Page 322 – Namibia Daily News

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Bank Windhoek’s N$252,000 Donation Fosters Educational Growth through School Feeding Programs

written by Derdy

By Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK, Aug. 21 — Bank Windhoek, a leading financial institution, has recently contributed N$252,000 to Imago Dei Welfare and Poverty Relief in support of essential school feeding programs aimed at providing nourishing meals to children and ensuring their consistent attendance in educational institutions. The funding, which spans a period of six months from August 2023 to January 2024, will be channelled into at least six distinct school feeding projects, benefiting a total of 1,522 students.

Expressing gratitude for the assistance provided by Bank Windhoek, Imago Dei Welfare and Poverty Relief conveyed their commitment to deploying the funds responsibly. The organization pledged to utilize the resources to facilitate soup kitchens and school feeding initiatives, enabling the purchase of nutritional sustenance for underprivileged children. The regions targeted for these projects encompass the Khomas Region (Windhoek), Erongo Region (Henties), Hardap Region (Rehoboth and Mariental), Otjozondjupa Region (Otjiwarongo), and Omaheke Region (Gobabis).

Millinda Coffee, Project Coordinator at Imago Dei Welfare and Poverty Relief, underscored that the charity is already engaged in ongoing endeavours within these regions. The organization will take charge of supervising and executing the feeding schemes for the envisaged six-month duration. “The meals will be provided directly within the school premises, ensuring that the children receive and consume these vital meals,” Coffee explained.

Audrey Mostert, Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships at Bank Windhoek conveyed the bank’s satisfaction at contributing to Imago Dei Welfare and Poverty Relief’s school feeding endeavours. Mostert reiterated Bank Windhoek’s dedication to fostering positive change and combating hunger in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders. She emphasized the potential of the school feeding programs to enhance the concentration levels of Namibian students, facilitating a more conducive learning environment.

Established in 2008, Imago Dei Welfare and Poverty Relief stands as a prominent welfare organization, extending its services to support the vulnerable communities of Namibia. The organization’s core mission revolves around making meaningful contributions towards healing fractured lives and restoring human dignity among the people of Namibia.

August 21, 2023 0 comment

Crime

Drugs Possession and Attempted Murder Unfold at Rehoboth Police Station

written by Derdy

By Charmaine Boois

Rehoboth, Aug. 21– A shocking incident involving drug possession and an attempted murder unfolded at the Rehoboth Police Station on August 18, 2023, around 4:30 PM. The incident centered around a 38-year-old male suspect who was already awaiting trial. The incident shed light on the challenges faced by law enforcement officers during routine procedures.

The suspect had been transported to the police station from a hospital, where he had been receiving medical attention. During a search, officers discovered illicit substances in his possession. The confiscated items included 10 grams of skunk cannabis and 1 gram of pure cannabis. Additionally, half and quarter mandrax tablets, valued at around N$600.00, were found.

The situation escalated when the inmate allegedly attempted to stab one of the officers with a knife he had concealed. Quick action by the police officers prevented any harm to the officer, and the suspect was disarmed and subdued.

The Rehoboth Police have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances of the suspect’s possession of illegal substances. -Namibia Daily News

August 21, 2023 0 comment

Energy

Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Journey Accelerates with Nedbank’s N$350,000 Boost

written by Derdy

By Staff Reporter

WINDHOEK, Aug. 21 — The Ministry of Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia has embarked on a trajectory towards achieving the nation’s aspiration of self-sufficiency in green hydrogen production. These initiatives centre on the urgent cultivation of crucial skills and collaborative endeavours essential as Namibia propels itself towards the burgeoning green hydrogen economy. Facilitating this mission is a generous donation of N$350,000 from Nedbank Namibia.

During the formal fund handover, Martha Murorua, Managing Director of Nedbank Namibia, emphasized, “The significance of the green hydrogen initiatives for our country’s economic growth cannot be understated. Nedbank Namibia has had a longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, exemplified by the establishment of our Go Green Fund 22 years ago.”

The ministry will spearhead the execution of Namibia’s green hydrogen vision and has pledged to expedite advancements within the sector, recognizing the imperative for concerted and united action. Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, regarded the contribution as a milestone in Namibia’s journey towards a more sustainable future. He stressed, “This reflects Namibia’s steadfast dedication to establishing itself as a trailblazer in the global pursuit of renewable energy leadership. The collaborative approach with Nedbank Namibia underscores that our mission transcends individual interests and resonates with our collective aspirations.”

Applauding the partnership, Murorua reaffirmed the bank’s commitment, saying, “We firmly believe in the viability of the Green Hydrogen and Derivatives Strategy, which is why we are allocating these funds towards realizing this strategy. We stand behind a program that positions our country as a global frontrunner in a specific field.”

