Observer – Page 7 – Windhoek Observer

18 Nov

Namibia continues to chart ways to a digital future

ObserverObserver Money

Niël Terblanché By aligning efforts to create a digital future for the country with its national development goals, Namibia is in the continuous process of positioning itself as a regional leader by leveraging all available technology. In this regard, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), hosted yet another high-level engagement at the Namibian Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) last Thursday. The event brought together captains of the ICT industry, stakeholders, and experts to discuss pressing challenges and ambitious opportunities for Namibia's ICT landscape. Emma Theofelus, while officially inaugurating the event reiterated the transformative potential of technology…

17 Nov

UPM distances itself from candidate’s allegations against UNAM

ObserverMain

Ester Mbathera The United People’s Movement (UPM) has distanced itself from statements made by Polykarp Ameya, a parliamentary candidate on its party’s list, in a widely circulated video. Ameya in the video accused the University of Namibia (Unam) of funding the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) party and acting as its political training ground. “UNAM is funding AR political party. What have I said? The Faculty of Political Science of Unam is currently serving as the political party school of the AR political party,” he said. Ameya further accused Amupanda of being politically corrupt. “You are the president of a registered political…

17 Nov

NamRA denies favouritism over Swapo campaign material import

ObserverNational News

Niël Terbalnché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has denied allegations circulating on social media, which claim that the agency permitted a political party to import election campaign materials without paying the requisite duties and taxes. The accusations are made by Nghipudilo ya Shiindi, an Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor for the Omuthiya town council on her Facebook page. She claims to have in her possession a letter written by Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa related to the party’s campaign material that entered the country for free. The letter according to her was addressed to Namra’s commissioner Sem Shivute. “Those…

17 Nov

Venaani calls for urgent water infrastructure investment in Opuwo

ObserverNational News

Allexer Namundjembo The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani has called for a N$150 million investment to upgrade Opuwo’s oxidation ponds and establish a modern water treatment plant. Speaking at a rally in Opuwo on Friday, Venaani highlighted the town’s ongoing water crisis, describing access to clean water as a fundamental human right enshrined in Namibia’s Constitution. “This is a fundamental issue. Clean, drinkable water is not a luxury; it is a human right. One that is enshrined in the supreme law of the land, our constitution, he said. He added that the water issue is not…

17 Nov

Road crashes claim 344 lives since January

ObserverFeatured, National News

Martin Endjala The Namibian Police recorded 344 fatalities as a result of motor vehicle accidents on Namibian roads between 1 January and 3 November. The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, described these statistics as a major concern. He was speaking at the start of the 2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign in Tsumeb on Friday. “This indicates that road users are still not complying with the road safety regulations,” he said. Shikongo called for greater compliance with road safety regulations to curb the alarming number of fatalities. “All road users are compelled to adhere to…

17 Nov

NAMPA board distance itself from editor’s secondment

ObserverFeatured, National News

Ester Mbathera The board of the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa) has distanced itself from the secondment of its head of commercial services, Confidence Musariri, to the New Era newspaper. Musariri was to resume the role of managing editor following the departure of Jonathan Beukes last month. In a letter dated 15 November, addressed to the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, board members Ndeuhala Katonyala-Lewis, Kingsley Guiseb, Elias Mwenyo, Bertha Amakali, and Kaulikalelwa Nghishitende stated they were unaware of the arrangement between the two media houses. “The board became aware, via the media reports of the secondment of Mr. Confidence…

17 Nov

Namport celebrates 30 years of service excellence

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) hosted its annual Port Users’ Dinner, which also coincided with the 30 years of the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia and the establishment of Namport. The event at the Walvis Bay Civic Centre on Friday evening was attended by key stakeholders, maritime professionals, and government officials, celebrating the pivotal role the port plays in the nation’s economy. Delivering the keynote address, Erongo regional governor Neville Andre highlighted the profound transformation of Namport over the last three decades. He reflected on Walvis Bay’s historical significance as a cornerstone of Namibia’s maritime identity, transitioning…

17 Nov

Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court moves to new premises

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Judiciary is set to enhance its commitment to justice with the migration of the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court to its newly constructed premises on Soweto Street. According to a statement by the Office of the Judiciary, the transition, set to commence on 18 November, is a key development in the administration of justice in the region. The state-of-the-art courthouse was officially inaugurated on 17 September and has since been prepared to host its first court session. The migration process, which began on 11 November, concluded on 15 November, ensuring a seamless transfer of judicial operations. According…

17 Nov

Erongo implements water rationing

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Combined efforts from government authorities, stakeholders, and residents are crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by the severe drought to ensure a reliable water supply. In this regard, the Erongo Regional Council on Friday announced the implementation of water rationing measures in the settlements of Uis and Otjimbingwe. The settlements, located within the Dâures and Karibib constituencies, will henceforth only have water supplied to residents at predetermined times of the day. According to a statement, the regional council decided to introduce rationing in response to an ongoing drought that has significantly reduced the output of boreholes supplying communities…

17 Nov

Gen Z demands change ahead of November elections

ObserverNational News

Mallex Shipanga As the National Assembly and Presidential elections of 2024 approach, Generation Z (Gen Z) youth voters are expressing a strong desire for change. On 27 November, Namibians will exercise their democratic rights for the eighth time. This marks a pivotal time in the country, as each possible outcome would be the first of its kind. If Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Swapo wins, the country will have its first female president. Provided that Panduleni Itula of Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) wins, the government will be led by a non-Swapo president for the first time since independence. Should Job Amupanda…