National News – Page 307

10 Oct

Namibia calls for cease fire in escalating Gaza conflict

info_e12wt4csNational Newsf violence between Israel and Palestine, Namibia calls for cease fire in escalating Gaza conflict

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Government has vehemently condemned the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, lamenting the tragic loss of lives on both sides while calling for a de-escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The conflict, which saw the largest attack by the Palestinian armed group Hamas against Israel in decades, has so far resulted in over 800 Israeli and around 500 Palestinian casualties amid intense fighting and bombardments. This comes as Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, announced on Monday an impending total blockade on the Gaza Strip, which will include cutting electricity and blocking essential supplies.…

10 Oct

Namibia will have to deal with rising temperatures

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia, renowned as the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, is contending with a worrisome trend of rising temperatures. Carl Schlettwein, the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, underscored this disturbing pattern. Scientific evidence indicates that surface temperatures have risen by 1.2 degrees Celsius over the past century. Moreover, the occurrence of extreme temperatures has spiked by 10 percent in the past four decades. At the National Workshop on Water Security and Climate Change in Windhoek, Deputy Executive Director Elijah Ngurare communicated Minister Schlettwein’s apprehensions. “Climate change is leading to increasing temperatures and variable rainfall across Africa. This…

10 Oct

Venaani advocates for peaceful resolution to Israel – Palestine conflict

info_e12wt4csNational NewsVenaani advocates for peaceful resolution to Israel - Palestine conflict

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and Vice-Chairman of the International Democrat Union, has voiced his concerns over the escalating war by Israel against Hamas, urging an immediate peaceful resolution to the situation. Speaking on the issue, Venaani expressed deep concern about the escalating violence in the region. His remarks follow an assault by Hamas, the Palestinian group governing the blockaded Gaza Strip, on Israeli towns last Saturday. This assault resulted in the capture of hundreds of hostages and reported deaths of approximately 1,100 people. Israel’s counteraction was to declare a state of war,…

10 Oct

New Era editor suspension a blatant interference with press freedom: Nampu

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNew Era editor suspension a blatant interference with press freedom: Nampu

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Media Professional’s Union (Nampu) has said that the suspension of the New Era Newspaper’s Managing Editor, Johnathan Beukes represents a blatant interference with press freedom, journalistic work, and his fundamental right as a Namibian to express himself, as protected by the Namibian Constitution. In a petition read by the union Acting General Secretary Jemima Beukes during a demonstration yesterday at New Era head office in the capital, where various media practitioners from various media houses gathered. The union demanded for the immediate reinstatement of Beukes. Stating that the suspension not only violates the Managing Editor’s rights but…

10 Oct

Youth urged to harness innovation

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Stefanus Nashama Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has urged Namibian youth to utilize the 7th National ICT Summit as a platform to showcase their innovations. The Ministry stated that the Summit’s primary goal is to provide a platform for the ICT industry to discuss prevailing trends and challenges both locally and globally. During the Summit’s official inauguration in Windhoek yesterday, the minister highlighted the significance of youth involvement. He also stressed the importance of harnessing the Summit to foster change, drive innovation, and progress in technological adoption. “Let’s unite in our dedication to secure our…

10 Oct

SADC Anti-Corruption Agencies set to meet in Swakopmund

info_e12wt4csNational NewsThe Southern African Development Community (SADC) will host a crucial meeting for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) in Swakopmund from 11 to 13 October 2023.

Niël Terblanché The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will host a crucial meeting for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) in Swakopmund from 11 to 13 October 2023. According to a statement by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission, Josefina Nghituwamata, the core objective of the workshop is to fortify the execution of the SADC Strategic Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2023-2027). A key feature will be enhancing coordination efforts between the SADC Secretariat, Member States, and their respective ACAs. This workshop aims to elevate awareness among ACA leaders regarding the SADC Protocol against Corruption, facilitating discussions on emerging…

09 Oct

Poachers sentenced to 15 years

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPoachers sentenced to 15 years

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek Magistrate Court has handed down prison sentences of up to 15 years to four individuals involved in a heinous rhino poaching case. The culprits were found guilty for their involvement in a poaching incident dating back to December 2016, where four white rhinos were ruthlessly killed on a private farm in the Gobabis District. On 22 December 2016, the suspects allegedly, without a hunting permit, killed four white rhinos – two bulls and two pregnant cows – each valued at N$1.25 million, with a total value of N$5 million. The late Uakaerera Kandji, a former Brave…

09 Oct

New Metrology Act to iron out loopholes in the trade sector

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNew Metrology Act to iron out loopholes in the trade sector

Martin Endjala Industrialisation and Trade Minister, Lucia Iipimbu, says that the new Metrology ACT No.5 of 2022 will iron out loopholes within the trade sector and help shape the domestic market to greater heights with credible measurement systems. She said that the Act is a game changer in the sense that it will protect the country’s domestic market trade from fraudulent practices and will enforce the necessary measures that will ensure that Namibia Standards Institution’s (NSI) standards are fully adhered to. The Minister said this during the launch of the awareness campaign for the new metrology Act, last week Friday…

09 Oct

NUDO expresses discontent over the state of housing

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNUDO expresses discontent over the state of housing

Stefanus Nashama The National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) Secretary-General, Josef Kauandenge, has voiced the party’s dismay over the increasing reliance on shacks as homes in Namibia while the country’s leaders amass wealth. Kauandenge labelled this trend a betrayal by those in power, who he accused of prioritizing their interests over those of the Namibian people. “Instead of working for the best interests of the people, those in power seem to be looting and pilfering,” he remarked. His comments came during NUDO’s belated 59th-anniversary celebration, held as a public meeting at the Havana informal settlement in Windhoek over the weekend. Considering…

09 Oct

Karasburg trio released on bail

info_e12wt4csNational NewsKarasburg trio released on bail

Martin Endjala The Karasburg Magistrate Court released three members of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) on bail, set at N$1000 each, on Saturday. The trio had been arrested on 2 October 2023 by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on charges of alleged corruption. Magistrate Samingo Kasaona set bail for Karasburg Town Council Mayor Maria Veldskoen, town council management member Fransiskus Skeyer, and Acting Chief Executive Officer Hansina Isaacks. The bail conditions stipulate that they must not interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations. Although the trio applied for bail on 3 October 2023, it was denied, and the case was postponed to…