Main – Page 40 – Windhoek Observer

18 Apr

A storm erupts around Lionel Matthews

ObserverMainA storm erupts around Lionel Matthews

Niël Terblanché The appointment of Lionel Matthews as the interim Managing Director of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia took a dramatic turn after the board of directors last week announced that Shiwana Ndeunyema will act in that capacity until negotiations with the candidate are completed. In the meantime, Matthews has been linked to alleged nefarious dealings with regard to a Namcor tender to construct oil storage facilities in Walvis Bay worth N$1 billion, amongst others. However, Fullbright Investments, an infrastructure development firm came out strongly against the allegations. Fullbright appointed Monasa Advisory and Associates as its transaction advisor when…

17 Apr

Nandi-Ndaitwah ready to claim two-thirds majority in parliament

ObserverMainNandi-Ndaitwah ready to claim two-thirds majority in parliament, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Vice-President of the Swapo Party, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed optimism that the party would triumph and regain its two-thirds majority in parliament, after the 2024 Presidential and National Elections. Nandi-Ndaitwah made this statement during the opening of the SWAPO Party Elder’s Council central committee meeting. Her statement was read on her behalf by Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa. “As your Presidential candidate I am ready, come 2024 elections I am ready and committed to working with all of you to make Namibia the best place for Namibians and for all to live in. I believe we all want the…

14 Apr

Esau begs Judge for bail,says Nghipunya used his name

ObserverMainEsau begs Judge for bail, says Nghipunya used his name

Stefanus Nashama The former Minster of Fisheries and Marine Resources and first accused in the Fishrot corruption scandal, Bernhardt Esau said his name was used by his co-accused, Mike Nghipunya, the former Fishcor Chief Executive Officer, for the distribution and selling of fishing quotas.Esau testified before Judge David Munsu in the Windhoek High Court yesterday, on the third day of his formal bail application. “My name was used to facilitate instruction for payment to Sisa Namandje. My name was also used to facilitate instruction to pay Maren de Klerk, and today I stand accused of things I never knew or…

13 Apr

Namibia among the world’s highest spenders on education

ObserverMainNamibia among the world’s highest spenders on education

Staff Writer Namibia has been rated among the countries with the highest expenditure on education, with an average expenditure per learner of US$1,190.00(N$ 21,860.30). A report by the United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF) said Namibia devotes a significant share of its budget towards the education of children, with an annual average spending of 20.7 percent of the total budget and 7.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Namibia is ranked the 3rd highest spender in the East and Southern Africa Region. The report says Namibia’s overall spending on education is relatively high to improve quality of education. Shockingly, last year, grade…

12 Apr

Investment sector set to create 122 000 jobs

ObserverMain

Niël Terblanché Namibia is regarded internationally as one of the best investment destinations on the African continent because of its favorable tax regime, excellent investor-related service as well as financing facilities. As a result, the country can expect a net worth growth of more than 60 percent in the next decade. According to the African Wealth Report of 2023 published by Henley and Partners, a company viewed as the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment, Namibia has become the “new frontier” for international investors seeking a foothold in Africa because of its attractive territorial tax regime. In this…

11 Apr

SWAPO refutes headquarters construction halt

ObserverMain

Martin Endjala The Swapo Party Spokesperson Hilma Nicanor has refuted allegations that the SWAPO Party’s Headquarter construction has been halted due to a lack of funds. According to her, construction is still ongoing and the inauguration of the building is yet to be announced. Sources say that the party is awaiting funds from one of its companies and that the money has not yet been received. In the meantime, the Chinese contractor has reportedly reduced the workforce drastically. Sources claim the cost of the building is N$1 billion. “No it’s not true, the headquarters construction did not stop, it is…

06 Apr

“I am sick and tired of being called corrupt”- Imalwa

ObserverMain“I am sick and tired of being called corrupt”- Imalwa

Hertta-Maria Amutenja and Stefanus Nashama The Prosecutor General, Martha Imalwa is challenging those accusing her of being corrupt to provide evidence, saying that she is “sick and tired of being called corrupt”, with no evidence to back up the claims. Imalwa did not mince her words in questioning those “dirtifying” her name. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer yesterday, Imalwa explained that there are laws and procedures in place to hold corrupt office bearers accountable. “I always tell the Namibian people if they think the PG is corrupt, they should come out with their evidence and prove to the…

05 Apr

Modern day slavery in Namibia

ObserverMainFisheries Observer Agency, Modern day slavery in Namibia, the Namibian Police

Niël Terblanché An investigation by various international bodies launched into the use of slavery or trafficked humans to serve as fishermen in Namibian waters will eventually result in criminal charges against the Namibian registered owners of two fishing vessels. The 60 fishermen were rescued in September 2022 after officers of the Fisheries Observer Agency, the Namibian Police and immigration officers got involved. Although the incident caused huge embarrassment for Namibian authorities because the country is a signatory to various programs to end human trafficking, the government has promised to assist international bodies in their investigation into the allegation of modern…

31 Mar

Freshly recruited NDF soldiers are not fit enough

ObserverMainFreshly recruited NDF soldiers are not fit enough

Martin Endjala The Minister of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, Frans Kapofi, has expressed concerns about young people’s health which seems to be deteriorating as it has come to his attention that some of the 1 300 new recruits of the October 2022 intake have quit training due to unfitness and related health conditions. Kapofi said that the number of original recruits was reduced because some of them have voluntarily dropped out of training. The minister described the behaviour as very alarming given the fact that the young recruits were laying the foundation for others to follow suit and some of…

Abuse of state organs enables<br>mafia style corporate governance

30 Mar

Abuse of state organs enables
mafia style corporate governance

ObserverMainAbuse of state organs enables mafia style corporate governance

Niël Terblancé The arrest of Jennifer Comalie, the board chairperson of the Namibian Petroleum Corporation on Monday, and the resulting debacle surrounding the matter, has revealed that state organs or certain parts of such institutions has been captured and that state-owned companies are run by people who can be equated to gangsters. The shocking threat of all out gangsterism in the top tiers of Namcor’s management was laid bare in a letter dated 28 March 2023 and written by the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Ipumbu Shiimi, and addressed to the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General…