National News

CPBN executed contract projects valued at N$6.7 billion

CPBN executed contract projects valued at N$6.7 billion

Martin Endjala From 1 April to 30 September, the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) executed contract projects worth N$6.7 billion countrywide. The contracts are still ongoing in all regions, with 164 projects. This was revealed by CPBN monitoring and evaluation manager Toini Hamata during a media briefing in Windhoek for both the first and second quarters (Q1 and Q2). The largest category in terms of project value is work projects, with over 60% of the total value of N$4.1 billion, with non-consultancy services leading in the number of projects. Public entities and service providers were the most actively involved…
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Youth called upon to find sustainable climate solutions

Youth called upon to find sustainable climate solutions

Niël Terblanché Hopes are high that the collective effort of Namibia’s youth will lead to tangible solutions for the nation’s climate-related challenges, ensuring that future generations inherit a more sustainable and resilient environment. In this regard the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Namibia 2024 kicked off in Windhoek this week, bringing together 50 youth delegates from all 14 regions of Namibia to find sustainable solutions for the country’s climate challenges. Presented under the theme “Youth at the Forefront: Driving National Climate Solutions,” the conference is focused on key climate issues such as adaptation, mitigation, and a just transition to renewable…
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BoN sounds alarm on fraudulent schemes

BoN sounds alarm on fraudulent schemes

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) issued an alert in which it warned the public about rising fraudulent investment schemes falsely promising financial backing for Namibia’s development initiatives. BoN cautioned that these schemes are targeting high-ranking government officials, ministries, traditional leaders, and prominent public figures, exploiting their reputations to lend credibility to deceptive offers. “Of late, the bank has observed that prominent religious and traditional leaders, as well as church elders, are also approached to advance these investment schemes to their church communities by using their influence,” said Johannes !Gawaxab, the central bank's governor. He explained that the people…
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NamWater donates N$240 000 worth of textbooks to Ohangwena Schools

NamWater donates N$240 000 worth of textbooks to Ohangwena Schools

Stefanus Nashama NamWater, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, donated textbooks valued at N$240 700 to 12 schools in the Ohangwena region. Abraham Nehemia, the chief executive officer at NamWater, announced the donation on Wednesday. The recipient schools are Oshamono Combined School, Onanona Combined School, Ndjabeka Primary School, Elakalapwa Combined School, Onamunhama Combined School, Kaupumhote Nghituwamhata Combined School, Lazarus Haufiku Combined School, Oshawapala Combined School, Okahenge Combined School, Ounyenye Combined School, Haihambo Primary School, and Amwiimbi Combined School. According to Nehemia, this contribution is part of NamWater’s broader effort to ensure that learners have the tools…
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News editors call for press freedom in Zambia

News editors call for press freedom in Zambia

Niël Terblanché The Southern African Editors Forum (SAEF) called on the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema to uphold his commitment to press freedom in the country. The forum expressed deep concern over the repeated arrests of Zambian investigative journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo. The forum’s chairperson, Willie Mponda, in a statement released on Wednesday, criticised the growing trend of harassment faced by Zgambo, most recently arrested on 16 October for allegedly defaming political figures connected to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). Zgambo, a contributor to the Zambia Whistleblower website, has been a vocal critic of the government, exposing…
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Ballot printing process under scrutiny

Ballot printing process under scrutiny

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Political parties observing the printing of ballot papers for the November 2024 elections in Johannesburg have raised concerns over the transparency of the process. Imms Nashinge of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) expressed dissatisfaction, citing a lack of communication and briefing from the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). According to Nashinge, the samples of the ballots were not yet approved, and the team didn’t get clarification on the logistical arrangements. “We are not satisfied with how they dealt with the whole process. There was no proper communication or briefing as to what was going to happen before…
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Analyst says political motive behind labour force report delay

Analyst says political motive behind labour force report delay

Stefanus Nashama Political analyst Sakaria Johannes believes the release of the Labour Force Thematic Report next year, is politically motivated and election-based. The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) on Tuesday announced that it would only release the report on 29 January 2025. The last Labour Force Survey was done in 2018, which found the country’s unemployment rate stood at 32%. “In a nutshell, it's a politically motivated decision in general and an election-based decision, in particular,” he said. Johannes said that if the report is released before the elections, the current government will suffer at the ballot box. “Such information might…
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Media ombudsman raises alarm over poor media coverage of NEFF

Media ombudsman raises alarm over poor media coverage of NEFF

Martin Endjala The Media Ombudsman has voiced concerns regarding the inadequate media coverage of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) since August. According to the latest media monitoring project report covering the period from 21 August to 30 September, the NEFF has failed to maintain its media presence. The lead report consultant, Christie Keulder, explained that the NEFF averages three times a day of coverage during the period under review. “This data is very concerning. Although statement coverage per day stands at 69. As electorates, we want to see a political party having a media presence. If a party has…
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Namibian students in Cuba urged to bring skills home

Namibian students in Cuba urged to bring skills home

Niël Terblanché While leading a multi-party parliamentary delegation, Professor Peter Katjavivi, the Speaker of the National Assembly, engaged with Namibian students studying at the Universidad Marta Abreu de Villa Clara. On Sunday, Katjavivi and his delegation met with 10 of the 33 Namibian students pursuing various fields of study in Cuba. While addressing the students, Katjavivi spoke about the transformative power of education, stating that their time in Cuba was not only for personal development but also an investment in the future of Namibia. He encouraged the group of students to engage in their studies actively, pointing out that the…
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Namibia hosts African risk reduction forum

Namibia hosts African risk reduction forum

Niël Terblanché While Africa continues to face escalating climate-induced disasters, governments find themselves on the frontlines of continuously managing the aftermath of disasters, the situation calls for concrete steps that safeguard the future of the continent and its people. Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister, John Mutorwa, while launching the 9th Session of the Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9) in Windhoek on Tuesday, said the event is aimed at addressing the continent’s growing need for disaster risk management strategies. He said the conference provides a platform for the continent's leaders and experts to evaluate progress made in disaster management,…
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