IOL: "Namibia will be one of the few African countries to receive funding from the new United States development aid program, the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).Other African countries chosen are Burkina Faso, Ghana, Lesotho and the Gambia. There are only 23 countries eligible to receive MCA funding.The director general of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Helmut Angula, said the funding proposals were expected to be completed soon.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) was established by US President George Bush in 2004 to work in partnership with developing countries to reduce poverty and encourage sustainable economic growth.It is a new approach to development assistance that is based on the principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces good governance and sound political, economic, and social policies that promote poverty reduction through economic growth."
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Namibia: Nujoma Pooh-Poohs UN Claims
allAfrica.com: "A member of the recently formed Committee on the [Welfare of] Ex-combatants, Alex Kamwi, has claimed that a UN official, Nicholas Bwakira, promised combatants demobilisation packages of US$80 000 each during a meeting in Luanda, Angola, in July 1989.
On Saturday, Nujoma said "hallucinations" about the involvement of the UN in the affairs of Plan should be rejected and condemned with the contempt they deserved.
He said that the Swapo Party Government would continue to monitor and review the socio-economic conditions of those who participated in the liberation struggle with a view to improving their living standards."
On Saturday, Nujoma said "hallucinations" about the involvement of the UN in the affairs of Plan should be rejected and condemned with the contempt they deserved.
He said that the Swapo Party Government would continue to monitor and review the socio-economic conditions of those who participated in the liberation struggle with a view to improving their living standards."
Lack of Emergency Medical Care 'Deadly', Warn Uis Residents
allAfrica.com: "The death of three-year-old Jonald Awarab on Wednesday could have been averted if an ambulance they had been waiting for since 08h00 had arrived sooner than 15h00, claimed Brand.
The boy injured his arm on Tuesday when he fell while playing on an old car wreck.
He was discharged the same day from the Uis clinic, where he was treated.
Complications apparently set in and when Awarab was taken back to the clinic the next morning, he was in a coma.
An ambulance was called to take the boy to the hospital at Omaruru, but only arrived at 15h00, half an hour after the child had died.
According to Brand, the explanation for the delay given by Dr F Chulu, the Acting Principal Medical Officer in the Omaruru health district, was that one of the region's two roadworthy ambulances was at Swakopmund for a routine service and the other vehicle had taken a number of patients from Usakos to see a specialist in Windhoek."
The boy injured his arm on Tuesday when he fell while playing on an old car wreck.
He was discharged the same day from the Uis clinic, where he was treated.
Complications apparently set in and when Awarab was taken back to the clinic the next morning, he was in a coma.
An ambulance was called to take the boy to the hospital at Omaruru, but only arrived at 15h00, half an hour after the child had died.
According to Brand, the explanation for the delay given by Dr F Chulu, the Acting Principal Medical Officer in the Omaruru health district, was that one of the region's two roadworthy ambulances was at Swakopmund for a routine service and the other vehicle had taken a number of patients from Usakos to see a specialist in Windhoek."
Namibia: Namibia 'Won't Be Dismembered'
allAfrica.com: "History will judge harshly anyone who attempts to secede any part of Namibia and thus compromise the country's sovereignty, President Hifikepunye Pohamba warned on Saturday.
Addressing the official Heroes' Day commemoration at Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Region, Pohamba said Namibia had vowed not to go back to the ruthless apartheid era which ruled the country through segregation and division, and seceding any part of it fell under the same rule.
'It is for this reason that history will judge harshly any person or group of persons who make any attempt to dismember any part of our Republic," he said.
The President said it was regrettable that in 1999 some politicians misled people to tear Namibia apart for their own selfish reasons.'"
Addressing the official Heroes' Day commemoration at Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Region, Pohamba said Namibia had vowed not to go back to the ruthless apartheid era which ruled the country through segregation and division, and seceding any part of it fell under the same rule.
'It is for this reason that history will judge harshly any person or group of persons who make any attempt to dismember any part of our Republic," he said.
The President said it was regrettable that in 1999 some politicians misled people to tear Namibia apart for their own selfish reasons.'"
Friday, June 16, 2006
Brangelina join list of moral poseurs in Africa
Brendan O'Neill: "However, this Western security force was not a US or European army plundering Namibia's natural resources or threatening to topple its government. It was the security entourage of one Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, the celebrity couple better known for living it up in Los Angeles than slumming it in Namibia. They reportedly wanted their first child to be born in Namibia because the country is "the cradle of human kind" and it would be "a special experience". And it seems that no security measure is too stringent in the name of making Ms Jolie feel special. Welcome to the new celebrity colonialism.
