National News – Page 321 – Windhoek Observer

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…

27 Mar

Namibia and the US to continue cooperation in health and economics

National News

Niël Terblanché The enduring relationship between Namibia and the United States of America is poised for further expansion and deepening, heralding a promising future for both nations. Following a courtesy visit to President Nangolo Mbumba at State House, US Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry reiterated the United States' commitment to continuing its long-standing programs and partnerships with Namibia, which span over three decades. According to Ambassador Berry, the cornerstone of this bilateral relationship has been the health sector, with the United States playing a pivotal role in Namibia's fight against HIV/AIDS. For nearly two decades, the partnership between the US…

27 Mar

NCCI urge SMEs to work as a consortium

National News

Martin Endjala The Namibia Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (NCCI) Chief Executive Officer, Charity Mwiya urged all Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to start collaborating to form consortiums. She said by doing this, many SMEs stand a chance to compete within various markets both locally and internationally while cautioning that those who choose to operate individually will miss out on many opportunities. “SMEs need to start forming consortiums to leverage the benefits of partnerships. The NCCI is here to expose you to various markets and partnerships will assist you along the way”. Mwiya said this during a business connect engagement…

27 Mar

Controversy prompts a restart of recruitment for Outjo Municipal CEO

National News

Niël Terblanché The search for a new Chief Executive Officer for the Outjo Municipality is set to start afresh following directives from Erastus Uutoni, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development. The minister’s decision comes in the wake of serious allegations pointing to irregularities and a purportedly flawed interview process that marred last year’s recruitment efforts. The controversy unfolded after Mahne Kruger, a candidate for the CEO position, raised concerns with the Ombudsman over what was described as unfair recruitment practices at the municipality. These allegations prompted a closer examination of the selection process, culminating in the minister's intervention. Outjo…