National News – Page 219 – Windhoek Observer

14 Nov

Namibia secures meat exports to the Middle East

ObserverNational NewsNamibia secures meat exports to the Middle East

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has triumphed in ensuring market access for Namibian meat and meat products from both the North and South of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (Redline) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. The Executive Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, shared the news, highlighting the strides Namibia made during a mission visit to the Middle East in July this year. She said during a mission to the UAE and Qatar in July 2023, a delegation from MAWLR engaged in trade negotiation meetings with veterinary competent authorities and…

14 Nov

Namibia expects strong market demand for grapes

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia has commenced its table grape export season, with the first shipments of this year’s Southern African harvest set to reach international markets. The country anticipates a robust export season, driven by favorable weather conditions and an array of new grape varieties. Harvesting of early table grape varieties is currently underway in Namibia, with the initial shipments already en route from the port of Cape Town. The nation is aiming for a similar export volume to last year, which saw approximately 10.5 million cartons of grapes sent abroad. Early indications suggest a high-quality crop, with a focus on…

14 Nov

ECN to test functionality and readiness for 2024 elections

ObserverNational NewsECN to test functionality and readiness for 2024 elections

Stefanus Nashama The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) yesterday announced that it is prepared to commence with a mock voter registration exercise, which aims to test the real-time functionality and usability of the voter registration system. According to the ECN’s Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Peter Shaama, this exercise is in preparation for the general registration of voters in 2024. The pilot exercise will commence this week, from 15 to 17 November 2023. In a media statement, Shaama informed that this exercise follows the completion of Integrated Solution, in preparation for the 2024 presidential and national assembly election. “The integrated…

14 Nov

Traditional leaders are responsible for cultural preservation

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The 24th annual meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders will focus on the significance of preserving Namibia’s cultural heritage, fostering economic growth, and addressing challenges within traditional communities for a united and prosperous country. Vice President Dr Nangolo Mbumba officially opened the meeting on behalf of President Hage Geingob. The gathering focused on preserving cultural heritage, economic revitalization, and resolving issues related to traditional authority in the country. In his address, Mbumba stressed the crucial role of traditional leaders in preserving and promoting Namibia’s culture and heritage. He cited the Namibian Constitution, which mandates the Council of…

14 Nov

The development of new products and routes must boost tourism

ObserverNational NewsThe development of new products and routes must boost tourism

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, has stressed the importance of developing new products and routes across the country to extend tourism economic activities to all regions. Shifeta made this statement during the announcement of the new board members of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), scheduled for the period from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2026. Highlighting key focus areas, Shifeta stated that the agenda should include the creation of cultural heritage tourism products, popularising Namibian gastronomy experiences, and implementing marketing initiatives in transfrontier conservancy areas. He expressed the government’s intent to diversify into…

14 Nov

NWR urges new graduates to believe in their credentials

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala Namibia Wildlife Resort Managing Director, Matthias Ngwangwama has urged the new hospitality graduates to believe in their qualifications and not to be discouraged by critics. “To all our graduates, what you achieved today is historic. You must truly believe deep down in your heart that you have an accredited qualification that gives you hope. Do not be put off by criticisms that your qualifications are not useful,” he said. Ngwangwama said this yesterday at the first NWR hospitality institute graduation ceremony held at Gross Barmen Resort, where he stated that there are still ample opportunities in the tourism…

14 Nov

Indian Navy strengthens maritime security ties with Namibia

ObserverNational NewsIndian Navy strengthens maritime securityties with Namibia

Niël Terblanché In a demonstration of India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security and fostering friendly relations, the Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha paid a port call to Walvis Bay.The visit started last week Friday and the vessel and its crew departed yesterday and forms part of the Indian Navy’s mission-based deployment to West Africa and the Atlantic.According to a press release from the Indian Ministry of Defence, the port call at Walvis Bay signifies the warm ties between India and Namibia. It also underscores India’s solidarity with friendly nations in the region.During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sumedha conducted…

13 Nov

Verification process delays census payments

ObserverNational NewsVerification process delays census payments

Stefanus Nashama In response to criticism from the United People’s Movement (UPM) regarding unpaid census field staff, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) clarified last week that payments are subject to multiple verifications before they are released. This rigorous verification process is in place to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance with standard procedures while minimizing errors. Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician-General, explained that payments are disbursed on a regional basis, with each region undergoing thorough verification. The verifications encompass several aspects, including the condition of returned equipment, contract content validation, bank account details, rectification of previous payment errors or deductions, tax certificates,…

13 Nov

Namibia launches new initiatives to strengthen healthcare

ObserverNational NewsNamibia launches new initiatives to strengthen healthcare

Niël Terblanché Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services, announced the launch of several vital healthcare initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, quality, and safety throughout Namibia. The minister stressed the government’s commitment to continuously improving the healthcare system in Namibia. He outlined the need for adaptable tools, including policies, guidelines, and plans, to ensure that health workers can provide methodical and high-quality healthcare services as disease burdens evolve. One of the key initiatives unveiled during the event in Windhoek last week was the National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP). The NSOAP addresses the challenges related…

13 Nov

NamPol warns against child neglect during the festive season

ObserverNational NewsNamPol warns against child neglect during the festive season

Niël Terblanché As the festive season draws near, a concerning rise in incidents of child neglect and abuse has prompted the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) to issue a stern warning to parents and guardians. Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the Public Relations Division of the Namibian Police, in a special message, requested parents to guard their children against various dangers during this period. She said that there has been a disturbing increase in crimes against children. She added that these incidents range from neglect and abuse to sexual assault, with many children falling victim to crimes perpetrated by…