National News – Page 365 – Windhoek Observer

30 Oct

Helao Nafidi traders struggle due to insufficient trading platforms

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The town of Helao Nafidi is currently facing a pressing issue that affects its local traders. The shortage of adequate trading platforms and open markets has compelled many traders to resort to selling their wares along the streets, a practice that is at odds with the town’s regulations. According to the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade Lucia Ipimbu, who spoke at the official opening of the 16th edition of the Helao Nafidi Business Expo 2023 last week, the situation has created numerous challenges for the local business community. Iipumbu acknowledged the struggles faced by traders and expressed the…

30 Oct

The second intake at Swapo School graduates

National NewsThe second intake at Swapo School graduates

Stefanus Nashama The Swapo Party School celebrated the graduation of its second intake over the weekend in Windhoek, marking a significant milestone since its establishment. This event followed the first intake graduation, which took place in January 2019. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Swapo President Hage Geingob stressed the party’s longstanding commitment to education for its cadres dating back to the country’s liberation struggle. He pointed to the importance of education, stating, “With the knowledge that the pen is mightier than the sword, Swapo administered a meticulous and well-coordinated program of education in exile. That is why today, you will…

27 Oct

Katutura residents considering legal action against CoW over debt collection

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In an escalating standoff between Katutura residents and the City of Windhoek (CoW), residents are contemplating taking legal action as they demand immediate resolution to their grievances concerning the city’s engagement with Redforce Debt Management for debt collection.The Katutura Residents Committee, representing the disgruntled residents, which comprises mostly elderly people, has expressed their dissatisfaction with the city’s debt collection approach, which involves contracting a third party to collect debts on behalf of the city.“We are also exploring legal action and have already sought legal advice from senior counsel regarding various legal aspects we can explore,” said Shaun Gariseb,…

27 Oct

Economic growth requires a robust financial system, says Prime Minister

National NewsEconomic growth requires a robust financial system, says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila highlighted the importance of a robust financial system to support and drive Namibia’s economic growth effectively. She made these remarks during her address at the Namibia Women in Finance and Insurance Summit, held in the capital city this week. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stressed that the financial sector plays a critical role in facilitating the transformation of the country’s economy. It not only provides financial services to individuals and businesses but also creates employment opportunities. “With a well-positioned financial system, employment opportunities are generated by various financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, investment houses, and other financial service providers,”…

27 Oct

Convicted prophet Babi returns to court for unpaid rent

National NewsConvicted prophet Babi returns to court for unpaid rent

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Self-proclaimed prophet and founder of House of Joy Ministries, Jackson Babi, who made headlines last year after being sentenced to ten years imprisonment for his involvement in rhino poaching, has once again found himself entangled in a legal battle. This time, it’s not wildlife crimes that have brought him to court but rather a landlord-tenant dispute over unpaid rent. Babi and his wife, Maria Babi, are currently facing legal action for allegedly failing to pay their rent, as revealed in particulars of a claim filed at the Windhoek High Court earlier this year. They are accused of failing…

27 Oct

Erongo Business and Tourism Expo energizes economic prospects

National News

Niël Terblanché The 15th edition of the Erongo Business and Tourism Expo, hosted by the Walvis Bay municipal council, is in full swing, promising to invigorate the local and national economies. Neville Andre, the Governor of the Erongo Region, during his opening address stressed the event’s significance in bringing together Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their offerings, thereby reinforcing socio-economic development and creating employment opportunities. Positioned as one of Namibia’s economic epicentres, Walvis Bay recognizes the evolving landscape of business and the need for transformative changes in both the tourism and business sectors. This annual event also fosters…

27 Oct

The working space is becoming too small for new graduates: Iipumbu

National News

Martin Endjala The Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, has expressed concern that the job market is becoming increasingly saturated for new graduates. She pointed to the need for graduates to shift away from traditional employment aspirations and consider entrepreneurship as a viable alternative. Iipumbu made these remarks during the launch of Harambean Entrepreneurship, a collaborative initiative with FirstRand Namibia and First National Bank, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship. Highlighting the high rate of unemployment in the country, Iipumbu encouraged young people to explore entrepreneurship and foster partnerships as a means to improve their lives and contribute to the economy.…

27 Oct

TAC gathers input for the preservation of retirement savings regulations

National NewsTAC gathers input for the preservation of retirement savings regulations

Niël Terblanché In a significant move towards promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has initiated a series of public consultations on proposed standards and regulations, including Regulation RF.R.5.10, known as the “Preservation of Retirement Savings Regulation.”According to Dr Manfred Zamuee, the Chairperson of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), these regulations are intended to be issued under Chapter 5 of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act, Act No. 2 of 2021. The first round of public consultations is slated to commence on November 13, 2023, and will kick off in the Kunene and Hardap Regions.…

26 Oct

Real poverty plagues the two Kavango regions says Kauandenge

National NewsReal poverty plagues the two Kavango regions says Kauandenge

Stefanus Nashama Joseph Kauandenge, the Secretary-General of the National Unity Democratic Organisation, lambasted the government in Parliament last week for neglecting the two Kavango regions and allowing their inhabitants to suffer in abject poverty, which, he contended, was palpable. Kauandenge stated that the poverty in the two regions is so evident that one can already smell it upon entering a town like Rundu. He accused the Swapo-led government of doing nothing to address the issue and instead turning the residents of these regions into mere “voting cows.” However, a heated debate erupted when Faustina Caley, the Deputy Minister of Education,…

26 Oct

Critical raw minerals are key components of industrialisation

National NewsCritical raw minerals are key components of industrialisation

Martin Endjala Critical raw minerals, vital components of Namibia’s industrialization drive, must be developed in a way that aligns with the country’s industrialization goals and enhances its capacity to add value where feasible. This assertion was made by Sikongo Haihambo, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, during the European Union-Namibia business forum in Brussels, Belgium, held yesterday. “In the Namibian context, all minerals are crucial, and in 2021, we collaborated with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to establish a National Mineral Beneficiation Strategy. The guiding principles of our strategy revolve around value addition and fostering…