Government Information
Bulletin
Republic of Namibia
Police launches its “Talk,
don’t shoot” campaign
B etween 2002 and 2007 there were 7 192
firearm related crimes in Namibia and
a tragic 327 murders. In 2007 alone, 463
cases of armed robberies in which firearms
were involved were reported countrywide. A
total of 66 lives were lost in these robberies.
In 2008, a total of 564 cases involving
firearms were reported.
While crimes involving firearms are escalating,
police statistics shows that in 2008, 11 882
applications were received for licenses to possess
firearms and 10 467 licenses to legally possess
firearms were issued.
Because the uncontrolled spread of small arms
and light weapons threatens Namibia’s national
security, the Namibian Police, under an initiative by
the National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light
Weapons (SALW) launched a public education and
awareness raining campaign on small arms and
light weapons under the slogan, Talk, don’t shoot
in Windhoek on 28 September 2009.
With its Talk, don’t shoot campaign, Nampol wants
to encourage the public to surrender illegal firearms
in their possession without fear of prosecution,
while also reducing the demand for both licit an
illicit firearms. Nampol also wants to convince the
public to change their attitude towards anger and
to rather talk about a problem than to resort to
violence.
The proliferation and illicit traffic in SALWs
negatively impacts on a country’s security and
socio-economic development. Violent crimes,
ranging from passion killings, murders, attempted
IN ThIS ISSue
Struggle kids GRN
wants solution
Page 6
Government Information Bulletin August 2009
September 2009
murders, armed robberies, poaching and other
crimes involving firearms do not only affect foreign
direct investment and threaten captains of industry,
but also violate the constitutionally-guaranteed
right to life, personal security, dignity and integrity
of the victims of crimes involving SALW.
The banner shows the SALW campaign logo with the
The uncontrolled spread of SALW constrains
slogan Talk, don’t shoot
national economic development, interferes with
good governance and erodes public trust. Crime
also generates insecurity, thus negatively affecting
FREE
the lives of individuals, while it also breaks down
socio-cultural bonds and prevents social mobility.
The misuse of weapons and other related materials
also holds financial implications for all sectors of
our economy. The environment and elements in
the environment will force people to hire security
agents to protect their lives and property due to
fear of being attacked by armed elements. People Lt. Gen Sebastiaan Ndeitunga, Inspector General of
will erect costly perimeter security walls around the Namibian Police, Minister Joel Kaapanda who
spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Nahas Angula and
businesses and residential properties to protect Safety and Security Minister Nickey Iyambo at the
themselves, while such activities also result in launch of the SALW campaign
increased operational costs of policing.
The Namibian Government is striving to ensure
that peace and stability and the public safety and
security of our people are preserved at all times. 1
Therefore, the Namibian Government is determined
to eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and
light weapons and other related materials and to
continue educating the public through the Talk,
don’t shoot education and awareness campaign.
The public can help through reporting any violence Two members of the explosives unit of NamPol
to the police at the emergency toll free telephone prepare for the destruction of confiscated and
unlicensed weapons
number 10111.
Democracy Day News from Cabinet
Commemorated Chambers
Page 10-11 Page 18-20
 Government Information Bulletin August 2009

From the Desk of the Minister Contents

Hon. Joël Kaapanda,
Minister of Information and
Communication Technology
Since independence, August of each
Sacrifices of the liberation struggle were not in vain....... 3
year presents Namibians with the
opportunity to reflect on the past Namibia donates school to Angola…………………….......... 4
and honour the heroes and heroines
who have contributed to the freedom President hands Farm Uitkomst to San
that we are now enjoying in the Land
of the Brave. Our freedom came at community…………........................................................... 5
a high price. Many Namibians were
willing and indeed sacrificed their Heroes’ Day: The rich history must be told, says
lives to secure a Namibia where all
Pohamba…........................................................................ 6
can live in peace and security, free
from oppression, hunger and poverty Namibia and Russia sign agreements…………….............. 7
and in the knowledge that there is a
brighter future tomorrow. 2009 Election dates announced……………………….......… 7

At the commemoration of Heroes’ Day at Omugulu Gwombase on 26 Hausiku opens new Namibian chancery in Angola…....... 8
August this year, HE President Hifikepunye Pohamba rightly identified
the need to put the day in a historical context. Heroes’ Day must be a Namibia commemorates the Day of the
reminder of the start of the liberation struggle in 1966, and the day on
African Child……............................................................... 9
which the nation pays tribute to those whose blood waters our freedom.
Nam-Zim review areas of cooperation.............................. 9
A nation’s history should never be forgotten, but a nation should also not
only live in the past. While a nation’s foundation should be solidly rooted SADC Presidents team up to promote cross
in its history, the nation should cast its eyes on the horizon and work
towards a better future for all. Namibians should work harder to realise border tourism……........................................................... 10-11
such a better future.
Standards for residential child care launched.................. 12
In the fight for freedom and independence, neighouring countries, such
Namibia and Germany discuss development
as Angola, provided shelter and bases for the liberation forces. Through
its support, Angola often became the target of the barbaric attacks of cooperation....................................................................... 13
the colonial regime with the accompanying loss of lives and destruction
of infrastructure. Champions applaud Nam’s impressive feats on

In appreciation of the many years of support rendered by the Angolan HIV/AIDS......................................................................... 14

government towards the struggle for freedom in Namibia, the Namibian
Government resolved in 2005 to erect a monument for the fallen heroes Pohamba calls for rigorous behaviour change
and heroines of the struggle outside Lubango in Angola and to build
campaigns........................................................................ 14
a school for the Luyovo community – a community that suffered as a
consequence of the war of aggression against the people of Angola.
Who are the champions for a HIV Free
It was a joyous community that attended the inauguration and official Generation?...................................................................... 15
handing over of the Peter Eneas Nanyemba Primary School at Luyovo.
The acceptance words by the Governor of the Huila Province were most US renews support for Nambia’s fight against
touching when he called on the school to teach the younger generation
about solidarity. HIV/AIDS......................................................................... 16

Solidarity should be the watchword for Namibians. Solidarity unites and Refugees abused Namibian hospitality - Kaapanda........ 17
2 gives strength and as we are approaching our Presidential and National
Kaapanda applauds media self-regulation...................... 18
Assembly elections, we must live in harmony and peace, even if politically
we have different views and beliefs. That is the foundation of democracy. News from Cabinet Chambers......................................... 19-20
We must build on and cherish our solidarity to emerge as a victorious and
winning nation. We owe it to our fallen heroes and heroines.

Government Information Bulletin: Publicising Government

The Government Information Bulletin was
established through Cabinet decision number
13th/04.07.06/002 as an official information
bulletin to publicise the Government’s
programmes, policies and activities for the
benefit of Government institutions and the
Namibian public. All Government institutions
contribute towards the Bulletin. The Government
Information Bulletin is published monthly by the
Ministry of Information and Communication
Technology. To meet the specific information
needs of communities, the public is invited
to send comments and suggestions on Private Bag 13344, Windhoek
Government projects, programmes and policies, Telephone 061 - 2839111
Fax 061 - 230170
which will then be covered in the Bulletin. E-mail wdeetlefs@mib.gov.na.
More Government news and information can Design DV8 Saatchi & Saatchi,
be accessed on the GRN news button on the Windhoek.
Layout and printing Solitaire Press, Windhoek.
Government internet site at www.grnnet.gov.na
The Bulletin is distributed free of charge to rural
communities through the Ministry’s regional
offices. The public and organisations are
welcome to subscribe to the Bulletin, but mailing
costs will be for the account of the subscriber.

Prime Minister Angula calls for increased
tolerance in Namibia
T here is a need for increased tolerance
in the Namibian society to reduce the
high rate of firearm related offences.
Prime Minister Nahas Angula called on
Namibians to be more tolerant and to rather
talk through problems than to find solutions
in violence when he officiated at the launch of
the education and awareness raising campaign
on Small Arms and Light Weapons of the
Ministry of Safety and Security in Windhoek on
29 September 2009. Mr. Angula’s statement
was read by Information and Communication
Technology Minister Joël Kaapanda.
“Lives of innocent people are lost due to
irresponsible use of both legal and illegal
firearms. These firearms are found in the
hands of our countrymen and women (and)
we therefore need to work together and
complement the government’s effort of
disarming society,” the Prime Minister said.
The Premier said the Government is concerned
about the excessive and destabilising effects,
accumulation and uncontrolled spread of small
arms and light weapons in the Namibia society.
“While our law enforcement agencies are doing
their utmost best to fight crime, their efforts
are being compromised and undermined by
criminals who have access to different kinds of
firearms,” Angula said.
While the government has made efforts in the
seizing and destroying of illegal small arms
and light weapons and unexploded ordnance,
unexploded ordnance and other war material
are still being found in some parts of Namibia.
According to the Prime Minister, caches and
other life-threatening war material continue to
The Namibian Police Band in action
Government Information Bulletin September 2009
be underground at unmarked sites and this pose
a serious threat to both humans and livestock.
pose to Namibia’s hard earned peace and
stability. With the campaign, the Government
also wants to instill and promote a culture
The Prime Minister called on regional governors, of responsible handling and management of
local councillors, traditional, church and business firearms.
leaders to strengthen the government’s hand
and to get the message out that all illegal Angula called on all law enforcement agencies
firearms must be surrendered to the nearest to work hard to free the Namibian society from
police station, while all other strange objects illegal small arms and light weapons and all other
should be reported to the police. dangerous weapons and war material. The
Prime Minster also acknowledged the financial
Angula also congratulated the Ministry of Safety support of Britain towards the sustainable
and Security on the progress that has been implementation of Namibia’s National Action
made to put structures in place and formulate Plan of Small Arms and Light Weapons. He
operating procedures to get the Action Plan on urged other foreign missions represented in
Small Arms and Light Weapons implemented. Namibia to emulate the example of the United
“The structures that are in place will allow for Kingdom government and to support Namibia
a total eradication of illicit arms and provide in this national effort.
for a verifiable database for licit firearms,” the
Premier said.
Angula lauded the education and awareness
raising campaign on small arms and light
weapons as the only effective tool, deliberately
designed to mobilise our nationals to surrender
illegal firearms, while also reducing the demand
for both licit and illicit small arms and light
weapons. He further praised the campaign for
motivating people to change their attitudes and
rather talk than to resort to violence, hence the
slogan Talk, don’t shoot.
According to Angula the campaign focuses on
the need for increased tolerance in society
and thereby reducing the high rate of firearms
related offences. The campaign also aims at
creating understanding among Namibians
of the dangers involved in the unrestricted
W/O Saima Amapindi and Ms. Lavona Tjironelero of
proliferation of small arms and light weapons the Namibian Police display promotional material
and unexploded ordnance and the threat they for the national campaign on small arms and light
weapons
3
Several high ranking officers attended the launch of the campaign on small arms
and light weapons at a Windhoek-based hotel
 Government Information Bulletin September 2009

