National News – Page 319 – Windhoek Observer

09 Feb

Land reform will only work if farms are used productively

National NewsLand reform will only work if farms are used productively

Niël Terblanche In the wake of heated discussions surrounding land tax in Namibia, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has come forward to clarify its stance on land reform and the importance of a fair and productive agricultural land use policy.With recent debates ignited by articles in local newspapers, the NAU seeks to address the emotional public responses and outline its position on ensuring a successful land reform process in the country.Acknowledging the historical inequalities in commercial agricultural land ownership at the time of Namibia’s independence, the NAU has been an active participant in the formulation of the government’s land reform…

09 Feb

MPs urged to be strong and carry on with the constitutional mandates

National NewsMPs urged to be strong and carry on with the constitutional mandates

Martin Endjala Following the passing of President Hage Geingob, National Council Vice Chairperson Victoria Kauma, has urged members of Parliament to use the little strength left in them to carry out their constitutional mandate. “I observed that many of us are broken and weak due to the big loss of our Head of State who impacted many people’s lives in different ways. I urge you all to pull-out the little strength left, in order for us to carry out the Constitutional mandate as provided for by Article 74 and 75 of the Namibian Constitution,” she urged. She said this during…

09 Feb

Hospital ablution facilities renovated at a cost of N$1.7 million

National NewsHospital ablution facilities renovated at a cost of N$1.7 million

Martin Endjala The Katutura Intermediate Hospital’s ablution facilities have undergone significant renovations, thanks to a N$1.7 million investment. This project, a collaboration between the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, Road Fund Administration (RFA), and Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA), aimed to address the deteriorating condition of these essential services on the hospital’s second and third floors. Over five months, the renovation project successfully upgraded both male and female toilets, including showers, bathtubs, and washbasins. The improvements extend to dedicated sluice rooms and staff toilets, enhancing the overall hygiene and comfort for patients and healthcare staff alike. Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, CEO of the…

09 Feb

CoW elects two remaining management committee members

National NewsCoW elects two remaining management committee members

Martin Endjala Following recent pushback amongst council members, the City of Windhoek Council finally finally concluded its management committee member election yesterday. Former deputy mayor Magdalena Lombardt and Councillor Bernardus Araeb were successfully elected as the two remaining members of the management committee which consists of five members The proceedings were presided over by Windhoek Magistrate Ndapewa Celma Amadhila. The two slots remained unoccupied since last year after numerous attempts by the council to elect the remaining seats to join the likes of Fransina Kahungu, Sam Nujoma and Austin Kwenani who were elected last year. Both Lombardt and Araeb will…

09 Feb

Protocol with Namibia’s national symbols must be maintained

National NewsProtocol with Namibia’s national symbols must be maintained

Niël Terblanché Dr Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, has reiterated the importance of maintaining protocol with Namibia’s national symbols during the period of national mourning in Namibia. He said Namibians must focus on the proper protocol regarding national symbols and the memory of the late president. Mushelenga advised that public and private offices keep the portrait of the late President Hage Geingob displayed until further notice. The minister also announced that official books of condolences have been placed at Casa Rosalia, the residence of the late President, the Parliament Building, the Office of the Prime Minister,…

09 Feb

Church volunteers help NamBTS with critically low bloodstock

National NewsChurch volunteers help NamBTS with critically low bloodstock

Niël Terblanché The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS) is still facing a critical blood shortage and has partnered with Shincheonji Church of Jesus volunteers for a blood drive to replenish the country’s blood supply. Through the partnership and a concerted effort to foster a culture of donation, the organizations have encouraged community participation. The Khomas Regional Governor, Laura McLeod-Katjirua, supported the initiative, highlighting the life-saving impact of each donation. The drive aimed for at least 50 donations and successfully exceeded this goal with 62 volunteers eventually donating blood. The NamBTS has repeatedly urged the public to donate blood and…

09 Feb

Report gives Namibian tourism a passing mark

National News

Niël Terblanché Alex Shimuafeni, Statistician General, Namibia Statistics Agency announce the release of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for the year 2022, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s tourism sector. He said the comprehensive report, a product of collaboration between various government institutions and stakeholders within the tourism industry, highlights the direct economic impact of tourism on Namibia’s economy. The TSA, following internationally recognized methodologies by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, aligns with the System of National Accounts compilation methodology, offering a detailed analysis of tourism-related production and its integration across different economic sectors. The report aims to…

08 Feb

A man of remarkable presence and ability to connect- Guterres

National News

Martin Endjala United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, during the General Assembly 55th plenary meeting of the 78th session in New York, on Wednesday, paid tribute to the late Namibian President Hage Geingob. “President Geingob was a man with a remarkable presence, and a remarkable ability to connect with everyone he met. I want to extend my sincere condolences to his family, and the government and people of Namibia. The United Nations stands with you in sorrow,” Guterres said. He stated that it is no exaggeration to say that Geingob dedicated his life to his country. As he recalled the image…

08 Feb

Namibia unveils Tourism Satellite Account Report 2022

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia marked the launch of the much-anticipated Sixth edition of the Tourism Satellite Account Report 2022. The unveiling underscores a pivotal achievement in Namibia's pursuit to comprehensively gauge the economic impact of tourism on the overall Namibian economy. Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, hailed the occasion as a significant milestone, emphasising the report's role in understanding tourism's multifaceted contributions. Namibia's Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) Report 2022, built on the framework of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), stands as a key tool for measuring the economic dimensions of the tourism sector. Shifeta highlighted its…

08 Feb

Children receive welcome support for basic needs

National News

Niël Terblanché Between January and February 2024, Bank Windhoek’s Marketing and Corporate Communication Services Department donated toiletries and stationery items to the Baumgartsbrum Farm School and the Rocky Crest High School in Windhoek. According to Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, Jacquiline Pack, the initiative is part of the bank’s Empathy Project. Situated about 20 kilometres from Windhoek towards the Daan Viljoen dam, Baumgartsbrum Farm School is a government boarding school accommodating 280 learners from less privileged backgrounds, mainly from the surrounding farms. Upon receiving the donations, the school’s Principal, Maureen Gariseb, expressed her gratitude to…