Month: November 2023

Walvis Bay – Namibia marked a significant milestone in its agricultural sector by initiating the export of its first-ever shipment of homegrown table grapes to European countries. The event took place on Wednesday at the port of Walvis Bay. The consignment, comprising 250 containers of grapes produced in Aussenkehr, was facilitated by the Namibia Grape Company (NGC), a subsidiary of the National Youth Service (NYS), in partnership with Capespan Namibia. In 2021, the NYS acquired NGC through a donation from the Namibian Government, aiming to integrate the company as a subsidiary for financially supporting the service’s training programmes for youth. Minister of Youth and Sports Agnes Tjongarero, during the commissioning ceremony, highlighted this initiative as a key step in the country’s economic growth and localisation of logistical services.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), NGC Chairperson Richwell Lukonga praised the collaboration with Capespan for localising critical processes such as shipping and transportation. Namport’s CEO Andrew Kanime underscored the export as part of Namibia’s goal to become a major logistics hub in the region, contributing to economic development and poverty alleviation.

Nationwide – Puma Energy Namibia announced a festive season offer for tourists visiting the country. In a statement released on Thursday, General Manager Adell Samuelson stated that the energy company will provide free beverages to tourists at its 57 filling stations across Namibia. This gesture is part of the company’s initiative to promote Namibian hospitality and enhance the visitors’ experience of the country’s natural scenery and wildlife. Tourists can avail of this offer from 01 December 2023 until the end of January 2024.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), tourists need to scan a QR code displayed at Puma Energy Namibia filling stations and present their passports to redeem their free beverage. Additionally, tourists will be provided with a map listing all Puma Energy Namibia site locations, important emergency contact numbers, and major tourist attractions in Namibia. This initiative aims to facilitate tourists’ travel plans and maximize their enjoyment during their stay. The programme is similar to those previously implemented by Puma Energy in Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Windhoek – Superintendent Bibi Kolokwe of the Windhoek City Police’s Victim Support Unit has noted a significant increase in men reporting cases of violence, indicating the success of their community-policing-oriented approach to gender-based violence (GBV). Kolokwe highlighted that, traditionally, out of 100 domestic violence cases, 97 were reported by women and girls. However, there’s a shift now with more men speaking out against GBV. This change is attributed to the City Police’s use of community policing strategies to tackle violence and GBV in the capital.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), since the integration of gender-based violence and violence against women into their policing practices, there has been a noticeable decline in physical abuse cases. She emphasized that public education on GBV, inspired by methods from international counterparts like the Canadian police, has led to people reporting emotional abuse, often a precursor to physical violence. Kolokwe shared these insights during the launch of a GBV campaign in Windhoek, underscoring the role of the victim support unit in assisting victims and fostering family harmony.

Rundu – In the Kavango East Region, hundreds of unemployed teachers marched through Rundu, voicing their grievances over their prolonged unemployment. The demonstration, which started at Dr Romanus Kampungu Sports Stadium and proceeded to the Directorate of Education offices, aimed to draw attention to their plight. David Nekaro, National Chairperson of the Unemployed Teachers Committee, warned that they would camp on the directorate’s premises if their demands were not met within seven working days. Despite discussions with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture at regional and national levels, the teachers have not received satisfactory responses.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), the number of unemployed teachers in Namibia has escalated to 8,251 from 2017 to 2023, with more expected upon the graduation of current final-year students. He criticized the interview process for teacher recruitment, alleging it was rife with nepotism and bribery. Nekaro highlighted the severe understaffing in schools, with teachers often handling excessive numbers of students. The unemployed teachers demand nationwide recruitment and the construction of more schools during the 2024/25 financial year to address these issues.

Rundu – In the Kavango East Region, hundreds of unemployed teachers marched through Rundu, voicing their grievances over their prolonged unemployment. The demonstration, which started at Dr Romanus Kampungu Sports Stadium and proceeded to the Directorate of Education offices, aimed to draw attention to their plight. David Nekaro, National Chairperson of the Unemployed Teachers Committee, warned that they would camp on the directorate’s premises if their demands were not met within seven working days. Despite discussions with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture at regional and national levels, the teachers have not received satisfactory responses.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), the number of unemployed teachers in Namibia has escalated to 8,251 from 2017 to 2023, with more expected upon the graduation of current final-year students. He criticized the interview process for teacher recruitment, alleging it was rife with nepotism and bribery. Nekaro highlighted the severe understaffing in schools, with teachers often handling excessive numbers of students. The unemployed teachers demand nationwide recruitment and the construction of more schools during the 2024/25 financial year to address these issues.

Windhoek – The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has reported a total of 357 fatalities due to road accidents from January to November 2023. This number represents a 14.4 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. The statistics were disclosed by NamPol Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, during the inauguration of the Khomas Region’s festive season road safety campaign. The announcement highlighted those injuries also saw a 17.5 per cent reduction. Shikongo’s speech, delivered by Regional Commander of Khomas, Commissioner Willem Steenkamp, included comprehensive accident statistics: 2,553 crashes, 4,508 injuries, and 357 fatalities.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), NamPol has initiated operations at key traffic checkpoints on the B1 and B2 roads to improve road safety during the festive season. Khomas Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua, speaking at the event, urged strict law enforcement and responsible behavior from all road users to ensure safety during the festive period.