Day: January 24, 2024

OPUWO: The Omaheke Region has appointed a regional technical team to prepare its under-20 football squad for the annual Namibian Newspaper Cup, set to take place in Gobabis from 29 March to 01 April.

A statement availed on Wednesday said the region’s technical staff were named last week, after a decision made by the Omaheke Football Region Executive Committee during a meeting with member clubs, last week.

The Executive Committee resolved to appoint Ewaldt Himeezembi Kavirombo as head coach, deputised by former Black Africa Sports Club veteran defender Moses Muree Katjiteo. Rudiger Khiba took on the role of fitness trainer, Albert Ganeb as technical director, Ben Uirab as the team manager, and Kemo Kaiko as the equipment manager.

According to the statement, the final regional trials will take place at Legare Sports Complex B on Saturday, 27 January between 09H00 and 15H00.

‘All seven Omaheke Political Constituencies are invited to arrange for their talented players born on or after 2005, including their tr
ansport, accommodation and meals for the trials,’ read the statement, noting that the league’s regional Exco, in collaboration with the Sports Committee, will only be liable for the players’ upkeep once the 30 players have been selected and are in camp for preparations.

According to the Namibia Football Association (NFA) in a media statement this week, all players must be based in Omaheke and must present a valid identity document and an original full birth certificate to be trailed.

The tournament will be officially launched on 06 February at the Nedbank headquarters in Windhoek, with the draw taking place on 05 March in Gobabis, it said.

The Eastern Region has won the competition three times, including the first Namibian Newspaper Cup in 2001, which was hosted in Windhoek.

In that final, they defeated Otjozondjupa 3-1 and won the cup again in 2002, defeating Oshikoto 3-2 in Otjiwarongo.

They became the first team to win three times, when they defeated host Khomas 2-1 in the 2009 final.

Previously know
n as the Standard Bank Newspaper Cup, Nedbank will this year, sponsor The Namibian Newspaper Cup competition.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: Swapo Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reassured the nation that President Hage Geingob is in good spirits, receiving medical attention and will continue to conduct the business of the party and government while giving necessary priority to his treatment.

This follows an announcement by the Presidency last week that Geingob has been diagnosed with cancer, following the results of an annual medical examination he underwent on 08 January 2024.

Nandi-Ndaitwah in a media statement on Wednesday said: ‘We as a party and indeed the people of Namibia are honoured by the trust and transparency with which Geingob has continued to lead our party. We salute him for his exemplary leadership in taking the nation into confidence, even in matters of personal nature.’

She called on the entire leadership, rank and file of the party to continue to stand in solidarity and unity as the party extends its best wishes to Geingob, for a speedy and full recovery.

‘We are all humans and prone to sickness, therefore,
it is natural to be concerned about the health of our leader,’ she said while calling on the nation to give Geingob space to focus on his recovery without speculation.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, in conjunction with the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO, has launched the Namibia Archival Application, which will enable easy access to the country’s national documentary heritage.

Speaking at the occasion here Wednesday, Minister Anna Nghipondoka said this milestone is made possible by UNESCO with a total amount of N.dollars 380 000.

She said the application was made possible through a dedicated collaboration between the National Archives of Namibia, the National Information Workers Association of Namibia, Mindsinaction, the University of Namibia Archives, Oniipa Church Archives, Sam Cohen Library, Namibia University of Science and Technology and various other entities committed to the preservation and promotion of Namibia’s cultural legacy.

”Archives are our cultural heritage and a foundation of our national identity. They reflect our shared history, diverse traditions, and the collective journey that has brought us to where we are today. A
s the custodians of this invaluable heritage, it is our duty to ensure the accessibility, protection, and preservation of these records for future generations,” she said.

The minister further noted that in today’s fast-paced world of technological advancements, the Namibia Archival Application stands out as a significant leap in the country’s archival capabilities which demonstrates the dedication to utilising technology to enhance access to the archival collections.

”This application is the result of a tireless effort, countless research hours, and a collaborative spirit that highlights the importance of collective action in safeguarding our cultural treasures,” she said.

The Namibia Archival Application is more than just a tool; it serves as a gateway to various archival collections, which can be accessed simultaneously while empowering researchers, historians, educators, and the general public with seamless access to Namibia’s archival collections.

”Through its user-friendly interface and state-of-
the-art features, this application will democratize access to historical records, making our heritage more accessible and engaging for all,” she boasted.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

KEETMANSHOOP: Kharas Regional Council chairperson, Joseph Isaacks has directed council officials to include local language proficiency as a mandatory condition for all vacancies in the regional government.

Isaacks made the statement during a staff meeting here on Tuesday. He said other regional councils have language proficiency conditions in advertisements for vacancies and it is time for ||Kharas to follow suit, adding that the region’s inhabitants are identified by the languages they speak, which are Khoekhoegowab and Afrikaans.

