Category: General

The Roads Authority (RA) has temporarily closed the Rosh Pinah-Aussenkehr road (DR212) due to heavy rainfall received in some parts of the //Kharas Region.

The RA in a media statement on Thursday said the road is deemed unsafe for road users, “The RA is requesting the public to strictly adhere to the erected closure signs and to not attempt to use this road,” the statement said.

Road users were advised to use the alternative route (Aussenkehr-Noordoewer-Keetmanshoop-Aus-Rosh Pinah) until further notice.

The Roads Authority also urged the public to be extra cautious when driving in wet conditions on the national road network and said the public should follow the RA Namibia Facebook page for regular updates.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Africa will only be able to overcome developmental challenges to attain “The Africa We Want” if governments and individuals uphold the principles of inclusivity by pulling together towards a common goal, Minister in the Presidency Christine //Hoebes has said.

//Hoebes was speaking on Thursday at the opening of the second edition of the Discover Namibia Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and Township Economy Investment Expo and Intra-Africa Business Conference taking place in Swakopmund.

According to the minister, forums such as the Discover Namibia Conference share the same objective, that of promoting equitable outcomes, by ensuring that young people and women trading as MSMEs in township and rural economies, are not left behind.

“These interventions by Government and the private sector are necessary to champion and domesticate the transformational opportunity of reaching everyone, particularly for young people and women to take full advantage of the opportunities presented through the implementation of the AfCFTA,” she said.

//Hoebes added that too many Namibians continue to face the scourge of poverty and economic exclusion daily and young people are searching for a way out of economic hardship and towards economic inclusion and empowerment.

“The status quo cannot continue and therefore Government will continue to address structural imbalances hindering the economic aspirations of our young population,” she expressed.

Established in 2022, the conference is the brainchild of the Africa Economic leadership Council (AELC), an organisation established to impact the manner in which entrepreneurs engage with one another.

AELC co-founder and president, Heinrich Hafeni Nghidipaya said the conference is a platform for local MSMEs to showcase their products and services, attract investment, and promote economic growth, which in turn leads to employment creation, among others.

“’This year, AELC decided to re-strategise to focus more on the development of township economy and MSMEs promotion,” he said.

Close to 100 exhibitors and delegates participating in the three-day event.

The Discover Namibia conference is taking place under the Theme: ‘Unlocking Intra-Africa Trade Opportunities for MSMEs, Townships and Grassroots Economies.’

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) have apologised for any inconvenience caused by its initial report that the murder of 49-year-old Brave Tjivera took place at Bix Car Wash.

In fact, the incident occurred in Saima A Street, in Katutura, between Bix Car Wash and the Single Quarters, NamPol Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Tjivera, a car guard at Bix Car Wash and Single Quarters, was allegedly murdered over the weekend.

The suspect, who was a fellow car guard to the late Tjivera, was arrested after allegedly stabbing the victim with an unknown object on the left side of his neck. He died on the spot.

The police investigation continues, and the deceased’s next of kin were informed.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Dr Alim Abubakre, British – Nigerian and founder, TEXEM UK has described Bolanle Oniyangi, newly appointed Director at Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as a visionary leader driving landmark judgments and transforming taxation.

While congratulating Oniyangi on her recent appointment on behalf of TEXEM, Abubakre told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it is a testament to her exceptional skills, dedication, and visionary outlook towards driving transformative change in taxation.

He said that Oniyangi is an alumnus of TEXEM, he added that “she attended our executive development programme, Effective Leadership for Sustainable Success, held between June 12th – July 24th, 2021”.

Abubakre said the remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional skills, dedication, and visionary outlook towards driving transformative change in taxation.

“Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi’s journey to this esteemed position has been characterised by unwavering determination and remarkable accomplishments.

“As a seasoned counsel, she has displayed an outstanding commitment to justice, consistently securing numerous landmark judgments for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Ms Oniyangi’s promotion to the exalted position of Director is well deserved because of her excellent analytical credentials, charismatic yet humble mien, inspiring audacity, uncommon patriotism and impeccable moral compass that sets her apart,” he said.

Abubakre said her ability to make good decisions, outstanding coordination credentials, profound positive impact and unwavering dedication led to her appointment as the Coordinating Secretary of the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

He added that this has further expanded her influence and solidified her reputation as a legal luminary and goal-getter.

