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The bumpy road to becoming a teacher

The bumpy road to becoming a teacher

Hertta-Maria Amutenja For many graduates, the journey of becoming a teacher has become a harrowing ordeal, marked by long periods of unemployment and relentless job hunting. This is unlike their counterparts in the police, the army or the correctional services, who secure jobs immediately after their training. Despite the increasing number of qualified teachers, the availability of teaching positions fails to meet the demand, leaving numerous graduates in a state of uncertainty. Meriam Paulus, a lower primary education graduate from the International University of Management (IUM), expresses her frustration after attending over 30 interviews without securing a job since graduating…
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Venaani asked Mbumba to intervene in August 26 audit report release

Venaani asked Mbumba to intervene in August 26 audit report release

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, leader of the official opposition, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), urged President Nangolo Mbumba to take immediate action to release the forensic audit report conducted by the Office of the Auditor-General of the August 26 Company (Pty) Ltd. “The citizens of our country have a fundamental right to access information pertinent to the governance of our nation, and the withholding of such crucial documentation undermines the trust and confidence reposed in our democratic institutions,” Venaani stated. In April, the Auditor-General's office remained mum on the forensic audit report of August 26. The audit of the state-owned…
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Walvis Bay resident sold her body to pay municipal bills

Walvis Bay resident sold her body to pay municipal bills

Ester Mbathera Residents of Walvis Bay have resorted to unconventional methods to collect money to clear their debt to the harbour town’s municipality. Two women shared their ordeals with the Windhoek Observer on how they paid their water, as well as rates and taxes after they were disconnected by debt management company RedForce recently. While the Windhoek Observer is aware of their identity, it was decided not to disclose their names in order to shield their families from the potential consequences of public condemnation. "I am not able to look my husband in the eyes because of what I did…
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Mbumba calls for intense investment in local fertiliser production

Mbumba calls for intense investment in local fertiliser production

Niël Terblanché In an address at the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit in Kenya on Thursday, President Nangolo Mbumba stressed the critical role of local fertiliser production in tackling Africa's food security and sovereignty challenges. President Mbumba, while speaking at his first African Union Summit since assuming office, outlined Namibia's ambitious plans to harness its abundant wind and solar resources to produce three million metric tonnes of green ammonia annually. While pointing out the environmental and economic benefits of green ammonia, a byproduct of green hydrogen, Mbumba called on potential investors to explore opportunities not just in Namibia but…
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Nored mum over its financials

Nored mum over its financials

Ester Mbathera and Stefanus Nashama For years, the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) has been leaving its shareholders in the dark by remaining mum about its financial status. Nored was established in 2001 as an electricity distribution company for the Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Kavango East, Kavango West, and Zambezi regions. The shareholders are Nampower, Local Authorities Electricity Company (Pty) Ltd. (LAEC), and Regional Councils Electricity Company (Pty) Ltd. (RCEC). Kavango East region chairperson Damian Maghambayi said he has never seen the company’s financial reports since taking office in 2020. “We have many issues with Nored. They have not…
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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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