie, the President of the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU), has strongly criticized the Namibian justice system, citing unfairness in its handling of his court cases. In a recent letter addressed to Chief Justice Peter Shivute and sent to the Supreme Court of Namibia, Januarie expressed his profound disappointment, stating that his soul is deeply troubled by the state of the Namibian justice system. “I write to you with dismay and anguish, for my heart and soul are torn apart, as it seems that justice is elusive in this country,” he wrote in his letter. Januarie…

08 Jan

NSFAF remains a relevant stakeholder in Namibia’s education system

National NewsHofni Iipinge, NSFAF remains a relevant stakeholder in Namibia’s education system

Martin Endjala Hofni Iipinge, the Swapo Party Deputy Secretary for Education, maintains that despite facing significant criticism from various Namibians, including some Members of Parliament, the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) remains an essential component of the country’s higher education sector. As last year’s grade 11 and 12 learners anticipate admission to universities, Iipinge underscores the financial instability faced by many families. He believes that these families will greatly benefit from their children qualifying for university education. The proposition to completely dismantle NSFAF, as suggested by some, could have severe consequences. When asked whether the Fund has successfully repositioned…

08 Jan

Namibia loses N$ 1.5 billion annually due to illicit fishing

MainConfederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA), Matti Amukwa, Namibia loses N$ 1.5 billion annually due to illicit fishing

Niël Terblanché The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA) has sounded an alarm, revealing that the Namibian fishing industry suffers annual losses exceeding N$1.5 billion due to illicit, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. The shocking losses were revealed after the recent arrest of an Angolan fishing vessel engaged in illegal activities within Namibian waters, serving as a stark warning to other vessels operating illegally in the region. CNFA Chairperson Matti Amukwa said that the losses incurred by the Namibian fishing industry are both significant and detrimental. “These staggering losses not only affect our economy but also deplete our valuable…

03 Jan

Amushelelo creates a new workers union

MainAmushelelo creates a new workers union

Niel Terblanche Despite facing multiple legal threats and charges of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful instigation of protests, Michael Amushelelo remains resolute in his mission to address the alleged mistreatment of workers in Namibia's retail industry.Amushelelo, a prominent Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member, recently announced the establishment of the National Union of Retail Industry Workers of Namibia.Amushelelo announced his social media platforms, revealing his new role as the Secretary-General of the workers' union."My fellow Namibians, we are pleased to inform you that we have established a Workers Union. We have submitted our application for registration with the Ministry of Labour,…

30 Dec

Governor banned from attending council meetings

MainBonifatius Wakudumo

Governor Bonifatius Wakudumo of the Kavango East region has been banned from attending regional council meetings following allegations of authoritarianism.In a letter to President Hage Geingob, the regional council outlined their decision to prohibit Governor Wakudumo from participating in council meetings until the grievances between them are resolved.The move comes in response to mounting dissatisfaction among council members and the community.One of the core grievances cited in the letter is Governor Wakudumo's alleged failure to inform council members about his regional visitation programs, causing division among the community.An anonymous source contacted the Windhoek Observer to shed light on the matter."The…

22 Dec

Just Saying with Matts Haikali

Opinions, SportsJust Saying with Matts Haikali

As sports leaders entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing young talent, it is incumbent upon us to demonstrate the virtues essential in sports, particularly that of fair play. Am just saying, it is disheartening to hear and learn that young athletes, who have proudly represented this country, to the best of their ability, are being denied their hard-earned rewards by officials who seem more focused on deducting questionable “dues” than supporting the development of these budding talents. Am just saying, these current state of affairs, where minors are handed cash and coerced into signing receipts for funds that do not…

22 Dec

Exclusive Interview with Joviita Ndeenda-Elago Kandjumbwa a Sports Broadcaster

Sports

Name : Joviita Ndeenda-Elago KandjumbwaDate of Birth : 10 March 1995Place of Birth : Etilyasa, Ongandjera, Omusati RegionPosition : Sports Broadcaster Who is Joviita Kandjumbwa, and how did you end up being involved in sports?Joviita Kandjumbwa is a regular village girl from Etilyasa in the omusati region, I am a lawyer by profession a side of my life that never really makes it into the spotlight as I love the focus to be on my broadcasting side which I can honestly say its my true love.In addition to being a lawyer I am a sports broadcaster, currently working at the…

22 Dec

One of the last bastions of culture now a bastion of Christianity?

Opinions

YOURS Truly Ideologically cannot say that he was necessarily surprised and/or dumbstruck. But a recent announcement by the Mayor of the town of Opuwo, a capital that is supposed to be the last bastion of culture, if not only for the Ovahimba and/or Otjihimba but for Otjiherero and Otjimbanderu cultures, was being decorated with Xmas lights. The Kunene region, and its capital, Opuwo, being the cradle of Otjiherero and Otjimbanderu culture, and its last bastion, the supposed changed times notwithstanding struck Yours Truly as odd if not outlandish. Making him doubt, if perhaps he may not be the one out…

22 Dec

AR calls on Rani Group to resolve worker dispute amicably

National NewsAR calls on Rani Group to resolve worker dispute amicably

Stefanus Nashama Angelina Immanuel, a Northern-based activist and Chairperson of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement, has urged the Oshakati-based Rani Group to amicably resolve the ongoing dispute with its workers before the movement takes decisive action against the company. This call comes in the wake of Social Activist Michael Amushelelo’s threat earlier this week to shut down one of Rani Group’s shops in Windhoek. Amushelelo alleges that the company suspended over 100 employees at its Oshakati branch. In a letter addressed to Rani Group Director, Ali Dharani, Immanuel expressed deep concern about the alleged mistreatment and unfair compensation of Rani…