National News – Page 193 – Windhoek Observer

22 Jan

Walvis Bay welcomes another giant ship

ObserverNational NewsWalvis Bay welcomes another giant ship

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s main port, Walvis Bay is temporarily playing host to the specially converted oil and gas production ship, FPSO Léopold Sédar Senghor, that on Monday dropped anchor in the bay on its way to Senegal. The confirmation of the FPSO's anchorage in Walvis Bay came from Taná Pesat, the Manager of Corporate Communication at the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport). According to Pesat the colossal vessel will stay at anchor for roughly seven days while it takes on fuel before departing and sailing up the west coast of Africa. The port of Walvis Bay along with Port Louis in…

22 Jan

New Walvis Bay Gymnasium will be a beacon of educational excellence

ObserverNational NewsNew Walvis Bay Gymnasium will be a beacon of educational excellence

Niël Terblanché The Walvis Bay Gymnasium officially welcomed its first wave of eager learners during the official opening of the new learning facility last week. The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries and community members, marked a significant step forward in providing quality education and addressing the pressing challenges of student performance and overcrowding in schools. Walvis Bay Mayor, Trevino Forbes, lauded the rapid and efficient construction of the school, emphasizing its importance to the community. , "The speed and precision with which this facility was constructed is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved. The…

22 Jan

Gaobaeb elected UDF new president

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché After a tumultuous elective congress that ended in the early hours of Monday morning, the United Democratic Front (UDF) eventually elected a new Central Committee which includes a new president and a secretary general. Hendrick Gaobaeb managed to focus the majority of the elective congress’s votes on him and will serve as the new president of the UDF. Nico Somaeb was elected as the party’s new vice president while Daniel Tsaneb and Davey van Wyk will respectively serve as the party’s new secretary general and vice secretary general. Seriane Mukuta, who will serve as the party’s national treasurer…

22 Jan

Walvis Bay witnesses a surge in bunker fuel demand as ships seek safer routes

ObserverNational NewsWalvis Bay witnesses a surge in bunker fuel demand as ships seek safer routes

Niël Terblanché In response to the escalating security threats in the Red Sea, commercial ships are rerouting their journeys through African ports, creating a surge in demand for bunker fuel and reshaping global refuelling patterns. The Middle East has been on edge due to a series of attacks on cargo ships and subsequent American retaliation, leading to heightened tensions in the region. As a result, the Red Sea has become a risky passage for vessels, causing them to seek alternative routes and refuelling stops. In the face of growing security concerns, the shipping industry is undergoing a transformation in its…

22 Jan

UDF Elective congress ends in disarray

ObserverNational NewsUDF Elective congress ends in disarray

Niël Terblanché The United Democratic Front (UDF) found itself in turmoil at its highly anticipated elective congress held in Swakopmund on Saturday, as party members were left without crucial financial reports and the opportunity to question outgoing leaders. The event marked the UDF’s first congress in a decade, following its last gathering in 2013. The primary agenda item on the congress’s docket was the election of a new leadership, but the proceedings quickly took an unexpected turn. All party structures were dissolved by the Congress before any reports were presented, causing consternation among the party faithful. Outgoing president Apius Auchab…

22 Jan

Inmate seeks N$2.5 million in damages from government …claims violation of rights by Correctional Services

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a legal battle at the Windhoek High Court, Kassian Mukuve Mbathera, an inmate serving a 19-year sentence for murder, is pursuing a claim against Commissioner General of Namibian Correctional Service Raphael Hamunyela and five other defendants for damages and relief under common law. Mbathera’s total claim amounts to N$2.5 million, addressing alleged violations of his rights during an incident that transpired in May 2021 and subsequent events. He contends that the defendants, including Hamunyela and other government officials, engaged in wrongful, unlawful, and unconstitutional conduct against him. The inmate’s particulars of claim state that he suffered cruel,…

22 Jan

Mbumba calls for unity and economic cooperation among developing countries

ObserverNational NewsMbumba calls for unity and economic cooperation among developing countries

Niël Terblanché Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia, took part in the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Uganda, held from January 19 to 20, 2024. The summit, hosted by Uganda, brought together leaders from NAM member states to discuss and strategize on global issues affecting developing countries. The NAM Summit, which is the primary political platform for advancing the interests of developing nations, was preceded by a Ministerial Meeting on January 17 and 18, 2024. During this meeting, participants emphasized the importance of enhancing South-South, North-South, and…

22 Jan

City Police warn against street kids’ robbery scams

ObserverNational NewsCity Police warn against street kids’ robbery scams

Martin Endjala Windhoek City Police Chief, Leevi Ileka has issued a stern warning to residents regarding the increasing incidents in which street children pose as individuals seeking help with various needs, such as food and money, but ultimately engage in robbery. Ileka delivered this warning during a media briefing on Friday, emphasizing the rising number of complaints received by city police regarding robberies committed by groups of homeless children in the capital. “These street children approach people under false pretences, requesting money or assistance, and as the victims search their pockets and handbags for change, the culprits swiftly swoop in…

22 Jan

Chinese Embassy denies allegations of worker exploitation

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Chinese Embassy in Namibia has denied allegations of worker exploitation and underpayment raised by social activist Michael Amushelelo. In a statement released following a Facebook post by Amushelelo, the embassy defended its employment practices and addressed the concerns raised. According to the embassy’s spokesperson, all local employees are hired under legally compliant contracts adhering to Namibian laws. The statement refutes claims made by Amushelelo, stating that allegations of low pay, forced work, lack of overtime compensation, no provision for injury compensation, and mistreatment are entirely false and baseless. “In addition to complying with the laws of the…

22 Jan

Mediation could resolve defamation lawsuit involving former Walvis Bay CEO

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Former Chief Executive Officer of the Walvis Bay Municipality, Muronga Haingura, has taken legal action against the Walvis Bay town council, former regional councillor Knowledge Ipinge, and municipal employee relations officer Gertrude Usiku, alleging defamation and demanding N$1.5 million in compensation. The lawsuit stems from accusations that Haingura misappropriated N$24 million intended for a government-funded mass land servicing project. In a recent development, the legal representatives of the municipal council have proposed a mediation process to explore the possibility of settling with the plaintiff and the first respondents. The mediation date has been set for Friday, 26…