By Adolf Kaure. The Municipality of Swakopmund has clarified the situation about the development of the land at Erf 4747, also known as the Old Swimming Pool, which continues to be an eyesore. In a recent press release, the Swakopmund Chief Exective, Alfeus Benjamin said that the Swakopmund Municipality has conducted various meetings over the past years with the developers and has sought legal advice to navigate the complexities of the development on the plot. “We acknowledge the public’s concerns and the sensitivity surrounding this issue.” “It is important to note that the project has been halted following a public petition and the community’s outcry regarding height restrictions and mass development at a public scoping exercise, which have prevented the developers from proceeding.” “Council fully understands the significance of this matter to the community, and Council assure you that it is equally imports and sensitive,” said Benjamin. The Chief Executive...

The Green Hydrogen Masterclass Roadshow kicked off with a masterclass in Tsumeb and will continue with upcoming sessions in Ongwediva and Rundu. Organisers of the Masterclass, the Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF) said the Masterclass brings valuable education and engagement on green hydrogen technology to youth across northern Namibia. “The masterclasses are designed to provide young Namibians with in-depth knowledge about the green hydrogen industry, showcasing its potential to transform the country’s energy landscape and offering valuable career opportunities,” they added. Head of Operations at NYEF, Andreas Paulus said they are incredibly grateful for their sponsor GIZ Namibia for their support in making this project a reality and these masterclasses are a crucial step in educating and engaging the youth about green hydrogen. “I encourage young people in Tsumeb, Ongwediva, and Rundu to attend these sessions and seize the opportunity to learn about this promising industry. Green hydrogen holds significant...

28 years old Dessy, (not her real name), hit rock bottom when someone she trusted revealed her HIV status to her community during a dispute that had erupted between the two. “My first thing I tough of doing was to commit suicide. I saw that as the only option to escape the pain of having my HIV” The United States Embassy in Windhoek in a statement said Dessy is a transgender woman who resides in the Erongo region and in 2021, when she found out that she was HIV positive, she chose to share her status with only a few people she trusted, to protect herself from fear of stigma and discrimination. “People living with HIV often experience stigma and discrimination associated with HIV. Stigma and discrimination are usually intensified towards key populations (KPs), particularly female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals who face the...

The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund on Wheels is in the Zambezi Region for the week, to take road safety to the people and further instill the importance and value of road safety awareness within communities. The Fund said the outreach programme runs from 16 to 21 September and will see the MVA Fund’s team visit towns and villages across the region including areas such as Bukalo, Ngoma, Masokotwane, Sangwali, Mubiza, Kongola and Kabwe. Chief Executive at the Fund, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku said while they have strategically located service centre across the country, there are still a few underserved communities. “The programme allows us to take our offices to the people and the team will also assist the communities with claims, allowing for clients in the region to query their claims, submit new claims and learn more about the benefits and service we offer,” she added. The Fund said the outreach...

By Andreas Shaanika, Direct Clients Manager, Corporate Segment Old Mutual Namibia. 1 September 2024 marked the start of the Two-Pot Retirement System in South Africa, which will divide member’s benefits into two separate pots: a savings and a retirement pot. The implementation of the two-pot pension system in South Africa will surely spark significant interest across the continent and our beautiful Land of the Brave is not excluded from this conversation. This innovative approach to retirement savings has garnered attention for its potential to enhance retirement outcomes and provide greater flexibility for individuals. As Namibia grapples with its own pension efforts, particularly the contentious issue of compulsory preservation, the two-pot system emerges as a compelling alternative that warrants careful consideration. Understanding the Two-Pot System The two-pot system divides a pension fund member’s savings into two distinct portions. Preserved Portion: This portion is locked away until retirement or a specified event,...

The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund schools road safety debate competition was won by the Otjozondjupa Region. The Fund created the competition for institutional commitment and the empowerment of the Namibian youth to participate in road safety discourse. The Fund stated that they hosted the Annual National Schools Road Safety Debate Competition in Swakopmund, in the Erongo region from 6 to 10 September under the theme, ‘Young Minds and Self-Awareness Towards Road Safety’. “The Championship, which advanced the youth road safety agenda, hosted learners from all 14 regions, competing over a period of three days. It created a platform for learners to showcase their advocacy skills on the critical issue of road safety which propels our ongoing commitment to promote road safety awareness and education,” they added. The Fund said as vulnerable road users, the theme encouraged critical thinking and empowered learners to explore the complexities of road safety. “It...

A space for young people to thrive in today’s digital world, was launched on 3 September by the National Youth Council of Namibia (NYCN). The Youth Resource Centre fitted with 10 computers, super fast internet and printing services, will provide the youth the opportunity to participate in their own digital future. The Council said the centre has 10 computers linked to the internet and a printer. Use of the centre is free of charge to help young people with their educaiton, skills develoment and access to employment opportunities. “The Centre will provide these services to young individuals, particularly job seekers and members of NYCN’s 51 affiliated youth organisations and it is a strategic investment in empowering the youth demographic with the essential tools needed to thrive in today’s digital world,” the Council stated. Director at Bridgehead Group Holdings, Simon Taapopi said they are committed to support the Council to fulfil...

Black Rhino Protection Fund supports field teams guarding effort Source link

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has published its Quarterly Statistics for the period from 01 April to 30 June 2024. This reportr offers a comprehensive overview of subscribers, traffic, broadcasting and postal services during the second quarter (Q2) of 2024. Key highlights include statistics on Subscriber Identifying Module (SIM) usage for internet access, fixed-line subscriptions, mobile outgoing minutes, revenue from the broadcasting sector, and postal operations. Mrs Helene Vosloo, Executive: Economics and Market Development, stated “The total number of active SIM cards decreased by 5%, primarily due to a 6% decline in prepaid SIM cards. This reduction is likely attributed to the prepaid packages with longer validity offered by licensees coupled with the implementation of SIM card registration requirements, which stipulate that only registered cards can remain active.” As a result, mobile broadband usage on mobile phones decreased by 11%, leading to a decline in the share of...

By Michel Haoses. The Electricity Control Board (ECB) had a stakeholder workshop for the review and update of the Distribution Grid and Connection Code at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort last week. During his opening remarks, ECB Chief Executive Robert Kahimise explained that the goal of a Distribution Grid Code is to establish the rules and procedures that allow individuals or entities to use the distribution network and permit the distribution network to be planned and operated safely, reliably, efficiently and economically. “The Distribution Grid Code applies to all distributors, embedded generators, end-user customers, retailers, re-sellers and any other entities with equipment connected to the distribution network,” he said. He also noted that the Distribution Grid Code was promulgated in 2018 and has not been reviewed since and there has been a lot of changes and technological advancements in the electricity supply industry which amongst others include the introduction...