Observer – Page 859 – Windhoek Observer

27 May

Govt probes Agribusdev

ObserverObserver MoneyAgribusdev, Ministry of Public Enterprise

Andrew Kathindi Government through the Ministry of Public Enterprise (MPE) has instituted a probe into the operations of Agricultural Business Development Agency (Agribusdev) the Windhoek Observer can reveal. The investigation comes amid increased concern over allegations of mismanagement and dubious tender awards at the government entity tasked improving the country’s food security. Public enterprise minister, Leon Jooste whose remit the Agribusdev now falls under, confirmed that an investigation had been commissioned to understand the core reasons behind government agency’s historic problems. The findings will guide the Ministry’s proposed interventions. “From Government’s side I can assure you that we are not…

26 May

Couch Cat: Power is too expensive, embrace the dark!

ObserverUncategorisedCouch Cat

Jackie Wilson Asheeke My electricity bill has long been climbing for unknown reasons and it is putting me into the poor house fast. In a few more months, we will be using candles for light at night, grilling our food and heating water outside on the braai. With earning prospects dimmed, looking hard at every expenditure is no longer an option. For years now, I have reduced power drains severely. There is no more swimming pool pump, no more dishwasher, the geyser is off during the day and most of the night, and no more dryer. And yet, my bill…

26 May

Materialist conception of history context of the National Resistance

ObserverUncategorisedNamibian

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro One may agree or disagree that the National Resistance which eventually on March 21, 1990, heralded Namibian independence, freedom, liberty and sovereignty, was not an end and could not have been an end in itself. But imperative as a first step towards the end, this end being the Second Phase of the African (Namibian) Revolution. But the question that must have been bugging and begging is, if indeed Namibia, with the attainment of her freedom and independence on March 21, 1990, is whether actually Namibia has embarked on the Second Phase of her National Revolution? And if, what…

26 May

Stop gambling with the lives of students

ObserverUncategorisedstudents

Thandizo Kawerama Nobody signed up for all the unexpected changes in 2020, and students most definitely did not register for them. It’s not fair to put blame on anyone as not many could have planned ahead for a pandemic. However the reality is that students forced into distance and e-learning are not receiving the level of courses and study that they agreed to when they registered at the beginning of the year. And yet, they are being asked to perform at high levels in the face of uncertainty. It’s unfair to assume that students will be able to produce the…

26 May

Lettin’ folks out of lock-up – is it a good thing?

ObserverUncategorisedNamibia

Jackie Wilson Asheeke When the president decided to pardon petty criminals, I thought, “ok…that’s nice…now what?” ‘Ripping-the-band-aid-off’ abrupt actions can cause more harm than good. These former inmates will be thrown out onto the streets and expected to ‘be ok.’ Reality check: They won’t be ok. What is the plan beyond unlocking the doors and saying, ‘get out?’ Proven criminals with no money will be stealing within hours just to get a bus ticket to get home or find food that day. It is colder these days…shall they steal blankets and coats to sleep outside at night? There are no…

26 May

Is the cure worse than the disease?

ObserverNational NewsCovid-19, Namibia

We remain committed to following government rules regarding the multi-stage lockdown. However, we feel obliged to ask the question for debate: Are our cures/prevention remedies for the pandemic worse than the disease itself? The latest articles and commentary seem to agree that this virus will never ‘go away’. It will be in our world always until there is a vaccine or cure. Shall we stay in a state of emergency forever? With rich countries ready to pay for the vaccine or cure, big pharma (global drug companies) is moving like Usain Bolt with research and testing. A treatment/cure/vaccine will now…

26 May

Meatco, NAFAU sign revised recognition agreement

ObserverUncategorisedMeat Corporation of Namibia, Meatco, Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU)

Staff Writer The Meat Corporation of Namibia (MEATCO) and the Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU) have signed the revised Recognition and Procedural Agreement. The main highlight of the revised agreement is the change to the employees who fall under the Bargaining Unit as A1-B2 which is now extended from A1-B5. “This means that all employees that fall within the Bargaining Unit currently will be represented by the Union during salary increment negotiations and other pertinent matters.” Under the newly signed agreement, the parties had a task to review the provisions of the agreement and to update outdated provisions…

26 May

Sanlam donates Protective and Screening equipment

ObserverObserver MoneyCity of Windhoek, Covid-19, Sanlam Group

Staff Writer Sanlam has donated protective and screening equipment to the City of Windhoek. The items were handed over in support of the City of Windhoek’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic within the city. Speaking at the handover, Sanlam Group CEO Tertius Stears said Sanlam was committed to fight the pandemic in the city in particular and the whole country in general. Stears said, “The world as we know it has changed and we are still to find and adjust to the “new normal,but in getting there we all have to work together and pull our efforts in the…

26 May

Secrecy shrouds fate of suspended Fishcor CEO

ObserverObserver MoneyFishcor, Mike Nghipunya

… As cabinet deliberates on new Fishcor board Staff Writer The continued role of Mike Nghipunya as Chief Executive Officer of the National Fishing Corporation (Fishcor) continues to be shrouded in amid a deafening silence from key stakeholders of the company. This comes more than five months after he was suspended from the company and subsequently arrested for his role in the Fishrot saga on allegations that he used his position as CEO of the state-owned fishing company to allocate fishing rights in exchange for money. Nghipunya is facing three charges, including fraud, contravening the Anti-Corruption Act and corruptly using…

26 May

Education Ministry absolves liability for student contractions

ObserverObserver MoneyArts and Culture, Covid-19, Ministry of Education

…as it remains adamant on schools re-opening Andrew Kathindi The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture is adamant on re-opening schools amidst the announcement of three new positive cases of COVID-19 and but maintains it will not be held responsible should students contract the virus at school. Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula on Wednesday announced the country had recorded three new cases, the latest being a 39-year old man who traveled from South Africa and this comes on the backdrop of the Ministry of Education announcing its plans to re-open schools in four stages beginning on…