National News – Page 249 – Windhoek Observer

12 Sep

Suicide is a major public health concern: Shangula

ObserverNational NewsDr Kalumbi Shangula, Suicide is a major public health concern: Shangula

Stefanus Nashama Minister of Health and Social Service, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, noted that suicide has become a major public health concern and that urgent action is vital to prevent a further increase in the trend in Namibia “Mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are associated with an increased risk of suicide,” he said. Shangula was speaking at the commemoration of the 2023 World Suicide Prevention Day in Windhoek yesterday. The Minister said the prevention of suicide has not been actively addressed due to a lack of awareness, which is shockingly a major public health concern across the…

12 Sep

Botswana appoints new Envoy to Namibia

ObserverNational NewsBotswana appoints new Envoy to Namibia

Niël Terblanché In a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between Botswana and Namibia, the President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi has appointed Mr. Phemelo Rankoro as Botswana’s High Commissioner to Namibia. This appointment is expected to further enhance the longstanding and robust relationship between the two neighbouring nations. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Botswana, Rankoro is set to assume his role as High Commissioner in Namibia in October 2023. He will be succeeding Ambassador Dr. Batlang Serema, who has been appointed as Botswana’s envoy to China. According to the ministry, Rankoro brings a wealth of experience…

12 Sep

After-Action Review serves as a learning platform for Namibia

ObserverNational NewsAfter-Action Review serves as a learning platform for Namibia

Niël Terblanché In a significant step towards strengthening its public health response mechanisms, Namibia recently conducted an After-Action Review (AAR) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess its response to the Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic (CCHF) outbreak that occurred earlier this year. The AAR brought together various stakeholders in Windhoek to document the activities undertaken during the CCHF outbreak and evaluate Namibia’s preparedness and response capacity. The CCHF outbreak was first confirmed in the Gobabis District of the Omaheke Region on May 21, 2023, following the unfortunate death of an individual confirmed to have CCHF just three days…

12 Sep

First African climate summit produces historic declaration

ObserverNational NewsFirst African climate summit produces historic declaration

Niël Terblanché African Heads of State and Government convened for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 4th to 6th, 2023. The summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including global leaders, intergovernmental organizations, Regional Economic Communities, United Nations Agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, local communities, farmer organizations, children, youth, women, and academia. The primary focus of the summit was to address the escalating climate crisis that is impacting the African continent disproportionately. The leaders issued a declaration known as “The African Leaders Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to…

12 Sep

Capricorn Foundation Commits N$517,000.00 to One Economy Foundation

ObserverNational News000.00 to One Economy Foundation, Capricorn Foundation Commits N$517

Martin Endjala Capricorn Foundation on Friday last week affirmed its support for the One Economy Project at the opening of the #BeFree Youth Campus in Katutura. The fund which will go towards the Youth Campus’ training facility, brings the total contribution to the Campus to over N$1 million, with the first handover done in October last year of N$500,000.00 for the construction of the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Training Centre. The #BeFree Youth Campus aims to create a one-stop solution for youth between the ages of 13 and 30 to receive integrated multidisciplinary services that offer a holistic approach…

12 Sep

Gale-force winds cause havoc at the coast

ObserverNational NewsGale-force winds cause havoc at the coast

Niël Terblanché Several buildings situated in the central coastal towns of Namibia have been damaged by gale-force winds that have been blowing from a southerly direction since Monday morning. In some cases, walls have been blown over while in other areas several roofs sustained severe damage by the wind that at some stage blew at a speed of 50 knots or 92 kilometres per hour. People who live in a block of flats in the Tamariskia residential area of Swakopmund narrowly escaped death when the wind ripped the roof of the building. Pieces of the roof structure collapsed into their…

11 Sep

Unions call for cancellation of parastatal tender projects

ObserverNational NewsUnions call for cancellation of parastatal tender projects

Stefanus Nashama Construction Industries Federation (CIF) and Metal, and Allied Workers Unions of Namibia (MANWU) are calling for the cancellation and re-advertising of parastatal tender projects, claiming that local contractors have been excluded from the process. The projects include the Road Authority (RA) project, NamWater projects, Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) Head Office, the NamPower project for 70MWp in Rosh Pinah, and the tender awarded to August 26. Union representatives are claiming that the exclusion of local contractors in these projects is below the interest of maintaining and further developing the Namibian construction sector. They say the matter does…

11 Sep

Only five registered labour unions are in compliance with the Labour Act

ObserverNational NewsOnly five registered labour unions are in compliance with the Labour Act

Erasmus Shalihaxwe As of 1 September 2023, only five out of 47 registered trade unions, along with two out of 17 registered Employers’ Organizations are in compliance with their registration obligations. While the rest are violating the Labour Act 11 of 2007 by not submitting their annual returns. Acting Labour Commissioner Kyllikki Sihlahla, issued a stem warning to last week those none compliance unions and gave them until 30 September to submit their annual returns or face the music. She said there are currently 47 trade unions and 17 employers’ organisations including three trade union federations and three employers’ federations…

11 Sep

African Union Joins G20 Bloc on African Union Day

ObserverNational NewsAfrican Union Joins G20 Bloc on African Union Day

Niël Terblanché In a historic move, the African Union has been officially granted permanent membership in the G20, marking a significant diplomatic victory for the host nation, India, and a momentous occasion as the African Union celebrates its existence on African Union Day. The expansion of the G20 to include the African Union is a testament to India’s efforts to enhance its international standing and bolster its image as a global statesman, especially in the run-up to next year’s national elections. India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, welcomed the African Union’s new status within the G20, stating that India tabled a…

11 Sep

Mandate of the African Union is transformational: Geingob

ObserverNational NewsMandate of the African Union is transformational: Geingob

Staff Writer President Hage Geingob in a statement on the occasion of the Africa Union Day said The mandate of the African Union is transformational. “However, there have been democratic reversals with the rise in coups and unconstitutional forms of Government.” Geingob said whenever these happen, it is us Africans (and not others) who have been consistently first to condemn as regional organizations and African leaders under the African Union. He added that we can only achieve our true potential when we silence the guns. “Therefore, as the Third Wave of African leaders, who aspire to come to leadership through…