‘This is a distinctive mark of a southerner and if you cannot speak those two languages then you are new in the region or you are not interested. I have said this before, but this time I will follow up with action – our people should get the jobs in this region, we must pull everything at our disposal together to turn the tables around. The green hydrogen and oil sectors are on our doorsteps, we should ensure that the people of the region are given preference in all social econom
ic opportunities,’ Isaacks stated.

The chairperson urged council staff members to refrain from bidding for tenders at the council, and urged them not to misuse their positions and provide information to friends that could give them an unfair advantage over other bidders.

‘Do not take bribes, refrain from corruption and nepotism, give equal opportunities to all in the region, restorative and social justice is the name of the game. It does not matter if the project is a national project or not, all procurement should be done at regional level, our people in the region should get those jobs. The big issue with tenders being awarded to bidders from outside is that they come with their own workers while our people continue to be subjected to hunger and poverty,’ said the chairperson.

Isaacks further noted the economic potential of the Neckartal Dam outside Keetmanshoop, emphasising employment opportunities. He called on administrators in the regional council to be innovative and to ensure that the second phase
of the dam, the irrigation scheme, is implemented to ensure employment opportunities for inhabitants of the region.

‘We still face challenges with employment that excludes the people of the region. This year will mark reshuffling in the mining sector, we will not condone unequal distribution of resources and inequity. If we want to fight social ills such as hunger, poverty, landlessness and unemployment, we need to create opportunities for our people,’ he said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has called on children beneficiaries to provide proof of their enrolment as students.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the company’s General Manager for Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, Edwin Tjiramba, stated that beneficiaries should submit their proof of enrolment such as school letters at the GIPF office on time to avoid any delays in the processing of their benefits.

‘One of the key components of GIPF’s corporate strategy is to ensure that its members are well-informed and aware of their benefits. This is the time of the year again where GIPF implores all beneficiaries who are students between the ages of 18 years to 25 years old, to submit their signed proof of studentship timeously,’ said Tjiramba.

He further noted that only authorised signatories (principal, faculty officer, rector, director, branch coordinator and/or the deputy head of department, or anyone acting in that capacity) from the respective schools or institutions of h
igher education are allowed to sign the studentship letters.

‘If a student took a break in his/her studies due to any unforeseen circumstances, then he/she should submit proof of studentship for payment of benefits to continue until they turn 25 years old,’ Tjiramba said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OMUTHIYA: Oshikoto Regional Council chairperson, Samuel Shivute has encouraged regional councillors, heads of departments, and other stakeholders to understand and internalise their customer service charter in order to set standards when dealing with customers.

Shivute made the statement during the official launch of the Oshikoto Regional Council’s customer service charter at Omuthiya on Wednesday.

He emphasised the importance of making the information contained in the charter available to all customers at grassroots level.

Shiviute said as public servants they are required to be open, ethical, responsible, accountable, and dedicated to the public they serve.

‘To achieve such a goal, the regional council with the assistance of the Office of the Prime Minister formulated the customer service charter, which is a guiding document that sets out specific standards of service we promised to deliver to our customers,’ he stated.

The charter explains how they intend to work with customers and operate as a govern
ment body with a mandate to plan and coordinate development.

Shivute also requested the translation of the charter into local languages to ensure better understanding among customers regarding the services they can expect and claim.

Roberto Mwilima, the Deputy Director in the Office of the Prime Minister’s Directorate of Performance Improvement, explained that the customer service charter aligns with the African Charter enforced in July 2016.

Mwilima stated that all offices, ministries, agencies, and regional councils have been directed to develop strategic and annual plans, as well as customer service charters, by the Office of the Prime Minister.

He said the Office of the Prime Minister started engaging with the regional council in 2018. They submitted their first draft in 2020 and the Office of the Prime Minister reviewed their customer service charter in 2023.

‘The customer service charter promotes and endorses quality service and sets out standards of service at all levels, thus enhancing the good i
mage of the public service in the eyes of citizens and inhabitants,’ Mwilima explained.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Namibia and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have commended the Namibian Government for showing leadership at the Transforming Education Summit.

In a press statement on the International Day of Education, it said the Namibian Government took initiative in addressing the learning crisis and discussing solutions to achieve inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030 at the Transforming Education Summit in September 2022.

It further said the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture continues to report high cases of learner pregnancies, high repetition rates in the early grades, as well as dropout rates across the basic education phases, the UN agencies noted.

The Namibia Educational Management Information System (EMIS) of 2022 recorded a high number of Grade 1 repetitions at 17.3 per cent and 18.3 per cent in Grade 4.

‘This confirms the concern that children are completing primary education with
minimal foundational skills. The same EMIS record shows that 17 982 learners dropped out of school during the same calendar year, and of these, a total of 2 739 girls dropped out due to pregnancy.’

Namibia is among the frontrunners in prioritising investment in education, with almost 9 per cent of the GDP allocated to education, but the challenge remains in the foundation learning years, where only about 3 per cent is spent on preparing children for formal education, it cautioned.

‘To make a change, UNESCO calls on the government and all partners to maintain education at the top of the political agenda, deliver on commitments made, promote equitable domestic public financing for education for children in the early years, and emphasise the importance of education.’

