National News – Page 365 – Windhoek Observer

22 Feb

Geingob remembered as a pillar of Namibian liberty and peace

National News

Niël Terblanché A touching tribute during a candlelight vigil at the Omafo Business Expo in Helao Nafidi, unfolded as Charles Namoloh, former Minister of Defence, solemnly commemorated President Hage Geingob. Describing him as one of Namibia's most selfless leaders, Namoloh's homage brought to light the depth of Geingob's sacrifices and his relentless dedication to the welfare of the nation. Namoloh, with a tone of reverence, recounted President Geingob's unparalleled commitment to education and his tireless efforts to harness opportunities for the collective upliftment of all Namibians. "President Geingob was a beacon of hope and a warrior for justice," he reflected,…

22 Feb

Nothing to fear from COVID-19 surge – Nangombe

National News

Niël Terblanché In the wake of a concerning surge in COVID-19 cases cantered in Rehoboth, Hardap Region, health officials are calling for calm and adherence to preventative measures. Ben Nangombe, the Executive Director of Health and Social Services, reiterated that the recent cases detected in Rehoboth last week are localized and under control, with affected individuals receiving proper supervision. Despite the repeal of COVID-19 protocols in 2022, Nangombe did, however, urge the public to persist with basic precautions, including mask-wearing in crowded areas, regular handwashing, and sanitization. He reassured the public that mandatory measures to curb COVID-19 have not been…

22 Feb

NEFF set to motivate its labour-hire system bill in parliament

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) stated that it is ready to motivate its bill concerning the issue of the labour-hire system in the country. The bill seeks to address issues such as poor working conditions, low salaries, non-existent incentives and the exploitation of workers. According to the Party’s Deputy Leader, Longinus Kalimbo Iipumbu, the bill was supposed to be tabled in Parliament this week, for other members to contribute, however, this could not happen due to preparations for President Hage Geingob's memorial and funeral arrangements. “We will see by next week whether the discussion of the bill…

22 Feb

Namaf devised interventions to sustain the medical fund industry

National News

Martin Endjala The Namibian Association of Medical Aids Fund (Namaf) says the funding industry has devised strategic interventions intended to bring medical aid funds to a sustainable position. At a meeting convened in October last year, the Namaf Management Committee approved the 2024-2026 strategy as a road map primarily focused on the speedy execution of the interventions. In November 2023, Namaf informed the public that the N$5 billion medical aid funding industry is under financial pressure with utilisation as the root cause. According to Namaf’s Stakeholder Relations and Communication Manager Uatavi Mbai, Namaf will be focusing on the three top…

22 Feb

Neglected San people want to be part of Kavango East

National News

Niël Terblanché Residents of Omega 3 in the Zambezi Region, primarily comprising the San people, are taking a bold step by applying to become part of the Kavango East Region. This move comes after what they describe as years of neglect by local leadership, leaving them without essential services such as clean drinking water, electricity, clinic access, or internet services. The community's frustrations have been exacerbated by the prolonged construction and subsequent non-utilization of the hostel at Ndoro Memorial Combined School. Despite its potential to house about 320 learners and four teachers, the facility remains unoccupied due to the lack…

22 Feb

Water shortage looms even larger as Hardap Dam level sinks further

National News

Niël Terblanché Farmers of the Hardap Irrigation Scheme are confronting a dire situation as the Hardap Dam's water level drops to a critical low of approximately 14 percent, exacerbated by a prolonged drought in the region. The dwindling water supply threatens not only the current crop cycle but also poses a significant risk to the socio-economic fabric of the Hardap and Mariental communities. Dawie De Klerk, Chairperson of the Hardap Farmers Association, has voiced the growing concerns of the agricultural community, highlighting the immediate threat of crop failure and its cascading effects on local employment and the economy. The irrigation…

22 Feb

Zambia declares a national mourning period in honour of Geingob

National NewsZambia declares a national mourning period in honour of Geingob

Niël Terblanché In an unprecedented gesture of solidarity and respect, Zambia has announced it will observe two days of national mourning this weekend to honour the memory of the late Namibian President, Dr Hage Geingob. It was reported by Zambian media outlets that President Hakainde Hichilema has ordered all Zambian flags to be flown at half-mast from 21 to 25 February 2024, as a mark of respect for President Geingob, who passed away at the age of 82on 4 February 2024. The period of mourning will culminate in memorial and burial services on Sunday, during which the nation will pause…

22 Feb

Malaria cases still surging in northern regions

National NewsMalaria cases still surging in northern regions

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) of Namibia has reported a significant uptick in malaria cases, with 350 individuals hospitalized amidst a surge of locally transmitted infections in the country’s northern regions. The rise in cases also includes those imported from neighbouring countries, which increases the widespread challenge in combating the disease. The Executive Director of MOHSS, Ben Nangombe, has disclosed that the surveillance systems have detected an increase in reported cases from regions traditionally associated with malaria. According to Nangombe, it is alarming that new infections are emerging from areas that typically do not report…

22 Feb

CoW denies financial crisis

National NewsCoW denies financial crisis

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Contrary to recent reports suggesting financial turmoil within the City of Windhoek (CoW), Chief Executive Officer, Moses Matyayi has denied any claims of the city being broke. This comes after Auditor General (AG) Junias Kandjeke, in the city’s financial audit report for the 2020/2021 financial year, reported that the Windhoek Municipality does not have a plan on how it is going to turn around the commercial insolvency and the deficit-making position in the foreseeable future. The report was compiled in September 2023. “The financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Municipality of…

21 Feb

MP urges private schools to respect the late President and recognise Friday as a holiday

National NewsMP urges private schools to respect the late President and recognise Friday as a holiday

Stefanus Nashama Inna Hengari, the Popular Democratic Movement’s Member of Parliament, has urged private schools to respect the decision by the government to declare, Friday, 23 February 2024 a school holiday. Hengari raised the concern following news that some private schools are defying the government’s order to close on Friday. Some of the schools include Windhoek Gymnasium, Walvis Bay Gymnasium, and Oshana Gymnasium. “The PDM appreciates the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture’s decision to declare Friday, 23 February 2024, a school holiday in honour of the late President Hage Geingob. “This is part of the mourning arrangements and preparations…