National News

Uanguta appointed as new NAMCOR Acting Managing Director

Uanguta appointed as new NAMCOR Acting Managing Director

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) Board of Directors have announced the appointment of Ebson Uanguta, to serve as the new Acting Managing Director. Uanguta is currently serving as the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Namibia, and his appointment at NAMCOR will be effective from 11 January 2024 and will be for a period of six months. Uanguta is set to replace Shiwana Ndeunyema who has been serving in that capacity since the suspension of NAMCOR Managing Director Immanuel Mulunga last year. The board said Uanguta, is a graduate of the University of Addis Ababa with…
Read More
IPC faces high demand for membership cards as support grows

IPC faces high demand for membership cards as support grows

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) is feeling the pressure to print more membership cards as the party experiences a surge in new members joining daily. Immanuel Nashinge, the IPC’s National Spokesperson, shared this revelation with the Windhoek Observer yesterday. “Our door-to-door campaign has yielded positive results, attracting a diverse range of people who have been joining IPC over the past two years,” he stated. Nashinge attributed the need for additional membership cards to party staff members who are currently on holiday. He highlighted the increasing number of individuals flocking to the party as a clear sign that…
Read More
Erongo Region takes holistic approach to combat GBV

Erongo Region takes holistic approach to combat GBV

Niël Terblanché The Erongo Region is taking a proactive stance in combatting gender-based violence (GBV) by adopting a holistic approach that involves all segments of society. Despite significant strides in human rights and gender equality, the scourge of GBV continues to pose a grave challenge for especially women and children in Namibia. In response to this pressing issue, the Governor of the Erongo Region, Neville Andre has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to address GBV while stressing the urgent need for a collective effort. Andre said that GBV is one of the most pervasive yet least visible human rights violations globally.…
Read More
Late delivery of state school stationery disappoints Swapo

Late delivery of state school stationery disappoints Swapo

Stefanus Nashama Hofni Iipeinge, the Swapo Party Secretary of Education, has expressed deep disappointment and concern about the delayed delivery of school stationery to state schools. Sharing his views on the matter this week, Iipeinge stated that while the government has implemented free universal education in the country, the late provision of school supplies to state schools negatively impacts the education of Namibian children. "Education is a right but not a need. The Ministry responsible should take this matter seriously and implement effective interventions to ensure that funds for school stationery reach all state schools on time before the schools…
Read More
Eight new industries could emerge from the Green Hydrogen boom

Eight new industries could emerge from the Green Hydrogen boom

Martin Endjala James Mnyupe, the Green Hydrogen Commissioner, has revealed that the Green Hydrogen Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Small Medium Enterprise Development and the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, has identified eight potential new industries. This announcement was made last December during an update on the Green Hydrogen Progress, which is poised to significantly impact the Namibian economy. Mnyupe indicated that among the eight potential new industries are solar panel and wind turbine assembly, critical raw minerals value addition, synthetic fuel production, and hot-briquette iron production. Preliminary estimates suggest that these developments could…
Read More
Steenkamp urges country to prioritise tutors for struggling learners

Steenkamp urges country to prioritise tutors for struggling learners

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Executive director of the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has urged the country to prioritise securing tutors for students facing learning difficulties. With the looming release of the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary and Advanced Subsidiary Levels (NSSCO and NSSCAS) results on Wednesday, Steenkamp emphasised the significance of teaching and learning environment within classrooms as a decisive factor. She stressed the need for comprehensive support, not only from families but also from tutors. “So of course the support the learners are getting not just at home but also from the tutors. We should get into…
Read More
Amushelelo’s latest case dismissed, workers remain suspended

Amushelelo’s latest case dismissed, workers remain suspended

Stefanus Nashama The Oshakati Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the case against social activist Michael Amushelelo, who was arrested on Monday while attempting to represent Rani Supermarket employees suspended for participating in a demonstration late last year, calling for the abolition of contract labour hire and other demands. Amushelelo’s legal representative, Kadhila Amoomo, confirmed this development to the Windhoek Observer yesterday. Amushelelo’s arrest was related to his alleged violation of a court order, which had instructed him to stay at least 400 meters away from the Rani Business premises. Speaking to this publication, Amushelelo stated that his primary concern was the…
Read More
Women living with HIV at higher risk of contracting cervical cancer – Moeti

Women living with HIV at higher risk of contracting cervical cancer – Moeti

Niël Terblanché Women living with HIV face a higher risk of developing cervical cancer due to their increased vulnerability to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, according to recent studies. While this challenge is particularly prominent in Africa, where high rates of HIV infection persist, it also presents an opportunity for screening and prevention, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, the African Regional Director of WHO, stressed the importance of leveraging HIV screening and treatment services to raise awareness about cervical cancer and offer screening and vaccination opportunities for women attending HIV services. The WHO has been…
Read More
Economic revitalization will bring more migrants to urban areas

Economic revitalization will bring more migrants to urban areas

Niël Terblanché High numbers of people are expected to migrate to the Erongo Region following the future establishment of at least two green hydrogen-producing plants along the Namibian coast and the prospect of improved Uranium prices on the world market. These developments have ignited hope among the region’s residents for a brighter economic future. Dina Namubes, the Mayor of Swakopmund expressed optimism about the resurgence of mining activities in the area, particularly at Langer Heinrich, where mining operations were restarted last year. The mining sector holds great promise for job creation and economic growth in the region. Mayor Trevino Forbes…
Read More
President Geingob undergoes another minor surgical procedure

President Geingob undergoes another minor surgical procedure

Niël Terblanché President Hage Geingob underwent routine colonoscopy and gastroscopy tests in a Windhoek hospital yesterday. According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, the procedure was a follow-up to Geingob’s annual medical checkup. The statement said that President Geingob always advises Namibians to undertake routine medical checkups in light of the importance of early detection and prevention of possible serious diseases. The tests on President Geingob lasted for two hours, following which the President returned to his residence. The most recent procedure follows after the President was admitted to a hospital in Windhoek in July 2023…
Read More