GRN committed to global instruments on

SALW
T he Namibian Government
committed to the implementation of
international, regional and sub-regional
is
instruments on small arms and light
weapons to which it is a signatory to
prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit
proliferation, circulation and trafficking
of small arms and light weapons and
other related materials.
The implementation of these instruments will
help to contain crimes that are fuelled by small
arms and light weapons, the Inspector General
of the Namibian Police Force, Lt. Gen. Sebastian
Ndeitunga said at the official launching of
the public education and awareness raising
campaign on small arms and light weapons in
Windhoek. The campaign, under the slogan
Talk, don’t shoot was launched in Windhoek and
will be rolled out in all 13 regions of Namibia.
According to Lt. Gen. Ndeitunga, Namibia is a
signatory to the United Nations Programme of
Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the
Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons
in All its Aspects; the Bamako Declaration
on an African Common Position on the Illicit
Proliferation, Circulation and Trafficking of
Small Arms and Light Weapons and the SADC
Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition
and Other Related Materials.
At a national conference on small arms and
light weapons in 2002, a decision was taken
on the formulation on a National Action Plan
Lt. Gen. Ndeitunga delivers his statement
on Small Arms and Light Weapons, as well as
the establishment of a national inter-agency
committee, known as the National Focal Point
and Regional Focal Points in all the regions of
the country.
The National and Regional Focal Points, under
the auspices of the Namibian Police Force are
responsible for the coordination and sustainable
implementation of the National Action Plan on
Small Arms and Light Weapons countrywide, Lt.
Gen. Ndeitunga said.
According to Inspector General, Cabinet
approved the National Action Plan on Small
Arms and Light Weapons in 2004. It was
subsequently launched by President Hifikepunye
Pohamba in April 2005.
As part of its duties, the National Focal Point is
busy reviewing the Arms and Ammunition Act,
1996 (Act no 7 of 1996). The amendment bill
is aimed at strengthening the existing law in
criminal, civil and administrative sanctions, Lt.
Gen. Ndeitunga said.

4 Members of the Explosives Unit prepare for the destruction of illegal firearms Guests at the launch of the SALW camapaign
outside Windhoek on the road to Rehoboth

High ranking officers, Minister Nickey Iyambi and High Commissioner Bensberg Police officers at the site where more than 100 illegal firearms and other weapons
meet members of NamPol’s Explosive Unit at the destruction site were destructed following the launch of the SALW campaign

Surrender illegal firearms, Iyambo urges
N amibians had been urged to actively
participate in the fight against the
misuse of firearms and to surrender illegal
firearms in their possession to the Namibian
Police, other law enforcement agencies or
to traditional leaders.
This appeal came from Safety and Security
Minister, Dr. Nickey Iyambo at the launch of the
public education and awareness raising campaign
on small arms and light weapons in Windhoek in
late September this year.
Minister Iyambo said the illegal possession of
firearms, including machine guns and ammunition
has become a regular occurrence. “The Namibian
Police Force has recorded an increase in violent
crime and the misuse of firearms by some
irresponsible members of the public. The Namibian
Police statistics for 2007 alone recorded 463 cases
of armed robberies in which firearms were involved
countrywide. As a result, 66 lives were lost,” the
Minister said.
According to Iyambo, the Namibian Police received
11 882 applications for licenses to possess firearms
in 2008 and 10 467 licenses were issued. “This
demonstrates that the problem of firearms and
misuse thereof in Namibia is of grave concern
and a challenge that needs the involvement of all
Namibians,” he said.
Iyambo said the launching of the public education
and awareness raining campaign shows that the
Namibian Government is serious to expedite the
implementation of the National Action Plan on
Small Arms and Light Weapons, as well as all the
provisions of the SADC Protocol on the Control of
UK supports SALW campaign
B ritain committed N$4.2 million to
Namibia’s national action plan on small
arms and light weapons of the Ministry of
Safety and Security because of the high
priority that the United Kingdom places on
combating the proliferation of small arms
and light weapons.
Britain’s High Commissioner to Namibia, Mr. Mark
Bensberg, said during the launch of the education
and awareness raising campaign on small arms
and light weapons in Windhoek on 28 September
2009 that armed violence creates insecurity and it
is one of the greatest concerns of the poor, besides
significantly hampering development.
Namibia’s National Action Plan on Small Arms
and Light Weapons under the slogan Talk, don’t
shoot, attempts to reduce and control the number
of small arms and light weapons in circulation.
The Namibian Government works in partnership
with other governments, non-governmental and
Government Information Bulletin September 2009
Firearms, Ammunition and other Related Materials.
The Namibian Parliament ratified the Protocol in
October 2004.
programmes to enhance public involvement and
support for efforts to tackle firearms proliferation
and illicit trafficking and to encourage responsible
ownership and management of firearms,
According the Iyambo, the members of the ammunition and related materials, the Minister
SADC family of states recognised the urgent said.
need to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit
manufacturing of firearms, ammunition and In its ongoing efforts to secure the safety of Namibia
other related material and their excessive and and its people, the Namibian Police destroyed the
destabilising accumulation, trafficking, possession biggest ever collection of firearms, ammunition
and use. He said illicit weapons affect the security and unexploded ordnance in November 2007 at
of Namibia and the whole SADC region, while it Walvis Bay.
also pose danger to the well-being of the people of
the region, their social and economic development The launch of the education and awareness raising
and their right to live in peace. The Southern campaign on Small Arms and Light Weapons saw
African Development Community realised that the destruction of more than 100 firearms and
the effective control of the spread of small arms other related material that were either redundant,
and light weapons lies in regional cooperation and surrendered, confiscated or were unlicensed and
coordination. With this in mind, the Council of that came into the possession of the Namibian
Ministers mandated the Southern African Regional Police.
Police Chiefs Co-operation Oganisation (SARPCCO)
to assume responsibility for the implementation Minister Iyambo appealed to Namibians to
of the SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms, take hands in the fight against illicit firearms,
Ammunition and Related Materials. ammunition and other related materials and “let us
not shoot, but rather talk,” he urged.
“To expedite the implementation of the SADC
Protocol at the same pace in all member countries
and to achieve regional uniformity, the SARPCCO
Council of Police Chiefs approved a set of standard
operating procedures on the implementation of
the SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms,
Ammunition and Related Materials at its 13th
annual meeting in August 2008,” Minister Iyambo
said. The standard operating procedures provides
the guidelines for the implementation of the
regional standards of the said protocol, Iyambo
said. The Protocol provides for the development
Illegal firearms and other weapons ready for
of national and regional education and awareness destruction
regional organisations, as well as the United
Nations to implement practical programmes and
for all societies, including Namibia, to license and
regulate weapons. Therefore, the Talk, don’t shoot 5
policies that will impact positively on the lives public education and awareness raising campaign
and livelihoods of those affected by the misuse of will run in all 13 regions of the country with the
weapons. goals of reducing the proliferation and demand for
weapons and encouraging responsible handling
According to Mr. Bensberg, the British government, and management of firearms, he said.
through its Department for International
Development (DFID) began its partnership with
the Ministry of Safety and Security on the SALW
National Plan of Action in 2006. “The size of
Britain’s financial support, especially in these
difficult economic times, clearly demonstrates
the importance my government attaches to the
excellent work of the Namibian Police in making
Namibia a safer place to live through the National
Action Plan on Small Arms and Light Weapons,”
High Commissioner Bensberg said at the launch
of the plan. With reference to the 7 192 firearms
related crimes between 2002 and 2007 that Minister Nickey Iyambo and High Commissioner
Bensberg with Minister of Information and Com-
claimed the ives of 327 people in Namibia, Mr. munication Technology, Joel Kaapanda in the
Bensberg said the UK is acutely aware of the need background
 Government Information Bulletin September 2009
Struggle kids – Government wants a lasting
solution
The Namibian Government is committed
to finding a lasting solution to the plight
of Namibian youth born in exile. The
Government is, therefore, appealing
to churches, non-governmental
organisations, the private sector and the
international community to assist the
government in this endeavour.
The Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport
and Culture, Hon. Willem Konjore said at a media
conference on 1 October 2009 that his Ministry
will soon dispatch a task team to all the regions
to conduct interviews with registered youth
born in exile. The interviews are necessary
to verify individual qualifications, the health
status, age and gender of the affected youth,
as well as to arrange counseling for those who
are sick, pregnant or lactating mothers. The
Struggle kids demonstrating at the NDC Building that houses
the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture in
Windhoek
Ohangwena gets first school for the deaf
6 T he Ohangwena community has turned
its dream into a reality by providing
education to their children with hearing
impairments. This was made possible by
the Icelandic International Development
Agency (ICEDA), which donated a three-
classroom block to both the Ministry
of Education and the Usko Nghaamwa
Special School (UNSS) in Eenhana town.
The school is named after the Governor of the
Ohangwena region, Usko Nghaamwa.
The school started its operations between
2004 and 2006 when a group of parents from
Eenhana and the surrounding villages felt that
it was high time that their deaf children be
provided with education from an early age. It
started with a kindergarten, established with
assistance from CLaSH, an organisation that
takes care of the needs of the deaf children
interviews will also help the Ministry to identify
those youth without any family in Namibia so
that a temporary place of shelter can be created
for them.
“It is only through this exercise that the
Government would fully understand the
magnitude of the socio-economic situations
of the youth and their families, which would
help Government to determine the best way
to integrate these youth into a normal family
setting,” Minister Konjore said.
According to Konjore, the affected youth have
been camping at SWAPO Party offices throughout
Namibia to bring the plight of the youth born in
exile to the attention of the Government and
the public. Konjore said the majority of the
youth were born in refugee camps in Angola
and Zambia, while a few were born in
other foreign countries.
“These youth grew up in an environment
that was abnormal, lacking parental
upbringing and guidance to a large
extent. Some of the youth do not
know their parents since the parents
sacrificed their lives in the struggle for
the liberation of Namibia. Life in the
refugee camps was difficult and had a
negative impact on these youth – even
more so for those that had no biological
parents to look after them,” Konjore
said. Konjore called on all affected youth
camping at party offices throughout the
By Maria Hedimbi
country-wide. A deaf adult was trained as a
teacher. Currently, the school is offering pre-
primary education up to Grade 1. Plans are in
place to extent the school to Grade 2 in 2010,
according to Josia Udjombala, the Regional
Director for Education.
The Ohangwena Education Directorate in
conjunction with CLaSH agreed to maintain and
expand the school to provide formal education
to these children. This dream came true when
the school was registered with the Ministry of
Education in January 2009.
The school started operating from a corrugated
iron classroom and is now operating from tents
donated by ICEDA. A two-room tent serves as
a class and dining room.
The ICEDA Namibia Director, Dr. Vilhjalmur
Wiium, urged the Eenhana community to
country to return to their respective regions
to ensure that interviews are also conducted
with them. “Their return is necessary as no
interviews will be conducted at camping places,”
Konjore said.
He also used the media conference to assure
the affected youth and the public that the
struggle kids would not be relocated to the
mining hostel known as Berg Aukas, but to
Farm Berg Aukas. All relocation to Farm Berg
Aukas will be voluntary, Minister Konjore said.
Konjore called on the youth to cooperate with
the government in this exercise as it is aimed
at finding a lasting solution to their plight.
According to Konjore, his Ministry will continue
to look at ways and means on how to secure
employment for the affected youth. He said
several offers for employment and scholarships
had been received from government institutions
and indications are that a good number of youth
would be absorbed by these institutions.
Konjore stressed that any budgetary allocation
towards the plight of the youth would be used
for verification of information, recruitment,
placement, counseling and any relocation if
needed. None of the funds allocated for this
exercise is meant for handouts to the youth,
Konjore stated. He also called on individuals
and groups not to politicize the plight of the
struggle kids, but rather assist the government
in finding a lasting solution to their plight.
safeguard the school against vandalism, adding
that it is not the sole property for the deaf
children and their parents, but it belongs to
the whole community. “This school is not for
an individual, but for the whole community.
Therefore, you must all take responsibility to
guard this premises against vandalism and
mobilise parents with deaf children to register
them at this school,” Wiium said.
The Ohangwena Governor, Usko Nghaamwa
commended the work done by ICEDA, saying
that their contribution is a clear testimony that
it is not only the obligation of the government to
improve the education status of the nation. He
emphasised that the effort is in support of the
slogan, “education for all”, giving children with
special needs a better chance to live a dignified
life by participating fully in the activities taking
place in their society.
 Government Information Bulletin September 2009

