Blog – Page 800 – Windhoek Observer

30 Oct

New twist to PDM parliamentary list fight…as ECN distances self

ObserverObserver MoneyCharmaine Tjirare, Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), Hidipo Hamata

Andrew Kathindi Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has washed its hands of the matter of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) parliamentary list. This comes as Lawyer Norman Tjombe representing PDM members Charmaine Tjirare and Hidipo Hamata, last week, wrote to Parliament, demanding that his clients be recognized and added as elected members of the National Assembly. When approached for comment, Chief Electoral Officer of the ECN, Theo Mujoro directed all queries regarding the matter to Government Attorney, Mati Asino. According to Asino the matter regarding the disputed parliamentary list should be sorted internally within the PDM ranks and ECN should…

29 Oct

Human-Wildlife Conflict is not a small thing

ObserverNational NewsCovid-19, Minister of EFT, Pohamba Shifeta

In all the necessary noise around COVID-19 and the upcoming elections and the various newsy points of the day, something that affects Namibians in a major, yet unappreciated way, is human-wildlife conflict (HWC). Too many newsmakers go on as if HWC is not their problem. It is some ‘distant’ issue. One of Namibia selling points for travel, tourism and hospitality is wildlife. This country's contribution to the worldwide wildlife conservation is EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS. Entire communities, our fellow citizens who have an equal right to a quality, safe life just like anyone else. And yet, they battle wildlife every day and…

29 Oct

Small savings can go a long way

ObserverUncategorisedBank Your Change, Elzita Beukes, FNB, FNB’s Savings Pocket

Staff Writer You don’t have to put away thousands to see the benefit of savings. In fact, starting small will not only give you the confidence that saving is possible, but will also help with your finances in the long run. “Starting a new savings habit will probably be the best financial decision you can make,” says Elzita Beukes, FNB Communications Manager. Here are a few tips to get started: Find a suitable account Now that you have decided to save, you need an account that is best suited to your new savings habit. This needs to be separate to…

29 Oct

Nghipunya’s bail application dismissed

ObserverObserver MoneyFishcor Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mike Nghipunya

Staff Writer The bail application for former Fishcor Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Nghipunya was dismissed on Wednesday by the Windhoek High Court on grounds of public interest and administration of justice. Defence Lawyer Milton Engelbrecht said that he will consult Nghipunya before making the next move. Engelbrecht is the representing Nghipunya with advocate Thabang Phatela as a consultant with a mandate only to appeal in the High Court. “Basically what happened is that the bail has been refused on two issues, the public’s interest and administration of justice. I will only consult the client during the course of the…

29 Oct

Education Ministry to avail 488 teaching posts

ObserverObserver MoneyMinister of Education Anna Nghipondoka, Ministry of Education Art and Culture, NANTU, Office of the President

Helena Johannes The Ministry of Education Art and Culture has announced that it has made 488 posts available for unemployed qualified teachers across the country. Minister of Education Anna Nghipondoka, said the ministry has identified the need for 180 posts in the expansion of access to Pre-primary as the majority of unemployed teachers are qualified in the area of Junior Primary, with a further expansion of access allocated another 140 posts which made it 488 posts available. “We acknowledge the receipt of names of qualified, yet unemployed graduates in the field education. Such lists were received through the petitioners themselves,…

29 Oct

Government to re-look at COVID-19 measures …as second wave of pandemic hits Europe

ObserverObserver MoneyCovid-19, Forestry and Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS)

Andrew Kathindi The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has said it is monitoring the second COVID-19 wave currently occurring in Europe and will amend current measures as the situation on the ground unfolds. Chair of the Tourism Revival Initiative (TRI) within the Tourism Ministry, Seimy Christoph-Shidute told Windhoek Observer that the ministry is on alert and concerned by the developments in Europe and elsewhere. “Together with Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) we are making sure that in addition to the negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests that every tourist must provide, further health screening is done on arrival at…

28 Oct

Mental health patients need their medicine

ObserverNational NewsCOVID, Oshakati, Oshakati State Hospital

The mental health unit at the Oshakati State Hospital does not have the medicines needed to treat patients. This is disgraceful. Front line medical personnel tasked with helping those in mental distress are under siege. Their patients whose medical needs cannot be addressed are a threat to themselves and their caregivers. This crisis was avoidable. The officials responsible for the lack of medicines needed must be fired with immediate effect for incompetence. People are suffering because of this situation. Someone must be held accountable or it will keep happening. COVID is a national medical challenge, no doubt. But, we cannot…

28 Oct

Titles every book fiend should read

ObserverUncategorisedCarmen Coetsee

Jackie Wilson Asheeke I read Carmen Coetsee’s list of five books that reading junkies need to read at least once. Check out www.msn.com/en-za for her choices. I beg to differ on a few points, but a couple of her ideas inspired me. Of course, any book list is subjective. Most of the ‘best books’ lists reflect the white, male, European or USA-centred perspective. There are books from the Asian, Hispanic and African cultures or in non-English languages, which would be equally great if they had the attention given to the others. Nevertheless, the books I note below tell wonderful stories…

28 Oct

Telecom appoints new CEO

ObserverObserver MoneyTelecom Namibia

Staff Writer Former Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Shanapinda has been appointed as the new CEO of Telecom Namibia. His appointment will be effective from January 2021. “The Telecom Board of Directors have concluded the consultation with the NPTH Board (Namibia Post and Telecommunication Holdings) and have received endorsement from the shareholder to proceed with the formalities of appointing the successful candidate,” Chairperson of the Telecom Namibia Board, Jerry Muadinohamba said. Shanapinda makes a return to Telecom after previously having served the company as its Head of Legal Services. His appointment comes after 73 applicants…

28 Oct

Exam hopefuls in the cold …as Ministry rules out deadline extension

ObserverObserver MoneyAnna Nghipondoka, Education Minister

Andrew Kathindi A number of learners and exam hopefuls that missed the application deadline could be left out in the cold this year after the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has ruled out further extensions for registration for grades 11 and 12 exams. Education Minister, Anna Nghipondoka declared that those who did not manage to register for exams this year will have to register in 2021. “Some candidates forgot or neglected to register for exams and want to register now (mostly part-time). Unfortunately, we need to advise these candidates to consider registration in 2021 as an alternative avenue to…