National News – Page 352 – Windhoek Observer

22 Nov

Meatco faces more cash flow problems as farmers demand immediate payment

National News

Niël Terblanché Cattle farmers in Namibia have raised concerns over delayed payments from the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco), citing the state-owned enterprise’s severe cash flow problems that are impacting their ability to meet financial obligations. The situation has escalated to the point where producers are now demanding upfront payments and assurances of timely payments for their livestock. Following an urgent meeting held last Thursday between Meatco’s management and directors and livestock producers, a written document outlining their demands was submitted. Among the key demands in the document is the requirement for Meatco to settle all outstanding payments promptly and…

22 Nov

Investigation launched into illicit sale of fuel supply licenses

National NewsInvestigation launched into illicit sale of fuel supply licenses

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Mines and Energy has initiated an investigation into the illicit sale of fuel supply licenses, as concerns mount over the unauthorised marketing of fuel licenses and fuel products at unregulated prices on social media platforms. Brian Eiseb, the Acting Executive Director of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, expressed deep concern about the increasing number of advertisements offering wholesale fuel licenses, retail fuel licenses, and fuel at non-gazetted prices. “These advertisements often originate from individuals or institutions lacking the necessary licensing authority,” he said. Eiseb cautioned the public that engaging in the trade of fuel…

22 Nov

PDM demands answers regarding emergency fund spending on security installations

National NewsPDM demands answers regarding emergency fund spending on security installations

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Member of Parliament, Nico Smit, is demanding that Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila explain how N$30 million from the National Emergency Fund was utilized for security installations and renovations at her office, as well as the refurbishment of the old State House. Smit’s inquiries are based on the findings of the Auditor General’s report. He announced in the National Assembly that on November 30, 2023, he intends to question the Prime Minister about why she authorized the allocation of funds for purposes that were not intended, which goes against the objectives of the National Emergency…

22 Nov

Parliament shows support for official recognition of sign language

National News

Stefanus Nashama As members of Parliament continue to contribute to the call for recognizing sign language as the second official language in the country, more lawmakers are stepping up in support of the motion. Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Jenelly Matundu, added her voice to the cause this week, urging her fellow MPs to consider accommodating deaf people by supporting the motion. She pointed out that the proposal aims to safeguard and promote the linguistic rights of hearing-impaired people in all aspects of Namibian society. Supporting the motion tabled by Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs, Alexia Manombe-Ncube, about…

22 Nov

Swapo’s Ohangwena branch supports Ndeitunga’s appointment

National NewsSwapo’s Ohangwena branch supports Ndeitunga’s appointment

Stefanus Nashama Swapo’s branch in Ohangwena Region has refuted claims from members of the public that the leadership in the region was not comfortable with President Hage Geingobs’s decision to replace former governor Walde Ndevashiya with the former police chief, Sebastian Ndeitunga. The Presidency last week announced the appointment of Ndeitunga as the new regional governor, replacing Ndevashiya. Responding to the claims this week, the Swapo Party’s Regional Coordinator for the Ohangwena Region, Philemon Josua clarified that the leadership in the region has welcomed and respected the decision of the president. Josua said the president has the right and the…

22 Nov

Ithindi appointed as the new ED of the Ministry of Mines and Energy

National NewsIthindi appointed as the new ED of the Ministry of Mines and Energy

Niël Terblanché George Simataa, the Secretary to the Cabinet, in a statement, disclosed that Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila made this appointment based on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission. He said the appointment is made in accordance with Sections 5(1) and 19(A)(1) of the Public Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 13 of 1995). Ithindi’s appointment is on a fixed-term contract of five years, set to commence on 1 December 2023. He currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, within the Department of Planning, Marketing, and Administration. According to the statement,…

22 Nov

Fly Namibia to start operating the Windhoek – Victoria Falls route next year

National NewsFly Namibia to start operating the Windhoek - Victoria Falls route next year

Erasmus Shalihaxwe FlyNamibia yesterday announced that the airline will open a crucial new tourism and business route with its new service between Windhoek and Victoria Falls that is set to commence on 4 April 2024. FlyNamibia Managing Director, Andrè Compion stated that flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport and the Zimbabwean resort town, Victoria Falls, which is famous for its spectacular 1,7-kilometer-wide waterfall and its perpetual fine mist cloud, known as colloquially as “Mosi oa Tunya”, or “the Smoke That Thunders”. “This new route is a key element in FlyNamibia’s network expansion…

21 Nov

Namibia, Botswana and RSA to unite for joint law enforcement operations

National NewsBotswana and RSA to unite for joint law enforcement operations, Namibia

Niël Terblanché The governments of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC), a crucial trade route connecting these nations, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, signed in Walvis Bay on November 3, 2003, is aimed at enhancing trade relationships and ensuring the smooth movement of goods and people along the corridor and throughout the region. The MoU represents a shared vision among the three participating nations, providing a foundation for collaborative efforts to streamline trade processes and facilitate efficient transportation along the TKC. Ankwetse Hunda, spokesperson for…

21 Nov

Expert mission aims to strengthen anti-corruption efforts in Namibia

National NewsExpert mission aims to strengthen anti-corruption efforts in Namibia

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is taking significant steps to combat corruption by embarking on a four-day expert mission, with support from the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX). The mission, which started yesterday, aims to enhance the capacity of officials and key stakeholders in developing a comprehensive framework for corruption risk management. TAIEX, an initiative of the European Commission, is designed to provide short-term support to public administrations through peer-to-peer collaboration. For this mission, a team of five experts from Germany, Slovenia, Lithuania, and Romania has gathered in Windhoek to facilitate the workshop. The initiative is aligned with…

21 Nov

Fisheries ministry urged to review fishing moratorium in Zambezi

National NewsFisheries ministry urged to review fishing moratorium in Zambezi

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has been urged to review the seasonal fishing moratorium imposed in the Zambezi Region. The call comes as the ban is seen as ineffective and is depriving Namibians of their livelihoods while neighbouring countries allow their citizens to continue fishing. Tjekero Tweya, Chairperson of the Parliament Standing Committee on Natural Resources, made these recommendations in a recent report submitted to the National Assembly. He pointed out that the ban, which is traditionally enforced each season to allow fish stocks to recover, only applies to the Namibian side of the river. In…