National News – Page 203 – Windhoek Observer

18 Dec

Ministry of Health refutes claims about secret WHO negotiations

ObserverNational NewsMinistry of Health refutes claims about secret WHO negotiations

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHHS) has denied allegations of misinformation surrounding Namibia’s involvement in negotiations at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The ministry has expressed concern over the potential impact of falsehoods on national interest and public sentiment. The controversy arose following a press conference led by the leader of the Republican Party of Namibia Henk Mudge, earlier this month. Mudge’s speech delved into concerns about the WHO’s proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations of 2005 and the introduction of a new pandemic treaty. He asserted that the global health crisis,…

18 Dec

Relentless search for drowning victims continues in Henties Bay

ObserverNational NewsRelentless search for drowning victims continues in Henties Bay

Niël Terblanché The coastal town of Henties Bay remains in mourning as the relentless search for the bodies of two young girls who tragically drowned in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday continues. The community has come together to support the search efforts, determined to bring closure to the grieving families. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded three days ago on a popular Henties Bay beach. The two young girls, identified as Hilia Rashmie and Mary-Anne Mimie Mbok, aged 10 and 11, were swept away by powerful waves while playing with a group of friends along the shoreline. Inspector Illeni Shapumba, the head…

18 Dec

Visas-on-arrival now available at Zambezi border post

ObserverNational NewsVisas-on-arrival now available at Zambezi border post

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has introduced visa applications for travellers upon their arrival at the Katima Mulilo, Ngoma, and Impalila Island border posts in the Zambezi Region. This initiative complements the existing visa-on-arrival services at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Trans Kalahari, and Walvis Bay border posts. During the launch of this service in the Zambezi Region last week, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Albert Kawana, emphasized the visa application process and payment methods. Travellers arriving at the Katima Mulilo border post will be required to complete visa application forms, attach…

18 Dec

MUN members gain access to new financial products

ObserverNational NewsMUN members gain access to new financial products

Niël Terblanché The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has unveiled a suite of new financial products for its members, providing them with expanded opportunities through the Namibia Miners Investment Trust (NAMIT) Education Fund. The announcement was made during the union’s recent Indaba, which took place in Swakopmund and was attended by MUN leadership from various parts of Namibia, NAMIT management, and technical partners from Legalwise in South Africa. MUN President Ismael Kasutasai expressed the union’s commitment to meeting the needs of Namibian workers. “At the MUN, we always put the needs of Namibian workers as our motivation. This does not…

18 Dec

GIPF appoints new leadership for 2024

ObserverNational NewsGIPF appoints new leadership for 2024

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has officially appointed Penda Ithindi as the Chairperson and Evans Maswahu as Vice-Chairperson of the GIPF Board of Trustees, effective from January 1, 2024, to 31 December 2024. GIPF Acting Chief Executive Officer, Onno Amutenya made the announcement last week. Ithindi, renowned for his extensive experience in economics, capital markets and investments, has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 21 August 2020, following an appointment by the government. He served as the Chairperson of the Investment Committee and as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee. Amutenya said…

18 Dec

Authenticity of a notice about a nationwideprotest against unemployment questioned

ObserverNational NewsAuthenticity of a notice about a nationwideprotest against unemployment questioned

Stefanus Nashama In a preliminary response to the notification of the planned nationwide protest against unemployment on March 21, 2024, in the country, the Namibian Police Force has questioned the authenticity of the author of the notification letter from the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF). A notification for the protest next year was submitted to the police last week, signed in the name of the NEFF by an individual named Gregory Cloete. The Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, wrote to NEFF Leader Epafras Mukwiilongo last week, asking whether Cloete, who is said to be the party’s…

15 Dec

President hands over 89 MHDP houses in Swakopmund

ObserverNational NewsPresident hands over 89 MHDP houses in Swakopmund

Niël Terblanché Namibia took a significant step forward when President Hage Geingob handed over 89 houses constructed under the Mass Housing Development Programme (MHDP) to a group of fortunate recipients in Swakopmund. “Today is yet another step forward in the government’s quest for National Housing Delivery. In this Year of Revival, we have managed to accomplish quite a lot, notwithstanding our economic realities. One thing is for sure: No matter what challenges we have faced, are facing, and may face in the future, I can confidently reaffirm our government’s unwavering commitment towards the provision of decent and affordable houses and…

15 Dec

Namibia is on track with economic recovery and stability

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is currently navigating a path of economic recovery by focusing on preserving macroeconomic stability, advancing structural reforms, and protecting its most vulnerable citizens which is crucial for fostering private sector-led inclusive growth. This approach is also seen as key to reducing the persistent challenges of unemployment and inequality in the country. In a recent assessment by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its 2023 Article IV Consultation, Namibia has shown remarkable resilience against global economic shocks. According to the IMF’s findings, the country has effectively managed the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing geopolitical…

15 Dec

PM calls for human rights-centred development policies in Geneva

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s challenges in accessing global capital markets, exacerbated by factors such as exchange rate and market volatility came under scrutiny at the Human Rights 75 high-level event in Switzerland. The country’s classification as an upper-middle-income country is limiting its access to developmental assistance because of stringent loan conditions that are not centred on human rights. Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the Prime Minister of Namibia, while chairing the third roundtable discussion at the event marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in Geneva said that there is an urgent need to address global inequalities and…

15 Dec

SIM card registration period will not be extended

ObserverNational NewsSIM card registration period will not be extended

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has maintained that the period for the registration of Subscriber Identity Model (SIM) cards will not be extended beyond the 31 December 2023 deadline. This is despite calls from various sections of society to extend the set deadline During an interview with Windhoek Observer this week, the Executive Director of the information ministry, Audrin Mathe said that despite the time frame provided for this critical process, it is disappointing to observe the low public response, reiterating that there will be no extensions. Mathe and representatives from both the Communication Regulatory…