Main – Page 47 – Windhoek Observer

24 Apr

Namibia NOT in China’s Pocket

ObserverMainNamibia NOT in China’s Pocket

Niël Terblanché Reports and statements wanting to create a picture of Namibia being sold out to China by accepting too many loans are factually incorrect and deceptive. Despite Namibia finding itself in a situation where public debt has reached levels, only a small percentage of the total debt is owed to China. The country has never owed more than three percent of the total debt to China and the last loan of any significance from that country was given in 2017. According to the World Economic Forum, Namibia is at the bottom of a list of 20 countries where foreign-funded…

21 Apr

We have not sold the family silver-Sven Thieme

ObserverMain

Chamwe Kaira Businessman and chairman of the O&L Group, Sven Thieme has said the much published N$1 billion dividend received from shares in Namibia Breweries Limited will be used in a responsible manner.Namibia Breweries Limited last week made a dividend payout N$26,35 per share dividend to its shareholders.He was responding to a question by the Windhoek Observer if he had become a billionaire or the richest Namibian perhaps.“I deem this to be private information, however, O&L receives the dividend. What is important now is how we will apply the money in a responsible manner.”On how the dividend will be used,…

20 Apr

Namibia’s dependence on imported goods increases inflation rates…as BoN hikes repo rate to 7.25 percent

ObserverMainNamibia’s dependence on importedgoods increases inflation rates

Martin Endjala Namibia’s reliance on imported goods is cited as one of the main contributing factors to the country’s high inflation rate, and its citizens feeling the impact of increasing inflation rates globally. This concern was raised by the Bank of Namibia Governor Johannes !Gawaxab yesterday in Windhoek, during the announcement of the repo rate increase by 25 basis points to 7.25 percent, with immediate effect. This is the second time this year that the repo rate has been hiked by the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, following a comprehensive review of the global, regional and domestic economic development. The…

19 Apr

Race for CoW CEO position enters final stages

ObserverMainRace for CoW CEO position enters final stages

Niël Terblanché The protracted process of finding a new Chief Executive Officer for the City of Windhoek is nearing the end after Conrad Lutombi, the current CEO of the Roads Authority, declined the position. Moses Matyayi who serves as the current Chief Executive Officer of the Otjiwarongo Municipality was the other top candidate for the position at the CoW. The top two candidates were shortlisted for the position alongside Deputy Executive Director at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Joyce Mukubi, Chief Business Unit Executive at NamWater, Eino Mvula, and Researcher Charmill Zamuee. The candidates publicly presented their proposals for…

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…