Blog – Page 270 – News Stand

30 Jun

PDM concerned about increased electricity tariffs

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Stefanus Nashama The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has urged the government to waive income taxes for electricity companies to lower electricity costs for consumers. This plea follows the Electoral Control Board's recent tariff increase from N$1.82 to N$1.98 per kilowatt-hour, with further hikes anticipated. Hidipo Hamata, the party's secretary for information and publicity, expressed concerns about the tariff increases in a statement on Sunday, calling them "deeply troubling." “Namibian households are already grappling with economic hardship, exacerbated by inflation and a sluggish economy. Electricity is a fundamental necessity. The additional costs will be catastrophic for households already on the brink…

30 Jun

Karibib proposed truck port not a hub for sex workers

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Martin Endjala Karibib is planning to establish a new truck port to alleviate road congestion caused by trucks parked along roads and at service stations. The mayor of Karirbib, Davey van Wyk, clarified that the proposed truck port aims solely to address logistical challenges and will not contribute to an increase in prostitution within the town. "Yes, sex workers are a concern, and truck drivers are unfortunately known to pick them up. But this is not going to affect the truck port, as we will set up a system where trucks will be locked in a yard, giving access only…

30 Jun

Ohangwena and Oshikoto water supply issues addressed

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Niél Terblanché Namibia is set to overcome its challenges and build a brighter, more prosperous future for all its citizens by providing access to safe, clean water. Calle Schlettwein, the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the N$250 million Ohangwena II Wellfield Water Supply Scheme in Oshandi. He said the project aims to enhance water accessibility across the region, providing a vital resource to communities and supporting economic growth. The project includes the construction of 203 kilometres of pipelines, the installation of four boreholes, and the development of three concrete reservoirs in Omakango, Ondobe,…

30 Jun

Northern Namibia Abattoir and Meatco engage in joint venture talks

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Ester Mbathera Northern Namibia Abattoir (NNA) and Meatco are currently in negotiations to form a joint venture. Ben Shikongo, the chairperson of NNA, made this statement in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Thursday. NNA operates two abattoirs, located in Eenhana and Outapi. Shikongo said this development follows a 2020 directive from the Cabinet aimed at addressing significant operational challenges faced by NNA. “The primary challenges cited by Shikongo include the lack of a market and financial constraints. We could not secure the financing because how are you going to return that financing when you have no capital? You…

30 Jun

Mpox warning issued amid increase in SA cases

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Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services has urged Namibians to exercise caution following reports of an increase in the number of mpox cases in South Africa. Although Namibia has not recorded any cases, the health ministry’s Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, emphasised that the situation warrants concern. He added that the ministry is adhering to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, with healthcare workers advised to maintain a high level of suspicion for potential cases. Close contact with infected people or animals, as well as contaminated materials, can spread the viral infection known as mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.…

30 Jun

Nathaniel Maxuilili’s spirit lives on

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Niël Terblanché Last Friday, Namibians from all walks of life gathered at Walvis Bay to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Nathaniel Maxuilili, a towering figure in the country's struggle for independence. The event was held in commemoration of his death 25 years ago. Maxuilili died on 23 June 1999 in a vehicle accident when an ambulance that was transporting him to the airport to be airlifted to Windhoek was involved in a head-on collision with a truck near Dune 7. Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, while speaking at the event in Walvis Bay, praised Maxuilili as a fearless…

30 Jun

Urgent public meeting to address brutal murders in Swakopmund

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Niël Terblanché To address the alarming rise in crime in the Mondesa area, the regional management of the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region will hold a crucial public meeting at the Multi-Purpose Centre of Swakopmund on Thursday. This meeting comes after a disturbing pattern of brutal murders, with at least one occurring each weekend over the past month, prompting concern among residents and law enforcement. The latest incident occurred early on Sunday morning, according to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the community affairs sub-division in the region. The incident involved a violent altercation at the Strong Bar…

30 Jun

Student teacher intake limited due to oversupply concerns

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja The University of Namibia (Unam) is reducing its intake of education students to address the oversupply of education graduates in the job market. This move, according to Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho, is part of a broader effort to align annual intakes with the teacher demand and supply model. "We have shifted focus away from oversupplied areas like lower and junior primary education and towards areas of teacher scarcity like Namibian languages," explained Namesho. He added that, in addition to reducing intakes, Unam has raised its admission requirements to improve the quality of its graduates. "For the secondary education…

28 Jun

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorated

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The Minstry of Health and Social Services commemorated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June 2024. The day raised awareness of the major problems that illicit drugs pose to society. This year's theme, "The evidence is clear; Invest in Prevention," highlighted the global drug crisis affecting individuals with substance use disorders and communities impacted by drug trafficking and organised crime. Key objectives for this year's commemoration included raising awareness, advocating for investment, empowering communities, facilitating dialogue and collaboration, promoting evidence-based policymaking, and engaging communities and youth. The ministry's executive director, Ben Nangombe stressed the need…

28 Jun

JUDGES APPOINTED:

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The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Namibia has announced the appointment of new judges to the High Court, effective from 1 July 2024.The new judges were officially appointed by President Nangolo Mbumba to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary.Justice Beatrix de Jager joined the legal profession in 2004 and was admitted to the Bar in 2009.Previously, she served as an Acting Judge of the High Court from 16 January 2024 to 16 April 2024.Justice George Coleman has been appointed as an Acting Judge to serve at the High Court from 1 July to 9 December 2024. Report: Niël…