National News – Page 178 – Windhoek Observer

14 Feb

Repo rate remains unchanged

ObserverNational NewsRepo rate remains unchanged

Martin Endjala In a move to justify its decision to maintain the repo rate at 7.75 percent, a level kept since June 2023, the Governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Johannes !Gawaxab said that despite many wanting the central bank to reduce the repo rate, the benefits outweigh the costs. Most monitored central banks kept their policy rates unchanged at their most recent monetary policy meetings, mainly due to easing inflation and the moderation in growth. The BoN Governor was responding to questions posed to him during the announcement of the repo rate as to why it remains unchanged.…

14 Feb

“A big tree has fallen” – Simataa

ObserverNational NewsSimataa remembers the legacy of Geingob

Niël Terblanché In a heartfelt tribute George Simataa, Secretary to the Cabinet, honoured the indelible legacy of Geingob, whose recent passing has left a profound void in the heart of the nation and the African continent. Simataa’s eulogy, delivered with a mix of sorrow and reverence, painted a vivid picture of a leader whose life was dedicated to the upliftment and unity of the Namibian people and the broader African cause. Simataa remembered Geingob, as a “big tree” under whose shade many found refuge, and was a stalwart of development, unity, and the fight against poverty. “His sudden silence has…

14 Feb

Police harassed and intimidated people during registration for vacant houses

ObserverNational NewsPolice harassed and intimidated people during registration for vacant houses

Stefanus Nashama Social Activist Michael Amushelelo, said the registration of people who want to occupy vacant houses in Windhoek built under the Mass Housing Program was met with harassment and intimidation from the Namibian Police Force last week. Sharing his concern yesterday, Amushelelo said many people could not register due to fear of the Police when the process commenced. “In the past weekend, the police attempted to undermine the fundamental freedoms of the Namibian Constitution,” he stated Amushelelo cited Chapter 3, Article 21 (1) (d) which says all persons shall have the right to assemble peaceably, adding that the police…

14 Feb

President João Lourenço to attend Geingob’s State Funeral

ObserverNational NewsPresident João Lourenço to attend Geingob’s State Funeral

Niël Terblanché In a significant show of solidarity and brotherhood, Angola’s President João Lourenço is set to lead a high-level delegation to the state funeral of the late Namibian President Hage Geingob on 25 February 2024. The announcement comes following a meeting between the Vice President of Angola’s ruling party, MPLA, Luísa Damião, and Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba at the State House. The meeting emphasized the deep ties between the two nations, as Damião, accompanied by Ambassador Tete Antonio, the Angolan Minister of External Relations, and other dignitaries, delivered a special message of condolence from President Lourenço. This message extended…

14 Feb

President Mbumba charts course for economic growth and transparency

ObserverNational NewsPresident Mbumba charts course for economic growth and transparency

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a resolute Cabinet Meeting this week, President Nangolo Mbumba urged the Cabinet to carry forward the visionary legacy of President Hage Geingob and outlined key priorities for the Year of Expectations, focusing on economic growth, inclusive prosperity and transparency. He addressed the Cabinet against the backdrop of the recent passing of Geingob. Mbumba officiated at the commencement of Cabinet activities for 2024 and in his addressed steered the nation towards a future defined by economic resilience, inclusive prosperity and unwavering transparency. Addressing the challenges, Mbumba began by acknowledging the loss of the late President Geingob, describing him…

13 Feb

Harambee Prosperity Plans yielded fruit despite challenges

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibian President, Nangolo Mbumba, announced that the ambitious Harambee Prosperity Plans, both the first and second iterations, have achieved their objectives, navigating through the trials of COVID-19 and persistent drought to usher in an era of economic revitalization. He said that as Namibia charts a course towards recovery, various sectors are witnessing a resurgence, notably agriculture, mining, tourism, oil and gas, and the burgeoning field of green energy. Mbumba's call to action for the ministries overseeing these vital areas during the official opening of Cabinet is clear: expedite the implementation of all pending programs to accelerate economic development…

13 Feb

Geingob promoted freedom of the press – Mbumba

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala President Nangolo Mbumba said that President Hage Geingob contributed to the country’s media landscape, including his role in promoting freedom of the press, and laid a solid foundation for developing a democratic society. He said that a deep respect and gratitude should go to the late President, who championed freedom of the press during his tenure. Geingob often chanted that as long as he was alive and still the President, no journalist would be harassed, arrested or killed. Mbumba said this yesterday, in commemoration of World Radio Day, which is celebrated every year on 13 February. This year’s…

13 Feb

EIF disbursed billions of dollars in grants since its inception

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) has so far disbursed grants amounting to N$2.3 billion since its inception in 2001, conserved over 240,256 hectares of land, and approved 71 grants for various environmental projects. The Fund has created more than 950 employment opportunities (mostly rural-based), and retrofitted 169 boreholes, benefiting over 77,000 individuals with access to portable drinking water. EIF has attracted and mobilised over N$3.6 billion from multilateral and developmental institutions, showcasing remarkable growth from an initial N$15 million balance to a portfolio worth N$3.6 billion. This was revealed yesterday by Lot Ndamanomhata, its Corporate Communications…

13 Feb

Namdia awards 14 bursaries worth N$2.8 million to 14 students

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama Through its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) Foundation bursary scheme has awarded bursaries worth N$2.8 million to 14 deserving students nationwide, for the 2024 academic year. The program aims to address Namibia's future social and economic challenges through education, health, and sports for the youth. According to Namdia, the foundation received 343 applications from across the country. However, the 14 successful recipients came from each of the country’s 14 regions. A report from Namdia shows that seven recipients are studying with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), five at the University of Namibia…

13 Feb

Shaningwa calls SWAPO’s rank and file to order

ObserverNational NewsShaningwa calls SWAPO’s rank and file to order

Niël Terblanché Sophia Shaningwa, the Secretary General of the SWAPO Party, has issued a strong call to party members, urging restraint and respect in the wake of President Hage Geingob’s passing. Shaningwa expressed her deep concerns over the conduct of certain party members who have publicly engaged in discussions on constitutional matters during this delicate time. As Namibia mourns the loss of President Geingob, Shaningwa emphasized the expectation for SWAPO members to honour the late President’s memory in a manner befitting his legacy. The Secretary General’s rebuke came after she noticed a series of public statements made by members, addressing…