National News – Page 201 – Windhoek Observer

02 Oct

IPC calls for transparency in November elections

National NewsImmanuel Nashinge

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has urged the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to ensure complete transparency in the upcoming presidential and national assembly elections. In a statement on Wednesday, IPC spokesperson, Immanuel Nashinge emphasised the need for independent local and international observers to oversee the process, free from conflicts of interest. “We demand that the ECN ensure complete transparency in all electoral preparations and processes. This includes allowing access to independent local and international observers with no conflicts of interest. We call on the Namibian government and Swapo to affirm their commitment to national sovereignty by…

02 Oct

MJA deeply concerned about safety at courts

National News

Niël Terblanché The Magistrates and Judges Association of Namibia (MJA) expressed deep concern over an arson attack on the Gobabis Magistrate Court on 1 October 2024 noting that it exposes a troubling gap in the security of court premises across Namibia. The association successfully concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 September 2024 in Swakopmund, announcing the appointment of a new Executive Committee tasked with advancing the association’s mission. One of the primary concerns raised during the AGM was the critical issue of judicial safety, which has come to the fore after a concerning arson attack at the Gobabis…

02 Oct

Omaruru implements water restrictions due to power outages and pipe burst

National News

Martin Endjala The Omaruru Municipality has implemented a three-day restriction on the use of water due to power outages and a burst supply pipeline. According to the notice seen by the Windhoek Observer, these disruptions have prevented reservoirs from meeting the town's water demand. “The restrictions will be implemented from 2 to 4 October from 09h00 to 17h00. The purpose for this is to allow the reservoirs to be refilled to full capacity,” read the notice. The municipality urged all stakeholders to use water wisely until the reservoirs are refilled to full capacity. The town's chief executive officer, Sindongo Valentinus,…

02 Oct

Agriculture ministry responds to Gam farmers’ pleas

National NewsGam settlement

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Farmers in the Gam settlement in the Otjozondjupa region are grappling with huge challenges in accessing drought relief subsidies, with some forced to travel over 400 kilometres to make bank deposits required for receiving animal feed. This has placed a severe financial strain on the farming community, prompting frustration and calls for change. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has acknowledged these concerns. The ministry’s spokesperson, Jona Musheko, said this issue arises from the limited availability of revenue collection points at the ministry's offices near these farming communities. “The ministry acknowledges the challenges that some…

02 Oct

Health access in Otjiwarongo enhanced by the Ombili Clinic

National NewsKalumbi Shangula, Ombili Clinic in Otjiwarongo, Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

Niël Terblanché In another step toward improving healthcare services in Namibia, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, officially inaugurated the Ombili Clinic in Otjiwarongo on Wednesday. The newly constructed clinic, built at a cost of N$6 million through the generous support of B2Gold Namibia, is set to provide essential health services to over 19 000 residents in underrepresented informal settlement communities such as Ombili, DRC, Telecom, and Xara-aibes. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Shangula highlighted the clinic's crucial role in filling a long-standing gap in healthcare service delivery. “For years, residents in these areas have…

02 Oct

GIPF prepares for November tax refunds

National NewsGovernment Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), Wilson Shikoto

Martin Endjala The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has announced it will issue tax relief refunds to qualifying pensioners, spousal, and child beneficiaries on 28 November 2024. GIPF’s chief executive officer, Martin Inkumbi, announced this on Tuesday. “I am elated that our members can now breathe a sigh of relief as all individual taxpayers will be exempted from paying tax on the first N$100 000 of their income. However, we ask for patience as the Fund finalizes the payment logistics,” said Inkumbi. He added that the GIPF team is working diligently to adjust the Fund’s payment processes to ensure the…

01 Oct

Media and civil society join forces to combat misinformation ahead of elections

National NewsFrederico Links, Namibia Fact-Check

Martin Endjala A coalition of Namibian media and civil society organisations has come together to promote the dissemination of credible information in the run-up to the November 2024 elections. The initiative, which is aimed at helping voters critically engage with political messaging, was announced on Tuesday by Frederico Links, the editor of Namibia Fact-Check. “This is a much-needed and very welcome initiative. We are definitely seeing an uptick in election-related misinformation and disinformation ahead of the 27 November elections, so he explained that this initiative will help us and our partners try to stem the tide of falsehoods that could…

01 Oct

Walvis Bay municipality reinstates three suspended Swapo councillors

National NewsAlbertina Nkoshi, Ephraim Shozi, Paulus Kauhondamua

Ester Mbathera The three Swapo councillors from the Walvis Bay municipality have been reinstated after a month-long suspension. Albertina Nkoshi, Paulus Kauhondamua, and Ephraim Shozi were suspended with full allowances for 30 days at the beginning of September. Walvis Bay mayor, Trevino Forbes confirmed on Tuesday that the councillors are now allowed to return to resume their work with the town council. "They cannot stay on suspension longer than 30 days as per the standing rules of order. We expect them to attend the next council meeting, and they have received all the documents and the agenda for the meeting,"…

01 Oct

LPM pledges action on land reform and governance

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Landless People's Movement (LPM) has vowed to take decisive steps on land reform and governance in Namibia as part of its new manifesto. The party launched its election manifesto in Rundu over the past weekend. LPM president, Bernadus Swartbooi asserted the party’s commitment to implement key policies that resonate with citizens and address pressing issues facing them. Swartbooi emphasised that the manifesto is a ‘blueprint for action, focussing on land redistribution and the empowerment of marginalised communities.’ “We have heard the cries of our people. Land is not just a commodity; it is a right. We will…

01 Oct

RDP leader calls for extended tax amnesty

National News

Martin Endjala The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) president, Mike Kavekotora is urging the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) to extend the current tax amnesty until 2025, citing the upcoming elections. “I request NamRA to extend the moratorium on taxes, interest payments on outstanding tax balances, and penalties to October 2025,” Kavekotora said during an interview with the Windhoek Observer. His request is derived from the developments in the political environment where many leaders, especially from the ruling party, lost their earnings and needed to plan and arrange their finances to meet the new reality. Kavekotora said these developments cannot…