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07 Mar

Comprehensive electoral calendar for Elections 2024 launched

ObserverMain

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has officially unveiled the 2024 Electoral Calendar, Democracy Building, and Awareness Campaign alongside the Service Charter. The launch is an essential element for Namibian democracy and it is also a significant stride towards the strengthening thereof and ensuring efficient electoral processes. The ECN's Chairperson, Dr Elsie Nghikembua, said at the launch that the Electoral Calendar presents a detailed roadmap of all electoral activities slated for the year, encompassing the pre-election phase, the election phase, and the post-election phase. Nghikembua underscored the essence of the Calendar in facilitating meticulous planning, coordination, and execution…

07 Mar

Namibia to model its oil and gas industry on Angolan benchmark

ObserverMainNamibia to model its oil and gas industry on Angolan benchmark

Niël Terblanché In a strategic move aimed at bolstering Namibia’s emerging oil and gas sector, President Nangolo Mbumba announced that the country will draw valuable insights from Angola’s industry framework. The President made the declaration upon his return from a one-day official working visit to Angola earlier this week. The visit marked a crucial step in Namibia’s journey towards developing its oil and gas industry. During his visit, President Mbumba toured the Sonangol Integrated Logistics Services (SONILS) at the Port of Luanda, a crucial hub that exemplifies Angola’s sophisticated approach to oil and gas logistics and services. SONILS, a partnership…

06 Mar

Taxpayers refunded with N$100.9 million

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Martin Endjala The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) today announced that it has successfully refunded taxpayers with N$100.9 million in a push to bolster its commitment to provide timely services to taxpayers. While giving an update on the mass tax refund, NamRA’s Chief Strategic Communications and Support Engagements Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, said the ongoing exercise that commenced in December 2023, highlights the positive impact on taxpayers. Out of the 78,441 tax returns processed, Ndorokaze indicated that 46,941 refunds were successfully paid to 46,772 individual salaried persons and pensioners. The refund by NamRA is said to be significant in the financial relief provided…

06 Mar

Governor warns against rising tribal tensions in Khorixas

ObserverMainGovernor warns against rising tribal tensions in Khorixas

Niël Terblanché Kunene Regional Governor, Marius Sheya issued a stern warning over escalating tribal tensions between the Damara and Nama communities in the Khorixas area, specifically within Ward 9. The discord, rooted in disputes over ancestral land claims and the allocation of plots at a local resettlement farm, threatens to deepen the divides within this communal area. Sheya’s caution comes amid increasing bitterness and hostility voiced through local radio stations, a trend he urged to cease immediately to prevent the situation from spiralling into outright conflict. Sheya stressed the urgent need for local leadership intervention to address the matter comprehensively…

05 Mar

More than 4,000 police investigations are still incomplete

ObserverMain000 police investigations are still incomplete, More than 4

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia has a staggering total of number 4377 incomplete police investigations across all 14 regions, with Khomas harbouring a daunting 2736 ongoing cases. Other affected regions include Erongo (70), Hardap (109), Kharas (74), Kavango East (132), Kavango West (36), Kunene (57), Ohangwena (210), Omaheke (92), Omusati (128), Oshana (319), Oshikoto (148), Otjozondjupa (222), and Zambezi (44). In a recent session of the National Assembly, Popular Democratic Movement member Reggie Diergaardt inquired about the challenges faced by various police stations in completing investigations. Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Albert Kawana, in response to the inquiries, said…

04 Mar

Debt is exasperating Aroab water crisis

ObserverMain, National News

Martin Endjala Residents of Aroab in //Karas Region are up in arms over a water shortage that has plagued them for at least three years. The villagers are blaming the Aroab Village Council for failing to address the water shortage in the area. The situation has been ongoing for the past three years, and it is said to have gotten worse, as residents often stay without water during the afternoon and sometimes for days on end. Keetmanshoop Rural Constituency Councillor, Willem Labuschagne, informed Windhoek Observer last week that due to the shortage of water, residents are forced to share. He…

04 Mar

Environmental concerns halt uranium exploration on vital aquifer

ObserverMainEnvironmental concerns halt uranium exploration on vital aquifer

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR), Calle Schlettwein, has taken a firm stance against the continuation of exploration drilling activities by Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russia’s atomic agency to protect one of Namibia’s critical water resources, the Stampriet Aquifer. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the potential exposure of the aquifer to radioactive materials and the adequacy of environmental impact assessments. The controversy surfaced following inquiries by UPM President Jan van Wyk in Parliament, questioning the legality of Headspring Investments’ operations in the region. Schlettwein clarified that the company’s drilling permits, initially granted…

01 Mar

Mbumba’s role in the reintegration of Walvis Bay celebrated

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Niël Terblanché On the first day of March every year, Namibians mark the 30th anniversary of Walvis Bay's reintegration into the country. A key figure behind this momentous occasion was Dr Nangolo Mbumba, Namibia's fourth president. His instrumental role in the successful return of Walvis Bay, along with twelve small offshore islands, to Namibian sovereignty is a testament to his dedication and diplomatic acumen. Walvis Bay, Namibia's principal port and a critical economic hub, was integrated into Namibia between February 28 and March 1, 1994, a few years after the country declared its independence from South African rule on March…

01 Mar

Namibia wants to attract investors with corporate tax reduction

ObserverMainNamibia wants to attract investors with corporate tax reduction

Martin Endjala Local economic analysts are of the view that the announced reduction in corporate tax rate by the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, during the tabling of the National Budget in the National Assembly on Wednesday, will make Namibia more attractive to investors. According to a Simonis Storm Securities report the reduction of the corporate tax rate from 31 percent, to 28 percent, is a noteworthy move that will align Namibia’s tax rates with regional and global standards. The reduction is expected to make Namibia a preferred investment destination that will attract both domestic and foreign…

29 Feb

National Budget: A balancing act

ObserverMainNational Budget: A balancing act

Niël Terblanché As Namibia navigates the path towards economic recovery and sustainable development, the National Budget represents a strategic effort to leverage the country’s improved economic outlook for the benefit of all Namibians. Ipumbu Shiimi, the Namibian Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, tabled the National Budget for the next fiscal year in Parliament yesterday. The budget marks a crucial moment in the country’s economic management amidst global uncertainties and a recovering domestic economy. Shiimi announced a comprehensive financial plan that aims to stimulate domestic demand, boost infrastructure development, and ensure fiscal sustainability while addressing the immediate needs of the…