National News – Page 325

20 Nov

Reducing the scourge of road fatalities during the festive season is crucial

info_e12wt4csNational NewsReducing the scourge of road fatalities during the festive season is crucial, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku

Martin Endjala Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, has reaffirmed the fund and its stakeholders’ commitment to ensuring that road crashes are reduced to zero during the upcoming festive season. “The importance of Festive Season Road Safety Campaign as a tool to minimise road casualties cannot be over-emphasised. In recognition of the government’s effort and commitment to fight the scourge on our roads, we pledge our commitment”. Martins-Hausiku said this during the launch of the 2023 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign on Friday at Swakopmund in the Erongo region under the theme “Do the Right Thing”.…

20 Nov

Namibia’s pledge to meet Paris Climate Agreement goals reaffirmed in Walvis Bay

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNamibia’s pledge to meet Paris Climate Agreement goals reaffirmed in Walvis Bay

Niël Terblanché The bold plan to obtain 79 percent of all energy used by Namibians from renewable sources is evidence of the country’s determination to make a substantial contribution towards addressing climate change and creating a sustainable future for all. Namibia’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, while affirming the country’s commitment towards the Paris Climate Agreement goals, said “We have a goal that by 2030, 79 percent of our energy will come from renewable sources of energy.” At the same time the Mayor of Walvis Bay, Trevino Forbes, stressed the importance of collaboration between the central government and…

20 Nov

Namibia and Botswana collaborate to implement lower roaming rates

info_e12wt4csNational NewsDr Peya Mushelenga, Namibia and Botswana collaborate to implement lower roaming rates

Niël Terblanché As Namibia and Botswana join forces to improve regional communication, the initiative to reduce roaming rates reflects the commitment of both countries to foster stronger ties, bridging gaps, and ensuring that digital connectivity is a driving force for development and growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The governments of Namibia and Botswana in an effort to enhance connectivity and foster regional integration within the (SADC), have jointly announced plans to introduce lowered roaming rates. This initiative, effective from 1 April 2024, aims to promote seamless communication across borders and aligns with the Single Digital Market project.…

20 Nov

Swakopmund prepares for the festive season

info_e12wt4csNational NewsSwakopmund prepares for the festive season

Niël Terblanché With a mix of holiday spirit, exciting activities, and enhanced security measures, Swakopmund is ready to welcome visitors and residents to a memorable and safe holiday season at the coast. The festive season has officially descended upon Namibia, and the signs are unmistakable. Businesses are winding down for the year, schools are emptying out, and the atmosphere is charged with excitement. For many, it’s the perfect time to relax by the beach in Swakopmund or embark on a journey to visit family in the northern or southern regions of Namibia. Coastal towns such as Swakopmund, Henties Bay, and…

17 Nov

RDP questions the quality of education from “mushrooming” higher learning institutions

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) Member of Parliament, Kennedy Shekupakela, is not convinced that some institutions of higher education that keep popping up every year at the beginning of the academic period can offer quality education to Namibians. He demanded that the Minister of High Education, Innovation and Technology, Itah Kandjii Murangi, review how such institutions are granted registration and permission to give sub-standard education to young Namibians. Shekupakela made these remarks in the National Assembly this week while giving a notice of questions to Minister Murangi if she has noticed that most of such institutions…

17 Nov

MoHSS crafts a new plan for neonatal and maternal health

info_e12wt4csNational NewsMoHSS crafts a new plan for neonatal and maternal health

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is taking significant steps to enhance neonatal and maternal health, recognizing their importance as top priorities in public healthcare services. During the official opening of a special seminar, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services, unveiled plans to address the challenges in neonatal and maternal health. The seminar, which brought together healthcare experts and stakeholders, coincided with the ten-year anniversary of the partnership between the MoHSS and NEO FOR NAMIBIA, a collaboration that has played a vital role in improving neonatal care interventions in various health facilities…

17 Nov

CoW opposes the establishment of another RED

info_e12wt4csNational NewsCoW opposes the establishment of another RED

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek (CoW) has strongly objected to the idea of introducing a Regional Central Electricity Distributor (RED) in the Khomas region. The council firmly believe that this proposal does not align with the interests of local authorities, who are the designated legal distributors of electricity and constitutionally established local governments under Chapter 12, Article 111 of the Namibian Constitution. The city’s concerns have arisen in response to a statement by Robert Kahimise, the Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Control Board (ECB), who revealed plans to establish a central RED with the aim of ensuring electricity…

17 Nov

Over-profitable Namibian banks pose a vexing dilemma: Venaani

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Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, the Leader of the official opposition and head of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has expressed concern about the excessive profits earned by banks in Namibia and the broader Sub-Saharan African region, stating that it presents a challenging issue. In his statement yesterday, Venaani emphasized that while banks are expected to generate profits to contribute to economic growth and stability, the exorbitant profits accumulated by Namibia’s banking sector exacerbate economic imbalances. “At the heart of a thriving economy lies the importance of bank profitability, which drives economic growth and stability. However, this should not be confused…

17 Nov

LPM financial support comes from party members and business people

info_e12wt4csNational NewsLPM financial support comes from party members and business people

Stefanus Nashama Explaining their financial sources, the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) says the party has strong financial support from members and business personalities. “Our financial support comes from our party members and business people who sympathise with us,” the party revealed. Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Windhoek, the Party Leader, Bernadus Swartbooi, explained that, in 2019, the Party ran a successful campaign without any cent from the government. This is in response to questions raised by members of the public, that the party spends money on buying vehicles. Swartbooi explained that LPM, as a political party, requires vehicles…

17 Nov

Revised National Resettlement Policy must benefit all communities

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Niël Terblanché The recently revised National Resettlement Policy in Namibia is geared towards achieving equity in land redistribution to alleviate poverty. The revised National Resettlement Policy was approved by the Cabinet in May of this year and will be in effect from 2023 to 2033. It replaces the 1991-2001 National Resettlement Policy and incorporates resolutions made during the second land conference held in 2018, which emphasized the issue of landlessness resulting from dispossession and the inability to maintain resettlement farms due to a lack of resources after acquisition. Concerns have, however, arisen regarding the criteria for qualification under the program,…