N$6
namib times SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 7052 FRIDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2024 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
President Hage G Geingob 3 August 1941 – 4 February 2024 President Hage Gottfried Geingob was the third president of Namibia, until his sudden passing on 4 February 2024. Geingob was the first Prime Minister of Namibia from 1990 to 2002 and served as prime minister again from 2012 to 2015. Between 2008 and 2012 Geingob served as Minister of Trade and Industry. He also served as president of the ruling SWAPO Party from 2017 until his death. Looking back, Geingob was born on 3 August 1941 in Otjiwarongo. He received his early education at Otavi in South West Africa under the Bantu Education System. He joined Augustineum, where most of today's prominent political leaders of Namibia were educated, in 1958. In 1960, he was expelled from the Augustineum for having participated in a march in protest at the poor quality of education. He was, however, readmitted and finished the teacher-training course Continues on page 2
The Minister of Works and Transport of Namibia John Mutorwa and the Minister of Transport and Public Works Eric Molale seen at the Meeting on the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line Project last week in Swakopmund last week Friday.
Mbumba sworn in as Namibia's Fourth President
Page 2
Namibian Airports Company Reports Profitable Year at AGM *********
President Hage Geingob kisses Namibian soil on his return home after his exile in Lusaka in 1989 Photo credit to Dirk Heinrich
Railway Line Connecting Namibia Walvis Bay Salt Refiners Extends and Botswana in the Pipeline Operating Hours for Vessel Sharlien Tjambari announced last Eileen van der Schyff Loading The Expression of Interest (EOI) for fun- week in Swakopding the feasibility study and development of the proposed new Trans-Kalahari Railway Line, linking Namibia to Botswana was approved last year, this was
inside
mund in a joint communiqué by the two countries on the occasion of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) meeting of the TransKalahari Railway Line Project. Construction of the railway line is expected to commence in 2025 and will transition to 2029. A total of 13 submissions for EQI were received between September and November Continues on page 2
In response to increased shipping activity and infrastructure upgrades, Walvis Bay Salt Refiners (WBSR) has announced extended operating hours that came into effect from Tuesday, 1 February.
The decision came as WBSR geared up to load bulk salt vessels, including the MV African Bateleur and the MV Akour II. The notice, issued by WBSR, indicates that Unitrans truck operations from the salt pans to the Walvis Bay Port will run from 7:00 until 22:00 at night to accommodate the loading process. This adjustment is attributed to the limited storage capacity at the port and ongoing road upgrades, necessitating a temporary extension beyond normal office hours. "We humbly
apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but will endeavour to keep it to a minimum," stated the WBSR notice, acknowledging the potential disruption to residents and stakeholders. The move reflects WBSR's commitment to efficient operations amid evolving logistical demands. By extending operating hours, the company aims to optimise vessel loading processes while navigating constraints posed by infrastructure development. WBSR Continues on page 2
Namibia International Energy Conference 2024: Powering Economic Prosperity Page 3
New Vehicles for Karibib and Usakos Police
Page 4
Sports News Page 24