National News – Page 197 – Windhoek Observer

12 Jan

The annual Inflation Rate increased by 3.4 percent

ObserverNational NewsThe annual Inflation Rate increased by 3.4 percent

Martin Endjala Namibia’s annual inflation rate for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel components, which account for 28.4 percent of the consumer basket, saw a significant improvement as it registered a 3.4 percent increase in December 2023 compared to the 2.1 percent observed in December 2022. The country’s overall annual inflation rate stood at 5.3 percent in December 2023, showing a decline from the 6.9 percent recorded in December 2022. Every month, the inflation rate for December 2023 recorded a deflation of 0.1 percent, a decrease from the 0.3 percent recorded in the preceding month. These statistics are based…

12 Jan

NamRA launches second time release study at Trans Kalahari Border Post

ObserverNational NewsNamRA launches second time release study at Trans Kalahari Border Post

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has announced the commencement of the second Namibia Time Release Study (TRS) at the Trans Kalahari Border Post in the Omaheke Region The Time Release Study, set to take place from 15 to 25 January 2024 is an internationally recognized tool developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), serves as a strategic method to measure the actual time required for the release and/or clearance of goods. According to Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, the Chief of Communications and Support Engagements of the NamRa, the process involves tracking cargo from the moment of arrival until its physical…

12 Jan

South Africa argues genocide case at UN top court

ObserverNational NewsSouth Africa argues genocide case at UN top court

Staff Reporter On the first of two days of legal arguments at the International Court of Justice, South Africa’s Justice Minister presented his country’s case against Israel whom they accuse of genocide in its war in Gaza. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said on Thursday that Israel’s response to the 7th of October 2023 attack had crossed a line “and gives rise to the breaches of the convention.” South Africa launched its case at the United Nations’ top court in November and has asked the ICJ to order an immediate halt to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. South African lawyer Adila…

12 Jan

FlyNamibia Cancels Flights Due to Safety Regulatory Concerns

ObserverNational NewsFlyNamibia Cancels Flights Due to Safety Regulatory Concerns

Stefanus Nashama FlyNamibia was forced to cancel all flights to and from Lüderitz Airport due to regulatory safety issues that arose at the coastal town’s airport. The airline explained that the cancelled flights were originally scheduled for yesterday, but they had to be called off due to unforeseen mechanical problems. FlyNamibia maintained that passenger safety remains their top priority. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the cancellations. They clarified that the issue was related to a mechanical problem with a fire-fighting vehicle operated by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC). This vehicle is crucial for ensuring passenger safety…

12 Jan

Namibia’s digital transformation journey gains momentum

ObserverNational NewsNamibia’s digital transformation journey gains momentum

Niël Terblanché Namibia is gearing up for a profound digital transformation, with an unwavering commitment to leveraging digitalization for prosperity. Audrin Mathe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, stressed the crucial role of governance and strategic foresight in this digital evolution. Speaking at the official opening of a workshop earlier this week, Mathe reiterated that digitalization had moved beyond being a mere option; it was now an imperative for Namibia’s development. He stressed the significance of crafting a focused vision for the country’s digital future, laying the foundation for this transformative journey. One of the…

12 Jan

Mayor unveils ambitious plans for Swakopumnd in 2024

ObserverNational NewsMayor unveils ambitious plans for Swakopumnd in 2024

Niël Terblanché The Mayor of Swakopmund Dina Namubes outlined the ambitious goals and plans that the Town Council has set in motion for the year 2024. The mayor called for unity, optimism, and a commitment to sustainable development in the coastal town. “As the mayor of our beautiful town of Swakopmund, I have the great pleasure of expressing our goals for 2024. I hope that we ring in the new year safely and with respect for everyone,” she said while the tone for a year of hope and progress. Namubes emphasized the importance of leaving the past behind and embracing…

11 Jan

Namibians exploited as drug mules

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, has voiced his concern over the alarming trend of Namibian citizens being exploited as drug mules for international narcotics trafficking. The latest incident that has heightened these concerns involves a 27-year-old Namibian woman who was detained in Ethiopia for suspected drug trafficking. The woman was apprehended on 2 January 2024 at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. She was arrested while travelling on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil, en route to Lusaka, Zambia, and was allegedly found in possession of approximately 4.7 kilogrammes of…

11 Jan

Only 56 percent of Namibians have access to electricity

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a pivotal moment for Namibia’s digital future, a stark reality emerges as only 56 percent of the population has access to electricity, posing a significant hurdle to the nation’s ambitious digital transformation goals. This is according to the National Digital Strategy of Namibia for 2024-2028. “When disaggregating this national measure, vast disparities are observed between urban and rural electrification whereby about two-thirds of the rural population lacks access to electricity,” reads the strategy document. Executive Director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Audrin Mathe, addressed the issue at the National Digital Strategy Workshop held in…

11 Jan

NFA withdraws Brave Warriors official attire amid political controversy

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Football Association (NFA) has decided to withdraw the official attire of the Namibia National Senior Men’s Football Team, the Brave Warriors, from the upcoming 2023 Total Energies AFCON. This decision comes in the wake of a public outcry over the team’s recent appearance in casual gear that raised concerns of political undertones. The NFA, in collaboration with the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), in a joint statement reveals that they are seeking clarity on the attire worn by the Brave Warriors, which gained significant attention on social media platforms this week. “The NSC and NFA understand the…

11 Jan

Horrific murder and rape in Rehoboth shock Namibia

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché An incident during the early hours of Tuesday morning in Rehoboth where the 64-year-old Helena Wimmert was brutally raped, murdered and then robbed has sent shockwaves through Namibia. According to Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division, the horrific crime occurred at the victim’s home in Rehoboth’s Block A sometime between midnight and 07:40. “The victim was raped before the suspect continued to cut her throat. Her home was then ransacked for valuable items before the suspect fled into the night with his loot,” she said. She said that the investigation into…