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Otjikoto saying goodbye to open pit mining

Otjikoto saying goodbye to open pit mining

CHAMWE KAIRA  Open-pit mining operations at the Otjikoto Mine are set to conclude in 2025, while processing operations will continue until economically viable stockpiles are exhausted in 2032. B2Gold, which holds a 90% interest in the mine, disclosed in its financial results that underground operations under the current mine plan are projected to continue into 2027.  There is potential to extend underground operations if ongoing exploration identifies additional mineral deposits. Located between Otavi and Otjiwarongo, the Otjikoto Mine had a strong performance in 2024, producing 198,142 ounces of gold. This figure is near the midpoint of its guidance range of…
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The Founding Father’s final journey

The Founding Father’s final journey

Ester Mbathera  The body of founding president Sam Nujoma will arrive in Windhoek on Thursday after a series of regional memorial services held across the country.  The arrival marked the final leg of a nationwide memorial tour that allowed the public to pay their respects to the late leader.  These services took place in Etunda, Eenhana, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Grootfontein, Walvis Bay, and Keetmanshoop. Nujoma’s body will arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) from Keetmanshoop.  A street procession will follow the arrival, starting at HKIA and moving through designated routes in Windhoek.  The procession will start at 8h30, passing…
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NFC opens theft case over unreturned equipment

NFC opens theft case over unreturned equipment

Ester Mbathera  The Namibia Film Commission (NFC) has registered a case of theft with the Namibian Police after executive producer Sonnyboy Amutenya failed to return equipment he borrowed from the commission.  The NFC has stated that it cannot provide details about the type of equipment or its value at this time. NFC executive secretary Florence Haifene confirmed that a case had been opened after repeated attempts to contact Amutenya proved unsuccessful. "He borrowed the equipment but did not return it on time. We tried to contact him and have not received any response. As per procedure, we have to open…
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NALOBA warns local authorities against outsourcing debt collection

NALOBA warns local authorities against outsourcing debt collection

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Local Business Association, Naloba (NALOBA) cautioned local authorities to thoroughly evaluate the consequences of outsourcing debt collection services. The association’s president, Erastus Shapumba said in a statement released on Wednesday,  following Redforce Debt Management CC's court victory against the Henties Bay Municipality. “It is imperative that town councils and chief executive officers critically assess the implications of these investments,” Shapumba said.  He condemned the action of debt collection by local authorities through third parties, describing it as resembling "a new form of colonialism." "We, as an organization, refuse to allow such practices to take root in…
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Fisherman found dead at Walvis Bay harbour

Fisherman found dead at Walvis Bay harbour

Niël Terblanché The body of the 63-year-old Simson Hishekwa, who was a member of the crew of the fishing vessel Therona, was discovered floating in the water next to the boat on Tuesday morning. At the time of the incident, the vessel was moored in the small craft harbour in the port of Walvis Bay.  According to Judith Shomongula, spokesperson for the Namibian Police in the Erongo region, the fisherman told his crewmates that he was going to his home in the Kuisebmond residential area late on Monday afternoon. “It is suspected that he fell overboard upon his return to…
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NamWater announces five days of water rationing for northern regions

NamWater announces five days of water rationing for northern regions

Erasmus Shalihaxwe NamWater has announced that the Ohangwena, Oshana, and Oshikoto will experience water interruptions from 26 February until 02 March. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata in a statement issued on Wednesday, cited technical difficulties caused by oshana water entering its canal, which is negatively affecting both water quality and production volumes. “To prevent a water supply crisis, water supply will be rationed,” said Ndamanomhata. He added that the disruption will mostly happen between 22h00 and 04h00, which are off-peak hours when the public is not really using water. “Essential services institutions such as hospitals, schools, police stations, and clinics that…
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MEFT alarmed about violations of national park rules

MEFT alarmed about violations of national park rules

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism expressed serious concern over the increasing disregard for laws and regulations in Namibia’s national parks. According to a statement on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said that officials have observed widespread violations of park rules, prompting urgent calls for visitors and tour operators to adhere to the established guidelines. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda said that several serious transgressions have been identified, despite clear regulations being in place. “We have observed a significant number of visitors attempting to enter and fly drones in our…
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NamWater warns of fraudulent payslip scam

NamWater warns of fraudulent payslip scam

Niël Terblanché NamWater has issued a warning to the public, financial institutions, and stakeholders about fraudulent activities involving fake NamWater payslips used to obtain loans under false pretenses. On Wednesday, NamWater’s spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata, urged businesses, particularly those in the short-term loan sector, to exercise caution and verify all employment claims before processing transactions. He also confirmed that a recent incident exposed the use of a counterfeit payslip to fraudulently secure a loan. "We can confirm that the attached sample document, which has been circulating, does not belong to NamWater and lacks the unique security features of genuine NamWater payslips,"…
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NCCI and Swakopmund mayor discuss economic growth

NCCI and Swakopmund mayor discuss economic growth

Niël Terblanché Leadership of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) recently met with Swakopmund Mayor Blassius Goraseb to discuss economic development initiatives and ways to foster business growth in the region. The meeting with mayor Goraseb follows his election as the new mayor of Swakopmund in November last year. Goraseb took the helm with a set vision to serve the town and its residents with dedication. During the meeting, Goraseb reiterated the need for inclusive economic growth and announced the formation of the Swakopmund Economic Forum to gather data for informed policy-making. He expressed commitment to collaborating with…
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Brave Gladiators through to the next round of WAFCON qualifiers

Brave Gladiators through to the next round of WAFCON qualifiers

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Brave Gladiators have advanced to the next round of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers after defeating Eswatini 1-0 on Wednesday at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.  This victory, combined with their 3-0 win in the first leg last week, secured a 4-0 aggregate win.  Head coach Woody Jacobs acknowledged the challenge posed by Eswatini, who pressured Namibia from the start.  “Some expected us to run over them, but Eswatini is a team that has improved over the years; I saw them at COSAFA in 2021 and 2022. So I am just glad we…
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