National News – Page 22 – Windhoek Observer

24 Oct

Namibia repeats call for global peace

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Reflecting on the significance of peace in securing a brighter and more prosperous future for all should be at the top of the agenda in all government structures around the globe. On Thursday, Namibia joined the global community in commemorating the 79th United Nations (UN) Day under the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” President Nangolo Mbumba, in a special message, stressed the vital role the UN plays in promoting peace, stability, and multilateralism in a world currently grappling with widespread conflict and unrest. Mbumba said the theme resonates deeply with Namibia’s role as Co-Chair of the Summit…

24 Oct

Namibia skips 2024 BRICS summit due to non-membership

ObserverNational NewsAlfredo Hengari, Namibian Presidency

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia did not attend the 2024 BRICS summit held in Moscow, Russia, as the country was not invited. The Namibian Presidency clarified the country’s absence, citing the fact that it is not yet a member of the BRICS bloc. Presidential spokesperson, Alfredo Hengari confirmed on Wednesday that Namibia’s participation in last year’s BRICS summit, held in South Africa, was only as an observer, not as a participant. “Namibia was invited as an observer to last year’s summit but did not receive an invitation this year because the country is not a member of BRICS,” Hengari stated. BRICS currently…

24 Oct

MoHSS set to rollout HPV vaccines soon

ObserverNational NewsBen Nangombe, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, Walter Kamaya, World Health Organization (WHO)

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The executive director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), Ben Nangombe, has announced that the government is on the verge of introducing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in the public health sector. The vaccine prevents HPV infections that may lead to cervical cancer. A statement, released on Thursday, highlighted the ministry’s past achievements and future projects. Nangombe stated that the ministry is collaborating with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to bring HPV vaccines to the country and is actively finalising an implementation plan. ‘’Most cases of cervical cancer in Namibia are caused by…

24 Oct

Kawana urges united action against GBV

ObserverNational NewsElundu Police Post

Allexer Namundjembo Home Affairs Minister Albert Kawana has expressed concern over the increasing cases of gender-based violence in the country. Kawana made this statement at the inauguration of the Elundu Police Post, held yesterday in the Omundaungilo Constituency of the Ohangwena Region. He noted that official national statistics, particularly those on gender-based violence reported to the Namibian Police Force, indicate that crimes committed against women and children are rising, with the Ohangwena region being one of the areas with the highest reported cases. “It is, therefore my submission that a holistic approach is required from all stakeholders to address this…

24 Oct

Swapo councillors object to renaming of Oranjemund streets

ObserverNational News

Martin Endjala Several local authorities and Swapo councillors in the ||Karas and Hardap regions have objected to the street renaming in the region, describing it as unlawful. They say the street renaming was unjust because due process was not followed. Notable individuals, such as the leader of the Landless People's Movement (LPM), Bernadus Swartbooi, have had streets named after them. Oranjemund deputy mayor Sekunda Tsheya Petrus could not respond as she was busy in a meeting. Mariental Swapo councillor Mairos Skrywer said she was against the renaming of the street to that of the LPM leader. “I told the council…

24 Oct

Namibia and Cuba sign protocol to strengthen cooperation

ObserverNational NewsJuan Esteban Lazo Hernández, Peter Katjavivi

Niël Terblanché The signing of a new Protocol on Cooperation between the Namibian Parliament and the Cuban National Assembly is set to introduce a new chapter of collective strengths to face the challenges of the 21st century. During an official visit to Cuba, the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Peter Katjavivi, held discussions with the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba, Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández. The meeting culminated in the signing of the protocol, aimed at fostering closer collaboration in various areas of mutual interest, including parliamentary practices, legislative procedures, and capacity-building initiatives. This partnership will promote…

24 Oct

Internship programme receives welcome boost

ObserverNational NewsNamibia National Internship Programme (NNIP), Social Security Commission (SSC), Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

Niël Terblanché The Social Security Commission (SSC) has committed a vital N$200,000 to the Namibia National Internship Programme (NNIP) in an effort to tackle the shortage of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for students. The donation is aimed at increasing the programme’s intake, which currently stands at 300 students per year, despite the NNIP’s ambition of accommodating at least 1 600 students annually. At the handover of the sponsorship, Milka Mungunda, the executive officer of the SSC, expressed her delight at the Commission’s involvement in the programme. "The SSC is proud to be a part of this partnership which exemplifies…

23 Oct

Audit exposes N$10 million discrepancy in Okahao financial statements

ObserverNational News

Allexer Namundjembo The chairperson of the National Council Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Economy, Peter Kazongominja, revealed that the Okahao Town Council lacked financial accounting procedures, guidelines, and manuals. He made this statement during the town council's public hearing on Wednesday regarding the adverse audit opinion on their financial statements for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Kazongominja said the committee observed that the council did not adopt an appropriate financial reporting framework as per the circular from the Minister of Urban and Rural Development in preparing its financial statements. “The auditors noted a difference amounting to N$9…

23 Oct

Ren-Form denies relations with Zimbabwean businessman Chivhayo

ObserverNational NewsWicknell Chivhayo

Ester Mbathera Ren-Form CC, a South African company that won a contract to print over 3.8 million ballot papers for the National Assembly and Presidential elections, has broken off ties with Wicknell Chivhayo, a Zimbabwean businessman. Zimbabwean media and the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) highlighted the connection to Chivhayo. They alleged corruption and maladministration in the awarding of the tender by the Electoral Commission of Namibia. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the company's lawyers, Mathopo Attorneys, said Ren-Form has, on numerous occasions, placed on record in the public domain that the allegations of corruption and price inflation levelled against…

23 Oct

Shangula wants every penny accounted for

ObserverNational NewsIntegrated Human Resources Information System (iHRiS), World Health Organization

Niël Terblanché The minister of health Kalumbi Shangula has reiterated that every cent allocated to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) must be accounted for. He made the call during the annual ministerial planning and financial management meeting held in Swakopmund on Tuesday. “Not spending the available funds, denies service to the intended beneficiaries and is a form of financial mismanagement that must be avoided,” he said. Shangula stressed the importance of financial sustainability and sound management as cornerstones for advancing Namibia’s health system. He also stressed the need to address the social determinants of health, such as…