National News – Page 210 – Windhoek Observer

01 Dec

Namibia takes another giant leap towards becoming a regional logistics hub

ObserverNational NewsNamibia takes another giant leap towards becoming a regional logistics hub

Niël Terblanché The maiden export of Namibian and South African grown table grapes from the Walvis Bay harbour, marked a significant milestone in Namibia’s pursuit of becoming a regional logistics hub.The event on Wednesday signalled Namibia’s commitment to economic development and poverty alleviation in the region.During the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport), Andrew Kanime, stressed the importance of extending the company’s focus and market beyond Namibia’s borders to landlocked neighbouring nations.He stated that Namibia had set a courageous goal of becoming the logistics hub for the region as part of its overarching intent…

01 Dec

Swapo MP sounds alarm on multiple challenges facing aquaculture industry

ObserverNational NewsSwapo MP sounds alarm on multiple challenges facing aquaculture industry

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A recent report presented by Swapo’s Member of Parliament in the National Council, Hilaria Mukapuli, on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources shed light on critical issues faced by aquaculture projects in various regions of Namibia. According to Mukapuli, the oversight visits conducted between seven and 15 May 2023, revealed challenges that, if not addressed, could significantly enhance the nation’s fish farming capabilities. She said one major hurdle identified is the seasonal nature of fish production due to the lack of greenhouse roofing. The absence of this essential infrastructure restricts farms from operating at full capacity throughout…

01 Dec

NamLITS and stock brand awareness campaign ends today despite overwhelming response

ObserverNational NewsNamLITS and stock brand awareness campaign ends today despite overwhelming response

Niël Terblanché Although the awareness campaign for stock brands and the Namibia Livestock Identification and Traceability System (NamLITS) has exceeded expectations in updating livestock keeper information and stock brands on the relevant databases, it is coming to a close today. An overwhelming response from farmers by the end of October this year led to a two-month extension of the campaign. However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has announced that stock brands not verified by today’s deadline will risk suspension. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR), in collaboration with the Meat Board of Namibia, initiated…

01 Dec

“NBC needs to figure out a sustainable funding model” – Mathe

ObserverNational News“NBC needs to figure out a sustainable funding model” - Mathe

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology’s Executive Director, Audrin Mathe, stated that the current method of revenue collection employed by the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), is not profitable nor sustainable and that the state-owned entity needs to find a solution. Mathe was responding to questions from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resources and Community Development about the NBC strike this week in Windhoek. In 2021, about 600 NBC employees went on a nationwide strike demanding an 8 percent salary increment and for all workers employed on a contractual basis to be employed on a full-time basis.…

01 Dec

EU Funds N$11 million civic project to boost democracy

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the Namibian Institute for Democracy (NID) and Hanns Seidel Foundation Namibia (HSF), has allocated N$11 million in funding for a new democracy-boosting project. The “Namibia Needs Me Project,” abbreviated as the NNM Project, is designed to enhance democratic participation. Launched at the House of Democracy this week, the project was initiated by NID and HSF in September of this year and will continue until May 2026. Naita Hishoono, Director of NID, explained that the NNM Project’s primary objective is to raise awareness of the practical application of civic rights and responsibilities,…

01 Dec

Vivo Energy re-opens Southgate Shell service station

ObserverNational NewsVivo Energy re-opens Southgate Shell service station

Martin Endjala Vivo Energy Namibia’s Chief Executive Officer, Stan Mittelman, has announced the company’s commitment to growth through expanding its geographical operations across the country. This expansion has been marked by the recent reopening of the Southgate Shell service station in the Triple-J area of Windhoek. The revamped service station now offers a diverse range of services, including well-known retail outlets such as KFC, FreshStop, Seattle Coffee, and many others. Mittelman has designated this service station as Vivo Energy Namibia’s flagship in the capital. “This project is quite iconic of what we are trying to do at Vivo. Two years…

30 Nov

“A country without entrepreneurs is like an army without soldiers”: Shiimi

ObserverNational News“A country without entrepreneurs is like an army without soldiers”: Shiimi

Martin Endjala The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprise, Iipumbu Shiimi, delivered a powerful message during the Good Business Awards held by the Development Bank of Namibia in Windhoek on Tuesday. He emphasized the critical role entrepreneurs play in a country’s development, likening them to soldiers in an army. Shiimi stated, “Any country that does not have entrepreneurs is like an army without soldiers, and you can never win a war if you don’t have soldiers.” He highlighted the significance of entrepreneurs in wealth creation, job opportunities, and providing livelihoods for others. He added that those who venture into the…

30 Nov

Kavango school infrastructure fails learners with disabilities

ObserverNational NewsKavango school infrastructure fails learners with disabilities

Hertta-Maria Amutenja National Council Member, Bertha Dinyando has shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by learners living with disabilities in the Kavango West and East regions. Despite the presence of special schools with infrastructure and support systems supposedly designed to accommodate these students, significant issues persist. Dinyando stressed the urgent need to address these difficulties faced by children in the region. She pointed out multiple areas where improvement is necessary. “For instance, the infrastructure of the schools and hostels is not disability-friendly. Caregivers and matrons lack proper training to assist learners with special needs, particularly those who are visually…

30 Nov

Politicians welcome public oral interviews for judges before appointments

ObserverNational NewsPoliticians welcome public oral interviews for judges before appointments

Stefanus Nashama Policymakers Josef Kauandenge of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) and Maximalliant Katjimune of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), said they are happy with the decision of Chief Justice Peter Shivute to allow the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to conduct public interviews for judges before they are appointed. Expressing his views on the decision, Kauandenge asserted that the country has reached a transparent development in the independence of the judicial. “This is a welcome development long overdue,” he said. He highlighted that it is in the public interest for the JSC to be above reproach and ensure judges…

30 Nov

Boots are on the ground to keep the Erongo Region safe

ObserverNational NewsBoots are on the ground to keep the Erongo Region safe

Niël Terblanché Hundreds of spectators lined the streets of Walvis Bay as the Namibian Police marched past in preparation for celebrations commemorating 33 years of existence as a force. The Namibian Police in the Erongo Region will celebrate the 33rd Police Day today. Inspector Ileni Shapuma, the Head of the Community Affairs Division of the Namibian Police, mentioned that the celebrations would be preceded by various other activities. One such activity was a street procession, where members of the force marched from the Kuisebmond Soccer Stadium to the Civic Centre in the heart of Walvis Bay. The parade and march…