National News – Page 359 – Windhoek Observer

02 Feb

MoHSS receives surgical gloves valued at N$2.6 million

National NewsMoHSS receives surgical gloves valued at N$2.6 million

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) received a significant boost to its medical supplies on Thursday, with the donation of surgical gloves worth N$2.6 million from Cospharm Investment. This contribution is set to alleviate the current shortage of disposable gloves in clinics and hospitals nationwide, ensuring better infection control and patient care across Namibia. Cospharm Investment, a prominent pharmaceutical company, operates in Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and remotely in Zambia. The company’s growth is attributed to its deep understanding of the regulatory environment and market dynamics within these territories. Fabiola Vahekeni, the…

02 Feb

We need to improve our sports facilities – Iipinge

National NewsWe need to improve our sports facilities - Iipinge

Martin Endjala Hofni Iipinge, the Deputy Secretary of the Swapo Party for Education, Culture, Arts, and Sport, has issued a strong appeal for the overhaul of the country’s deteriorating sports facilities. This appeal follows the commendable performance of the Namibian Brave Warriors at the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where they reached the Round of 16 before being edged out by Angola, securing N$15 million in tournament earnings. Iipinge emphasized the need for dedicated funds for sports facilities to be used as allocated, without diversion for other purposes. He challenged the responsible ministry to complete the…

02 Feb

Malaria Epidemic Alert registered in Namibia

National News

Niël Terblanché In a pressing announcement, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) of Namibia has officially declared a malaria epidemic across various districts, following alarming statistics that have emerged in recent weeks. The announcement comes in the wake of over 12 fatalities and the hospitalization of 133 individuals due to this mosquito-borne disease. Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of MoHSS, expressed deep concern over the surge in malaria cases, which has been particularly pronounced in all malaria-endemic regions of the country. The epidemic has hit at least 15 districts, surpassing epidemic thresholds and experiencing outbreaks. These include Eenhana,…

02 Feb

Vaccination and early diagnosis are critical in combating cervical cancer

National NewsVaccination and early diagnosis are critical in combating cervical cancer

Niël Terblanche As Namibia observes Cervical Cancer Awareness Month a clear call to action has been made for all women of childbearing age to get screened for cervical cancer at the nearest health facilities. In Namibia, cervical cancer stands as a formidable adversary against women’s health, particularly affecting those between the ages of 15 and 44. It is the second most common form of cancer among women in this age group, presenting a significant public health challenge. There is, however, a beacon of hope in the fight against the deadly disease - prevention through vaccination and the potential for a…

02 Feb

Sacked Karasburg Town Councillor refuses to vacate office

National NewsSacked Karasburg Town Councillor refuses to vacate office

Martin Endjala In a developing controversy within the Karasburg Town Council, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hansina Isaacks is reportedly refusing to vacate her office despite being dismissed by members of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM). An anonymous internal source disclosed that the reasons behind Isaacks’ dismissal are not fully detailed but are believed to be linked to her administrative role and alleged dual allegiances to both the mayor and party leadership, which precipitated her removal by the council. Isaacks’ appointment came on June 6, 2023, succeeding Nico Titus, the former CEO suspended in 2021 amid allegations of financial mismanagement.…

02 Feb

Police officers reminded to remain humble servants

National NewsPolice officers reminded to remain humble servants

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibian Police Force Chief Joseph Shikongo, has reminded promoted police officers to continue serving the nation as usual and not develop the attitude of bosses. Shikongo speaking was during the Parade on Promotion of Officers and Conferment of Ranks at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College in Windhoek this week. The Parade saw a total of 911 men and women in uniform promoted to different ranks within the police force, of which 490 were men and 421 were women. Shikongo announced that 50 members of the police force were promoted from Inspector to Chief Inspector, 300 were promoted…

02 Feb

Foreign reserves increase to N$54.9 billion

National News

The stock of international reserves increased by 8.4% month to month to N$54.9 billion at the end of December, relative to N$50.6 billion in November, the Bank of Namibia revealed. The central bank said the increase was attributable to higher commercial bank inflows as a result diamond sales and customer foreign currency placements (CFC’s). The foreign reserves translated into 4.6 months of import cover. Growth in M2 (money supply) rose to 10.7% at the end of December relative to a growth of 10.3% in November. The rise in M2 growth stemmed from an increase in domestic claims, during the period…

01 Feb

Renovation of historic Ritterburg Building in Swakopmund set to begin

National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) is in the final stages of appointing a contractor for the much-awaited renovation of the iconic Ritterburg office building in Swakopmund. The MEFT’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda said in a statement that the ministry is close to completing the tender process, with renovation works expected to start between April and May, aiming for completion by August or September 2024. The Ritterburg Building, a historic monument listed under the Heritage Council of Namibia, has fallen into a state of disrepair over the years. "Securing the necessary resources for this renovation has been…

01 Feb

Usakos tackles youth unemployment with vocational training initiative

National News

Niël Terblanché The town of Usakos in the Erongo Region has launched an ambitious youth employment intervention programme to curb the scourge of youth unemployment. The initiative, spearheaded by Usakos Mayor, Irene Simeon-Kurtz, aims to provide the town's youth with essential funding for various vocational training programmes aimed at addressing persistent educational and unemployment challenges. The programme emerges against a backdrop where a significant majority of young individuals entering the labour market each year find themselves trapped in a cycle of unemployment, with more than 70 percent remaining outside of employment, education, and training systems. "Our multi-sectoral action plan is…

01 Feb

Media union insist charges against New Era editor be dropped despite reinstatement

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia Media Professionals’ Union (NAMPU) Acting Secretary General Jemima Beukes, says the union has welcomed the reinstatement of New Era Newspaper Managing Director Johnathan Beukes, following his suspension in September 2023, and returned to work yesterday. However, the media union is not satisfied with the fact that despite Beukes going to work, the charges that got him suspended have still not been dropped and he is still facing a disciplinary hearing. “We commend the decision by the New Era leadership to heed our calls for his return, affirming the importance of a free and robust press in our…