National News – Page 323 – Windhoek Observer

21 Mar

Food security remains a problem after 34 years of Independence

National News

Martin Endjala Paulus Mbangu, National Council and Member of Parliament says when he reflects on Namibia's 34th Independence, there is a dark cloud still hanging over the country's food security and that it is a problem that continues to persist. Mbangu said Independence Day is a time to celebrate the people, the culture and the history of the sovereign state. Hence the annual celebrations are held, to remind Namibians of all sacrifices made and the good deeds, how it was done, who did it, and how all citizens are historically connected to it. "We have a lot to celebrate as…

21 Mar

Independence celebrations open doors for national documents registration in Katima

National NewsIndependence celebrations open doors for national documents registration in Katima

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, has taken advantage of the independence celebration in the Zambezi Region by setting up a temporary national document registration point in Katima Mulilo. According to the Ministry's Chief Public Relations Officer, Margaret Kalo, the registration point opened for the public on 18 March and will remain open until today. “Centralising registration services in a prominent urban location such as Katima Mulilo town will help alleviate logistical burdens and expedite the issuance of vital documents, fostering greater efficiency and convenience for everyone involved,” Kalo said. She added that the objective…

21 Mar

Namibian Air Force pilots inspire future military aviators

National NewsNamibian Air Force pilots inspire future military aviators

Niël Terblanché A team of seven pilots from the Namibian Air Force took time out of their rigorous schedule amidst Independence Day preparations to engage with students at the Greater Achievers Academy in Katima Mulilo. This engagement was not just a break from their duties but a mission to enlighten and motivate young minds about the vast opportunities that await them in the Namibian Air Force. Grades 7 to 11 learners of the academy were treated to an extraordinary session where the pilots, amidst their participations in the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) parade for the country’s 34th Independence Day celebration,…

21 Mar

GIPF receives N$321m dividend from FirstRand Namibia

National News, Observer MoneyGIPF receives N$321m dividend from FirstRand Namibia

Martin Endjala The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has announced that FirstRand Namibia Group has declared dividends of N$321 million in favour of the Fund for the financial year that ended in June 2023. The ceremonial dividend cheque was handed over this week at the GIPF Head Office in Windhoek. The state-owned entity holds 15.71 percent shares in FirstRand Namibia Ltd owning an estimated 42 million in shares. GIPF gained its initial exposure to this investment in 1996 through its investment in the then City Savings and Investment Bank (CSIB) which was later taken over through a corporate acquisition by…

20 Mar

GIPF unveils educational television series

National NewsGIPF unveils educational television series

Martin Endjala The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), has unveiled “Our Family Ties”, a groundbreaking member educational series produced for Namibian television viewing through the sharing of real GIPF stories. The launch of the series discusses GIPF benefits through day-to-day scenarios such as normal retirement, early retirement, resignation/dismissal, retrenchment, disability benefit, ill-health retirement, death benefits and funeral benefits. “Our Family Ties offers a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for GIPF members. Our Family Ties, season 1 will premiere on the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) television commencing with episode 1 on Sunday, 24 March 2024 from 19h50 to 20h00,” revealed Penda…

20 Mar

City police celebrates milestone in keeping Windhoek safe

National NewsCity police celebrates milestone in keeping Windhoek safe

Martin Endjala As Namibia celebrates 34 years of independence on 21 March 2024, the Windhoek City Police Service (WCPS) reflects on some of its achievements in keeping the capital city safe for its inhabitants. The WCPS Project was officially launched 14 years after independence, on 18 November 2004, by Founding President Sam Nujoma, and on 9 December 2006, the Windhoek City Police was fully established and commissioned as a law enforcement agency by former second President Hifikepunye Pohamba, marking a significant milestone in its history, with retired Chief Abraham Kotokeni Kanime serving as the founding Head of the Service. During…

20 Mar

MAWLR invests N$3 million to combat cattle deaths in Zambezi Region

National NewsMAWLR invests N$3 million to combat cattle deaths in Zambezi Region

Niël Terblanché In response to the alarming rate of cattle deaths in the Zambezi region, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR) has committed nearly N$3 million towards intervention measures. This action follows a comprehensive investigation by a team deployed in November 2023 to the floodplains of the region, an area that has seen hundreds of cattle deaths since July, affecting farmers' livelihoods and the local economy. The investigation, spearheaded by senior officials from the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), focused on the Kabe South constituency, where high cattle mortalities were reported between June and November 2023. The…

20 Mar

Initiative to improve working conditions in the fishing industry launched

National NewsInitiative to improve working conditions in the fishing industry launched

Niël Terblanché In order to ensure fairness and safety in the workplace, Utoni Nujoma, the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation has inaugurated the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) on Decent Work within the Namibian fisheries sector. The initiative targets pressing issues such as occupational health, forced labour, as well as violence and harassment aboard vessels operating in Namibian waters. Comprising 16 members, the NCM embodies a collaborative effort with representatives from the government, trade unions, and the Namibia Employers Federation, all selected through tripartite constituent nominations. Aune Mudjanima of the labour ministry will take the helm as the…

20 Mar

Namibian Navy enhances security in Zambezi Region

National NewsNamibian Navy enhances security in Zambezi Region

Niël Terblanché In order to bolster security along Namibia’s perennial waterways, the deployment of the Namibian Navy on the Zambezi, Chobe, and Kavango rivers has markedly diminished security challenges that have long plagued the region. The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, said that the deployment of sailors in troubled areas is clear evidence of the Navy's successful efforts in curtailing illegal border crossings, unregulated fishing, poaching, and drug smuggling. The transformative impact of this deployment was underscored during the ceremonial renaming of the Naval Base Impalila to Naval Base Lieutenant General John Sinvula Mutwa, in honour of…

20 Mar

Otjiwarongo taxi drivers protest for better roads

National NewsOtjiwarongo taxi drivers protest for better roads

Niël Terblanché Approximately 300 taxi drivers in Otjiwarongo ceased their operations and took to the streets yesterday in protest of the deplorable condition of the town's roads. Their show of unity and determination in the collective action brought to light the growing frustration among local taxi operators over deep potholes and other infrastructural issues that have long plagued their daily operations which include vehicle damage that hinders their ability to provide essential services. Lazarus Mateus, acting as the group's spokesperson, presented a petition to the Otjiwarongo Municipality, voicing several critical concerns. Chief among these was the dire state of the…