National News – Page 196 – Windhoek Observer

16 Jan

More than 100,000 Grade 1 learners embark on their first day of school

ObserverNational News000 Grade 1 learners embark on their first day of school, More than 100

Niël Terblanché The 2024 school year has begun, and with the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts, and Culture’s guidance, it promises to be a year of transformation and positive development for all involved. Yesterday marked a monumental day for education as more than 100,000 Grade 1 learners, along with 50,000 preprimary students, excitedly embarked on their first day of school countrywide. Sanet Steenkamp, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts, and Culture, extended a warm welcome to the eager learners and dedicated teachers, urging them to make the initiation of so many young minds into the world…

16 Jan

Sheehama urges GRN to prioritise funding for needy students

ObserverNational NewsJosef Sheehama, Sheehama urges GRN to prioritise funding for needy students

Martin Endjala As the 2024 academic year begins, many students are actively seeking funding for tertiary education through various institutions, with the most common being the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF). Josef Sheehama, an Independent Bank Researcher and Economist, believes that funding should be directed towards those who need it the most. Sheehama stated that the government must make strategic funding decisions to ensure that financial resources are allocated to those students who are in serious need, rather than those who are already financially stable. He also reiterated the limited availability of resources and the necessity of allocating them…

16 Jan

Presidential hopeful Angula pays tribute to the late Emvula’s legacy

ObserverNational NewsPresidential hopeful Angula pays tribute to the late Emvula’s legacy

Stefanus Nashama Ally Angula, the Independent Candidate and Presidential Hopeful for the November 2024 elections has spoken fondly of the late Obed Tulinane Emvula, describing him as a dignified man who devoted his entire life to the cause of freedom and played a significant role in shaping the future of Namibia. “What a gentleman! We salute you, dear departed great man who only feared the Lord. You have influenced so many of us,” Angula said. Her sentiments echo those of various prominent figures in the country, including Founding President Sam Nujoma, Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, and President Hage Geingob, all…

16 Jan

PDM calls for radical reform in education amidst concerns of systemic inefficiencies

ObserverNational NewsInna Hengari, PDM calls for radical reform in education amidst concerns of systemic inefficiencies

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has sounded an alarm over the persistent challenges plaguing Namibia’s education system, despite substantial investments. PDM’s Inna Hengari, a member of parliament, stated on Monday that the 2023 Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) and National Senior Secondary Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) examination results have brought to light a troubling reality that demands urgent attention. “Despite the significant investment in education through public spending, there are still inefficiencies that affect both quality and equitable access to primary and secondary education,” she emphasised. Hengari underscored the significance of acknowledging candidates who secured 25 points or…

15 Jan

Relations strengthened between Namibia and Angola

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, joined hands with her Angolan counterpart, Ambassador Teté António, Minister of External Relations, for a joint visit to the Cunene Province of Angola and the Ohangwena Region of Namibia to strengthen cooperation and goodwill and to reaffirm peaceful co-existence and fostering good neighbourliness between the two nations. The idea stemmed from a Goodwill Meeting held on 9 October 2023 in Luanda, Angola, where both countries resolved to strengthen their diplomatic ties and address mutual concerns. The visit addressed the situation of…

15 Jan

Lüderitz Airport resumes operations after a temporary halt

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) announced that Lüderitz Airport has resumed full operations on Friday, 12 January 2024, following a brief suspension due to mechanical issues with the Fire and Rescue truck. to Dan Kamati, the spokesperson of the NAC, the airport experienced difficulties with its Fire and Rescue last week, prompting the issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the unavailability of Airport Rescue and Firefighting services. “The NAC immediately activated plans to address the situation and restore normal operations as swiftly as possible,” he said. Kamati added that the resumption of operations on 12 January…

15 Jan

MIT Achieves Milestone in 2023 – Mukobonda

ObserverNational NewsMIT Achieves Milestone in 2023 - Mukobonda

Martin Endjala In 2023, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) accomplished significant milestones, setting the stage for further progress in 2024. Chief Communications Officer, Elijah Mukobonda, explains that MIT’s primary objective is to foster sustainable social and economic development by creating an enabling environment that benefits all citizens. This mission is accomplished through the formulation of conducive policies, legislation, and strategies, aimed at facilitating business operations, promoting investments, establishing industries, supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and expanding and developing export markets and products. During the review period, Mukobonda highlighted the ministry’s creation of the National Informal Economy,…

15 Jan

Delta student claims top spot in 2023 NSSCO AS level…dedication and study strategies propel him to the academic pinnacle

ObserverNational Newsdedication and study strategies propel him to the academic pinnacle, Delta student claims top spot in 2023 NSSCO AS level

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Jonathan Louw, a student from Delta Secondary School in the Khomas region, has secured the coveted first position in the 2023 NSSCO Advanced Subsidiary Level Examinations. In an exclusive interview with this publication, Louw said his dedication and commitment to his studies have positioned him as a beacon of academic excellence and a role model for aspiring students. Louw shared insights into his successful journey, shedding light on the meticulous approach he undertook to clinch the top spot. “I approached it with consistency throughout the year and with the knowledge that the work would be much more than…

15 Jan

No customer funds were affected by attempted theft of N$200 million

ObserverNational NewsNico Hijendepi Rebebe, No customer funds were affected by attempted theft of N$200 million

Staff Writer Nico Hijendepi Rebebe, a 30-year-old employee of Bank Windhoek in Opuwo, is currently on the run after attempting to steal an amount of N$200 million on Saturday 13 January 2024. It is alleged that Rebebe transferred N$100 million into two different bank accounts without the authorization of the bank manager. The bank manager told investigators that the two accounts were opened on 20 December 2023. After making the transfer the suspect left the bank and disappeared. Baronice Hans, the Managing Director of Bank Windhoek in a statement said that the bank managed to keep its losses to less…

12 Jan

Nearly N$10 million worth of drugs seized in December

ObserverNational NewsDeputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, Nearly N$10 million worth of drugs seized in December

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has seized a staggering N$9 074 362.40 worth of drugs during the period of 1-31 December 2023. The operation led to the arrest of 112 individuals, including 109 Namibians, one Burundian, one Motswana and one Zambian nationals. According to NamPol Spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the seized substances include 885 830.24kg of cannabis, 762 full tablets of Mandrax, 196.2 units of crack cocaine, and 210 grams of Methcathonine(cat). Expressing concern over the impact of illicit substances on the youth, Shikwambi appealed to the public for assistance in curbing these crimes. “Illegal substances are…