National News – Page 222 – Windhoek Observer

08 Nov

Venaani calls for a collective resolution to fight hunger

ObserverNational NewsVenaani calls for a collective resolution to fight hunger

Stefanus Nashama As food insecurity continues to threaten some areas in Namibia, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani, contends that the hunger crisis in the country qualifies as an exasperating matter that requires a collective resolution. While advising other lawmakers, politicians and leaders to put aside their political differences, he reiterated that only a united Namibia would exonerate hunger in the country. “The hunger crisis in Namibia is not a matter that can be solved by any one party, individual or organisation. It is a c stics are also substantiated by the World Health Organisation, which reveals Namibia currently…

08 Nov

ECN refutes allegations of inconsistency in new system

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has strongly denied allegations made by the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) regarding the consistency of the new integrated election system. ECN’s Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Peter Shaama, stressed that the 2024 integrated election system is both valid and transparent, asserting its functionality. In a statement issued by LPM Representative, Ivan Skrywer, concerns were raised about inconsistencies in the new integrated election system, which allegedly involved local high school learners while sidelining ECN officials who played a crucial role in its design. Skrywer also claimed that ECN officials were kept in the…

08 Nov

Khomas Regional Council charts a new course for citizen satisfaction

ObserverNational NewsKhomas Regional Council charts a new course for citizen satisfaction, Shaalukeni John Moonde

Niël Terblanché The Khomas Regional Council has convened in Swakopmund for a critical mid-year review, where they assessed their accomplishments in the first two quarters of the year and contemplated the challenges faced in their pursuit of citizen satisfaction. Council Chairman, Shaalukeni John Moonde, set the tone for the session by emphasizing the need for the council to stay true to the aspirations of the region’s residents and channel their energy and resources toward meeting citizen expectations. “Our government has identified priority areas to uplift our people from poverty and underdevelopment. Our plans and strategies are all aligned with national…

08 Nov

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State visits Namibia to strengthen bilateral relations

ObserverNational NewsMoly Phee, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State visits Namibia to strengthen bilateral relations

Niël Terblanché Moly Phee, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, paid a courtesy call on President Hage Geingob at State House earlier this week, as part of her four-day visit to Namibia. The primary aim of her visit is to bolster and deepen the already strong relations between Namibia and the United States. During their meeting, Phee expressed her appreciation to President Geingob for his exceptional leadership, significant contributions to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and his vital role within the African Union in addressing governance challenges across the continent. She also commended the President…

08 Nov

Structural changes and administrativereforms yield positive results

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has embarked on a comprehensive reform initiative of the Public Service Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS), resulting in the recovery of N$43 million. According to Wilson Shikoto, the spokesperson of the Finance Ministry, PSEMAS has had unsustainable expenditure patterns over the years, prompting a need for structural changes to ensure its long-term viability. “The unsustainable escalation of expenditures in recent years prompted the government to undertake a holistic reform effort,” Shikoto said in a statement. He indicated that a consortium of consultants with extensive expertise in the industry was engaged to provide…

07 Nov

Groundbreaking ceremony marks Namibia’s path to green iron production

ObserverNational NewsGroundbreaking ceremony marks Namibia’s path to green iron production

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Minister in the Presidency, Christine //Hoebes, underscored Namibia’s commitment to addressing the universal challenge of climate change. “As we stand here in the majestic landscape of the Namib Desert, we are celebrating a project that will bring us a step closer to achieving this goal. The HyIron Oshivela project has the potential to contribute towards the decarbonisation of the planet while positioning Namibia at the forefront of the green industrial transition. In addition to that, because of this project, Namibia will become the first country in the world to produce green iron, which is iron produced at zero…

07 Nov

Regional Dialogue ready to address urgent climate challenges

ObserverNational NewsRegional Dialogue ready to address urgent climate challenges

Niël Terblanché Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased climate variability are among the most difficult challenges faced by Africa. Climate change poses an existential threat to the population, environment, and economy of the continent. Pohamba Shifeta, Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, called on regional leadership for collective action against the pressing climate crisis. He officiated at the official opening of the Green Climate Fund’s Regional Dialogue with Africa. Shifeta stressed the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. “The consequences of climate change in Africa are vast,…

07 Nov

Unpaid census enumerators a concern for UPM

ObserverNational NewsUnpaid census enumerators a concern for UPM

Stefanus Nashama The United Peoples Movement (UPM) has expressed its disappointment with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) for not paying the enumeration workers, who participated in the fieldwork of the 2023 Population and Housing Census. Expressing the concern last week, the party leader Jan van Wyk, stated that it is unbelievable that the agency would continuously fail to address the issue of pending payments. “It is unacceptable that workers must now wait so long for their hard-earned wages, further deepening the financial woes they currently face. These same workers have endured a lot of inconvenience in ensuring the job is…

07 Nov

Peer interaction training set to enhance professionalism in correctional services

ObserverNational NewsPeer interaction training set to enhance professionalism in correctional services

Niël Terblanché Raphael Tuhafeni, the Commissioner General of the Namibian Correctional Service, officially inaugurated the Peer Interaction Training Workshop for Officers in Charge of Correctional-Prisons-Penitentiary Settings. Tuhafeni said the gathering in Walvis Bay was designed to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of correctional systems in member countries and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He acknowledged the pivotal role played by Officers in Charge in maintaining safety, security, and inmate rehabilitation within correctional facilities. He commended their dedication to upholding justice, rehabilitation, and public safety. The workshop is aimed to further bolster their skills and knowledge and enable them to…

07 Nov

Fatal crash results in arrest

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché A tragedy occurred in the informal residential area of Tulinawa in Swakopmund on Sunday when a 23-year-old man from the coastal town, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, struck two pedestrians and crashed into a workshop next to the street. The accident resulted in the death of 51-year-old Jeptha Kandhingwa, who succumbed to his injuries at Swakopmund State Hospital shortly after arriving. Another victim, 27-year-old Johannes Shangambe, sustained serious injuries and remains in critical condition at the same hospital. According to a report from the Namibian Police’s Public Relations Division, the young driver had been entrusted with…