National News – Page 272 – Windhoek Observer

09 Jun

High electricity tariffs detrimental to business and households

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) has raised concerns regarding electricity tariff increases, which it says are detrimental to businesses and households alike. NALOBA vice president Peter Amadhila, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer last week, said that electricity has become unaffordable in Namibia, affecting every economic activity for strategic growth. “Electricity is no longer affordable in Namibia, both for domestic and international businesses, and it is a key component of every economic activity for strategic growth. The main cause has been attributed to the failure to implement previously initiated capital projects such as the development of…

09 Jun

Disruptive Namib Mills employees dismissed

National News

Stefanus Nashama Namib Mills eventually dismissed more than 26 employees for unlawfully blocking the entrance to the company’s premises and threatening to shut down its operations in March. Social activist Michael Amushelelo, who led the efforts, confirmed this on Thursday. Despite their dismissal, Amushelelo insisted that he was not responsible for the workers' job losses. He accused institutions such as the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, and the Labour Commission of failing to protect workers' interests. “The suspended employees were all eventually dismissed. My actions are not the reason why workers lose their jobs; employees lose their…

07 Jun

Namibia steps closer to greater transparency

National NewsNamibia Open Budget Survey 2023 Report

Niël Terblanché Namibia's commitment to fostering an open and transparent budgeting system has yielded positive outcomes, according to the recently launched Namibia Open Budget Survey 2023 Report. The survey, part of the International Budget Partnership’s (IBP) global initiative, evaluates the accessibility, comprehensiveness, and timeliness of budget information across 120 countries. The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, stressed the significance of budget transparency in enhancing democratic processes and promoting economic stability during the report's launch. "A growing body of evidence shows that countries with more open budgeting systems have stronger democracies, greater equity, and better development outcomes," Shiimi…

07 Jun

New Namibian Veterinary Council commits to high standards

National NewsMinistry of Agriculture, water and land reform

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform announced the appointment of new members to the Veterinary Council of Namibia. The inauguration ceremony, held in Windhoek on Friday, was presided over by Deputy Minister Anna Shiweda, who highlighted the crucial role the Council plays in regulating veterinary standards across the country. Shiweda pointed out that the Namibian Veterinary Council is a statutory body mandated to oversee and regulate the standards of both veterinary and para-veterinary professions in Namibia. “It is my privilege to preside over the inauguration of the fourth Namibian Veterinary Council appointed since the promulgation of…

06 Jun

Olavi Hamwele takes reigns of NTB board

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has announced the voluntary resignation of Janette Fourie, the Chairperson of its Board of Directors, with immediate effect. Fourie, who served as a board member from 2020 to 2023 as an ordinary director, was appointed chairperson for the term 2023 to 2026. During her tenure, Fourie provided valuable leadership and guidance to the NTB. The board expressed its gratitude for her dedication and commitment to promoting tourism in Namibia. "Her contributions have been greatly appreciated," stated the NTB in their announcement to stakeholders. In accordance with Section 4(5) of the NTB Act, Act…

06 Jun

VP calls for improved agricultural production in Erongo

National News

Niël Terblanché Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the importance of developing local production and processing centres as a means to empower Namibia's economy. In a recent visit to Omaruru, she addressed a gathering of farmers in the Erongo Region. Nandi-Ndaitwah's visit included engagements with farmers to discuss the various challenges they face, such as theft, vandalism, and the persistent severe drought conditions. These issues have had a profound impact on food security and the overall well-being of the region's communities. The Vice-President also took part in several important activities during her visit. She handed over bags of cement and gardening tools…

06 Jun

Trackmen trained to combat railway crime

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s national transport company, TransNamib, has announced the successful qualification of 11 general workers as trackmen, following a year of intensive study and practical training. According to TransNamib Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Desmond van Jaarsveld, this will enhance the company's workforce, especially in the face of ongoing challenges related to railway component theft and vandalism. He highlighted the role these newly qualified trackmen will play in maintaining the safety and functionality of Namibia's railway lines. "While we continue to face challenges with the theft of railway line components, which directly impacts our ability to transport cargo and passengers…

06 Jun

Mariental water smells earthy

National News

Martin Endjala Last month, low levels of the Hardap dam caused Mariental water to smell like mud. On Thursday, Mariental Chief Executive Officer Paul Nghiwilepo told the Windhoek Observer that the town's water contained geosmin due to the dam's low levels. “The water is fine now. Due to the low levels of the dam, the water becomes muddy, hence the presence of geosmin. We will continue to monitor the situation because it could happen again,” he said. Namwater discovered the problem last month and has since begun additional laboratory tests to monitor the situation. Tests confirmed a higher-than-normal concentration of…

06 Jun

Procurement of ballot printing paper set for August

National News

Martin Endjala The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is set to procure materials such as printing, design, and delivery of ballot papers from 1 August to 2 November. This is according to the ECN's key electoral activities document, which was seen by the Windhoek Observer. Authorised political parties and candidate representatives will conduct verifications and sign-offs of sample ballot papers from 21 October to 22 October. The dispatch of sensitive and non-sensitive materials locally is set for 20 October to 20 November. According to ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka, the tender procurement process has yet to commence. Political analyst Henning…

06 Jun

NEF decries implementation of National Minimum Wage

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Employers Federation (NEF) have expressed substantial concerns regarding the recently announced National Minimum Wage (NMW) of N$18 per hour, set to be implemented from 1 January 2025. The move has been criticised as premature and unilateral, with calls for a more consultative approach. Elia Shikongo, the president of the NEF, expressed disappointment over the introduction of the NMW, calling it a hasty decision by the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Uutoni Nujoma. Shikongo argued that the wage order should be reversed and stressed the need for further deliberations. He pointed out that the…