National News – Page 186 – Windhoek Observer

01 Feb

Allegations of corruption refuted in the strongest possible terms

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché In the wake of a contentious letter spreading through social media channels, Tom Alweendo, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, has raised serious doubts regarding the document’s authenticity. The controversial letter, alleging high-level corruption within the Petroleum Directorate which serves the critical role of licensing of oil and gas exploration, was purportedly penned by one Louis Beauvais, claiming to represent shareholders of TotalEnergies and addressed to Patrick Pouyanne, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the same enterprise. “The letter in question lacks credibility. TotalEnergies has not acknowledged its receipt, nor is there any knowledge of the alleged…

01 Feb

IPPR raises concerns over transparency in Namibia’s mining sector

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has expressed its concern regarding the lack of transparency and accountability in Namibia’s mining sector. Graham Hopwood, the Director of the IPPR, stressed the urgent need for more openness in the sector, especially in areas like corporate social responsibility, employment practices, and tax payments to the government. Hopwood spoke at a two-day alternative mining indaba in Windhoek and his remarks come at a time when the mining industry, one of Namibia’s main economic pillars, faces challenges in maintaining transparent operations. The IPPR has been vocal about the potential risks of corruption…

01 Feb

Namibian High Court finalizes restraining order against NEFF leaders

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibian High Court Judge Safimana Ueitele finalized a restraining order against the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) and key members of its leadership, including President Epafras Mukwilongo, Deputy President Kalimbo Iipumbu, and party functionary Michael Amushelelo. The court order prohibits them from engaging in any unlawful activities at various retail outlets across the country. The judgment upholds the Rule Nisi issued on December 22, 2023, and is a response to incidents where the NEFF members allegedly threatened to shut down shops owned by the Rani Group following the suspension of around 100 workers from Employee Placement Services of…

01 Feb

Churches leading the charge for mining reform

ObserverNational NewsChurches leading the charge for mining reform

Niël Terblanché The Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) has embarked on an impassioned crusade for substantial reforms within the mining and extractive sector. The CCN’s Alternative Mining Indaba in Windhoek, under the compelling theme “Increasing benefits from mining and extractive industries to address socio-economic development challenges,” is the latest effort to ignite a conversation on “tax justice” and enforceable corporate social responsibilities. The Indaba, a clear response to the Ministry’s assurance of ethical stewardship over Namibia’s natural resources, is positioning itself as a pivotal forum for debate and advocacy for responsible mining that benefits all stakeholders. The CCN, alongside…

01 Feb

Stalwart of Namibian politics Tötemeyer passes on at home

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Professor Gerhard Tötemeyer, who served in the Namibian Cabinet as the Deputy Minister of Local, Regional Government and Housing and who also served as the country’s first-ever director of elections has died. In life, Professor Tötemeyer was a notable figure in Namibian politics and academia. Born on May 21, 1935, in Gibeon, Tötemeyer spent his early years in Keetmanshoop where his father worked as a missionary. His family’s stay in Germany during World War II led to initial language barriers upon returning to South-West Africa, as he spoke neither English nor Afrikaans at the time. He overcame these…

01 Feb

Divundu receives new ambulance to boost emergency response

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) has enhanced its life-saving capabilities in the region between Rundu and Katima Mulilo with the commissioning of an ambulance worth N$1.3 million. This development follows the establishment of a fully-fledged response unit base in Divundu in December 2022. The Chief Executive Officer of the MVA Fund, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku noted that Divundu’s previous response vehicle was limited to transporting medical staff to accident scenes and could not transfer patients. “With this new 4×4 emergency ambulance, we can now attend to patients and transport them to the nearest hospital, significantly improving our ability to…

31 Jan

PDM calls for genuine commitment to sports development

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani, has urged Deputy Prime Minister and International Relations Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service to transcend political posturing and genuinely commit to fostering sports growth. Venaani’s plea comes amidst the national senior men's football team, the Brave Warriors’ historic performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations tournament where they managed to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in the country’s history. This is despite the team having to play home games away from home due to substandard stadiums in Namibia which…

31 Jan

Okahandja Mayor fails to attend meeting with disgruntled residents

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Residents from some of the poorest neighbourhoods of Okahandja are expressing deep frustration and disappointment over the persistent issues of poor service delivery in their town. Their grievances, which encompass intermittent water supply, inadequate land delivery, lack of proper sanitation, and unaddressed health hazards, remain unresolved despite repeated appeals to local authorities. During a recent community meeting, the residents' concerns were compounded by the absence of Okahandja Mayor Beatrice Kotungondo. Although the mayor had indicated in a letter to community leaders that she intends to reschedule the meeting and address these issues, the residents have yet to find…

31 Jan

BoN announces new board members

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has announced the appointment of Dr Meshack Tjirongo, Eliaser Nekwaya and Peter Kruger as non-executive members of its Board of Directors and the re-appointment of Ehrenfried Meroro as a non-executive board member. These appointments are in line with Section 9 of the Bank of Namibia Act (2020), effective from 1 February 2024. The governor of the central bank, Johannes !Gawaxab, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Board, described the appointments as instrumental in enhancing the Bank's policies, internal controls, risk management and advancing the achievement of its strategic objectives. “As the…

31 Jan

High accident fatality rate concerns MVA

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) in Namibia has expressed grave concern over the recent spike in road accidents, leading to the loss of 16 lives and numerous injuries last week. "It is alarming that Namibia lost 16 lives and witnessed 89 injuries in just the past week due to road traffic crashes," stated Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, the Fund's Chief Executive Officer. She revealed that from January 1 to 28, 2024, there were a total of 158 crashes, resulting in 335 injuries and 29 fatalities. As the country transitions out of the festive period, Martins-Hausiku urges drivers to maintain…