National News – Page 323 – Windhoek Observer

04 Mar

New parties and alliances will create a wider field during elections

National NewsNew parties and alliances will create a wider field during elections

Niël Terblanché The upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections are shaping up to be the most fiercely contested in Namibia’s history. With the introduction of new political entities and the resurgence of smaller parties since the last general elections in 2019, the political landscape is brimming with anticipation and strategic alliances. The ruling Swapo Party, its chief adversary, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), and the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) will each be fielding a presidential candidate, maintaining the tradition of direct competition among the major players. However, a notable shift is occurring among the smaller parties, which are opting…

04 Mar

Independence Day to be celebrated in Zambezi for the first time ever

National NewsIndependence Day to be celebratedin Zambezi for the first time ever

Stefanus Nashama For the first time in the history of Namibia, Katima Muliloin the Zambezi Region will host this year’s Independence Day celebrations. Independence Day is celebrated every year on 21 March in Namibia, and this year, the nation is expected to gather in Katima Mulilo to celebrate one of the most important days in the country. Aundrin Mathe, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology announced on Friday. At this event, Namibia will be celebrating its 34th year of freedom and independence. “This year marks the first time that the Zambezi Region will host this…

04 Mar

Cabinet gives green light to National Trade Policy

National News

Martin Endjala The Cabinet has approved the Draft National Trade Policy, which aims to contribute towards Namibia’s economic diversification by promoting and stimulating a competitive trade sector to increase the export of goods and services. The decision has been described as a step in the right direction. According to the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade Chief Information Officer Elijah Mukubonda, the National Trade Policy commits to the improvement of an enabling business environment for domestic trade and investment, particularly the promotion of local and regional development as a centre of trade and investment. Thereby creating opportunities for equal participation through…

01 Mar

NAU calls for vigilance amidst rise in rabies cases among kudus

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Agriculture Union (NAU) has reported an increase in rabies cases among kudus, a situation exacerbated by the prevailing drought conditions in the region With regard to the concerning development, the NAU has extended its gratitude towards its members for their prompt reporting of these cases to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) while reiterating the importance of vigilance in spotting diseased animals. According to the NAU, rabies poses a significant risk not only to wildlife but also to domestic animals and humans. The organisation reminded the public that rabies is a notifiable disease as per legislation.…

01 Mar

Looming water shortage in central Namibia prompts urgent actions

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Cabinet announced a series of urgent measures to secure water supply for the Central Areas of Namibia (CAN) before July 2025 in a desperate move to address the impending crisis The announcement by the Minister of Information Communication and Technology, Emma Theofelus, follows a high-level Cabinet Decision-making meeting held in February, where the dire forecast of water availability in the region was a primary focus. The Central Areas of Namibia, encompassing Windhoek and its surrounding regions, are facing severe water shortages due to a combination of climatic factors and infrastructural inefficiencies. The Minister in a statement…

01 Mar

DBN urges SMEs to embrace responsible borrowing practices

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has issued a call to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to adopt a more responsible approach when seeking loans. Jerome Mutumba, the bank's Executive for Marketing and Corporate Communication, stressed the significance of mutual responsibility in the context of development finance during a period marked by frequent requests for SME loan repayment write-offs. According to Mutumba, these loans are intended to bolster Namibia’s development, economic activity, and prosperity. He said that the dual nature of development finance, not only provides financial support but also aims to encourage accountability, sustainability, and beneficial developmental…

01 Mar

Swakopmund residents in a tiff over proposed radioactive storage facility

National News

Niël Terblanché Residents of Swakopmund are involved in a heated debate regarding the possible rezoning of property in the town limits to store radioactive materials. The bone of contention is a proposal by Namaquanum Investments Two to refurbish an existing workshop on Einstein Street to establish the storage facility. This initiative, aimed at supporting offshore oil exploration activities, has sparked widespread concern among the town's residents and environmental activists. The Municipality of Swakopmund has called for calm, stressing that the proposal to store nuclear material within town limits is yet to be finalized. Amidst growing tensions, the local community, galvanized…

01 Mar

Namibia sets sights on renewable energy to tackle environmental challenges

National NewsNamibia sets sights on renewable energy to tackle environmental challenges

Niël Terblanché Namibia has announced its ambitious plan to become a leading hub for renewable energy innovation in a significant move towards environmental sustainability and economic resilience. While addressing the High-Level Segment of the Sixth United Nations Environmental Assembly in Nairobi, Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, outlined Namibia’s vision for a future where economic growth and environmental preservation go hand in hand. He told delegates that Namibia is facing serious environmental threats and that the country is at a critical juncture. Shifeta emphasized the urgency of addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss,…

01 Mar

MP wants more schools and teachers

National NewsMP wants more schools and teachers

Stefanus Nashama Hidipo Hamata, a Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Member of Parliament, wants the government to build more schools and employ more teachers to ensure quality education for Namibian children. Hamata was of the opinion that while the government has the mandate to provide universal basic education it also needs to have sufficient places in schools for all Namibian children. Hamata was contributing to the motion concerning the discussion of the issue of poor performance of government schools in Parliament this week. The parliamentarian further stated that the government should make sure that schools are adequately staffed, constructed where they…

01 Mar

Green Hydrogen Programme unveils groundbreaking initiatives

National NewsGreen Hydrogen Programme unveils groundbreaking initiatives

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP) unfurled an array of groundbreaking initiatives set to transform the nation’s energy landscape this year. In a strategic move, NGHP announced the appointment of seven seasoned executives, reinforcing its commitment to visionary leadership. James Mnyupe, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, is the driving force behind these developments. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to oversee ambitious program initiatives. Mnyupe, at the forefront of transparency, affirmed that NGHP will continue its high-profile, in-person media briefings. The first of 2024 is scheduled for the last week of March where details of the comprehensive three-year…