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Shivute elected as vice chairperson of ATAF

Shivute elected as vice chairperson of ATAF

Niël Terblanché Sam Shivute, the Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), has been elected as the Vice Chairperson of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) which represents a giant leap forward for the country’s tax administration structures. According to NamRA's spokesperson, Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, the election took place during ATAF's General Meetings held in Kigali, Rwanda, on Wednesday. “Shivute, the founding Commissioner of NamRA, will serve as the deputy to Professor Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service,” Ndorokaze said. ATAF serves as a platform for intra-African collaboration and peer learning among tax administrations. Its mission is…
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Proactive disaster management plan launched

Proactive disaster management plan launched

Niël Terblanché The deputy prime minister, John Mutorwa unveiled Namibia’s National Risk Profile of Natural Hazards and Selected Diseases in Windhoek on Wednesday. This comprehensive document represents a fundamental step in shifting the country's disaster management approach from reactive to proactive. Mutorwa said the risk profile, commissioned by the Office of the Prime Minister, provides a detailed analysis of the country's exposure to various natural hazards, including droughts, floods, heatwaves, windstorms, lightning, and earthquakes. “The essence of managing disaster risks lies in the proactive, strategic, and sustainable approach to reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience,” he said. Mutorwa reiterated that the…
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N$3 million lighting project underway in Goreangab Informal Settlement

N$3 million lighting project underway in Goreangab Informal Settlement

Stefanus Nashama The Khomas Regional Council has allocated N$3 million to install five overhead lights at the Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek. This was confirmed on Thursday by Samora Machel Constituency Councillor Nestor Kalola. Kalola explained that the program to provide lighting for residents in the area was proposed last year, but it could not be implemented due to a lack of funds. “I have submitted a proposal for the project at the Windhoek Municipality since last year, but there was no money available. Fortunately, the Khomas Regional Council made the N$3 million available for the project,” he said. Currently,…
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Namibia prepares for Africa Netball Cup tournament

Namibia prepares for Africa Netball Cup tournament

Erasmus Shlaihaxwe Only a few days remain before Namibia hosts the Africa Netball Cup tournament, and preparations are nearly complete before teams begin to arrive in the nation. Netball Namibia’s president, Rebecca Goagoses told the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday that Namibia is ready to receive the visitors and give them a remarkable event and hospitality. The tournament, featuring men's teams for the first time, will take place at the Dome in Swakopmund from 09 to 14 December. “The preparations are at an advanced stage, and we are just waiting on countries to start arriving, officials as well, and we are…
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Government fails to compensate Zambezi family for ancestral land use

Government fails to compensate Zambezi family for ancestral land use

Stefanus Nashama A family in the Zambezi region is still waiting for the government to compensate them for the use of their ancestral land. The Namibia Development Corporation (NDC) and the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) have been using the land for agricultural purposes for the past 11 years. The land belonged to the late William Bill Finaughty. His grandchildren, Patrick Kangulu, Mary Kangulu, and John Finaughty, are now fighting the government for compensation amounting to N$7 million for the use of their ancestral land located near the Wenela Border Post and Katima Farm. “We have proof of ownership of our…
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Andrada secures funding for projects

Andrada secures funding for projects

CHAMWE KAIRA The CEO of Andrada Mining, Anthony Viljoen, has said continued investment in exploration, metallurgy and asset development has earned the company the social license to operate and established strategic world-class partnerships. “During the interim period, we secured debt funding arrangements with established lenders, including Standard Bank of Namibia (tin hedge) and Bank Windhoek, for the implementation of our exciting growth projects,” he said this when he announced the unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 August. Andrada’s assets are located in the Erongo region, a metallogenic jewel of northwest Namibia. Deposits of base, technology, precious metals,…
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Uranium, fish, nickel top exports

Uranium, fish, nickel top exports

CHAMWE KAIRA Goods worth N$3.7 billion, representing 43,2% of total exports, left the country by sea in October, according to the International Merchandise Trade Statistics, released by the Namibia Statistics Agency. The basket of exports via sea comprised mainly of uranium, fish and ‘nickel ores and concentrates.’ Airborne exports made up 31,6% of total exports, primarily consisting of non-monetary gold and precious stones (diamonds). Road transportation accounted for 25,2%, with petroleum oils, fish and fertilizers being the highest-valued commodities transported via the respective mode. In terms of volume, a total of 358 985 tons of goods left the country, representing…
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Nictus acquires Build It Walvis Bay

Nictus acquires Build It Walvis Bay

CHAMWE KAIRA Nictus has announced the acquisition of the Build It Walvis Bay branch. The company said this strategic addition to the group’s diversified portfolio reinforces Nictus’ commitment to growth, community development, and service excellence. The Build It Walvis Bay branch has been a cornerstone of the local community, recognised for its high-quality products and exceptional customer service. “Through this acquisition, Nictus aims to further enhance the customer experience, strengthen its presence in the construction and hardware market, and contribute to the economic and social development of the Walvis Bay region,” the company said. Under Nictus’ leadership, the branch will…
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Namibia to establish diamond certification point

Namibia to establish diamond certification point

Namibia aims to follow Botswana in establishing a certification point for rough diamonds entering Group of Seven (G7) countries next year. Discussions are underway for additional nodes in Namibia and Angola. The development follows widespread opposition to a plan for Antwerp to be a ‘single node’ through which all rough destined for G7 markets would pass to ensure it is not subject to Russian sanctions. The three producer nations protested against the original plan earlier this year, claiming it would penalize them. This prompted a G7 technical team to visit Namibia in September, said Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus, the country’s ambassador to…
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Pick n Pay concludes recapitalisation

Pick n Pay concludes recapitalisation

Pick n Pay has announced the successful conclusion of its two-step recapitalisation plan, first announced in February of this year, a critical milestone in its strategy to restore the performance of Pick n Pay supermarkets and position the group for long-term sustainable growth. The company said the recapitalisation plan, completed in just nine months, received strong shareholder support. The Pick n Pay Rights Offer, the first step of the plan, was more than double oversubscribed, and raised N$4 billion in August. The Boxer IPO, the second step, in which Boxer shares worth N$8.5 billion were placed at N$54, attracted significant…
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