High Court opens at Oshakati

By Rhingo Mutambo

G overnment has established a new

High Court Complex at Oshakati
in the Oshana region as part of its
decentralisation programme and in line
with Vision 2030, on 25 September 2009.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the
new High Court facility, President Hifikepunye
Pohamba said the establishment of a High
Court at the town, was a concrete reflection
of the Government desire to strengthen the
administration of justice in all parts of Namibia.
“The improved and expanded administration
of justice, particularly at the High Court level,
is indispensable for the realisation of human
rights, the rule of law and democracy” said
Pohamba, adding that these are vital ingredients
in building a just and prosperous society.
He said the Namibian constitution provides for
administrative justice and the establishment of
a High Court. Hence, Government is determined
to fulfill its constitutional duty enshrined in
Chapter 3, Article 18 and Chapter 9 Articles 78
and 80 of the constitution.
The inauguration of the court was received
as a historic milestone that brings to fruition
the collective efforts to establish a framework
to end impunity and crime in that part of that
region.
The occasion reaffirms the Government’s
commitment to human rights, fundamental
freedoms and justice.
Oshana is the second region in Namibia to
have a High Court facility and forms part of
Government’s policy of decentralisation. Since
independence, the High Court has operated
exclusively from the capital city, Windhoek. To a
large extend, this has made it difficult for many
Namibians to access its services.
The facility will enable the judiciary to carry out
its functions and eliminate the need for people
to travel to Windhoek to have their cases
the vulnerable members of the society, such as
women, children and the elderly, face the full
force of the law, adding that all Namibians have
heard. the right to live their lives peacefully.
Once the Court is fully functional, the Judges The President also thanked all who worked
based at Oshakati are expected to focus hard towards the competition of the High Court
primarily on resolving cases on the criminal roll for their dedication and commitment.
of the Court. However, the Court will ultimately
deal with the full spectrum of cases.
The President was adamant
that the latest development
in the administration of justice
will go a long way in satisfying
the hopes and aspirations of
the Namibian people to enjoy
access to the courts of law.
The Head of State reiterated
that justice must be seen to
be done and must be done in
all instances. He, therefore,
appealed to the court to strike
a balance between the rights
of the perpetrators of crime
and their victims, stressing that
“the victims must equally see Top: President Hifikepunye Pohamba unveils he plague at the High
Court Building with Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana looking on.
and feel that justice is indeed
done”.
He reminded the justice system
to safeguard the well-being
of its society from criminal
elements and to enforce justice
speedily and effectively.
“Our courts must indeed send
out clear and unequivocal
messages that criminality in
whatever form will not be
tolerated,” he said.
He encouraged the courts to
Botton: Minister Iivula-Ithana, President POhamba, Permanent
ensure that those who target
Secretary Steve Katjiuanjo and Uutoni Nojoma touring the new High 7
Court Building in Oshakati

Outlook for Namibia’s 2009/2010 rainy season

After two rainy seasons which left parts of
northern Namibia devastated because of floods,
the Division Meteorological Service in the
Ministry of Works and Transport predicts that
Namibia will receive normal to below normal
rainfall in the 2009/2010 rainy season.
For the period October to December 2009, the
extreme north-western, western and southern
parts of Namibia will receive normal to below
normal rainfall, while below normal rainfall
figures are expected in the rest of the country.
For the rainy period running from January to
March 2010, below normal rainfall is predicted
for the whole of Namibia.
According to Namibia’s Meteorological Service,
it is likely that most of the western parts of
the Southern African Development Community
(SADC) will be receiving normal to below normal
rainfall from October to December 2009. The
only exception is the extreme west of Angola,
northern Mozambique, Malawi and eastern
parts of Zambia, which are expected to receive
above-normal rainfall.
The eastern part of SADC is likely to have an
increased chance of normal to above-normal
rainfall, while eastern Madagascar and Mauritius
have an increased chance of normal to below
normal rainfall.
In contrast to predictions of below normal
rainfall for Namibia during January to March
2010, the forecast for the rest of continental
SADC, Madagascar and Mauritius points towards
normal to above normal rainfall. However, the
southern parts of continental SADC is expected
to receive normal to below normal rainfall.
 Government Information Bulletin September 2009

Accidents claim too many lives on roads

By Rhingo Mutambo

R ecent accident statistics released by

the Namibia Motor Vehicle Accident
Fund (MVA) indicates that more than 10
depth study on the cause of major accidents,
which would enable the road safety custodian
to devise counteractive measures.
this country,” he emphasised.

The launch of the campaign also offered an

000 accidents, in which more than 250
lives are lost, occur in Namibia every
year.
By August 2009, Namibia has recorded 1002
accidents in which 302 people died, whilst 1503
have been injured.
The 2009 seven month accident statistics
report shows that the majority of casualties
resulting from road accidents are between the
ages of 21-30. These are productive youth
who are supposed to steer the country into a
prosperous future.
“It is with great concern that our country with
such a small population of just over 2 million
records more than 10 000 accidents in a year,”
said the Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula
at the official launch of the ‘Make Roads Safe
Campaign,’ in August 2009, Windhoek.
“Africa has the most dangerous roads in the
world, measured by deaths per population,
and Namibia is not an exception,” lamented the
Prime Minister.
Road accidents have become a global epidemic
of road deaths. Hence Cabinet took a number
of guiding decisions in December 1995 with
regard to safety policy in Namibia. Since then,
various actions have been taken in response
to that Cabinet decision. The response among
others includes a draft policy on road safety in
Namibia.
The Premier said the launching of the Make
Roads Safe campaign in Namibia was a clear
testimony that as a nation Namibia continues
committing itself to putting road
safety firmly within its national
development agenda.
opportunity for Namibia to reflect on the critical
situation of the country’s roads.
Angula, however, warned that the signing of
‘Make Roads Safe’ pledges should not be a
“public relations exercise”. “It should rather go
a long way by actively contributing to efforts
of working together with our partners around
the world in a coordinated framework geared
towards an accident free continent.”
He use the opportunity to commend all the
partners for crafting the ‘Make Roads Safe
campaign’ initiative, and urged them to continue
with their commitment towards saving lives by
intensifying road safety education and to work
in unison towards the desired results.

This campaign is part of a national effort to
support a call for a Decade of Action for Road
Safety, an initiative by Ministers, high level
government officials and road safety activists
across Africa, who have pledged to be part of
the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety in
their continents and around the world.
He, however, stressed that this
agenda requires us to pull resources
together to support a Decade
of Action for Road Safety, as he
is adamant that many lives can
be saved on roads, if road safety
custodians act urgently.