UNESCO and UNICEF expressed confidence that the commitments and recommendations made by the 2022 National Conference will enable Namibia to prioritise the transformation of its education system.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24
January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: Three people died instantly when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned on the B2 road between Usakos and Karibib on Wednesday.

According to a report from Namibian Police Force spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the accident occurred approximately five kilometres outside Usakos.

The 21-year-old driver of a white sedan Chevrolet, identified as Gibson Arnoldus Basson, allegedly lost control of the vehicle and it rolled several times. The vehicle was headed from Karibib to Usakos.

Basson and two passengers, 20-year-old Brooklyn Owoseb and 29-year-old Erastus Iita, died in the accident. Their next of kin have been notified.

An 18-year-old passenger sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Usakos State Hospital.

‘All three bodies are being held at the Karibib clinic mortuary and investigations into the matter are ongoing,’ Shikwambi stated.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: A 28-year-old man died in a house fire in Windhoek on Tuesday.

The Namibian Police Force in a crime report on Wednesday said the deceased was identified as Abniel Katangolo.

The incident occurred around 23h00 at his parents’ house in the Kilimanjaro residential area.

It is alleged that Katangolo set the house on fire and it was reportedly not the first time he had attempted to do so. His father reportedly also previously had to intervene when he tried to harm himself.

Police investigations in the matter continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: President Hage Geingob is travelling to the United States of America Wednesday night to undergo seven days of specialised medical treatment.

A media statement issued on Wednesday by the Office of the President said following his public announcement on 19 February 2024 about cancerous cells being detected, Geingob accepted a medical offer by leading scientists and medical professionals in Los Angeles, California to undergo novel therapy for the cancerous cells from 25 January to 02 February 2024.

The statement indicated that the travel, medical and accommodation expenses of the Head of State will not be incurred by Government, noting that 95 per cent of the treatment for the cancerous cells will be carried out in Namibia.

‘The Presidency wishes to once again reassure Namibians that President Geingob is in good spirits and continues to discharge his duties as Head of State,’ it noted.

During the president’s short medical leave, Vice President Nangolo Mbumba will be acting as president.

‘President
Geingob would like to thank Namibians and friends from across the globe for their support, prayers and messages of best wishes,’ the Presidency said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Works and Transport is facing challenges in completing renovations at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital in the 2023/2024 financial year, which ends in March.

One of the major issues is a lack of relocation options for patients during the ongoing renovations, the ministry’s Executive Director, Ester Kaapanda, said during an interview with Nampa on the sidelines of Works Minister John Mutorwa’s ministerial new year address on Wednesday.

‘Katutura State Hospital has not been renovated since independence. It is not a smooth exercise. We are dealing with a big intermediate hospital where many patients are referred to from different parts of the country. We wanted to renovate as many floors as possible as fast as possible and to use the funds before the end of the financial year, but the challenge is the relocation of patients. Where do we put patients if we want to renovate a floor? When some recover, others come in, and it is a challenge,’ Kaapanda said.

Government has availed N.doll
ars 40 million for the renovation of the hospital.

So far, Kaapanda said, they have managed to renovate the seventh floor of the hospital.

‘We are ready to complete renovations within this financial year as we do not want the funds returned to Treasury. We are trying to come up with a strategic plan and we engaged the health ministry to see if there are alternative plans to accommodate patients in other hospitals such as Central Hospital, or other hospitals, for us to be able to execute these renovations in a timely manner,’ Kaapanda added.

The Ministry of Health’s Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, however said it will be impossible to transfer patients to other hospitals, citing the higher ranking of Katutura Intermediate Hospital.

Nangombe informed Nampa in an interview that the health ministry has arranged temporary housing for patients during renovations such as the nurses’ hall, an old Namibia Institute of Pathology building, the TB ward at Katutura hospital, and a prefabricated structure with 96 bed
s. Additionally, old COVID-19 structures near Windhoek Central Hospital and a field hospital are being utilised to keep patients close to specialists and equipment.

‘As a ministry we have gone far in terms of availing space to patients while renovations are ongoing. We are happy with the renovation, it is making a difference. The dilapidation is gone, the hospital also doesn’t have mice anymore. The material used previously was cardboard and we are now using lightweight bricks so that mice and insects cannot burrow through,’ Nangombe said.

He also revealed that renovations at the emergency medicine unit are complete.

‘I visited the renovation sites at the end of last year and I am happy. We are confident that things will improve,’ he added.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: Food items meant for the national drought relief programme have been reported stolen at Oshikango in the Ohangwena Region.

The Office of the Prime Minister in a press release on Wednesday said the food items were stolen from the Oshikango warehouse.

It said a case has been registered with the Namibian Police and the suspects have been apprehended.

The OPM urges the public to refrain from buying drought relief items and to instead notify the Namibian Police of any suspicious sale of food items in their areas.

‘The Office of the Prime Minister is urging all 14 regional councils to safeguard the drought relief food items and to ensure the timely distribution of these items to the intended beneficiaries,’ it said.

Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency