Blog – Page 31 – News Stand

02 Feb

New electronic signature regulations set to strengthen digital security

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian government has reinforced its commitment to digital transformation with the introduction of new electronic signature regulations and accreditation of security products and services regulations. Speaking at a stakeholder engagement hosted by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) in Windhoek on Friday, the executive director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Audrin Mathe, said the regulations are a vital element in building a secure and inclusive digital economy. “The Electronic Transactions Act (No. 4 of 2019) forms the foundation of our digital economy. It provides legal recognition for electronic communications and transactions, ensuring they…

02 Feb

Namibians should brace for steep price hikes

info_e12wt4csFeatured, National News

Niël Terblanché Consumers across Namibia will soon feel the impact of rising global oil prices when they go shopping for essential goods. On Friday, the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced a sharp increase in fuel prices. The increase is set to take effect on Wednesday and will have an impact on the prices paid for food and other consumer goods. In its announcement, the ministry attributed the price hike to continued global geopolitical tensions, OPEC+ production cuts, and currency exchange rate fluctuations, which have driven up the cost of importing crude oil. The ministry said in its statement that…

02 Feb

Goraseb charts new path for Swakopmund

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Swakopmund mayor, Blasius Goraseb, delivered his maiden address at the first town council meeting of 2025 on Thursday, pledging to lead with transparency, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to service delivery. “It is an honour to stand before you today as the Mayor of Swakopmund. I extend my sincere gratitude to my fellow councillors for placing their confidence in me. I also wish to express my appreciation to my predecessor, Dina Namubes, whose leadership saw notable progress in economic development, infrastructure, and community engagement,” he said. In his address, Goraseb pointed out key initiatives undertaken by the council…

02 Feb

Telecom and NHE partner up for smart housing

info_e12wt4csNational News

Mallex Shipanga Telecom Namibia (TN) and the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) have partnered to develop smart housing, following an agreement signed on 28 January. The partnership combines TN’s expertise in information technology and telecommunications with NHE’s experience in providing housing solutions. It aims to create employment opportunities, drive economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for Namibians. “Telecom Namibia is thrilled to embark on this journey with NHE. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of a digitally connected Namibia. Together, we can create innovative solutions that address the nation’s housing challenges while fostering vibrant, tech-enabled housing,” said…

02 Feb

Cuca Tops and Extreme Netball Clubs join MTC NNPL

info_e12wt4csSports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Cuca Tops Netball Club from the Kavango East region and Extreme Netball Club from the Oshana region have been promoted to the MTC Namibia Netball Premier League over the weekend during the playoffs. Cuca Tops became the second team from the Kavango East region in the league. Following the relegation of Tsumeb NC and Young Stars from the Omusati region, the two teams occupy the vacant space in the country's top-tier netball league. Afrocat Lions Netball Club and Unam Jaguars Netball Club escaped at the same event. Harambee Netball Club from the Hardap region, Bush Bucks Netball Club…

31 Jan

What ideology is “business unusual”?

info_e12wt4csOpinions

The mantra of President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) is “business unusual.” Yours Truly Ideologically, cannot but ask the pertinent and daunting question, as indeed all, including our celebrated policy analysts in their respective orientations, should ask: what is “business unusual,” and unusual from what? What has been the "business as usual" for NNN's predecessors and their administrations, of which she has been an integral part at every step of the way, in one capacity or another? From which, a la her mantra, is she determined to depart? Is it in terms of the Swapo Party ideological foundation on which all her…

31 Jan

SOUTH AFRICA’S G20 PRESIDENCY; A TIME FOR NAMIBIA TO RECALIBRATE TO A PEOPLE-CENTRED PLANNING PROCESS

info_e12wt4csOpinions

PAUL T. SHIPALE André du Pisani, emeritus professor of politics at the University of Namibia, wrote an article with the headline: “Politics as a Site of Extraction” that appeared in one of the daily newspapers on Friday, 24 January 2025. In that article, du Pisani says the SWAPO Party’s manifesto outlines laudable and necessary priorities such as; economic growth, development of agriculture, natural resources beneficiation; energy and infrastructure as well as youth empowerment, but despite the President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, emphasis that the manifesto would be consistently and fully implemented, he thinks none of these priorities will be realized as the…

30 Jan

New NAMPOA board set to steer oil and gas industry

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA) has elected a new board at its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), positioning the organisation for a crucial role in Namibia’s rapidly expanding oil and gas sector. With Namibia’s oil and gas sector on the verge of significant growth, the newly elected NAMPOA board has pledged to continue advocating for industry best practices and fostering an investment-friendly environment. The newly elected board comprises distinguished industry leaders, including Klaus Endresen, Country Chair of BW Kudu; Eduardo Rodriguez, Shell Namibia Country Chair; Diogo Martins, Galp Country Manager; Selma Usiku, Eco Atlantic Director; and Laurent…

30 Jan

ECN waiting on delimitation report to plan November elections

info_e12wt4csMain

Allexer Namundjembo The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) said it values the recently released delimitation report, as it will aid in planning for the regional council and local authority elections scheduled for November this year. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, the ECN’s spokesperson, De Wet Siluka explained that the report, which was presented to President Nangolo Mbumba by the Delimitation and Demarcation Commission, provides essential information on constituency boundaries, allowing the Commission to begin preparations. "The significance of the report is that, as a commission, the information includes the boundaries of constituencies, and we need to…

30 Jan

Rundu struggles to transition to city status

info_e12wt4csNational News

Martin Endjala The town of Rundu, the capital of the Kavango East region, which is derived from its vernacular name, Ruuntu, meaning a place of many people, has for many years struggled to sustain city status. This is despite it being the second-largest urban settlement after Windhoek. According to the 2023 census report, Rundu is Namibia’s second-largest urban area, with 118 632 inhabitants after Windhoek with 486 301 residents. By law, Rundu has already met the criteria for city status, as cities are governed by municipalities, while towns fall under town councils. Rundu Rural Constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu believes the…