Category: Industry

RUNDU: The president of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, has urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to modernise maize production for self-sufficiency.

In a media statement issued on Monday, Venaani said Namibia imported approximately 82 000 tonnes of maize in 2023 alone.

‘With reports of a mere 42 per cent harvest projected for 2023/24, leaving almost 60 per cent of our white maize needs unmet, it’s time to move beyond rhetoric,’ he said.

Venaani proposed drought-tolerant maize varieties since crops hold the key to mitigating climate risks and reducing harvest failures – a common plight in sub-Saharan Africa.

He emphasised the urgency of the matter, reminding the ministry of the nearly 580 000 Namibians facing acute food insecurity.

‘Their plight is not a statistic, it’s a call to action. The PDM believes mechanisation and modernisation are not just promises, but cornerstones of a food-secure future,’ he stated.

The PDM leader said investing in modern maize tech
nologies would not only fill empty plates but also create robust value chains and jobs.

‘A transformed agricultural sector could be the engine of our economy, alleviating poverty and driving prosperity,’ he noted.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

KATIMA MULILO: A total of 213 municipal account holders have benefited from the Ondangwa Town Council’s debt relief programme that began in October 2023.

The 12-month programme is set to conclude in September this year, following the council’s announcement that residents owe a total of N.dollars 85 million in municipal services.

Town council spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho-Mutikisha told Nampa the incentives provided relief to many residents. According to Shitalangaho-Mutikisha, the council passed a resolution last year to waive full interest (100 per cent) on all accounts with debt to enable consumers to settle their debts.

So far, 213 account holders have benefited from this initiative, with N.dollars 66 5146.46 in interest written off.

‘The council’s debts have increased rapidly due to the economic downturn coupled with the severe effects of Covid-19,’ she said.

Shitalangaho-Mutikisha added that the council acknowledges the impact of job losses, business closures, and employee retrenchment on househ
olds’ disposable incomes, purchasing power and, consequently, residents’ ability to pay their municipal services in full.

She said the programme is ongoing and applicable to all account holders classified as domestic (residential), commercial (business and industrial), non-profit organisations, community-based organisations, churches, and private institutions.

However, she clarified that it does not apply to government offices, ministries and agencies, including state-owned enterprises.

She noted that their goal is to ensure that residents and account holders take the initiative seriously and attempt to settle their principal debts within the stipulated time of this initiative to benefit.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: Team Namibia has been named the worldwide champion of the third Seeds for the Future Tech4Good worldwide Competition.

Team Namibia consists of students from the University of Namibia and the University of Science and Technology.

The Tech4Good Global Competition encourages students to look at sustainable development challenges facing their communities and use their ICT knowledge and skills to create commercially viable solutions.

The winning proposal was an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered teaching system called YYeni AI, which responds to each student’s needs.

In a statement issued recently, Jeff Wang, President of Huawei’s Public Affairs and Communications Department, said that Huawei Cloud’s MetaStudio digital content production pipeline orchestrated the demonstration by training the Pangu Virtual Human Model with Wang’s image and voice data. Wang recently attended the awards ceremony virtually using an innovative, highly realistic avatar technology.

He said that YYeni AI provides persona
lised tutoring to individual students in large classes and added that the app uses AI algorithms to guide students through their coursework and show their real-time progress. This greatly improves students’ learning experience even when teaching resources are scarce.

”The Second and Third Prizes in this year’s Competition went to Team Uzbekistan’s Aquatibia Solution and Team Germany’s TraceWaters Solution. Team Uzbekistan was also named Champion of the Tech4Good Middle East and Central Asia Regional Competition in September 2023,” he said.

In 2023, 152 teams from 74 countries and regions participated in the competition, 70 per cent more than in 2022. A People’s Choice Award was also bestowed this year based on public voting. The total number of votes received was nearly 300,000, with Team Brazil and Team Uzbekistan coming out on top, he said.

Wang further called this year’s participants the backbone of Namibia’s future digital society and praised their obvious passion for using digital technology to prom
ote social inclusion.

He noted that their solutions were designed to address several sustainability and social issues, from natural resource protection and cancer diagnosis to education equity and sign language translation.

Wang also announced that the top three teams and winners of the People’s Choice Award will be invited to participate in a Seeds for the Future digital tour to China in 2024.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

KATIMA MULILO: The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated over N.dollars 2.1 million to the Oshana Rural Development Project for the 2023/2024 financial year.

