Observer – Page 788 – Windhoek Observer

14 Nov

Vice Chancellor appointed amidst scandal at NUST

ObserverObserver MoneyDr Erold Naomab, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL)

Clifton Movirongo A new scandal has rocked the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) after the institutions council is accused of overlooking Professor Frednard Gideon for the post of Vice-Chancellor (VC) opting for Dr Erold Naomab, despite him having scored higher during the interview process. This comes as the Nust Council Chairperson, Florette Nakusera on Friday afternoon announced Naomab as the new Nust VC for the next five years, effective January 2021, replacing Dr Tjama Tjivikua. According to information made available to the Windhoek Observer, the Nust Council appointed Naomab for the top post despite him scoring 64.5 percent…

14 Nov

Government flirts with legalising cannabis…as PM’s office chairs taskforce

ObserverObserver Moneycannabis, Ministry of Health and Social Services

Andrew Kathindi The Ministry of Health and Social Services has begun consultations on the regulation and controlled use of cannabis, in anticipation of its possible legalization. This comes as according to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) 33 countries in the world have permitted the cultivation of cannabis for medical and research purposes. Some of these countries are in SADC region. In addition, some countries have decriminalized its use. Health Ministry Executive Director Ben Nangombe said the Ministry had engaged several governmental agencies a few months ago on the matter. He hinted that it could be time for Namibia to…

13 Nov

The unseen is more dangerous

ObserverNational NewsNamibia, Ohangwena

Over 2,000 previously registered students in the Ohangwena region did not return to school as classes reopened after the state of emergency. There is a wide range of reasons for this. But, the bottom line is that 2,000 more young people have their futures placed in jeopardy. They and any children they have are in line for grinding, cyclical, generational poverty. This is the kind of issue that should be driving the 2020 regional elections and should inspire budgets of every relevant ministry. Often it is the unseen threat that is more dangerous. If we see a problem coming, we…

13 Nov

Practical ways to teach your kids how to manage money

ObserverUncategorisedAlna Booysen, Head of FNB Premium

Staff Writer In the digital age, parents cannot afford to neglect the crucial responsibility of teaching their kids about managing money. Alna Booysen, Head of FNB Premium says whether it's a billboard on the way to school, lifestyle images in a magazine or social media images of their favourite celebrity or idol - children can access information which may give them a misguided view of how money is 'easily' earned and how it should be used. "Once a child has pre-conceived ideas of how money management supposedly works, it may be difficult for parents to entrench their preferred principles. Hence,…

13 Nov

Air Namibia announces Ondangwa, Walvis Bay flights

ObserverUncategorisedAir Namibia, Ondangwa, Walvis Bay

Staff Writer Air Namibia has announced that it will operate flights between Ondangwa and Walvis Bay from the 4th of December 2020 to the 10th of January 2021. The flights according to the airline will be operated on Fridays and Sundays and serviced by Air Namibia’s Embraer Jet (ERJ) aircraft with 37 seating capacity, with travel time between the north and the coast expected to be 60 minutes. “This development opens new travel possibilities and opportunities, as the national airline continues to respond positively to the increasing demand of flying by air. This much-needed service will give our passengers a…

13 Nov

Jooste backs Fishcor board . . .as Nghipunya clings onto CEO post

ObserverObserver MoneyFishcor, Leon Jooste, Public Enterprises minister

Staff Writer Public Enterprises minister, Leon Jooste has come out in support of the beleaguered Fishcor board, amid mounting tension between it and the company’s management. The minister’s support comes as the fishing company’s managers in a scathing letter leaked to the media in which the minister was copied in, accused the interim board of malfeasance. They claimed that board members Social Security Commission Executive officer Milka Mungunda, lawyer Ruth Herunga, Mihe Goamab II and Penny Hiwilepo-Hal directly interfere in the day-to-day operations of the company. “This Board was appointed to an institution with a multitude of complex, intricate legacy…

13 Nov

Investigations into BDF killings yet to commence

ObserverObserver MoneyBotswana, Botswana Defence Forces (BDF), Namibia

Clifton Movirongo It has emerged that the investigation into the fatal shooting of four unarmed Namibian fishermen by the Botswana Defence Forces (BDF) will only begin next week on 17 November 2020, 11 days after the incident occurred. NamPol Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga confirmed to the Windhoek Observer that the joint investigations regarding the killings will only start week. On November 5 along the Chobe River which flows between Namibia and Botswana, the BDF shot and killed four unarmed fishermen who they alleged were poachers. The soldiers opened fire at close range, killing three brothers and their cousin. Ndeitunga said…

12 Nov

Swapo must update its campaign rhetoric

ObserverNational NewsMinister of Defence, SWAPO

The spate of strange and inappropriate comments from Swapo speakers on the campaign trail is embarrassing. The crowds listening to high public officials pontificate about their voting choices at the end of this month are not the same crowds that were listening to Swapo heroes in 1989. Swapo speakers must update themselves and not be so out of date. Most of those in the crowds hearing these odd speeches were in kindergarten or not even born when such virulent, ‘anyone-not Swapo-is-an-enemy’ speeches were relevant. People in the voting mainstream don’t think like that anymore after 30 years of independence. The…

12 Nov

Expelled PDM member in surprise U-turn

ObserverObserver MoneyHafeni Mafita, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM)

Helena Johannes The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM)-expelled John Pandeni constituency candidate Hafeni Mafita has revealed that he is willing to sit with PDM bosses and return to the party’s fold, a week after he was booted from the party. This comes after ECN has declined the opposition party’s request to have him withdrawn and replaced on the ballot. “I am willing to go back to PDM as I am planning to issue a public and party apology. I just want to apologize and make peace with everyone,” said Mafita. Mafita said he is still campaigning for votes during the upcoming…

12 Nov

Hydrology unit issues flood warning

ObserverObserver MoneyHardap Dam, Hydrological, Meteorological, Namwater, OPM - Disaster Risk Management

Clifton Movirongo The Hydrology Unit in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has warned that Namibia will be receiving above normal rainfall from November this year to April of 2021 and that this will have an effect particularly in the flood prone areas. Namibia’s flood prone areas include the Cuvelai Delta, Lower Kuiseb catchment, Hardap - Mariental, the Lower Orange River and the three northern rivers namely the Kunene, Okavango and Zambezi Rivers. Head of the Hydrology Unit at the MAWLR Paulina Mufeti revealed this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer, as she stressed that the…