Main – Page 28 – Windhoek Observer

11 Jan

More than 10,000 learners qualify for Grade 12

ObserverMain000 learners qualify for Grade 12, More than 10

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture has proudly announced that a total of 10,261 students out of 40,682 who took the full-time 2023 national examinations have successfully qualified to proceed to the Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS), formerly known as Grade 12, this year. This remarkable achievement represents 25.2 percent of the total candidates, marking an increase of 3.8 percent compared to the 21.4 percent who qualified in 2022. According to education regulations, these successful candidates may choose to advance to Grade 12 at the AS level in 2024 or continue their tertiary education journey with their Namibia…

10 Jan

Frantic search ensues after robbers kidnap a tourist in Swakopmund

ObserverMain

Niël Terblanché A frantic search for a kidnapped tourist by the Namibian Police assisted by various civilian safety organisations such as the Swakopmund Neighbourhood Watch was launched on Monday night. According to the official police report provided by Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the Community Affairs Division of the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region, the victim, a 56-year-old man from Italy was kidnapped by three unidentified men. “The victim and his wife along with another husband and wife were walking along Libertina Amadhila Street. They were on their way to their hotel when they were suddenly approached by…

09 Jan

Former Synagogue Church member shares her harrowing experience

ObserverMainFormer Synagogue Church member shares her harrowing experience, Jessica Kaimu, TB Joshua

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In an exposé, the late Nigerian pastor TB Joshua, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), is under scrutiny for allegations of widespread abuse and torture, including rape and forced abortions, as disclosed by the BBC documentary “Disciples.” Among the survivors coming forward is Namibia Broadcasting Corporation TV anchor Jessica Kaimu, a 33-year-old local media personality, who shed light on the harrowing experiences within the walls of the SCOAN. Jessica recounts her journey, which began at the age of 17 when she was drawn to the Synagogue Church through Emmanuel TV. Initially, the church seemed like…

08 Jan

Namibia loses N$ 1.5 billion annually due to illicit fishing

ObserverMainConfederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA), Matti Amukwa, Namibia loses N$ 1.5 billion annually due to illicit fishing

Niël Terblanché The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA) has sounded an alarm, revealing that the Namibian fishing industry suffers annual losses exceeding N$1.5 billion due to illicit, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. The shocking losses were revealed after the recent arrest of an Angolan fishing vessel engaged in illegal activities within Namibian waters, serving as a stark warning to other vessels operating illegally in the region. CNFA Chairperson Matti Amukwa said that the losses incurred by the Namibian fishing industry are both significant and detrimental. “These staggering losses not only affect our economy but also deplete our valuable…

03 Jan

Amushelelo creates a new workers union

ObserverMainAmushelelo creates a new workers union

Niel Terblanche Despite facing multiple legal threats and charges of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful instigation of protests, Michael Amushelelo remains resolute in his mission to address the alleged mistreatment of workers in Namibia's retail industry.Amushelelo, a prominent Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member, recently announced the establishment of the National Union of Retail Industry Workers of Namibia.Amushelelo announced his social media platforms, revealing his new role as the Secretary-General of the workers' union."My fellow Namibians, we are pleased to inform you that we have established a Workers Union. We have submitted our application for registration with the Ministry of Labour,…

30 Dec

Governor banned from attending council meetings

ObserverMainBonifatius Wakudumo

Governor Bonifatius Wakudumo of the Kavango East region has been banned from attending regional council meetings following allegations of authoritarianism.In a letter to President Hage Geingob, the regional council outlined their decision to prohibit Governor Wakudumo from participating in council meetings until the grievances between them are resolved.The move comes in response to mounting dissatisfaction among council members and the community.One of the core grievances cited in the letter is Governor Wakudumo's alleged failure to inform council members about his regional visitation programs, causing division among the community.An anonymous source contacted the Windhoek Observer to shed light on the matter."The…

22 Dec

Namcor considers revising retail service station expansion plans

ObserverMainNamcor considers revising retail service station expansion plans

Martin Endjala The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) is contemplating a reassessment of its expansion plans for its retail service station network throughout the country. Initially, the company aimed to establish 33 service stations nationwide by 2024, but to date, only 16 have been successfully established. During a recent press conference, Namcor’s acting Managing Director, Shiwana Ndeunyema, disclosed that the company has embarked on a three-pronged strategy to address the challenges it has encountered in expanding its retail service station network. The strategy aims to identify more effective operating models to reach its expansion goals. “Whatever operating models we…

21 Dec

Alweendo calls on the G7 to review its decision on a ‘single node’ of diamond sales

ObserverMain

Stefanus Nashama Tom Alweendo, the Minister of Mines and Energy, has called upon the G7 member states to reconsider their decision regarding measures to restrict the sale of Russian diamonds. He urged them to engage with all diamond-producing countries to discuss the specifics of the proposed measures and their potential impact on economies and people’s livelihoods. “We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of these restrictive measures, as it is our understanding that all diamonds, whether rough, cut, or polished, entering the G7 and EU will be subject to verification through a ‘single node’ in Antwerp,” the Minister said.…

20 Dec

Nampol refutes reports of spending N$2,5 million on the Inspector General’s new vehicle

ObserverMain5 million on the Inspector General’s new vehicle, Nampol refutes reports of spending N$2

Stefanus Nashama Reports claiming that the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, received a new Mercedes Benz worth over N$2.5 million have been vigorously denied and the rumours were labelled as malicious, false, and misleading. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division, clarified that the actual price of the vehicle was slightly over N$1.9 million. “We would like to clarify that the vehicle in question was purchased through an approved procurement process for N$1,968,643.50,” Shikwambi stated. She stressed that the vehicle remains government property, designated for the official use of…

19 Dec

Vulnerable Namibians exploited by international smuggling syndicates

ObserverMainVulnerable Namibians exploited by international smuggling syndicates

Niël Terblanché A recent case involving the arrest of a Tanzanian national and three Namibians has shed light on a disturbing trend of international poaching syndicates exploiting local communities in Namibia for illegal harvesting of endangered plant and animal species. This illicit trade is not only threatening the nation’s unique plant species but also endangering the livelihoods of its people. Diana Mashiku (29) from Tanzania, believed to be a plant-trafficking kingpin, and her three Namibian accomplices, Veisiruaije Tjavara (25), Jennifer Simataa (37), and Tjivinda Unatavi (31), were apprehended while in possession of 46 Adenia pechuelii plants, commonly known as Elephant’s…