National News – Page 467 – Windhoek Observer

24 May

Legal fraternity question mask policy at courts

National News

Niël Terblanché Members of the legal fraternity in Namibia are questioning the validity of the re-introduction of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 after an alleged recent resurgence of the illness. Last week, the Office of the Judiciary informed all employees, the legal fraternity as well as members of the public that precautionary measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 in the superior courts of Namibia will again be enforced. This week, the Acting Chief Magistrate, Vanessa Stanley issued a memorandum to all staff members of the lower courts in which she states that it has become incumbent…

24 May

Politicians must pronounce their position on homosexuality

National NewsPoliticians must pronounce their position on homosexuality

Stefanus Nashama Former Cabinet Minister Helmut Angula says all politicians and elected officials should clearly pronounce themselves where they stand on the issue of homosexuality. Angula said homosexuality has become a national issue that requires serious attention from everyone, particularly the leaders of the country. The silence of leaders and elected officials on the issue of same-sex marriage (homosexuality) has grown to a shocking understanding that Namibian leaders have not yet clearly pronounced themselves on the matter. He said the public, the government, and the judiciary are being led to believe that homosexuality is normal with interactions and results equivalent…

24 May

Pelebox will make life easy for thousands of patients

National NewsPelebox will make life easy for thousands of patients

Hertta-Maria Amutenja At least 180 000 Namibians that live with HIV are on antiretroviral drug treatment. Dr Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services gave statistics in this regard last week during the launch of Pelebox Smart Lockers that would enable patients on chronic care to collect their medicine without having to wait at distribution centres for long periods of time. Shangula added that more than 40 percent of patients living with HIV have access to the recently launched smart lockers “Eligible patients who are clinically stable and on chronic medication will be able to benefit from this…

24 May

More mineworkers join the Revolutionary Union

National NewsMore mineworkers join the Revolutionary Union

Stefanus Nashama The Revolutionary Union (RU) says 60 mineworkers from Bureau Veritas which operates in the mining sector at Dundee Mine in Tsumeb and Sperrgebiet Diamond Mining (PTY) LTD in Lüderitz joined their ranks on Monday. The Union’s Proletariat Central Secretary, Julius Natangwe, yesterday confirmed this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer. He said the Union received the employees’ applications on Friday, acknowledged and processed the applications, and informed the employers of the workers’ decision. “The two employers responded that they have received our notification and acknowledged RU to represent their employees,” he said. Natangwe said some of the…

23 May

MVA fund escapes paying out millions in fraudulent claims

National NewsMVA fund escapes paying out millions in fraudulent claims

Martin Endjala The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund was able to save itself from having to pay out millions of dollars in a fraudulent scheme the Fund detected. The Fund has however lost N$847 406, of which the majority is related to medical treatment of persons who would otherwise not qualify as beneficiaries. The MVA Fund recorded a total of nine fraudulent claims valued at N$3.6 million over the past five years of which four have been reported to the Namibian Police. MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku revealed that five cases are now also ready to be reported to…

23 May

New NamWater board Chairperson ready to tackle water issues

National NewsNew NamWater board Chairperson ready to tackle water issues

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The newly appointed Chairperson of the board of Namibia Water Corporation Limited (Namwater), Luther Rukira says he is ready to tackle all water challenges. Rukira was appointed yesterday to serve on the board, by the Minister of Agriculture Water and Land Reform, Carl Schlettwein. The board will serve for the next three years. He is deputised by Maenge Shiipiki-Kali. Other members include Vivianne Kinyaga, Francis Heunis,Uda Nakamela, Fanuel Uugwanga and Matty Hauanga as Directors. “I have been out of the NamWater sector for about ten years. I know of some NamWater challenges and I am confident that together…

23 May

Primary school learners rape neighbor’s child

National NewsPrimary school learners rape neighbor’s child

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Three boys, aged between 13 and 12 years old are facing charges of rape, after they allegedly raped a six year old girl on Friday. The suspects, two grade seven learners and a grade six learner are yet to be arrested. Police in Oshikoto region say the victim is a grade one learner. The rape incident is alleged to have happened at the flats where the victim and the suspects reside. “It is alleged that all the suspects and the victim were playing together around the complex in which they reside. The suspects lured the victim behind one…

23 May

Social media masterclass will empower youth

National NewsSocial media masterclass will empower youth

Niël Terblanché Young people from all over Africa, who work in tourism, are set to be empowered with practical skills in the application of social media marketing, business planning and investment pitch to potential investors during a masterclass that will take place in Swakopmund. Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) and the Namibia Investment, Promotion and Development Board are collaborating to roll out MICE, Digital and Social Media Marketing Masterclass as a precursor of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit 2023. The Summit will take place in the coastal town…

22 May

Venaani condemns electricity tariff increase

National NewsVenaani condemns electricity tariff increase

Stefanus Nashama The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Leader, McHenry Venaani says the increase in electricity tariff would only exacerbate the dire economic situation that countless Namibians find themselves in and harm those who are already struggling to make ends meet. This comes after the Electricity Control Board approved an 8.97 percent increase in electricity tariffs for the current financial year, which resulted in a total bulk tariff increase from the current N$1.82 to N$1.98 per kilowatt-hour. Venaani said electricity is a fundamental necessity to society, and any increase in tariffs would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society. “This…

22 May

Namibia supports Saudi Arabia’s bid to host World Expo 2030

National NewsNamibia supports Saudi Arabia’s bid to host World Expo 2030

Niël Terblanché Namibia has joined the ranks of countries around the globe that will support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo. On Friday, President Hage Geingob received a courtesy visit at State House from the Advisor to the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Kattan. The discussion between the President and the special advisor centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and Namibia’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia to host the World Expo in 2030 in Riyadh. The World Expo 2030 is expected to present a golden opportunity to…