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Safeguard yourself against festive season risks

Safeguard yourself against festive season risks

JOHANNES HESEKIEL The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, often spent in the company of close family and friends. However, this period also sees an increase in certain risks, such as theft and car accidents. To protect yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings, it is essential to keep proactive measures and stay vigilant during this vulnerable time. How to Avoid Theft Incidents of theft and burglary are more likely to increase during the holidays. This is because many people go on holidays, making it easier for criminals to target their vacant houses. Here are some tips…
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Eskom gets stable rating

Eskom gets stable rating

CHAMWE KAIRA S&P Global Ratings has revised Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.'s outlook from 'B' foreign and local currency long-term ratings to positive from stable. The company affirmed its 'B' issue ratings on the group's senior secured and senior unsecured debt and its 'BB-' foreign currency issue ratings on the government-guaranteed debt. S&P Global Ratings has raised its long-term South Africa national scale credit rating to 'zaBBB+' from 'zaBBB' and affirmed its short-term national scale rating of 'zaA-2'. Currently, Namibia imports most of its electricity from South Africa and other countries in the region. A special arrangement between NamPower and Eskom,…
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Festive season to boost hospitality sector

Festive season to boost hospitality sector

The festive season promises a significant boost to Namibia’s hospitality sector, with domestic and SADC visitors expected to drive demand, particularly in the northern and coastal regions, which remain key holiday destinations. This anticipated surge presents an opportunity to enhance economic performance through targeted promotional campaigns and service improvements in these high-traffic areas. NWR ’s initiatives, such as the Namleisure card and upcoming Black Friday specials, are well-aligned with the need to foster domestic and regional tourism. By addressing affordability and accessibility, these efforts are likely to stimulate greater interest in exploring Namibia’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. South African…
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Growing calls to end child marriage

Growing calls to end child marriage

Moses Magadza, Sylvia Obaga and Sally Ncube As the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence gather momentum shortly after the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, Faiza Mohamed, director of the Africa Office at Equality Now, has highlighted the continuing crisis of child marriage in Southern Africa. In a statement, Mohamed said with nearly one-third of women aged 20 to 24 in Eastern and Southern Africa married before the age of 18, the need for urgent action has never been clearer than now. She noted that roughly 50 million women in the region were…
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Voters sweat for democracy

Voters sweat for democracy

Hertta-Maria Amutenja, Allexer Namundjebo, Martin Endjala Namibians across the country faced long waits and numerous challenges on election day for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Amid the heat, logistical issues at polling stations, power outages, and frustrations among voters created a tense atmosphere that hindered the smooth running of the process. People started lining up at polling stations as early as 04:00 on Wednesday, hoping to be among the first to cast their vote. Many of them were unprepared for the delays and chaos that plagued election day. The voting process in the Oshikoto Region, specifically at Omuthiya,…
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Elections marred by ballot paper shortages and logistical challenges

Elections marred by ballot paper shortages and logistical challenges

Hertta-maria Amutenja, Martin Endjala, Allexer Namundjembo The 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections were overshadowed by logistical issues, including ballot paper shortages and operational delays at various polling stations. Polling stations such as Omeya Golf Estate, Mix Settlement, Finkenstein, Brakwater Shopping Centre, and Centaurus High School in the Khomas Region, as well as Omudaungilo Constituency in the Ohangwena Region, reported running out of ballot papers by 15h00. These challenges have frustrated voters and prompted calls for urgent action from political stakeholders and civil society. The Independent Patriots for Change’s (IPC) leader, Panduleni Itula, has accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN)…
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Court orders former Swakopmund MUN chairperson to retract defamatory claims

Court orders former Swakopmund MUN chairperson to retract defamatory claims

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The High Court has ordered the former Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) chairperson for Swakopmund, Milton Augumeb, to retract defamatory statements he made about the leadership of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN). On 25 November, the court also instructed Augumeb, who had claimed that the union's leadership was in crisis and that the national executive committee (NEC) was involved in the misappropriation of funds, to issue a public apology. Augumeb was also ordered to unconditionally retract the said defamatory statement. In addition, he must issue a public apology for the aforementioned defamatory statements within 14 days. Augumeb…
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US embassy urges vigilance for citizens during Namibia’s election day

US embassy urges vigilance for citizens during Namibia’s election day

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The United States Embassy in Namibia has issued a safety advisory to its citizens, urging them to remain vigilant during and after the country’s presidential and national assembly elections. The elections were held on Wednesday. In a statement shared on its social media platforms, the embassy highlighted the potential for heightened activity during the election period. “Throughout this period, as well as over the days following the elections, rallies and demonstrations may occur,” the statement read. The embassy advised American nationals in Namibia to avoid large crowds and stay alert. “Maintain a low profile, carry proper identification, review…
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Copper thieves place Ohangwena region in jeopardy

Copper thieves place Ohangwena region in jeopardy

Niël Terblanchë Residents of the Ohangwena Region faced significant hardship this week after theft and vandalism at NamPower’s Onhuno Power Line caused a power outage, disrupting the water supply to the area. According to a statement by Lot Ndamanomhata, the spokesperson of NamWater, the incident, which occurred at approximately 01:00 on Tuesday morning, is a demonstration of the severe consequences of copper theft from the installation of essential services. He said that the Omakango Pump Station, which supplies water to the entire Ohangwena Region, was rendered inoperable due to the outage. Ndamanomhata confirmed that the region was left without running…
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