National News – Page 236 – Windhoek Observer

12 Aug

Erongo governor calls for accountable and transparent governance

National NewsFinancial Institutions and Markets Act, Neville Andre

Niël Terblanché Neville Andre, the governor of the Erongo region, stressed the vital importance of effective public administration in shaping the future of Namibia, while officially opening a five-day workshop in Swakopmund aimed at enhancing public service delivery. The workshop, hosted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration, is centred around the theme, “Maximizing the Potentials of Public Administration, Public Service Management, and Public Service Delivery in Namibia.” Andre stressed that a well-functioning public administration is essential for the efficient and transparent operation of any government, including Namibia's. "An efficient, responsive, transparent, and accountable public administration is…

12 Aug

Namibia calls for international justice after barbaric attack on school in Gaza

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia has condemned the recent Israeli airstrike on civilians sheltered at Al-Tabin School in Gaza, which has been home to displaced Palestinians. In a statement released on Sunday, Ambassador Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, described the attack as a "barbaric act" and called on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect Palestinian civilians. Naanda, on behalf of the government, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of more than 100 lives during the attack, which targeted Palestinians who were performing Fajr (dawn) prayers at the school…

12 Aug

Namibia media fraternity mourns radio legend

National News

Martin Endjala The media fraternity bid farewell to Deon van Rensburg, a radio presenter who died last week. Van Rensburg was a radio presenter with more than 25 years of experience, having graced the airwaves of various stations across Namibia. He was an employee of Future Media. “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved friend and colleague, Deon van Rensburg, who passed away this morning,” read the statement by Future Media. Future Media, in their statement, expressed the deep void left by van Rensburg’s passing. “He was a household name, and…

12 Aug

Namibia to host Summit of the Future to shape global cooperation

National Newsglobal transformation, Olaf Scholz, Peya Mushelenga, Summit of the Future

Niël Terblanché The upcoming Summit of the Future which aims to stimulate global transformation and create a conducive environment for the prosperity of all peoples and nations, will be hosted in Windhoek from 23 September. The summit which will be co-facilitated by Namibia's President, Dr Nangolo Mbumba, and Germany's Chancellor, Olaf Scholz seeks to accelerate the achievement of the UN Agenda 2030 and to build collective efforts to address emerging global risks and challenges. During the announcement in Windhoek on Thursday, Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga, reiterated the importance of the summit, which was first…

11 Aug

Farmers collaborate with government to navigate drought

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), in collaboration with three other farmers’ unions, has been working tirelessly since January to address the devastating impact of the ongoing drought. According to the NAU, the country has experienced persistent drought conditions for the past eleven years, with the years 2013, 2016, 2019, and now 2024 declared national emergencies. “As the most arid country south of the Sahara, Namibian farmers are accustomed to drought, but the current situation is particularly severe,” the union said in a statement. The union noted that prolonged dry spells have strained the agricultural sector, with stagnant weaner…

11 Aug

Swapo leader demands justice for fired teacher

National NewsPetrus Ndeulita

Martin Endjala The Swapo deputy secretary for education, Hofni Ipinge has called for justice in the dismissal of a school teacher, who was found guilty of meting out corporal punishment last month. The demand is a response to the firing of Petrus Ndeulita, a teacher at Hashiyana Primary School in Ongwediva. In 2021, Ndeulita forced a seventh-grade learner to hold a chair over his head for over an hour as a form of punishment. “I am demanding justice to prevail for this young professional. It is a very bad and embarrassing story in our nation if this is how we…

11 Aug

Support for victims of human-wildlife conflict increased

National Newshuman-wildlife conflict

Niël Terblanché The Cabinet has approved an increase in payments for victims of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) under the Human-Wildlife Conflict Self-Reliance Scheme. This policy adjustment, which will take effect on September 1, is aimed at providing greater financial support to individuals and communities affected by the increasing incidences of wildlife-related losses and injuries, particularly during periods of drought when such conflicts tend to intensify. The approved compensation rates published in the latest list of Cabinet decisions released by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology last week include N$100 000 for funeral and related costs in the event of death,…

11 Aug

SADC PF SG urges addressing access to digital technology for the youth

National News

Moses Magadza As the world celebrates International Youth Day on August 12, the SADC Parliamentary Forum secretary general, Boemo Sekgoma, has highlighted the intersection of digital access and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for young people. This year’s theme is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” In a statement, Sekgoma noted that the intersection is also outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasised in the recently adopted Gaborone Declaration. Recent data indicates that in 2022, three-quarters of individuals aged 15–24 globally utilised the internet—a figure that signifies the significant role young people…

11 Aug

Ongos Valley extends housing development beyond Namibian borders

National NewsOngos Valley Development Pty

Martin Endjala The Ongos Valley Development Pty Limited is looking to tap into housing development markets beyond Namibia’s borders. Last week, the company signed an agreement with the Zambian government to build 2 000 housing units in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone. Abed Erastus, spokesperson for Ongos Valley, told the Windhoek Observer that the company aims to reduce the housing deficit in Namibia as well as in Africa when opportunities present themselves. “Zambia, like Namibia and other African countries, faces significant challenges in delivering houses at scale,” he said. The goal of the agreement with Zambia is to reduce…

11 Aug

Shikongo reflects on his tenure as IG

National NewsInspector General of the Namibian Police Force

The Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force Lieutenant General Joseph Shimweelao Shikongo, turns 60 on 18 September. In compliance with Namibian law, this milestone will mark his retirement. Shikongo, who was appointed to his current position by former President Hage Geingob on 22 August 2022, spoke with Windhoek Observer reporter Hertta-Maria Amutenja about his career, accomplishments, and plans for the future. WO: Reflecting on your career, what are the most significant achievements you are proud of during your tenure as Inspector General?JS: When I started, I took over a solid foundation from the founding Inspector Generals. I am the…