Oshana Regional Council spokesperson Elly Ashikoto in an interview with Nampa on Tuesday stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to implement a rural sanitation programme, primarily focusing on constructing 152 rural toilets.

Of the total number, 18 toilets will be constructed in Okatana; 22 in Okaku; 10 in Okatjali; 17 in Ondangwa rural; 10 in Ondangwa urban; 17 in Ongwediva; 10 in Ompundja; 13 in Oshakati East; 10 in Oshakati West; 15 in Uukwiyuushona; and 10 in Uuvudhiya.

According to Ashikoto, this will strategically address the sanitation needs of various constituencies, with allocation based on the size and needs of each community.

She added that each toilet, inclusive of materials and labour costs, is estimated at N.dollars 13,785, and the procurement method employed for this project is Execution by Public Entit
ies (EPE).

Ashikoto indicated that the responsibility of executing the project has been entrusted to the Ongwediva Rural Development Centre (ORDC), with a committed cost of N.dollars 1 624 216. The remaining budget of N.dollars 19 583 will cover unforeseen circumstances and preliminary expenses, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly and efficiently.

The sanitation initiative will see approximately 116 unemployed youth from the region being employed, and the regional council is investing N.dollars 471 200 to engage these individuals in the project.

Ashikoto explained that this will ensure that the benefits of the initiative are not only confined to improved sanitation, but also extend to economic empowerment within the community. All employment opportunities will be strictly sourced from local constituencies, providing a direct avenue for community members to contribute to and benefit from the project.

She also indicated that the Oshana Regional Council will acquire bricks exclusively from local br
icklayers or brick makers within each constituency.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

KATIMA MULILO: State Prosecutor in the Zambezi Region, Bruna Mukoya, said there are many cases of domestic violence and elderly abuse which need to be addressed urgently in the region.

Speaking at the public hearings on the petition on sexual, gender-based violence and femicide at Katima Mulilo on Monday, Mukoya stressed that some domestic violence cases have received undeserving verdicts due to a lack of human resources and proper investigations, which at the end of the day sees them being thrown out.

‘We don’t have victim-friendly facilities to house and protect these victims,’ Mukoya stated.

Giving statistics from the police’s records, Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Detective, Warrant Officer Harris Mwangu, revealed that over 700 cases of domestic violence, dating back to January 2022, are yet to be resolved in the Zambezi Region. Mwangu added that most of the reported cases are between boyfriend and girlfriend or spouses, and that alcohol is usually involved.

‘Our bars and alcohol outlets operate unti
l late, mostly from morning to next morning. This also contributes to alcohol abuse and domestic abuse,’ Mwangu added

Other causes of domestic violence and sexual abuse, according to the police report, include child maintenance and drug abuse.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare registered cases of child neglect and baby dumping to be on the rise in the region, with five cases of baby dumping having been reported in 2023 in Katima Mulilo alone. One of the main reasons for this, according to a social worker In the ministry, Memory Matengu, is due to a lack of emotional and financial support from the father’s side. Matengu also highlighted that the issue of street kids remains an area of concern.

‘The ministry has been addressing the issue but these are children that have adapted to the lifestyle on the street, which means that they go to school in the morning and go back on the streets in the afternoon,’ she said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

KEETMANSHOOP: The Keetmanshoop Municipality on Tuesday unveiled its budget of N.dollars 296 million for the 2023/2024 financial year, which had received approval from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.

Presenting the sanctioned budget to residents and councillors, Lee Mwemba, the head of the information and communication technology division at the municipality’s Electricity Business Unit, stated that in comparison to the previous financial year (2022/2023), the budget had increased from N.dollars 255 million to N.dollars 296 million, reflecting a 13.8 per cent increase.

Mwemba went on to explain that approximately N.dollars 291 million would be sourced from residents for the services provided, while N.dollars 5.8 million constitutes a grant from the line ministry. He detailed that out of the N.dollars 296 million, 42.2 per cent, equivalent to over N.dollars 26 million, is allocated to the electricity budget, and 27.5 per cent, equivalent to N.dollars 79 million, is designated for salaries.

Among
the projects slated for completion in the 2023/2024 financial year are the provision of water, sewage, and electricity services to extension 7, construction of 48 houses through the build-together project, the decommissioning of the town’s dumpsite and the establishment of a landfill, and the enhancement of the water network in the Kronlien residential area.

