National News – Page 163 – Windhoek Observer

09 Mar

Agriculture ministry appoints four women to leading roles in Communal Land Boards

ObserverNational NewsAgriculture ministry appoints four women to leading roles in Communal Land Boards

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced the appointment of four women to key positions within the Communal Land Boards. Emphasising the importance of diverse representation, Minister Calle Schlettwein highlighted that each board will now include two women engaged in farming operations in the board’s area and two women with expertise relevant to the functions of the board. “The aspects of appointments of women have been made to ensure that women are represented in the highest decision-making bodies,” stressed Schlettwein. He added this move aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering fair and transparent land…

09 Mar

Namibia pledges relentless empowerment of women

ObserverNational NewsNamibia pledges relentless empowerment of women

Niël Terblanché As Namibia joined the world to commemorate International Women’s Day, the country’s remarkable progress in gender equality and the empowerment of women, was celebrated for its journey of achievement and its inclination to address ongoing challenges. President Nangolo Mbumba, in a touching statement, reiterated Namibia’s commitment to building an inclusive society where women are not only free from violence but where they will play an essential role in leadership and decision-making. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Inspire Inclusion. Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” reflects the nation’s aspiration and commitment to gender parity. President Mbumba reflected on the…

08 Mar

Namibia calls for lifting sanctions against Zimbabwe amid economic strain

ObserverNational NewsNamibia calls for lifting sanctions against Zimbabwe amid economic strain

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Government has taken a firm stand by urging the global community to lift the economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States of America. These sanctions, initially aimed at penalizing certain individuals within Zimbabwe’s government for alleged corruption and human rights abuses, are now being criticized for their broader, adverse effects on the country’s economy and its ripple effects across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Dr Peya Mushelenga, Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, vocalized the region’s concerns and stated that the sanctions have outgrown their purpose and are now counterproductive. According to…

08 Mar

Nampol pledges strengthened efforts to combat GBV

ObserverNational NewsNampol pledges strengthened efforts to combat GBV

Niël Terblanché The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, in a special message on International Women’s Day, stressed the profound significance of the day for the force and the wider society. Marking a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for accelerating gender parity, the General emphasized the Namibian Police’s dedication to recognizing and honouring the indispensable role women play across all facets of life, including in the realm of law enforcement and societal safety. Under the theme of inspiring inclusion and fostering empowerment, General Shikongo proudly noted the Namibian Police’s ongoing commitment…

08 Mar

Namibia calls for women’s inclusion in politics ahead of elections

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Ui/O/OO Royal Kxao, stressed the importance of women’s participation in the forthcoming electoral processes. Speaking at the official opening of the workshop that is aimed at bolstering women’s engagement in the political arena, the Deputy Minister reiterated the theme of this year’s celebration, “Inspire Inclusion. Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” which stresses the imperative of fostering an inclusive society where women’s contributions are recognized and valued. Namibia, poised for its Presidential and National Assembly elections in November 2024, with the…

08 Mar

Campaign against plastic bags intensifies

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché In an effort to reinforce environmental conservation efforts, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has reiterated its commitment to discouraging the use of plastic shopping bags across Namibia, a policy aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects these items have on the ecosystem. Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism shed light on the renewed effort during the inauguration of the Fourth Sustainable Development Awards He said that getting rid of plastic bags altogether is a significant step in the nation’s journey towards ecological preservation. The genesis of this environmentally conscious campaign dates back to 2019…

08 Mar

Dundee Precious Metals sold for N$910 million

ObserverNational NewsDundee Precious Metals sold for N$910 million

Martin Endjala Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) has announced that it has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement for the sale of its Tsumeb Smelter in Namibia for N$910 million to a Chinese company, the Sinomine Resource Group. The sale includes all its associated assets and liabilities, through the disposition of all of the issued and outstanding shares it indirectly holds in Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb Holding (Pty). “We are pleased to announce the sale of the Tsumeb smelter, which is consistent with our strategic objective of focusing on our gold mining assets and simplifying our portfolio going forward. We…

08 Mar

Gambling and gaming earns N$9.3 million

ObserverNational News

Ministry of Environment and Tourism earned N$9.3 million in 2022/2023 in 2022/2023 financial year from gaming and gambling activities. The ministry plans in the 2024/2025-2026/2027 financial years to secure approval for staff structure and budget in order to operationalize the Gambling Board of Namibia and Lotteries Board of Namibia. Tourism contribution to national GDP is estimated to reach a total N$46.8 billion during 2024/2025 – 2026/2027 financial years, according to the ministry. A total number of 1600 of applications for Environmental Clearance Certificates were received, of which 946 Environmental Clearance Certificates were issued for various activities. 150 sites were inspected…

08 Mar

Labour disputes see 48% settlement rate

ObserverNational News

The Ministry of Labour, Industrial relations and Employment Creation, achieved 48% of the targeted 67% of the prevention and settlement of industrial disputes, and workplace protection target in 2023. The ministry said a total of 4917 cases were handled through labour dispute resolution mechanism of which 2336 (48%) were resolved and 2 580 were still pending due to postponements. Conciliation remains the preferred method of resolving disputes, with 1 765 (76%) of the disputes resolved through conciliation, while 571 (24%) were resolved through arbitration, according to the ministry. The Employment Equity Commission received a total of 1 043 reports of…

08 Mar

Namibia takes one step closer to National Qualifications Standards Policy

ObserverNational NewsNamibia takes one step closer to National Qualifications Standards Policy

Niël Terblanché Namibia is on the cusp of adopting a national policy on qualifications standards for higher education institutions. The National Policy on Qualifications Standards Validation Workshop, a culmination of a comprehensive nationwide consultation process, was officially opened in Windhoek, signalling a crucial phase in the development of this landmark policy. Dr. Alfred van Kent, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Higher Education, Innovation, and Technology, voiced his optimism at the workshop, expressing hope that the policy would be implemented before the end of the 2024-2025 financial year. He said the workshop represents a key moment in Namibia’s education…