National News – Page 242 – Windhoek Observer

26 Sep

DBN fosters growth and empowers SMEs in Namibia

ObserverNational NewsDBN fosters growth and empowers SMEs in Namibia

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia has forged ahead in bolstering its Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the launch of the National Mentoring and Coaching Programme, a brainchild of the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN). Acknowledging the indispensable role SMEs play in socio-economic development, Jerome Mutumba, the Chief Executive for Marketing and Corporate Communications, conveyed that the Namibian government has initiated a spectrum of programs dedicated to fortifying this pivotal sector of the economy. “In alignment with our mission to stimulate sustainable economic growth, DBN is elated to unveil a pioneering initiative – the National Mentoring and Coaching Programme. Inaugurated this July,…

26 Sep

Oshana Police euthanize dogs that killed security guard

ObserverNational NewsOshana Police euthanize dogs that killed security guard

Niël Terblanché Ruben Abraham, 44, a security guard in the employ of Rubicon Security died in the Oshakati Intermediary Hospital late on Sunday after he was attacked by five dogs while on his way home after knocking off work early in the morning. The victim hailed from the village Oshikondiilongo in the Ohangwena region’s Endola constituency. Abraham was rushed to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital where he battled for his life in the intensive care unit, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries a few hours later. According to the spokesperson of the Namibian Police in the Oshana Region, Inspector Thomas Aiyambo,…

26 Sep

Africa must alter its narratives: Geingob

ObserverNational NewsAfrica must alter its narratives: Geingob

Martin Endjala President Hage Geingob has highlighted the transformative changes within the African diaspora, asserting that the concept formerly known as ‘brain drain’ has evolved into a ‘brain gain.’ He stressed that regardless of one’s birthplace, all Africans must contribute to the continent’s progression, asserting, “Africa is on the march.” President Geingob articulated this perspective on Friday at the Apollo Theater in New York, USA, during a panel discussion titled “Next Narrative Africa, the Bridge.” He was accompanied by his counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and the United States Ambassador to the UN,…

26 Sep

Fast response quells panic as fire erupts at Dunes Mall

ObserverNational NewsFast response quells panic as fire erupts at Dunes Mall

Niël Terblanché Panic and alarm gripped shoppers at the Dunes Mall in Walvis Bay when a fire erupted in the loading area behind the building, causing a considerable column of smoke to billow into the sky. The immediate response from the Walvis Bay Fire Brigade managed to control and extinguish the fire promptly, averting a potential disaster and ensuring the safety of the shoppers and residents of the harbour town. The alarm was raised by frightened shoppers in the parking area who noticed the large column of smoke. The origin of the fire was quickly identified as a collection of…

26 Sep

President Geingob stresses redefinition and global partnership

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché President Hage Geingob along with President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, met with key international figures, including UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, and US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, to deliberate on fundamental issues pertaining to Africa’s advancement during a meeting at the Apollo Theatre in New York. President Geingob, in his address, emphasised the urgency for the African Diaspora to spearhead the transformation of Africa’s portrayal in global domains, insisting that unjust criticisms and attacks on the continent must be contested. “Africa is misrepresented and attacked, but you don’t say anything. Rather, you join those who…

26 Sep

Trustco Attains Environmental Clearance for Industrial Development

ObserverNational NewsEnvironmental Clearance Certificate for the Lafraz industrial township development., Trustco Attains Environmental Clearance for Industrial Development

Martin Endjala Trustco Property Holdings, a subsidiary of Trustco Group Holdings Ltd, recently secured the Environmental Clearance Certificate for the Lafraz industrial township development. This industrial initiative is strategically located just 7 kilometres from the central business district of Windhoek, on the remaining portions of Farm Nubuamis No. 37. Trustco Properties finalized the acquisition of the 302-hectare parcel in 2004 and has since successfully developed 83 hectares into industrially zoned areas, known as Lafranz Extensions 1, 2, and 3. Neville Basson, the Trustco Group Spokesperson, highlighted that this industrial advancement has sparked a myriad of job opportunities, propelling economic growth…

26 Sep

Namibia’s Cybercrime Bill undergoes redrafting

ObserverNational NewsNamibia’s Cybercrime Bill undergoes redrafting

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a strategic move to bolster Namibia’s cybersecurity, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology is rigorously revisiting the Cybercrime Bill. This redrafting adheres to the mandates of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation. Minister Peya Mushelenga, revealed yesterday that this progression aligns seamlessly with the Government’s wider strategies outlined in the Government Communication Strategy 2022 – 2027, which envisions nurturing an informed public discourse on crucial governmental endeavours and initiatives. The ongoing refinement of the Cybercrime Bill is an integral component of a comprehensive strategy to overhaul the legislative and policy frameworks governing the information and communication technology…

26 Sep

Readiness Support Programme enhances access to climate funding

ObserverNational NewsReadiness Support Programme enhances access to climate funding

Martin Endjala The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) recently orchestrated an inception meeting in Windhoek to discuss a programme, generously funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to the sum of N$ 6.1 million (USD 326,542). The Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme is designed to bolster access to climate finance for nations, facilitating the fulfilment of their Nationally Determined Contribution ambitions. In Namibia, this objective is attainable through the reinforcement of local institutions capable of serving as Direct Access Entities for the Green Climate Fund, thereby enhancing country ownership. Subsequently, national institutions including the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agri-Bank),…

25 Sep

Namibia set to boost economy with online tourist visa offer

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché In an ambitious stride to revitalise the national economy, Namibia has initiated online tourist visa applications, a move set to lure more international tourists to its captivating landscapes and culturally rich destinations. The service became operational last Friday and represents the country’s broader endeavour to embrace digitalisation and enhance e-governance. Albert Kawana, the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, spoke with optimism at the launch in Windhoek about the potential of the tourism sector to be a linchpin for economic resurgence. “I have no doubt that with the launch of the online tourist visa application, our…

25 Sep

Everyone in Namibia must remember where they were on Reference Night

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Every citizen and temporary inhabitant of Namibia should mark their calendar where they slept last night - Census Reference Night – because it forms an integral part of the Population and Housing Census. Alex Shimuafeni, the Statistician General of the Namibian Statistics Agency (NSA) stressed the importance of Census Reference Night because of the comprehensive nature of the census. “Every person within the borders of Namibia during the midnight of September 24, 2023, known as Census Reference Night (CRN), will be counted, irrespective of nationality, age, or social status,” he said. This inclusion ranges from newborn babies to…