National News – Page 201 – Windhoek Observer

21 Dec

Amushelelo defies legal threats amidst workers’ rights advocacy

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Activist and member of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), Michael Amushelelo, is facing legal threats after attempting to shut down a shop in the Okuryangava area of Windhoek earlier this week. Amushelelo, undeterred despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the law firm Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc., is accused of engaging in what the firm describes as “chaotic behaviour of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful instigation of protests and disruption” of their client’s business affairs. In the letter, the law firm urges Amushelelo to cease his actions, warning of potential legal consequences, including opening a case with…

21 Dec

Implementing climate change plans will be a multibillion-dollar commitment

ObserverNational NewsImplementing climate change plans will be a multibillion-dollar commitment

Niël Terblanché Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, in a recent address to parliament, declared that Namibia’s efforts to combat climate change, in line with the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), will require a substantial investment of around N$112.3 billion. The allocated budget reflects Namibia’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, with N$65.2 billion dedicated to mitigation measures and N$47.1 billion aimed at adaptation targets. The minister added that the majority of this funding, approximately 90 percent, is expected to be sourced from international multilateral and bilateral channels, reducing the financial burden on domestic resources. Last year…

21 Dec

NAMFISA Refunds Consumers with More than N$3.8 Million

ObserverNational News

Martin Ednjala Between July and September 2023, the Namibia Financial Services Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) ensured that approximately N$3,848,008 million was refunded to complainants through its Complaints Resolution Strategy. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the previous quarter, from April to June 2023, when a total of N$672,347 was refunded to complainants. The highest amount recovered, totalling N$3,160,857, came from the Pension Fund industry, followed by N$392,340 from the Short-term insurance industry, N$250,749 from the long-term insurance industry, N$41,295 from the Microlending industry, and N$2,767 from the Medical Aid Funds industry. Kenneth Matomola, NAMFISA’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that…

21 Dec

Legislature adopts unique vehicle registration plates

ObserverNational NewsLegislature adopts unique vehicle registration plates

Stefanus Nashama In a move that will give tangible evidence of the separation of powers within the government, the Parliament of Namibia has announced a new initiative to identify the vehicles used by the country’s legislature distinctly. Starting January 2024, all official vehicles of the National Assembly and the National Council will be equipped with unique green registration plates. This initiative marks a departure from the current practice where legislative vehicles are indistinguishable from the broader fleet of Namibian Government vehicles. According to the announcement, the new registration plates will bear the abbreviations “LNA” for Legislature National Assembly and “LNC”…

21 Dec

PDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

ObserverNational NewsPDM seeks clarity on Regional Electoral Officer’s appointment

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has voiced its concerns and sought clarity from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) regarding the recent appointments of Regional Electoral Officers (REOs). In a media statement, the PDM stressed the importance of transparency and scrutiny in the appointment process of such officials. While acknowledging the roles assigned to REOs in accordance with the Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014, PDM Secretary for Information Hidipo Hamata, emphasised the need for tangible and visible commitment to ethical conduct in every aspect of electoral administration. “The PDM is committed to ensuring that our democracy is…

21 Dec

CRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

ObserverNational NewsCRAN dismisses myths about 5G related health risks

Niël Terblanché To address public concerns over the health risks associated with fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has launched a comprehensive Consumer Awareness Campaign. This initiative aims to educate consumers on the benefits of 5G technology and dispel lingering misinformation about its potential health risks. The advent of 5G marks a crucial moment in the realm of connectivity, introducing a new era of unparalleled speed and efficiency. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Intelligence, South Africa is spearheading the 5G deployment in sub-Saharan Africa, with Namibia and other countries like…

20 Dec

Naloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

ObserverNational NewsNaloba requests visit to offshore oil rigs

Martin Endjala Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) has recently sent a request to Namibia Investment Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) Chief Executive Officer Nangula Uaandja, to facilitate an offshore familiarisation visit to the drill sites of oil rigs in February next year. According to Naloba’s vice-president, Peter Amadhila the association has a particular focus on the newly discovered oil and gas reserves. Amadhila stated that the association wants to be actively involved in these projects to ensure maximum and total benefits for all Namibian people. He said Naloba has been strongly advocating for alternative solutions to the recent fuel price inflation…

20 Dec

Judge dismisses N$7.5million lawsuit against NWR by former MD

ObserverNational NewsJudge dismisses N$7.5million lawsuit against NWR by former MD

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a recent ruling, the Windhoek High Court rejected the N$7.5 million civil suit filed by Zelna Hengari, the former Managing Director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR). Hengari was seeking damages for reputational harm. Following a series of hearings between September 2021 and August 2023, High Court Judge Boas Usiku ruled in favour of NWR. Usiku concluded that the central claim made in the press release, regarding Hengari’s unauthorised agreement, was substantially true. Hengari, who served as the Managing Director of NWR from July 2014 until July 2019, initiated legal proceedings against the public company, alleging defamation. The…

20 Dec

Human-wildlife conflict imposes high costs on GRN

ObserverNational NewsHuman-wildlife conflict imposes high costs on GRN

Niël Terblanché Human-wildlife conflicts have become an increasingly costly challenge for the Namibian Government, with compensation payouts totalling approximately N$31.7 million since 2019. Teofilus Nghitila, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, shed light on the escalation of the issue, citing factors such as drought and the expanding human population as exacerbating the situation. Nghitila said that the complex nature of coexisting with wild animals, which, while beneficial for employment and income generation, also carries significant costs. These costs manifest in various ways, including crop damage, livestock losses, injuries to people, and even the tragic loss…

20 Dec

NEFF threatens to shut down Rani Group

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama Michael Amushelelo, the Commissar of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) has called on workers to mobilise and unite in mass protest action and even threatened to shut down business activities of the Rani Group countrywide. This follows after the Oshakati-based Rani Group suspended more than 100 employees, who last week participated in a peaceful protest. The protest action was aimed at ending the contract labour hire system still utilised by the business. Amushelelo demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended workers and set a deadline for the return of the workers for mid-day yesterday or else the…