Blog – Page 809 – News Stand

15 May

No more room for ideological errors and opportunism

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedideological errors and opportunism

Kae Matundu-Tjiparoro In many aspects and respects than one there’s no time than now that the writing must be clearly on the wall for all and sundry, especially true revolutionaries, to see for themselves. Time and again, one has been hearing the cliché, from especially politicians, ruling, and ruling is the appropriate word to describe the political system prevalent in Namibia. Ruling as opposed to governing. Because Namibians during the last 31 years of freedom, independence, sovereignty, justice, you can mention all the adjectives imaginable, has indeed been ruled. Liken ruling in this sense with an archaic political systems and…

15 May

Africa’s Covid-19 vaccination woes present a pandemic paradox

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedAfrica’s Covid-19 vaccination woes present a pandemic paradox

One year into the Covid-19 pandemic, African countries are staring at a daunting new triple challenge: vaccine shortage, vaccine hesitancy, and perception of dwindling virus risk. Health officials see what happens elsewhere in the world – especially India right now – and worry which regions will get hit next. Vaccine hesitancy Even amidst grim vaccine shortages, some countries are destroying their first consignment of COVAX vaccines, which are now past their expiration dates. Millions of doses delivered to the continent were never used and have been stockpiled in warehouses across the continent. Malawi and South Sudan are the latest countries…

15 May

Dennis Noa remains in custody

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedDennis No, Paulus Noa, Seeis Police Station

Kandjemuni Kamuiiri Dennis Noa, son of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director, Paulus Noa, made his second appearance on Friday at Katutura Magistrate court, facing charges of sexually violating an 18- year-old male patient at Katutura Hospital. According to magistrate Shikalepo Atutala Namwenyo, investigations are still not finalized. “The matter is scheduled for further investigations, which are outstanding as they have additional statements to be obtained, and further analysis from the lab (Nation Forensic Science Institution of Namibia) to be obtained. We have agreed the date of 22 July 2021 for further investigations,” Namwenyo stated. The magistrate added that “the objections to…

15 May

Shangula rules out CDC mask guidelines

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedCentre for Disease Control (CDC) (USA), COVAX Facility, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Kalumbi Shangula

Andrew Kathindi Namibia has ruled out new guidelines from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) (USA) that people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 do not have to wear masks or adhere to social distancing in most settings. According to the Minister of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) , Kalumbi Shangula, people who have been vaccinated are not necessarily out of the woods yet. “We are doing exactly what we are doing now. We are not changing anything,” said Shangula. “I will then see, what is the basis for them saying so. Because if you’re vaccinated, you don’t immediately develop…

15 May

Ministers paid pennies – Shiimi

info_e12wt4csUncategorised089 185 per annum, Iipumbu Shiimi, Ministers paid pennies - Shiimi, N$1

Kandjemuni Kamuiiri and Tujoromajo Kasuto Finance Minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, says Government has no plans to cut salaries of ministers as part of cost cutting measures as they are already paid pennies compared to managers in the private sector. This is in response to whether ministers will be taking salary cuts in solidarity with thousands of Namibians whose salaries were cut by half due to the economic strains brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Government employees don’t get paid much compared to the private sector. We have discussed it but it will not be considered because it would not be beneficial…

14 May

Qatar backed fund buys Safari Hotels

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyKasada Capital Management, Namibian Competition Commission, Qatar Investment Authority

Staff Writer Kasada Capital Management, a fund backed by the Qatar Investment Authority, the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, and French hospitality group, Accor, has announced its acquisition of the Safari Hotels and Conference Centre in Windhoek for an undisclosed amount. The transaction, which is still subject to approval by the Namibian Competition Commission, will be made through Kasada Hospitality Fund LP. The acquisition comes as the 55-year-old, 414 room hotel and conference venue, has been on the market after a failed 2018 bid by United Africa Group to acquire JH Hamman Beherende Beleggings, the holding company…

14 May

ReconAfrica illegally drilling

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyKavango East, Kawe village, ReconAfrica

Andrew Kathindi It has emerged that ReconAfrica, a Canadian company that has been undertaking controversial oil drilling at Kawe village, in the Kavango East,has been operating without water permits. This was confirmed to Windhoek Observer by Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein. According to Maggy Shino, the Petroleum Commissioner at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the company needs a water permit before commencing with its business, even if an oil and gas exploration licence is granted. ReconAfrica announced on January 11 that it had commenced drilling operations on the first well (6-2), and recently mobilised its…

12 May

Matching your insurance to a tight budget

info_e12wt4csUncategorisedFinance minister, Namibia

Staff Writer In tough times the temptation to cut spending, especially on insurance costs, can become overwhelming. As the budget squeezes, insurance is usually the first casualty. Maintaining essential cover in tough times, however, can save money and avoid unforeseen losses, especially when there is simply no more cash in the kitty. We live in a time of plummeting national income, increased administration costs, and every likelihood of an increased individual tax burden. In these tough times, just as the Finance Minister is taking a good, hard look at Namibia’s spending priorities, individual policyholders are encouraged to do the same…

12 May

Namibia secures N$1.8 billion German loans

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyGerman Ambassador, Germany, Herbert Beck, Iipumbu Shiimi, Minister of Finance, Namibia

Kandjemuni Kamuiiri Namibia and Germany on Tuesday signed a N$ 1.8 billion loan agreement, which will fund three programmes in the areas of water, infrastructure and food production. Minister of Finance, Iipumbu Shiimi, and German Ambassador, Herbert Beck, signed the agreements on behalf of their respective countries. According to Shiimi, financing will be provided by interest-reduced loans in local currency, thereby securing favourable credit conditions for the Government of Namibia. “These projects will support the development of important water and other climate related infrastructure projects in Namibia, and the promotion of agricultural households and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through…

12 May

Billionaire denied bail

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyHarvey Boulter

Rose-Mary Haufiku Murder accused British billionaire, Harvey Boulter (51), has failed in his bail attempt on Tuesday at the Outjo Magistrates’ Court. Despite a spirited attempt, which also included supporting testimony from a Clinical psychologist, and from the family members of the deceased, Boulter was denied bail and remanded in custody at the Kamanjab Police cells. Boulter stands accused of allegedly shooting his employee (a manager at his farm) Gerhard van Wyk (54) in February after he attempted to seek sexual favours from van Wyk’s daughter in law. He is also facing additional charges of defeating/obstructing the course of justice,…