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Articles by Ellen Alberts
Regions get 20 more network towers
Infrastracture provider PowerCom Namibia is set to construct 20 telecommunications network towers in the Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West and //Kharas regions. This with an investment of about N$32 million in one financial year. Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus has commended PowerCom, saying the company has shown its partnership with the ministry’s vision to transform Namibia into a digitally inclusive nation.
Roads Authority to upgrade roads in southern regions
The roads Authority is expanding its road infrastructure upgrades to the Hardap, //Kharas and Khomas regions in an effort to achieve inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth. Roads Authority engineer Timo Hatuikulipi said this is in line with the revised master plan, which entails rectifying imbalances in the provision of social and economic road infrastructure.
Successful education needs teamwork - minister
The deputy minister of education, arts and culture, Faustina Caley, says a number of schools are struggling to manage the institutions. This, and not necessarily a lack of adequate resources, leads to poor performance. Caley says school managers are finding it difficult to unite their teams. This includes pupils, parents, teachers, school boards and other stakeholders. She says this leaves many schools without a defined culture of excellence and identity.
Education ‘crucial’ in oil, gas, energy sectors
The governor of the //Kharas region says enhancing human capital for oil and gas sector development requires education and skills training. Aletha Frederick said this during her state of the region address at Keetmanshoop last week. She said developing a strong educational system in the //Kharas region is crucial for both personal job prospects and overall socio-economic progress. “The need to grow human capital in today’s developing global economy cannot be emphasised enough.
Govt invests N$100 million to improve healthcare in //Kharas
The government has invested over N$100 million to expand health infrastructure in the //Kharas region. This is part of the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ N$16 billion health systems strengthening proposal, approved by the Cabinet two years ago. In her state of the region address on Tuesday, //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick said an investment of N$70 million was made in the Aussenkehr health centre, which is currently under construction and 85% complete.
Hanse-Himarwa’s last good-bye
Family, friends and former colleagues of Katrina Hanse-Himarwa paid their last respects at Mariental on Saturday. Present at the funeral were president Nangolo Mbumba, vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Namibia ambassador to the United States Margaret Mensah-Williams. Her husband, Ghenno Himarwa, was among those paying tribute to the former minister of education, arts and culture. “Your footprints are all over our farm Avril.
Ministry strives to open doors through connectivity
Progress on Namibia’s broadband infrastructure is not just about technology, but also boosts socio-economic development. Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus says broadband connectivity opens doors in various areas, such as the education, healthcare, e-commerce and governance sectors. She said this at a high-level engagement on Namibia’s digital transformation journey in Windhoek on Tuesday.
Hanse-Himarwa's body arrives at Mariental
The body of former minister of education, arts and culture, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, arrived at Mariental on Wednesday. The ministry of education, as well as local authorities and traditional authorities formed a guard of honour as her body was escorted through the streets in several towns this week. Hanse-Himarwa died on 14 July at a hospital in Windhoek where she was battling colon cancer. On Monday, president Nangolo Mbumba conferred her an official funeral.
Hanse-Himarwa remembered as ‘no-nonsense’ daughter of the soil
Former education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has been described by fellow politicians and Swapo members as a daughter of the soil, whose contribution to the education sector would leave a lasting legacy. The former minister (57) was taken to a local hospital in Windhoek a week ago with colon cancer, and died yesterday. “Her unwavering strength, compassion, and the joy she brought us will forever be remembered,” her husband, Ghenno Himarwa, said yesterday after announcing her death.
Former education minister dies
Former minister of education, arts and culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa (57) has died. She died at a local hospital in Windhoek on Sunday, where she had been admitted for the past week. A close family member confirmed Hanse-Himarwa’s death. The former minister was a Namibian politician and has served in Swapo’s central committee and politburo. After winning the Mariental Rural constituency in the 2004 local elections, she was appointed Hardap governor, a position she held until 2015.
Electoral commission accused of incompetence
Independent presidential candidates have accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) of being incompetent due to the slow process of registration and insufficient public information. Independent presidential candidate Rosa Namises says after four days of attempting to be registered as a voter in the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections, she has not succeeded.
Keetmanshoop gets loan for power upgrades
The Municipality of Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas region has obtained a N$11,9-million loan from the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) to upgrade its electricity network. The two parties signed the loan agreement on Monday. DBN chief executive John Steytler described the agreement as a milestone for both the bank and the municipality with regards to funding local infrastructure development.
/Khowesin want Witbooi shrine at Gibeon
The /Khowesin traditional community at Gibeon in the Hardap region wants a planned shrine for kaptein Hendrik Witbooi to be erected at his former homestead at the village. The traditional community made this request to the government on Tuesday during a public engagement with the parliamentary standing committee on human resources and community development.