The Green Hydrogen Project is pivotal to Namibia’s strategy for economic diversification and empowerment, significantly influencing the country’s overall energy landscape. Bridging the skills and capacity gap within Namibia necessitates collaboration between the public and private sectors. This partnership leverages their respective strengths, resources, and expertise to address multifaceted challenges on the global stage.

This symbiotic synergy not only fosters a coherent approach to industrial development but also nurtures a sustainable economic environment. Murorua remarked, “The alignment between government vision and private sector capabilities has the potential to establish a robust framework for sustained growth, thus bolstering Namibia’s global competitiveness.”

Namibia’s alignment with international partnerships and memoranda of understanding with nations such as the Netherlands, the European Union, Germany, and Japan positions it as a prospective hub for sought-after green hydrogen assets. The official transfer of Nedbank’s contribution thus extends beyond symbolism, solidifying Namibia’s commitment to a green hydrogen future. It underscores the indispensable roles that both the public and private sectors must play in steering the nation’s socio-economic development agenda. – Namibia Daily News

August 21, 2023 0 comment

Feature

Elevating Economies: Open Africa Business Forum Envisions Prosperous Collaboration

written by Derdy

On September 14, 2023, Russia will proudly host the Open Africa Business Forum, building upon the momentum of the Russia-Africa Summit. This event stands as a pivotal opportunity to fortify the trade and economic bonds between Africa and Russia.

The summit, serving both economic and humanitarian objectives, once again underscored the tremendous potential residing within the African continent, accentuating the imperative for collaboration between Russia and African nations.

In line with these aspirations, the inaugural business forum in Moscow is being orchestrated by the Open Africa platform. Rooted in its mission, the Open Africa Business Forum serves as a dynamic communication platform, strategically engineered to cultivate and broaden business partnerships between African and Russian enterprises.

Integral to this platform is the Open Africa business catalogue, which encompasses a comprehensive array of Russian and African companies. This online repository acts as a nexus of information for enterprises keen on penetrating the markets of both Russia and African countries (accessible at https://openafricaforum.com/business-catalog).

Anticipating this remarkable event, we are poised to welcome representatives from African businesses, business associations, as well as diplomatic envoys from African embassies in Russia.

Noteworthy in our collaborative endeavour is our partner, “Business Russia” (https://deloros.ru/), the preeminent business conglomerate in Russia, uniting over 7,000 business luminaries. “Business Russia” is ardently engaged in enhancing the investment climate and business milieu, alongside championing initiatives that foster investment inflow.

Confirmed participants from Africa already include countries such as Angola, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Foreseeing the inception of a transformative phase in Russian-African business collaboration, we envisage that, within a year, numerous enterprises from both regions will have embarked on technology transfer, initiated production ventures within the African continent, and achieved flourishing import-export operations.

Prospective attendees are encouraged to secure their place at the Moscow event by registering via the Open Africa Business Forum website until August 20. Notably, registration is waived for African delegations (register at https://openafricaforum.com/en/#addcompany).

Representatives from a diverse array of economic sectors, including energy, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and technology, will be actively participating, fostering cross-sectoral synergies.

The alliances forged under the auspices of the Open Africa Business Forum will undeniably serve as linchpins in fortifying the commercial and economic ties that bind Africa and Russia.

August 21, 2023 0 comment

Tourism Transport

Airlink Apologizes for Delays and Inconvenience Due to Ground Handling Transition

written by Mathias Mupiri

By Lylie Happiness

Windhoek, 20 August. Airlink extends apologies to its customers for the delays and inconvenience experienced at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport today. The airline acknowledges the challenges caused by the eviction of Menzies, the former ground handling company, and the subsequent overnight transition to the new service provider, Paragon.

Despite the delays being beyond Airlink’s control, the airline took proactive steps to mitigate bottlenecks and minimize disruptions. To address the situation, a team of personnel was dispatched from Johannesburg to Windhoek. Airlink operates multiple flights daily, connecting Johannesburg and Windhoek, as well as Cape Town and Windhoek.

As Paragon takes over ground handling responsibilities, Airlink expects there might be additional challenges during this transitional period. The scope of services handled by Paragon encompasses passenger check-in, boarding, flight disembarkation, security on the aircraft parking apron, baggage handling, cleaning, and provisioning of flights.- Namibia Daily News

August 20, 2023 0 comment

Tourism

Tourists Face Disruption as Handling Service Provider Denied Access to Hosea Kutako International Airport

written by Mathias Mupiri

By Kaleb Nghishidivali

Windhoek, August 19- Incoming tourists to Namibia have encountered significant disruptions due to the unexpected denial of access to Hosea Kutako International Airport by handling service provider Menzies Aviation. The abrupt decision has led to flight cancellations and diversions, causing inconvenience for travelers.