Mwemba highlighted that factors influencing the approved budget include an increase in bunk tariffs, the town’s growing population, aging infrastructure in the electricity, water, and sewage networks, unemployment, and inflation rates, among other considerations.

As the outgoing municipal acting chief executive officer, Mwemba urged residents to persist in paying their municipal bills, emphasizing that this is crucial for the municipality to fulfill its commitments.

‘What we are presenting here is not actual funds; we are just projecting what we will do if we get the money. So, if all these are not done, do not blame the municipality because we need th
e money from you to deliver all these services,’ he clarified.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK: The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has cancelled the spectrum licences granted to UCOM Mobile Namibia, previously known as Mobile Telephone Networks Business Solutions Namibia (MTN).

CRAN in a statement on Monday said the High Court granted a default judgement against UCOM Mobile Namibia on 16 November 2023 as a result of its inability to settle over N.dollars 19.3 million in licence fees following fruitless mediation efforts.

CRAN Chief Executive Officer Emilia Nghikembua in the statement said UCOM Mobile Namibia also failed to efficiently use the allotted spectrum, resulting in spectrum hoarding.

She said non-payment of spectrum fees and hoarding of spectrum constitute a material infringement of the licence requirements and are grounds for licence revocation.

‘Notably, CRAN held extensive conversations with UCOM Mobile Namibia over a period of time to find a durable solution to the compliance issues, but such interactions did not yield any remedial outcomes,’ she added.

C
onsidering the impact of this decision on consumers and UCOM Mobile Namibia, CRAN has granted UCOM a period of six months until June 2024 to facilitate the migration of their approximately 1 000 customers and to conduct an orderly wind-up of their operations. After the stipulated period, all services will be terminated.

‘The authority remains committed to ensure a viable telecommunications market that generates consumer benefits, through the promotion of competition. This commitment will, amongst others, be executed through ensuring regulatory compliance to license conditions and operating parameters, which is the backbone of consumer protection,’ Nghikembua concluded.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OTJINENE: The Otjinene Village Council has serviced only 17 plots worth N.dollars 1.7 million in the prime area of that village during this year due to a lack of funds.

This is according to the village council chairperson, Sylvester Kavita, who in an interview with Nampa on Monday said they only serviced a few plots because they do not have enough capital as the servicing of plots is an expensive exercise.

Kavita also said Otjinene has attracted a lot of investors such as Shoprite, Bargains building suppliers among others.

Thus, according to Kavita most of the infrastructural development comes from these investors and not from the village council.

‘When it comes to developmental projects this year, it was more from the investors, like Shoprite, Agri-mark and bargain building suppliers which were also build this year. Those are the buildings that we are seeing in our village.

Our focus was on road infrastructure, where we have constructed low bitumen in a few of our streets. This is part of a five-year pl
an to ensure that all our streets are bitumen and move away from the gravel roads,’ he said.

Kavita further revealed to this agency that the village council has availed land for the establishment of a Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Park and urged those who are into small businesses to apply in order to be placed in the new market place that will be done late next year.

This, he said, is part of the council’s efforts to remove those who are operating in open spaces in the village, adding that these vendors obstruct the movement of people around the village.

‘We have set aside an amount of N.dollars 100 000 earmarked for the SME Park. There is already a toilet there, the place is fenced off and we have received more than 200 applications from interested vendors who want to move into the new business space,’ he said.

Kavita further urged people in the village to be more welcoming to visitors and respect each other during the festive season.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency

OKATOPE: A 27-year-old male nurse allegedly raped a 36-year-old female on Sunday at around 00h00 at Onyaanya village in the Oshikoto Region.

According to a crime update issued on Monday by Commissioner Theopoline Kalompo-Nashikaku of the Namibian Police Force, it is alleged that the suspect snuck into the complainant’s sleeping room and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

‘According to the complainant, they were drinking together with the suspect at the bar at Wakema complex. The complainant then left the suspect at the bar to go and sleep, later on, while in bed, the complainant only saw the suspect on top of her and she did not know how the suspect entered her sleeping room,’ the update states.

She further reported that there is no known intimate relationship between the complainant and suspect, who is also a nurse at the Okatope Health Centre.

