Otjozondjupa Regional Council opens book of condolences for late Geingob


OTJIWARONGO: The Otjozondjupa Regional Council on Thursday officially opened a book of condolences for late President Hage Geingob who died in Windhoek on Sunday.

The condolences book, according to the Personal Assistant to the Otjozondjupa Region Governor, Charmaine Tjizumane is to allow the general public to send messages to the bereaved family of Geingob.

Tjizumane told Nampa on Thursday: ‘The book belongs to the Government, and it will be placed on the ground floor of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council building where it will remain open to any member of the public who wants to send a message of condolences and a word of support to the late president’s family.’

Tjizumane called on the region’s inhabitants to make use of the opportunity to convey their condolences before the book is sent to State House in Windhoek.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

Toddler drowns in pond at Onesi


OSHAKATI: A four-year-old boy allegedly drowned in a pond while fetching water with his siblings at Olwaadhiya village in the Omusati Region’s Onesi Constituency on Thursday.

The deceased was identified as Shilikuwo Kamati.

The Namibian Police Force’s Omusati Crime Investigation Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Moses Simaho, said the incident occurred around 19h00 when the boy’s mother allegedly instructed the boy and his siblings, aged two and five, to fetch water from a pond near the house while she was busy working in the mahangu field.

‘When the children returned without the deceased, the mother went back to the pond. She found him floating in the water and retrieved the body,’ he said.

The deceased’s body is being kept at the Onesi Health Centre and will be further transported to the Okahao Police mortuary for an autopsy to be conducted.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

Namibia International Energy Conference taking place in April


WINDHOEK: The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) is scheduled to take place in Windhoek from 23 to 25 April 2024.

It is expected to unite government officials, private companies, investors, and thought leaders from across the globe to unlock the full potential of Namibia’s energy industry, a statement issued by BopheleCommunications said.

The conference will take place under the patronage of Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo and will be held under the theme ‘Reimagine Resource-Rich Namibia: Turning Possibilities into Prosperity.’

‘This year’s conference will shed light on the significant opportunities that Namibia’s recent oil discoveries and growing developments in the renewable energy have brought to the country,’ it said.

Speakers will share strategies on how to transform Namibia into a regional energy and investment hub, with project showcases, presentations and in-depth industry insights connecting future players to emerging Namibian opportunities.

‘In recent years, international
energy companies and their joint venture partners have discovered valuable oil reserves, setting the stage for a transformative period in Namibia’s economy,’ it said.

It said the discoveries, exploration interest and promotion of green hydrogen and other energy developments has not happened in a vacuum, but rather, it has happened due to a strong focus on establishing a business-friendly environment for investors to come in.

‘Spearheaded by the government under the guidance of President Hage Geingob, Namibia has become a highly attractive and strategic market to do business,’ the statement said.

It further said Selma Shimutwikeni, Chief Executive Officer of RichAfrica Consultancy and convenor of NIEC 2024, said ‘Namibia stands at a pivotal moment in its history. Our newfound energy resources present immense potential, but they also come with profound responsibilities. We must strategically prepare ourselves to harness the full value chain of these resources.’

The event is also expected to host a delegatio
n of ministers from energy-rich countries, offering a unique opportunity for cross-border cooperation and networking.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

ALERT: MUTORWA APPOINTED AS DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER


WINDHOEK: In a miniature Cabinet reshuffle, President Nangolo Mbumba on Friday appointed John Mutorwa as Deputy Prime Minister, succeeding Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was on Sunday sworn in as Namibia’s Vice President. Mutorwa will also retain his position as Minister of Works and Transport. In other changes, Peya Mushelenga has succeeded Nandi-Ndaitwah as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, while his former deputy, Emma Theofilus has been appointed as Minister of Information and Communication Technology. Mbumba also appointed Modestus Amutse as Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, succeeding Theofilus in the role.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

Masubia TA sorrowful over Geingob’s death


KATIMA MULILO: The Masubia Traditional Authority has described the late President Hage Geingob as a great advocate for an inclusive approach to ensure that all Namibian citizens felt they mattered and that they were part of the Namibian house.

Speaking at a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the late president hosted by the Bukalo Village Council on Thursday, the Masubia Traditional Authority’s Ngambela Albius Kamwi maintained that as a leader, Geingob dedicated his entire life to serving his nation and enormously contributed to the liberation of the country and the creation of the Namibian nation.

‘He served every Namibian, both young and old, black and white in our respectful country. A commitment to an inclusive society is of utmost importance maintained in our diverse society,’ Kamwi stated.

In the same vein, the TA has commended the Namibian government for a smooth, peaceful and orderly transfer of power in accordance with the Namibian Constitution.

‘We congratulate His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba
and Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for respectively assuming the critical leadership roles of president and vice president, and we would like to assure them and our fellow citizens of our commitment and support to work with them all the time at all levels to ensure peace and security and prosperity for our community and that of the entire nation,’ Kamwi said.

Geingob died on 04 February in Windhoek while receiving medical treatment for cancer.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

Gobabis faith-based groups and churches remember Geingob


GOBABIS: Faith-based organisations and churches at Gobabis on Thursday evening held a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the late President Hage Geingob at the Epako Community Hall.

Speakers from different churches and organisations remembered Geingob as a Christian of note and a ‘people’s president’ who advocated for a Namibian house where everyone was welcomed.

Speaking at the special night, Bishop GJP Katuuo from Fill the Gap ministries indicated that Geingob’s death has united people more than before, so much so that even his critics are saying positive things about him. He further indicated that this is a time to reflect and pray for God’s protection for Namibia and its people.

‘Maybe our president was given this time to lead our country for nine years. There was no president in the history of Namibia who went through a lot of challenges like our late president,’ he said.

‘I want us to be strong because now a new president is among us and a new nation is born. We believe by the grace of God that wil
l encourage us and comfort us in this difficult time.’

Another clergyman, Pastor Benny Anton, said it is time for the nation to thank the president for the service he rendered to the Namibian people.

‘We can mourn his death but we know for sure that he has done his part in this country, and we can also be happy while we are busy as we are enjoying the fruits of his work in Namibia. There was always criticism against the president. In this world if you are a leader, you will be criticized. But you must know that even Jesus was criticised by those who were close to him,’ Anton said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

Oshana NamPol promotes 42 members to senior positions


OSHAKATI: The Namibian Police Force in the Oshana Region promoted a total of 42 members to the ranks of chief inspector, senior inspector and inspector, effective 01 February 2024.

NamPol’s Oshana Commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, confirmed this to Nampa on Friday, saying that five chief inspectors, six senior inspectors and 32 inspectors were promoted.

Sakaria stated out of 42 members promoted, 19 are female.

According to Sakaria, their promotion comes as recognition of their hard work.

‘These officers are now more than ever challenged to show leadership and prove the Inspector General right that they deserve the promotions and that the promotions should translate into a positive impact on crime in the region,’ he said.

He said amongst those promoted to senior level are Inspector Thomas Aiyambo, the former Head of the Community Policing Sub-Division who became a chief inspector; and Warrant Ester Ilovu from Oshakati Police Station, who joined NamPol in 1990 and now assumes the role of in
spector.

In 2023, a total of 460 police officers were promoted to various ranks in the region, with women taking up 50.3 per cent of the total.

The 229 male and 231 female officers were promoted in line with the provisions of the Police Act, Act 19 of 1990.

Source: Namibia Press Agency