National News

The fugitive Nico Rabebe was apprehended

The fugitive Nico Rabebe was apprehended

Niël Terblanché The nationwide manhunt for 30-year-old Nico Rabebe, a former Bank Windhoek employee accused of an audacious N$200 million theft, concluded with his arrest in Opuwo yesterday. Rabebe’s run from the law ended quietly at his girlfriend’s residence, where, in a surprising twist, he elected to turn himself in to investigators of the Namibian Police. Kunene Police Regional Commander, Commissioner James Nderura, confirmed the arrest took place early yesterday morning at about 07:00. The fugitive instructed his girlfriend to inform the police of his desire to surrender. This unexpected move brought an end to a saga that captivated the…
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CoW approves new township development

CoW approves new township development

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek Municipal Council has last week approved the establishment of a new township on Portion 317 of Rocky Crest The new township development will be known as Rocky Crest Extension 8. The Mayor of Windhoek, Queen Kamati said, the move is aimed at addressing the escalating demand for urban housing and related amenities in the city. The proposed extension measures about 25 hectares and consists of 227 erven. It is situated to the south of the existing Rocky Crest township, along the eastern boundary of Otjomuise Road, and the northwestern boundary of Bernt Carlson Road.…
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Tsumkwe community calls for educational expansion

Tsumkwe community calls for educational expansion

Niël Terblanché In the remote settlement of Tsumkwe, a growing plea for educational reform and expansion echoes through its communities. Residents are calling for the establishment of a technical and vocational training centre, alongside the construction of more schools to accommodate the burgeoning youth population. These requests, initially presented to the Ministry of Higher Education, Innovation, and Technology two years ago, seem to have yet to prompt the desired action, leaving the community in a state of desperation. The community’s determination is evident in the proactive steps taken by the local community development committee, which has already earmarked land for…
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Namibia and Angola enhance trade payment mechanism

Namibia and Angola enhance trade payment mechanism

Martin Endjala Namibia and Angola on Wednesday announced progress in the issuance and use of innovative payment mechanisms between the two countries to respond to the need for smoother trade and transactions. This is an outcome of a renewed push by the two central banks to enhance the movement of goods and services between the two countries which was inspired by excellent government-to-government relations. The Governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Johannes !Gawaxab, said the payment systems include a variety of platforms and services that enable businesses, individuals, government and other economic agents to conduct daily financial transactions without…
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MVA Fund takes road safety initiative to the Kunene Region

MVA Fund takes road safety initiative to the Kunene Region

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) has embarked on a week-long initiative which is aimed at increasing road safety awareness in the region, educating the public about the Fund’s mandate, benefits, and the Fund’s claims process. The outreach programme will take place in the Kunene Region and is set to run from 6 to 12 March where it will demonstrate the fund's commitment to continue to deliver services directly to residents in communities. MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku said that the Kunene region has been identified as an area that is generating a significant number of…
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Capricorn Group creates stakeholder value worth N$2.42 billion

Capricorn Group creates stakeholder value worth N$2.42 billion

Martin Endjala In its interim financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2023, the Capricorn Group said in their report that it created a value of N$2.42 billion for all its stakeholders. The Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Thinus Prinsloo said the Group's positive financial performance enabled the bank to create value for all stakeholders, contributing to the socio-economic development of Namibia and Botswana and positively impacting many lives including employees, suppliers, shareholders, communities and government. The value is spread across its shareholders mainly, its employees at an amount of N$563 million, the government through taxes N$574 million, ordinary…
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DBN’s lack of presence in all regions hampers SME growth – Masua

DBN’s lack of presence in all regions hampers SME growth – Masua

Martin Endjala Swapo Member of Parliament, Patience Masua says that the current situation where the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) do not have visibility in all the regions across the country, presents a significant challenge of inequity as the DBN’s presence is not uniformly established across all regions of Namibia. “Our young people from the regions are excluded. Young people from Omaheke (Epukiro, Vergenoeg, etc.), young people from Kharas, Zambezi, and all other regions are excluded. This geographical discrepancy excludes a critical sector of our society, particularly the rural and peri-urban youth, from availing themselves of the financial support and…
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PDM replaces UPM members in Parliament amidst alliance dissolution

PDM replaces UPM members in Parliament amidst alliance dissolution

Stefanus Nashama Yesterday, Chief Justice Peter Shivute administered the oath of office to two new Members of Parliament from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Loide Iipinge and Katrina Benz. They are stepping in for Jan van Wyk and Frans Bertolini, previously of the United People’s Movement (UPM). This transition occurred following the Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi’s declaration of vacancies on behalf of PDM’s request. This was the result of the UPM departing from their alliance with the PDM to support Ally Angula’s independent presidential candidacy. The vacancies emerged when PDM’s Secretary-General, Manuel Ngaringombe, petitioned for the dismissal…
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Hengari urges govt to consider funding bill for constituency development

Hengari urges govt to consider funding bill for constituency development

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement Parliamentarian, Inna Hengari, has proposed for the government to thoroughly consider the bill concerning funding for regional and constituency development. The proposal is also directed to Erastus Uutoni, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Hengari stressed the need to rectify the oversight regarding regional and constituency councillors, who are democratically elected by their constituents. “Regional and constituency councillors deserve a more significant role in the allocation of funds dedicated to development projects within their respective constituencies,” she said. Last month, Minister Uutoni introduced the regional and constituency development fund…
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NCRST appoints National Space Science Council members

NCRST appoints National Space Science Council members

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a giant stride towards scientific and technological advancement, the National Commission on Research, Science, and Technology (NCRST) has established the National Space Science Council. Inaugurated this month, the council is poised to influence Namibia’s space science and technology landscape in the coming three years. Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Itah Kandjii-Murangi, underscored the council’s vital role, stating, “The National Space Science Council will serve as a catalyst for transformative change, driving progress and shaping the future of our nation and beyond.” The members are Colonel Peter Ndemuweda, who has been selected for his skills and…
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