Main – Page 50 – Windhoek Observer

18 Jan

Rapid urbanization leaves learners looking for space in schools

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Niël Terblanché As the new academic year got out of the starting blocks, many parents in the Khomas and Erongo regions of Namibia anxiously await news about whether their children will secure places in schools. A massive undertaking is currently in progress to create new classrooms and schools to accommodate the growing number of students in these regions. Sanet Steenkamp, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, points to rapid urbanization as a primary cause of this predicament and the challenges posed by school choice. “In many cases, rural schools have plenty of space, while urbanized…

17 Jan

PDM appeals to MAWLR to utilize in-house expertise for Phase II of the Neckartal Dam Project

MainPDM appeals to MAWLR to utilize in-house expertise for Phase II of the Neckartal Dam Project

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani has expressed concerns regarding the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform’s decision to enlist external consultants for the feasibility study of the second phase of the Neckartal Dam Irrigation Project. Venaani questioned the prudence of allocating extensive resources to external expertise when capable in-house staff could effectively handle the task. “The potential extensive resources to be allocated towards the recruitment of external consultants are arguably reflective of a gross misallocation when these funds could be significantly reduced or even eradicated,” he said. While acknowledging the objective of enhancing agricultural efficiency…

16 Jan

Crops at risk as Hardap Dam nears critically low levels

MainCrops at risk as Hardap Dam nears critically low levels, Dawie De Klerk

Niël Terblanché Farmers on the Hardap Irrigation Scheme are growing increasingly anxious as the critically low levels of the Hardap Dam continue to be exacerbated by a prolonged period of inadequate rainfall. The looming threat of crop failures looms large, and farmers are sounding the alarm about the dire consequences this may have on both agriculture and the surrounding communities. Dawie De Klerk, Chairperson of the Hardap Farmers Association, paints a grim picture of the situation, noting that the water level in the Hardap Dam has already plummeted to 18.1 percent. This alarming drop in reservoir capacity threatens to disrupt…

15 Jan

Namibia rejects Germany’s defence of Israeli atrocities in Gaza

MainNamibia rejects Germany’s defence of Israeli atrocities in Gaza

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia has taken a firm stance against Germany’s recent support of what it calls the “genocidal intent” of the Israeli state against civilians in Gaza. The rejection comes as a response to Germany’s decision to defend Israel’s actions before the International Court of Justice, despite widespread international concern and condemnation. President Hage Geingob expressed deep concern over Germany’s position. The President drew attention to Germany’s historical connection with Namibia, where the first genocide of the 20th century occurred between 1904-1908. The German government, according to President Geingob, has yet to fully atone for the atrocities committed on Namibian…

12 Jan

Do not turn a blind eye to mismanagement of school funds – Steenkamp

MainDo not turn a blind eye to mismanagement of school funds - Steenkamp

Do not turn a blind eye to mismanagementof school funds - Steenkamp Martin Endjala Sanet Steenkamp, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, has strongly criticized school leaders for their abuse of power and their failure to address issues of maladministration and mismanagement of school funds. She insisted on the need for school officials to take a stand against these issues rather than turning a blind eye to them. Steenkamp expressed her concerns about divisions within schools, which have escalated to a point where they demand the attention and expertise of educational authorities. She called on…

11 Jan

More than 10,000 learners qualify for Grade 12

Main000 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

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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

MainFormer 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

MainConfederation 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

MainAmushelelo 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,…