Blog – Page 744 – Windhoek Observer

05 Oct

African airlines the weakest cargo performers

Observer Money

African airlines had the weakest performance in August, the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) latest analysis of the air cargo market based on traffic and capacity data has shown. IATA data showed a 4.7% decline in cargo volumes compared to August 2022. This was a significant decrease in performance compared to July (+2.3%). Notably, Africa–Asia routes declined by 1.1% in August following an 11.2% growth in July. Cargo capacity was 3.8% above August 2022 levels. Africa accounts for 2% of the global air cargo market. Internationally, IATA said year-on-year air cargo demand grew for the first time in 19 months.…

05 Oct

The AHIF will present more investment opportunities

Observer Money

Martin Endjala The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Nagula Uaandja, expressed that winning the bid to host the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) 2024 isn’t solely a triumph for Namibia but also a testament to its burgeoning potential. The forum, recognized as Africa's foremost tourism and hotel investment conference, promises to draw an array of distinguished international hoteliers, investors, financiers, and management companies. The event is slated for 25 - 27 June 2024 in Windhoek. Uaandja passionately voiced her belief that the AHIF 2024 presents a golden opportunity for Namibia's landscapes…

05 Oct

Namibian dates spearhead horticultural exports

Observer MoneyNamibian dates spearhead horticultural exports

Niël Terblanché Namibian horticultural products are making a significant mark in the global market, with dates leading the way. According to Calle Schlettwein, the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Namibia's producers have experienced increased access to global markets in recent times. In 2022, a notable 36 percent of Namibia’s agronomy and horticultural production, consisting chiefly of products like grapes, onions, tomatoes, sweet peppers, butternut, dates, blueberries, and watermelon, found their way to international consumers. Schlettwein pointed out that Namibia celebrated its first-ever soft citrus and grapefruit exports in the first quarter of the current financial year. These exports…

05 Oct

Capricorn group addresses investment biases

Observer MoneyCapricorn group addresses investment biases

Martin Endjala The Capricorn Group has specified that in today's swiftly changing finance and investment landscape, recognizing the influence of biases and emotions on decision-making is more pivotal than ever. To address this, the Capricorn Group, in collaboration with its subsidiary, Capricorn Asset Management, hosted an Inspire event themed “Exploring Biases in Investment Decisions.” This event was aimed at addressing and understanding biases inherent in making investment choices. Relf Lumley, Chief Investment Officer at Capricorn Asset Management, highlighted the significance of behavioral finance in determining market outcomes. He ventured that astute and informed decision-making in investment requires an awareness of…

05 Oct

Inmates sue government over denial of prescription diet

National NewsInmates sue government over denial of prescription diet

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Two inmates from the Hardap Correctional Facility have initiated a lawsuit against the Ministry of Home Affairs, Safety and Security, in which they demand N$1.6 million in damages due to alleged negligence and the cessation of their prescribed diets. Joseph Shikongo and Wilem Valombola, both serving their sentences at the facility, are each seeking N$800,000 for the suffering they underwent on 19 November and 17 December 2020. The duo contend they are on lifelong, chronic prescribed medication. This medication must be taken daily alongside their prescribed diets to ensure their health and preserve their lives. As per their…

05 Oct

Sports Commentary

Opinions, Sportse Internal Rugby Board (IRB). The IRB is the FIFA of world rugby., Sports Commentary

Isack Hamata There is a serious case to be made about how small rugby nations like Namibia are treated by the Internal Rugby Board (IRB). The IRB is the FIFA of world rugby. Our national team has been rushed through the group matches, playing the first match on 9 September and the final one on 29 September while the other teams in our group i.e New Zealand, France, Uruguay and Italy are only concluding their group matches on the 6th October. That is almost a full month of just playing group stage matches while the Namibian national team is already…

05 Oct

Playtime Festival: A Celebrationof Youth Cricket in Namibia

SportsPlaytime Festival: A Celebrationof Youth Cricket in Namibia

The Playtime Festival, one of the most prestigious youth tournaments on Cricket Namibia’s calendar, was hosted by three towns, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Windhoek, from the 21st September to the 1st October 2023. The event which has grown in prominence over the years, saw a convergence of young cricket enthusiasts, reflecting the sport’s deep roots and burgeoning future in the country. The Playtime Festival under new partnership, facilitated five youth tournaments that saw a staggering 45 teams over 139 fiercely contested matches. Such participation levels are a testament to the sport’s popularity among the youth and the continued efforts of…

05 Oct

Venaani challenges Presidency’s statement about genocide

National NewsVenaani challenges Presidency’s statement about genocide

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, leader of the Popular Democratic Movement, has called into question the statement released by the Presidency this week. The statement attempted to clarify President Hage Geingob’s controversial remarks on the genocide, made during a lecture in France last month. In his lecture, Geingob drew comparisons between the 1904-1908 genocide and apartheid, controversially claiming that apartheid was more severe than the genocide. He also argued that many who never previously cared about the genocide issue are now positioning themselves at the forefront of the debate. Venaani, responding yesterday, noted that Geingob’s remarks have ignited considerable debate. He…

05 Oct

Karasburg councillors set to appear in court again

National NewsKarasburg councillors set to appear in court again

Martin Enjdala Members of the Karasburg Town Council, who were arrested on Monday, are scheduled for their second court appearance on Friday. During this session, they plan to file a formal bail application. Their initial appearance was at the Karasburg Magistrate Court on Tuesday, where Magistrate Samingo Kasaone ordered their continued detention. The LPM’s Spokesperson, Lifalaza Simaata, confirmed this decision yesterday. The councillors were taken into custody by members of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for alleged violations of the Local Authority Act. On Tuesday, the ACC confirmed the arrests of Karasburg Town Council Mayor Maria Veldskoen, Chairperson of the Management…

05 Oct

PDM raises concerns over editor’s suspension

National NewsPDM raises concerns over editor’s suspension

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Maximalliant Katjimune, a Member of Parliament from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has voiced concerns over the recent suspension of Jonathan Beukes, the Managing Editor of New Era Newspaper. The suspension, which took place last Friday, has sparked debates about potential government encroachment on press freedom, particularly with Namibia on the cusp of an important election year. Christof Maletsky, the Chief Executive Officer of New Era Newspaper, acknowledged the suspension. However, he mentioned that the situation is internal and refrained from sharing further details. Nevertheless, during parliamentary sessions yesterday, Katjimune aimed to probe the Minister of Information and…