National News – Page 253 – Windhoek Observer

04 Sep

Long list of Menzies Aviation’s unsafe operations

ObserverNational NewsLong list of Menzies Aviation’s unsafe operations

Menzies Aviation which operates at more than 200 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.A search of the internet revealed a long list of fines for safety and other airport rule violations as well as regular salary disputes with employees. Menzies Aviation tanker drivers prepare to strike at Birmingham Airport as pay dispute rumbles onhttps://motortransport.co.uk/blog/2023/08/09/menzies-aviation-tanker-drivers-prepare-to-strike-at-birmingham-airport-as-pay-dispute-rumbles-on/ Menzies Aviation, was fined $77,250 by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration for safety lapses, including not having a seat belts on vehicles.https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/17/airport-ramp-safety-airlines-iata-faa-osha-ntsb/18597565/ Menzies could lose…

04 Sep

NamWater open to collaboration for mining projects

ObserverNational Newsamibia Water Corporation (NamWater) Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia, NamWater open to collaboration for mining projects

Martin Endjala Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia, said the institution is open to collaborating in de-risking and delivering bulk water to current and future mining projects in the country. “As we are all aware that water plays a critical role in the mining sector, and as a bulk water supplier, we are open to collaborate in de-risking and delivering bulk water to current and future mining projects,” he said. Nehemia was speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with Osino Gold Exploration and Mining at the Mining Expo in Windhoek last week.…

04 Sep

Women Network seeks to promote inclusivity in the workplace

ObserverNational NewsMotor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA), Women Network seeks to promote inclusivity in the workplace

Martin Endjala It was decided at an event hosted by the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) for the Women Network in Windhoek last week, to foster gender equality, empowerment, and inclusivity in the workplace. The event brought together female employees, leaders, and external speakers for a day of discussions, workshops, and networking aimed at advancing the role of women in the workplace. The event was hosted roughly a month after the MVA Fund Men’s Network event, underscoring the significance of inclusivity and mindfulness towards the diverse experiences and backgrounds of MVA Fund’s staff members. Addressing the event, MVA Chief Executive…

04 Sep

Vetting of learners before admission to state schools is discriminatory

ObserverNational NewsSanet Steenkamp, Vetting of learners before admission to state schools is discriminatory

Niël Terblanché The practice of vetting learners before admission to state schools is extremely discriminatory in nature and denies some children access to the schools of their choice. The Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp said the Ministry’s rules of admission for children have not changed since 2010. Steenkamp said this in a circular issued last week on the admission of learners in state schools to guide Education Regional Directors, Inspectors of Education, School Principals and parents to plan and administer the admission process. “It has come to our attention that some schools are…

04 Sep

Woman attacks elderly mother with machete

ObserverNational NewsDeputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, Woman attacks elderly mother with machete

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A 28-year-old woman, was on Friday arrested for attempted murder after attacking her 63-year-old mother with a machete at Ongundi village in Omungwelume constituency in Ohangwena Region. According to the Namibian Police’s spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the woman chopped her mother with the panga on the hands, chest and lips and sustained open cut wounds. The victim was taken to Oshakati State Hospital for treatment and the investigation into the attack will continue. In a separate incident on the same day, at around 21:00 at Eenhana, it is reported that Matias Mwatongasheni Mwetufa, a 33-year-old man, lost…

01 Sep

Menzies is tainting Namibia’s sovereign reputation

ObserverNational NewsMenzies is tainting Namibia’s sovereign reputation, Swapo Youth League

Niël Terblanché The Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) is a strategic entry point to Namibia and by not complying with a recent Supreme Court order, British-owned Menzies Aviation Namibia is painting a negative image of the country. Ephraim Nekongo, the Secretary of the Swapo Youth League said the company’s actions are also compromising Namibia’s sovereignty and security. “We call on all patriotic forces to unite and reject the imperial posture of Menzies,” the youth leader said in a statement. The recent actions of Menzies Aviation at the HKIA have ignited a wave of condemnation from a wide variety of corporate…

01 Sep

Namibia needs to upscale its artisan skills: Kasete

ObserverNational NewsNamibia needs to upscale its artisan skills: Kasete

Martin Endjala Chambers of Mines President, Zebra Kasete, has implored Government and industry players to reinvigorate artisan training programmes in the country to upscale skills to align them with the demands of emerging industries such as oil and gas and green energy. He said artisans in Namibia have good entry skills, but lack expertise in new industries which could be a serious concern if not addressed immediately. Kasete made this call on Wednesday at the official opening of the 10th Mining Expo in Windhoek under the theme “Namibia’s Role in the Sustainable Supply of Minerals to Support the Global Energy…

01 Sep

Solar Revolving Fund targets to finance 400 off-grid households

ObserverNational NewsBryan Eiseb, e Executive Director of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Solar Revolving Fund targets to finance 400 off-grid households

Martin Endjala The Executive Director of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Bryan Eiseb, has announced that the Solar Revolving Fund (SRF) aims to finance 400 off-grid households during the current financial year. Eiseb made the announcement on Wednesday during the launch of the service level agreement between the ministry and the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED) at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair. He said for this objective to be achieved, the ministry has established strategic alliances with various Regional Electricity Distributors that allows consumers living in known areas to make use of available financing program and subsidy, to enable…

01 Sep

CRAN Board commits to performance agreements

ObserverNational NewsCRAN Board commits to performance agreements, Dr Peya Mushelenga

Niël Terblanché The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), has taken a decisive step towards enhancing governance and accountability by signing Performance and Governance Agreements. The signing ceremony, overseen by ICT Minister, Dr Peya Mushelenga, signifies a commitment to transparent and effective operations in the best interest of the Namibian public. During the signing ceremony, Mushelenga emphasized the importance of acting with fairness, good faith and transparency. The minister urged the directors to prioritise the principles of accountability and maintain an independent perspective while focusing on delivering valuable services to the public. Highlighting the crucial role that CRAN plays in…

01 Sep

Lack of roads will hinder the progress of the Rundu abattoir

ObserverNational NewsLack of roads will hinder the progress of the Rundu abattoir, Rundu Abattoir

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Kavango East Region Governor, Bonifatius Wakudumo said the region needs to address critical issues of road infrastructure to avoid hindrance to the progress of the recently inaugurated Rundu Abattoir. Amidst the excitement over the new state-of-the-art abattoir facility, Wakudumo highlighted the essential role roads play in ensuring the abattoir’s success and broader economic benefits during the official handover yesterday. Wakudumo expressed gratitude for the facility’s establishment, recognising its capacity to slaughter 80-120 cattle per day, contributing significantly to the livestock sector’s growth and the region’s economic growth. However, he didn’t shy away from voicing his concerns about the…