Pitt and Jolie went to Namibia, a small and largely impoverished nation of 1.8 million, six weeks ago. Their daughter -- Shiloh Nouvel -- was born on May 27. As they awaited the birth, they reportedly surrounded themselves with their own personal security detail and armed Namibian police. There was even a no-fly zone, enforced by the Namibian Government, over the luxurious Burning Shore beach resort where Pitt and Jolie were holed up.
Apparently, the stars also got to dictate which reporters could and could not enter the country. According to one report, the Namibian Government bowed to pressure from the duo and granted them the right to ban foreign journalists from entering the country, a remarkable move for the government of any sovereign state. The Government is said to have granted this extraordinary veto to Brad and Angelina after the couple told ministers that they would be forced to quit the country unless allegedly intrusive journalists and paparazzi were brought to heel. Namibian ministers hoped that a trip by two Hollywood bigwigs to their shores would do wonders for their tourism industry. They did everything they could to keep the couple happy."
Pitt and Jolie went to Namibia, a small and largely impoverished nation of 1.8 million, six weeks ago. Their daughter -- Shiloh Nouvel -- was born on May 27. As they awaited the birth, they reportedly surrounded themselves with their own personal security detail and armed Namibian police. There was even a no-fly zone, enforced by the Namibian Government, over the luxurious Burning Shore beach resort where Pitt and Jolie were holed up.
Apparently, the stars also got to dictate which reporters could and could not enter the country. According to one report, the Namibian Government bowed to pressure from the duo and granted them the right to ban foreign journalists from entering the country, a remarkable move for the government of any sovereign state. The Government is said to have granted this extraordinary veto to Brad and Angelina after the couple told ministers that they would be forced to quit the country unless allegedly intrusive journalists and paparazzi were brought to heel. Namibian ministers hoped that a trip by two Hollywood bigwigs to their shores would do wonders for their tourism industry. They did everything they could to keep the couple happy."
Mystery Disease Hits Namibia
Josephine Roque: "Three people die and 19 others are hospitalized due to a still unidentified disease.
The Namibian reports that the Ministry of Health and Social Services indicated that the disease was not confined to the Khomas Region, and that the cases of "undiagnosed paralysis" among adults had been reported in the Otjozondjupa and Hardap regions.
Two other people are in critical condition at the Windhoek Central Hospital after contracting the mystery disease.
Due to similar symptoms, it is suspected that the mystery disease might be Guillain-BarrŠ¹ syndrome (GBS) - a disorder of the peripheral nervous system which causes the nerves to inflame, slowing communication to and from the brain, leading to severe paralysis."
The Namibian reports that the Ministry of Health and Social Services indicated that the disease was not confined to the Khomas Region, and that the cases of "undiagnosed paralysis" among adults had been reported in the Otjozondjupa and Hardap regions.
Two other people are in critical condition at the Windhoek Central Hospital after contracting the mystery disease.
Due to similar symptoms, it is suspected that the mystery disease might be Guillain-BarrŠ¹ syndrome (GBS) - a disorder of the peripheral nervous system which causes the nerves to inflame, slowing communication to and from the brain, leading to severe paralysis."
Namibia: Undetermined Disease Puzzles Health Officials
allAfrica: "Five people have died from an as yet unnamed disease in Namibia and health authorities are eagerly awaiting the results from urine, stool and blood specimens sent to South Africa.
Tests carried out locally failed to yield conclusive results. "We really don't have an idea what the disease is, and investigations are going on," Erna Awaseb, acting director of primary healthcare, told IRIN.
Initially, the disease was confirmed in three informal settlements in Katutura, the capital's oldest township, but Awaseb said it had also been found south of Windhoek in the Karas Region and to the north in the Otjozondjupa Region."
Tests carried out locally failed to yield conclusive results. "We really don't have an idea what the disease is, and investigations are going on," Erna Awaseb, acting director of primary healthcare, told IRIN.
Initially, the disease was confirmed in three informal settlements in Katutura, the capital's oldest township, but Awaseb said it had also been found south of Windhoek in the Karas Region and to the north in the Otjozondjupa Region."
