Observer – Page 710 – Windhoek Observer

21 Oct

Standard Bank adds new features to PayPulse

ObserverObserver MoneyPayPulse, Standard Bank

Tujoromajo Kasuto STANDARD Bank has introduced new innovative features on their cashless and cardless payment platform, PayPulse. The new features include Bill Splitting, Money Request, own QR code creation, Pay-by-Link option, which they say is also ideal for small businesses. The enhancements will improve the customer’s ease and convenience of using PayPulse while saving time and cost. Standard Bank’s Head of Digital Innovation, Rejoice Itembu, says the bank was continuously pushing the envelope to provide enhanced service experiences to its customers. “These enhancements are a result of feedback from our loyal customers. It encourages us to focus our efforts to…

21 Oct

Judgment of hostel patron accused sodomy in two weeks

ObserverObserver MoneyWindhoek High Court

Eba Kandovazu THE Windhoek High court today postponed the judgement of a former school hostel caretaker from Otjiwarongo accused of sodomising ten minor boys. Judge Alfred Siboleka initially set the matter down for judgment today. He , however today indicated that the judgment is not ready, adding that he had underestimated the work that needed to be put into compiling Mervin Ngujapeua’s judgment. The suspect is 50 years old. Judge Siboleka says he would be delivering the judgement on 3 November adding that he was busy with the final touches. Ngujapeua allegedly raped the boys at the time he was…

21 Oct

“Rotten apples” in Nampol will be exposed – Commissioner Basson

ObserverObserver MoneyCommissioner Ismael Basson, Khomas Commander

Eba Kandovazu CORRUPT police officers will eventually be exposed for their unruly conduct, Khomas Commander, Commissioner Ismael Basson said, reacts to the recent arrest of a police constable on allegations of stock theft using a police van. The usage of roadside cameras assisted in the arrest of Joseph Konghola, the police officer stationed at Otjomuise police station who is accused of stealing livestock and transporting the meat in a police van yesterday. Another man, Timoteus DesBasson also appeared in the Katutura Magistrate's Court this afternoon on the same charges. According to Nampol Spokesperson, Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga, the duo has…

20 Oct

Two suspects arrested in money heist turned murder case

ObserverObserver MoneyOkalongo, Omusati Police

Eba Kandovazu Spokesperson of Omusati Police, Inspector Anna Kunga, says two men have been arrested after they allegedly killed a security guard in a robbery involving a cash-in-transit vehicle at Okalongo. According to Kunga, another suspect is on the run. The police initially reported that four suspects were involved. Kunga says the incident happened this morning around ten am at Onandjaba settlement. “The suspects attacked the security company car and one security guard was fatally shot. He died on the spot. The suspects took three pistols with them and we are urging public members, especially those around Okando and Oshikuku,…

20 Oct

Health ministry admits to unsafe abortions, calls on abortion law repeal

ObserverObserver MoneyBen Nangombe, Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS)

Eba Kandovazu THE Executive Director (ED) in the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS), Ben Nangombe, says the Abortion and Sterilisation Act 2 of 1975 is an outdated law that should be repealed to suit the current contemporary issues. According to Nangombe, the 46-year-old law does not speak to the current realities happening today, saying it should be reviewed. “We will have to consult further and work around the desired legislation. Of course this will depend on what the public too has to say. Our position is that there is no dispute that there are situations where safe attempts…

19 Oct

‘All pregnancies should be wanted’ . . . Promoting abortion access in ways that are equitable, just and true

ObserverObserver MoneyAbortion and Sterilization Act, Advocate Bience Gawanas, Namibia

Advocate Bience Gawanas This week the Parliament of Namibia will hold public hearings to re-engage on the issue of abortion in Namibia. I welcome this platform, and appreciate the efforts of the over 62 000 Namibians who signed a petition last year calling for the liberalisation of the abortion laws which brought us to this moment. Sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, and particularly maternal mortality and unwanted and early pregnancy are issues that are very dear to me. The opportunity to amend our abortion laws provides us with the chance to fundamentally advance the rights of women…

19 Oct

Namibia to reduce maternal and newborn mortality

ObserverObserver MoneyKalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services

Tujoromajo Kasuto THE Minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula, today launched the National Guideline for “Antenatal Care (ANC) for a Positive Pregnancy Experience 2020” for expecting mothers. This guideline aims to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. The overall goal is to eliminate preventable maternal deaths and near misses, stillbirths and neo-natal deaths through quality improvement strategies derived from the identification and analysis of circumstances around these deaths and near misses. Namibia has developed the National Guideline in line with the latest World Health Organization (Who) recommendations. The purpose of this guideline is to guide health care professionals to…

19 Oct

Nghipondoka dismisses relocation rumours

ObserverObserver MoneyVaino Nghipondoka

Eba Kandovazu Local businessperson, Vaino Nghipondoka, is urging Namibian businesses to start looking outside the country for new opportunities as the world is opening up following the “deadly” Covid-19 pandemic. Nghipondoka says the current economic situation in Namibia has left a lot of business people in Namibia under serious financial strain, but Namibians must not despair and grab new emerging opportunities. He just returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he also attended the Dubai expo, noting that although a lot of Namibians build their businesses around government procurement, it is time to move forward and venture into opportunities…

17 Oct

Joint Declaration is no substitute to the Ozombuzovindimba Declaration

ObserverUncategorisedKazenambo Kazenambo, Nama, Ovaherero, Ovambanderu, United Nations Human Rights Commissioner

October 2nd, was the 117th commemoration of the Extermination Order against the Ovaherero issued at Ozombuzovindimba in 1904. Similarly Monday, October 4th was the tenth commemoration of the expatriation from Germany of the first consignment of the remains of the Ovaherero , Ovambanderu and Nama victims of the 1904-1908 Genocide. Last but not the least, this November also sees the 17th anniversary of the Ozombuzovindimba Declaration. While all these dates somehow are related and intertwined, each, in its own unique way, marks an important and inerasable historical imprint in the sad but heroic historical epoch of the Nama, Ovambanderu and…

17 Oct

Human rights lawyer lauds gay couple’s victory judgement

ObserverObserver MoneyHigh Court, Namibia, Norman Tjombe

Eba Kandovazu HUMAN rights lawyer, Norman Tjombe, says the High Court ruling in favour of a married gay couple declaring their first born son, conceived via surrogacy, a Namibian citizen, is one to be applauded, as it places Namibia 50 years ahead in terms of human rights and equality. Phillip Luhl and Delgado Castaneda, a Mexican national approached the High Court to have their two-year-old son, Yona, declared a Namibian citizen by descent, after the Home Affairs and Immigration ministry declined him citizenship. This week, Judge Masuku ruled in favour of the couple. The ministry wanted the couple to provide…