Angula, therefore, called upon the Decade of “If appropriate actions are not
Action for Road Safety partners to join efforts taken road carnage could negatively
to reverse this unacceptable state of affairs. affect developmental efforts aimed
He also urged the MVA Fund to conduct an in- at the attainment of Vision 2030 in Vehicle accidents claim too many lives on Namibia’s roads

ICT driver for economic and social

8 development
By Julia Hamhata

I n an attempt to develop and promote

rural ICT in Namibia, the Ounongo
Technology Centre in the Omaheke region
held a Rural International Summit on the
Information Society on 22 September
2009.
The summit looked at challenges that the
youth and women are facing in rural areas in
accessing and using ICT. Among others, the
Summit deliberated on access to information
and knowledge, cultural identification, linguistic
diversity as well as e-learning.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of
Information and Communication Technology,
Joel Kaapanda noted that the summit came
at a the right time as the world becomes
increasingly technology dependent based on
the use of ICT as a driver for economic and
social development.
He added that the new legal framework that
the Ministry is putting in place through the
Communications Bill, will provide for a Universal
Service Fund that is dedicated to ensuring
adequate rural ICT access for citizens, including
the youth and women.
The Minister further said Namibia has made
progress in the ICT field on policy, legislative and
operational levels. “The Government created
a new and dedicated Ministry with a mandate
to manage ICT development and promotion
and thereby contribute towards transforming
Namibia into a knowledge-based economy and
technology-driven nation,” Kaapanda noted.
Minister Kaapanda highlighted that the Ministry
undertook a complete review of the ICT policy
and regulatory framework in 2008 to ensure
successful implementation of its new mandate.
He further pointed out that the ICT sector needs
to be reformed due to high costs of telephony,
limited bandwidth availability and fragmented
policy, as well as a lack of an enabling legal
framework.
The Government of Namibia aims at
transforming Namibia into a knowledge-
based, highly competitive, industrialised and
eco-friendly nation with sustainable economic
growth and high quality of life by 2030. “The

ICT driver for economic and social development
Minister of Information and Communication Technology,
Joel Kaapanda
mission is to ensure that every citizen and
resident shall have affordable access to
high quality information and communication
services,” Kaapanda said.
FAWENA brings positive changes in girls’
education
A ttitudes towards girls’ education have
changed for the better thanks to the
favourable environment created by the
Forum for African Women Educationalists
for girls to learn and perform.
Addressing the Executive Committee of the
Forum for African Women Educationalists in
Windhoek at the beginning of September this
year, Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Becky
Ndjoze-Ojo paid tribute to African Women
Educationalists for their resolve to tackle
education problems affecting the girl child in
Africa.
She said the Forum for African Women
Educationalists (FEWA), who are either
former or serving ministers of education or
vice-chancellors of universities on the African
continent, have combined their expertise and
resources to increase access to education,
retention of girls in education and to improve
the performance of girls in education in Africa
and beyond. “FEWA has brought about positive
changes through its work. Communities and
families have adopted positive attitudes towards
girl’s education. Girls are now empowered to
perform better in schools…and parents and
leaders are sensitised to the importance of
educating girls rather than marrying them
off early or keeping them in the traditional
kitchens,” Dr Ndjoze-Ojo said.
FEWA operates in 36 African countries, including
Namibia, and is aiming at covering the whole of
Africa in the future. Today, 76 500 girls on the
Government Information Bulletin September 2009
Kaapanda further pointed out that the
Ministry of Education in partnership with
education development agencies namely,
SchoolNet and TechNa is actively rolling
out ICT educational programmes to benefit
the youth and school children to improve
access and ICT usage.
The Summit took stock of ICT development
in Namibia, with the main focus on
achievements in terms of technical and
policy levels.
At the occasion, the Minister notified
the summit that the Government is busy
reviewing copyright legislation to ensure
appropriate recognition and protection of
copyright and local content issues.
Kaapanda further said that the Government,
through Telecom Namibia, has joined the
African continent are reached by FEWA, while
46 200 benefit from scholarships.
According to Dr. Ndjoze-Ojo, FEWA Namibia
offers scholarships to 1 400 girls and 100 boys
in all 13 regions of the country. Apart from
scholarships, FEWA Namibia also provides
mentoring activities based on learner-specific
needs.
Girls clubs have also been established as
platforms to address the many issues affecting
girls in schools and in communities. In
Namibia, 26 such empowerment clubs have
been established in the Khomas, Kavango and
Oshana regions.
Dr. Ndjoze-Ojo said special activities are
aimed at San learners and an annual All
San Girls’ Conference has been taking place
since 2004 with the purpose to address
the unique challenges that San children
face with regard to access, retention and
performance in education. In this regards,
FEWA Namibia supports 150 San girls and
15 boys with education and psycho-social
programmes.
FEWA Namibia also encourages teenage
mothers to re-enter school and finish
their education. This is done through
girls’ conferences, scholarship awards and
teachers training workshops on the re-
entry policy of the Ministry of Education.
According to the Deputy Education Minister
94 teenage mothers had already been
reached with this programme.
Continues from page 10
West Africa Cable System, an undersea cable
project to ensure that Namibia improves its
international connectivity and bandwidth
capacity to facilitate better connectivity for
users. In addition, the Minister told the
gathering that H.E. President Hifikepunye
Pohamba, during his recent visit to India,
has signed an Indian sponsored broadband
connectivity project, the Pan-African
e-Network to provide real time e-educational
and e-learning facilities to Namibian citizens
with Indian educational specialists.
Minister Kaapanda also noted that the
Government continues to facilitate the
establishment of Multi-Purpose Community
Centres in the regions to provide rural
communities with access to ICT.
FEWA Namibia also acknowledges the important
role of early childhood development in the social
and psychological preparation of children’s
education. In support of this programme, FEWA
Namibia had already trained 83 rural teachers
in early childhood development programmes.
Dr. Njoze-Ojo also expressed appreciation
towards international and national donors that
allow FEWA to continue its work on the African
continent. She singled out the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID)
for its support to orphans and vulnerable
children in Namibia, as well as Standard Bank
Namibia for its scholarship programme that is
benefitting 420 learners across Namibia.
9
Deputy Minister of Education, Becky Ndjoze-Ojo
 Government Information Bulletin September 2009
Nam commemorates Democracy Day
CoD leader Ben Ulenga and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Doreen Sioka in conversation at the
commemoration of the International Day of Democracy
N amibia commemorated the
International Day of Democracy with
the rest of the world in Windhoek on 15
September 2009.
In her keynote address at the International Day
of Democracy, Deputy Speaker of the National
Assembly, Hon. Doreen Sioka said the road to
democracy in Namibia has not been an easy
one, but it has been one worth travelling.
According to the Deputy Speaker, it started
with the writing of Namibia’s first democratic
constitution, which makes provision for the
holding of regular free and fair elections to
enable the voices of all interest groups to be
heard through their elected representatives.
Sioka said the constitution also provides for
freedom of speech and expression and the
freedom of the press and other media to allow
Namibians to express themselves and made
their voices heard.
Sioka further said that the Namibian constitution
10 and legislation passed in parliament provides
for the rights and needs of special groups,
including children and the youth as they make
up a major portion of the population.
“Development can only take place when the
people can speak their mind on what they
would like to see change for the better. This is
made possible by the people airing their views
and alerting law-makers about their concerns
and proposals,” she said.
She said giving people a voice help to prevent
that pent up anger explode into civil unrest,
which can undo the gains of independence
and democracy. The maintenance of peace
and tranquility calls for tolerance in diversity,
because uniformity cannot be tolerated in a
democratic society.
In his opening remarks, DTA Member of
Parliament, McHenry Venaani said coming from
a past that was characterised by oppression
and colonialism, Namibia opted for a system of
governance that conferred basic fundamental
rights on her citizens. He said Namibia has
since independence succeeded in holding
regular elections and Namibians have become
accustomed to a culture of accountability. He
also acknowledged that freedom of speech is
practiced in Namibia and the population can
freely air their views on matters affecting their
daily lives.
Venaani also said that non-governmental
organisations, which act as the conveyer belt
between the grassroots and the decision makers,
political pluralism and the recognition of the
role of women in society strengthen Namibia’s
democracy. Venaani used the occasion to
lash out against forces that avail resources to
protect their ships along the Somali coast, while
the same forces are failing to act to stabilise the
situation in Somalia where women and children
are maimed on a daily basis without any
CoD leader Ben Ulenga and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Doreen Sioka in conversation at the
commemoration of the International Day of Democracy
justification. He said the women and children
in Somalia aspires to be govern in a manner
and system that protects their civil rights and
the African Union should not be found wanting,
must lead the way to bring democracy to the
whole African continent.
Mr. Ben Ulenga, leader of the official opposition
in the National Assembly in his contribution
said that political intolerance is a deadly
disease that kills not only humans, wreck
families and marginalise communities. “It also
destroys public institutions, social organisations
and government. It is the deadly enemy of
democratic governance and wherever it has
been allowed to exist and flourish, it has spelled
death to democracy and social progress” Ulenga
said.
According to Ulenga, political intolerance
is alive and well in Namibia and those who
are not members of the ruling party are on
the receiving end as people are physically
assaulted, vilified, intimidated, discriminated
against and socially ostracised for belonging to
the opposition. Ulenga said countless cases of
so-called domestic violence can be attributed
to political intolerance because certain family
members support different political parties.
“The enemies of democracy must be stopped
before they completely destroy the gains and
achievements of our liberation struggle. The
only way to root out political intolerance is by
legally enforcing a strict political code of conduct
for all participating parties, targeting the guilty
elements and expelling them from democratic
parties,” Ulenga maintained.
Speaking on behalf of Namibia’s youth, Speaker
of the Children’s Parliament, Sharonice Busch
said Namibia is currently faced by a number
of concurrent political, social and economic
challenges. Therefore, the Namibian youth with
their high levels of energy and abundance of
Continues on page 11

