National News – Page 180 – Windhoek Observer

07 Oct

Namibian students qualified to work in oil and gas industry

National NewsOffshore Marine Training Institute of Namibia (OMITC)

Ester Mbathera Sixteen students completed courses in basic rigging, firewatching, and gas testing for the offshore oil and gas industry at the Offshore Marine Training Institute of Namibia (OMITC) at Walvis Bay. On Monday, the Director of OMITC Namibia, Absalom Fillipus, told the Windhoek Observer that the courses are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the offshore oil and gas industry, including roles at sea. “It means investing in the future of Namibia, enhancing both personal and professional growth for local citizens. As more Namibians become skilled in essential areas like rigging, firewatching,…

07 Oct

Education ministries to unveil project charter for education reform

National NewsAntónio Guterres

Niël Terblanché The Ministries of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC) and Higher Education, Technology and Innovation (MHETI) are preparing to launch the Project Charter, an implementation guide for recommendations made during the 2022 National Conference on Education (NCE). According to a statement released by the ministry of education, the charter seeks to mobilise resources and commitment from various stakeholders to drive the transformation of Namibia’s education system. The NCE, held in August 2022, came at a time of significant global educational disruption, largely triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was linked to the global Transforming Education Summit (TES) for…

07 Oct

Anton Lubowski’s fight for justice honoured at memorial lecture

Featured, National News

Stellenbosch University Like other freedom fighters before and after him, Anton Lubowski was murdered for opposing the plundering by corporate interests and lobbying for the redistribution of Africa’s wealth to its people. This was the unambiguous message delivered by retired judge and author Chris Nicholson at the recent sixth annual Anton Lubowski Memorial Lecture. Moderated by veteran journalist Max du Preez and presented by Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Development and Alumni Relations Division in collaboration with the Faculty of Law and Simonsberg Residence, the event honoured the life and contributions of Anton Lubowski, a dedicated anti-apartheid activist and SU alumnus who…

07 Oct

New executive directors appointed at ministries and agencies

National NewsMichael Humavindu, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, Tuyakula Haipinge

Niël Terblanché George Simsataa, the Cabinet Secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister has announced the appointment of new Executive Directors (EDs) to various Namibian government ministries and agencies. According to Simataa’s announcement, these appointments, which were recommended by the Public Service Commission in accordance with the Public Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 13 of 1995), come as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership within key sectors of government. Simataa said that the appointments will take effect on 1 November. Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati has been appointed as the Executive Director for the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and…

06 Oct

Illegal immigrants among hundreds left homeless after Otweya fire

National Newsinformal settlements

Niël Terblanché Walvis Bay municipality has confirmed that a significant number of people who were left homeless as a result of the devastating fire at the illegal informal settlement next to the Otweya area are illegal immigrants. According to Victoria Kapenda, the chief executive officer of the town, municipal officials determined that more than 70 of the individuals who lost their homes in the blaze are non-Namibians. “This raised concerns about the legal status of many of the settlement’s residents,” Kapenda said in a statement released on Saturday. Kapenda added that the fire, which destroyed approximately 80 informal structures and…

06 Oct

Experts worried about NIPDB setup

National NewsAdrianus Vugs, Escher Luanda

Ester Mbathera Financial sector and governance experts expressed concerns about the structure of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). This follows the announcement by the NIPDB that it is transitioning to a new governance structure. Adrianus Vugs, a financial sector expert, argued that the creation of the NIPDB outside of formal government structures was flawed. He questioned why the institution reports directly to the president instead of to the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT), which he says raised concerns about its governance and transparency. “Why should it still report to the president? And why should the chairperson…

06 Oct

APP pushes for LGBTQI rights

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The All People’s Party (APP) has reinforced its commitment to human rights, specifically addressing the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) community in its 2024 manifesto, launched in Rundu this weekend. The party pledges to work towards combating discrimination, decriminalising sexual orientation, and ensuring legal protections for LGBTQI individuals. The party highlights the universality of human rights and stresses that every Namibian, regardless of their sexual orientation, deserves equal treatment under the law. The manifesto sets out several objectives aimed at protecting and advancing the rights of the LGBTIQ community. According to the…

06 Oct

High Court overturns suspension of Karasburg councillors

National News

Martin Endjala The Windhoek High Court has ruled that the suspension of the entire Karasburg Town Council, imposed in March by Urban and Rural Development Minister Erastus Uutoni, was unlawful. The court's decision, delivered last week, effectively reinstates the council members, who had been removed from office earlier this year. Presiding Judge Beatrix de Jager declared the minister’s decision null and void. The notice: “I declare that all powers, duties and functions of the Town Council of Karasburg vested in me; suspend, without remuneration or allowances, all the members of the Town Council of Karasburg from office, with effect from…

06 Oct

NUDO leaders to hand over power in May 2025

National NewsEster Muinjangue, Joseph Kauandenge

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Unity Democratic Organisation's (Nudo) leadership will remain in charge until May next year although they did not run for office at the party's electoral college over the weekend. The party’s secretary general, Joseph Kauandenge, announced this on Sunday. “We will officially hand over these positions to new incoming leaders who will be elected at our congress, as we have indicated that both of us will also not stand for the president or secretary-general position at our congress next year,” he said. Kauandenge and the party’s president, Ester Muinjangue, have been at Nudo's helm for the past…

06 Oct

Lifesaving dialysis treatment now available in Oshakati

National NewsDialysis treatment, Kalumbi Shangula

Niël Terblanché Oshakati Intermediate Hospital has been enabled to provide treatment to people suffering from chronic kidney failure after the inauguration of a new 15-machine dialysis unit. Viewed as a substantial advancement for public healthcare in Namibia and improving access to lifesaving dialysis services in the north, the facility was officially commissioned by the minister of health and social services, Kalumbi Shangula on Friday. “Until now, many patients had to travel long distances or rely on costly private sector services to manage their conditions,” the minister said at the inauguration. According to Shangula, renal dialysis is essential for individuals whose…