Blog – Page 20 – Windhoek Observer

06 Nov

Witherto Epukiro Constituency?

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro WITHERTO Epukiro? Yours Truly Ideologically cannot but pose the question. Seeing the evident shocking state of stagnation, if not decline, of the Epukiro Constituency socio-economically. Definitely impacting on body soul of the Constituency like the spirituality, culture and indeed the mental health of its inhabitants. Because, more than anything, the constituency cannot be said to be anything better than a socio-economic, and by extension, also cultural and spiritual ruin. Underpinned, foremost, by nothing but lack of socio-economic progress. It has been a good 15 years now since it assumed and/or was given a constituency status of its own…

06 Nov

Urgent imperative to decolonise Africa’s electoral systems

Opinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE (with inputs by Folito Nghitongovali Diawara Gaspar) A persistent paradox defines the African political landscape; the ballot box, a symbol of popular will, has become a theatre where the deep yearning for change clashes with systems engineered to resist it. The recent electoral episodes in Tanzania, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a contested 97% victory to absolutely no-one's surprise, and Cameroon, where the Constitutional Council proclaimed the re-election of 92-year-old President Paul Biya, the world's oldest head of state, for an eighth successive term, despite it being part of the long-term pattern, the official outcome, and…

06 Nov

Amushelelo vows to formalise Windhoek’s informal areas

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Social justice activist and City of Windhoek council hopeful Michael Amushelelo says his top priority is to formalise informal settlements by servicing land and relocating residents to developed areas. He said this will allow the city to properly service those areas and ensure people live in dignified conditions. Amushelelo outlined his plan in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday as he contests for a seat in the upcoming municipal elections under the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF). “My key priority will be the servicing of land and making sure that land is affordable for all residents…

06 Nov

‘We have done everything we could’ – Zaamwani on Fishermen Demands

National News

Justicia Shipena Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi says efforts to engage fishermen under the Government Employment Redress Programme have reached a deadlock because they refuse to listen to the government’s position. Zaamwani-Kamwi said the fishermen continue to demand that they be moved from one company to another, despite being informed that such a move cannot be approved at this stage. This comes as on Wednesday, the fishermen, mostly from the Erongo region, travelled to Windhoek to demand answers from the minister on their petition calling for better working conditions and salaries. They said they continue…

06 Nov

SA judges stand with Namibian magistrates on strike

National News

Allexer Namundjembo South African Lower Court Judges Express Solidarity with Namibian Magistrates Amid Planned Strike Allexer Namundjembo South Africa’s lower court judges have voiced support for Namibian magistrates who are on strike. They say both groups face the same challenges regarding low pay and poor working conditions. This comes as Namibian magistrates begin a partial strike on Wednesday. South Africa's senior magistrate and president of the Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA), Neelan Karikan, said South Africa’s lower court judges are also protesting for fair remuneration, better working conditions, and equal benefits. “We have noted that in other jurisdictions,…

06 Nov

Community service for learners in blackface scandal

National News

Justicia Shipena Two Windhoek learners have been ordered to perform community service after dressing in racist costumes at a private Halloween party, the Ministry of Education has said. Education executive director Erastus Haitengela said that at the moment, a report is being finalised outlining the disciplinary measures and a restorative process involving the pupils and their families. He said the ministry had taken a firm stance following the incident, describing the behaviour as unacceptable and contrary to the country's values of equality and respect. Public outrage erupted on 31 October after photos of two boys in blackface, labelled with racist…

06 Nov

Suspended Nascam boss to receive full pay and benefits

Main

Renthia Kaimbi The chief executive officer of the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam), Albert Nicanor, will continue to receive his full salary and benefits while on suspension. Nascam's board announced Nicanor’s immediate suspension on Wednesday following allegations of workplace misconduct. The board said the decision was a neutral administrative step intended to ensure an unbiased investigation. The board stated that the allegations relate to workplace misconduct, including bullying and causing psychological harm under Nicanor’s leadership. During his suspension, he is barred from entering company premises or using its systems. To ensure operations continue, the board appointed…

06 Nov

THE TIDE LINE | Enough is enough: Walvis Bay deserves to breathe again

Featured, Opinions

For years, the people of Walvis Bay have been forced to live with a smell that has become as much a part of the town’s identity as the port and the sea breeze: the stench of fish meal. For some, it’s been brushed off with a wry smile and the familiar quip: “That’s the smell of money.” But behind the jokes and resigned shrugs lies a deeper truth: this is not just an inconvenience. It’s a persistent environmental and public health concern that affects residents’ quality of life, the town’s image, and its tourism prospects. And it’s time for those…

06 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Principal walks 35km to give learners a better meal

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Tutaleni Primary School principal, Neville Visagie, walked 35 kilometres from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay over the weekend to raise funds to improve the school’s feeding programme. His goal is to make sure every learner receives not just food, but nutritious meals that support their learning. Visagie said while the government provides basic food items like maize meal and bread for underprivileged learners, he wants to expand the menu and improve the school kitchen. “The main reason is to upgrade the menu so that once a week, we divert from the maize and bread,” he said. “Like tomorrow (today),…

06 Nov

OBSERVER COASTAL | Swakopmund’s youth get a chance to grow their businesses

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Over 80 young entrepreneurs in Swakopmund have been chosen to receive funding through the Youth Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (YEDI). The programme by the Swakopmund municipality is designed to support and grow youth-led businesses. The initiative will disburse nearly N$1.2 million to help young people grow their ventures across the coastal town. The programme, launched in partnership with Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine, attracted 2 489 applications. The mine contributed N$1 million to support the funding pool. After a strict selection process, 41 applications were disqualified for not meeting eligibility criteria, including exceeding the age limit of 35 years or…