National News – Page 272

07 Mar

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

info_e12wt4csNational NewsDBN’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…

07 Mar

PDM replaces UPM members in Parliament amidst alliance dissolution

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPDM 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…

07 Mar

Hengari urges govt to consider funding bill for constituency development

info_e12wt4csNational Newshas proposed for the government to thoroughly consider the bill concerning funding for regional and constituency development., Inna Hengari, Popular Democratic Movement Parliamentarian

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…

07 Mar

NCRST appoints National Space Science Council members

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNCRST 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…

07 Mar

Khomas Regional Council challenged by urbanisation

info_e12wt4csNational News

At the recent belated commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2023, the Chairperson of the Khomas Regional Council, Shaalukeni John Moonde, highlighted the pressing challenge of urbanisation affecting the council’s ability to respond to disasters effectively. “The rapid influx of rural to urban migration not only hampers our ability to implement development programmes, but also affects our service delivery, such as access to clean water, sanitation, and emergency services,” he said. The councillor stressed that the vulnerable residents in informal settlements are most impacted by the lack of access to emergency services during disasters. In addition,…

06 Mar

NAMFISA awarded best Corporate Governance institution in Namibia

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNAMFISA awarded best Corporate Governance institution in Namibia

Martin Endjala Namibia Financial Institution Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) has announced that it has been honoured with the prestigious Diamond Arrow Award by PMR. Africa where it is recognised as the top performer in two significant categories. The company was awarded the best annual report in the country for demonstrating exceptional managerial and corporate governance qualities in Namibia. The recognition is said to highlight the Authority’s commitment to transparency, ethical business practices, stakeholder engagement and operational excellence. NAMFISA’s Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Matomola, expressed gratitude to dedicated staff and key stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to NAMFISA. He emphasised the importance…

06 Mar

Smallholder farmers in drought-stricken areas receive assistance

info_e12wt4csNational Newsfollowing support from the government through funds sourced from the Green Climate Fund (GCF)in collaboration with the Environmental Investment Fund under the simplified approval process., Smallholder farmers living in regions under threatening climate conditions have received a boost

Martin Endjala Smallholder farmers living in regions under threatening climate conditions have received a boost, following support from the government through funds sourced from the Green Climate Fund (GCF)in collaboration with the Environmental Investment Fund under the simplified approval process. During the occasion of the handing over of 750 goats, and 300 energy-efficient stoves in the Kunene Region last week, Governor Marius Sheya said the government is vested with the responsibility of ensuring that there is a consistent balance between environmental protection and food production despite the challenges it faces. He said the government aims to enhance food and nutrition…

06 Mar

Uranium miner welcomes independent assessment of mining method

info_e12wt4csNational News

Niël Terblanché Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russian-owned Rosatom Uranium One, has declared its openness to constructive dialogue and its efforts to engage with all stakeholders. The company also acknowledged the need for a comprehensive independent assessment of facilities, processes, and technologies when implementing geological exploration projects in Namibia. These measures also include facilitating educational visits to In Situ Leaching (ISL) mining operations abroad to demonstrate their environmentally friendly practices. Earlier this week the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, took a firm stand against uranium exploration activities by Headspring Investments. Schlettwein’s stance is set against…

06 Mar

Fuel prices in Namibia hold steady despite global uncertainties

info_e12wt4csNational NewsFuel prices in Namibia hold steady despite global uncertainties

Niël Terblanché In the face of ongoing global market fluctuations, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) of Namibia declared that fuel prices for both petrol and diesel will remain unchanged in March In a statement, the ministry said that despite experiencing a substantial under-recovery, calculated at 153 cents per litre for petrol and 114 cents and 106 cents per litre for 50ppm diesel and 10ppm diesel respectively, it opted to absorb these costs through the National Energy Fund (NEF). To manage the under-recoveries without adjusting pump prices, the Ministry has raised the National Energy Fund levy by 50 cents…

06 Mar

High Court grants ACC investigator leave to occupy top position after Prime Minister’s objection

info_e12wt4csNational NewsHigh Court grants ACC investigator leave to occupy top position after Prime Minister’s objection

Hertta-Maria Amutenja High Court Judge Eileen Rakow, has granted Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigator Phelem Maseka Masule leave to execute a judgment delivered on 25 April 2023. This allows Masule to take up the position of Chief of Investigation and Prosecution with the ACC while awaiting an appeal by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and the ACC. The case revolves around the vacancy for the Chief: Investigations and Prosecutions Grade 3 position at the ACC, advertised in local newspapers in November 2019. The dispute arose when the initial recommendation of the interview panel, favouring Masule as the second-highest scorer, was overridden by…