National News – Page 171 – Windhoek Observer

23 Feb

Judiciary warns judges amidst Presidential succession debate

ObserverNational NewsJudiciary warns judges amidst Presidential succession debate

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Judiciary has issued a stern warning to judges, to refrain from public discussions on constitutional matters outside of formal judicial contexts. Amid the recent swearing-in of Namibia’s fourth President, Nangolo Mbumba, following the untimely passing of former President Hage G. Geingob, the constitutional intricacies surrounding Mbumba’s ascension have taken centre stage, triggering legal scrutiny and public discourse. “The Namibian Constitution vests judicial authority in the Courts of the Republic. As such, it is inappropriate for Judges to publicly discuss issues relating to the interpretation of the Constitution outside of a formal judicial context,” warned, Deputy Director…

23 Feb

Nampol strengthens security ahead of Geingob’s funeral

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, assured both Namibians and international visitors of their safety and security ahead of the upcoming weekend during a decisive address at the Otjomuise Police Station in Windhoek. With numerous dignitaries from around the globe expected to arrive in Windhoek for the solemn occasion of laying President Hage Geingob to rest the period is particularly significant for safety and security. Shikongo’s announcement was made during the launch of a joint operation with the Windhoek City Police, aimed at amplifying police visibility throughout the capital. The General reiterated the…

23 Feb

Namibia close to compliance with anti-money laundering efforts

ObserverNational NewsNamibia has made considerable progress in its efforts to align with international anti-money laundering standards

Niël Terblanché Namibia has made considerable progress in its efforts to align with international anti-money laundering standards, successfully addressing 59 out of 72 action items. Despite this significant achievement, the country according to the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, stands at a crossroads, facing potential blacklisting and increased scrutiny due to the remaining 13 unresolved challenges. Since December 2022, the Namibian government has been rigorously working to meet the benchmarks set by the Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body monitoring money laundering and terrorist financing.…

23 Feb

The President championed the energy sector – Shino

ObserverNational NewsThe President championed the energy sector - Shino

Martin Endjala Petroleum Commissioner of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Maggy Shino, remembered President Hage Geingob as an energy champion who did not hide his aggressive ambitions for the development of energy production in Namibia during his tenure. “My last memory of President Geingob’s involvement with the petroleum industry was at the Africa Energy Week in October last year. In his address, he clearly articulated Namibia’s energy ambitions,” said Shino. She described the late President as a remarkable leader who dedicated his life to serving the nation with integrity, compassion and dedication. She extended her condolence to former First…

23 Feb

TVET sector calls for emulation of Geingob’s legacy

ObserverNational NewsTVET sector calls for emulation of Geingob’s legacy

Martin Endjala President Hage Geingob is hailed as a man of institutions and systems and as a result, the Chairperson of the Association of Technical and Vocational Education Training Institutions in Namibia (ATVETIN) Regina Ambambi, is calling on Namibians to emulate his legacy by using the systems he has established to improve lives.In her tribute to the late Head of State, she said that the late President was a staunch advocate of institutions, systems, and processes, as they form the crucial pillars of a successful and prosperous Namibian nation. “His ideologies are profound and have the potential to guide us,…

22 Feb

Geingob remembered as a pillar of Namibian liberty and peace

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché A touching tribute during a candlelight vigil at the Omafo Business Expo in Helao Nafidi, unfolded as Charles Namoloh, former Minister of Defence, solemnly commemorated President Hage Geingob. Describing him as one of Namibia's most selfless leaders, Namoloh's homage brought to light the depth of Geingob's sacrifices and his relentless dedication to the welfare of the nation. Namoloh, with a tone of reverence, recounted President Geingob's unparalleled commitment to education and his tireless efforts to harness opportunities for the collective upliftment of all Namibians. "President Geingob was a beacon of hope and a warrior for justice," he reflected,…

22 Feb

Nothing to fear from COVID-19 surge – Nangombe

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché In the wake of a concerning surge in COVID-19 cases cantered in Rehoboth, Hardap Region, health officials are calling for calm and adherence to preventative measures. Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of Health and Social Services, reiterated that the recent cases detected in Rehoboth last week are localized and under control, with affected individuals receiving proper supervision. Despite the repeal of COVID-19 protocols in 2022, Nangombe did, however, urge the public to persist with basic precautions, including mask-wearing in crowded areas, regular handwashing, and sanitization. He reassured the public that mandatory measures to curb COVID-19 have not been…

22 Feb

NEFF set to motivate its labour-hire system bill in parliament

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) stated that it is ready to motivate its bill concerning the issue of the labour-hire system in the country. The bill seeks to address issues such as poor working conditions, low salaries, non-existent incentives and the exploitation of workers. According to the Party’s Deputy Leader, Longinus Kalimbo Iipumbu, the bill was supposed to be tabled in Parliament this week, for other members to contribute, however, this could not happen due to preparations for President Hage Geingob's memorial and funeral arrangements. “We will see by next week whether the discussion of the bill…

22 Feb

Namaf devised interventions to sustain the medical fund industry

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Namibian Association of Medical Aids Fund (Namaf) says the funding industry has devised strategic interventions intended to bring medical aid funds to a sustainable position. At a meeting convened in October last year, the Namaf Management Committee approved the 2024-2026 strategy as a road map primarily focused on the speedy execution of the interventions. In November 2023, Namaf informed the public that the N$5 billion medical aid funding industry is under financial pressure with utilisation as the root cause. According to Namaf’s Stakeholder Relations and Communication Manager Uatavi Mbai, Namaf will be focusing on the three top…

22 Feb

Neglected San people want to be part of Kavango East

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Residents of Omega 3 in the Zambezi Region, primarily comprising the San people, are taking a bold step by applying to become part of the Kavango East Region. This move comes after what they describe as years of neglect by local leadership, leaving them without essential services such as clean drinking water, electricity, clinic access, or internet services. The community's frustrations have been exacerbated by the prolonged construction and subsequent non-utilization of the hostel at Ndoro Memorial Combined School. Despite its potential to house about 320 learners and four teachers, the facility remains unoccupied due to the lack…