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Alweendo denies promoting foreign investors above Namibians

Alweendo denies promoting foreign investors above Namibians

Martin Endjala The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, on Tuesday denounced the notion that he is promoting foreign investors above Namibians. He said this during a meeting with the Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA). “I am not promoting foreign investors above Namibians, as this is the notion being spread around. What I am saying is that as Namibians, we need to compete amongst each other and not against the likes of Shell or TotalEnergy so that we develop the businesses to take over the industry. The notion that I do not want Namibians to participate is totally wrong.…
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Thousands apply for 20 volunteer teaching opportunities 

Thousands apply for 20 volunteer teaching opportunities 

Hertta-Maria Amutenja More than 2000 graduate teachers have applied for 20 volunteer teaching positions at Oshigambo High School in the Oshikoto Region. Last week, the school put out an advertisement looking for qualified volunteer teachers to gain experience while securing a permanent teaching position. The school's principal, Pinehas Ekongo, stated that the aim is to provide newly graduated teachers with experience and relieve unemployment stress. “Oshigambo High School invites unemployed educators to join our team voluntarily. This is your chance to associate with one of the most competent schools in the country, build your teaching pedigree, and stay engaged with…
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Beifang mine workers accuse employer of labour violations

Beifang mine workers accuse employer of labour violations

Ester Mbathera Employees of Beifang Mining Services have accused their employer of not adhering to labour laws and subjecting them to bad working conditions. Employees spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation "Things at Beifang are worse, victimisation, tribalism, racism, favouritism, discrimination, unfair dismissal, and underpayment are the order of the day. We are forced to work on weekends continuously with no overtime unless on a public holiday," said one employee. The employee added that the safety of the workers is their biggest concern. The employee claims that those who speak up face suspension.…
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Windhoek Observer and Shipi FM join forces.

Windhoek Observer and Shipi FM join forces.

Ester Mbathera As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day, Namibia’s online newspaper Windhoek Observer and community radio station Shipi FM signed a collaboration agreement. The agreement signed by Paragon Media’s co-founder, Lazarus Jacobs and Shipi FPM executive chairperson Martin Shipanga focuses on gathering and sharing news. The two organisations also agreed on sharing human resources and infrastructure, as well as human capital and training. Jacobs explained that the sharing of resources in a small country such as Namibia is the way to go. He cautioned Namibians to guard against allowing nonNamibians to control the narrative and news cycle. “We…
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Meatco reports N$258 million loss

Meatco reports N$258 million loss

Ester Mbathera Meatco has reported an operational loss of N$258.1 million in its group performance for the year-to-date period that started in January 2024. This loss, excluding a government grant, amounted to a budgeted loss of N$61.5 million. The company's bottom line reflects a reduced loss, primarily due to accounting for a state grant of N$135 million received in April, June, and July of 2023. Meatco during the period under review (2022-2023) slaughtered more than 60 820 cattle including animals behind the red line, compared to a budget of 50 000. According to the group report, the revenue generation fell…
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Workers play a critical role in Namibia’s future prosperity

Workers play a critical role in Namibia’s future prosperity

Niël Terblanché On Workers' Day, President Nangolo Mbumba and Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila honoured Namibian workers, celebrating their indispensable role in nation-building and the pursuit of socio-economic growth. In his message to the nation, President Mbumba stressed the critical role workers play in driving Namibia's development trajectory towards a prosperous future. This year’s commemoration was presented under the theme "Namibian Workers United for Economic Growth and Development and the President added that it has a significant role to play in the Year of Expectations. President Mbumba acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of workers. "Without workers, there can be no construction,…
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MUN president digs in heels

MUN president digs in heels

Ester Mbathera Ismael Kasuto, the president of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), and his deputy Densley Somseb are refusing to vacate their respective positions in the union. On Monday, the two of them, along with two other leaders, Abraham Baisako and Delila Tsibes, issued a statement, in which they claim that they received information that the group that removed them, is trying to take over the union. They claim that the group wants to block them from carrying out a forensic audit of the union’s finances. They stated that the decision to release the financial report was one of…
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Namcor Chevron deal sparks worry

Namcor Chevron deal sparks worry

Martin Endjala and Ester Mbathera Political analyst, Stephanus Pombili has cautioned the Namibian government against doing business with United States-based oil giant, Chevron. This comes after Namcor signed a farm-out agreement with Chevron Namibia Exploration Limited (CNEL), a subsidiary of Chevron Global Energy Inc. on Monday. “It is very dangerous to involve our trade with the warmongering USA. Since 2012, the US Navy has been visiting Namibia’s ports. In recent years, the USS Hersel Woody Williams arrived in Namibia in 2021 and returned in 2022. By 2020, the United States injected US$300 million into constructing their embassy,” he said He…
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Businessman drove stolen vehicles for ten years

Businessman drove stolen vehicles for ten years

Ester Mbathera The businessman Daniel Kamunoko, who is suing Standard Bank Namibia for about N$184 billion has been driving two vehicles that were reported stolen by the bank in 2009. The vehicles involved are an AMG C55 and a CLK cabriolet Mercedes Benz which are still in Kamunoko’s possession. In court documents, Kamunoko claims that he wanted to sell the AMG but the vehicle failed to get police clearance. “It was when I discovered that both vehicles were reported stolen on 16 April 2009. In other words, I have been driving these Benzes for ten years, stolen by myself as…
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CoW to escalate water restrictions as supply dries up

CoW to escalate water restrictions as supply dries up

Niël Terblanché The City of Windhoek (CoW) is on the brink of declaring a severe Category D water scarcity, compelling it to implement stringent water-saving measures as water supply to the capital is under severe strain. This decision follows a drastic reduction in water supply by NamWater, which has decreased from 75% to 40% of the city's total demand due to critically low water levels in the primary supply dams. At a meeting on Thursday evening the deputy mayor of Windhoek, Joseph Uapingene said there is a need to reduce water consumption by at least 10%. “Unfortunately, water-conserving targets have…
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