Observer – Page 774 – Windhoek Observer

18 Dec

Namibia’s economy takes N$1.1 billion knock

ObserverObserver MoneyAlex Shimuafeni, Covid-19, Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), NSA Statistician - General and CEO

Staff Writer N$1.1 billion has been wiped out of the Namibian economy, largely attributed to the effects of COVID-19, third quarter figures from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) show. “In nominal terms, the size of the Namibian economy as measured by GDP at current prices was estimated at N$ 44.7 billion in the quarter under review relative to N$ 45.8 billion posted in the same quarter of 2019. This shows that GDP size shrunk by N$ 1.1 billion,” NSA Statistician - General and CEO, Alex Shimuafeni announced on Thursday. “The third quarter of 2020 (July – September) is characterized by…

17 Dec

Hospitals must be first in the money line

ObserverNational NewsCOVAX, Government, Katutura Hospital, Ministry of Health, Namibia

When hospitals run out of vital supplies, the government does not have its spending priorities straight. No matter what excuses are offered by the Executive Director of the Ministry of Health about why vital medicines are missing, they are insufficient. The reason medicines and supplies have run out in hospitals is not an error or a mix-up. Saying they are aware and "looking into it" falls short of the credibility mark. Let us stop saying that hospitals ran out of medicine or supplies. Let us speak the truth. Government has not provided funds so that state medical facilities can serve…

17 Dec

Debmarine Namibia’s new vessel launched

ObserverUncategorisedDebmarine Namibia

Staff Writer Debmarine Namibia’s N$7 billion flagship vessel, the Debmarine Namibia’s 3rd Additional Mining Vessel (AMV3) was successfully launched in Damen Shipyard, Mangalia Romania. The floating of the 177 metres (577 feet) marine diamond recovery vessel and the world’s biggest, marks the start of at least 30 years of operational service. Constructed from a Marinteknikk design, the AMV3 is the current largest in the Debmarine Namibia fleet. “It brings a great comfort to learn that the AMV3 was launched successfully in Romania. Present situation due to COVID-19 pandemic and travelling restrictions around the world, my team could not witness the…

17 Dec

Electoral Court delays ECN election re-run plans

ObserverObserver MoneyElectoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), Electoral Court

Andrew Kathindi The re-run of polls in the Aroab, Koës, Stampriet local authorities and Mariental Rural constituency is likely to be delayed with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) still to receive reasons for the Electoral Court’s judgement given last week. According to the body, the judgement will determine whether or not it will appeal the ruling or comply with the court’s decision. This comes as Electoral Court Judge Shafimana Ueitele ruled that the results in the local authorities and constituency be declared null and void and that a re-run of the poll be conducted. Judge Ueitele gave the order…

17 Dec

Geingob threatens COVID-19 State of Emergency …as breathalyzer reissue is set aside amidst infection concerns

ObserverObserver MoneyCenter of Disease Control (CDC), Covid-19, State of Emergency, Windhoek

Andrew Kathindi President Hage Geingob has threatened to reinstitute another State of Emergency as soon as next week if the public does not adhere to the current measures and COVID-19 cases continue to rise. This comes as Geingob on Wednesday introduced new measures to curb the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases. The president and the Center of Disease Control (CDC) earlier this month confirmed that Namibia is currently facing a second wave of the pandemic. “If you misbehave, I may even next week come back and declare a State of Emergency. That power I have. I am warning you. So,…

16 Dec

Christmas 2020 must be muted

ObserverNational NewsChristmas

It sounds hard to take the position that Christmas must be played low this year. And yet, that is the message. People should to not go home to the village or travel this year. Stay home. have small outdoor events with family members and close friends. Find creative ways to celebrate Christmas in your home. Play Christmas music and set up your tree. There are online Christmas themed movies and religious services. Start enjoying them. People have less disposable income or are nervous about spending. Why not reduce buying/giving as many gifts this holiday season? That is a good way…

16 Dec

The noise of silence by our government

ObserverUncategorisedBDF, Botswana Defence Force, NDF and Inspector General of NAMPOL, The Zambezi Lives Matter Movement (ZLMM)

Sinvula Mudabeti (Son of the Soil) To set the record straight and help naïve minds get issues in perspective. The Zambezi Lives Matter Movement (ZLMM) is comprised of people from all tribes in the Zambezi region as well as from outside the Zambezi region. It is a movement that is apolitical; we have members from different political parties in Namibia. Ours is a movement beyond petty political loyalty and blind obedience; ours is a cause seeking for justice and peace against a foreign army. It is only those whose eyes are dim to the sad reality and truth who due…

16 Dec

Six leadership lessons from the Last Dance

ObserverUncategorisedNetflix, The Last Dance

Mufaro Nesongano About two months ago, I had the opportunity to watch The Last Dance on Netflix. After many reviews from different individuals, I decided to see what the hype was all about. If you are wondering what the last dance is all about, here is a quick synopsis from Wikipedia - The Last Dance is a 2020 American sports documentary mini-series co-produced by Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) Films and Netflix. The series revolves around the career of Michael Jordan, with particular focus on his final season with the Chicago Bulls. To bring context to the interest in…

16 Dec

FNB House Price Index shows green shoots in house prices

ObserverUncategorisedFNB, FNB House Price Index

Staff Writer The FNB House Price Index recorded a 12-month average growth of 0.7 percent year-on-year as at September 2020. This is the first time in nearly three years that the index marks a growth territory. “The rebound in house prices further affirms our earlier view, as highlighted in the prior quarterly publication, that house price deceleration has seemingly reached a pinnacle. This brings the national weighted average house price to N$1 233 106 as at September 2020” said Frans Uusiku, FNB Market Researcher. “The increase in house prices has been partly fuelled by the completion of new developments in…

16 Dec

Walvis Bay CEO and three others suspended

ObserverObserver MoneyAgosthino Victor, Jack Manale, Muronga Haigura, Walvis Bay

Andrew Kathindi The Walvis Bay municipal council through its management Committee has resolved to suspend its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Muronga Haigura along with three others over the alleged misappropriation of millions. The missing funds, estimated at N$24 million, were part of the massive urban land servicing initiative, but however never reached the municipality account and remain unaccounted for. “As a result of the investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) with regards to the alleged misappropriation of funds, CEO Muronga Haigura, General Manager of Community and Economic Development Agosthino Victor, Manager of Housing and Properties Jack Manale, and Properties Clerk…