National News – Page 238 – Windhoek Observer

26 Sep

IPPR calls on Samherji to drop charges against visual artist

National News

Ester Mbathera The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has signed a petition calling for the Icelandic fishing giant Samherji to drop its punitive legal action against an Icelandic visual artist. The IPPR’s executive director, Graham Hopwood on Thursday criticised Samherji’s actions of pursuing legal cases against Oddur Eysteinn Friðriksson, who goes by the artist name ODEE. The case, being heard in the High Court in London on 25 and 26 September 2024, is expected to cost ODEE legal fees of over £500,000 (N$11.5 million). “Samherji should focus their minds on paying damages to Namibia for the harm caused by…

26 Sep

IPC pledges to combat unemployment crisis

National Newsemployment statistics, Unemployment

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has unveiled its plan to tackle the country's high unemployment rate, which the party blames on the Swapo. IPC spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge, in a statement released on Wednesday, said unemployment remains one of the ruling party's most significant shortcomings over the past 34 years. He said IPC is committed to reversing the trend. “Unemployment remains one of the most significant failures of the ruling party over the last 34 years. IPC's largest focus is to change that. We’ve done our research,” he said. IPC’'s election manifesto has prioritised the fight against unemployment.…

26 Sep

Festival in Karibib aimed at driving economic development

National News

Niël Terblanché The Amalgamated Rotation Annual Festival (ARAF) has kicked off in Karibib, marking the start of the second edition of the joint trade expo created by the towns of Omaruru, Karibib, and Usakos. ARAF was established in 2022 under the framework of the Omaruru, Karibib, and Usakos Local Authority Corporation (OKULAC) to promote collaboration, resource-sharing, and economic growth in the three towns. This year’s edition, themed “Bigger, Better, Broader”, promises to exceed expectations with a wide range of activities aimed at fostering market expansion and economic integration within the region. Valentinus Sindongo, the chairperson of OKULAC, announced that Usakos…

26 Sep

Namibian magistrates call for unity of purpose

National News

Niël Terblanché The 2024 Annual Magistrates’ Conference concluded on Wednesday with a call for unity and reform within Namibia's judicial system. Deputy Chief Magistrate, Kandiwapa Nembia while delivering closing remarks in Swakopmund, stressed the importance of improved collaboration between magistrates. This year's conference, themed “Fostering a Unified Magistracy,” brought together magistrates from across Namibia to discuss ways to improve service delivery, address regional challenges, and ensure uniformity in court proceedings. At the start of the conference, Chief Justice Peter Shivute said a unified magistracy is vital for maintaining public trust in the judicial system. "When the public sees that our…

26 Sep

Accessible legal aid is vital for the administration of justice

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, stressed the essential role of legal representation in the justice system during a regional workshop on legal aid services in Windhoek. At the official opening of the workshop on Wednesday, Dausab stated that access to legal representation is not only a constitutional right but a reflection of society's moral values. The event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), brought together legal experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives from across Southern Africa to discuss challenges in ensuring equal access to justice. Dausab revealed…

26 Sep

Lüderitz secures N$65 000 for greenhouse projects

National NewsDutch Project Quality Consulting Services

Martin Endjala On Thursday, the Lüderitz Town Council secured N$65 000 from the Dutch Project Quality Consulting Services company to continue the greenhouse projects at the Lüderitz Senior Secondary and Angra Pequena Senior Secondary School. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Thursday, the mayor, Phillippus Balhao, said the project was started last year by the previous mayor. The project kicked off with funds from the First National Bank (FNB). “I am very excited to see these projects finally going ahead. Thanks to the support we received this morning from a company, we will now carry on the work…

25 Sep

Amupanda accuses Swapo of deceiving public on red line removal

National Newsveterinary cordon fence

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement leader, Job Amupanda described the government's recent announcement to gradually remove the red line as nothing more than an election tactic aimed at securing votes in the upcoming elections by the ruling party, Swapo. He said this during his party’s media conference in Windhoek on Wednesday. “The red line represents the weakest moment for any freedom fighter in Namibia's history. To have any freedom fighter or a political organisation that purports to have fought for freedom to be defending the red line is part of the lowest point you can ever find,” said Amupanda.…

25 Sep

Politicians snub sign language challenge

National NewsInternational Day of Sign Languages

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Politicians are facing criticism for not participating in the Global Leaders Challenge, an initiative by the Namibian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) to promote sign language rights. The initiative has been running for three years and has been relaunched on 23 September as part of the 2024 International Day of Sign Languages. The challenge called on national leaders to advocate for sign language by signing the phrase “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere” in their national sign language. However, efforts to engage prominent figures have been met with silence, raising concerns about a lack…

25 Sep

Analysts question ‘wasteful’ groundbreaking ceremonies

Featured, National Newsgroundbreaking ceremony

Stefanus Nashama Political analysts and opposition parties have questioned the merits of so many groundbreaking ceremonies officiated by political office bearers, especially during the election year. The latest planned events are the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nakabolelwa-Mbalasinte-Kasika road, the Impalila Island (Machenje crossing point), the Kasika border post and staff accommodation all in the Zambezi Region. The events are planned for Friday 27 September and Monday 30 September and will be officiated over by deputy prime minister and minister of works and transport, John Mutorwa, minister of home affairs, immigration safety and security, Albert Kawana and Kabbe South constituency councillor,…

25 Sep

Geingob’s extraordinary life celebrated in New York

National NewsAfrica-America Institute (AAI), Kofi Appenteng

Niël Terblanché Seven months after his passing, the legacy of late President Hage Geingob continues to be celebrated. On Tuesday evening, the Africa-America Institute (AAI) hosted its 40th Annual Awards Gala Dinner in New York where a special tribute was paid to the late statesman. While addressing attendees at the event, President Nangolo Mbumba honoured his predecessor's extraordinary life and legacy, reflecting on the significant loss felt by Namibians and the global community. Mbumba shared the deep sorrow and shock that followed the unexpected passing of the Namibian leader. “On the morning of 4 February, all the experience I had…