“In fact, the President of the Lower Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Higher Tax Appeal Tribunal in the UK has praised the Tax Appeal Tribunal under her leadership, acknowledging its superiority in areas such as the deliberation and disposition of justice.

“The Nigerian system’s speed and efficiency in recruiting and retaining commissioners surpass the UK’s, making it more effective in delivering judgments.

“This recognition is a testament to Oniyangi’s exceptional leadership and the positive changes she has brought to the tax appeal system,” Abubakre said.

He said that beyond her professional achievements, Oniyangi’s personal story is an inspiration to all.

Abubakre recalled that as a single mother who tragically lost her husband many years ago, she has demonstrated unwavering strength and resilience in raising her family while excelling in her professional endeavours.

“She is an outstanding role model in stability and integrity, embodying the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

“Sir Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” These words aptly capture the spirit of Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi.

“She embodies the characteristics of a driven and determined individual who consistently delivers exceptional results, regardless of the challenges or targets,” the TEXEM founder said.

Abubakre said that Oniyangi’s appointment as a Director at the FIRS is a significant milestone for her and for the advancement of tax administration in Nigeria.

“Her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence will propel FIRS towards greater heights, facilitating economic growth and promoting compliance in the Nigerian tax landscape.

“We are confident that under her guidance, the FIRS and the Tax Appeal Tribunal will continue to contribute substantially to the nation’s development and fiscal stability.

“Her appointment is a testament to her strategic leadership and illustrious career, exemplified by many landmark judgements she has secured for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Abubakre said that Oniyangi’s personality epitomises Peter Drucker’s wise statement that the effective leader sees leadership as a responsibility rather than rank and privilege.

“I encourage her to continue her penchant for good judgement, excellent collaborative streak, diplomatic outlook, impressive self-awareness, and the awesome collaborative quotient that will serve her well in her pursuit of enduring impact.

“She should see this elevation as a call for more distinguished service to society and seize this unique opportunity to complete the journey of writing her name in gold,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Prime Minister (PM) Saara Kugongelwa-Amadhila has called on Namibians to support the preservation, promotion and development of the county’s cultures.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said this when she delivered the keynote address at the official opening of the Second Edition Ehao Cultural Expo organised by the Okahao Town Council in the Omusati Region on Tuesday.

The Second Edition Ehao Cultural Expo is held under the theme ‘Connecting Businesses Towards Creating the Future’.

The expo aims to bring businesses together to create a brighter future for these businesses and the town with focus on growth and sustainability.

“Cultural exhibitions such as this, are important for our society, because they help preserve and promote our Namibian cultures, safeguarding our identity as a society and also attracting local and international tourism to the town of Okahao,” she said.

She said cultural products are also important contributors to business growth and that the different cultures boast a wide range of cultural products that are unique and can attract premium prices in international markets.

“Government policies seek to support the research and development of indigenous knowledge, including protection of copyrights of indigenous products and technologies,” the PM said.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila encouraged Namibians to support the preservation of its cultures and also ensure that the country optimises benefits from its cultures and traditions through generations.

She said the expo is being held in line with Government’s goal to promote the development of growth poles around all 14 regions and optimise the potential of the rural economy to national economic growth and development.

She further encouraged exhibitors to optimise their participation at the expo to increase their trade and forge new partnerships.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Workshop of the Development of an Integrated Aquaculture and Fisheries Strategy for the Eastern Cape Province

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSSEC) will host a two (2) day workshop to deliberate on the development of an Integrated Aquaculture and Fisheries

Strategy for the Eastern Cape Province.

As the custodian of rural development and food security programs in the province, the department plays a key role towards the development of the aquaculture and fisheries sectors.

Aquaculture and fisheries have the potential to meaningfully contribute towards food security, economic development, job creation, and rural development.

To support the sectors‘ sustainable growth, the Department needs to develop a strategy for the province in consultation with stakeholders from government and its agencies; organized labour, industry and associations; and community constituency.

The strategy will be inclusive in addressing the challenges of the sectors and support initiatives required for a sustainable development and management.

It will also nurture economic growth and investment, as well as other development opportunities within the sectors.

The Strategy will focus on setting goals and priorities; determining the actions required to achieve such goals; and mobilizing resources to accomplish the actions.

The Department invites members of the media to join this workshop, where government in collaboration with its entities and private sector will deliberate on how they will develop the sector collectively.

Source: Government of South Africa