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NAMPA board distance itself from editor’s secondment

NAMPA board distance itself from editor’s secondment

Ester Mbathera The board of the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa) has distanced itself from the secondment of its head of commercial services, Confidence Musariri, to the New Era newspaper. Musariri was to resume the role of managing editor following the departure of Jonathan Beukes last month. In a letter dated 15 November, addressed to the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, board members Ndeuhala Katonyala-Lewis, Kingsley Guiseb, Elias Mwenyo, Bertha Amakali, and Kaulikalelwa Nghishitende stated they were unaware of the arrangement between the two media houses. “The board became aware, via the media reports of the secondment of Mr. Confidence…
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Namport celebrates 30 years of service excellence

Namport celebrates 30 years of service excellence

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) hosted its annual Port Users’ Dinner, which also coincided with the 30 years of the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia and the establishment of Namport. The event at the Walvis Bay Civic Centre on Friday evening was attended by key stakeholders, maritime professionals, and government officials, celebrating the pivotal role the port plays in the nation’s economy. Delivering the keynote address, Erongo regional governor Neville Andre highlighted the profound transformation of Namport over the last three decades. He reflected on Walvis Bay’s historical significance as a cornerstone of Namibia’s maritime identity, transitioning…
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Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court moves to new premises

Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court moves to new premises

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Judiciary is set to enhance its commitment to justice with the migration of the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court to its newly constructed premises on Soweto Street. According to a statement by the Office of the Judiciary, the transition, set to commence on 18 November, is a key development in the administration of justice in the region. The state-of-the-art courthouse was officially inaugurated on 17 September and has since been prepared to host its first court session. The migration process, which began on 11 November, concluded on 15 November, ensuring a seamless transfer of judicial operations. According…
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Erongo implements water rationing

Erongo implements water rationing

Niël Terblanché Combined efforts from government authorities, stakeholders, and residents are crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by the severe drought to ensure a reliable water supply. In this regard, the Erongo Regional Council on Friday announced the implementation of water rationing measures in the settlements of Uis and Otjimbingwe. The settlements, located within the Dâures and Karibib constituencies, will henceforth only have water supplied to residents at predetermined times of the day. According to a statement, the regional council decided to introduce rationing in response to an ongoing drought that has significantly reduced the output of boreholes supplying communities…
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Gen Z demands change ahead of November elections

Gen Z demands change ahead of November elections

Mallex Shipanga As the National Assembly and Presidential elections of 2024 approach, Generation Z (Gen Z) youth voters are expressing a strong desire for change. On 27 November, Namibians will exercise their democratic rights for the eighth time. This marks a pivotal time in the country, as each possible outcome would be the first of its kind. If Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Swapo wins, the country will have its first female president. Provided that Panduleni Itula of Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) wins, the government will be led by a non-Swapo president for the first time since independence. Should Job Amupanda…
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Fishrot @ 5 Samherji must be held to account

Fishrot @ 5 Samherji must be held to account

GRAHAM HOPWOOD It has been five years since Namibians awoke to the headline "The Kickback Kings" on the front page of The Namibian on November 13, 2019. The Fishrot corruption scandal had been laid bare in disturbing detail. Two weeks later, the Al Jazeera documentary Anatomy of a Bribe provided the world with an in-depth look into Fishrot’s web of deceit, bribery, and exploitation. In the intervening half decade, ten arrests have been made in Namibia, while no one has been charged in Iceland. Namibia’s court process has been plagued by delays, and political leaders have largely evaded taking significant…
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The Politician as a Thinker: Namibia Under Nandi-Ndaitwah

The Politician as a Thinker: Namibia Under Nandi-Ndaitwah

Rui Tyitende When a party is as electorally dominant as Swapo, there is a natural propensity for political analysts, journalists and the public to closely follow and analyse its internal politics, the way it governs and its shortcomings. This is because Swapo has dominated the policy-making process and its ramifications for 34 years. It goes without saying that Namibia has a political problem and Swapo is its main architect. With Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) as its presidential candidate, it has promised the electorate a candidate who is ‘clean’ and will propel Namibia to new heights as she is a ‘tried and…
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Construction sector operating in the dark without Labour Force data

Construction sector operating in the dark without Labour Force data

Martin Endjala The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) has called on the government to release the Labour Force Survey from the 2023 Population and Housing Census. The industry cited the lack of data, which is hampering effective planning and recovery for the struggling construction sector. Despite conducting a national census in 2023, Bärbel Kirchner, the chief executive officer of CIF, said the sector continues to function without any current employment data. “Our industry needs to understand the extent of job losses and identify where we can retrain and reskill to meet the demands of recovery and support growth in…
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Opposition parties reject coalition call to block NNN presidency

Opposition parties reject coalition call to block NNN presidency

Allexer Namundjembo and Stefanus Nashama Political parties have rejected proposals to rally behind one presidential candidate who will unseat Swapo. The proposal comes as the preliminary results from the Special Voting Day show that if put together, the opposition parties' votes are more than that of Swapo presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The suggestion to join forces was made by the United People’s Movement secretary general, Celeste Becker. “Add all opposition votes, and we will have the lead. This is not all about the opposition presidential candidates, but it is all about the people. We can still be one. Agree already…
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Swapo wins special elections in the diaspora

Swapo wins special elections in the diaspora

Stefanus Nashama and Allexer Namundjembo Unofficial results of votes cast by Namibians in the diaspora on Wednesday show Swapo leading with 61% of the presidential and 61% of the parliamentary votes. The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) received 33% of the presidential vote and 27% for parliament. The AR party performed well compared to other parties, securing 12% of the parliamentary votes and 6% of the presidential votes. Other parties, such as the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), received fewer votes. In the United Kingdom, where the IPC is believed to have a stronghold, it…
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