National News – Page 318

18 Sep

Taxpayers must comply with freight tax regulations

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Niël Terblanché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has issued a notice to all taxpayers regarding the declaration and payment of freight tax before 1 December 2023. Commissioner Sam Shivute highlighted the importance of adhering to the stipulated regulations as set out in the Income Tax Act of 1981. The tax, as outlined in Section 34 of the Act, focuses primarily on non-resident owners or charterers of ships and aircraft. It targets income generated from the embarking of passengers and the loading of livestock, mail, or goods within Namibian territory. The levy applies to 10 percent of the gross income (considered…

15 Sep

Amushelelo case borders on a judicial scandal

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAmushelelo case borders on a judicial scandal

Martin Endjala The Political analyst, Henning Melber said the ongoing court saga where Michael Amushelelo is being held in police custody without bail, borders on a judicial scandal but the process and the elements of the case against him should not be perceived as a failure of democracy. Melber made these remarks yesterday while reacting to Epafras Mukwiilongo, the president of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), who questioned the principles of democracy in Parliament with regard to Amushelelo being denied bail on numerous occasions. Melber said Amushelelo’s case is a matter in court, and his treatment needs to be…

15 Sep

New banking laws will empower finance minister to regulate banking charges

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNew banking laws will empower finance minister to regulate banking charges

Martin Endjala The Bank of Namibia (BoN) is on the verge of introducing the Banking Institutions Act of 2023 (Act 13 of 2023), and the Payment System Management Act of 2023 (Act no. 14 of 2023), which will empower the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises to make regulations relating to fees and charges imposed by banking institutions on their clients. While announcing this yesterday, BoN Acting Director for Strategic Communications and International Relations, Sandra Garises, said service charges by banking institutions on their clients have been receiving the public and the legislature’s attention, which prompted the government to draft…

15 Sep

The President is on his way to the UNGA

info_e12wt4csNational NewsThe President is on his way to the UNGA

Niël Terblanché As the leader of one of the countries with the most advanced social protection systems in Africa, President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia is poised to play a pivotal role in global discussions at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). President Geingob’s presence is not only significant within the main assembly but also extends to important events on the sidelines, making him a central figure in discussions on sustainable development, social protection, climate action, and international cooperation. President Geingob will take the stage at the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection…

15 Sep

Namibia embraces new development in the fight against cervical cancer

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia embraces new development in the fight against cervical cancer

Niël Terblanché In a significant move towards improving public health, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in Namibia recently convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The meeting, which brought together key participants, stakeholders, and development partners, aimed to set the stage for the rollout of the vaccination program. A Crucial Intervention The Acting Executive Director of the MoHSS, Taimi Amaambo said during the meeting that the introduction of the HPV vaccine program in Namibia comes at a time when there is overwhelming support at all levels. “Cervical cancer ranks…

15 Sep

Simataa dives deep while evaluating the state of the Public Service

info_e12wt4csNational NewsSimataa dives deep while evaluating the state of the Public Service

Niël Terblanché George Simataa, the Secretary to the Cabinet, delivered an insightful address at the Engagement Meeting of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) with Chief Regional Officers in Otjiwarongo, Namibia. The topic of his speech was “Is the Public Service Fit for Purpose? The Collaborative Nature of Offices, Ministries, and Agencies (OMAs) in Service Delivery.” Simataa answered “yes” to the question of whether the public service is fit for purpose but delved deeper into the complexities of this assertion. Public Service as the Implementing Arm of the Government Simataa emphasized the critical role that the public service…

15 Sep

PDM calls for increased support of local musicians

info_e12wt4csNational NewsPDM calls for increased support of local musicians

Stefanus Nashama A Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Jan van Wyk, has this week tabled a motion calling for more support of Namibian musicians and the development of infrastructure and resources for the Namibian Music Industry. “The Namibian music industry remains under-developed with no major record labels or distribution infrastructure,” Van Wyk noted. According to him, Namibia is blessed with an abundance of entertainers from every art form imaginable, including music but the government seems not to be committed to supporting the local music industry. He is of the view that Namibian Music can still contribute to the country’s…

15 Sep

Goreangab residents get improved network connection and free WiFi

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Stefanus Nashama After years of poor network connectivity, the residents of the Goreangab informal settlement in Windhoek this week received network towers from PowerCom that will improve their network connectivity and even free WiFi. Constituency Councilor, Nestor Kalola, yesterday said the tower has brought much relief to residents who have been struggling with network connection over the years, and the free WiFi made it even much better for tertiary students who will use it for their academic work. He said ever since assuming council duty in 2020, his office has been overwhelmed by residents requesting for improved network connection in…

14 Sep

Menzies finally hands over airport cargo

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe Menzies Aviation Namibia has finally agreed to open and hand over its former warehouse cargo at the Hosea Kutako International Airport to the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) and Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRa). NAC Chief Executive Officer Bisey /Uirab, confirmed yesterday that the United Kingdom-based company representatives went to the airport yesterday morning to begin the handing-over process. “They have opened. They came to the airport this morning and I can confirm to you that the handover process is currently ongoing,” said /Uirab. This came after Menzies was evicted from the airport last month following a court order when…

14 Sep

The success of Census 2023 depends on citizens’ participation: Geingob

info_e12wt4csNational Newse success of Census 2023 depends on citizens’ participation: Geingob, Population and Housing Census 2023

Martin Endjala President Hage Geingob says the success of the upcoming Population and Housing Census 2023 will depend on the participation and cooperation of Namibian citizens which will not only determine its successful conclusion but subsequent planning and policy successes. “Census is not just a government initiative but a national endeavour in which every citizen has a crucial role to play. When citizens actively participate by providing accurate information, it ensures the reliability of Census data”. Geingob said this yesterday during the launch of the 2023 Population and Housing Census at State House. Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) on Tuesday announced…