National News – Page 235 – Windhoek Observer

15 Sep

PAYE reimbursements loom as new tax rates take effect

National NewsIpumbu Shiimi, NamRA, Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE)

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s minister of finance and public enterprises, Ipumbu Shiimi, has announced that employers are required to adjust the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax deductions from employees to ensure the reimbursement of any over-deducted amounts. In a statement issued over the weekend, Shiimi stressed that any over-deduction of PAYE resulting from the implementation of the adjusted statutory tax rates must be refunded by employers shortly after the gazettement of the new rates. The minister, however, did not indicate exactly when the new rates will be gazetted. “The reimbursement would be deducted from the employee's monthly tax contribution payable to the Namibia…

15 Sep

Political agendas blamed for fights over drought food aid

National Newsdrought relief food, Hilaria Ndjuluwa

Stefanus Nashama The Constituency Councillor of Ondobein the Ohangwena Region, Hilaria Ndjuluwa responded to a video circulating on social media platforms of three women seen fighting each other over a bag of drought food aid maize meal. Ndjuluwa argued that vulnerable people are made to fight over basic necessities such as drought relief food to drive political agendas. Ndjuluwa said this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Sunday. "There is no need to grab food. And there is no hunger that can kill people in our constituency. Those that grab food do it for their own purposes which…

15 Sep

Private schools accused of only enrolling smart students

National NewsHidipo Hamata, PDM, Vincent Mareka

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Swapo Party Member of Parliament, Vincent Mareka said the passing rate of learners at private schools is questionable. He said this is because private schools only accept smart and well-prepared learners who are going to pass in order to satisfy their rich parents who have to pay high school fees. Mareka made these remarks in parliament last week while contributing to the motion on the state of education in the country, which was tabled by Hidipo Hamata of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM). Mareka stated that private schools are single businesses or commercial entities established to make a…

15 Sep

SADC warn against AI interference in elections

National NewsArtificial Intelligence (AI)

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Southern Africa Development Community’s (SADC) Secretary General, Boemo Sekgoma stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a friend but that it can also become a hostile enemy to democratic processes if left unchecked. Sekgoma said this in a statement issued on Sunday, the international day of democracy commemorated on 15 September every year. This year’s theme focuses on AI as a tool for good governance, considering the advantages of using AI to save time and promote productivity and efficiency. She said even though AI saves time and promotes productivity, it should also be recognised at the same…

15 Sep

TransNamib temporarily pauses dual-fuel locomotive project

Energy, National NewsNamibia's Green Hydrogen Programme

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s national transporter, TransNamib has decided to pause its ambitious dual fuel locomotive project as part of a strategic shift aimed at focusing on its core objectives, including the procurement of new rolling stock worth N$2.6 billion and plans to more than double its annual freight volume over the next five years. The decision was made to allow the national rail operator to channel its resources towards immediate priorities critical for the country’s rail infrastructure and economic development. The decision to reassess the dual fuel project was confirmed by James Mnyupe, the commissioner of Namibia's Green Hydrogen Programme…

15 Sep

MVA requests community involvement in outreach programme

National NewsMotor Vehicle Accident, MVA Fund on Wheels, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund is calling on the Zambezi region's residents to participate in its weeklong outreach programme aimed at promoting road safety. The outreach initiative will take place from 16 to 21 September in various towns and villages across the region, including Bukalo, Ngoma, Masokotwane, Sangwali, Mubiza, and Kongola. MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku said the initiative, known as "MVA Fund on Wheels," seeks to engage underserved communities. "The MVA Fund on Wheels programme allows us to take our services directly to the people. Our team will assist communities with claims, enable residents…

12 Sep

Weather experts warn of another uncertain rainy season

National News

Niël Terblanché Following a challenging 2023/24 season marked by poor rainfall which prolonged the drought, Namibia must for a slow onset to the rainy season, with the potential for improved rainfall as the year progresses. The Namibia Meteorological Service has released its seasonal forecast for 2024/25, presenting a mixed outlook for the country’s rainfall and climate conditions. According to the forecast, the 2023/24 season saw erratic weather patterns with most of Namibia experiencing below-average rainfall. Several regions, including Erongo, Omusati, and Kunene, faced their fifth consecutive year of drought, while Kharas, Hardap, Khomas, and parts of Omaheke experienced their second…

12 Sep

Aranos mayor denies GBV accusation

National News

Martin Endjala The mayor of Aranos, Hans Bafrath, has denied allegations of gender-based violence (GBV) levelled against him. He described the allegations as a politically motivated smear campaign. Bafrath, a member of the Landless People's Movement (LPM), claims the accusations are part of a plot to unseat him as mayor. “She is right here with me. I did not assault her as reports suggest”. The girlfriend who spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity also denied that Bafrath assaulted her. “No. He did not assault me as I am speaking to you, we are together right now. Those…

12 Sep

Namdeb employees accuse management of mistreatment

National News

Martin Endjala Several Namdeb employees have expressed unhappiness with the company, claiming it treats them badly following demotions and voluntary separation actions. Some of the employees, who prefer anonymity due to fear of victimisation, shared their discontentment towards the company. The workers told the Windhoek Observer that Namdeb received royalty tax relief from the government for five years to expand the life of its mines and to recruit more employees. The workers said they are facing demotion of certain employees and unprocedural redeployment while being used as cheap labour because they are working temporarily for three months or on fixed-term…

12 Sep

MP accuses NaTIS officials of corruptly selling driver’s licences

National NewsJohn Motorwa, Reggie Diergaardt

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament (MP) Reggie Diergaardt has raised concerns over widespread corruption at Namibian Traffic Identification System (NaTIS) testing centres and offices across the country. Diergaardt claims that the public is buying learners' permits, driver's licenses, and roadworthy certificates, but the responsible ministry is hesitant to intervene. Diergaardt made these accusations in parliament on Wednesday, stating his intention to question the Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, about the alleged maladministration at NaTIS offices nationwide. He added that NaTIS testing officials are also accused of deliberately failing applicants during their driving license tests…