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28 Nov

Geingob calls for a re-evaluation of the SACU trading model

info_e12wt4csMainGeingob calls for a re-evaluation of the SACU trading model

Martin Endjala President Hage Geingob has expressed concerns about the current Southern African Customs Union (SACU) trading model and called for a reevaluation of its approach, citing the challenges posed by the existing system. The President made these remarks during an end-of-year briefing at the State House in Windhoek. He emphasized the need to revisit SACU’s model, which he believes is hindering Namibia’s industrialization efforts. Geingob pointed out that Namibia cannot directly import cars and other goods from Europe or other regions; instead, it must go through South Africa. He argued that this current approach should be reconsidered for the…

27 Nov

Horticultural exports achieve a staggering record

info_e12wt4csMainHorticultural exports achieve a staggering record

Martin Endjala Namibia’s horticultural exports have more than doubled in the past seven years, reaching a staggering record value of N$1.7 billion, compared to N$674 million in 2016. According to the export destination report for Namibian fresh fruits and vegetables in the financial year 2022/23, Namibia primarily exports its fruits and vegetables to African countries, accounting for 50 percent of the total exports. The European Union follows at 30 percent, with the United Kingdom at 16 percent. This remarkable growth was revealed by Fidelis Mwazi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agronomic Board of Namibia, during a presentation last week…

24 Nov

Breaches of internal control systems blamed for staggering losses

info_e12wt4csMain

Martin Endjala Jennifer Comalie, the Chairperson of the National Petroleum Corporation Company (Namcor) Board, has attributed the N$700 million losses incurred by the company during the 2022 financial year to breaches of its internal control and governance system, as well as market volatility. Comalie stated that the findings of the investigative report point to internal procedural irregularities within the company, and the board is actively addressing the matter to hold those responsible accountable. She made these remarks during a media briefing on the company’s announcement of its turnaround strategy, aimed at positioning the state-owned entity toward sustainability. The board is…

23 Nov

Concerns rise over radioactive pollution in Stampriet Artesian Basin

info_e12wt4csMainConcerns rise over radioactive pollution in Stampriet Artesian Basin

Niël Terblanché Concerns about potential radioactive pollution in the Stampriet Artesian Basin have surged as the Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) takes a stand against mining activities within Namibia’s primary and largest artesian water resource. While SAUMA does not oppose mining in general, the association strongly objects to the proposed in-situ leach mining method to extract uranium within the Stampriet Artesian Basin. This mining technique, proposed by Russian company Headspring Investments, has raised alarm bells among environmentalists and experts who believe it poses a grave risk to the region’s water supply. Dr Roy Miller, a geologist, recently addressed the…

22 Nov

GRN sued for N$8 million over unlawful detention of minor children

info_e12wt4csMainGRN sued for N$8 million over unlawful detention of minor children

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Four mothers, Launa Safodino, Ana Mandongo, Teresinha Costa and Emilia Navaongelo, have filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (MGEPESW), asserting that the government unlawfully, wrongfully, and unconstitutionally detained and took away the liberty of their minor children. The alleged detention occurred between November 2018 and December 2022, leaving the mothers seeking N$ 2,000,000 each in damages for pain and suffering, violation of their right to dignity, and violation of their human rights. The particulars of the claim, filed this year at the Windhoek High Court, citing MGEPESW, Minister of Home…

21 Nov

The new Basic Education Act commences

info_e12wt4csMainThe new Basic Education Act commences

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, has commenced with the new Basic Education Act, 2020 (Act No. 3 of 2020), replacing the Education Act 2001 (Act No. 16 of 2001), which became outdated. Announcing the commencement of the new Act last week in Windhoek, Minister Ester Nghipondoka, stressed that the guiding principles of the new Act aim to promote and regulate free and compulsory basic education in the country. “This new Education Act addresses not only basic education but also adult education and lifelong learning, reflecting the diverse needs of our society,” she said. According to the…

20 Nov

“People love Swapo, thousands returning,” says Nandi-Ndaitwah

info_e12wt4csMainthousands returning, “People love Swapo

Stefanus Nashama The Vice President of the Swapo Party, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, expressed her observation and a strong belief that many people, including the youth, have a deep affection for Swapo, and thousands are returning to the ruling party. Addressing a rally in Oshakati, in the Oshana Region over the weekend, Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed that thousands of people have recently come forward to obtain their party memberships. “We have more than 1,000 people who have come to receive their memberships,” she stated. She further disclosed that the party’s political bureau has decided to explore ways to unite people, especially in preparation for…

17 Nov

GRN allocates N$1.7 billion more for salary increases

info_e12wt4csMainGRN allocates N$1.7 billion more for salary increases

Niël Terblanché The Office of the Prime Minister has announced a comprehensive salary and benefits increase for civil servants across Namibia. The announcement was made following negotiations with the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) and the Namibia National Teachers Union (NANTU). Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. George Simataa, unveiled the details of the agreement. The increase is expected to cost the Namibian taxpayers approximately N$1.7 billion annually. Under the new agreement, civil servants falling within job grades 15 to 14 will receive a flat increase of N$600, while those in grades 13 to 1 will see a five percent rise…

16 Nov

Governor Ndevashiya caught off-guard by President’s decision

info_e12wt4csMainGovernor Ndevashiya caught off-guard by President’s decision, Ndevashiya, new Governor of the Ohangwena Region

Niël Terblanché In a very unexpected development, President Hage Geingob has appointed retired Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga, the former Inspector General of the Namibian Police, as the new Governor of the Ohangwena Region. The appointment, made under the constitutional powers vested in the President, is set to take effect from today. President Geingob invoked Articles 32(4)(a) (hh) and 110A(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, in conjunction with the provisions outlined in the Special Advisors and Regional Governors Appointment Act, 1990, as amended, to appoint General Ndeitunga to this key position. The outgoing Governor told a local radio…

15 Nov

PDM demands transparencyon N$643 million drought relief allocation

info_e12wt4csMainPDM demands transparencyon N$643 million drought relief allocation

Herttta-Maria Amutenja Elma Dienda, a member of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has called for increased transparency in the allocation and utilisation of N$643 million designated for drought relief in Namibia’s midterm budget. Dienda, stressed the need for clear and unbiased guidelines from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to ensure that the funds are not misused for political gains. “We urgently request clear, unbiased usage guidelines from the Prime Minister’s office to prevent misuse of these funds for political gain, ensuring integrity in relief efforts and respect for taxpayer contributions,” Dienda remarked. The allocation, announced by Finance and…