Blog – Page 739 – Windhoek Observer

13 Oct

Global economic growth remains slow

Observer Money

The global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remains slow and uneven, the International Monetary Fund has said. Despite economic resilience earlier this year, with a reopening rebound and progress in reducing inflation from last year’s peaks, it is too soon to take comfort, the Fund said. Economic activity still falls short of its pre-pandemic path, especially in emerging market and developing economies, and there are widening divergences among regions. Several forces are holding back the recovery. Some reflect the long-term consequences of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and increasing geo-economic fragmentation. Others are more…

12 Oct

Infringing on NSI standards could result in fines or imprisonment

National NewsInfringing on NSI standards could result in fines orimprisonment

Martin Endjala The head of Namibia Metrology, Simasiku Matali, warned businesses that contravene the Namibian Standards Institution Act no 5 of 2023 regulating measurement tools could face a possible fine of N$300 000 or two years’ imprisonment.Matali said this while clarifying how the Metrology Act once enacted will be dealing with some of the loopholes in different sectors.While explaining that although the Act has been amended, the already existing Acts have been effective to some extent.Matali warned against businesses selling products which are not in the local vernaculars on the shelves to immediately rectify it or risk being served with…

12 Oct

Paragon welcomes Abraham Kanime as new Head of Safety and Security

National NewsParagon welcomes Abraham Kanime as new Head of Safety and Security

Niël Terblanché In a significant development, Paragon Investment Holdings has officially appointed Abraham Kanime, the former Chief of the Windhoek City Police, as its new Head of Safety and Security. This announcement reaffirms Paragon’s dedication to cultivating a secure environment for its vast workforce, distinguished clientele, and its sprawling asset base. Kanime, who has built an enviable reputation during his tenure with the Windhoek City Police, is renowned for his deep expertise in corporate security. His dedicated service to the Windhoek community emphasizes his unmatched capability in safeguarding assets and people. Paragon Investment Holdings, a fully Namibian-owned entity, has a…

12 Oct

NHE fails to meet its own housing target

National NewsNHE fails to meet its own housing target

Martin Endjala According to the National Housing Enterprise (NHE)’s five-year strategic plan, the entity aimed to construct 2,200 houses annually until the housing backlog was resolved.However, from 2019 to the present, the institution has only succeeded in building 1,090 houses nationwide.NHE’s mandate is to provide housing to low- and middle-income Namibian households by initiating and financing housing projects.Mutonga Matali, the Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager of NHE, informed the Windhoek Observer that due to the rising demand for homeownership, it’s imperative for NHE to recalibrate its strategy to address the housing backlog and guarantee access to affordable homes.“New housing targets,…

12 Oct

All enumerators will be paid by the end of October

National NewsAll enumerators will be paid by the end of October

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has urged Census 2023 enumerators involved in fieldwork, who have yet to receive their remuneration, to remain patient. The agency is actively addressing the issue, aiming to complete all payments by the end of October. At a media conference in Windhoek, updating on the 2023 population and housing census and the launch of the post-enumeration survey, NSA Statistician-General Alex Shimuafeni assured that payments would be expedited. Shimuafeni revealed that 60% of the enumerators have already been compensated, leaving only 40% awaiting payment. “The funds are in the NSA bank account. Payments will be…

12 Oct

Venaani displeased with Swapo’s decisionto reject the Bill recognizing Basters

National NewsVenaani displeased with Swapo’s decisionto reject the Bill recognizing Basters

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), expressed disappointment yesterday over the decision by Swapo members of Parliament to reject the Private Member’s Bill he introduced in the National Assembly. This bill aimed to recognize the Basters’ Traditional Authority. Titled “Baster Traditional Authority Recognition and Urban Traditional Authorities Establishment,” the bill sought to recognize, protect, and promote the rights of the Baster Traditional Authority in urban areas. Venaani stated it was turned down by Swapo Party members. “The rejection of this bill is deeply troubling. It highlights a concerning pattern of neglect and dismissal of the…

12 Oct

Geingob and Ramaphosa to convene for the third Bi-National Commission

National NewsGeingob and Ramaphosa to convene for the third Bi-National Commission

Niël Terblanché The spirit of mutual cooperation and collaboration between South Africa and Namibia is set to shine through this week. On 13 October 2023, President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia will welcome his South African counterpart, President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, for the third Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC). The session, co-chaired by both presidents, follows an agreement reached during President Geingob’s State Visit to South Africa on 20 April 2023. Established in 2012, the BNC has since been a pivotal forum to boost bilateral ties, coordinate diplomatic stances, and discuss shared concerns at both regional and…

12 Oct

Parliamentary Chair urges vigilancefor enhanced personal security

National NewsParliamentary Chair urges vigilancefor enhanced personal security

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Innovation, Modestus Amutse, has emphasised the critical role of cybersecurity in enhancing personal security.Speaking at the 7th National Youth Summit, Amutse highlighted the importance of proactive participation in cybersecurity programs under the theme “Re-thinking cybersecurity investment to secure the digital economy and its opportunities.”He stressed the necessity to fortify cybersecurity to remain vigilant and extend a helping hand to protect one another. He mentioned recent media reports that drew attention to criminal syndicates exploiting ICT to engage youth in fraudulent activities and abhorrent practices like…

12 Oct

SADC Anti-Corruption workshop kick starts in Swakopmund

National NewsSADC Anti-Corruption workshop kick starts in Swakopmund

Niël Terblanché The heads of anti-corruption agencies across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region converged in Swakopmund for a critical three-day workshop. The event will be spearheaded by Thom Shamakamba, the newly appointed Chairperson of the SADC Anti-Corruption Committee. Assuming the position from Paulus Noah, Director General for the Anti-Corruption Commission of Namibia, Shamakamba commended his predecessor for his leadership. He also lauded the Republic of Namibia, represented by the Governor of the Erongo Region, Neville Andre, for their hospitality. The workshop, in its second iteration, will focus on galvanizing joint efforts against corruption, which plagues the region by…

12 Oct

Government allocates millions to subsidise shelters

MainGovernment allocates millions to subsidise shelters

Martin Endjala Doreen Sioka, the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, announced that the ministry has allocated N$2 million annually to subsidise 18 residential child-care shelters and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) facilities across eight regions. She emphasized that the ministry, by court orders, places children requiring care and protection in these essential facilities. Such facilities play an indispensable role in safeguarding the well-being of the country’s most vulnerable children. Addressing the parliament on Tuesday, regarding the operations of government-owned GBV shelters, Sioka responded to recent reports about staffing shortages in these facilities. She acknowledged the gravity of GBV…