National News – Page 180 – Windhoek Observer

12 Feb

Severe weather wreaks havoc at jail farm

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a devastating turn of events, the Divundu Correctional Facility Farm has faced significant setbacks as severe weather conditions unleashed havoc on its maize crop. The farm, known for its seven centre-pivot irrigation systems spanning 166.7 hectares of maize scheduled for harvesting in April 2024, suffered considerable losses, leaving only 80.55 hectares viable for harvest. The affected maize crops, a crucial component of the facility’s rehabilitation efforts, now face potential disruptions, casting a shadow over the season’s agricultural activities. The agricultural initiative, renowned for imparting valuable skills to inmates, now grapples with the aftermath of a destructive weather…

09 Feb

Geingob emphasised the eradication of tribalism, racism and all forms of division – Hengari

ObserverNational NewsGeingob emphasised the eradication of tribalism, racismand all forms of division – Hengari

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Alfredo Hengari, who has served as Spokesperson to former President Hage Geingob, said as part of his deeply held wish for an inclusive Namibia, the late Head of State would always emphasise the eradication of tribalism, racism and all other forms of division in the country.Hengari made these remarks yesterday during the memorial service of the former President at his private residence Casa Rosalia on the outskirts of Windhoek. He said Geingob was a vertical, but also a horizontal leader, and many of them experienced the demanding and perfectionist side of President Geingob. Intolerance for explanations when the…

09 Feb

Women embark on self-empowerment journey

ObserverNational NewsWomen embark on self-empowerment journey

Niël Terblanché In a significant stride toward self-empowerment and professional growth, five Namibian women embarked on a transformative journey with the commencement of the 2024 Katuka Mentorship Programme. This year’s programme, sponsored by Bank Windhoek for the fifth consecutive year, aims to provide a nurturing environment for young women to explore their potential, enhance their skills, and boost their confidence in the professional realm. The programme welcomed Maano Shimanda, Beauty Katjina, Elizabeth Mbidi, Esther Hatutale, and Angeline Shaningwa as mentees, each bringing unique aspirations and backgrounds to the table. Shimanda, a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Social Security Commission,…

09 Feb

Land reform will only work if farms are used productively

ObserverNational NewsLand reform will only work if farms are used productively

Niël Terblanche In the wake of heated discussions surrounding land tax in Namibia, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has come forward to clarify its stance on land reform and the importance of a fair and productive agricultural land use policy.With recent debates ignited by articles in local newspapers, the NAU seeks to address the emotional public responses and outline its position on ensuring a successful land reform process in the country.Acknowledging the historical inequalities in commercial agricultural land ownership at the time of Namibia’s independence, the NAU has been an active participant in the formulation of the government’s land reform…

09 Feb

MPs urged to be strong and carry on with the constitutional mandates

ObserverNational NewsMPs urged to be strong and carry on with the constitutional mandates

Martin Endjala Following the passing of President Hage Geingob, National Council Vice Chairperson Victoria Kauma, has urged members of Parliament to use the little strength left in them to carry out their constitutional mandate. “I observed that many of us are broken and weak due to the big loss of our Head of State who impacted many people’s lives in different ways. I urge you all to pull-out the little strength left, in order for us to carry out the Constitutional mandate as provided for by Article 74 and 75 of the Namibian Constitution,” she urged. She said this during…

09 Feb

Hospital ablution facilities renovated at a cost of N$1.7 million

ObserverNational NewsHospital ablution facilities renovated at a cost of N$1.7 million

Martin Endjala The Katutura Intermediate Hospital’s ablution facilities have undergone significant renovations, thanks to a N$1.7 million investment. This project, a collaboration between the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, Road Fund Administration (RFA), and Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA), aimed to address the deteriorating condition of these essential services on the hospital’s second and third floors. Over five months, the renovation project successfully upgraded both male and female toilets, including showers, bathtubs, and washbasins. The improvements extend to dedicated sluice rooms and staff toilets, enhancing the overall hygiene and comfort for patients and healthcare staff alike. Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, CEO of the…

09 Feb

CoW elects two remaining management committee members

ObserverNational NewsCoW elects two remaining management committee members

Martin Endjala Following recent pushback amongst council members, the City of Windhoek Council finally finally concluded its management committee member election yesterday. Former deputy mayor Magdalena Lombardt and Councillor Bernardus Araeb were successfully elected as the two remaining members of the management committee which consists of five members The proceedings were presided over by Windhoek Magistrate Ndapewa Celma Amadhila. The two slots remained unoccupied since last year after numerous attempts by the council to elect the remaining seats to join the likes of Fransina Kahungu, Sam Nujoma and Austin Kwenani who were elected last year. Both Lombardt and Araeb will…

09 Feb

Protocol with Namibia’s national symbols must be maintained

ObserverNational NewsProtocol with Namibia’s national symbols must be maintained

Niël Terblanché Dr Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, has reiterated the importance of maintaining protocol with Namibia’s national symbols during the period of national mourning in Namibia. He said Namibians must focus on the proper protocol regarding national symbols and the memory of the late president. Mushelenga advised that public and private offices keep the portrait of the late President Hage Geingob displayed until further notice. The minister also announced that official books of condolences have been placed at Casa Rosalia, the residence of the late President, the Parliament Building, the Office of the Prime Minister,…

09 Feb

Church volunteers help NamBTS with critically low bloodstock

ObserverNational NewsChurch volunteers help NamBTS with critically low bloodstock

Niël Terblanché The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) is still facing a critical blood shortage and has partnered with Shincheonji Church of Jesus volunteers for a blood drive to replenish the country’s blood supply. Through the partnership and a concerted effort to foster a culture of donation, the organizations have encouraged community participation. The Khomas Regional Governor, Laura McLeod-Katjirua, supported the initiative, highlighting the life-saving impact of each donation. The drive aimed for at least 50 donations and successfully exceeded this goal with 62 volunteers eventually donating blood. The NamBTS has repeatedly urged the public to donate blood and…

09 Feb

Report gives Namibian tourism a passing mark

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Alex Shimuafeni, Statistician General, Namibia Statistics Agency announce the release of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for the year 2022, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s tourism sector. He said the comprehensive report, a product of collaboration between various government institutions and stakeholders within the tourism industry, highlights the direct economic impact of tourism on Namibia’s economy. The TSA, following internationally recognized methodologies by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, aligns with the System of National Accounts compilation methodology, offering a detailed analysis of tourism-related production and its integration across different economic sectors. The report aims to…