National News – Page 341 – Windhoek Observer

31 Jan

High accident fatality rate concerns MVA

National News

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) in Namibia has expressed grave concern over the recent spike in road accidents, leading to the loss of 16 lives and numerous injuries last week. "It is alarming that Namibia lost 16 lives and witnessed 89 injuries in just the past week due to road traffic crashes," stated Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, the Fund's Chief Executive Officer. She revealed that from January 1 to 28, 2024, there were a total of 158 crashes, resulting in 335 injuries and 29 fatalities. As the country transitions out of the festive period, Martins-Hausiku urges drivers to maintain…

31 Jan

PAS gains international recognition through prestigious excellent service awards

National NewsPAS gains international recognition through prestigious excellent service awards

Niël Terblanché In acknowledgement of its stellar service quality, Paragon Aviation Services (PAS), operating at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) in Namibia, has been honoured with a series of prestigious awards from the Lufthansa Group. The German national airline, through its subsidiary Discover Airlines, recognized PAS for its exceptional service offerings. PAS, the licensed ground handling service provider at HKIA, offers a range of services including Passenger Services, Ramp and Baggage Handling, Cargo Services, Meet and Greet, and Private Aircraft Charter Services. Discover Airlines particularly commended PAS for delivering these services in a safe, secure, and timely manner. The award…

31 Jan

Landless farmers face eviction in Gobabis…LPM pleads for ministerial intervention

National NewsLandless farmers face eviction in Gobabis…LPM pleads for ministerial intervention

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Landless generational farmers and farm dwellers are on the brink of disaster as the Gobabis Town Council moves forward with plans to enforce eviction by today. The eviction, sanctioned under the provisions of the Public and Environment Health Act of 2015, section 59, subsections (h) and (d), has sparked concerns and calls for immediate intervention. Joyce Muzengua, representing the human rights desk of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), highlighted the plight of the marginalized community, stating that. “This demographic group has become a highly marginalized, mostly unemployed underclass, migrating into informal settlements on the outskirts of Gobabis, relying…

31 Jan

Oil discovery won’t benefit kids in southern Namibia if education does not improve – /Goagoses

National NewsOil discovery won’t benefit kids in southern Namibia if education does not improve – /Goagoses

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Deputy Minister of High Education, Technology and Innovation Nathalia /Goagoses, said if the education system does not improve in //Karas and Hardap regions, the recent oil discoveries in Namibia will not benefit inhabitants of the two regions, especially kids. /Goagoses made these remarks yesterday during the official opening of the Regional Stakeholders Conference held in the Hardap Region. She said that for somebody to work on Oil and Green Hydrogen projects, that person needs a mix of subjects like chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering. Especially chemical, mechanical, and environmental as well as geology and possible economics for…

31 Jan

King implements strict regulations for revival churches

National NewsKing implements strict regulations for revival churches

Niël Terblanché Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, the Omukwaniilwa of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, has taken a decisive stand against the uncontrolled proliferation of unregulated revival churches in his jurisdiction. This measure is in response to escalating concerns in Namibia, particularly in the northern regions of Oshikoto, Oshana, and Ohangwena, where the rapid growth in the number of these churches is causing social unrest. Reports of misconduct and exploitation by church leaders have intensified these concerns. There have been alarming instances of pastors and prophets accused of exploitative practices, including false miracle healings and sexual misconduct. These incidents have not only attracted…

31 Jan

United front needed to combat cholera outbreak in Southern Africa

National News

Niël Terblanché In urgent response to the escalating cholera outbreak across Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an extraordinary virtual council meeting. Health ministers from member states, including Angola’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Tete Antonio, convened to discuss a coordinated regional approach to combat the spread of the disease. Ambassador Antonio emphasized the urgent need for collective action among SADC countries. The recent outbreak, affecting Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has been identified as a significant barrier to the SADC’s integration and development goals. Antonio highlighted the interconnected nature of…

31 Jan

Broken glass allegations are part of a smear campaign

National NewsBroken glass allegations are part of a smear campaign

Niël Terblanché A serious health scare in Namibia, sparked by allegations of broken glass found in packets of maize snacks, known locally as chips, has been labelled as fake news. A viral video made by social justice activist Michael Amushelelo, alleging that the Hello Nax brand of chips contained broken glass, caught the attention of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, leading to immediate action. Officials from the Environmental Health Division swiftly visited Rani Group’s retail outlets, the sellers of the implicated chips, to collect samples for laboratory testing. As the nation awaits these results, the manufacturer of the…

31 Jan

More than 15 000 women are living with HIV in the Omusati Region

National NewsMore than 15 000 women are living with HIV in the Omusati Region

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A concerning number of approximately 15,192 women aged 20 to 49 are living with HIV (WLHIV) in the Omusati Region, as of the end of September 2023. This was revealed by Dr Ester Muinjangue, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, during the inauguration of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign, launched this week, focuses on intensifying efforts to combat cervical cancer. Dr. Muinjangue stressed the urgency of increasing awareness and screening for this disease. She officially commenced National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and screening campaigns in the Omusati Region, noting the significant global impact of cervical…

30 Jan

ACC recommits to combat corruption in public sector

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in collaboration with Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX), this week commenced with the second framework of a workshop to provide expert and practical support to deal with corruption risk in the public sector. Speaking at the opening of the workshop in Windhoek, ACC Executive Director, Tylvas Shilongo, said the workshop underscores shared commitment to finding solutions, exchanging insights, and exploring new possibilities to combat corruption risk. Since the Commission intends to establish a comprehensive framework at the national level to conduct corruption risk management within public entities, Shilongo stressed the workshop would provide…

30 Jan

Swapo supports One-China Policy amidst escalating China Taiwan Tensions

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In an affirmation of the One-China Policy amidst escalating China-Taiwan tensions, SWAPO has reiterated its steadfast commitment. The party, through its Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa, underlined its recognition of Taiwan as an integral part of the People's Republic of China, aligning with principles of multipolarity, togetherness, and cooperation. She said Namibia solidifies its commitment to the One-China Policy, emphasizing the bond with China and the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." Furthermore, Shaningwa asserts Namibia's commitment to trust, mutual respect, and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs. “Our organisation and its bilateral relations are premised on multipolarity, togetherness and cooperation, the…