By Kaleb Nghishidivali

Otjiwarongo, August 03 – The Central North Regional Electricity Distributor, CENORED, unveiled a new social tariff today, aimed at providing greater affordability and accessibility of electricity for low-income individuals and senior citizens with lower consumption levels.

CENORED CEO, Fessor Mbango, explained the objective behind the newly introduced tariff, highlighting the company’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to essential services.

“The focal point of this new social tariff is a reduced rate limited to a 20Amps circuit breaker, offering significant savings compared to the existing social tariffs. CENORED recognizes the financial constraints faced by certain segments of the population and aims to alleviate the burden by providing affordable electricity options,” Mbango emphasized.

He stated, “Our vision is to create an environment where everyone can access electricity without financial strain. By introducing this new social tariff, we are not only reducing the economic burden on our customers but also promoting a more sustainable and inclusive society.”

To ensure the smooth transition and maximum benefit from this new tariff, CENORED urges customers currently utilizing the 40Amps social tariff to assess their capacity to downgrade. Customers can determine if they meet the criteria for the new social tariff and avail themselves of its reduced rates by engaging with their local representatives or visiting the nearest CENORED office for assistance in downgrading their current tariff.

Charles Matengu, CENORED Marketing Corporate Communication Manager, emphasized that the introduction of this new social tariff signifies their commitment to providing affordable electricity solutions to low-income and senior citizens. By prioritizing accessibility, the company aims to contribute towards improving the livelihoods of those most in need.

Matengu added, “As energy costs can present a significant financial burden, especially for individuals on limited incomes, this initiative will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the community’s overall well-being.”

CENORED continues to prioritize customer-centric approaches to ensure that every citizen has access to reliable and affordable electricity. The introduction of this new social tariff is another step in that direction, demonstrating CENORED’s dedication to addressing the unique needs of different customer segments and promoting greater social equity in the energy sector.- Namibia Daily News

By Lylie Happiness

OPUWO, August – A significant obstacle continues to plague the marginalized communities of the Omusati, Kunene and the two Kavango Regions – the lack of identification documents. This pressing issue has drawn the attention of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs at the National Assembly. In a proactive move, the committee convened meetings with marginalized communities in Onamatanga, Uutsathima, Otjijandjasemo, Kamanjab, and Ehomba. The primary objective of these sessions was to assess the government’s effective implementation of its strategic goals concerning the integration of marginalized communities into the socio-economic mainstream. Additionally, the committee scrutinized the allocation of budgets to programs and projects to determine if the intended beneficiaries were indeed reaping the benefits.

Within these communities, a resounding sentiment emerged – the urgent need for identification documents. The absence of proper documentation has created a roadblock to accessing crucial government grants, including Social Grants, disability support, and pensions. This hindrance has stifled the potential for these communities to enhance their quality of life and well-being.

Moreover, the lack of representation at the traditional authority level compounds the challenges faced by these marginalized communities. The absence of a voice at decision-making levels, where vital matters affecting their daily lives can be addressed, underscores a significant concern.

In recent days, the Constitutional Committee has embarked on a series of engagements with marginalized communities in the Zambezi and Kavango East Regions. These week-long interactions have been strategically designed to evaluate the efficacy of government programs and initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.

As the plight of the marginalized communities gains attention on the national stage, these dialogues and assessments mark essential steps toward rectifying the systemic issues they face. It is through such constructive engagement that meaningful progress can be made in ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background, has equal access to opportunities and a brighter future.- Namibia Daily News

By Kaleb Nghishidivali

Walvis Bay, August 04 – The Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation, Utoni Nujoma, emphasized the significance of collaboration and the enforcement of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions during a sensitization meeting on the Variation in Fishing and Convention No.190, held in Walvis Bay today.

In his address, Nujoma called for continued unity in the effort to improve conditions for all Namibian workers. He underscored the importance of implementing the recently ratified ILO Convention No.190, which focuses on eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace.