Nam commemorates Democracy Day
ideas need to be bold actors, playing all roles
possible to support the national development
agenda.
With reference to Namibia’s upcoming
Presidential and National elections in
November this year, Busch said while the
government has a duty to meet the youth’s
needs and represent their interests, the youth
has an equal responsibility to contribute to
democracy by voting for the political party
of their choice. “If they choose not to use
this privilege, they should not complain about
government failing to meet its obligations, as
they too would be failing to meet their own
obligation,” she said.
She said besides participation in elections,
the youth can get involved in political and
democratic decision making through existing
platforms for engagement in issues relating
to the development of the country. One
such platform is the annual Namibia Political
Youth Forum, which brings youth leaders
from different political parties and ideologies
together to discuss pertinent development
issues that are of concern to young people.
This year the Forum met under the theme
Vision 2030 – Working today to make
tomorrow a reality.
“The onus is indeed on each and every
Namibian to get involved in the implementation
of NDP3 to ensure the goals spelled out in
Vision 2030 materialise….it is imperative
that youth critically study the Vision 2030
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Doreen
Sioka
DTA Member of Parliament, McHenry Venaani
Government Information Bulletin September 2009
document, familiarise themselves with its
content and own its successful implementation,”
Busch said.
Busch also expressed concern that good
policies failed due to poor implementation. She
attributed this to the failure to articulate the
importance of the intended consequences of
these policies.
Democracy is a struggle
…. a jewel
“Democracy is a struggle…it is jewel
that you have to fight for. Even with
the best will in the world, no one can
just arrive and deliver democracy. It
needs to be nurtured and strengthened.
Without careful attention, there is
always the risk of slipping back into non-
representative forms of government
that serve the interests of the few, not
the many. Such government cannot be
legitimate”.
These were the words of Speaker of the
Namibian National Assembly and President
of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr. Theo-
Ben Gurirab at the Parliamentary Conference
on Democracy in Africa, which took place in
Gaborone, Botswana on 10 September 2009
as a precursor to the second International
Day of Democracy that was commemorated
globally on 15 September 2009.
In November 2007, the United Nations
General Assembly declared 15 September
as the International Day of Democracy to
allow parliamentarians to think about what
kind of society they are trying to build in
today’s world and to remind themselves
and the public of what democracy means in
real life. “A democracy is a society in which
all people participate in the management of
public affairs. In a democracy all people have
equal rights and voices,” Dr. Gurirab said.
According to Dr. Gurirab, 15 September also
represents the day on which the International
Parliamentary Union adopted the Universal
Declaration on Democracy in 1997 in Cairo,
Egypt.
While the International Day of Democracy
allows parliaments to celebrate what they
have achieved, the day should also be used
to objectively and calmly look without fear or
unrealistic expectations at what remains to be
done, Gurirab said.
Continues from page 11
She also called on the youth to embrace
education and “study as if education is going
out of fashion………to break the cycle of
poverty in our families by arming ourselves
with the knowledge and skills necessary
to operate in a dynamic society and skills
intensive economy”.
According to Dr. Gurirab elections are the key
moment in the life of a democracy. Elections
expressly asked people to give their views by
choosing their elected representatives and
their governments. He, however, cautioned
that one should not only focus on elections,
because building a democracy is the business
of every single day and the challenges are
daunting. “The culture of dialogue, the
respect for human rights, the rule of law and
gender equality that characterize democracy
cannot be reduced to an event once every
four or five years. Democracy is a process and
an opportunity,” he said.
Dr. Gurirab said stronger parliaments mean
stronger democracies and greater capacities to
deliver the benefits that people expect, namely
employment, empowerment of women,
food security, health care, education, rural
development, a brighter future for children
and the protection of the environment. “We all
need to find ways and means to reinforce the
powers of parliaments and members to pass
good laws, hold government accountable and
ensure the equitable distribution of national
wealth in society,” Dr. Gurirab said. 11
Dr. Gurirab also called for more democracy
in international affairs, saying that there
should be fairer trade between developed
and developing nations and a more inclusive
approach to the global economic crisis.
“Africa did not cause this crisis, but it is
bringing terrible suffering and reversal to the
continent,” he said.
According to Dr. Gurirab parliaments have a
major role to play in democracy, but not the
only role. He is of the opinion that political
parties, the media and civil society have
a role to play to strengthen democracy
and to help develop a more vibrant culture
of democracy based on inclusion and real
political tolerance.
 Government Information Bulletin September 2009
NPC calls for cooperation during 2009/10
NHIES
National Planning Commission Permanent Secretary,
Mocks Shivute
T he National Planning Commission
(NPC) appealed to current and
future respondents to adhere to the
requirements of the law by cooperating
and fully participating to make the
2009/10 Namibia Household Income and
Expenditure Survey (NHIES) a success.
The Commission launched the 2009/10 NHIES
on 15 July 2009 and the survey is currently
underway countrywide. The NPC was however,
short of staff to carry out the survey, hence the
decision to train additional staff to complement
the current staff component. Officiating at the
closing of the training session for the NHIES
additional staff, the Permanent Secretary of
12
IPU calls for tolerance on Democracy Day
A total of 64% of the world’s population
views political tolerance as the key
principle of democracy, stating that
political tolerance means accepting
and respecting the basic rights and civil
liberties of persons and groups whose
viewpoints differ from one’s own.
Speaker of the Namibian Parliament and
President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr.
Theo-Ben Gurirab, released the results of the first
ever research on the public’s view of democracy
on the International Day of Democracy on 15
September 2009. Namibia also commemorated
the annual International Day of Democracy in
Windhoek on 15 September.
According to Dr. Gurirab, an opinion poll done
in 24 countries and representing 64% of the
By Julia Hamhata
the NPC, Mocks Shivute pointed out that the
training came at the right time when NPC is
starting with the mid-term evaluation of NDP 3
achievements.
Shivute highlighted that the survey aims at
providing the necessary data for evidence,
based on policy making at national and regional
levels, as well as for other sectors. “Colleagues,
you will all agree with me that the objectives
set for the survey are vast and demanding
both in terms of data quality requirements and
timelines of their delivery,” he emphasised.
According to Shivute, the survey has already
completed three out of thirteen rounds of
data collection and is now on its fourth round.
He, however, stated that the process is being
hampered by a number of respondents who are
refusing to provide the data being requested
from their households. “It appears that some
respondents do not value the importance of this
survey to the extend we value it – hence their
tendency not to cooperate with survey officials,”
Shivute said.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that the
information being collected from the households
is regulated under the Statistics Act 66 of 1976,
which categorise refusal to answer to legitimate
questions as a criminal offence. Shivute
also declared that the survey has been duly
gazetted on 03 August 2009. To emphasise the
importance of the survey, the NCP also held a
workshop for regional supervisors at Okahandja
world’s population asked people about their
perceptions of democracy. The respondents
indicated that political tolerance is the
foundation of democratic dialogue and political
pluralism.
The poll indicated that democracy is seen as
the only system of government that can provide
better advancement of peoples’ fundamental
rights and freedoms, more equitable distribution
of wealth and greater security for themselves
and their families, Dr. Gurirab said. He continued
that there are, however, many people who are
not convinced by the way democracy is working
in practice.
The research results show that 86% of
respondents wants to be able to express
their political views, even when those views
to strengthen their capacity on sampling
techniques and review various aspects of the
NHIES field operations. According to Shivute,
the supervisors’ workshop strengthened their
knowledge and skills in survey management,
including the management of refusals.
He further added that the workshop provided an
opportunity for national supervisors to interact
with regional ones to clear up misunderstandings
of a technical and administrative nature.
“It is our considered opinion that these
investments will go a long way in reassuring
total quality outcomes of the statistical value
chain and therefore, the various users are being
assured of the only best statistical outcomes,”
Shivute noted.
The Permanent Secretary cautioned that abuse
of GRN vehicles, negligence and poor discipline
in the work force cannot be tolerated and
disciplinary action will be taken against culprits.
He said this, reacting to a report that about 25
vehicles were seriously damaged in accidents.
Shivute applauded respondent households that
have been cooperative by providing required
information to the survey officials during the
first round and urged those who will be selected
in the remaining survey rounds to follow
suit. He also expressed appreciation towards
regional councils and local authorities, as well
as to members of the media who have been
collectively supportive in various ways.
are unpopular, while only 24% indicated that
they are completely free to express their views
without fear or harassment or punishment.
According to Dr. Gurirab the research further
shows that there is widespread lack of
confidence in the independence of members
of parliament and their ability to speak freely
on behalf of their constituencies. “On average,
more than two out of three people said that
legislators do not feel free to deviate from the
official views of their party,” he said.
The research, Dr. Gurirab said, indicates that
58% of respondents believe that opposition
parties only sometimes or rarely get a fair
chance to express their views and influence
government policies despite the fact that the
opposition is a necessary and indispensable
Continues on page 13

