National News – Page 183 – Windhoek Observer

06 Feb

Namibia’s trade balance stands at a deficit of N$299 million

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala During December 2023, the country’s trade balance stood at a deficit of N$299 million, which is an improvement compared to N$4 billion and N$1.4 billion recorded in November 2023 and December 2022, respectively. This was revealed yesterday by Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer Alex Shimuafeni. According to the report, Namibia’s trade composition showed that Botswana emerged as Namibia’s largest market for exports, while South Africa maintained its position as the country’s main supplier. The composition of the export basket for December 2023 mainly comprised minerals such as Precious stones (diamonds), Non-monetary gold, and Uranium.…

06 Feb

Trans-Kalahari Railway will boost regional trade and connectivity

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché In a decisive effort to bolster and advance regional trade and connectivity, Namibia and Botswana are moving closer to the realization of the Trans-Kalahari Railway project. This ambitious initiative aims to create a direct rail link between the Port of Walvis Bay and Botswana, extending further to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The project was discussed during a recent Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting in Swakopmund. The meeting was attended by Namibia's Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, and his counterpart from Botswana, Eric Molale. The railway line, envisioned to stretch approximately 1,500 kilometres, is designed…

06 Feb

Unplanned electricity outages cost an estimated N$1 billion

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala A recent study conducted by the Electricity Control Board (ECB) has shed light on the staggering cost of unplanned electricity outages in Namibia. The research reveals that these disruptions can cost the economy up to N$1 billion annually during weekdays, translating to an estimated N$41.4 million per hour. Over weekends, the impact slightly lessens to N$126 million, or N$5.26 million per weekend hour. The study, aimed at understanding the economic impact of these outages, employs the Cost of Unserved Energy (COUE) metric to quantify the financial toll on both consumers and the broader economy. According to ECB Chief…

06 Feb

Mbumba must address key legislation when National Assembly resumes

ObserverNational NewsMbumba must address key legislation when National Assembly resumes

Martin Endjala Following the recent passing of President Hage Geingob, Namibia’s newly inaugurated President Nangolo Mbumba, is set to address critical pending legislation as the National Assembly resumes later today. This comes amid heightened anticipation for the Ninth Session of the Seventh Parliament, according to Parliament member John Likando. Likando highlighted President Mbumba’s extensive legislative background across various government roles before his tenure as Vice President, expressing confidence in Mbumba’s familiarity with the bills awaiting his approval. “Given his comprehensive understanding of the legislative process, we are optimistic about his approach to the gender-based violence bill introduced last year, among…

06 Feb

President Geingob transcended party politics or tribal affiliations – Kauandenge

ObserverNational NewsPresident Geingob transcended party politics or tribal affiliations – Kauandenge

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Unity Democratic Organisation’s (NUDO) Secretary General, Joseph Kauandenge has described former President Hage Geingob, as an astute politician, a strong man who tried to transcend beyond party politics or tribal affiliations aiming to be a Namibian first before anything else. He added that the late President’s mantra of “One Namibian House” and “Harambee” still rang true until his last breath. Kauandenge said this yesterday while conveying his condolences to the Geingob family and the entire Namibian nation. He said NUDO credits the late President for his foresightedness and resolve to take on the mighty German Government,…

06 Feb

State-of-the-art staff accommodation inaugurated at Dobe Border Post

ObserverNational NewsState-of-the-art staff accommodation inaugurated at Dobe Border Post

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Lucia Witbooi, has inaugurated state-of-the-art staff accommodation at Dobe Border Post and called on stakeholders to join efforts to make services effective and enhance the general well-being of the Dobe Border Post community. While speaking at the inauguration, Witbooi stressed the strategic importance of Dobe Border Post, located approximately 52 kilometres from Tsumkwe. The deputy minister along with other delegates celebrated the completion of a long-awaited project that faced challenges but was ultimately completed by the Namibian Police Force Building Team. The construction, which commenced in June 2015,…

05 Feb

Swakop Uranium Foundation addresses educational challenges

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Swakop Uranium Foundation has taken it upon itself to address educational challenges in regions across the country, this effort is backed up by its recent donation of N$72 000 to the Vennesa Healthcare and Kindergarten in the DRC informal settlement, in Swakopmund, towards the purchase of the facility’s monthly maize meal. The facility caters to 25 children and teenage girls who have dropped out of school or who have fallen on hard times and are living in bad circumstances. Eva Kazondunge, a teacher at the school highlighted the core functions of the facility and implored other community…

05 Feb

Change makers support schools for the visually and hearing-impaired children

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché In a display of community engagement and support, Change makers of the Capricorn Group dedicated their efforts to enhance the educational environment for learners at the School for the Visually and the School for the Hearing Impaired. More than 30 volunteers from Capricorn Group and its subsidiaries, Capricorn Asset Management and Bank Windhoek, came together to donate essential items, carry out renovations, and engage in playful activities with the learners. The day-long initiative saw the Changemakers undertaking a range of activities designed to improve the schools' facilities and provide the learners with a more conducive learning environment. Renovations…

05 Feb

CIF hails Geingob as an exemplary leader

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF) president, Nico Badenhorst has hailed former President Hage Geingob as an exemplary leader. He added that the late head of state steered Namibia through difficult economic times and was relentless in including everyone in the Namibian House and maintaining peace in the country. “His emphasis on democratic principles, for better or worse, must be respected. He built an exemplary foundation that demanded hard work and delivery. With continued focus and perseverance, we Namibians will stay strong and brave to utilize the economic opportunities that have been created under his leadership. On behalf of…

05 Feb

President Geingob’s death has silenced a dynamic leader – NAC

ObserverNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Airport Company (NAC), said the death of President Geingob has silenced a dynamic leader and his absence will be deeply missed by all. The NAC Board, management and staff said this while paying tribute to the late President, who passed early on Sunday morning in a Windhoek hospital. “The Board, management and staff of the Namibia Airports Company are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear President, His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, the third President of Namibia. His tragic departure has silenced a dynamic leader, and his absence from our daily lives will be…