“Ratifying this convention was a decisive move by Namibia, demonstrating our commitment to creating safer workplaces. The implementation of Convention 190 in the fishing sector not only aligns with the requirements of our national labor legislation but also enables us to fully adhere to ILO Convention No.188, which was ratified in 2018,” explained the minister.

The minister pointed out that challenges in the fishing sector persist, including issues related to the minimum age for work on fishing vessels, medical standards, work agreements, and occupational safety and health. He stressed the importance of aligning Namibia’s national laws with international standards to be on par with other countries.

Nujoma recalled how Namibia became the first African country and the third globally to ratify Convention 190 in 2020, responding to growing concerns about workplaces becoming venues for violence and harassment. He cited a recent incident of a woman allegedly assaulted by her boss for not baking fat cakes, emphasizing the significance of resolving employer-employee disputes without resorting to violence.

He also clarified the purpose of the Variation in the Fishing Sector, published in the Government Gazette earlier this year. “This Variation does not aim to disadvantage anyone. Instead, its goal is to promote decent work in the fishing sector and ensure its sustainability,” he assured.

Nujoma urged all employers in the fishing sector to fully implement and comply with the Variation, noting that many have already taken steps to enforce it.

He stressed the importance of social dialogue, improved working conditions, and enhanced social protection, reiterating the commitment to providing a safe and healthy working environment for Namibian workers.

“To foster decent work and eliminate any form of violence and harassment, we must advocate for the full implementation of all our labor legislations and related conventions,” he added, cautioning that violence and harassment can manifest in many ways, none of which should be taken lightly.

Nujoma reiterated that the well-being of Namibian workers must never be compromised for any reason.- Namibia Daily News

By Shikuva Kapumburu

NDIYONA, August 03 – Burtha Thimende faced job termination from the Namibian Police in 2019 after a picture of him in civilian clothes wearing a Swapo Party scarf circulated on social media during the Regional and Local authorities elections. According to sources close to politics, Thimende was a staunch supporter of current Ndonga Linena constituency representative, Micheal Kampota, while still serving as a police officer. This led their competitors to send the picture of Thimende to his employer, resulting in his dismissal from the force.

Subsequently, after losing his job due to political involvement, which is prohibited in the Namibian police force, his village, Shankara, elected him to serve as the branch coordinator for Swapo. Now, the same village has nominated him for the position of District Coordinator to compete against the current coordinator, Maria Kanyetu, and another challenger, Ben Sikanga, after demonstrating his capabilities at the branch level over the last four years.

Burtha also actively participated during last year’s Congress campaign, supporting the current Secretary-General and Vice President of Swapo, respectively.

When contacted for comments, Burtha was reluctant to speak to the media and only said, “I really appreciate my fellow comrades for the trust they have in me by nominating me for the District Coordinator position,” before ending the call, stating that he was busy in a meeting with branches.

In Ndonga Linena, all positions are up for grabs at the District Information and Mobilization position, where Kandjeke Andreas Nyumbu will need to defend his position against two prominent challengers, the favored and popular Daniel Naimi from Karuci village, and Swapo party youth league (SPYL) committee member, Ndara Gertrud, from Nyondo village.

The Treasurer position is left for two well-known teachers to negotiate, as Eugen Hamberera will challenge the incumbent, Augustinus Shifwaku.

The District conference is scheduled for this coming Saturday, on 5 August, at Ndiyona Tribal office. – Namibia Daily News.

By Kaleb Nghishidivali

Lüderitz, August 3 – FlyNamibia celebrated the official inauguration of its scheduled flight service to Lüderitz on August 2, 2023, successfully bridging an essential air gap between Windhoek and Lüderitz.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished officials, including Alette Fredrick, Governor of Karas Region; Cllr B. Mckay, Mayor of Lüderitz; Sebastien Minot, the French Ambassador to Namibia; Laurent Roche, Country Chair of TotalEnergies Namibia; Henri Van Schalkwyk, CEO of FlyNamibia; and other esteemed personalities.

The Mayor of Lüderitz commended the launch as a significant achievement for the local community and the broader business sector. He highlighted the new FlyNamibia route’s potential to remove trade barriers, stimulate tourism, and attract further international investments, promising a prosperous future for Lüderitz.