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Khoekhoegowab Resource Page
Khoekhoegowab Resource Page: "Welcome to the Khoekhoegowab Resource Page. This page provides Namibian educators with ideas and resources to teach their learners how to speak, read, and write Koekhoegowab and thus laying the foundation of their education. You are free to download or print out any of the information you find on these pages to help you in your classroom. We created these pages at NIED for teachers, principals, and students in Namibia. These pages are yours!"
University of Namibia - Faculty of Humanities
University of Namibia - Faculty of Humanities: "Welcome to the Department of African Languages
Prospective students should note that the Department of African Languages offers courses for degree purposes. Hence the usual admission requirements apply as for degree studies.
Students interested in acquiring only practical communication skills (i.e. not a degree course) in an African language should approach the Language Centre of the University, Ms Anna Muteka: wmuteka@unam.na. Students wishing to register for the Diploma in Education (African Languages) should approach the Centre for External Studies, Mr G. Murangi: gmurangi@unam.na. "
Prospective students should note that the Department of African Languages offers courses for degree purposes. Hence the usual admission requirements apply as for degree studies.
Students interested in acquiring only practical communication skills (i.e. not a degree course) in an African language should approach the Language Centre of the University, Ms Anna Muteka: wmuteka@unam.na. Students wishing to register for the Diploma in Education (African Languages) should approach the Centre for External Studies, Mr G. Murangi: gmurangi@unam.na. "
Welcome to Namibia
Welcome to Namibia: "On March 1, 2006 President Hifikepunye Pohamba conducted on-spot inspection of the town of Mariental and its surroundings. President Pohamba visited Mariental in the aftermath of the deluge which devasted the town during last weekend. On his return to Windhoek President Pohamba described the situation in Mariental as 'of great urgency.' The President directed that Government avails N$10 million immediately in order to mitigate the impact of the deluge. The emergence assistance to Mariental is aimed at restoring life in town to normalcy. The weekend deluge has negatively impacted on human welfare, well being and comfort. The deluge further damaged public infrastructure such as sewerage, power utility, water systems and roads. On the household level the deluge flooded residential houses, business premises and domestic properties. The floods further damaged agriculture infrastructure, crops; and recreational facilities. "
CIA - The World Factbook -- Namibia
Namibia: "South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that was soon named Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia won its independence in 1990 and has been governed by SWAPO since. Hifikepunye POHAMBA was elected president in November 2004 in a landslide victory replacing Sam NUJOMA who led the country during its first 14 years of self rule. "
Thursday, April 06, 2006
allAfrica.com: Namibia: Itchy And Scratchy At Omhanda School
Itchy And Scratchy At Omhanda School: "Children at the Omhanda Combined School near Eenhana, in the Ohangwena Region, seem to have become allergic to schoolwork.
More than 100 pupils - and three of their teachers - have been itching and scratching since last week.
It only happens while they are at school, a source at the school told The Namibian.
In families with children going to different schools, only the ones attending Omhanda are afflicted, the source said."
More than 100 pupils - and three of their teachers - have been itching and scratching since last week.
It only happens while they are at school, a source at the school told The Namibian.
In families with children going to different schools, only the ones attending Omhanda are afflicted, the source said."
allAfrica.com: Namibia: Aids Cuts Teacher Numbers
Aids Cuts Teacher Numbers: "Namibian teachers are dying of HIV/AIDS at a growing rate of 10 to 15 persons per trimester and medical projections for the next two years indicate that 600 more of them will be infected.
This is what the workshop on AIDS in the workplace learned yesterday from the Namibia National Teachers Union and the National Aids Control Organization.
'Something urgent needs to be done to curb the death of teachers from AIDS, currently dying at a rate of between 10 and 15 per trimester countrywide,' Havelinus Shemuketa, Professional Development Coordinator of NANTU told the workshop for senior managers in the Ministry of Education currently on in the capital.
Shemuketa was pleading for help to curb the death rate among his union members and on behalf of those belonging to the Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN)."
This is what the workshop on AIDS in the workplace learned yesterday from the Namibia National Teachers Union and the National Aids Control Organization.
'Something urgent needs to be done to curb the death of teachers from AIDS, currently dying at a rate of between 10 and 15 per trimester countrywide,' Havelinus Shemuketa, Professional Development Coordinator of NANTU told the workshop for senior managers in the Ministry of Education currently on in the capital.
