National News – Page 339 – Windhoek Observer

15 Feb

Taxi boss’s claim against government balloons to more than half a billion dollars

National News

Stefanus Nashama Werner Januarie, the President of the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU), has written to the Popular Democratic Movement’s McHenry Venaani and the Republican Party’s Henk Mudge to help him sue the government for N$522 million. According to court documents, Januarie has previously sought damages amounting to N$74 million, however, in the letter, he stated that amongst other things, the lawsuit of N$74 million has ballooned to N$522 million in the appeal he registered as SA 82/ 2023. In the letters to the various political leaders, Januarie expressed disappointment in the Namibian judicial system. “As a union, we…

14 Feb

Namibia remains on high alert amidst cholera crisis

National NewsNamibia remains on high alert amidst cholera crisis

Niël Terblanché As the cholera crisis intensifies across the African continent, claiming over 4,419 lives and affecting more than 266,000 individuals in the past year, Namibia remains on high alert. The Ministry of Health and Social Service recently confirmed that it is bolstering its disease surveillance and precautionary measures, responding proactively to the outbreak ravaging the populations of neighbouring nations. The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant burden of the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), accounting for over 16 percent of the continent’s cholera cases. Concurrently, the DRC has been the…

14 Feb

NBL accelerates commitment to reach zero emissions by 2030

National NewsNBL accelerates commitment to reach zero emissions by 2030

Martin Endjala Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, has accelerated its sustainability efforts by committing to reach zero emissions across its operations by 2030. This science-based target, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement climate goal, will be realised through a comprehensive strategy that emphasises increased renewable energy usage, enhanced energy efficiency, emission reduction across NBL’s value chain, and the implementation of innovative low-carbon technologies, and nature-based solutions. According to NBL Managing Director, Peter Simons, this net-zero commitment signifies a monumental leap in NBL’s sustainability journey as part of Brew a Better World 2030 strategy. “Climate change…

14 Feb

Repo rate remains unchanged

National NewsRepo rate remains unchanged

Martin Endjala In a move to justify its decision to maintain the repo rate at 7.75 percent, a level kept since June 2023, the Governor of the Bank of Namibia (BoN), Johannes !Gawaxab said that despite many wanting the central bank to reduce the repo rate, the benefits outweigh the costs. Most monitored central banks kept their policy rates unchanged at their most recent monetary policy meetings, mainly due to easing inflation and the moderation in growth. The BoN Governor was responding to questions posed to him during the announcement of the repo rate as to why it remains unchanged.…

14 Feb

“A big tree has fallen” – Simataa

National NewsSimataa remembers the legacy of Geingob

Niël Terblanché In a heartfelt tribute George Simataa, Secretary to the Cabinet, honoured the indelible legacy of Geingob, whose recent passing has left a profound void in the heart of the nation and the African continent. Simataa’s eulogy, delivered with a mix of sorrow and reverence, painted a vivid picture of a leader whose life was dedicated to the upliftment and unity of the Namibian people and the broader African cause. Simataa remembered Geingob, as a “big tree” under whose shade many found refuge, and was a stalwart of development, unity, and the fight against poverty. “His sudden silence has…

14 Feb

Police harassed and intimidated people during registration for vacant houses

National NewsPolice harassed and intimidated people during registration for vacant houses

Stefanus Nashama Social Activist Michael Amushelelo, said the registration of people who want to occupy vacant houses in Windhoek built under the Mass Housing Program was met with harassment and intimidation from the Namibian Police Force last week. Sharing his concern yesterday, Amushelelo said many people could not register due to fear of the Police when the process commenced. “In the past weekend, the police attempted to undermine the fundamental freedoms of the Namibian Constitution,” he stated Amushelelo cited Chapter 3, Article 21 (1) (d) which says all persons shall have the right to assemble peaceably, adding that the police…

14 Feb

President João Lourenço to attend Geingob’s State Funeral

National NewsPresident João Lourenço to attend Geingob’s State Funeral

Niël Terblanché In a significant show of solidarity and brotherhood, Angola’s President João Lourenço is set to lead a high-level delegation to the state funeral of the late Namibian President Hage Geingob on 25 February 2024. The announcement comes following a meeting between the Vice President of Angola’s ruling party, MPLA, Luísa Damião, and Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba at the State House. The meeting emphasized the deep ties between the two nations, as Damião, accompanied by Ambassador Tete Antonio, the Angolan Minister of External Relations, and other dignitaries, delivered a special message of condolence from President Lourenço. This message extended…

14 Feb

President Mbumba charts course for economic growth and transparency

National NewsPresident Mbumba charts course for economic growth and transparency

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a resolute Cabinet Meeting this week, President Nangolo Mbumba urged the Cabinet to carry forward the visionary legacy of President Hage Geingob and outlined key priorities for the Year of Expectations, focusing on economic growth, inclusive prosperity and transparency. He addressed the Cabinet against the backdrop of the recent passing of Geingob. Mbumba officiated at the commencement of Cabinet activities for 2024 and in his addressed steered the nation towards a future defined by economic resilience, inclusive prosperity and unwavering transparency. Addressing the challenges, Mbumba began by acknowledging the loss of the late President Geingob, describing him…

13 Feb

Harambee Prosperity Plans yielded fruit despite challenges

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibian President, Nangolo Mbumba, announced that the ambitious Harambee Prosperity Plans, both the first and second iterations, have achieved their objectives, navigating through the trials of COVID-19 and persistent drought to usher in an era of economic revitalization. He said that as Namibia charts a course towards recovery, various sectors are witnessing a resurgence, notably agriculture, mining, tourism, oil and gas, and the burgeoning field of green energy. Mbumba's call to action for the ministries overseeing these vital areas during the official opening of Cabinet is clear: expedite the implementation of all pending programs to accelerate economic development…

13 Feb

Geingob promoted freedom of the press – Mbumba

National News

Martin Endjala President Nangolo Mbumba said that President Hage Geingob contributed to the country’s media landscape, including his role in promoting freedom of the press, and laid a solid foundation for developing a democratic society. He said that a deep respect and gratitude should go to the late President, who championed freedom of the press during his tenure. Geingob often chanted that as long as he was alive and still the President, no journalist would be harassed, arrested or killed. Mbumba said this yesterday, in commemoration of World Radio Day, which is celebrated every year on 13 February. This year’s…