National News – Page 245 – Windhoek Observer

20 Sep

PDM questions N$255 million classroom tender

ObserverNational NewsPDM questions N$255 million classroom tender

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Jennifer Van Den Heever, wants the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, to explain why August 26 was awarded a N$255 million tender to build classrooms while private construction companies are collapsing due to a lack of available contracts. While posting her questions to the minister in Parliament yesterday, Van Den Heever questioned why a state-owned company is competing with private companies who are desperate for construction tenders to survive. Van Den Heever also tasked Nghipondoka to provide Parliament with a competitive analysis between August 26 and private companies in…

20 Sep

Law Enforcement Rallies to Ensure Safety During Census

ObserverNational NewsLaw Enforcement Rallies to Ensure Safety During Census

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has partnered with the Namibian Police Force and the Windhoek City Police to guarantee the safety and security of enumerators during the 2023 Population and Housing Census fieldwork. During a joint press conference held in Windhoek with the Namibian Police Force, Statistician-General, Alex Shimuafeni stated that the collaboration has been established with the police to ensure that the census is not only successful but also safe for both enumerators and respondents. “These arrangements aim to make certain the counting process is seamless and free of any criminal incidents,” Shimuafeni said. He added that…

20 Sep

Breaches of customs regulations lead to forfeiture of vehicles

ObserverNational NewsBreaches of customs regulations lead to forfeiture of vehicles, Trans-Kalahari Border Post

Niël Terblanché The Gobabis Magistrates Court ruled for the forfeiture of two vehicles following recent violations of the Customs and Excise Act, 1998 (Act No. 20 of 1998). One of the drivers entered the country via the Trans-Kalahari Border Post, completely disregarding the stipulated customs declaration as detailed in section 14(1)(a) of the Act. The Namibian Police took swift action, resulting in a pursuit that culminated in the arrest of the driver in Gobabis. The VW Golf 6 was confiscated, and during the court proceedings, the driver was fined N$8 000 or the alternative of a two-year prison term. Last…

20 Sep

Gobabis Municipality accused of neglecting critical electrical network

ObserverNational NewsFrederick Ueitele, Gobabis Municipality accused of neglecting critical electrical network

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Gobabis Municipality is facing allegations of negligence and mismanagement regarding the maintenance and rehabilitation of its ageing electrical network after a mother and daughter barely survived electrocution. Community members and an internal source at the municipality have expressed concerns about the potential hazards posed by the deteriorating electricity network infrastructure of the town. A recent incident of a mother and daughter getting electrocuted has heightened concerns within the community. According to a source who preferred anonymity, a consultant was engaged to address pressing issues within the electrical network and made considerable efforts to expedite crucial processes such…

19 Sep

Uproar over 250 hectares of land for Gobabis agricultural project

ObserverNational NewsUproar over 250 hectares of land for Gobabis agricultural project

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Residents of Gobabis in the Omaheke Region, have expressed dissatisfaction over the allocation of 250 hectares of town land by the council for an agricultural project aimed at addressing food insecurity. The residents through their representative Veronica Kuzeeko, compiled a petition with the intention of submitting it to the Gobabis Local Authority Council. The petition was, however, rejected. The petition is claiming the land was allocated to Omaheke Governor, Pijoo Nganate and the Office of the Mayor without following the right channels and that the allocation process was procedurally flawed. According to the group, the meeting that approved…

19 Sep

Shangula emphasizes patient safety at all healthcare facilities

ObserverNational NewsDr Kalumbi Shangula, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of every patient and visitor in both public and private healthcare sectors., the Minister of Health and Social Services

Stefanus Nashama Dr Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of every patient and visitor in both public and private healthcare sectors. Speaking during World Patient Safety Day, celebrated under the theme “Engaging patients for patient safety,” Shangula said that the Ministry is dedicated to guaranteeing that all patients in Namibia receive care of the highest quality, free from harm. Although there have been instances where members of the public raised concerns about the quality of healthcare services, Shangula assured that the Ministry is devoted to fostering a safe environment. “Every…

19 Sep

Peacefull protest planned at Parliamentin support of controversial Marriage Bill

ObserverNational NewsPeacefull protest planned at Parliamentin support of controversial Marriage Bill

Niël Terblanché Pendapala Nakathingo, the Chairperson of the Stop Homosexuality and Same-Sex Marriages Committee called on all Namibians who believe in protecting and defending African culture to convene at the Namibian Parliament. The committee’s intent is to witness the approval of the controversial “Marriage Bill” also referred to as the “Spouse Bill”, which is being pushed by Jerry Ekandjo with the primary goal of prohibiting homosexuality and same-sex marriages in Namibia. The Chairperson emphasized that if the bill is tabled and approved on the scheduled day of 19th September 2023, the assembly at Parliament would be concluded with “ululation and…

19 Sep

Government solemnly apologizes to Oukwanyama Queen for seating blunder

ObserverNational NewsGovernment solemnly apologizes to Oukwanyama Queen for seating blunder

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, in an official statement, extended heartfelt apologies to the Oukwanyama Queen, Meekulu Martha Mwadinomho Kristian Nelumbu, for an oversight during the recent State burial of the late Ambassador Hadino Timothy Hishongwa held at Eenhana Shrine in the Ohangwena Region. The funeral service took place on 16 September 2023. Hishongwa was a renowned diplomat who not only served the Namibian Nation in various capacities but was also a close advisor to the Queen of the Oukwanyama. Amidst the solemnity of the occasion, a significant protocol blunder was committed. The beloved Oukwanyama Queen…

19 Sep

GRN pleads for calm after a Namibian man lost his eyes during an attack in SA

ObserverNational NewsGRN pleads for calm after a Namibian man lost his eyes during an attack in SA

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation is calling on Namibians to remain calm while South African law enforcement investigates the incident in which a Namibian citizen lost both his eyes during an alleged attack in Johannesburg South Africa last week. Sabine Böhlke-Möller, Acting Executive Director in the Ministry, stressed the importance of allowing authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice. “The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation wishes to call for calm and understanding from the public while the investigation into this unfortunate incident is ongoing,” stated Böhlke-Möller. Böhlke-Möller said the Namibian…

19 Sep

GRN employees accused of abuse of Government Fuel Card

ObserverNational NewsGRN employees accused of abuse of Government Fuel Card

Niël Terblanché Leilla Shiwa Martin, 33, and Vilho Shipopyeni Limene, 36, both employees of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, appeared before the Windhoek Magistrate Court on charges of misusing a government blue fuel card. The duo was apprehended a little more than a week ago after allegations surfaced that the government fuel card was illicitly used to purchase six tyres at a Windhoek Motor Spares shop for a private vehicle. According to Josefina Nghituwamata, the private vehicle was then fitted with four of the illicitly acquired tyres, while the other two were loaded into the same car. She…