Shemuketa was pleading for help to curb the death rate among his union members and on behalf of those belonging to the Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN)."
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
allAfrica.com: Namibia: Namibia Pelts in Demand
Namibia Pelts in Demand: "Namibia's Swakara pelts, which sold for record prices at the Copen-hagen Auction, have left buyers crying for more.
Agra says the buyers expressed disappointment over the quantities available at the auction and urged Swakara farmers to increase their production significantly.
The pelts went for a record price at the Copenhagen Fur auction. For the first time ever, 72 Swakara Black D selected super pelts sold for N$643 per pelt, the highest price ever achieved.
Out of a large number of potential buyers from Eng-land, Italy, Germany, Spain, USA, Greece, Israel and Japan, only 25 were eventual successful bidders for the limited number of skins on offer.
Although there are 800 communal and commercial karakul farmers in the country, it is unlikely that the industry will see the production it witnessed 30 years ago."
Agra says the buyers expressed disappointment over the quantities available at the auction and urged Swakara farmers to increase their production significantly.
The pelts went for a record price at the Copenhagen Fur auction. For the first time ever, 72 Swakara Black D selected super pelts sold for N$643 per pelt, the highest price ever achieved.
Out of a large number of potential buyers from Eng-land, Italy, Germany, Spain, USA, Greece, Israel and Japan, only 25 were eventual successful bidders for the limited number of skins on offer.
Although there are 800 communal and commercial karakul farmers in the country, it is unlikely that the industry will see the production it witnessed 30 years ago."
Namibia's academic appeal
The Scientist : Blogs: "Chinsembu is originally from Zambia but has been at the University of Namibia for four years. As we drove through the clean, modern-looking city, he explained why.
One of the main factors was stability, he said. Back in Zambia, the university had been closed down seven times in the seven years he worked there as a result of staffing problems, salary disputes, student unrest or political problems. In the four years he's been in Namibia there hasn't been a single closure.
Another factor is the relatively good financial prospects in Namibia, which has been independent of South Africa for the past 16 years. In Zambia, his monthly salary was about US$400 a month; now it is more like $2,500. "
One of the main factors was stability, he said. Back in Zambia, the university had been closed down seven times in the seven years he worked there as a result of staffing problems, salary disputes, student unrest or political problems. In the four years he's been in Namibia there hasn't been a single closure.
Another factor is the relatively good financial prospects in Namibia, which has been independent of South Africa for the past 16 years. In Zambia, his monthly salary was about US$400 a month; now it is more like $2,500. "
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
allAfrica.com: Namibia: Challenge to Raise Money for Cancer Kids
Challenge to Raise Money for Cancer Kids: "With dozens of children living with cancer, the First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba officially opened the 'Desert Cycle Challenge' project intended to raise funds needed to help children living with this killer disease.
Madam Pohamba during the official launch donated N$1 000 from her own pocket, with other companies coming on board.
As part of its commitment, Nampharm donated N$10 000 while Integrated Management Solutions (IMS), a software development business in the IT sector, gave N$5 000.
The Nampharm Foundation Trust is an independent charitable foundation intending to utilise funds to provide medicine, medical treatment and information sessions for persons suffering from specified illnesses within Namibia. Nampharm deals with cases from newborn babies to children aged eighteen and under."
Madam Pohamba during the official launch donated N$1 000 from her own pocket, with other companies coming on board.
As part of its commitment, Nampharm donated N$10 000 while Integrated Management Solutions (IMS), a software development business in the IT sector, gave N$5 000.
The Nampharm Foundation Trust is an independent charitable foundation intending to utilise funds to provide medicine, medical treatment and information sessions for persons suffering from specified illnesses within Namibia. Nampharm deals with cases from newborn babies to children aged eighteen and under."
allAfrica.com: Namibia: 'Import Syndrome' Denounced
'Import Syndrome' Denounced: "Lately, the Ministry of Trade has been inundated with complaints with regard to the difficulty of entering local products in the local retail network.
Such complaints come from manufacturers of soaps, body and hair creams and products, detergents, arts and crafts, toilet paper, garments and foodstuffs.
Recently, the agriculture project at Etunda also complained about the lack of local buyers for their products, which forces them to send their produce to South Africa, from where it is re-imported at a much higher price.
