National News – Page 192 – Windhoek Observer

23 Jan

Learners urged to set solid goals for academic success

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché During an address at Duinesig High School, Neville Andre, the Governor of the Erongo Region, called on secondary school students to aim high and work diligently towards their academic goals. His comments came at the time when the new school year kicked off and followed an impressive performance by the school in the 2023 Namibia Senior Secondary Advanced Subsidiary and Ordinary level examinations. Highlighting the importance of hard work and ambition, Andre pointed out that these are key drivers in converting efforts into successful outcomes. He stressed the role of focus, parental support, and discipline in academic achievement,…

23 Jan

EU-Twinning Project approaches successful completion

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala The EU-Twinning Project, formally titled "Support to the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI)," is nearing its conclusion, with an expected end date of 31 January 2024. The project was a crucial step in enhancing economic growth and trade in Namibia. Magnolia Lawrence, the NSI’s Marketing and Customer Liaison Officer, announced yesterday that a closing event is planned for 25 January 2024 at Droombos in Windhoek. Dignitaries invited to the event include Lucia Iipumbu, the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade; Eino Mvula, Chief Executive Officer of the NSI; Ana Beatriz Martins, EU Ambassador to Namibia; Thorsten Hutter, German Ambassador to…

23 Jan

Innovative initiative aims to maximize marine resources

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is embarking on a groundbreaking partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to combat food loss and waste within its fisheries sector by harnessing the untapped potential of fish byproducts, including heads, internal organs, skins, and frames. In a time of growing food insecurity and unemployment, Namibia's fishing industry is teaming up with global partners to address these pressing challenges head-on. The joint effort aims to significantly reduce seafood loss and waste, optimize the utilization of marine resources, and generate employment opportunities for coastal communities. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than…

23 Jan

Teacher defrauded out of N$11,500 by scammers

ObserverNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe A 54-year-old Namibian teacher from Kamanjab has been defrauded of N$11,500 which was allegedly withdrawn from her bank account on 19th Jan 2024, in an unknown manner. A police crime report issued yesterday by Chief Inspector Elifas Kuwinga said the teacher was called by an unknown person during December 2023 who introduced himself as an MTC official and informed her that she won N$8,000 after having registered her MTC sim card. She was, therefore, requested to provide her bank account details which include ATM Card digits numbers and the card expiry dates which she provided. “It is further…

23 Jan

Uranium One withdraws litigation against MAWLR over drilling permits

ObserverNational News, Observer Money

Martin Endjala The Uranium One Group has retracted its High Court application in Namibia, initially filed to contest the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Land, and Reform's refusal to issue a drilling permit for exploration in the Omaheke Region. The company's move to withdraw follows its earlier 2023 filing for judicial review against the Ministry's decision to deny exploration drilling permits. Riaan Van Rooyen, the Group’s Communications Manager, confirmed the withdrawal yesterday. He explained that the decision came after the implementation of the Water Resources Management Act, Act 11 of 2013 (‘the Act’), by the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land…

23 Jan

Chinese Ambassador calls for compliance with local laws

ObserverNational NewsChinese Ambassador calls for compliance with local laws

Martin Endjala Zhao Weiping, the Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, has urged Chinese nationals living in Namibia to adhere to local laws, regulations, and cultural norms. Weiping made this statement during the 2024 Chinese Spring Festival Gala hosted by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Namibia (CGCCIN) last week in Windhoek. The Ambassador stressed that Chinese nationals in Namibia play a crucial role as a bridge of friendship between China and Namibia and serve as ambassadors of China in Namibia. However, there have been concerns lately regarding Chinese nationals allegedly violating local laws. He expressed the hope that…

23 Jan

SAUMA raises deep concern over the threat to Stampriet Artesian Basin

ObserverNational NewsSAUMA raises deep concern over the threat to Stampriet Artesian Basin

Niël terblanché The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) Management Committee has penned an urgent open letter addressed to key stakeholders, including Members of Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Standing Committees, Regional Governors, Councilors, Traditional Authorities, and the Namibian public. SAUMA expressed deep concerns regarding the proposed In Situ Leach Mining of Uranium in the Stampriet Artesian Basin, situated in southeastern Namibia. At the heart of SAUMA’s concerns is the potential environmental and public health impact of uranium mining in an area that relies solely on drinkable groundwater for survival. The Stampriet Artesian Basin, nestled beneath the Kalahari dunes of southeastern…

23 Jan

Namibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

ObserverNational NewsNamibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Parliament of Namibia is set to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region for the Budget Committee meeting in Windhoek from 23 to 26 January 2024. The committee, responsible for organizing, facilitating, and formulating financial recommendations for the Association, plays a crucial role in managing the CPA’s investments. Namibia, a member of CPA Africa, joins 63 national and subnational legislatures in the pursuit of shared goals. Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia and current Vice-Chairperson of the CPA Africa Executive Committee Lukas Sinimbo Muha, is slated to formally inaugurate the meeting. Delegates from five Member…

23 Jan

Occupancy rates increase to nearly 40 percent in December

ObserverNational NewsOccupancy rates increase to nearly 40 percent in December

Martin Endjala According to Simonis Storm Securities’ December 2023 hospitality statistics report, the month, characterized by festivities, offered a total of 51,192 rooms, of which 19,942 were occupied, resulting in a nationwide occupancy rate of 38.9 percent. The report indicated that December of the previous year witnessed significant activity in the hospitality sector, with 69 participants across different regions. Coastal areas led in terms of room occupancy during this period, followed by the Southern and Central regions. This trend is attributed to the leisure activities commonly sought during the festive season, as people looked to relax and celebrate the end…

23 Jan

Namibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

ObserverNational NewsNamibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Parliament of Namibia is set to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region for the Budget Committee meeting in Windhoek from 23 to 26 January 2024. The committee, responsible for organizing, facilitating, and formulating financial recommendations for the Association, plays a crucial role in managing the CPA’s investments. Namibia, a member of CPA Africa, joins 63 national and subnational legislatures in the pursuit of shared goals. Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia and current Vice-Chairperson of the CPA Africa Executive Committee Lukas Sinimbo Muha, is slated to formally inaugurate the meeting. Delegates from five Member…