Eurowings Discover, an airline operating in Namibia, received short notice that Menzies Aviation was denied access to the airport. This unfortunate turn of events resulted in the cancellation of eight Eurowings Discover flights. Furthermore, two flights scheduled for August 19 were diverted to Johannesburg. Affected passengers have been provided accommodation in hotels, and efforts are underway to find alternative arrangements for their onward travel.

Eurowings Discover is actively working with local authorities to resolve the situation promptly. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience faced by its passengers and committed to keeping them informed about the unfolding developments.

The disrupted flights are as follows:

– August 18: FRA-WDH: 4Y132 & 4Y142 (diverted to Johannesburg)
– August 19: WDH-FRA: 4Y133 & 4Y143 – cancelled
– August 19: FRA-WDH: 4Y138 – cancelled
– August 20: WDH-VFA: 4Y138 – cancelled
– August 20: WDH-FRA: 4Y139 – cancelled
– August 20: VFA-WDH: 4Y139 – cancelled
– August 20: FRA-WDH: 4Y132 – cancelled
– August 21: WDH-FRA: 4Y133 – cancelled

Travelers planning to journey to or from Namibia are advised to stay informed about the latest updates and contact their respective airlines for further assistance. The tourism industry is actively working to minimize the disruption’s impact on travelers and ensure a seamless travel experience once the situation is resolved. – Namibia Daily News

August 19, 2023 0 comment

Community

850 Houses in DRC Community to Benefit from Electrification Project by Erongo RED

written by Mathias Mupiri

By Lylie Happiness

Swakopmund, August 19- In a significant initiative, Erongo RED has launched the DRC Electrification project in the DRC community of Swakopmund. The project is a collaborative effort between Swakopmund Municipality, Erongo RED, and the DRC community, with the goal of electrifying 850 houses upon completion.

During the launch event, nine houses were electrified as part of the project. The Governor of the Erongo region, Honorable Neville Andre, emphasized the positive impact this initiative will have on the residents of DRC. He stated, “This is just the beginning of good things to come to DRC and I strongly believe that this is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is rather an investment for the generations to come.” He also highlighted that the electrification would not only benefit individual beneficiaries but entire families and communities.

Immanuel !Hanabeb, the Chief Executive Officer of Erongo RED, praised the collaboration between different stakeholders, including Swakopmund Municipality, Erongo RED, and the DRC community. He urged the residents to safeguard the infrastructure from theft and vandalism to ensure smooth electricity provision to critical services such as hospitals, clinics, water pumps, banks, and schools.

Zoe Nambahu, Chairperson of the Erongo RED Board, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges of electrification in Namibia. She noted that despite limited resources, entities should come together to work towards improving electrification rates, especially considering that a significant portion of the population still lacks access to electricity.

Erongo RED has committed over N$1.5 million to contribute to the electrification of the DRC community. The company plans to connect more houses as the project progresses, aiming to improve the overall electrification rate and provide access to electricity for more households.
– Namibia Daily News

August 19, 2023 0 comment

Current Affairs

NAC Announces Termination of Ground Handling Services by Menzies at Hosea Kutako International Airport

written by Mathias Mupiri

By Kaleb Nghishidivali

Windhoek, 19 August-In a significant development, the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) has officially declared the termination of Menzies Aviation (Namibia)’s provision of ground handling services at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The announcement was made by Bisey Uirab, CEO of NAC, who stressed the importance of adhering to the rule of law and ensuring a smooth transition for the new contract holder, Paragon Investment Holdings.

This move follows a prolonged legal battle between Menzies Aviation (Namibia) and NAC. While Menzies had contested their eviction from the airport, the Windhoek High Court’s decision in June last year, followed by the Supreme Court’s confirmation on 9th June this year, authorized the eviction to proceed under the supervision of the deputy sheriff of the High Court.

Having held the ground handling services contract since 2014, Menzies Aviation (Namibia) lost it for the first time in the competitive bidding process of 2022. Despite being evicted, Menzies claimed to have entered into a new agreement with NAC in 2022, arguing that the contract awarded to Paragon Investment Holdings was unlawful. This claim was dismissed by both the High Court and the Supreme Court.

Bisey Uirab emphasized that Paragon Investment Holdings is the legitimate provider of ground handling services at Hosea Kutako International Airport. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate fully with Paragon to ensure the uninterrupted provision of these services.

Meanwhile, Menzies Aviation has responded to the announcement, maintaining that they entered into a fresh agreement with NAC in 2022. This agreement, according to Menzies, requires a 12-month notice before vacating the premises as per the Rent Ordinance. They contend that they are currently operating under this new agreement, contrary to the eviction directive.

