Blog – Page 723 – Windhoek Observer

18 Dec

Justice Minister must examine antiquated views in Nam laws

Two cases reported recently raise an ugly point that has been long said about narrow-minded, sexist, religious-based, laws that allows convictions of rapists to be overturned and women defending themselves against domestic abuse to be convicted of murder. The Justice Minister must move to protect women under the law from Judged with their legal heads in the sand when it comes to domestic violence and rape. The High Court Judge involved in both cases referred to in this editorial, justified his decision to agree with the appeal of a convicted rapist because HE doesn’t feel the rape victims actions are…

18 Dec

The Importance of Market Research in Agribusiness Ventures

ObserverUncategorised

Hanks Saisai Namibia has numerous established farmers who own and operate successful agribusiness ventures that are involved in the primary production of crops, livestock and poultry. Sometimes these ventures become specialized in the processing or semi processing of agricultural commodities because of having many years of experience and always being informed about the industry’s condition. Market research can simply be defined as the action or activity of gathering information about consumers’ needs and preferences. For any aspiring agribusiness owner, there is always plenty of opportunities that can be turned into a successful business venture. For one to be a successful…

18 Dec

How to transact safely online over the holidays

ObserverUncategorisedFNB Forensics Manager, Ingrid Katjiukua

Staff Writer As we hit the holiday season, it is important to empower yourself to not fall victim to Card Not Present (CNP) fraud, which occurs when neither the card nor the cardholder is present whilst a fraudulent transaction is being conducted. Ingrid Katjiukua, FNB Forensics Manager says, “Online shopping continues to be a growing trend in Namibia. More and more consumers regularly buy everything from basic household necessities to clothing, gifts, and gadgets at the click of a button. Not only is it safe and convenient, you earn Rewards every time you shop with your FNB Credit Card. However,…

18 Dec

CPBN Board Chairperson fingered in recruitment irregularities

ObserverObserver MoneyCentral Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN)

Andrew Kathindi The Office of the Ombudsman has fingered Board Chairperson of the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) Patrick Swartz in the “irregular, unfair and prejudicial” recruitment of 14 employees. The majority of those employed irregularly are Oshiwambo speakers. According to the Ombudsman, John Walter’s report, Leonard Tsheehama, Aune K Ndeutapo, Zambwe Manyando, Twenty-One-March Kangonga and Daphney Meutudhana did not meet the advertised requirements, while Kristof Shiwalo failed the interview pass rate of 65 percent and obtained only a rate of 62.5 percent. According to Walters, Swartz contradicted the Office of the Ombudsman’s finding that Ms Ndeutepo does not…

18 Dec

Namibia’s economy takes N$1.1 billion knock

ObserverObserver MoneyAlex Shimuafeni, Covid-19, Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), NSA Statistician - General and CEO

Staff Writer N$1.1 billion has been wiped out of the Namibian economy, largely attributed to the effects of COVID-19, third quarter figures from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) show. “In nominal terms, the size of the Namibian economy as measured by GDP at current prices was estimated at N$ 44.7 billion in the quarter under review relative to N$ 45.8 billion posted in the same quarter of 2019. This shows that GDP size shrunk by N$ 1.1 billion,” NSA Statistician - General and CEO, Alex Shimuafeni announced on Thursday. “The third quarter of 2020 (July – September) is characterized by…

17 Dec

Hospitals must be first in the money line

ObserverNational NewsCOVAX, Government, Katutura Hospital, Ministry of Health, Namibia

When hospitals run out of vital supplies, the government does not have its spending priorities straight. No matter what excuses are offered by the Executive Director of the Ministry of Health about why vital medicines are missing, they are insufficient. The reason medicines and supplies have run out in hospitals is not an error or a mix-up. Saying they are aware and "looking into it" falls short of the credibility mark. Let us stop saying that hospitals ran out of medicine or supplies. Let us speak the truth. Government has not provided funds so that state medical facilities can serve…

17 Dec

Debmarine Namibia’s new vessel launched

ObserverUncategorisedDebmarine Namibia

Staff Writer Debmarine Namibia’s N$7 billion flagship vessel, the Debmarine Namibia’s 3rd Additional Mining Vessel (AMV3) was successfully launched in Damen Shipyard, Mangalia Romania. The floating of the 177 metres (577 feet) marine diamond recovery vessel and the world’s biggest, marks the start of at least 30 years of operational service. Constructed from a Marinteknikk design, the AMV3 is the current largest in the Debmarine Namibia fleet. “It brings a great comfort to learn that the AMV3 was launched successfully in Romania. Present situation due to COVID-19 pandemic and travelling restrictions around the world, my team could not witness the…

17 Dec

Electoral Court delays ECN election re-run plans

ObserverObserver MoneyElectoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), Electoral Court

Andrew Kathindi The re-run of polls in the Aroab, Koës, Stampriet local authorities and Mariental Rural constituency is likely to be delayed with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) still to receive reasons for the Electoral Court’s judgement given last week. According to the body, the judgement will determine whether or not it will appeal the ruling or comply with the court’s decision. This comes as Electoral Court Judge Shafimana Ueitele ruled that the results in the local authorities and constituency be declared null and void and that a re-run of the poll be conducted. Judge Ueitele gave the order…

17 Dec

Geingob threatens COVID-19 State of Emergency …as breathalyzer reissue is set aside amidst infection concerns

ObserverObserver MoneyCenter of Disease Control (CDC), Covid-19, State of Emergency, Windhoek

Andrew Kathindi President Hage Geingob has threatened to reinstitute another State of Emergency as soon as next week if the public does not adhere to the current measures and COVID-19 cases continue to rise. This comes as Geingob on Wednesday introduced new measures to curb the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases. The president and the Center of Disease Control (CDC) earlier this month confirmed that Namibia is currently facing a second wave of the pandemic. “If you misbehave, I may even next week come back and declare a State of Emergency. That power I have. I am warning you. So,…

16 Dec

Christmas 2020 must be muted

ObserverNational NewsChristmas

It sounds hard to take the position that Christmas must be played low this year. And yet, that is the message. People should to not go home to the village or travel this year. Stay home. have small outdoor events with family members and close friends. Find creative ways to celebrate Christmas in your home. Play Christmas music and set up your tree. There are online Christmas themed movies and religious services. Start enjoying them. People have less disposable income or are nervous about spending. Why not reduce buying/giving as many gifts this holiday season? That is a good way…