IPU calls for tolerance on Democracy Day
component of democracy. “Its primary
function is to offer a credible alternative to
the majority in power. By overseeing and
criticising the action of the government, the
opposition works to ensure transparency,
integrity and efficiency in the conduct of
public affairs and to prevent abuses by the
authorities and individuals,” he said.
According to Dr. Gurirab the research further
revealed that although women only make up
18.3% of the world’s parliamentarians, almost
half of the respondents think women are fairly
represented in parliament. Perceptions on the
Africa urged to adopt Nkrumah’s
“collective action” strategy
Prime Minister Nahas Angula
T he Namibian Prime Minister Nahas
Angula says Africa needs a new Pan-
Africanist economic order characterised
by leadership that focuses away from the
blame game, to trusting its people.
“What is required is a leadership rooted in
trusting the people. Such a leadership should
shift the focus away from the deficit, that is,
blame game, to people’s assets and strengths.
People have assets in their traditions, culture,
social and belief systems,” he said.
He says although Africa has been a victim of
external forces since the fifteenth century, it
is simplistic to reason that African crisis are
inevitable and intractable, as Africa faced the
same challenges before it took initiative to free
itself from colonial rule.
The Premier made this remarks at the centenary
celebration of the birth of Dr Kwame Nkrumah
at the Polytechnic of Namibia, Windhoek, on 21
September 2009.
Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana’s first President
whose action galvanised African nationalists
Government Information Bulletin September 2009
representation of ethnic, religious and national
minorities in parliaments also vary widely, Dr.
Gurirab said.
Dr. Gurirab said it cannot be good for democracy
if its key representative institution, parliament,
is held in low esteem. While parliaments cannot
control some of the factors influencing public
levels of confidence in parliaments, there is still
much that parliaments can do to improve their
public standing, he said.
Putting in place guarantees to respect the
rights of the opposition and the ability of
By Rhingo Mutambo
throughout the African continent to take action
against their colonial masters.
Angula urged Africa to revisit the past and
learn from revolutionalists such as Nkrumah
who discovered that the key to crafting a way
for freedom and socio-economic development
was to empower the people to take directed,
autonomous political action against the
colonialists.
“The people discovered their collective
potential. This was the key to the success of
the anti-colonial struggle in other countries in
Africa,” stressed Angula adding that Africa must
apply the same strategy to socio-economic
development.
Nkrumah believed that if people’s traditions,
community solidarity, culture, social and belief
systems are properly mobilised, they can
contribute significantly to the production of
improved livelihoods.
“What is required is to enhance and unleash
the ability of a community to demonstrate unity,
organisational capacity, intentional and self-
reflective social action,” explained the Prime
Minister.
Angula further said collective agency should
go hand in hand with individual agency which
expresses itself in the individual capacity to lead,
mobilise and act on behalf of the community.
He believes this strategy shall lead to a citizen-
led development approach in which the citizens
shall have a capacity to identify existing assets
within their community and mobilise themselves
for collective action.
Continues from page 12
parliamentarians to speak freely without
fear, harassment or punishment is one
action parliaments can take to restore
public confidence. There is also a need to
foster tolerance among citizens and political
leaders through more education, improved
communication and upholding the highest
standards of ethics in public life. Parliaments
should also work with political parties to
make them more representative of the social
diversity of the population, while public
opinion should be regularly monitored to
institute remedial action when required, Dr.
Gurirab said.
The challenge here is to strengthen management
capacity of community to ensure that collective
action could be sustained and institutionalised.
Government and external agencies should
catalyse citizen led development through
resource allocation.
The Premier believes that one way Africa can
rescue itself from what he termed “the vicious
circle of impotence” is to adopt the new citizen-
based Pan-African Strategy for Socio-Economic
Development. He argues that such a strategy
should channel individual and collective energy
to a common purpose.
He said it was Nkrumah’s political strategy of
collective “Positive Action” that galvanised the
people’s positive political energy leaving the
British colonial authority with no other option
but to accede to Ghana’s independence.
13
The Prime Minister, however, argued that
although Nkrumah saw political independence
as a stepping stone to wider socio-economic
liberation, he believes that economic
independence must be the stepping stone
towards socio-economic freedom.
He therefore, rephrased what Nkrumah said in
1957, “Seek ye first the political kingdom, and
all things shall be added to you” to “Seek ye
first the economic kingdom, and all things shall
be added to you.”
He further argued that if other post colonial
nations in Asia and Latin America have made
steady progress in their development efforts,
African also has the capacity to do so.
 Government Information Bulletin September 2009
Tsumeb renames four streets
F our prominent streets in Tsumeb have
been renamed to honour departed
heroes and heroines of the town. Main
Street is now known as President’s
Avenue, while 18th Road changed to
Edwin Nasikaku street, Makalani Hotel
Street became Spencer Shigwele Street
and Tarentaal Street changed to Amwele
Aibeb Street.
According to Tsumeb mayor, Engel Nawatiseb,
President’s Avenue will become symbolic to
the past, current and future Heads of State
of Namibia. President’s Avenue is a strategic
and accessible street that directly links to the
former TCL Hostel where President Hifikepunye
Pohamba worked as a migrant worker during
the colonial era.
Nawatiseb said the streets have been renamed
to locate historical places, houses and business
premises in the town. While many people feared
that Tsumeb was destined to become a ghost
town after the closing down of mining activities
at the town, the peoples’ determination and
hope have put back a smile on their faces.
In his acceptance address, President
Hifikepunye Pohamba acknowledged the
Mining and nature conservation can
complement each other
M ining operations and
conservation are not mutually
exclusive, but can complement each
nature
other if it is coordinated and strategically
planned.
14
This is the view expressed by Mines and Energy
Minister Erkki Nghimtina at the Nedbank
Mines and Energy Minister, Erkki Nghitima
By Meschtride Mathias
naming of President’s Avenue and the streets
that were named after Namibian heroes and
heroines, saying it is a step in the right direction
and a response to “the needs of the people of
Namibia to establish reference points of the
illustrious history”.
Pohamba said the town did not only shape
his political life and vision but also the lives
of many other leaders of Namibia. He said
Tsumeb and its surroundings are endowed with
many natural resources, including minerals and
fertile agricultural land. “With proper planning
and exploitation the resources have great
potential for the development of the town and
can improve the local economy and contribute
enormously to the country’s Gross Domestic
Product (GDP),” he remarked.
“There is need to diversify the economic base
of the Tsumeb and to find innovative ways of
promoting its image as an attractive investment
and tourist destination. Its potential to become
not only an agricultural centre, but also an
industrial hub of Oshikoto region must be
pursued,” he said.
The President was happy to note that although
mining operation have ceased, Tsumeb
Symposium on the Mining Industry and the
Environment, which was held in Windhoek in
mid-September this year.
According to Nghimtina, Namibia has been
blessed with an abundance of mineral
resources and a breathtaking, but at the same
time highly sensitive natural environment.
At the same time, mining has been and
continue to be the backbone of the Namibian
economy. “The extraction of Namibia’s mineral
riches contributed to the development of the
country………and Government revenue through
mining taxes and royalties provides funds to be
spend on education and other social services,”
the Minister said. He added that mining also
provides many job opportunities for secondary
industries and suppliers, while many mines
contribute to their respective communities
through corporate social responsibility
programmes.
Nghitima said the Namibian mining sector has
the potential to contribute to the overarching
goal of the country’s National Development
Plan, as well as the eradication of poverty.
has managed to secure other investment
opportunities, that has ensured a certain level
of job opportunities to residents of the town
and the whole Oshikoto region.
The hydroponics and aquaculture project that
is earmarked for Tsumeb is being advanced and
has the potential to create 500 permanent and
2500 seasonal jobs.
More businesses are evidently coming to
Tsumeb because of its strategic location in
serving the northern regions of the country
and some SADC neighbouring countries with
goods via the Walvis Bay Development Corridor,
the Trans-Kunene and Caprivi Highways and
Tsumeb-Oshikango railway line.
President Pohamba said the development in
Tsumeb stands out as a good example of public
private partnership, to grow the economy of
the town and contribute to the achievement of
national development as outlined in the NDP 3
and Vision 2030.
He appealed to the Tsumeb Municipality and
the residents to work harder to make it a
vibrant town.
At the same time, the Minister said, nature
conservation has always been high on the
Namibian agenda and the country boasts with
some of the most famous national parks on
the African continent. Furthermore, Namibians
have strong links to their land and are
passionate about their sense of place. Nghitima
attributed this to the country’s wonderful
natural environment and especially because of
the fragility and aridity of the country.
“Tourism is a fast growing sector of our
economy, because people from outside Namibia
also want to enjoy our vast open spaces and
our famous wildlife. Tourism also has great
potential to create jobs and thereby contribute
to the eradication of poverty,” Nghitima said.
The Minister said most of Namibia’s rich mineral
resources are partly located in regions that are
prime nature conservation areas. Therefore,
the country has to deal with the management
of areas where conflicting land uses prevail.
This calls for a strategic approach, where
Continues on page 15

Mining and nature conservation can complement each other
environmental assessments are undertaken
in the context of regional and national long-
term sustainable development goals and to
integrate the impact of planned developments
into the surrounding areas.
This is in line with the Environmental
Assessment Policy and the Environmental
Management Act of the Ministry of Environment
and Tourism, as well as the stated goals of
the Division of Environmental Geology in the
Ministry of Mines and Energy that is actively
monitoring the environmental impacts of
exploration and mining on the environment,
Minister Nghitima said.
According to the Minister, many Namibian
exploration and mining companies have not
only adhered to the provisions of policies and
acts aimed at the protection of Namibia’s
Democracy requires Peace and Stability
A lthough we are enjoying the fruits of
a free Namibia today, the picture of
colonialism remains vividly in the minds
of many. Minister Richard Nchabi Kamwi
has reminded Namibians that “peace and
stability remain the foundation of our
democracy.” He said this while addressing
a gathering at Onankali-north in Eenhana
constituency recently.
Dr. Kamwi prided in the fact that Namibians have
marked milestones in their journey to national
independence, nationhood and reconstruction
of their motherland. “Let us not forget those
gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their
precious lives to free Namibia,” he remarked.
The Minister advised citizens not to stand idle
and expect others to do something for them,
adding that the government will continue to
push forward the national agenda for socio-
economic development as enshrined in Vision
2030. He pointed out that although a lot
has been done to bring about development,
the government remains mindful that it has
not fully reached out to all the corners of the
country, saying that “it is committed to ensure
that people have access to basic services.”
Kamwi expressed concern over the increasing
and frequent occurrences of natural disasters
such as floods and drought in the country.
These, he said, have resulted in the diversion
Government Information Bulletin September 2009
environment, but actively became involved in
environmental programmes.
He stated the example of Namdeb that has
contributed to the scientific understanding of the
environment of the Sperrgebiet National Park,
as well as DeBeers Marine who is conducting
research into the marine environment. Similarly,
the uranium exploration in the Central Namib
has led to a large number of studies, which
generated knowledge about the fauna, flora
and archaeology of the area.
“The increase knowledge from these studies is
not only useful to science, but it can also create
new places of interest for eco-tourism….and
offer other economic opportunities,” Nghitima
said. The Minister referred specifically to the
discovery of a 15th century shipwreck in the
By Maria Hedimbi
of the already limited financial resources to
mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
He also pointed out other challenges such
“Let us work hard
to ensure that
during the next five
years, we produce
engineers, surveyors
and doctors who will
be spearheading our
development,”
said Minister Kamwi.
as HIV/AIDS and TB, which have negatively
affected the key national economic industries.
He encouraged the community to take part
in the Village Development Corporation
Continues from page 14
Namdeb mining area, which, he said, would
not have been made had it not been for the
mining operations carried out in that area.
According to the Minister, the shipwreck
has the potential to attract tourists to
Oranjemund, thereby contributing to
the sustainability of the town, even after
diamond mining has ceased.
At the occasion, Nghitima used the 1987
Bruntland Report definition of sustainable
development, which defines sustainable
development as “development that meets the
needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs. This, the Minister said, is
possible in the areas of mining and nature
conservation if development is coordinated
and strategically planned.
(VDC) to promote regional and constituency
development.
Dr. Kamwi touched on education, applauding
some of the community members who are
taking steps to partner with the government in
the education of their children. “Let us work
hard to ensure that during the next five years,
we produce engineers, surveyors and doctors
who will be spearheading our development,”
said Minister Kamwi. The Health Minister listed
of some of the government’s major investments
in the Eenhana constituency. He referred to the
newly built Oshaango Clinic, a special school for
the deaf, a vocational training centre as well
as the Eenhana shrine for fallen heroes and
heroines. Dr. Kamwi promised the Onankali-
north Combined School that he will “come 15
back to them” on their educational material
needs, saying that he is also going to report
his findings about the school situation to the
relevant authority.
The Councillor for Eenhana constituency,
Hon. Nehemia Udeiko Haufiku praised the
government for having implemented projects
that are aimed at improving the living standards
of the people. He said Onankali-north was one
of the busy battle spots during the liberation
struggle. He, therefore, pleaded with the war
veterans in the areas to educate the young
ones about the bitter liberation struggle.
 Government Information Bulletin September 2009

