National News – Page 345 – Windhoek Observer

21 Feb

Members of the public urged to stay vigilant amidst state funeral

National News

Martin Endjala As the nation comes together to mourn the passing of late President Hage Geingob and pay their last respects, motorists and pedestrians have been advised to prioritise safety on the roads during this solemn period and remain vigilant at all times. With the funeral proceedings of the late President approaching, an increase in traffic flow into Windhoek across various routes is expected, and as such, the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) is strongly urging all motorists and road users to exercise utmost caution, patience, and vigilance during this time. MVA Funds Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku emphasised that…

21 Feb

Volunteers needed to assist with Geingob’s funeral arrangements

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a call to action echoing across Khomas Regional constituencies, a plea from Secretary to the Cabinet, George Simataa, seeks the assistance of 100 volunteers for the preparations surrounding the late former President Hage Geingob's funeral. Simataa, emphasising the qualities sought in volunteers, stated, “We are seeking hardworking, energetic, and mature unemployed youth from all Khomas Regional constituencies to join hands in the noble task of ensuring a dignified farewell to our beloved leader.” In a parallel move, the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture has declared this Friday, 23 February 2024, a school holiday. Executive Director Sanet…

21 Feb

Pensioners line up to sign up for debt relief

National News

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek (CoW) has launched a debt relief initiative aimed specifically at aiding elderly residents, with 500 pensioners already registered for the program. Lydia Amutenya, the CoW’s Public Communications Officer, reported a smooth registration process since its commencement on February 15. The program, which continues until April 15, 2024, is designed to alleviate the financial burdens on pensioners by offering a debt write-off. Amutenya clarified that the initiative is exclusive to pensioners, while non-pensioners and businesses will benefit from an automatic 50 percent interest write-off. “To date, around 500 pensioners have signed up. Applicants must provide…

21 Feb

Capricorn Group and NamRA join forces to strengthen risk management

National News

Niël Terblanché In a collaboration aimed at bolstering the culture of risk management within Namibian government entities, the Capricorn Group partnered with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) to conduct a specialized Risk Management Workshop. The workshop drew the participation of NamRA’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee and Senior Managers. At the same time, the initiative was spearheaded by Capricorn Group's Business Risk Officer, Horst Simon, a seasoned facilitator known for his contribution to enhancing risk management strategies across various sectors. The workshop focused on cultivating an effective risk culture within NamRA, marking a significant step in the agency's journey towards robust…

21 Feb

Namibia’s legal fraternity lauds Geingob’s judicial legacy

National NewsNamibia’s legal fraternity lauds Geingob’s judicial legacy

Niël Terblanché During a gathering of Namibia’s most esteemed legal minds, the country’s legal fraternity recently came together to pay homage to President Hage Geingob’s indelible impact on the nation’s legal landscape. At the forefront of this tribute were commendations from Supreme Court Judge Dave Smuts, Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab, former Ombudsman John Walters, and the Secretary to the National Assembly, Tousy Naumab. They reflected on President Geingob’s fundamental contributions to justice and law development, highlighting his steadfast dedication to the judiciary’s independence, the inclusivity of lawmaking, and the promotion of transparency and accountability in governance. Supreme Court Judge…

21 Feb

Overpriced school furniture angers taxpayers

National News

Martin Endjala The procurement of school furniture which the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MOEAC) purchased for an amount of N$1 578, 600, has left taxpayers fuming to what they term as ridiculous and unacceptable. According to purchase order documents seen by Windhoek Observer, which the ministry confirmed, 240 mattresses were procured. The ministry was charged N$1200 per learner chair, N$1500 per learner table, N$2 700 per teacher desk, N$2 500 per teacher chair, N$4000 for each laboratory tool and N$5 500 for the 120 bunk beds. The school in question is the Himarwa Iithete Senior Secondary School, situated…

21 Feb

Uumati challenges suspension amidst allegations of discrimination

National NewsUumati challenges suspension amidst allegations of discrimination

Niël Terblanché Dr Martha Uumati, the suspended Managing Director of Erongo Marine Enterprises (EME), has initiated legal action against the Oceana Group, accusing the company of unlawful suspension and discrimination The dramatic twist in the dispute, which has sparked widespread attention, centres around allegations of racism, gender discrimination, and procedural irregularities in Uumati’s suspension process. Uumati found herself in the middle of a storm following her suspension last week. According to Advocate Richard Metcalfe, Uumati’s legal representative, the suspension came without a formal board resolution from Oceana’s local subsidiary and disregarded Namibian company legislation. Metcalfe further accuses Oceana’s CEO, Neville…

21 Feb

NSA concludes census fieldwork

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has concluded the 2023 population and housing census fieldwork. Statistician-General, Alex Shimuafeni, made an official announcement yesterday. Shimuafeni said there would no longer be census officials going around to households for any census-related activities. “We extend our profound appreciation for the support and full participation of all individuals, households, structures, and institutions, for ensuring that everyone was counted,” he acknowledged. According to the report from NSA, seen by Windhoek Observer, the census fieldwork commenced with the data collection on 18 September 2023 and concluded with the post-enumeration survey (PES) reconciliation field visits on…

21 Feb

MME maintains licensing moratorium to support existing businesses

National NewsMME maintains licensing moratorium to support existing businesses

Niël Terblanché In a critical move aimed at stabilizing the fuel retail sector, Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo recently reaffirmed the government’s stance to uphold the moratorium on issuing new fuel wholesale and retail licenses. During a presentation in the National Assembly, Alweendo reiterated the government’s intention to protect the interests of existing fuel retailers amid concerns over market saturation. The moratorium, which was initially announced in the middle of last year, seeks to address the grievances of current fuel business operators. These operators have voiced their challenges following the ministry’s issuance of a significant number of retail licenses,…

21 Feb

Erongo Region Commemorates Geingob’s legacy with memorial tree planting

National NewsErongo Region Commemorates Geingob’s legacy with memorial tree planting

Niël Terblanché In a touching tribute to President Hage Geingob, the Erongo Region held a tree-planting ceremony, led by Regional Governor Neville Andre. The event took place at the site of the future Office Park of the Erongo Regional Council, marking a lasting homage to a leader whose vision and dedication have significantly shaped the nation’s trajectory. Governor Andre said that the ceremony is more than a mere ritual. He said it symbolizes the profound respect and admiration for President Geingob’s contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Erongo Region and beyond. “The selection of a tree, accompanied by…