National News – Page 372 – Windhoek Observer

25 Jan

MTC employs more than 100 ambassadors to accelerate SIM card registration

National NewsMTC employs more than 100 ambassadors to accelerate SIM card registration

Martin Endjala In response to the low rate of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration at its mobile retail stores nationwide, Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has recruited over 100 Ambassadors. This initiative, accompanied by extensive outreach efforts in rural, semi-rural, and peri-urban areas, aims to boost registration numbers. John Ekongo, MTC’s Corporate Communications Manager, mentioned that the company is coordinating daily with regional leadership and utilizing SMS announcements. These efforts are to inform customers in rural areas about the locations of mobile registration points. “This strategy is crucial to ensure comprehensive coverage across all regions and to register every MTC…

25 Jan

Namibia launches archival app for cultural heritage access

National NewsNamibia launches archival app for cultural heritage access

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a moment significant for Namibia’s cultural heritage, Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, a unveiled the Namibia Archival Application this week, a platform that has the potential to revolutionise access to the nation’s documentary heritage. The application, developed through a collaborative effort spearheaded by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), represents a fusion of tradition and technology, bringing archival collections into the digital realm. Addressing the audience, Nghipondoka expressed her privilege in launching the Namibia Archival Application, emphasising its role as a monumental achievement in providing easy access to the country’s national documentary heritage.…

24 Jan

Namibia hosts AMHEWAS training workshop

National News

Niël Terblanché In a significant stride towards effective disaster risk management and environmental sustainability, Namibia, for the first time ever, hosted a training workshop on the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS). The workshop, which ran from 23 to 25 January 2024, was a collaborative effort led by the Office of the Prime Minister in conjunction with various international organizations including the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Regional Office, the African Union Commission, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and hosted by the CIMA Research Foundation. The three-day stakeholder…

24 Jan

GIPF urges students to provide proof of enrolment

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), called on young annuitants or beneficiaries to submit their proof of enrolment from their schools at the nearest GIPF office on time to avoid any delays in the processing of their benefits. GIPF Marketing and Stakeholders Engagement Manager Edwin Tjiramba, made the call yesterday, urging parents and guardians to assist school-going kids while it is the beginning of the academic year. He said one of the key components of the Fund’s Corporate Strategy is to ensure that its members are well-informed and aware of their benefits. “Having said that this is the…

24 Jan

MEFT extends review of uranium mining project documents

National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) in Namibia has announced an extension of the public review period for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the proposed Wings Project. This project is a preliminary pilot test mining operation based on the In Situ Leaching (ISL) mining method, located in the Aranos Basin in the central-eastern Omaheke Region. Romeo Muyunda, the Spokesperson for MEFT, stated that this extension, effective from January 24, 2024, grants the public, interested parties, and affected parties additional time to access, review, and submit comments on the EIA report and other pertinent documents.…

24 Jan

President Geingob to continue overseeing Swapo and government affairs

National News

Niël Terblanché The ruling Swapo Party has stated that President Hage Geingob is in good spirits and is receiving excellent medical care. Swapo Party Vice President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said that President Geingob will continue overseeing party and government affairs while prioritizing his medical treatment. Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the natural concern of Namibians for the health of their Head of State and expressed gratitude for the plethora of good wishes for President Geingob's swift and full recovery. She said that the Swapo Party and the people of Namibia deeply appreciate the trust and transparency Geingob has consistently demonstrated in his leadership roles.…

24 Jan

DBN will not award loans to SMEs without collateral

National NewsDBN will not award loans to SMEs without collateral

Martin Endjala The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has clarified its position regarding the Small Medium Enterprise (SME) loan scheme, stating that collateral is a mandatory requirement for all applicants. This announcement comes amid frustrations voiced by several entrepreneurs who have faced loan rejections due to the absence of collateral. DBN’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Jerome Mutumba, explained to this publication that collateral is a standard requirement across financial institutions. It serves as security for the bank and helps mitigate lending risks. “In cases where borrowers are unable to repay the loan, the bank can recover the debt…

24 Jan

LPM Youth Leaders criticize education ministry for poor Grade 11 results

National NewsLPM Youth Leaders criticize education ministry for poor Grade 11 results

Stefanus Nashama The Landless People’s Movement’s (LPM) Youth Command Element, represented by Duminga Ndala and Utaara Mootu, have directed criticism at the government, particularly the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, for the disappointing Grade 11 and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level results. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Ndala and Mootu expressed their views that the Ministry has fallen short in the education sector, particularly in its failure to conduct an in-depth analysis before implementing the new curriculum. The youth leaders stated that a thorough review of the education system should be prioritized by the government that encompasses aspects like…

24 Jan

Khomas Regional Council spends millions on renovation of critical infrastructure

National NewsKhomas Regional Council spends millions on renovation of critical infrastructure

Niël Terblanché The Khomas Regional Council has made significant strides in contributing generously to the health, safety, and security sectors during the 2023/2024 financial year. According to Shaalukeni Moonde, the Chairperson of the regional council, substantial renovations were undertaken at the Donkerhoek Clinic. He said that the council invested N$1.5 million. “This renovation includes adding a new doctor’s consulting room, a pharmacy, and installing air conditioning,” he said. According to Moonde, further, renovations are underway at the Hakahana Clinic and the Katutura Health Centre, with investments of N$1.35 million and N$1.6 million respectively. He said the council is also at…

24 Jan

Project Hope ordered to pay N$24,570 for breaching lease agreement

National News570 for breaching lease agreement, Project Hope ordered to pay N$24

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a recent judgment delivered by High Court judge David Munsu, Project Hope in Namibia, has been ordered to pay N$24,570 in damages for breaching a lease agreement with the plaintiff, Leonard Kondjashili Shihepo. The court found Project Hope liable for failing to comply with the notice period and returning the leased property in a deteriorated condition. Shihepo initiated legal action against Project Hope, alleging a breach of their lease agreement. The dispute centred around the termination of the lease and the condition in which the property was returned. According to the judgment, the lease agreement commenced in…