Declaring genocide remembrance holiday an election ploy - opposition
Opposition parties have praised the government’s move to declare 28 May as Genocide Remembrance Day, which will be a public holiday from 2025. They argue, however, that this is an election ploy. Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus yesterday made this announcement. The endorsement followed a letter from National Assembly speaker Peter Katjavivi recommending the adoption of 28 May as Genocide Remembrance Day.
Serve all Namibians, don’t look at party affiliation – Nandi-Ndaitwah
Swapo vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Swapo members and employees working at the party’s new regional headquarters at Mariental to serve people equally and not turn anyone away because of their political affiliations. Nandi-Ndaitwah said people from all tribes, creeds, language groups, colours and religions should be served when they go to Swapo offices because they know it as their home.
African green hydrogen summit to drive investment - Mbumba
President Nangolo Mbumba has extended an invitation to all stakeholders to join Namibia and the rest of Africa as the country prepares to host the African Global Green Hydrogen Summit. The summit will take place from 3 to 5 September this year. The three-day summit will be held under the theme ‘From Ambition to Action: Fuelling Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution’.
Officer denied bail after setting police vehicle alight
A police officer at Keetmanshoop, Uakuta Japuhua (37) , who attempted to take his life by setting a police vehicle alight, was denied bail in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Japuhua was charged with malicious damage to state property on Saturday. ||Kharas regional crime investigations coordinator Nicodemus Mbango says it is alleged that Japuhua drove the vehicle to the area behind Super Sand Keetmanshoop and set it on fire with the intent to take his life.
Let’s unite and educate our children - Mbumba
President Nangolo Mbumba has urged parents and regional and local authorities of the Hardap and //Kharas regions to prioritise the education of their children. Mbumba was speaking at the University of Namibia (Unam) Southern Campus graduation on Friday at Keetmanshoop, where 159 students graduated in various fields like accounting, business administration and education. The university is expected to confer qualifications to more than 4 450 graduates this year across all its campuses.
‘Hold on to traditional values, culture to end GBV’
Amid a wave of violence that has seen four women allegedly killed in crimes of passion, traditional leaders say young people should stay in touch with their traditional beliefs, norms and culture, which are hinged on a solid foundation of love, respect and care for each other. They say this formula creates harmony in society, primarily in relationships and curbs gender-based violence (GBV).
‘Remove unrecognised traditional authorities from genocide negotiations’
Chief Johannes Isaak of the |Hai-|Khaua Traditional Authority has called on the government not to continue including unrecognised traditonal authority chiefs in the ongoing genocide negotiations with Germany. Isaak says recognised traditional authorities are still willing to join the negotiations as per their slogan ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’.
Man accused of tying victim to pole and beating him denied bail
Community members from Komsberg farm in the Ariamsvlei area of the //Kharas region have expressed shock and dismay over the assault of a local man over the Easter weekend. Wesley Basson (30) was allegedly assaulted on Sunday by a group of six men suspecting him of theft. //Kharas regional crime investigations coordinator Nicodemus Mbango says the police found the victim tied to a pole at the suspects’ house, where he was reportedly assaulted.
Man assaulted over Easter for suspected theft
A man suspected of theft was allegedly assaulted at the farm Komsberg in the Ariamsvlei area of the //Kharas region on Sunday. The victim has been identified as Wesley Basson (30). //Kharas regional crime investigations coordinator Nicodemus Mbango says the police found Basson tied with a rope to a pole at the suspect’s house, where he was reportedly assaulted. Mbango says it is alleged that the suspect tied Basson up with wires and assaulted him, but he managed to free himself and run.
Man assaulted for theft over Easter
A man suspected of theft was allegedly assaulted at Komsberg Farm in the Ariamsvlei area of the //Kharas region on Sunday. The victim has been identified as Wesley Basson (30). //Kharas regional crime investigations coordinator Nicodemus Mbango says the police found Basson tied with a rope to a pole at the suspect’s house, where he was reportedly assaulted. Mbango says it is alleged that the suspect tied Basson up with wires and assaulted him, but he managed to free himself and run.
Merger ‘creates sustainable media platform’
Future Media chief executive Gary Stroebel says the merger between TribeFire Studios and his company creates a more robust and sustainable media platform. He says media companies worlwide are feeling the impact of the dominance of both Google and Meta in terms of advertising and information dissemination. Future Media Namibia and TribeFire Studios on Monday announced that the merger between the two media companies has been successfully completed.
NamWater connects new boreholes forAus residents
The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has connected a new borehole at Aus in the //Kharas region to alleviate water shortages faced by residents at the settlement. Since October 2022, residents of Aus have been without water for two to three days every two weeks due to the reservoir having run dry after the underground water table fell below 40% capacity.
