National News – Page 204 – Windhoek Observer

17 Sep

Safe spaces for witnesses at Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The newly inaugurated Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court includes a specialised section for vulnerable witnesses, such as children and adults, who may prefer to avoid direct eye contact with accused persons or feel uneasy in the court’s formal setting. This court was inaugurated on Tuesday. Chief Justice Peter Shivute explained that creating private and secure waiting areas for vulnerable witnesses demonstrates the government's commitment to safeguarding the dignity of vulnerable individuals in society. “Moreover, the installation of one-way mirror glass in the vulnerable witness testifying room is a notable innovation. It allows witnesses to testify without direct visual contact…

17 Sep

Aussenkehr fire victims need assistance

National NewsAussenkehr Village Foundation

Martin Endjala In the wake of a devastating fire that destroyed 72 reed houses in Aussenkehr last week, affected families and farm workers are receiving emergency support from local grape companies and the Aussenkehr Village Foundation. Carien Goosen, the foundation's manager, confirmed that cleanup efforts and debris removal have already commenced. “Seeing that the village population is growing, we will be building a second firefighting unit this month to help equip ourselves to assist the village. We only started last year in October, but we have done a lot so far, and more projects are on the way,” she said.…

17 Sep

Sewage crisis halts classes at Martin Ndumba Secondary School

National News

Martin Endjala Issues with the drainage of sewage caused a delay in the resumption of classes at Martin Ndumba Secondary School at Divundu in the Kavango East region. The learners returned to class on Tuesday. Public school students from all over the country returned to school on Monday after the midterm break. The school announced that all Grade 11 learners, both boarders and non-boarders were to report to the hostel. The school explained in a notice that it made arrangements to accommodate Grade 11 students despite the temporary closure of the school, enabling them to continue preparing for the NSSCO…

17 Sep

LPM accused of interrupting UNAM engagement

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) attempted to disrupt the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) engagement with student societies and clubs at the main campus. On Tuesday, UNAM spokesperson, Simon Namesho said this following the altercation between the LPM Youth Command on Monday which led to the arrest of Michael Amushelelo. “Registered student societies and clubs with political affiliations were scheduled to engage with university management Monday morning. However, non-student members of the LPM political party attempted to join the engagement and conduct political activities on campus without authorisation,” he explained. Namesho said the interruption by LPM members left the…

17 Sep

Japan and Malaysia enhance Namibia’s drought relief efforts

National NewsEl Niño-induced drought, Mohamad Rameez Yahaya, World Food Programme

Niël Terblanché The government of Japan has announced a generous contribution of approximately N$9 million to assist the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Namibia with the provision of much-needed drought relief aid. According to an announcement in this regard, the aid will strengthen the Namibian government's emergency response efforts to support drought-affected populations and children at risk of malnutrition, as per a statement released on Tuesday. The vital contribution comes after Namibia declared a state of emergency in May 2024 due to an El Niño-induced drought. The WFP’s efforts, supported by Japan’s donation, will provide essential food commodity…

17 Sep

Namibia launches ID Week on Identity Day

National NewsUnited Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Niël Terblanché To strengthen its dedication to providing all Namibians with proper identification documents the government has launched Identity Week to ensure that everyone will have legal identity by 2030. The goal is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Identity Week was launched during this year's commemoration of Identity Day on Monday. The campaign will focus on the importance of civil registration and the inclusion of all citizens in the nation’s formal identity systems. The ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety, and security launched a nationwide mass registration programme earlier this year. In a statement, Etienne Maritz,…

17 Sep

PwC to host discussions on tax amendments

National NewsNamRA, PAYE deductions, PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Ester Mbathera and Erasmus Shalihaxwe PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a provider of business advisory services, will host a series where experts will discuss the tax amendment update in greater detail. The recent tax amendments, gazetted on 16 September, aim to provide tax relief to individuals and businesses while broadening the tax base, signalling a shift in the country's fiscal policies. The amendment follows extensive consultations with stakeholders and is part of the government's ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and enhance revenue collection. According to PwC, the increase in individual tax thresholds, along with the reduction in corporate income tax rates, is…

16 Sep

Namibia’s millionaire population expected to grow by 2033

National NewsAfrica's Wealth Landscape

Martin Endjala By 2033, there will likely be more millionaires in Namibia than in any other African country. This is according to a recently released report on Africa's Wealth Landscape for 2024. The reports suggest that over the next decade, countries such as Namibia, Mauritius, Morocco, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda are all expected to experience a growth in millionaires above 80%. The report also projected Namibia's growth in high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to exceed 85% by 2033. “The country's inclination towards offering residence by investment, coupled with its resource-rich economy and strategic location, is expected to attract global investors,” the…

16 Sep

Metcalfe accuses Walvis Bay’s leadership of corruption and mismanagement.

National NewsRedForce Debt Management CC

Martin Endjala and Ester Mbathera Prominent lawyer, Richard Metcalfe has accused the Walvis Bay municipality of corruption, mismanagement, and failure to adhere to municipal laws. Metcalfe targeted the recent settlement agreements between the municipality and RedForce Debt Management CC, alleging that the agreements condone illegal financial practices that burden residents while benefiting politicians. “Such settlement agreements condone the extortion of illegal levies and fees from customers of Walvis Bay Municipality, tailored tender documents and the ignoring of the Walvis Bay municipality Credit Control Policy,” said Metcalfe. According to him, dishonourable politicians are to blame for the municipality's problems, not RedForce.…

16 Sep

Pollution most likely doomed beached whale near Walvis Bay

National NewsAtlantic Ocean, Ocean Conservation Namibia, Pelican Point peninsula

Niël Terblanché A sad incident unfolded over the weekend when a pelagic fin whale, a species rarely seen near shore, washed up on the Pelican Point peninsula near Walvis Bay. Despite valiant efforts by members of the public to return the whale to the Atlantic Ocean, the animal, appearing emaciated, could not be saved. Marine conservation experts believe pollution, specifically the ingestion of plastic, may have contributed to the whale's condition and eventual death. Naude Dreyer, from Ocean Conservation Namibia, stated that it is suspected that the whale’s inability to feed for an extended period likely led to its frail…