National News – Page 372 – Windhoek Observer

13 Feb

Geingob promoted freedom of the press – Mbumba

National News

Martin Endjala President Nangolo Mbumba said that President Hage Geingob contributed to the country’s media landscape, including his role in promoting freedom of the press, and laid a solid foundation for developing a democratic society. He said that a deep respect and gratitude should go to the late President, who championed freedom of the press during his tenure. Geingob often chanted that as long as he was alive and still the President, no journalist would be harassed, arrested or killed. Mbumba said this yesterday, in commemoration of World Radio Day, which is celebrated every year on 13 February. This year’s…

13 Feb

EIF disbursed billions of dollars in grants since its inception

National News

Martin Endjala The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) has so far disbursed grants amounting to N$2.3 billion since its inception in 2001, conserved over 240,256 hectares of land, and approved 71 grants for various environmental projects. The Fund has created more than 950 employment opportunities (mostly rural-based), and retrofitted 169 boreholes, benefiting over 77,000 individuals with access to portable drinking water. EIF has attracted and mobilised over N$3.6 billion from multilateral and developmental institutions, showcasing remarkable growth from an initial N$15 million balance to a portfolio worth N$3.6 billion. This was revealed yesterday by Lot Ndamanomhata, its Corporate Communications…

13 Feb

Namdia awards 14 bursaries worth N$2.8 million to 14 students

National News

Stefanus Nashama Through its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) Foundation bursary scheme has awarded bursaries worth N$2.8 million to 14 deserving students nationwide, for the 2024 academic year. The program aims to address Namibia's future social and economic challenges through education, health, and sports for the youth. According to Namdia, the foundation received 343 applications from across the country. However, the 14 successful recipients came from each of the country’s 14 regions. A report from Namdia shows that seven recipients are studying with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), five at the University of Namibia…

13 Feb

Shaningwa calls SWAPO’s rank and file to order

National NewsShaningwa calls SWAPO’s rank and file to order

Niël Terblanché Sophia Shaningwa, the Secretary General of the SWAPO Party, has issued a strong call to party members, urging restraint and respect in the wake of President Hage Geingob’s passing. Shaningwa expressed her deep concerns over the conduct of certain party members who have publicly engaged in discussions on constitutional matters during this delicate time. As Namibia mourns the loss of President Geingob, Shaningwa emphasized the expectation for SWAPO members to honour the late President’s memory in a manner befitting his legacy. The Secretary General’s rebuke came after she noticed a series of public statements made by members, addressing…

13 Feb

It’s surreal and unimaginable to admit Geingob has died – Alweendo

National NewsIt’s surreal and unimaginable to admit Geingob has died - Alweendo

“… Indeed, we have lost an icon, a mentor, and a legend. Our hearts ache for the loss of one of our brightest lights. We now must learn how to live without Hage Geingob.” Those were the sombre words of Mines and Energy Minister, Tom Alweendo when he paid tribute to the late President Hage Geingob in Parliament. “It is rather difficult to refer to President Hage Geingob as late – it is surreal; it is unimaginable,” Alweendo said. Alweendo emphasised that the late President was indeed an extraordinary man who spent all his life in public service and left…

13 Feb

Turmoil in Otjiwarongo over CEO recruitment process

National NewsTurmoil in Otjiwarongo over CEO recruitment process

Niël Terblanché The Otjiwarongo Municipality has been thrust into a state of discord following the resignation of two key members of its management committee last week, amid a contentious disagreement over the recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The resignations of Gideon Iiyambo of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Sebetius Guiteb of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) have sparked concerns over the governance and decision-making processes within the municipality. Iiyambo, serving as an additional member, and Guiteb, a full member of the management committee, have stepped down from their respective roles but will continue to serve…

13 Feb

ICJ may be a window of opportunity for Ovaherero and Nama genocide claim

National NewsICJ may be a window of opportunity for Ovaherero and Nama genocide claim

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro The application by South Africa to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the plausible genocide of Palestinians by the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip, may open a window of opportunity for the descendants of the survivors of genocide by Imperial Germany of the Ovaherero and Nama. Says human rights lawyer activist, Dr John Nakuta. Adding that this they could do by approaching President Nangolo Mbumba, who has succeeded Dr Hage Geingob, who passed on the 4th of February in the Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek. “I submit that the late President, Hage Geingob’s scathing criticisms directed…

13 Feb

Arresting children and adults onWindhoek streets not the solution – Mayor

National NewsArresting children and adults onWindhoek streets not the solution - Mayor

Martin Endjala City of Windhoek (CoW) Mayor, Queen Kamati, says arresting children and adults spotted on the streets of the capital city selling goods or begging for money amongst others, is not the solution. She called for concerted efforts from various stakeholders to provide solutions to deal with the situation. “Even if we remove these people from the streets by arresting them, where do we take them and what is the way forward? This is why we need collective efforts to tackle this problem, whether long-term or short-term, but there must be a framework in place to map the road…

13 Feb

Ngaringombe advocates for closer ties between government and churches

National NewsNgaringombe advocates for closer ties between government and churches

Stefanus Nashama While recognising the role of churches during the liberation struggle of Namibia, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM)’s Secretary-General, Manuel Ngaringombe, says such a positive role is not observed in an independent and democratic Namibia. “Churches put pressure on the oppressors and strongly spoke out against the atrocities committed in the name of the immoral, unwanted and illegitimate apartheid regime. However, the effort and the positive role Churches are supposed to play in an independent and democratic Namibia are not observed,” he stated. According to Ngaringombe, in the past, churches in the country have positively contributed to the development…

13 Feb

Calamity strikes in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions

National NewsCalamity strikes in Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions

Niël Terblanché Severe storms have left a trail of destruction across the Endola constituency in the Ohangwena Region and Iikokola village in the Oshikoto Region, rendering approximately 200 households homeless and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure. The calamity struck on Saturday evening in Endola and continued its devastation into Sunday in Iikokola, uprooting trees, tearing roofs off buildings, and disrupting the lives of many. In the aftermath of the storm, Endola constituency councillor Ferdinand Shifidi admitted the local and regional councils were taken by surprise, leaving them unprepared for the magnitude of the disaster. Despite the urgent need…