Uutoni suspends Karasburg town councillors
ELLEN ALBERT MINISTER of urban and rural development Erastus Uutoni has suspended all town councillors of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) at the Karasburg Town Council. This decision is contained in the latest Government Gazette, which was released on Friday. Uutoni visited Karasburg on Friday to provide feedback on these decisions to the town council and community.
Namibia: We Will Fight Corruption - Swartbooi
Landless People's Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi has promised to fight corruption once in power after the November presidential and National Assembly elections. He was speaking during the party's fifth anniversary celebration at Tsumeb on Saturday, saying the LPM cannot be compared to other parties. "The LPM is a serious party with serious people who understand responsibility towards citizens, and it shall never be compared to corrupt parties," said Swartbooi.
LPM irked by underdevelopment at Rundu
Landless People’s Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi has denounced the alleged destruction of shacks at Rundu without any reparation paid to the victims by the Rundu Town Council. Swartbooi said the LPM finds this practice to be inhumane, unlawful and a means to destroy the social fabric of society. He was speaking during a media conference at Rundu on Tuesday. “Land is an important social and economic aspect of life. It is the main means of production.
Inmates allowed to follow Geingob's funeral proceedings
Inmates at various Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) facilities across the country were able to watch president Hage Geingob’s funeral proceedings on Sunday. NCS spokesperson Sam Shalulange on Sunday said inmates have access to televisions in their living units, depending on their security classification, and were following the events. “The minimum and low medium have access in their cells, while the medium and maximum have access at some intervals only,” he said.
A Harambee Goodbye
Two weeks before president Hage Geingob took his last breath, one of his fiercest political critics visited him on his sickbed and gave him a long hug. The visit was both emotional and jovial – a look back at how far the two men have come. For a moment, Bernadus Swartbooi, the leader of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), had forgotten this was the same Geingob whom he had a heated argument with in parliament in 2020.
First lady was with Geingob till the end - Mbumba
President Nangolo Mbumba says former first lady Monica Geingos has stood the test of time during her late husband’s Presidency, illness and death. President Hage Geingob died on 4 February at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek. Mbumba said this in an interview with Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) television on Sunday, recalling his experiences during Geingob’s final days. Mbumba and Geingob were best friends, trusted confidants and colleagues.
Noordoewer, Ariamsvlei residents stranded without water and electricity
Residents of Noordoewer say they are in dire need of water which has run out following a power outage that began on Sunday. A resident of the settlement Willem Olifant, told The Namibian yesterday Noordoewer’s water pump uses electricity and since the power outage, tanks have not been refilled to supply water to residents. “We do not know what to do anymore. We cannot cook. We cannot wash ourselves. How do we go to work without bathing and what do our children drink?
Nangombe urges implementation of Covid-19prevention protocols during Geingob memorials
Ministry of Health and Social Services executive director Ben Nangombe has urged mourners and sympathisers attending memorials for president Hage Geingob to implement Covid-19 prevention protocols. Nangombe said this given the fact that there are Covid-19 cases being reported, particularly at Rehoboth in the Hardap region, and that mass gatherings of people are super-spreaders of Covid-19. Nangombe said no other town in the country has reported new Covid-19 cases.
Covid-19 testing team activated for Rehoboth schools
The acting health director of the Hardap region, Dr Berit Platt, says regional health authorities have activated a mobile Covid-19 testing team to conduct rapid testing at school hostels at Rehoboth, after 20 pupils tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The pupils who tested positive are mainly from Dr Lemmer High School.
Rehoboth records 20 new Covid cases
Acting Hardap regional health director Berit Platt says 20 new positive Covid-19 cases have been recorded at Rehoboth since 8 February. Platt says a Grade 2 teacher at St Josephs Primary School and a Grade 11 pupil at Dr Lemmer High School tested positive on the same day. He said this in a letter addressed to the director of education on Friday.
Mensah-Williams remembers Geingob as selfless leader
. . . Late president offered to drive Nujoma’s car to ensure it did not contain a bomb Namibian representative to the United States (US) ambassador Margaret Mensah-Williams remembers president Hage Geingob as a selfless leader who would put his life on the line for others, a great statesman and an exemplary leader.
LPM reinstates Swapo councillors in //Kharas
The Landless People’s Movement-dominated //Kharas Regional Council has reinstated Swapo councillors Lazarus Nangolo, from the Oranjemund constituency, Suzan Ndjaleka, of the !Nami-≠Nüs constituency, and Taimy Amakali of the Karasburg West constituency. The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) fired the three councillors without pay about three weeks ago, but reversed its decision after being issued an urgent interdict in the High Court by lawyer Sisa Namandje.