Constituency offices - mission almost

completed
Don Kaimbi, Outapi

T he construction of constituency offices

in 105 of the 107 constituencies
in Namibia has been completed. With
construction underway in the remaining
two constituencies of Outapi and Rundu
Rural, all 107 constituencies will have such
offices towards the end of 2009. This was
said by Regional and Local Government,
Housing and Rural Development Minister,
Jerry Ekandjo at the inauguration of
Onesi constituency office in July this year.
In June, he inaugurated the Anamulenge
constituency office at Onawa.
The Minister has been busy with inaugurations
of constituency offices throughout the country
for the past few months. “The Government
has deemed it necessary to establish offices
in each constituency of the country because
development cannot take place if it is not
homegrown. Its strategy is to employ a top
down and down top approach in its planning
and implementation of its programmes and
projects,” Ekandjo said.
Mr. Ekandjo said the establishment of
constituency offices enables communities to
access development while the government
can facilitate its programmes more speedily,
concisely, consistently, effectively and
efficiently.
He said the constituency offices do not only
cater for the work of the Ministry of Regional
and Local Government, Housing and Rural
Development. They are for the use of all
government institutions. “Constituency offices
are needed in our remote areas to facilitate
development, as they can be used for training,
16 community meetings, workshops, seminars
and entertainment. Regional Councillors have a
responsibility to oversee the entire development
and the welfare of all citizens,” the Minister
said.
The Ministry already spent N$ 165.5 million on
the construction of constituency offices. The
two outstanding offices are still scheduled for
is to ensure that they fulfill their obligations to
participate in working programmes, meetings
and guide against detractors who may have
completion and inauguration this year. destructive and irresponsible intentions.
The Minister also announced that the Our pioneers and youth must be made to
Government has budgeted N$100 million for understand the consequences of irresponsible
the construction of toilets and or pit latrines behaviour, while at the same time being
and septic tanks in the Caprivi, Kavango, sensitive about the enormous benefits which
Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati regions. they would enjoy if they are to follow the path
A total of N$20 million is earmarked for the of expected societal good norms, Ekandjo said.
work in each of these five regions. He said
the construction will be done between August
2009 and early 2011. He said the Ministry has
decided to target small and medium enterprises
in the constituencies, as well as qualified
graduates of vocational schools who have the
capacity and capability of delivering timely and
quality construction of the toilets and/or pit
latrines and septic tanks.
Government is eager to bring about
tangible changes to the lives of individuals.
Government’s efforts can yield results if the Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing
communities join hand and actively participate and Rural Development opens the door to the new
in the development process. Onesi Constituency Office while Councillor Fillemon
Jatileni of the constituency looks on
He acknowledged that all constituencies face
challenges on the management and interaction
of constituencies. To address these challenges,
the leadership of the constituencies and
other stakeholders must acquaint themselves
fully with the statues, rules, regulations and
guidelines and follow them rigorously. Deviation
from such a practice is sure to derail the focus
on the job at hand.
Ekandjo said the responsibility to deliver
services does not only rest with the leaders
of the constituency. It is equally applicable
to community members to adhere and fulfill Omusati Regional Governor, Sacky Kayone, Onesi
Regional Councillor, Fillemon Jatileni and Minister
responsibilities as good citizens with the interest
of Regional and Local Government, Housing and
of their Constituency at heart. An important Rural Development at the entrance to the Onesi
part of individual responsibility in community Constituency Office

Exercise Golfinho successful

P eace and security are the bedrock for
the achievement and acceleration of
the SADC regional integration agenda.
The latest milestone in the attainment
of the SADC vision of a shared future, in
an environment of peace, security and
stability manifested itself in the successful
completion of the SADC Standby Force’s
training exercise codenamed Exercise
Golfinho.
Exercise Golfinho simultaneously took place in
South Africa and Namibia. The South African
exercise was completed at Lohatlha on 22
September 2009, while the Namibian leg of
Exercise Golfinho came to an end at Walvis Bay
on 23 September 2009. SADC Member States
volunteered resources and personnel to ensure
the success of Exercise Golfinho. This exercise
also clearly demonstrated the political will in
SADC to carry out peacekeeping operations
wherever peace, security and stability is
required. Personnel from twelve SADC Member
States took part in the training.
The SADC Standby Force was established
under the Defence and Security Sectors of the
SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security
Cooperation. It was launched at the 27th Summit
of SADC Heads of State and Government in
Lusaka, Zambia in August 2007.
Continues on page 17

Exercise Golfinho successful
The SADC Standby Force Operational
Guidelines provide for the Standby Force to
be exercised every two years. Since 2007
planning of the operations of the Standby
Force took place and SADC decided on three
comprehensive and elaborative exercises
to ensure that the SADC Standby Force can
be launched into operations as and when
mandated by the SADC Heads of State and
Government.
Angola hosted the first phase known as the
Mapping Exercise in February 2009. That
phase was used to complete the tactical
plans of the Force. The second phase known
as the Command Post exercise was hosted
by Mozambique in April 2009. The Command
Post Exercise was used to test and integrate
the plans made during the Mapping Exercise
“The Namibian education system is in
force and working,” says Hon. Mbumba
Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba
H on. Nangolo Mbumba, Minister
of Education shared some points
on education with the Government
Information Bulletin, which readers may
be interested in.
Government Information Bulletin September 2009
and to establish Headquarter procedures at
the different level, using a computer-based
simulation system. Exercise Golfinho was
the last of the exercises. Through Exercise
Golfinho, SADC has set a trend in training for
peace support operations in an integrated
manner. The field training exercise saw the
civilian component, the force commander, the
police commissioner and the head of mission
working together with an assortment of civil
organisations in the field.According to the SADC
Secretariat, based in Gaborone, Botswana, the
lessons learnt from Exercise Golfinho will serve
as guidelines for the formulation of the way
forward and future reference material.
“SADC looks to the future with great hope and
pride after the successful Exercise Golfinho, an
instrument that will assist the region and the
Question: What is the progress in the
implementation of the Namibian education
system?
Answer: The Ministry of Education has
made progress in ensuring that education is
accessible to all Namibian citizens. The primary
net enrolment rate currently stands at 96.4
percent. The secondary enrolment rate is about
55 percent. With the implementation of the
ETSIP, the Ministry focus is now on improving
the quality of the education and training
sector, from pre-primary, primary, secondary,
vocational training to tertiary education. The
number of qualified teacher has grown over
the past year. We have also stopped employing
under-qualified teachers, except in cases where
qualified teachers are unavailable or unwilling
to apply for posts, especially at schools in
remote rural areas. We have also taken over
the professional and administrative functions
of the International Certificates of Secondary
Education (IGSE) and the High International
Certificate of Secondary School (HIGCSE) from
the Cambridge International Examinations
(CIE). The IGCSE and HIGCSE qualifications
are now called the Namibia Senior Secondary
Certificate (NSSC) and Higher Namibian Senior
Secondary Certificate (HNSSC) respectively.
Question: Is ETSIP working as envisaged?
Continues from page 16
African continent to create a peaceful and
stable political and security environment,
which is a cornerstone for regional socio-
economic development and prosperity. It
is without doubt that Exercise Golfinho
is a valuable investment in the stability
and security of the region and the African
continent at large,” the SADC Secretariat said
in a media release upon the completion of
Exercise Golfinho.
According to the release, it is important
that the SADC Standby Force is kept ready
for mission that will ensure that the SADC
region thrives in peace, security and stability
as the region forges ahead with its primary
goal of regional integration, development and
prosperity for its people.
Answer: Yes. All staff members (managers,
inspectors, principals and staff) are committed
to ensuring that the goals and objectives of the
Educational System and Training Improvement
Programme (ETSIP) are achieved. A review
meeting was held from 13 – 15 October
2008. This was the second review meeting of
implementation of the first phase of ETSIP.
The review meeting found that we have made
significant progress in implementing activities
according to the ETSIP strategic priorities.
The Ministry has also launched an advocacy
campaign aimed at mobilising the support,
involvement and engagement of all Namibians in
the implementation of the ETSIP programme.
Question: Are the financial pledges made 17
by stakeholders and development partners to
develop and implement ETSIP realised?
Answer: More than 90 percent of the pledges
have been honoured. Big corporations such as
Namdeb, Namwater, Pupkewitz, Nampower,
FNB, Bank Windhoek, United Africa group,
Telecom, Agribank to name a few have honoured
their pledges. Those who have pledged to
contribute over five-year period continue to do
so.
Support pledged at the Round Table Pledging
Conference (19-20 April 2006)
 Government Information Bulletin September 2009

“The Namibian education system is in force and working,” says Hon. Continues from page 17

Mbumba

Table 1
2006 – 2010/2011 1, 853.9
Cost of ETSIP implementation
Regular budget provided by the Government of Namibia 300.00
Private contributions 73,9
International pledges 434.00
Total Commitment funds to ETSIP 807.0
Financing gap after Round Table 1046.0
% of financing gap that has been closed 43.6%

Support by each organization, government and international donors

Table A Table B
Private Donors Support confirmed(N$) International Support confirmed(N$)

First National Bank 1 250 000.00 United nations (UN) 75 303 888.89
Electricity Control Board (ECB) 50 000.00 European Commission (EU)* 85 978495.84
Namdeb Diamond Corporation 200 000.00 Government of Sweden 25 752 830.18
Omaheke (Pty) Ltd 25 000.00 Government of the United States of America*** 113 308 899.94
Bank Windhoek 300 000.00 Government of Finland 1, 000 000.00
Rossing Foundation * 17.5 million Government of Germany 6 354 932.30
Kangulohi Trust Fund * 36 720.00 Government of Luxembourg 50 316 111.05
Telecom Namibia 50 000.00 Government of Spain 22 429 172.83
Mr. Harold Pupkewitz 50.000.00 Government of The Netherlands 52 334 736.60
Pupkewitz Foundation 250 000.00 British Council **** 1 230 000.00
Pupkewitz Holdings (Pty) Ltd 1,000 000.00 International total 434 009 067.00
Institute for Open Learning 52 500 000.00
Namwater 80 000.00
Agricultural Bank of Namibia 50 000.00
United Africa Group 4 400 000.00
Mr. Toivo ya Toivo 2000.00
Shell Namibia 100 0000.00
Members of Parliament 5 2 800.00
Private total 73 846 520 00

Table 3

Government/Development Partners Capacity building

Japanese Government Education, administration and volunteer teachers
Government of Iceland Child Development (ECD) and special education

18 French Government
Government of India
Development of the Namibian institute for the Public Administration and Management
Education and training sector
Source of all tables: (pg.17 – 18, Report on the Round Table Pledging Conference {19-20 April 2006}) in the Ministry of Education news letter
October 2006.

