National News – Page 365 – Windhoek Observer

23 Jan

Namibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

National NewsNamibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Parliament of Namibia is set to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region for the Budget Committee meeting in Windhoek from 23 to 26 January 2024. The committee, responsible for organizing, facilitating, and formulating financial recommendations for the Association, plays a crucial role in managing the CPA’s investments. Namibia, a member of CPA Africa, joins 63 national and subnational legislatures in the pursuit of shared goals. Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia and current Vice-Chairperson of the CPA Africa Executive Committee Lukas Sinimbo Muha, is slated to formally inaugurate the meeting. Delegates from five Member…

23 Jan

NIP achieves international recognition for excellence in medical laboratory sciences

National NewsNIP achieves international recognition for excellence in medical laboratory sciences

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Institute of Pathology Limited (NIP) has solidified its standing among the global elite by earning international recognition for significant advancements in medical laboratory sciences through the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). This remarkable achievement was unveiled during the Sixth Biennial Conference of the ASLM, which took place from 12 to 15 December 2023, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. According to a statement, a total of 14 NIP laboratories have been accredited by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), aligning with the esteemed international standard ISO 15189. The journey toward accreditation has…

22 Jan

Security company will refund a guard after cutting his salary for sleeping on duty

National NewsSecurity company will refund a guard after cutting his salary for sleeping on duty

Stefanus Nashama Namibia Asset Protection has agreed to refund Shapumba Tutangeni, a security guard, N$920, which was deducted from his salary in December of the previous year for allegedly sleeping on duty.This decision comes after a successful intervention by social activist Michael Amushelelo on the matter. According to Amushelelo, Tutangeni is paid an average of N$8.33 per hour.A payslip reviewed by the Windhoek Observer shows that in December of the previous year, Tutangeni received a starting salary of N$2,500, plus N$500. The company deducted N$22.50 for social security (0.9 percent), N$625 for a loan, and N$920 for sleeping on duty,…

22 Jan

Walvis Bay welcomes another giant ship

National NewsWalvis Bay welcomes another giant ship

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s main port, Walvis Bay is temporarily playing host to the specially converted oil and gas production ship, FPSO Léopold Sédar Senghor, that on Monday dropped anchor in the bay on its way to Senegal. The confirmation of the FPSO's anchorage in Walvis Bay came from Taná Pesat, the Manager of Corporate Communication at the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport). According to Pesat the colossal vessel will stay at anchor for roughly seven days while it takes on fuel before departing and sailing up the west coast of Africa. The port of Walvis Bay along with Port Louis in…

22 Jan

New Walvis Bay Gymnasium will be a beacon of educational excellence

National NewsNew Walvis Bay Gymnasium will be a beacon of educational excellence

Niël Terblanché The Walvis Bay Gymnasium officially welcomed its first wave of eager learners during the official opening of the new learning facility last week. The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries and community members, marked a significant step forward in providing quality education and addressing the pressing challenges of student performance and overcrowding in schools. Walvis Bay Mayor, Trevino Forbes, lauded the rapid and efficient construction of the school, emphasizing its importance to the community. , "The speed and precision with which this facility was constructed is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved. The…

22 Jan

Gaobaeb elected UDF new president

National News

Niël Terblanché After a tumultuous elective congress that ended in the early hours of Monday morning, the United Democratic Front (UDF) eventually elected a new Central Committee which includes a new president and a secretary general. Hendrick Gaobaeb managed to focus the majority of the elective congress’s votes on him and will serve as the new president of the UDF. Nico Somaeb was elected as the party’s new vice president while Daniel Tsaneb and Davey van Wyk will respectively serve as the party’s new secretary general and vice secretary general. Seriane Mukuta, who will serve as the party’s national treasurer…

22 Jan

Walvis Bay witnesses a surge in bunker fuel demand as ships seek safer routes

National NewsWalvis Bay witnesses a surge in bunker fuel demand as ships seek safer routes

Niël Terblanché In response to the escalating security threats in the Red Sea, commercial ships are rerouting their journeys through African ports, creating a surge in demand for bunker fuel and reshaping global refuelling patterns. The Middle East has been on edge due to a series of attacks on cargo ships and subsequent American retaliation, leading to heightened tensions in the region. As a result, the Red Sea has become a risky passage for vessels, causing them to seek alternative routes and refuelling stops. In the face of growing security concerns, the shipping industry is undergoing a transformation in its…

22 Jan

UDF Elective congress ends in disarray

National NewsUDF Elective congress ends in disarray

Niël Terblanché The United Democratic Front (UDF) found itself in turmoil at its highly anticipated elective congress held in Swakopmund on Saturday, as party members were left without crucial financial reports and the opportunity to question outgoing leaders. The event marked the UDF’s first congress in a decade, following its last gathering in 2013. The primary agenda item on the congress’s docket was the election of a new leadership, but the proceedings quickly took an unexpected turn. All party structures were dissolved by the Congress before any reports were presented, causing consternation among the party faithful. Outgoing president Apius Auchab…

22 Jan

Inmate seeks N$2.5 million in damages from government …claims violation of rights by Correctional Services

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a legal battle at the Windhoek High Court, Kassian Mukuve Mbathera, an inmate serving a 19-year sentence for murder, is pursuing a claim against Commissioner General of Namibian Correctional Service Raphael Hamunyela and five other defendants for damages and relief under common law. Mbathera’s total claim amounts to N$2.5 million, addressing alleged violations of his rights during an incident that transpired in May 2021 and subsequent events. He contends that the defendants, including Hamunyela and other government officials, engaged in wrongful, unlawful, and unconstitutional conduct against him. The inmate’s particulars of claim state that he suffered cruel,…

22 Jan

Mbumba calls for unity and economic cooperation among developing countries

National NewsMbumba calls for unity and economic cooperation among developing countries

Niël Terblanché Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia, took part in the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Uganda, held from January 19 to 20, 2024. The summit, hosted by Uganda, brought together leaders from NAM member states to discuss and strategize on global issues affecting developing countries. The NAM Summit, which is the primary political platform for advancing the interests of developing nations, was preceded by a Ministerial Meeting on January 17 and 18, 2024. During this meeting, participants emphasized the importance of enhancing South-South, North-South, and…