National News – Page 344

11 Oct

Housing and utility prices increased significantly

info_e12wt4csNational NewsHousing and utility prices increased significantly

Martin Endjala According to the Namibia Statistics Agency’s annual inflation rate for September 2023, Consumer Index for housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels component has increased from 2.1 to 3.0 percent, accounting for 28.4 percent of the consumer spending. The increase in the annual inflation rate for this category was mainly reflected in the subgroup of Electricity, gas, and other fuels which registered 7.7 percent compared to 5.0 percent witnessed in September 2022, and rental payments of dwellings recorded 2.1 percent compared to 1.4 percent recorded in September of the preceding year. During September 2023, Statistician-General and Chief Executive…

11 Oct

Outdated personal files delay pension payments

info_e12wt4csNational NewsOutdated personal files delay pension payments

Stefanus Nashama The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has indicated that outdated personal files of members and beneficiaries are causing delays in distributing pension benefits. This insight was shared by Amos Kambonde, GIPF’s Manager of Marketing Service. “It’s imperative for members to ensure their files are current. By doing so, when a benefit is due, the fund can disburse the pension benefits promptly,” Kambonde emphasized. Kambonde highlighted the challenges faced by the fund in timely benefit payouts to members and their beneficiaries. Among these challenges is the payment of death benefits. Many of these delays arise due to the absence…

11 Oct

Rössing Foundation benefits from golf series

info_e12wt4csNational NewsDan Zwiebel, Rössing Foundation benefits from golf series, said the Nedbank for Autism Series

Martin Endjala The 2023 Nedbank for Good Series which concluded on 6 October 2023 at the Omeya Golf Club, saw a total of N$250,000 being raised for the Rössing Foundation. The tournament organiser Dan Zwiebel, said the Nedbank for Autism Series was an event that they ran for three years. “We raised valuable funds, which we channelled to that cause. After three years, we decided to do a name change, as we felt that there are so many charities that need our support, which is why we moved to the Nedbank for Good Series in support of the Rössing Foundation,”…

10 Oct

Beverage producers must promote responsible drinking

info_e12wt4csNational NewsBeverage producers must promote responsible drinking

Martin Endjala Lucia Iipumbu, the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, has called on alcoholic beverage producers to foster responsible brands, ensuring that consumers imbibe responsibly. She stressed that corporate responsibility should not only cater to those consuming alcohol but should also reach out to the education sector to instil moral values and impart lessons about the effects of alcohol. These sentiments were expressed at the ABInBev Namibia Welwitschia Brewery in Okahandja during a stakeholder engagement. “While we recognize the importance of alcohol trade for job creation and generating tax revenue, it’s imperative to monitor consumer consumption,” she noted. Iipumbu also…

10 Oct

Namibia calls for cease fire in escalating Gaza conflict

info_e12wt4csNational Newsf violence between Israel and Palestine, Namibia calls for cease fire in escalating Gaza conflict

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Government has vehemently condemned the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, lamenting the tragic loss of lives on both sides while calling for a de-escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The conflict, which saw the largest attack by the Palestinian armed group Hamas against Israel in decades, has so far resulted in over 800 Israeli and around 500 Palestinian casualties amid intense fighting and bombardments. This comes as Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, announced on Monday an impending total blockade on the Gaza Strip, which will include cutting electricity and blocking essential supplies.…

10 Oct

Namibia will have to deal with rising temperatures

info_e12wt4csNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia, renowned as the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, is contending with a worrisome trend of rising temperatures. Carl Schlettwein, the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, underscored this disturbing pattern. Scientific evidence indicates that surface temperatures have risen by 1.2 degrees Celsius over the past century. Moreover, the occurrence of extreme temperatures has spiked by 10 percent in the past four decades. At the National Workshop on Water Security and Climate Change in Windhoek, Deputy Executive Director Elijah Ngurare communicated Minister Schlettwein’s apprehensions. “Climate change is leading to increasing temperatures and variable rainfall across Africa. This…

10 Oct

Venaani advocates for peaceful resolution to Israel – Palestine conflict

info_e12wt4csNational NewsVenaani advocates for peaceful resolution to Israel - Palestine conflict

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and Vice-Chairman of the International Democrat Union, has voiced his concerns over the escalating war by Israel against Hamas, urging an immediate peaceful resolution to the situation. Speaking on the issue, Venaani expressed deep concern about the escalating violence in the region. His remarks follow an assault by Hamas, the Palestinian group governing the blockaded Gaza Strip, on Israeli towns last Saturday. This assault resulted in the capture of hundreds of hostages and reported deaths of approximately 1,100 people. Israel’s counteraction was to declare a state of war,…

10 Oct

New Era editor suspension a blatant interference with press freedom: Nampu

info_e12wt4csNational NewsNew Era editor suspension a blatant interference with press freedom: Nampu

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Media Professional’s Union (Nampu) has said that the suspension of the New Era Newspaper’s Managing Editor, Johnathan Beukes represents a blatant interference with press freedom, journalistic work, and his fundamental right as a Namibian to express himself, as protected by the Namibian Constitution. In a petition read by the union Acting General Secretary Jemima Beukes during a demonstration yesterday at New Era head office in the capital, where various media practitioners from various media houses gathered. The union demanded for the immediate reinstatement of Beukes. Stating that the suspension not only violates the Managing Editor’s rights but…

10 Oct

Youth urged to harness innovation

info_e12wt4csNational News

Stefanus Nashama Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has urged Namibian youth to utilize the 7th National ICT Summit as a platform to showcase their innovations. The Ministry stated that the Summit’s primary goal is to provide a platform for the ICT industry to discuss prevailing trends and challenges both locally and globally. During the Summit’s official inauguration in Windhoek yesterday, the minister highlighted the significance of youth involvement. He also stressed the importance of harnessing the Summit to foster change, drive innovation, and progress in technological adoption. “Let’s unite in our dedication to secure our…

10 Oct

SADC Anti-Corruption Agencies set to meet in Swakopmund

info_e12wt4csNational NewsThe Southern African Development Community (SADC) will host a crucial meeting for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) in Swakopmund from 11 to 13 October 2023.

Niël Terblanché The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will host a crucial meeting for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) in Swakopmund from 11 to 13 October 2023. According to a statement by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission, Josefina Nghituwamata, the core objective of the workshop is to fortify the execution of the SADC Strategic Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2023-2027). A key feature will be enhancing coordination efforts between the SADC Secretariat, Member States, and their respective ACAs. This workshop aims to elevate awareness among ACA leaders regarding the SADC Protocol against Corruption, facilitating discussions on emerging…