National News – Page 314 – Windhoek Observer

11 Mar

Police approved protest against high unemployment on Independence Day

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Namibian Police Force has approved a demonstration against high unemployment in the country, planned for 21 March, the day Namibia celebrates Independence Day. However, the approval comes with strict conditions concerning the Public Gatherings Proclamation Act, of 1989 (AG 23 OF 1989). This is according to a letter from the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Force, Lieutenant General, Joseph Shikongo, last week. “You are hereby directed to engage your participants and inform them of the appended conditions accordingly,” said the Police Chief. Failure to adhere to the appended conditions constitutes a criminal offence in terms of Section…

11 Mar

Namibia attends SADC Council of Ministers Meeting in Angola

National NewsNamibia attends SADC Council of Ministers Meeting in Angola

Niël Terblanché In an effort to further strengthen regional cooperation and sustainable development, Namibia is participating in the pivotal South African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers meeting held in Angola. Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, is leading the Namibian delegation, alongside notable government officials, including Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the ministry, and Titus Ndove, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises. This crucial gathering, chaired by Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Ambassador Téte António, in his capacity as the SADC Council of Ministers Chairperson, aims to deliberate on the…

11 Mar

All voters with voter cards older than ten years required to re-register

National NewsAll voters with voter cards older than ten years required to re-register, Elsie Nghikembua

Martin Endjala All voters with voter cards older than ten years will need to register again in order to participate in the highly anticipated 2024 National Assembly and Presidential elections slated for 27 November this year. Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua, announced this during the launch of the Electoral Calendar and Democracy Awareness campaign on last week. Nghikembua informed that voter cards expire after a period of ten years, thus urging such cardholders to register as well as all eligible voters. She said this will be the seventh Presidential and National Assembly election that will be directed,…

11 Mar

Nawatiseb parts ways with LPM after only a month

National NewsEngel Nawatiseb

Hertta-maria Amutenja Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Engel Nawatiseb, has severed ties with the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) after joining the party a mere month ago. This decision comes on the heels of his departure from the ruling party Swapo last month. “I decided to part ways with the Landless People’s Party with immediate effect today. The resolve was taken following consultation with my family in the best interest of the LPM founding members, its leader Bernardus Swartbooi and further to protect my personal integrity, reputation and credibility as well as the image of my clan/elders. I…

11 Mar

Government faces scrutiny over Fisheries Employment Program

National NewsGovernment faces scrutiny over Fisheries Employment Program

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The leader of the Official Opposition, McHenry Venaani, has raised questions regarding the Government Employment Redress Programme, specifically focusing on the employment outcomes for fishermen within the hake sector. Venaani’s notice of questions scheduled for this week brings attention to the challenges faced by the program. He plans on asking Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, about the criteria used to select participants for the Governmental Employment Redress Programme, and the terms and conditions outlined in the designated agreements which he said are a cause for concern. “Particularly clause 3.5, which stipulates that if an employee…

11 Mar

Kapofi advocates for the apolitical stance of the NDF

National NewsKapofi advocates for the apolitical stance of the NDF

Niël Terblanché In a message during the annual staff meeting at the defence headquarters in Windhoek, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, reminded members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) of the imperative to remain politically neutral, emphasising their role in maintaining peace and stability. The meeting, attended by all senior officials of the ministry, served as a crucial platform for the exchange of information and updates on the ministry’s strategic plans and objectives. Kapofi defined the scope of political non-involvement for NDF members, highlighting that their engagement should be limited to exercising their voting rights. He explicitly…

11 Mar

Theft of water pumps leaves rural communities high and dry at Okongo

National NewsEfraim Shipindo, Theft of water pumps leaves rural communities high and dry at Okongo

Niël Terblanché In a concerning trend that is negatively impacting the livelihood of rural communities, the Okongo Constituency has become the latest victim of a series of water pump thefts, threatening the water supply to several communities and prompting a call for action from local and national officials. Councillor Efraim Shipindo, issued a stern warning against the ongoing theft of community water pumps, incidents that have seen a significant rise, with 13 pumps stolen since last year. He said the recent thefts from boreholes at the Okamanya, Onheleiwa, and Okanyanona villages have formed a troubling pattern that costs the government…

11 Mar

Young Namibians engage in global youth empowerment and innovation exchange

National News

Niël Terblanché A group of 90 young Namibians, made their mark at the World Youth Festival (WYF) in Sochi, Russia where they delved into various fields, including business, media, international cooperation, culture, science and education programmes. The WYF, initiated by a decree from Russian President Vladimir Putin, is renowned as the globe’s most significant youth gathering, drawing in thousands of young leaders from Russia and beyond. The group of young Namibians was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth, and National Service, Emma Kantema-Goamas. The festival serves as a crucial platform for discussing and addressing the world’s most pressing…

09 Mar

Agriculture ministry appoints four women to leading roles in Communal Land Boards

National NewsAgriculture ministry appoints four women to leading roles in Communal Land Boards

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced the appointment of four women to key positions within the Communal Land Boards. Emphasising the importance of diverse representation, Minister Calle Schlettwein highlighted that each board will now include two women engaged in farming operations in the board’s area and two women with expertise relevant to the functions of the board. “The aspects of appointments of women have been made to ensure that women are represented in the highest decision-making bodies,” stressed Schlettwein. He added this move aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering fair and transparent land…

09 Mar

Namibia pledges relentless empowerment of women

National NewsNamibia pledges relentless empowerment of women

Niël Terblanché As Namibia joined the world to commemorate International Women’s Day, the country’s remarkable progress in gender equality and the empowerment of women, was celebrated for its journey of achievement and its inclination to address ongoing challenges. President Nangolo Mbumba, in a touching statement, reiterated Namibia’s commitment to building an inclusive society where women are not only free from violence but where they will play an essential role in leadership and decision-making. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Inspire Inclusion. Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” reflects the nation’s aspiration and commitment to gender parity. President Mbumba reflected on the…