Namibia: Geingob Told Top Officials He Had Six Months to Live
Minister of environment, forestry and tourism Pohamba Shifeta says president Hage Geingob told him he had six months to live. Shifeta on Thursday told The Namibian the statesman repeatedly over the years said he did not want to be buried at Heroes' Acre. Widely considered as close to Geingob, Shifeta said the former president revealed his cancer diagnosis to him after attending the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in December.
Namibia: Nationwide Tour of Geingob's Body Opposed
Senior government officials are leaning towards blocking a proposal to fly president Hage Geingob's body across the country to give citizens the chance to pay their last respects. This could be a safety risk and logistical nightmare, they say. "We understand the calls for sending the president's body into the regions, but we must understand the risks are just too many," a government source says.
Namibia: 'He Would Not Allow Others to Call Me Hurricane Katrina'
"We all would laugh because president Geingob would say, 'Hurricane Katrina' has arrived. But he would not allow others to call me 'Hurricane'. He would say in his particular voice: "Only I can call her 'Hurricane' but to you, she is my minister of education, arts and culture," said Katrina Hanse-Himarwa yesterday from her hospital bed.
‘He would not allow others to call me Hurricane Katrina’
“We all would laugh because president Geingob would say, ‘Hurricane Katrina’ has arrived. But he would not allow others to call me ‘Hurricane’. He would say in his particular voice: “Only I can call her ‘Hurricane’ but to you, she is my minister of education, arts and culture,” said Katrina Hanse-Himarwa yesterday from her hospital bed.
LPM postpones five-year anniversary celebration
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) is postponing its fifth anniversary celebration that was expected to be held on 10 February, in light of the death of president Hage Geingob. The party made the announcement in a statement issued on Tuesday. LPM national spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa said the anniversary celebration would serve as testimony to the growth of the party in the present political landscape and how democracy has flourished.
Otjozondjupa council prioritises socio-economic upliftment by upgrading towns, settlements
Otjozonjupa Regional Council chairperson Marlene Mbakera says the council has committed to redoubling efforts to implement its strategic plan and goals to improve the socio-economic well-being of its residents. Mbakera says top of the council agenda this year is the revival of the Kalkfeld settlement acquiring village council status. Mbakera was speaking at the first meeting of the council at Otjiwarongo on Tuesday.
Swapo election preparation in full swing
Swapo’s coordinator for the //Kharas region, Mattheus Mumbala, says the party has already started preparing for the 2024 elections last year. New and old party members were mobilised, information on the party’s manifesto was shared, as well as information on current and economic developments. Mumbala said this during a campaign strategy workshop at Keetmanshoop’s Swapo headquarters on Sunday.
Omaheke malnutrition crisis: 78 new cases reported
Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says cases of malnutrition among children continue to be reported almost on a daily basis in the region, while parents allegedly sell donated food items for alcohol. Last year, 45 children in the region died of malnutrition, while 132 cases of malnutrition were recorded.
Parents beg for school placement
Crowds of desperate parents gathered at various Windhoek schools yesterday seeking placements for their children. In Windhoek, throngs of parents and guardians gathered at the Khomas education regional directorate to secure space for their children. The schoolyear began yesterday, but some parents say their children still haven’t been placed, despite rushing to schools as early as 06h00. Education directors have confirmed this.
‘Planet, environment and people are the centre’
Lüderitz-based company Kelp Blue, a cultivator of giant kelp, says it is developing a business model that has the planet, the environment and people at its centre.
The Year of Survival
Memory Magwira (45) smiles and then frowns as she sells food outside a Windhoek mall. Beyond the tasty smells from her cooking is a story of bravery. “This year was a very difficult year, I have lost a son and a father, yet I managed to pick myself up and am still surviving. I was doing hair, and then I started with chickens. It was going well, but food [prices] went up and I could not continue.
Residents petition for closure of local night club
The residents of Krönlein suburb at Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas region are once again petitioning the Liquor Board and the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court for the closure of Oppi Hukki night club situated amid two churches, two primary schools and residential properties. In a letter written to the authorities, community members are questioning how and why the new owners of Oppihukkie night club and liquor store were granted a licence to reopen the businesses.
Farmworkers destitute after Aussenkehr fire
The long journey to rebuilding a place to call home has started for the residents of Aussenkehr, where a fire ravaged more than 55 reed houses and killed one man on Tuesday morning. About 10 years ago, the government undertook to provide decent housing at Aussenkehr – home to an estimated 16 000 people – after the farm’s landlord, Dusan Vasiljevic, donated 600ha of land. Today, however, residents, most of whom are grape farmworkers, still live in abysmal conditions.
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