National News – Page 357 – Windhoek Observer

07 Feb

RP President endorses Itula as a strong presidential contender

National NewsRP President endorses Itula as a strong presidential contender

Stefanus Nashama In a departure from the norm among Namibian political leaders, Henk Mudge, the leader of the Republican Party (RP), has endorsed Panduleni Itula, the leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), as a formidable candidate for the 2024 presidential election. Mudge argued that Itula has garnered significant support and stands a tangible chance against Swapo, the incumbent ruling party, in the upcoming November elections. Mudge, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer, stressed that the opposition has long been outmatched by Swapo in elections, and this trend is likely to continue unless there is a united front…

06 Feb

UPM describes Geingob as a dedicated Political Stalwart that shaped Namibian politics

National News

Stefanus Nashama As the Namibian nation continues mourning the passing of its former President Hage Geingob, Jan Van Wyk, the Leader of the United People’s Movement (UPM), has also joined the nation in the same spirit, describing the late Geingob, as a stalwart politician who shaped Namibian politics. “President Geingob will be remembered as a stalwart politician and someone who helped shape Namibian politics as it is today,” he said. Van Wyk said that as the nation stands united in profound sorrow. The UPM also remembered his remarkable life and enduring contributions to the Namibian Nation. He recognised that death…

06 Feb

Former deputy minister Nawatiseb leaves Swapo to join LPM

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Engel Nawatiseb, who was also a member of Swapo has officially joined the Landless People's Movement (LPM). This decision follows his call, nearly two years ago, for a new generation of leadership within the ruling Swapo party. Nawatiseb emphasised the importance of youthful, capable leaders during his earlier statement. Nawatiseb, a seasoned political figure who served as Deputy Minister, expressed his confidence in LPM's potential to bring about robust and unique change in Namibia. “The Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology has expressed that there is an importance…

06 Feb

Namibia’s trade balance stands at a deficit of N$299 million

National News

Martin Endjala During December 2023, the country’s trade balance stood at a deficit of N$299 million, which is an improvement compared to N$4 billion and N$1.4 billion recorded in November 2023 and December 2022, respectively. This was revealed yesterday by Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer Alex Shimuafeni. According to the report, Namibia’s trade composition showed that Botswana emerged as Namibia’s largest market for exports, while South Africa maintained its position as the country’s main supplier. The composition of the export basket for December 2023 mainly comprised minerals such as Precious stones (diamonds), Non-monetary gold, and Uranium.…

06 Feb

Trans-Kalahari Railway will boost regional trade and connectivity

National News

Niël Terblanché In a decisive effort to bolster and advance regional trade and connectivity, Namibia and Botswana are moving closer to the realization of the Trans-Kalahari Railway project. This ambitious initiative aims to create a direct rail link between the Port of Walvis Bay and Botswana, extending further to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The project was discussed during a recent Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting in Swakopmund. The meeting was attended by Namibia's Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, and his counterpart from Botswana, Eric Molale. The railway line, envisioned to stretch approximately 1,500 kilometres, is designed…

06 Feb

Unplanned electricity outages cost an estimated N$1 billion

National News

Martin Endjala A recent study conducted by the Electricity Control Board (ECB) has shed light on the staggering cost of unplanned electricity outages in Namibia. The research reveals that these disruptions can cost the economy up to N$1 billion annually during weekdays, translating to an estimated N$41.4 million per hour. Over weekends, the impact slightly lessens to N$126 million, or N$5.26 million per weekend hour. The study, aimed at understanding the economic impact of these outages, employs the Cost of Unserved Energy (COUE) metric to quantify the financial toll on both consumers and the broader economy. According to ECB Chief…

06 Feb

Mbumba must address key legislation when National Assembly resumes

National NewsMbumba must address key legislation when National Assembly resumes

Martin Endjala Following the recent passing of President Hage Geingob, Namibia’s newly inaugurated President Nangolo Mbumba, is set to address critical pending legislation as the National Assembly resumes later today. This comes amid heightened anticipation for the Ninth Session of the Seventh Parliament, according to Parliament member John Likando. Likando highlighted President Mbumba’s extensive legislative background across various government roles before his tenure as Vice President, expressing confidence in Mbumba’s familiarity with the bills awaiting his approval. “Given his comprehensive understanding of the legislative process, we are optimistic about his approach to the gender-based violence bill introduced last year, among…

06 Feb

President Geingob transcended party politics or tribal affiliations – Kauandenge

National NewsPresident Geingob transcended party politics or tribal affiliations – Kauandenge

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Unity Democratic Organisation’s (NUDO) Secretary General, Joseph Kauandenge has described former President Hage Geingob, as an astute politician, a strong man who tried to transcend beyond party politics or tribal affiliations aiming to be a Namibian first before anything else. He added that the late President’s mantra of “One Namibian House” and “Harambee” still rang true until his last breath. Kauandenge said this yesterday while conveying his condolences to the Geingob family and the entire Namibian nation. He said NUDO credits the late President for his foresightedness and resolve to take on the mighty German Government,…

06 Feb

State-of-the-art staff accommodation inaugurated at Dobe Border Post

National NewsState-of-the-art staff accommodation inaugurated at Dobe Border Post

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Lucia Witbooi, has inaugurated state-of-the-art staff accommodation at Dobe Border Post and called on stakeholders to join efforts to make services effective and enhance the general well-being of the Dobe Border Post community. While speaking at the inauguration, Witbooi stressed the strategic importance of Dobe Border Post, located approximately 52 kilometres from Tsumkwe. The deputy minister along with other delegates celebrated the completion of a long-awaited project that faced challenges but was ultimately completed by the Namibian Police Force Building Team. The construction, which commenced in June 2015,…

05 Feb

Swakop Uranium Foundation addresses educational challenges

National News

Martin Endjala The Swakop Uranium Foundation has taken it upon itself to address educational challenges in regions across the country, this effort is backed up by its recent donation of N$72 000 to the Vennesa Healthcare and Kindergarten in the DRC informal settlement, in Swakopmund, towards the purchase of the facility’s monthly maize meal. The facility caters to 25 children and teenage girls who have dropped out of school or who have fallen on hard times and are living in bad circumstances. Eva Kazondunge, a teacher at the school highlighted the core functions of the facility and implored other community…