The suspect was arrested and investigations continues.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency

WINDHOEK – Emilia Nghikembua, CEO of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), has assured the public that the upcoming 5G network will be safe and adhere to international standards. Speaking at a media event, Nghikembua dismissed concerns about radiation from 5G technology, emphasizing compliance with guidelines by the International Telecommunication Union and the World Health Organization.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), She compared 5G radiation to common forms like FM radio and UV rays, stating that it poses no significant health risks. The 5G network will complement existing 3G and 4G networks, enhancing data transmission and connectivity. CRAN’s Cybersecurity and ICT Executive, Elton Witbooi, echoed these assurances, emphasizing that the 5G network’s rollout will not affect the functionality of existing devices and will offer improved services, especially in rural areas.

OPUWO – Twenty-five young individuals in Opuwo have been equipped with brickmaking and business skills, thanks to a joint initiative by the FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust and Ohorongo Cement. This training, conducted at the Opuwo Urban Constituency office last week, is part of a broader effort to foster economic growth in Namibia.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the initiative aligns with the country’s need for advanced technical and vocational skills, particularly in the construction sector. Participants received starter packs including essential tools and materials to launch their own businesses. The collaboration, valued at over N.dollars 300,000, aims to enable the youth of Opuwo to contribute to community development and regional investment. Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development Lucia Iipumbu, in a statement, lauded the initiative for its potential to address unemployment and empower the community sustainably.

OMUTHIYA – The Omuthiya Town Council (OTC) has initiated a program to create a job seeker database, registering 168 unemployed residents within the town’s boundaries. OTC spokesperson Ottilie Shingenge explained that this registry will facilitate temporary employment opportunities for tasks like cleaning and beautification of the town.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), aims to provide employment on a first-come, first-served basis. Similarly, the Tsumeb Municipality has been addressing youth unemployment, having recorded over 4,000 job seekers in the last two years. Tsumeb’s spokesperson, Stella Nangolo, detailed their approach of employing locals for tasks such as park and cemetery maintenance and providing contract workers to companies like Dundee. Nangolo highlighted the challenge of managing expectations from non-residents seeking employment, leading to a shift in their strategy to directly recruit unemployed individuals for temporary contract work in specific Tsumeb locations.

ONGWEDIVA – The Namibian Police Force’s regional commanders in Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, and Omusati have pledged to maintain a strong presence during the festive season to combat crime. This commitment was made at a donation event on Tuesday, where Rani Company contributed soft drinks worth N.dollars 40,000 to aid the police’s efforts.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the donation, distributed at the Oshiko roadblock, is meant to ensure police officers stay hydrated and well-supported throughout their operations. Each region will receive drinks valued at N.dollars 10,000 for use at their roadblocks during the safety operation, which commenced on November 17, 2023, and will continue until January 17, 2024. Dharani emphasized the importance of well-being for police officers, especially since they have been continuously active since the COVID-19 outbreak. Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the Regional Commander of Oshana Namibian Police Force, expressed gratitude for the timely donation, ensuring that it will be managed effectively to cater to all officers during their shifts.

WINDHOEK – The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) introduced a 5G consumer awareness campaign on Tuesday, focusing on educating the public about the benefits and realities of 5G technology.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the campaign will address common myths and inform the public about the various opportunities 5G offers in sectors like tourism, health, education, and more. Nghikembua pointed out that 5G technology is similar to existing wireless technologies in terms of data transmission and does not pose unique health risks. The month-long campaign, which will include social media posts, radio ads, and newspaper articles, aims to foster understanding about 5G’s integration into various industries and its role in driving digital transformation. By clarifying the nature of 5G technology, CRAN seeks to bridge the digital divide and promote technological innovation in Namibia.

GOBABIS – Bahute booMokhatu, a Setswana group, has accused the Kgosiemang Royal House of not honoring an agreement made before Chief Andrew Kgosiemang’s inauguration as the leader of the Batswana ba Namibia Traditional Authority. During a press conference, the Bahute clan claimed the agreement involved changing the name of the Batswana ba Namibia, as it was misleading and not representative of all Batswana in Namibia.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), an agreement was signed acknowledging the Bahute tribe’s right to seek independent recognition and agreeing to rename the Batswana ba Namibia Traditional Authority. Despite reminders and a 90-day deadline post-inaguration, the Batswana ba Namibia Traditional Authority and Chief Kgosiemang have reportedly not fulfilled their obligations, leading to tensions and legal considerations within the Bahute tribe.