National News

LPM stands firm on allegationsof MTC funding fishrot lawyers

LPM stands firm on allegationsof MTC funding fishrot lawyers

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Despite Mobile Telecommunications (MTC) strongly denying any money missing from its coffers, the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), is insisting that N$1.2 billion of public funds were used to pay lawyers representing persons implicated in the fishrot scandal. The party’s spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa, told Windhoek Observer yesterday that based on information the party received from the source, LPM has strong suspicion that MTC has a case to answer. Hence the party wants the line minister to provide clarity. This comes after LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi, questioned Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Iipumbu Shiimi, in Parliament last week to…
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Swift police action nets three robbery suspects

Swift police action nets three robbery suspects

Niël Terblanché A coordinated response by members of the Namibian Police has led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of stolen items after an armed robbery involving seven individuals unfolded in Karibib. According to Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the Head of the Community Affairs Division of the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region, the incident occurred near FNB in Karibib at approximately 09:15 on Monday. He indicated that the victims, two security guards from Alpha Security services, were preparing to transport cash collected from Erongo Red offices in Usakos and Karibib to the bank when they fell victim…
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Construction sector minimum wages to increase by nine percent

Construction sector minimum wages to increase by nine percent

Martin Endjala The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) has announced an increment of nine percent in minimum wages once the proposal is gazetted by the government through the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation. CIF Chief Executive Officer Bärbel Kirchner, told this publication yesterday that they have reached an agreement with Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union to increase workers’ wages, and the increase will only be relevant for categories of workers as listed in the Collective Agreement. She said the increase for the first year is five percent on the previous minimum wage payable; and for…
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Nida blamed for Naute Dam irrigation farm electricity failure

Nida blamed for Naute Dam irrigation farm electricity failure

Martin Endjala The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) is facing criticism over a continuing electricity outage at the Naute Dam Irrigation Farm. The farm has reportedly been without electricity for the past three weeks. According to Willem Labuschagne, Keetmanshoop Rural Constituency Councilor in the //Kharas region, workers at the farm expressed their disappointment with the current state of affairs. Labuschagne attributes the electricity closure to Nida and questions its ability to manage such a critical project that significantly contributes to the economy due to its lack of capital capacity. “If you go there now, the dates stored are rotting as…
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Africa must stand united during energy renaissance

Africa must stand united during energy renaissance

Niël Terblanché President Hage Geingob has stressed the urgent need for African nations to collaborate on constructing robust and environmentally responsible industries for a sustainable future. While addressing the official opening of Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, the Namibian Head of State called for unity when new energy policies are created around the development of sustainable energy projects. Geingob stressed the importance of renewed unity while African nations pursue industrialization. He pointed to the critical role of reliable and quality energy supply in driving economic development and achieving goals such as Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the…
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NANSO expresses solidarity with Palestine and condemns the conflict

NANSO expresses solidarity with Palestine and condemns the conflict

Niël Terblanché Pedro Muyo-yeta, Acting Secretary for Political and International Affairs of the Namibian National Students Organization (NANSO), expressed unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and vehemently denounced the recent escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that began in the first week of October. The statement, released by NANSO, decries the ongoing violence and oppression faced by the Palestinian people, highlighting the detrimental impact on students and the future of education in the region. The conflict escalated significantly when the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, launched a daring attack from Gaza into Israel. In response, Israel initiated a series of airstrikes on…
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Walvis Bay Municipality unveils ambitious economic vision

Walvis Bay Municipality unveils ambitious economic vision

Niël Terblanché John Esterhuizen, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Walvis Bay Municipality, presented an ambitious vision for the town’s forward-thinking economic development at the Stakeholder Engagement on the Local Economic Development Strategic (LED) Implementation Plan. With a clear objective outlined in the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, the Walvis Bay Municipal Council aims to create a conducive business environment, incorporating an enhanced service delivery strategy to attract investors and foster economic and employment opportunities. Acknowledging the town’s thriving industries in fishing, tourism, and logistics over the past three decades, Esterhuizen stressed the need for transformation to ensure Walvis Bay’s continued global…
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25 allegedly denied drought relief food for wearing LPM t-shirts

25 allegedly denied drought relief food for wearing LPM t-shirts

Stefanus Nashama Landless People’s Movement (LPM) northern central region office has claimed unfair distribution of drought relief food in the Eenhana constituency of the Ohangwena region. According to LPM Political Action Committee Member, Silas Moses, about 25 people were denied food because they were wearing the party’s regalia during the handover ceremony last year. Moses yesterday told Windhoek Observer that LPM received complaints from members of the Opalasha community regarding the unfair distribution of the drought relief food. “Community members were asked to burn the LPM t-shirts or remove the clothing or else they must go and get the food…
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NDF Recognizes Soldiers with Medals

NDF Recognizes Soldiers with Medals

Stefanus Nashama The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has honoured and acknowledged its generals and other senior officers with medals for their achievements and contributions to the military’s service. Speaking at the medal parade ceremony yesterday, Chief of the Namibian Defence Force, Air Marshal Martin Pinehas, said military medals are a central and instrumental part of military life presented to officers who have made exclusive commitments to their assigned duties and functions within the Namibian NDF. “Honoring and awarding of medals is a military tradition that has persisted over the years, dating back many decades and centuries,” Pinehas said. According to…
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Urban ministry spends over N$4 million on Havana electrification

Urban ministry spends over N$4 million on Havana electrification

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated N$4,234,111.78 to fund the electrification of Havana Extension 6 and 7 Phase II, which connected 105 households to the electricity grid. The primary aim of the electrification drive is to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Havana Extension 6 and 7 by providing them with access to essential electricity services. Joseph Uapingene, the Mayor of Windhoek, emphasised the city’s commitment to prioritising the electrification of informal settlements. “This is indeed a very important project, and I applaud the progress made thus far. The City of Windhoek…
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