Namibia – Page 9 – Windhoek Observer

12 Aug

The genocide negotiation boat is stuck: Forward Never Backward Never

ObserverUncategorisedGermany, Minister of Foreign Relations, Namibia, president Hage Geingob

Dr Rukee Tjingaete The boat carrying the team negotiating genocide reparations that consist of a section of the affected communities and the two special envoys representing the German and Namibian governments is stuck in the middle of the sea because the priorities seem wrong. They are dead-stuck on the issues of apology which in fact should not precede reparations. An accepted apology in many cultures implies that the complaint is amicably dealt with and it is over and any other compensatory action beyond that matter constitutes a sign of goodwill and may not be compulsory. The priority right now should…

07 Aug

Jobs are gone – what is the plan?

ObserverUncategorisedCovid-19, Namibia, NamPost

Jackie Wilson Asheeke The new normal means that an unknown number of jobs that are lost due to COVID-19 may never return. A few employers might take advantage of the pandemic to cut salaries or job categories permanently. Most jobs that will vanish will be an honest reflection of a shift in how some sectors do business. How will Namibia get ahead of this crisis in the making? What is the plan? Will we wait (as usual in Namibia) until we are in a crisis over permanent job losses? Or, will we make move to begin re-training programs and unemployment…

07 Aug

TUCNA leader fires several shots across the bow

ObserverNational NewsNamibia, NamPower, Namwater, SOEs

In a recent interview, Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) Secretary-General Mahongora Kavihuha raised challenging issues. He makes one major misfire in his points and yet, he brings other issues to the table that can stimulate the national debate. He decried the supposed ‘deliberate’ destruction of parastatals. He believes that private companies are killing the SOEs so they can buy them up and control strategic portions of the Namibian economy. In the context of bemoaning 'schemes' about parastatals, Kavihuha asks whether the “pandemic itself was purposefully crafted to push some hidden agendas.” Perhaps the unionist's real intention was not reflected…

07 Aug

‘Quarantine’ details for tourists emerge

ObserverObserver MoneyHealth Minister Kalumbi Shangula, Namibia, president Hage Geingob

Andrew Kathindi It has emerged that tourists coming to Namibia as part of government’s initiative to rescue the country’s tourism sector will still be subjected to a seven days quarantine period, despite government’s reluctance to phrase it as such, Windhoek Observer has learned. This comes after President Hage Geingob had said that tourists coming to Namibia will be exempted to a mandatory quarantine period but will need to remain at their first destination in the country for seven days. However, Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula told this reporter on Thursday that tourists in the first seven days’ period, will not be…

05 Aug

Police brutality must be challenged

ObserverNational NewsGanja Users Association (GUN), Ganja Users Association (GUN) of Namibia, Namibia, Police

Recently, the Ganja Users Association (GUN) of Namibia made a statement urging that higher salaries be paid to the police. They did this in response to the shameless and consistent police brutality they claim that their members endure. After seeing various videos circulating on social media where Namibian police and army members are playing judge, jury and executioner as they brutalise unarmed people, we conclude that the problem is deeper than salary level. We support more competitive salaries and benefits packages for our security officials. Of course, in this pandemic time of near-catastrophic unfunded budget deficits, there is no money…

05 Aug

FNB donates Personal Protection Equipment

ObserverObserver MoneyCovid-19, FirstRand HOPE Fund, FNB Namibia, Namibia, Personal Protection Equipment, PPE

Staff Writer FNB Namibia, through its FirstRand HOPE Fund, donated 2500 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits, valued at N$810 000 to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Erwin Tjipuka, CEO of FNB Namibia during the handover ceremony said that the banking Group was concerned about the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Namibia and the negative impact the pandemic has on the Namibian economy and society at large. He expressed the hope that the donation of PPE kits would assist in the further prevention of the spread of Covid-19 while protecting frontline staff, while ultimately contributing towards…

31 Jul

The generals must stand down

ObserverNational NewsNamibia, Namibia National Liberation Veterans Association (NNLVA)

The country must ask the brave veterans to come to the aid of nation once again. Namibia is on the brink of economic disaster. Veterans must not make further demands and add to the grave problems the country must face. The government is struggling to feed, house, protect and provide healthcare and jobs for the people. Veterans are respected and appreciated. As a result, they have received many layers of compensation and benefits since independence. In 2020, there is no more money available and, in our view, no more benefits are required. Recent reports claim that frustrated ex-generals wish to…

29 Jul

Dancing with the devil

ObserverNational NewsIMF, International Monetary Fund, Namibia

…Namibia seeks IMF loan And so it begins. The descent of Namibia into the ranks of so many other nations that have mismanaged their affairs, made honest mistakes, been captured by corruption, and suffered unavoidable bad luck has happened. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is happy to race to the rescue. They have thrown Namibia a radioactive life preserver. The country must decide to either drown or grab the thing. Those are the usual choices when you are forced to dance with the devil. Make no mistake; the IMF is a powerful and effective instrument of western capitalist imperialism. They…

27 Jul

Differing perspectives within a party are a must

ObserverNational NewsNamibia, Swapo Party

The Founding President declared during this weekend’s Swapo introspection meeting that he didn’t want to hear about Team Swapo and Team Harambee anymore. He feels it has become divisive. He is right. There is only one ruling Swapo party. But, that doesn't mean there should be only one Swapo idea or thought pattern. New ideas that reflect the Swapo of tomorrow can only take root if people with different points of view, openly advocate for their ideas. The final goal should be agreed by the majority with opposing points inculcated where practicable. The need to walk lock-step on all things…

25 Jul

God Bless the child that’s got his own

ObserverUncategorisedNamibia

Jackie Wilson Asheeke Namibia needs to wake up. No one will help us, but us. The country, communities and families are under unprecedented pressure. Looking to donor countries, the government, the president, a political party or a church to ‘solve’ individual problems is a waste of time. The new normal means increased self-sufficiency. It is time for Namibians to do more for themselves. The government is broke. Many who are in power are insecure in their positions. Businesses are reeling from the pandemic, but also three years of drought and economic depression before the virus hit. Families are uncertain about…