National News – Page 316 – Windhoek Observer

01 Apr

MP wants government to regulate operations at private schools

National News

Stefanus Nashama A motion has been tabled in the National Assembly by lawmaker Hidipo Hamata, requesting the government to regulate operations at private schools and vocational training institutions. According to Hamata, unregulated private schools and vocational centres are a pressing concern that affects the foundation of the education system in Namibia. Hamata argues that unregulated private schools can be a disservice to the education system, hindering the growth and potential of both educators and learners. He highlights that some private schools do not provide fair wages to teachers and that some learners are being excluded from school due to unpaid…

01 Apr

Security cluster to meet after 28 rhinos were poached this year

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has recorded 28 cases of rhino poaching in Namibia this year so far. Out of these 28 cases, 19 rhinos were poached in the Etosha National Park, and 10 carcasses of the animals were discovered during dehorning operations in March. The Ministry's spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, has expressed concern about the poaching situation in the Etosha National Park, which is a flagship tourist attraction in Namibia. The park has a high number of rhinos and other wildlife species. “An assessment is being carried out in the Etosha National Park to establish the…

28 Mar

AR resumes RIF Programme amidst corruption concerns

National NewsAR resumes RIF Programme amidst corruption concerns

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Affirmative Repositioning Movement (AR) has announced the resumption of its Reorganisation, Institutionalisation, and Formalisation (RIF) Programme, aimed at bolstering the movement's infrastructure and outreach efforts across Namibia. This decision was made during a recent meeting of the Interim Activist Council (INAC) in Tsumeb, reaffirming AR's commitment to grassroots development and economic emancipation. "The Interim Regional Chairpersons, supported by Interim Operational Mass members, will lead the establishment of these structures, starting with Community Activists Councils, followed by Districts and Regional Activist Councils," stated AR spokesperson George Kambala. He added that this bottom-up approach ensures a robust and fully…

28 Mar

Increase in pensions would have cost taxpayers an extra N$5.2 billion

National NewsIncrease in pensions would have cost taxpayers an extra N$5.2 billion

Martin Endjala Finance and Public Enterprise Minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, says if the government was to honour the wish of late President Hage Geingob to increase old age pension to N$3,000, then an additional N$5.2 billion would have had to be availed compared to the current allocated N$4.8 billion for the 2024/25 financial year The plan would then have cost a total of N$10 billion. Shiimi was responding to the budget contributions and concerns raised by members of Parliament this week. He said the government fully recognises the dream of the late President for a significant increase in old age pension,…

28 Mar

MVA Fund calls for extra caution on the roads over the long weekend

National NewsMVA Fund calls for extra caution on the roads over the long weekend

Martin Endjala As the Easter weekend started, the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) has reminded road users to be vigilant and prepared when embarking on trips to avoid loss of life on the roads. According to the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku historical data has shown that the likelihood of motor vehicle crashes occurring increases over holidays such as during Independence Day celebrations, mid-term breaks for schools, public holidays, school holidays and mostly during the Easter weekend. “This period is generally characterised by a surge in traffic volumes especially on the B1 route passing through Windhoek leading to either…

28 Mar

SIM card registration deadline imminent

National News

Martin Endjala With the deadline for the mandatory registration of all Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards scheduled for 31 March 2024 looming, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has repeated its call to all stakeholders who have not registered their SIM cards to do so, to avoid being disconnected on 1 April 2024. CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua said for those who are still waiting to register their SIM cards, it is imperative to comprehend the repercussions of non-compliance should they not do so by 31 March 2024. As of 29 February 2024, Namibia had 2,387,230 active SIM…

28 Mar

Namibia congratulates Senegal’s President-elect on his victory

National NewsNamibia congratulates Senegal's President-elect on his victory

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba, in a special message, extended his congratulations to President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal. President Mbumba lauded the peaceful nature of the recent elections and expressed optimism for future bilateral relations between Namibia and Senegal. “I look forward to working with President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye in the interest of mutually beneficial bilateral relations and a multilateral order that champions a prosperous Africa and a fairer world,” the President said in his message. President Mbumba’s gesture stresses the significance of Senegal's election within the broader African context, serving as a beacon of stability and progress on…

28 Mar

Grootfontein single quarters residents must relocate

National NewsGrootfontein single quarters residents must relocate

Niël Terblanché In an effort to improve the living conditions for residents, the Grootfontein Municipality has embarked on an ambitious project to construct 100 new houses. This initiative is a key component of its 2024/2028 Strategic Plan and aims to relocate inhabitants of the old single quarters. The area where the facilities are located has been long overdue for redevelopment. The decision to demolish the dilapidated single quarters comes as part of a broader effort to address housing needs and enhance the quality of life for members of the community. With more than 60 houses already completed, the project is…

28 Mar

Tourism boosted by expanded Visa on Arrival program

National NewsTourism boosted by expanded Visa on Arrival program

Niël Terblanché Dr Albert Kawana, the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration Safety and Security, officially announced the expansion of the Visa on Arrival program at five entry points on the main road corridors that connect Namibia to neighbouring countries. The five border posts are Oshikango, Mohembo, Ariamsvlei, Oranjemund, and Noordoewer. Previously Visa on Arrival was only available at the country’s main international airports in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. Kawana made the announcement at a briefing at the Ministerial headquarters in Windhoek earlier today where he said that the initiative is aimed at enhancing Namibia's attractiveness as a prime tourism and…

27 Mar

Mamuno one-stop border post to streamline trade and travel

National News

Niël Terblanché A development aimed at facilitating trade and easing the movement of people between Namibia and Botswana, the construction of the Mamuno one-stop border post on the TransKalahari corridor is on track for completion in May. According to Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, the Chief of Strategic Communications and Support Engagements executive at the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), the initiative promises to revolutionize border control operations, significantly reducing congestion and waiting times. He said the project, rooted in a bilateral agreement between Namibia and Botswana, demonstrates the two nations' collaborative spirit and shared vision. The agreement was finalized during the first Bi-National…