In an effort to promote locally made products especially for the rural poor, Executive Director of WAD Veronica de Klerk said this was an urgent 'wake-up call' for the private business sector to seriously reflect on issues such as the importation of goods which could be sourced locally from poor people instead."
Such complaints come from manufacturers of soaps, body and hair creams and products, detergents, arts and crafts, toilet paper, garments and foodstuffs.
Recently, the agriculture project at Etunda also complained about the lack of local buyers for their products, which forces them to send their produce to South Africa, from where it is re-imported at a much higher price.
In an effort to promote locally made products especially for the rural poor, Executive Director of WAD Veronica de Klerk said this was an urgent 'wake-up call' for the private business sector to seriously reflect on issues such as the importation of goods which could be sourced locally from poor people instead."
Monday, April 03, 2006
Namibia: apples in record breaking sales
Welcome to FreshPlaza: "In a national effort, Namibians ordered a new record-breaking 680 216 apples through the 2006 Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project in aid of the Cancer Association of Namibia. This is a growth of 60% in total apple sales as compared to last year.
A record-breaking 680 216 apples have been sold through the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project. During the past week supporters in the Applethon, that took place on 16 March 2006, could pick up their apples from Fruit and Veg City in Windhoek. Gernot Ihmig of DRM Namibia receives the apples ordered by his company from Marie du Plessis of Bank Windhoek."
A record-breaking 680 216 apples have been sold through the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project. During the past week supporters in the Applethon, that took place on 16 March 2006, could pick up their apples from Fruit and Veg City in Windhoek. Gernot Ihmig of DRM Namibia receives the apples ordered by his company from Marie du Plessis of Bank Windhoek."
allAfrica.com: Namibia: No Investors for Gem Processing Centres
No Investors for Gem Processing Centres: "Two gemstone-processing centres - one at Karibib and another at Keetmanshoop - run the risk of becoming white elephants if investors are not found to get the operations running, Minister of Trade and Industry Immanuel Ngatjizeko has said."
allAfrica.com: Namibia: 3 More Suspended Over Food Scandal in Caprivi
3 More Suspended Over Food Scandal in Caprivi: "The latest suspensions follow that of Chief Regional Officer Raymond Matiti in February, who is still awaiting a disciplinary hearing.
Before that, Caprivi Governor Bernard Sibalatani was suspended for a month on the instructions of Cabinet, to allow him to be charged for negligence.
He has since returned to office.
The Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development earlier said that any action against him would be based on the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against the other officials accused of negligence in the food scandal and on instructions from Cabinet.
Only one more official is still to be suspended on charges of alleged negligence by the Local Government Ministry.
He is Dobson Kamwi, an official working in the Ministry's Rural Development directorate at Katima Mulilo.
Ndiyepa said Kamwi would be the last on the list of officials the Caprivi Regional Council had agreed to take action against for allowing 230 tons of maize meal to rot at the M'pacha military warehouse."
Before that, Caprivi Governor Bernard Sibalatani was suspended for a month on the instructions of Cabinet, to allow him to be charged for negligence.
He has since returned to office.
The Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development earlier said that any action against him would be based on the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against the other officials accused of negligence in the food scandal and on instructions from Cabinet.
Only one more official is still to be suspended on charges of alleged negligence by the Local Government Ministry.
He is Dobson Kamwi, an official working in the Ministry's Rural Development directorate at Katima Mulilo.
Ndiyepa said Kamwi would be the last on the list of officials the Caprivi Regional Council had agreed to take action against for allowing 230 tons of maize meal to rot at the M'pacha military warehouse."
entertainment.iafrica.com | news Angelina 'to give birth in Namibia'
Angelina 'to give birth in Namibia': "Angelina Jolie will give birth to her and Brad Pitt's baby in a private lodge in Namibia, if the latest rumours of the Brangelina love-child are to be believed.
This contradicts earlier reports that Jolie planned to have the baby in France, in accordance with her French mother Marcheline Betrand's wishes.
But News of the World reports that Pitt and Jolie plan to stay in Africa for the birth - so that Jolie can continue her humanitarian work there right to the very end."
This contradicts earlier reports that Jolie planned to have the baby in France, in accordance with her French mother Marcheline Betrand's wishes.
But News of the World reports that Pitt and Jolie plan to stay in Africa for the birth - so that Jolie can continue her humanitarian work there right to the very end."
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