National News – Page 260 – Windhoek Observer

12 Aug

Works ministry weighs in on Road Safety Bills

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Works and Transport is moving forward with legislative initiatives aimed at improving road safety in the wake of a tragic bus accident last week. These measures include the finalisation of several key bills that address various aspects of road safety. The deputy executive director of the department of transport at the ministry, Jonas Sheelongo, provided an overview of the ministry's approach following a call from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) for stricter regulations, specifically targeting the operating hours and rest periods of small bus drivers to prevent fatigue-related accidents. "In the short term, promotional and…

12 Aug

LPM criticises education minister’s ‘Think Outside the Box’ approach

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) has criticised education minister Anna Nghipondoka for her recent call to educators to “think outside the box” to improve learners' performance despite the challenges of a lack of classrooms and overcrowding. The LPM’s spokesperson, Lifalaza Simataa, in a statement last week, said the minister’s remarks lack innovation. “The minister's approach, ironically, lacks innovation, and she fails to ‘think outside’ the box," as she echoes the same sentiments expressed by the minister of education in 2017. Similar sentiments place immense pressure on under-resourced teachers, with zero accountability for the failures of the ministry,” Simataa…

12 Aug

WHO and Japan partner to combat cervical cancer in Namibia

National News

Niël Terblanché The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Government of Japan, donated cervical cancer screening instruments to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in the Omaheke region. According to a statement published by the WHO, the donation was made under the Japan-funded project titled "Increasing Access to Quality Nutrition and Protection Services for Vulnerable Populations," which focuses on enhancing access to vital health interventions, particularly for women and children. Dr. Temptation Chigova, WHO’s Maternal and Child Health Officer, delivered remarks on behalf of WHO Namibia's representative, Dr. Richard Banda, expressing gratitude to the Government of…

12 Aug

Windhoek mayor defends prepaid electricity meters blocking

National NewsWindhoek Mayor

Stefanus Nashama The mayor of the City of Windhoek has defended the blocking of prepaid electricity meters due to outstanding debts while adding that such actions do not violate any laws. Queen Kamati said this at a media briefing last week. “The city will continue to use prepaid meter blocking as a complementary measure alongside other debt collection methods,” she explained. According to Kamati, the approach ensures the financial sustainability of the city's services as it encourages timely payments from residents. Kamati said the accumulation of unpaid bills led to a financial shortfall for the municipality. She said, this affects…

12 Aug

NamPol clarifies stance on seven-seater taxis

National NewsBus operators, Traffic Law Enforcement Officers

Niël Terblanché The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has addressed rising concerns and allegations that Traffic Law Enforcement Officers are discriminating against operators of seven-seater vehicles. In a statement issued on Monday, Shikongo denied any such actions, clarifying that the Namibian Police have not authorized any discriminatory practices in enforcing the Road Traffic and Transportation Act 22 of 1999 (as amended) or the Road Transportation Act, Act 74 of 1977. Shikongo reiterated that seven-seater vehicles with valid public transportation permits are permitted to operate as specified by their permits. “Vehicles operating without public transportation permits…

12 Aug

Erongo governor calls for accountable and transparent governance

National NewsFinancial Institutions and Markets Act, Neville Andre

Niël Terblanché Neville Andre, the governor of the Erongo region, stressed the vital importance of effective public administration in shaping the future of Namibia, while officially opening a five-day workshop in Swakopmund aimed at enhancing public service delivery. The workshop, hosted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration, is centred around the theme, “Maximizing the Potentials of Public Administration, Public Service Management, and Public Service Delivery in Namibia.” Andre stressed that a well-functioning public administration is essential for the efficient and transparent operation of any government, including Namibia's. "An efficient, responsive, transparent, and accountable public administration is…

12 Aug

Namibia calls for international justice after barbaric attack on school in Gaza

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia has condemned the recent Israeli airstrike on civilians sheltered at Al-Tabin School in Gaza, which has been home to displaced Palestinians. In a statement released on Sunday, Ambassador Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, described the attack as a "barbaric act" and called on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect Palestinian civilians. Naanda, on behalf of the government, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of more than 100 lives during the attack, which targeted Palestinians who were performing Fajr (dawn) prayers at the school…

12 Aug

Namibia media fraternity mourns radio legend

National News

Martin Endjala The media fraternity bid farewell to Deon van Rensburg, a radio presenter who died last week. Van Rensburg was a radio presenter with more than 25 years of experience, having graced the airwaves of various stations across Namibia. He was an employee of Future Media. “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved friend and colleague, Deon van Rensburg, who passed away this morning,” read the statement by Future Media. Future Media, in their statement, expressed the deep void left by van Rensburg’s passing. “He was a household name, and…

12 Aug

Namibia to host Summit of the Future to shape global cooperation

National Newsglobal transformation, Olaf Scholz, Peya Mushelenga, Summit of the Future

Niël Terblanché The upcoming Summit of the Future which aims to stimulate global transformation and create a conducive environment for the prosperity of all peoples and nations, will be hosted in Windhoek from 23 September. The summit which will be co-facilitated by Namibia's President, Dr Nangolo Mbumba, and Germany's Chancellor, Olaf Scholz seeks to accelerate the achievement of the UN Agenda 2030 and to build collective efforts to address emerging global risks and challenges. During the announcement in Windhoek on Thursday, Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga, reiterated the importance of the summit, which was first…

11 Aug

Farmers collaborate with government to navigate drought

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), in collaboration with three other farmers’ unions, has been working tirelessly since January to address the devastating impact of the ongoing drought. According to the NAU, the country has experienced persistent drought conditions for the past eleven years, with the years 2013, 2016, 2019, and now 2024 declared national emergencies. “As the most arid country south of the Sahara, Namibian farmers are accustomed to drought, but the current situation is particularly severe,” the union said in a statement. The union noted that prolonged dry spells have strained the agricultural sector, with stagnant weaner…