National News – Page 311 – Windhoek Observer

21 Feb

Uumati challenges suspension amidst allegations of discrimination

National NewsUumati challenges suspension amidst allegations of discrimination

Niël Terblanché Dr Martha Uumati, the suspended Managing Director of Erongo Marine Enterprises (EME), has initiated legal action against the Oceana Group, accusing the company of unlawful suspension and discrimination The dramatic twist in the dispute, which has sparked widespread attention, centres around allegations of racism, gender discrimination, and procedural irregularities in Uumati’s suspension process. Uumati found herself in the middle of a storm following her suspension last week. According to Advocate Richard Metcalfe, Uumati’s legal representative, the suspension came without a formal board resolution from Oceana’s local subsidiary and disregarded Namibian company legislation. Metcalfe further accuses Oceana’s CEO, Neville…

21 Feb

NSA concludes census fieldwork

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has concluded the 2023 population and housing census fieldwork. Statistician-General, Alex Shimuafeni, made an official announcement yesterday. Shimuafeni said there would no longer be census officials going around to households for any census-related activities. “We extend our profound appreciation for the support and full participation of all individuals, households, structures, and institutions, for ensuring that everyone was counted,” he acknowledged. According to the report from NSA, seen by Windhoek Observer, the census fieldwork commenced with the data collection on 18 September 2023 and concluded with the post-enumeration survey (PES) reconciliation field visits on…

21 Feb

MME maintains licensing moratorium to support existing businesses

National NewsMME maintains licensing moratorium to support existing businesses

Niël Terblanché In a critical move aimed at stabilizing the fuel retail sector, Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo recently reaffirmed the government’s stance to uphold the moratorium on issuing new fuel wholesale and retail licenses. During a presentation in the National Assembly, Alweendo reiterated the government’s intention to protect the interests of existing fuel retailers amid concerns over market saturation. The moratorium, which was initially announced in the middle of last year, seeks to address the grievances of current fuel business operators. These operators have voiced their challenges following the ministry’s issuance of a significant number of retail licenses,…

21 Feb

Erongo Region Commemorates Geingob’s legacy with memorial tree planting

National NewsErongo Region Commemorates Geingob’s legacy with memorial tree planting

Niël Terblanché In a touching tribute to President Hage Geingob, the Erongo Region held a tree-planting ceremony, led by Regional Governor Neville Andre. The event took place at the site of the future Office Park of the Erongo Regional Council, marking a lasting homage to a leader whose vision and dedication have significantly shaped the nation’s trajectory. Governor Andre said that the ceremony is more than a mere ritual. He said it symbolizes the profound respect and admiration for President Geingob’s contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Erongo Region and beyond. “The selection of a tree, accompanied by…

20 Feb

PDM concerned about closure of Mashare Village Clinic

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Winnie Moongo, has strongly condemned the closure of the Mashare Village Clinic in the Kavango East region. The clinic, situated east of Rundu, has reportedly been shut down due to a severe lack of potable water, hindering healthcare professionals from carrying out their crucial duties. Moongo expressed deep concern over the potential implications for the health and well-being of community members who depend on the clinic for primary healthcare services. Stating that the Ministry of Health has abandoned its duty and commitment to providing accessible and quality health services to the surrounding…

20 Feb

Public urged to make use of mass civil registration drive

National News

Stefanus Nashama The government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has urged the members of the public across the country to utilise the mass civil registration outreach program to acquire national documents. According to Margaret Kalo, Chief Public Relations Officer in the Ministry, the registration program began on 5 February and will run until 30 July 2024. Services on offer during the outreach program include national documents such as birth registration for persons of all ages, applications for duplicate birth certificates, applications for identity documents, and applications for duplicate identity documents. The program will cover all…

20 Feb

National Standardisation strategy seeks stakeholder input

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is taking significant steps towards enhancing the quality of its infrastructure and boosting socio-economic development with the development of the National Standardisation Strategy (NSS). This initiative is set to play a crucial role in enhancing the country's socio-economic landscape, showcasing Namibia's commitment to quality, innovation, and resilience. Funding for this groundbreaking strategy comes from a coalition of support, including the NSI itself, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union Partnership Agreement (EPA). This collaboration emphasizes the international community's confidence in Namibia's potential to strengthen its economic foundations through standardisation. A key component of the…

20 Feb

Mbumba vows to uphold Geingob’s legacy amidst power transition debate

National NewsMbumba vows to uphold Geingob’s legacy amidst power transition debate

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In the aftermath of President Hage Geingob’s passing, Namibia is navigating a transition marked by a solemn commitment to preserving the legacy of the departed leader. President Nangolo Mbumba, the recently sworn-in successor of Geingob, has unequivocally pledged to uphold his term, emphasizing the need for continuity and respect. “I am going to appoint people because a vacancy has occurred. Until the term comes to an end, it will still be Geingob’s term,” affirmed Mbumba, underscoring his dedication to honouring the existing structures and maintaining the trajectory set by his predecessor. As discussions arise about potential appointments and…

20 Feb

Geingob was the people’s President – Prime Minister

National News

Martin Endjala In her heartfelt tribute to President Hage Geingob during the memorial service last week, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila described Geingob as the people’s President. “President Geingob was the people‘s President. He had the ability to draw people across different backgrounds, and this has continued to be the case in the aftermath of his death,” she said. The Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said 4 February 2024 will go down as one of the darkest days in the nation’s history. Highlighting that although Geingob had publicly disclosed his health condition, which the nation appreciated its seriousness, many still hoped that he would pull…

20 Feb

Power outage affects southern towns and farms

National NewsPower outage affects southern towns and farms

Niël Terblanché Residents of towns in southern Namibia, including Ariamsvlei and Noordoewer, along with farms in the area, have been plunged into darkness due to an ongoing power outage that began at 14:46 on Sunday. The blackout, attributed to an electrical fault on a key transformer at the Harib substation, has left communities without power and disrupted business and border crossing operations. NamPower has identified the cause of the outage as a fault on the second transformer (220/132 kV 40 MVA) at the Harib Substation. The national utility corporation stated that technical personnel are in the process of transporting a…