National News – Page 372 – Windhoek Observer

17 Jan

CoW addresses Groot Aub water shortage

National NewsCoW addresses Groot Aub water shortage

Martin Endjala The City of Windhoek (CoW), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, has recently announced the successful completion of a 200-meter-deep borehole drilled at Groot Aub to address the ongoing water shortage in the area. Harold Akwenye, the Communication Manager for CoW, stated that seven additional boreholes will soon be drilled at identified locations in the city. He also welcomed the community’s enthusiasm for the new borehole and the prospect of additional boreholes in the future. Akwenye explained that the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) has allocated a budget of N$6.8476 million…

17 Jan

Justice in Namibia takes another step towards inclusivity

National NewsJustice in Namibia takes another step towards inclusivity, Petrus Damaseb

Niël Terblanché In a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusivity within Namibia’s judicial system, Deputy Chief Justice Petrus Damaseb presided over the swearing-in of two distinguished women in the legal profession. Advocate Beatrix de Jager and Lady Justice Philanda Christiaan were both sworn in as Judges of the Namibian High Court, marking a momentous occasion for the country’s judiciary. Namibia has been steadfast in its commitment to dismantling barriers and fostering a judiciary that reflects the diversity and strength of its population. The simultaneous swearing-in of the new judges serves as a tangible demonstration of this commitment. Advocate Beatrix…

17 Jan

Chinese shop agrees to raise employees’ salaries

National NewsChinese shop agrees to raise employees’ salaries

Stefanus Nashama A Chinese-owned shop in Windhoek’s China Town shopping area, which initially reduced the salaries of its employees for joining a certain labour union, has now agreed to increase their salaries following successful negotiations facilitated by social activist Michael Amushelelo. The situation unfolded when workers registered themselves with a union, and upon registration, the union informed the employer about the workers’ decision. However, the business owner did not react favourably to this development and decided to cut the workers’ salaries as a punitive measure for joining a union. According to Amushelelo, three employees at the shop disclosed that one…

16 Jan

Water supply at risk as NamWater faces challenges in repairing critical pumps

National NewsWater supply at risk as NamWater faces challenges in repairing critical pumps

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s vital water supply infrastructure faces a severe setback as NamWater struggles to find vendors for the repair of two critically important pumps. The pumps, responsible for feeding water from the old Berg Aukas Mine into the water canal, also known as the Eastern National Water Carrier, have been out of commission for over a week, leaving farmers along the canal in a desperate situation. The Berg Aukas Mine plays a pivotal role in supplying groundwater to the canal, which, in turn, is essential for delivering water to central regions of Namibia, including the City of Windhoek. With…

16 Jan

More than 100,000 Grade 1 learners embark on their first day of school

National News000 Grade 1 learners embark on their first day of school, More than 100

Niël Terblanché The 2024 school year has begun, and with the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts, and Culture’s guidance, it promises to be a year of transformation and positive development for all involved. Yesterday marked a monumental day for education as more than 100,000 Grade 1 learners, along with 50,000 preprimary students, excitedly embarked on their first day of school countrywide. Sanet Steenkamp, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts, and Culture, extended a warm welcome to the eager learners and dedicated teachers, urging them to make the initiation of so many young minds into the world…

16 Jan

Sheehama urges GRN to prioritise funding for needy students

National NewsJosef Sheehama, Sheehama urges GRN to prioritise funding for needy students

Martin Endjala As the 2024 academic year begins, many students are actively seeking funding for tertiary education through various institutions, with the most common being the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF). Josef Sheehama, an Independent Bank Researcher and Economist, believes that funding should be directed towards those who need it the most. Sheehama stated that the government must make strategic funding decisions to ensure that financial resources are allocated to those students who are in serious need, rather than those who are already financially stable. He also reiterated the limited availability of resources and the necessity of allocating them…

16 Jan

Presidential hopeful Angula pays tribute to the late Emvula’s legacy

National NewsPresidential hopeful Angula pays tribute to the late Emvula’s legacy

Stefanus Nashama Ally Angula, the Independent Candidate and Presidential Hopeful for the November 2024 elections has spoken fondly of the late Obed Tulinane Emvula, describing him as a dignified man who devoted his entire life to the cause of freedom and played a significant role in shaping the future of Namibia. “What a gentleman! We salute you, dear departed great man who only feared the Lord. You have influenced so many of us,” Angula said. Her sentiments echo those of various prominent figures in the country, including Founding President Sam Nujoma, Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, and President Hage Geingob, all…

16 Jan

PDM calls for radical reform in education amidst concerns of systemic inefficiencies

National NewsInna Hengari, PDM calls for radical reform in education amidst concerns of systemic inefficiencies

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has sounded an alarm over the persistent challenges plaguing Namibia’s education system, despite substantial investments. PDM’s Inna Hengari, a member of parliament, stated on Monday that the 2023 Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) and National Senior Secondary Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) examination results have brought to light a troubling reality that demands urgent attention. “Despite the significant investment in education through public spending, there are still inefficiencies that affect both quality and equitable access to primary and secondary education,” she emphasised. Hengari underscored the significance of acknowledging candidates who secured 25 points or…

15 Jan

Relations strengthened between Namibia and Angola

National News

Niël Terblanché Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, joined hands with her Angolan counterpart, Ambassador Teté António, Minister of External Relations, for a joint visit to the Cunene Province of Angola and the Ohangwena Region of Namibia to strengthen cooperation and goodwill and to reaffirm peaceful co-existence and fostering good neighbourliness between the two nations. The idea stemmed from a Goodwill Meeting held on 9 October 2023 in Luanda, Angola, where both countries resolved to strengthen their diplomatic ties and address mutual concerns. The visit addressed the situation of…

15 Jan

Lüderitz Airport resumes operations after a temporary halt

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) announced that Lüderitz Airport has resumed full operations on Friday, 12 January 2024, following a brief suspension due to mechanical issues with the Fire and Rescue truck. to Dan Kamati, the spokesperson of the NAC, the airport experienced difficulties with its Fire and Rescue last week, prompting the issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the unavailability of Airport Rescue and Firefighting services. “The NAC immediately activated plans to address the situation and restore normal operations as swiftly as possible,” he said. Kamati added that the resumption of operations on 12 January…