National News – Page 211 – Windhoek Observer

30 Nov

Blood donations are crucial for the festive season

ObserverNational NewsBlood donations are crucial for the festive season

Niël Terblanché A simple act of kindness and generosity can save lives and, in this regard, the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS) issued a heartfelt plea to all eligible blood donors in Namibia to step forward and donate blood regularly as the festive season approaches. The call comes as the nation faces a critical shortage of blood, threatening the lives of countless patients. Despite tireless efforts to recover from a blood shortage over the past two weeks, NAMBTS continues to struggle with a shortage of vital blood supplies. Titus Shivute, the Supervisor of Marketing and Donor Relations at NAMBTS…

30 Nov

EU contributes millions of dollars to combat GBV

ObserverNational NewsEU contributes millions of dollars to combat GBV

Martin Endjala In a determined effort to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country, the European Union (EU) has announced a contribution of N$28 million to fight the scourge in targeted regions. Speaking at the launch of the Combating GBV campaign and the signing of the contribution agreement in Windhoek yesterday, titled “Gender Equality/Combating Gender-Based Violence,” EU Ambassador to Namibia Beatriz Martins stated that the contribution agreement is a collaborative effort between the EU and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). She stressed that the aim is to promote gender equality and combat GBV in Namibia, underlining the significance of…

30 Nov

Namcol CEO Retires

ObserverNational NewsHeroldt Murangi, Namcol CEO Retires, the Chief Executive of the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol)

Stefanus Nashama Heroldt Murangi, the Chief Executive of the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol), has officially retired from his position. The Namcol Board of Governors formally announced his retirement yesterday and added that today was his last day in office. According to Rholene Bok, Namcol’s Manager for Marketing, Murangi has been a key member of the college since its establishment in 1998. He held various positions within the organization before assuming the role of CEO in 2007. Bok said that Murangi has shared his knowledge and expertise, contributing significantly to the growth of the college. His contributions include the…

29 Nov

AR welcomes public interviews for judges before appointments……Amupanda apologises to Chief

ObserverNational NewsAR welcomes public interviews for judges before appointments……Amupanda apologises to Chief

Stefanus Nashama Job Amupanda, the leader of the Affirmative Repositioning Movement (AR), has expressed the movement’s support for the decision to subject judges to public interviews during the recruitment process, emphasizing the importance of transparency. Amupanda stated that the AR movement has long advocated for transparency in the recruitment of judges, a practice already in place in neighbouring countries. This development comes in the wake of Chief Justice Peter Shivute’s recent amendment to the Judicial Service Commission Regulations, which now allows for public interviews of judges. According to Shivute, “The Commission may, if it deems it necessary, call any person…

29 Nov

More IPPs will close gap in electricity imports

ObserverNational NewsMore IPPs will close gap in electricity imports

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Mines and Energy has announced that it is hard at work to make sure that it closes the gap of the country’s dependence on imported electricity from the Southern African Power Pool, by absorbing more Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo said that the ministry continues to ensure that it supplies electricity to the country. As a result, over the last couple of years, the ministry has embraced the system of absorbing IPPs, because as of today, Namibia’s total electricity production at 85 percent through National Power Utility (NamPower) and 15…

29 Nov

Swapo calls for prioritization of rainwater harvesting

ObserverNational NewsSwapo calls for prioritization of rainwater harvesting

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Swapo’s National Council member, Melania Ndjago, has stressed the need for the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform to focus on rainwater harvesting, artificial rivers and canals to enhance irrigation capabilities. Speaking during the conclusion of debates on the Appropriation Amendment Bill, Ndjago advocated for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in mitigating the impacts of drought. “Our farmers play a significant role in the agricultural sector. The government must subsidise and offer all necessary support to small-scale farmers in particular to help them access markets with quality, consistent produce. To do…

29 Nov

National Council urged to prioritise CPA for democratic governance

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama National Council Chairperson, Lukas Muha has urged the delegation for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to make use of self-assessment to promote the advancement of parliamentary democratic governance. Muha spoke during the courtesy call by the CPA self-assessment delegation to the Parliament of Namibia, yesterday in Windhoek. The engagement aims to share skills and knowledge to improve Parliamentary-related issues for democratic improvement. While addressing the delegates, the Chairperson pointed out that self-assessment for the Namibian Parliament is imperative, particularly the National Council he presides over. “Your working visit is promoting and strengthening the good working relationship established by…

29 Nov

!Gaoseb wants resumption of hubbly bubbly ban debate

ObserverNational News!Gaoseb wants resumption of hubbly bubbly ban debate

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Swapo National Council member, Richard !Gaoseb has requested his fellow lawmakers to resume the debate on the negative effects of hubbly bubbly (hooka) pipes on the health and well-being of Namibians, especially the youth and ban the substance. !Gaoseb brought the motion forward during the 10th session, of the sixth national council in Windhoek this week. He said hubbly bubbly pipes have become popular all over the world and the Namibian youth, in particular, has joined the bandwagon, medical research has found that hubbly bubbly pipes are a major contributor to the transmission of diseases such as tuberculosis,…

29 Nov

Namibian will participate in Africa’s largest public health conference

ObserverNational Newshas been invited by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to speak at the third International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in Lusaka, Medical healthcare practitioner and Founder of MENGA Healthcare Technology Doctor Esperance Luvindao

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Medical healthcare practitioner and Founder of MENGA Healthcare Technology Dr Esperance Luvindao, has been invited by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to speak at the third International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in Lusaka, Zambia. The conference which started this week Monday will conclude on Thursday under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture.” Attendees at this year’s conference are Namibian Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema, World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Director of the Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya alongside…

29 Nov

Namibia set to host prestigious AHIF and AviaDev events

ObserverNational NewsNamibia set to host prestigious AHIF and AviaDev events

Niël Terblanché Namibia has taken a significant step in promoting its growing hospitality and aviation sectors by hosting the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) and AviaDev conferences. These events are expected to create new opportunities for Namibian stakeholders and strengthen the nation’s position as a key player in these industries. A collaborative local networking reception was held at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek to kickstart the excitement for the upcoming AHIF and AviaDev conferences, scheduled for June 2024 in Windhoek. The receptions earlier this month served as a platform for local businesses, government officials, and industry professionals to explore the…