National News – Page 236 – Windhoek Observer

15 Aug

Criminal case filed against Nawatiseb and his wife

National News

Hertta -Maria Engel Nawatiseb, the former deputy minister of information and communication technology and his wife are facing criminal charges in connection with the sale of a property in Windhoek The Makumbi family initiated the case, bringing to light the allegations of misconduct and the pursuit of justice in the property sale by Nawatiseb and his wife Lina Nawatises. According to court documents filed in May 2023, Godfrey Makumbi entered into a sale agreement with the Nawatisebs for the property in question. However, the transaction soon became a point of contention. In a letter dated 10 August 2024, Boniface Makumbi,…

15 Aug

Namibia leads dialogue on agriculture and climate resilience

National Newsagriculture and climate, Kandjii-Murangi, RUFORUM

Niël Terblanché Namibia has once again positioned itself at the forefront of agricultural and scientific innovation by hosting the second triennial conference of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). Namibia's Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, stressed at the start of the conference on Thursday the critical role of agriculture in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2—No Poverty and Zero Hunger. "The theme of this year's conference, 'Operationalising Higher Agricultural Education and Research Ecosystems for Innovation, Industrialisation, and Economic Development in Africa: A Call for Action,' resonates…

15 Aug

Japan extends another lifeline to Namibia

National NewsEl Niño, Japanese government, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)

Niël Terblanché As Southern Africa grapples with one of its most severe droughts in recent history, the Government of Japan has stepped in to provide much-needed relief. The drought, exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, has led to a significant decline in cereal harvests, pushing the region, including Namibia, into a state of serious food insecurity. In response to this crisis, the Japanese government by way of its diplomatic representative to Namibia, Ambassador Hisao Nishimaki, announced that it has committed US$2.5 million in Emergency Grant Aid, with US$500 000 specifically allocated for Namibia. This aid will be administered through…

15 Aug

Hinda contemplates criminal charges following court ruling against Amupanda

National NewsAmupanda, Maureen Hinda

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Deputy finance and public enterprises minister Maureen Hinda is considering laying criminal charges against Affirmative Repositioning leader and presidential candidate Job Amupanda. This comes after the High Court awarded her N$100 000 in a defamation case on Wednesday. Judge Collin Parker ordered Amupanda to also pay Hinda’s legal costs, following defamatory comments he posted on Facebook and Twitter. “I got the judgement for N$100 000 plus costs. That could easily reach about N$500 000 because the case was three years long. I could consider criminal charges if he does not stop. He is still making remarks on his…

14 Aug

Economists warn that 25 basis points won’t ease the cost of living

National NewsMonetary Policy Committee (MPC)

Martin Endjala Despite the central bank's move to reduce interest rates from 7.75% to 7.50%, economists argue that the 25 basis points are not sufficient to address the high cost of living. On 14 August, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Namibia (BoN) decided to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 7.50%. According to the BoN’s governor, Johannes !Gawaxab, the decision was made following a comprehensive review of domestic, regional and global economic developments. In reaction to the announcement, independent bank researcher and economist, Josef Sheehama told the Windhoek Observer that the BoN…

14 Aug

Fishrot-inspired artwork lands artist in court

National News

Ester Mbathera An Icelandic artist, who created a provocative art piece titled "We're Sorry," inspired by the Fishrot corruption scandal, is facing a lawsuit by the fishing giant Samherji in a High Court trial in London. Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson, an MA Fine Arts student at the University of Bergen, said the legal action threatens his ability to defend his freedom of speech. “This legal battle is not just about me; it’s about defending freedom of speech and the role of art in holding powerful entities accountable,” he said. The artwork, which replicates Samherji's website with a bold apology, has been…

14 Aug

RP warns ACC boss to look for another job if Mudge becomes president

National NewsAnti-Corruption Commission, Henk Mudge, Republican Party

Stefanus Nashama The Republican Party’s (RP) leader, Henk Mudge has pledged to replace Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) boss Paulus Noa if he becomes president of the country. Mudge cited Noa’s failure to tackle corruption. He made these remarks at the party’s manifesto launch on Wednesday in Windhoek. “Corruption has become very high in the country, and if I become the president, Noa will have to look for another job,” he said. Mudge also accused Swapo of using affirmative action and black economic empowerment to allocate land to their friends and family while exploiting the country's resources. “Our natural resources should be…

14 Aug

Ban on issuance of wholesale petroleum licenses lifted

Energy, National NewsTom Alweendo, wholesale petroleum licenses

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Mines and Energy lifted the moratorium placed on the issuing of wholesale petroleum licenses on Wednesday. The moratorium that has been in place since 15 August 2022 will be lifted today. The Ministry instituted the moratorium to enhance its licensing systems and processes for better public service. The moratorium on issuing new retail licenses will, however, remain in place. “This is because there is evidence that the average demand for fuel has not increased, suggesting that issuing new retail licenses will negatively affect the viability of existing retail outlets. The Ministry will continue to assess…

14 Aug

60 IPC and LPM members flock to Swapo

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Swapo Party welcomed 60 members from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) on Wednesday. Swapo’s secretary general, Sophia Shaningwa, and her deputy, Uahekua Herunga, welcomed them at the Swapo headquarters in Windhoek. Shaningwa received the membership cards and assured the new recruits that she would deliver the old cards to their respective former political parties. “We are not going to tear them up. They did not belong to us. Of course, the members now belong to the Swapo Party. And they handed over the properties of IPC that will be returned…

14 Aug

EU-Namibia advances fight against illicit financial flows

National NewsAna Beatriz Martins, Beneficial Ownership Framework, FATF grey list

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Officials from various local institutions are currently undergoing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing training. This training aims to enhance the country's ability to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The three-day workshop began in Windhoek on Wednesday and is organised by the European Union Global Facility project in collaboration with Namibia's Financial Intelligence Centre. Ana Beatriz Martins, the EU Ambassador to Namibia, stated that the training will assist Namibian competent authorities in establishing an effective Beneficial Ownership Framework (BO) and fostering strong coordination among all relevant stakeholders. “Money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of illicit financial flows…