Leonard Shiputa, Executive Director of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), warmly welcomed FlyNamibia to Lüderitz Airport and praised their commitment to efficient and safe air travel. He pledged to enhance the airport’s infrastructure to meet the demands of partners and support the region’s growth.

Aleta Fredericks, Governor of Karas Region, expressed her pleasure and pride in celebrating the introduction of FlyNamibia’s scheduled service to Lüderitz. She extended her gratitude to FlyNamibia and TotalEnergies for their collaboration in this vital development, emphasizing the new air link’s potential to stimulate sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Laurent Roche, Country Director of TotalEnergies Namibia, reiterated the company’s commitment to Namibia and its people, noting their active involvement in offshore operations for a year. He announced that four months of subsidies from TotalEnergies would allow FlyNamibia to test the route’s sustainability, further bolstering the Lüderitz business community.

Andre Compion, Managing Director of FlyNamibia, expressed gratitude to all attendees for their presence at the service launch. He acknowledged TotalEnergies’ essential role in reintroducing scheduled air travel to Lüderitz and thanked them for their unwavering support. He also recognized the NAC’s dedication to improving Lüderitz Airport’s infrastructure, mentioning the construction of a multi-million hangar facility by FlyNamibia’s sister company, Westair.

Compion emphasized that the Oil and Gas Industry’s involvement in offshore resources development brings prosperity to Lüderitz and its inhabitants. He proudly stated that FlyNamibia looks forward to a period of growth and advancement for Lüderitz and the entire Karas Region. He invited the community to utilize FlyNamibia’s services to Windhoek and beyond, reaffirming the company’s commitment to advancing the aviation industry and providing the necessary connectivity for the country’s flourishing business and tourism sectors. – Namibia Daily News

By Elezo Libanda

Katima Mulilo, 3 August – Hon. Lawrence Alufea Sampofu, the Governor of Zambezi Region, fulfilled his constitutional mandate by delivering the state of the region address, as mandated by Article 110B, Sub+Article (5)(6) of the constitution of the Republic of Namibia. The purpose of this address was to inform all public, private, and state-owned bodies about the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.

During the address, the Governor highlighted various projects undertaken by the Regional Council and other Ministries, offices, and agencies. He emphasized that the fruits of development can only be fully enjoyed if service providers are accountable and transparent in their dealings. The Governor expressed his gratitude to all organizations, including OMAs, for diligently utilizing government and private resources to improve the well-being of communities.

However, some residents expressed disappointment with this year’s State of the Region Address, expecting more attention to be given to the unprecedented challenges facing the region. NDN spoke to senior citizens who traveled from rural villages to attend this year’s address, and their expectations were different. Mabibo Musole expressed his disappointment, stating that the Governor did not touch on various challenges that the region is facing, particularly in Katima Mulilo and elsewhere. Musole believes that the Governor’s report mainly focused on administrative aspects rather than addressing the daily problems faced by the region.

Among the pressing concerns voiced by the public are the critical state of the sewer network, poor road infrastructure in Katima Mulilo (despite Namibian roads being rated as the best in Africa), learners attending classes under trees, issues of returning money to the treasury, corruption in some ministries, slow pace of development, lack of resources to fast-track development, poor academic performance of learners, unemployment, and the issue of unemployed graduates.

Residents believe that the State of the Region Address should have provided more concrete plans and solutions to address these challenges effectively. They call upon the government to collaborate with citizens and stakeholders to devise new strategies that reflect the current economic and social realities.

Another pensioner, who chose not to reveal his identity, complained about the lack of support in the agriculture sector. Private individuals like him are trying their best to improve their livelihoods and that of the region through farming, but they face little support from both the Regional and central government. He stressed that the current agricultural subsidy of three hectares is insufficient and does not benefit everyone, as some farmers are left without assistance until the end of the plowing season. The pensioner urges the government to come up with new ideas that align with current economic conditions, rather than relying on outdated strategies from 1995 when agriculture inputs were cheaper and the economy was different.- Namibia Daily News