National News – Page 372 – Windhoek Observer

08 Jan

Police officer claims that her arrest was unlawful

National NewsHambeleleni Mushinina, Police officer claims that her arrest was unlawful

Martin Endjala Hambeleleni Mushinina, holding the rank of Sergeant First Class in the Namibian Police Force, asserts that her arrest was unlawful, an incident that has left a stain on her reputation, and she is now determined to seek justice to vindicate her name. The junior officer was apprehended on 27 November 2023, in connection with a stolen cellphone in the Ohangwena region. She was subsequently released on bail amounting to N$700 on 28 November 2023. Mushinina claims that she was at work when fellow police officers arrived at her residence to arrest her son, Jeremiah Mushinina, on November 27,…

08 Jan

Fewer fatalities despite more crashes

National News

Niël Terblanché Recent statistics released by the Namibian Police have revealed an increase in motor accidents during the past festive season compared to the same period last year. Despite the rise in accidents, there has been a 14 percent decrease in fatalities, shedding light on the complex road safety situation in the country. Between November 17, 2022, and January 1, 2023, the police recorded a total of 382 accidents, 711 injuries, and 66 fatalities. In contrast, for the period from November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024, there were 403 accidents and 724 injuries, but only 57 fatalities. While the…

08 Jan

NTTU President says Namibian justice system is unfair

National NewsNTTU President says Namibian justice system is unfair, Werner Januarie

Stefanus Nashama Werner Januarie, the President of the Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU), has strongly criticized the Namibian justice system, citing unfairness in its handling of his court cases. In a recent letter addressed to Chief Justice Peter Shivute and sent to the Supreme Court of Namibia, Januarie expressed his profound disappointment, stating that his soul is deeply troubled by the state of the Namibian justice system. “I write to you with dismay and anguish, for my heart and soul are torn apart, as it seems that justice is elusive in this country,” he wrote in his letter. Januarie…

08 Jan

NSFAF remains a relevant stakeholder in Namibia’s education system

National NewsHofni Iipinge, NSFAF remains a relevant stakeholder in Namibia’s education system

Martin Endjala Hofni Iipinge, the Swapo Party Deputy Secretary for Education, maintains that despite facing significant criticism from various Namibians, including some Members of Parliament, the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) remains an essential component of the country’s higher education sector. As last year’s grade 11 and 12 learners anticipate admission to universities, Iipinge underscores the financial instability faced by many families. He believes that these families will greatly benefit from their children qualifying for university education. The proposition to completely dismantle NSFAF, as suggested by some, could have severe consequences. When asked whether the Fund has successfully repositioned…

22 Dec

AR calls on Rani Group to resolve worker dispute amicably

National NewsAR calls on Rani Group to resolve worker dispute amicably

Stefanus Nashama Angelina Immanuel, a Northern-based activist and Chairperson of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement, has urged the Oshakati-based Rani Group to amicably resolve the ongoing dispute with its workers before the movement takes decisive action against the company. This call comes in the wake of Social Activist Michael Amushelelo’s threat earlier this week to shut down one of Rani Group’s shops in Windhoek. Amushelelo alleges that the company suspended over 100 employees at its Oshakati branch. In a letter addressed to Rani Group Director, Ali Dharani, Immanuel expressed deep concern about the alleged mistreatment and unfair compensation of Rani…

22 Dec

NamRA seized goods after detecting transit irregularities

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), has raised a red flag over a series of irregularities in transit procedures at checkpoints nationwide, with intercepted goods and vehicles declared at values far below their actual worth during a recent operation at the Windhoek-Okahandja checkpoint. According to NamRa Chief of Strategic Communications and Support Engagements, Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, items seized include a Range Rover Sport declared at a mere 1000 euros, a Mercedes Benz truck undervalued at 3750 euros, and an Iveco truck with a declared value of 2500 euros. He said NamRA officials uncovered a disturbing trend of false declarations aimed…

22 Dec

Swakopmund Street Fair in full swing

National NewsSwakopmund Street Fair in full swing

Niël Terblanché The community of Swakopmund, in the spirit of Christmas, has come together to host the annual Swakopmund Street Fair, which promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. This festive event, set to run until Saturday, 23 December 2023, has already attracted hundreds of visitors. The Swakopmund Street Fair is not just a market; it is a celebration of community spirit, offering locals and visitors alike a unique opportunity to come together, socialize, and build new connections in a lively and festive setting. Daniel Tjongarero Avenue, the event’s venue, has been transformed into a bustling hub of…

22 Dec

Venaani urges people to be safe during festive season

National NewsVenaani urges people to be safe during festive season

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, the leader of Namibia’s official opposition party, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has made a heartfelt plea to the Namibian people to prioritize safety and well-being during the festive season. While extending his warmest wishes to everyone during this festive period, Venaani emphasizes that the safety of all individuals must be the foremost concern. “All Namibians should remember the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding towards one another. As we celebrate this moment with our families, let us prioritize the safety of our people,” he said. At the same time, Venaani encouraged people to cherish their…

22 Dec

Gender equality promoted through ecosystem adaptation

National NewsGender equality promoted through ecosystem adaptation

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) and the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), have joined forces to address gender equality within the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) project in Otjozondjupa region during a two-day gender mainstreaming training in Otjiwarongo this week. During the training, Gender Young Professional from EIF Kredula Shimwandi, highlighted EIF’s commitment to gender equity and equality, underscoring the differentiated impact of climate change on genders and the necessity of involving both women and men in climate action. “Teach your boys and girls how to carry out daily activities without discriminating based on gender roles,” Shimwandi urged, emphasising…

22 Dec

Erongo Regional Council reflects on 2023

National NewsErongo Regional Council reflects on 2023

Niël Terblanché As the year 2023 draws to a close, the Erongo Regional Council held its final meeting to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges faced throughout the year. Chairperson Benitha Imbamba addressed various critical issues in her statement, emphasizing the importance of safety, environmental responsibility, and community welfare. One of the foremost concerns highlighted by Imbamba was road safety during the festive season. With an increased number of residents and visitors travelling throughout the region, she urged everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. “Do not speed and make sure when we travel that our vehicles are in good…