Windhoek Observer – Page 724 – Windhoek Observer

15 Nov

Revitalizing Namibia’s Tourism and Hospitality Industries: A Path to Economic Recovery

National News, OpinionsRevitalizing Namibia’s Tourism and Hospitality Industries: A Path to Economic Recovery

Josef Kefas Sheehama The global tourism industry, contributing approximately 10% to the global GDP, holds immense significance. In Namibia, tourism and hospitality contribute N$7.7 billion, equivalent to 3.7% of nominal GDP, with an indirect contribution of N$24.8 billion or 12.0%. Despite its importance, the industry faced severe setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating strategic interventions for recovery. The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism aims to rejuvenate the tourism sector by emphasizing domestic tourism and marketing Namibia as a safe holiday destination. Acknowledging the Namibian Tourism Board’s role, the Ministry’s active involvement is deemed critical in navigating the…

15 Nov

Afrocat Sports Club Beach Volleyball League Reaches New Heights

SportsAfrocat Sports Club Beach Volleyball League Reaches New Heights

In a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship, the Afrocat Sports Club Beach Volleyball League soared to new heights of excitement over the weekend during Round 6. Spectators, fans, and players alike were treated to a dazzling showcase of talent that left the sandy courts of Katutura buzzing with energy. Namibian National Team Duo Dominates:The dynamic Namibian national team duo, Luke Brinkman & Jan-Eric, emerged as the unbeaten champions of Round 6, triumphing in all 8 games with a flawless 2-0 record. Their stellar performance not only left the audience in awe but also solidified their position at the top…

15 Nov

WHO warns that 90,000 Namibians are living with diabetes

National NewsWHO warns that 90

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia faces a health challenge, with an estimated 90,000 people living with diabetes, as revealed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Officer in Charge, Mary Nana Ama Brantuo, during the commemoration of World Diabetes Day in Windhoek this week. “In Namibia, available statistics reveal that nearly seven percent of Namibian adults have diabetes, with an estimated 90,000 people living with the condition,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for attention and collaborative efforts to address the growing concern. Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, delivered remarks under the global theme ‘access to diabetes care’…

15 Nov

Icelandic government must reevaluate renewable energy funding for Samherji

National NewsIcelandic government must reevaluate renewable energy funding for Samherji

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has called upon Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir to reconsider the proposed plan for the Icelandic government to provide Samherji Company with 100 million Icelandic krona in renewable energy funding. Samherji is a prominent fish processing company in Iceland, recognized as the largest fishing company in the country and one of the largest in Europe. However, it has faced allegations of corruption in Namibia’s fishing industry and the Fishrot corruption scandal. In his capacity as the Leader of the Official Opposition political party in the National Assembly, Venaani…

15 Nov

PDM demands transparencyon N$643 million drought relief allocation

MainPDM demands transparencyon N$643 million drought relief allocation

Herttta-Maria Amutenja Elma Dienda, a member of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has called for increased transparency in the allocation and utilisation of N$643 million designated for drought relief in Namibia’s midterm budget. Dienda, stressed the need for clear and unbiased guidelines from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to ensure that the funds are not misused for political gains. “We urgently request clear, unbiased usage guidelines from the Prime Minister’s office to prevent misuse of these funds for political gain, ensuring integrity in relief efforts and respect for taxpayer contributions,” Dienda remarked. The allocation, announced by Finance and…

15 Nov

Deadline for mandatory SIM card registration edges ever closer

National News

Niël Terblanché The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has issued a vital reminder to all stakeholders regarding the approaching deadline for mandatory SIM card registration. The deadline is set for 31 December and the directive is in full accordance with Section 77 of the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009). Katrina Sikeni, Executive of Communications and Consumer Relations at CRAN said that statistics reveal the progress made in SIM card registration over the past few months. She said that as of 15 June, Namibia had approximately 2,760,804 active SIM cards across all licensed networks, with 795,991 SIM cards registered,…

15 Nov

Labour ministry collects almost N$600 000 on behalf of unpaid workers

National NewsLabour ministry collects almost N$600 000 on behalf of unpaid workers

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation has collected a total amount of N$594 813.00 of unpaid wages on behalf of affected workers from their employers who failed to honour salary agreements. A quarterly report for the period of July and September 2023, released this week by the Acting Executive Director in the ministry Aune Mudjanima, revealed these statistics. The report indicates that the ministry dealt with a total of 1082 labour complaints from different employees, mostly on unsettled remunerations. As a result, an amount of N$594 813.00 was collected on behalf of affected employees. As…

15 Nov

More war veterans receive funding for projects

National NewsMore war veterans receive funding for projects

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs is set to disburse funds to 425 veterans of the liberation struggle for their projects by the end of this financial year. The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi made the announcement during the Cabinet Committee briefing on Monday, as part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to integrate the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle into the socio-economic mainstream through their initiatives. During the current financial year, the Ministry has already disbursed funds to 322 war veterans. “All registered veterans qualify for funding for a project that has now been…

15 Nov

Naloba concerned by regional councils’ unwillingness to provide drought relief vehicles

National NewsNaloba concerned by regional councils’ unwillingness to provide drought relief vehicles

Martin Endjala Namibia Local Businesses Association (NALOBA) is deeply concerned by certain Regional Councils that are not adhering to conditions or requirements established by the Office of the Prime Minister to procure vehicles to distribute drought relief for the 2023/24 program. These concerns were raised by NALOBA vice-president Peter Amadhila yesterday “On 27 October 2023, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a clear directive, and all Regional Councils countrywide were just supposed to pass on the requirements to the public to submit quotations without any delays. Instead, Some Regional Councils such as Omusati and Oshikoto altered the requirements and…

15 Nov

Namibia will celebrate World Children’s Day

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is gearing up to mark World Children’s Day (WCD) on 19 November 2023, joining the global community in celebrating this important occasion. This year, Namibia will host the sub-regional World Children’s Day event in Walvis Bay, under the theme “Renewing Our Promise for Children’s Rights.” According to Lukas Haufiku, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, this year’s celebration holds special significance. He said that Heads of State from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia are expected to grace the event. This gathering follows on from regional engagements established…