National News

Kawana invites everyone to celebrate Independence Day

Kawana invites everyone to celebrate Independence Day

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Dr Albert Kawana, has invited all Namibians to partake in the 34th Independence Day celebrations, while also emphasizing the significance of the occasion. Addressing the public and community policing forums in Katima Mulilo recently, Kawana stressed the importance of the event, encouraging every person but especially, the residents of the Zambezi Region to attend in large numbers and to be witness to the special day. Kawana highlighted the country's remarkable journey over the past 34 years, noting the achievements and advancements made in various sectors. He pointed out the…
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Capricorn Foundation pledges N$1m towards rural economic revival

Capricorn Foundation pledges N$1m towards rural economic revival

Martin Endjala The Capricorn Foundation has availed N$1 million towards the Wolwedans Foundation's flagship initiative, RuralRevive: Building a Desert-based Economy, demonstrating its dedication to economic advancement, sustainable development and the empowerment of the Maltahöhe community. The pledge follows the unique partnership officially launched in Maltahöhe, in the Hardap Region last week between the Capricorn Foundation and the Wolwedans Foundation. The contribution will go towards the establishment and enhancement of six work packages, including Horticulture Capacity Building (Skills Transfer), which includes setting up five small holding farmers for organic vegetable production and establishing a fresh produce distribution hub called the Barn…
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Nampol educates communities about dangerous explosives

Nampol educates communities about dangerous explosives

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police has launched a comprehensive community outreach program aimed at educating the public about the dangers associated with explosive ordnance after a devastating tragedy that struck a family in the Zambezi Region. The Nampol initiative stresses a pressing need for heightened awareness following the fatal event earlier this year, where an explosion claimed the lives of three young children. The tragedy unfolded towards the end of January this year when a hand grenade detonated at the homestead of 34-year-old Kashako Mulatehi. The family, involved in the collection of scrap metal, inadvertently brought home a lethal danger.…
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NDF warns public about increased military activities

NDF warns public about increased military activities

Niël Terblanché In the lead-up to Independence Day, the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) is meticulously preparing for a parade that is expected to be a centrepiece of the celebrations. The streets around Katima Mulilo Stadium have become rehearsal grounds, with members of the military gathering since Sunday to perfect their routines. The public has been advised to anticipate unusual movements, as soldiers and armoured vehicles will be more visible in the area from the 17th to the 22nd of March. According to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, these activities are part of the routine preparations for the Independence…
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ECN stresses non-partisan conduct for Elections 2024

ECN stresses non-partisan conduct for Elections 2024

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Ahead of Namibia’s 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in November, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has emphasised non-partisan conduct and transparency among Regional and Constituency Heads during the training session of Supervisors of Registration this week. With a stance against negligence, the Commission stressed the vital role of Supervisors of Registration during the electoral process. “As you may be aware, the Commission has employed Regional Electoral Officers in all 14 regions of the country permanently, replacing the temporary Regional Coordinators and Assistant Regional Coordinators. The Supervisors of Registration will work with and report directly to Regional…
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Cybersecurity behind SIM card registration

Cybersecurity behind SIM card registration

Niël Terblanché In order to strengthen national security and enhance digital innovation, the Namibian government has reinforced its commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring a secure digital environment for its citizens. This commitment was articulated in a comprehensive ministerial statement delivered by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus to the National Assembly. Theofelus addressed critical topics of SIM card registration and cybersecurity measures. According to the Theofelus, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology mandated the registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards as a strategic measure to deter mobile fraud, and identity theft, and facilitate lawful…
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Venaani engages unemployed fishermen

Venaani engages unemployed fishermen

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), last week, met with the retrenched fishermen who live in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. His journey was to inform the fishermen of the progress of his queries to both the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and President Nangolo Mbumba, during the State of the Nation Address. During the State of the National Address, last week, Venaani questioned the efficiency of the Government Redress Employment Program. Speaking to the fishermen, the leader of the official opposition called on all fishermen to be sent back to the sea, as per their…
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Alweendo’s decision to cancel Fuel Retail License ruled unlawful by court

Alweendo’s decision to cancel Fuel Retail License ruled unlawful by court

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a landmark judgment delivered by High Court Judge Eileen Rakow, the decision by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, to cancel a fuel retail license has been declared unlawful and contrary to the provisions of Article 18 of the Namibian Constitution. The ruling, following a review application brought by Gochas Lewende Hawe Agente CC against the Minister of Mines and Energy, highlights the limitations of Alweendo’s authority and the legal grounds upon which the fuel retail license was revoked. The license was revoked on 15 March 2022. Judge Rakow said the powers of the Minister…
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Crumbling infrastructure endangers detainees

Crumbling infrastructure endangers detainees

Niël Terblanché A recent fact-finding mission by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs to Walvis Bay has shed light on the grim reality faced by trial awaiting prisoners in the Namibian Police holding cells. The committee's visit, aimed at assessing infrastructure and conditions within the justice system, has uncovered a situation that calls for urgent governmental intervention. During their visit, the committee discovered that detainees, including mentally ill individuals and juveniles, are subjected to appalling conditions. Overcrowding has become a significant issue, with some detainees forced to sleep on the floor without mattresses. The revelation that juveniles…
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Fishing rights owned by 90 percent of Namibians

Fishing rights owned by 90 percent of Namibians

Martin Endjala President Nangolo Mbumba, during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), revealed that to date, 90 percent of fishing rights are owned by Namibians and that the sector employs an estimated 18,000 Namibians. He said the promotion of Namibianisation in the fisheries sector is progressing well. Additionally, the government has successfully implemented the employment redressing programme which employs 2,367 people. Mbumba emphasised that the move is a sustainable job opportunity initiative, addressing the challenges of joblessness experienced by former fishermen since 2015. With regard to job creation to secure livelihoods, the government facilitated the placement of 1,350 job…
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