Question: The public continues to complain
of the low passing rates of grade 10 and 12.
Do you think it is justified?
Answer: The parents, community leaders
and the public have every right to complain
about the low passing rates of our national
examinations. The Ministry of Education
receives the biggest chunk of the government’s
budget every year, but the results, in terms
of examination results, are dismal. However,
we are optimistic that the ETSIP programme,
which is aimed at improving the quality
of education in our schools and the whole
education and training sector, will turn the
situation around. With the strengthening of
school management and school inspection, the
continuous training of teachers and addressing
the unequal distribution of education resources,
the ministry is positive that we may see an
improvement in examination results in years
to come. A per-capita funding policy for
primary and secondary education, developed to
facilitate the equitable distribution of resources
to regions, schools and learners, was approved
by cabinet last year.
Question: The public is concerned about the
late registration at higher learning institutions
because of the late release of grade 12
results. Many students who register at foreign
universities become frustrated as they cannot
get their results on time and often their
admissions are delayed. What could be the
problem that results could be released on
time as it happens elsewhere?
Answer: The Ministry of Education’s release
of the results at that time, is due to the
number of learners who write grade 12 NSSC
Ordinary Level examinations. This year, 33
273 candidates (16 392 full-time and 16 880
part-time) wrote the said examinations. This
was an increase of 2030 candidates. The
results for the NSSC higher level examinations
are released earlier because the number of
learners who write these examinations are
lower.

Global recession threatens development
T he progress we made in the fight
against poverty, hunger and diseases,
as well as in achieving the internationally
agreed development goals, including the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),
are under threat because of the impact
of the world financial and economic
crisis on countries and economies.
This was said by Foreign Affairs Minister Marco
Hausiku when the addressed the 64th session
of the United Nations General Assembly in
New York on 28 September this year.
“This crisis is a major concern which requires
concerted efforts to search for effective
methods of coping with it, to mitigate its
impact and to achieve sustainable growth and
development. This crisis is taking its toll on
every aspect of our economic and social life,”
Hausiku said.
The crisis, Hausiku said, have left many
households unable to place food on the table.
“Net food importing countries, like Namibia,
had to divert resources from development
to emergency relief while the importation of
high priced food destabilized our balance of
payments and state revenues,” he said.
According to Hausiku the situation was also
worsened by high fuel prices. “The financial
and economic crisis, coupled with the food
and energy crisis, has plunged the world into
a global recession,” he remarked. Hausiku said
the combination of these crises with climate
change and its adverse impact on sustainable
Okakarara Trade Fair exceeds expectations
O kakarara was once again a beehive
of activity during this year’s annual
Okakarara Trade Fair held from 16 to 20
September.
According to the organisers, this year’s turn
up of visitors exceeded expectations, with
more than 10 000 people visiting the show on
the first two days compared to less than 5000
visitors over the same period last year.
The organizers, however, bemoaned the
absence of a main sponsor for the event and
expressed concern that fewer stalls were
booked despite the big turn up of people.
“We lack a main sponsor and I would have
liked it if we would be able to spot the MTC
colours all over come next year…,” said
Okakarara Constituency Councillor, Vetaruhe
Kandorozu.
Government Information Bulletin August 2009
development is cause for great concern.
“Namibia, like many other developing countries,
is an insignificant contributor to the emissions
of greenhouse gases. Yet, the country is one
of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate
change. I therefore, call upon major emitters
to not only make drastic reductions in their
greenhouse gas emissions, but also to avail
technology and financial resources, to support
the efforts of developing countries, to adapt
to the adverse effects of climate change,” he
said. Namibia is, therefore, fully supporting the
efforts of the Secretary-General (of the un) in
mobilising political will to ensure a good and
legally binding agreement on climate change, in
Copenhagen in December 2009.
Hausiku told the UN General Assembly that
Namibia is one of the countries with the
highest socio-economic inequality in the world
because of its colonial past. “Nevertheless, the
country has made progress in the provision of
health, education and other critical services for
the majority of the population and we are on
course to meet a number of the Millennium
Development Goals,” the Minister said.
Despite progress, Namibia is still facing severe
difficulties in responding to the combination of
the devastating HIV/AIDS pandemic, high levels
of food insecurity and poverty. Hausiku called on
the international community to increase support
to Namibia’s national programmes towards
sustainable economic and social development.
This can be done through measures such as
market access and access to financial resources,
in the form of Concessional loans and Foreign
Trade and Industry Minister, Dr Hage Geingob with staff from his Ministry who manned the Trade and Industry
stall at the Okakarara Trade Fair
Direct Investment flows, he said.
In his statement to the General Assembly,
Minister Hausku also touch on some
international issues. He called for the
speedy reform of the Council to make it more
representative, democratic and accountable.
He also welcomed the Joint Communiqué on
strengthening the AU capacity in peacekeeping
operations, as agreed to by the UN Security
Council and the AU Peace and Security
Council, as a step in the right direction.
Hausiku also called on the UN to support
the AU principle positions of not recognising
governments that come to power through
military coups.
Hausiku again addressed the issue of
the realisation of the inalienable rights
of the people of Western–Sahara to self–
determination “The right of all people to
self–determination is a fundamental human
right, which is enshrined in the Charter of the
United Nations. The international community
has an obligation to assist the people of
Western Sahara in their quest for freedom
and independence,” he said.
Hausiku also reaffirmed Namibia’s deep
concern about the continuous suffering of the
people of Palestine under Israeli occupation,
while he also called for the lifting of the
economic, commercial and financial blockade
imposed against Cuba and the immediate
release of the five Cuban nationals detained
in the US.
19
Continues on page 20
 Government Information Bulletin August 2009

Okakarara Trade Fair exceeds expectations Continues from page 19

Due to the lack of a main sponsor, companies
such as MTC, Standard Bank, Old Mutual,
Total Namibia and Meatco sponsored this
year’s event.
Because of the large turn up and the fact
that Okakarara is becoming a booming town,
domestic households had to be turned into
guest houses to accommodate the influx of
people into the town.
The third annual Okakarara Trade Fair was
officially opened by Trade and Industry
Minister, Dr Hage Geingob.
In his remarks, Geingob reaffirmed his
Ministry’s commitment towards economic
growth through trade fairs. He said because
his Ministry is the focal custodian for the
promotion of trade and industry in the country,
it welcomes and supports businesses and trade-
enhancing initiatives such as trade fairs.
“We believe that visibility is very important
in business and successful businesses create
opportunities for employment and wealth
creation and help to reduce poverty,” he said.
He also said that his Ministry has now developed
a special focus on constructing fixed trade fairs
and exhibition centres in various regions across
the country in line with the adopted Business
Sites and Premises Programmes.
Thus far, Okakarara has already benefited
from the Sites and Premises Programme in
the form of a slaughterhouse facility that was
revamped and has been running since 2007
with funding from the Trade and Industry
Ministry.
Geingob told the Okakarara community
that because of the importance of SME
development, his Ministry is going to fund
the construction of Industrial Business Parks
with the first of such parks to be constructed
in Okakarara within this current financial
year.
At this year’s show, the Ministry sponsored
18 SMEs and Geingob encouraged existing
and aspiring business people in Okakarara
and other parts of the country to approach
his Ministry or the NDC, which is the
implementing agency of his Ministry.

Namibia’s public holidays in 2010

N amibia’s Public Holidays Act, Act 26
of 1990, stipulates the country’s 12
annual public holidays.
Almost 20 years after independence, there is
still confusion about Namibia’s public holidays
and government offices are often inundated
with calls from the public to ascertain the
official public holidays within a given year. Until
such time that the National Assembly amends
the Public Holidays Act, Act 26 of 1990, the
country’s public holidays will remain at 12 per
year. This figure may, however, increase, if one
or more of the official public holidays fall on a
Sunday.
The Public Holidays Act of 1990 provides that if
a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following
Monday shall also be a public holiday, unless
the Monday is already a public holiday. Due
to this stipulation in the Act, Monday 22
March 2010 will be a public holiday, because
Independence Day on 21 March 2010 falls on
a Sunday. Monday, 27 December 2010 will
also be a public holiday, because Family Day
on 26 December 2010 also falls on a Sunday,
which means that the following Monday will be
a public holiday. The Namibian public holidays
for 2010 are reflected in the table below.

DATE DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

1 January Friday New Year’s Day
21 March Sunday Independence Day
22 March Monday Public Holiday
2 April Friday Good Friday
4 April Sunday Easter Sunday
5 April Monday Easter Monday

20
1 May Saturday Workers Day
4 May Tuesday Cassinga Day
13 May Thursday Ascension Day
25 May Tuesday Africa Day
26 August Thursday Heroes Day
10 December Friday Day of the Namibian Women and International Human Rights Day
25 December Saturday Christmas Day
26 December Sunday Family Day
27 December Monday Public Holiday

Namibia also has three observance days that were adopted by the National Assembly. These days are, however, not public holidays, but merely days
that should be observed for its intended purposes.

Namibia’s observance days are reflected in the table below.

DATE DAY OBSERVANCE DAY

9 February Tuesday Constitution Day
28 September Tuesday Day of the Namibian Child
4 October Monday United Nations Day