The dispute between NAC and Menzies Aviation continues, with conflicting interpretations of agreements and court orders. The outcome of this ongoing conflict will have implications for the provision of ground handling services at Hosea Kutako International Airport. – Namibia Daily News

August 19, 2023 0 comment

Agriculture

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Advocates for Livestock Health as Vaccination Campaign Progresses

written by Mathias Mupiri

By Kaleb Nghishidivali

Omuthiya, 19 August – The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Anna Shiweda, has commended the efforts of local vaccination teams and highlighted the importance of healthy livestock in the market. During her visit to Omuthiya, she engaged with one of the seven Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) teams conducting vaccination campaigns across the region.

Since the campaign’s launch on 26 July 2023, the dedicated team has achieved an impressive milestone by vaccinating 32,811 livestock against Lung Sickness and 1,781 pets against Rabies. This accomplishment has garnered praise from both Deputy Minister Shiweda and the Oshikoto regional governor, Penda yaNadakolo.

Deputy Minister Shiweda emphasized the significance of maintaining healthy animals for the market. She noted, “We have to vaccinate and encourage our farmers to provide healthy animals to the market, especially those destined for the abattoir.” Her remarks highlighted the interconnectedness of agricultural health and commercial success. During her visit to Onankali, Deputy Minister Shiweda held discussions with officials to gain insights into the challenges faced on the ground. She expressed concern about the declining health of some animals due to insufficient grazing and called for attention to various qualities, particularly in mixed breeds.

With a touch of optimism, Deputy Minister Shiweda expressed hope for early rains that would replenish the region’s grazing resources, thereby benefiting the livestock that play a pivotal role in the region’s agricultural economy. The ongoing vaccination campaign focuses on combating Lung Sickness, Foot & Mouth Disease, and Rabies, and is scheduled to continue until November 2023.

As the teams continue their efforts, Deputy Minister Shiweda’s words serve as both an acknowledgment of their significant work thus far and a call to remain dedicated to ensuring the health of livestock. – Namibia Daily News

August 19, 2023 0 comment

Banking

Bank of Namibia Suspends Trustco Bank’s Authorization for Banking Business

written by Mathias Mupiri

By Lylie Happiness

Windhoek, 19 August – Bank of Namibia, under the leadership of Governor Johannes !Gawaxeb, has taken the decision to temporarily suspend the authorization of Trustco Bank Namibia (Trustco Bank) to conduct banking business. The move comes in response to several instances of non-compliance and serious shortcomings within Trustco Bank, as well as unresolved internal control weaknesses.

The suspension, effective immediately, is in accordance with section 15(5) of the Banking Institution Act, 2023 (Act No. 13 of 2023). The decision was made after consultation with the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises. Trustco Bank has been given a six-month period to rectify the identified non-compliances. If these issues are not addressed by the end of the suspension period, further action will be taken by the Bank of Namibia as mandated by the Act.

The primary objective of the suspension is to ensure the integrity of the banking system and the formal banking sector. The Bank of Namibia is concerned about Trustco Bank’s internal control environment and its failure to comply with orders and directives issued by the Bank as a prudential regulator and supervisor of the banking industry. The suspension aims to safeguard the interests of both internal and external stakeholders, including depositors, shareholders, creditors, and the broader financial sector.

It’s important to note that despite the suspension, customers will still have access to their deposits at Trustco Bank. The Bank of Namibia emphasizes the responsibility of Trustco Bank customers with credit facilities to continue honoring their loan repayment obligations as agreed in their contracts to avoid negative consequences such as being listed on credit bureaus.

The suspension decision is independent of ongoing litigation involving Trustco Bank and the regulator in the High Court of the Republic of Namibia. The Bank of Namibia remains committed to maintaining banking system stability and integrity through its supervisory responsibilities. – Namibia Daily News

August 19, 2023 0 comment

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Advertise Here

Bank Windhoek’s N$252,000 Donation Fosters Educational Growth through School Feeding Programs

Drugs Possession and Attempted Murder Unfold at Rehoboth Police Station

Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Journey Accelerates with Nedbank’s N$350,000 Boost

Elevating Economies: Open Africa Business Forum Envisions Prosperous Collaboration

Airlink Apologizes for Delays and Inconvenience Due to Ground Handling Transition

Tourists Face Disruption as Handling Service Provider Denied Access to Hosea Kutako International Airport

850 Houses in DRC Community to Benefit from Electrification Project by Erongo RED

NAC Announces Termination of Ground Handling Services by Menzies at Hosea Kutako International Airport

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Advocates for Livestock Health as Vaccination Campaign Progresses

Bank of Namibia Suspends Trustco Bank’s Authorization for Banking Business