National News – Page 322 – Windhoek Observer

26 May

Namibia commemorates Africa Day

ObserverNational NewsNamibia commemorates Africa Day

Niël Terblanché Namibia yesterday joined all other nations of Africa to celebrate 60 years of enormous promise and potential of the diverse and dynamic continent. President Hage Geingob in his special commemorative message said the diamond anniversary of Africa Day is a fitting occasion for all Africans on the continent and those in the diaspora, to celebrate the achievements of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and African Union (AU) as an enduring continental body, which has successfully championed the emancipation of the African people from colonial oppression to become masters of their own destiny and development. “The 25th of…

26 May

Nandi-Ndaitwah pays homage to allies on Africa Day

ObserverNational NewsNandi-Ndaitwah pays homage to allies on Africa Day

Niël Terblanché Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, on the commemoration of Africa Day thanked countries of the world, that stood by Namibia during the Freedom Struggle. Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded the group of African heads of diplomatic missions that Africans owe it to the founders of the OAU and the people of the world who stood by Namibia during the country’s fight for freedom from colonialism. “I am referring to the government and the people of Cuba whom Africa must ensure we work together with them in prosperity. I am referring to…

26 May

Let the people “Ngungula”- Amoomo …Govt insists Angola’s fuel not up to standard

ObserverNational NewsLet the people “Ngungula”- Amoomo …Govt insists Angola’s fuel not up to standard

Stefanus Nashama The Namibian Government should not relegate its relationship with Angola simply because of fuel illicit smuggling activities commonly known as ‘Ngungula’. These are the sentiments of Prominent Windhoek Lawyer, Kadhila Amoomo, who stressed that the only logical question the Namibian government should ask itself is why people risk their lives to smuggle fuel from Angola. “Namibia and Angola share borders and people cross into both countries on a daily basis. This is because of the good relationship the two countries have. It is high time the Namibian Government critically looks into this,” he said. He said the law…

26 May

Venaani calls on improved trade between African states

ObserverNational NewsVenaani calls on improved trade between African states

Martin Endjala The Pan-African Parliament Deputy Chairperson for the Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration, Mchenry Venaani, has reiterated that African countries are lagging behind in terms of trading with each other, adamantly stating that there is a need to improve. Venaani said this during the Pan-African Parliament workshop on the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which concluded on Tuesday in Midrand South Africa. The workshop was aimed at devising strategies towards the acceleration and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade. It is part of the Pan-African Parliament’s sixth session which commenced last week and will run through…

24 May

Xinfeng claims the minister has no power to revoke its mining license

ObserverNational NewsXinfeng claims the minister has no power to revoke its mining license

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Chinese lithium mining company, Xinfeng Investments which filed an urgent application with the High Court earlier this month to challenge a decision by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, to revoke its mining license is claiming he has no right to do so. “In respect of the question of balance of convenience, the minister has no power to revoke a decision in respect of which he is functus officio. He can therefore not rely on a decision which he made without jurisdiction hence illegality - in contending that the balance of convenience favours the refusal of…

24 May

Legal fraternity question mask policy at courts

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Members of the legal fraternity in Namibia are questioning the validity of the re-introduction of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 after an alleged recent resurgence of the illness. Last week, the Office of the Judiciary informed all employees, the legal fraternity as well as members of the public that precautionary measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 in the superior courts of Namibia will again be enforced. This week, the Acting Chief Magistrate, Vanessa Stanley issued a memorandum to all staff members of the lower courts in which she states that it has become incumbent…

24 May

Politicians must pronounce their position on homosexuality

ObserverNational NewsPoliticians must pronounce their position on homosexuality

Stefanus Nashama Former Cabinet Minister Helmut Angula says all politicians and elected officials should clearly pronounce themselves where they stand on the issue of homosexuality. Angula said homosexuality has become a national issue that requires serious attention from everyone, particularly the leaders of the country. The silence of leaders and elected officials on the issue of same-sex marriage (homosexuality) has grown to a shocking understanding that Namibian leaders have not yet clearly pronounced themselves on the matter. He said the public, the government, and the judiciary are being led to believe that homosexuality is normal with interactions and results equivalent…

24 May

Pelebox will make life easy for thousands of patients

ObserverNational NewsPelebox will make life easy for thousands of patients

Hertta-Maria Amutenja At least 180 000 Namibians that live with HIV are on antiretroviral drug treatment. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services gave statistics in this regard last week during the launch of Pelebox Smart Lockers that would enable patients on chronic care to collect their medicine without having to wait at distribution centres for long periods of time. Shangula added that more than 40 percent of patients living with HIV have access to the recently launched smart lockers “Eligible patients who are clinically stable and on chronic medication will be able to benefit from this…

24 May

More mineworkers join the Revolutionary Union

ObserverNational NewsMore mineworkers join the Revolutionary Union

Stefanus Nashama The Revolutionary Union (RU) says 60 mineworkers from Bureau Veritas which operates in the mining sector at Dundee Mine in Tsumeb and Sperrgebiet Diamond Mining (PTY) LTD in Lüderitz joined their ranks on Monday. The Union’s Proletariat Central Secretary, Julius Natangwe, yesterday confirmed this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer. He said the Union received the employees’ applications on Friday, acknowledged and processed the applications, and informed the employers of the workers’ decision. “The two employers responded that they have received our notification and acknowledged RU to represent their employees,” he said. Natangwe said some of the…

23 May

MVA fund escapes paying out millions in fraudulent claims

ObserverNational NewsMVA fund escapes paying out millions in fraudulent claims

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund was able to save itself from having to pay out millions of dollars in a fraudulent scheme the Fund detected. The Fund has however lost N$847 406, of which the majority is related to medical treatment of persons who would otherwise not qualify as beneficiaries. The MVA Fund recorded a total of nine fraudulent claims valued at N$3.6 million over the past five years of which four have been reported to the Namibian Police. MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku revealed that five cases are now also ready to be reported to…