National News – Page 311

18 Jan

Mechanic accused of using GRN vehicle for personal use

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Health and Social Services is currently investigating allegations against a mechanic employed at Rundu Intermediate Hospital who is accused of using a government vehicle to purchase spare parts that were subsequently used to service and repair his private car. Walter Kamaya, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, confirmed these allegations yesterday. Kamaya stated that the Ministry became aware of this issue through an anonymous letter and has since established a team to conduct a thorough investigation. “The Ministry has assembled a team to investigate the case,” he said, adding that the…

17 Jan

Road infrastructure in Katima Mulilo severely affected by floods

info_e12wt4csNational NewsRaphael Liswaniso, Road infrastructure in Katima Mulilo severely affected by floods

Niël Terblanché The first significant rains of the 2024 season have brought both relief and hardship to the residents of Katima Mulilo, Namibia, as streets and residential areas have been inundated with floodwaters, particularly along Hage Geingob Drive. This flooding situation has been exacerbated by the town’s lack of adequate drainage systems, posing significant challenges to its residents. The rains began last week and were still falling by yesterday. As the rain becomes heavy, the ground becomes saturated, causing extensive flooding in low-lying areas where drainage is insufficient. Raphael Liswaniso, the Chief Executive Officer of the Katima Mulilo Town Council,…

17 Jan

TUN supports peaceful resolution of education challenges

info_e12wt4csNational NewsMahongora Kavihuha, TUN supports peaceful resolution of education challenges

Niël Terblanché The Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN) has thrown its support behind the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture’s efforts to encourage teachers and principals to resolve challenges within the education sector amicably. The TUN’s Secretary General, Mahongora Kavihuha, expressed his agreement with the Ministry’s Executive Director, Sanet Steenkamp, who emphasized the detrimental impact of divisions in schools on the overall effectiveness of educational institutions. Kavihuha cited a troubling example of a school in the northern region, where approximately 70 percent of teachers, including the principal, have faced charges of misconduct. “Regrettably, the issue remains unresolved, underscoring the urgency…

17 Jan

CoW addresses Groot Aub water shortage

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCoW addresses Groot Aub water shortage

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek (CoW), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, has recently announced the successful completion of a 200-meter-deep borehole drilled at Groot Aub to address the ongoing water shortage in the area. Harold Akwenye, the Communication Manager for CoW, stated that seven additional boreholes will soon be drilled at identified locations in the city. He also welcomed the community’s enthusiasm for the new borehole and the prospect of additional boreholes in the future. Akwenye explained that the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) has allocated a budget of N$6.8476 million…

17 Jan

Justice in Namibia takes another step towards inclusivity

info_e12wt4csNational NewsJustice in Namibia takes another step towards inclusivity, Petrus Damaseb

Niël Terblanché In a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusivity within Namibia’s judicial system, Deputy Chief Justice Petrus Damaseb presided over the swearing-in of two distinguished women in the legal profession. Advocate Beatrix de Jager and Lady Justice Philanda Christiaan were both sworn in as Judges of the Namibian High Court, marking a momentous occasion for the country’s judiciary. Namibia has been steadfast in its commitment to dismantling barriers and fostering a judiciary that reflects the diversity and strength of its population. The simultaneous swearing-in of the new judges serves as a tangible demonstration of this commitment. Advocate Beatrix…

17 Jan

Chinese shop agrees to raise employees’ salaries

info_e12wt4csNational NewsChinese shop agrees to raise employees’ salaries

Stefanus Nashama A Chinese-owned shop in Windhoek’s China Town shopping area, which initially reduced the salaries of its employees for joining a certain labour union, has now agreed to increase their salaries following successful negotiations facilitated by social activist Michael Amushelelo. The situation unfolded when workers registered themselves with a union, and upon registration, the union informed the employer about the workers’ decision. However, the business owner did not react favourably to this development and decided to cut the workers’ salaries as a punitive measure for joining a union. According to Amushelelo, three employees at the shop disclosed that one…

16 Jan

Water supply at risk as NamWater faces challenges in repairing critical pumps

info_e12wt4csNational NewsWater supply at risk as NamWater faces challenges in repairing critical pumps

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s vital water supply infrastructure faces a severe setback as NamWater struggles to find vendors for the repair of two critically important pumps. The pumps, responsible for feeding water from the old Berg Aukas Mine into the water canal, also known as the Eastern National Water Carrier, have been out of commission for over a week, leaving farmers along the canal in a desperate situation. The Berg Aukas Mine plays a pivotal role in supplying groundwater to the canal, which, in turn, is essential for delivering water to central regions of Namibia, including the City of Windhoek. With…

16 Jan

More than 100,000 Grade 1 learners embark on their first day of school

info_e12wt4csNational News000 Grade 1 learners embark on their first day of school, More than 100

Niël Terblanché The 2024 school year has begun, and with the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts, and Culture’s guidance, it promises to be a year of transformation and positive development for all involved. Yesterday marked a monumental day for education as more than 100,000 Grade 1 learners, along with 50,000 preprimary students, excitedly embarked on their first day of school countrywide. Sanet Steenkamp, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts, and Culture, extended a warm welcome to the eager learners and dedicated teachers, urging them to make the initiation of so many young minds into the world…

16 Jan

Sheehama urges GRN to prioritise funding for needy students

info_e12wt4csNational NewsJosef Sheehama, Sheehama urges GRN to prioritise funding for needy students

Martin Endjala As the 2024 academic year begins, many students are actively seeking funding for tertiary education through various institutions, with the most common being the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF). Josef Sheehama, an Independent Bank Researcher and Economist, believes that funding should be directed towards those who need it the most. Sheehama stated that the government must make strategic funding decisions to ensure that financial resources are allocated to those students who are in serious need, rather than those who are already financially stable. He also reiterated the limited availability of resources and the necessity of allocating them…

16 Jan

Presidential hopeful Angula pays tribute to the late Emvula’s legacy

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPresidential hopeful Angula pays tribute to the late Emvula’s legacy

Stefanus Nashama Ally Angula, the Independent Candidate and Presidential Hopeful for the November 2024 elections has spoken fondly of the late Obed Tulinane Emvula, describing him as a dignified man who devoted his entire life to the cause of freedom and played a significant role in shaping the future of Namibia. “What a gentleman! We salute you, dear departed great man who only feared the Lord. You have influenced so many of us,” Angula said. Her sentiments echo those of various prominent figures in the country, including Founding President Sam Nujoma, Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, and President Hage Geingob, all…