National News – Page 252 – Windhoek Observer

06 Sep

Home Affairs did not ban names with click-sound characters

ObserverNational NewsHome Affairs did not ban names with click-sound characters, Margaret Kalo

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has distanced itself from recent media reports that it has banned the use of special characters such as !Gawaxab or //Karas when indicating click sounds in some names as part of its services. This is despite the assertion that click-sound symbols could potentially lead to confusion and inconsistencies in official documentation as was reported by some media houses. According to the Ministry’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Margaret Kalo the government through the Ministry has no policy to discriminate against any section of the community as reported. Kalo noted that…

06 Sep

Japan commits to supporting Namibia’s development efforts

ObserverNational NewsJapan commits to supporting Namibia’s development efforts, US$271 million

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Japan stands as one of Namibia’s most significant donor nations, having contributed more than US$271 million to Namibia’s development efforts since independence. This was revealed during a courtesy call by the Japanese Ambassador to Namibia, Nishimaki Hisao, on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi yesterday. During the visit, the Japanese diplomat emphasised that Namibia has received assistance in various crucial areas, including human resource development, agriculture and emergency response. “Japan has extended support by providing food to vulnerable citizens affected by drought and they have also offered medical assistance,” he said. Further explaining that Japan and…

06 Sep

Freedom of expression should be accompanied by responsible reporting: Shikongo

ObserverNational NewsFreedom of expression should be accompanied by responsible reporting: Shikongo

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Force, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo has emphasised the need for responsible reporting alongside freedom of expression by media practitioners when carrying out their duties. He said this during the Training of Trainers on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists at the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). “Despite this, I must caution that freedom of expression should also be accompanied by responsible reporting. The media must realise that where their freedom or rights end, the freedom and rights of others…

05 Sep

For Namibia to become industrialised,it will require investors: Alweendo

ObserverNational NewsFor Namibia to become industrialised, Tom Alweendo

Martin Endjala Mines and Energy Minister, Tom Alweendo has emphasised that if Namibia is to become an industrialised country, then leaders must continue inviting and attracting investors which is part of the vision to tap into mineral resources. Alweendo made these remarks during the Namibia-Korea Energy Resources Business Forum yesterday in Windhoek. The Minister stressed that Namibia will only allow investments into its critical raw minerals to be exploited on a win-win outcome. He said that gone are the days, where the country’s valuable minerals get chipped out of the country and refined elsewhere without value addition, for this reason,…

05 Sep

MPs expected to address health issues and other challenges as Parliament resumes today

ObserverNational NewsDuminga Ndala, MPs expected to address health issues and other challenges as Parliament resumes today

Martin Endjala National Assembly will be under immense pressure as Namibians anticipate numerous issues to be on the agenda when Parliament resumes today following a break where several oversight visits across the country by various Parliamentary Standing Committees and the race to pass all bills to avoid financial greylisting. During the oversight visits, issues ranging from the state of health facilities, education, poverty, road infrastructures, Gender-Based Violence, and various water and electricity crises are among many issues anticipated to take centre stage in the August house. Political Analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah, yesterday said Members of Parliament have set for themselves high…

05 Sep

New minimum wage agreed for Namibia’s agricultural sector

ObserverNational NewsNamibia Agricultural Labour Forum (NALF), New minimum wage agreed for Namibia’s agricultural sector

Niël Terblanché In a significant step forward for labour rights, the Namibia Agricultural Labour Forum (NALF) has successfully concluded negotiations to increase the minimum wage for farmworkers in both the commercial and communal farming sectors. The newly agreed-upon minimum wage, effective from 1 October 2023, represents a 10 percent increase over the previous year’s minimum wage. The current minimum wage, which was in place throughout 2022, is set to rise to N$6.00 per hour or N$1,170 per month for employees working a 45-hour workweek. In addition, workers who do not receive free rations will see their monthly ration allowance increase…

05 Sep

Savanna Beef Processors plans new state-of-the-art processing facility

ObserverNational NewsSavanna Beef Processors (SBP), Savanna Beef Processors plans new state-of-the-art processing facility

Niël Terblanché Savanna Beef Processors (SBP) celebrated a significant milestone during its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) where the company showcased remarkable achievements in the fields of engineering, financial planning and market engagement over the past year. One of the most outstanding announcements was SBP’s successful capital-raising efforts, which have secured N$181 million to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art export beef-processing facility in Namibia. In a statement, the company said it is actively pursuing a third private placement, set to close on September 7, with the goal of reaching N$200 million in total funding. Several key developments were discussed…

05 Sep

Pensioner loses lawsuit against ACC’s Noah and Imalwa

ObserverNational NewsAnti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Martha Imalwa, Paulus Noah, Pensioner loses lawsuit against ACC’s Noah and Imalwa, Selma Fimanekeni Mbome

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Paulus Noah, and Prosecutor General, Martha Imalwa have emerged victorious in a lawsuit filed against them by pensioner Selma Fimanekeni Mbome for unlawful arrest by ACC members in 2017. The ruling was handed down by High Court Judge Kobus Miller yesterday. In her lawsuit, Mbome cited Noah, Imalwa and the government as the first, second, and third respondents. She sought N$1,695,454 in damages, with interest at a rate of 20 percent per annum for the suffering she endured during her arrest and the associated legal costs. Mbome was arrested in…

04 Sep

CoW blames the government for Its financial woes

ObserverNational NewsCoW blames the government for Its financial woes, Harold Akweenye

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The City of Windhoek has stated that its financial struggles are exacerbated by a growing population, urbanisation and the provision of services that should be funded or subsidised by the government. This was conveyed by the city’s spokesperson, Harold Akweenye while responding to questions on the city’s current financial status after it was reported last year that the city is surviving on a N$200 million bank overdraft every month to pay salaries and other expenses. Akwenye is of the opinion that for the city’s financial status to improve, urbanization should be minimized and the government should avail funds…

04 Sep

Menzies Aviation under scrutiny over health and safety concerns globally

ObserverNational NewsMenzies Aviation under scrutiny overhealth and safety concerns globally

Niël Terblanché Menzies Aviation, a major player in the global aviation services industry, is currently facing mounting criticism and significant fines in various countries over its questionable health and safety record. The company, which operates at airports around the world, has come under intense scrutiny for alleged safety lapses and violations that have jeopardized the well-being of its employees and passengers. The United Kingdom-based company with a presence in over 200 airports worldwide, provides a wide range of ground handling, cargo, and passenger services to numerous airlines. While the company has been a key player in the aviation industry for…