Latest news with #Namibians
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
NGO says South Africans can relate to struggles Namibians faced
CAPE TOWN - A local NGO has highlighted the importance of showing support to Namibia as it marks its first Genocide Commemoration Day. To demonstrate this, activists in Cape Town staged a protest outside the German consulate. The day is meant to remember the more than 50,000 Herero and close to 10,000 Nama people who were killed by German military forces between 1904 and 1908. Under German rule, land was also confiscated from the indigenous people. Bettie Fortuin, from the Working On Farms project, said that South Africans could relate to the struggles Namibians faced. "That's why we are in solidarity with the Namibians and also Palestine because we know, we still feel it inside ourselves to be evicted, and to be murdered and to be chased away from your homeland."
Business Wire
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Rhino Resources and Halliburton Deliver the First Two Exploration Wells on Block 2914 in Namibia
WINDHOEK, Namibia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rhino Resources (OTC: RHNO) and Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) announced the delivery of two exploration wells on Block 2914 within Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 85 offshore Namibia. Halliburton's collaborative approach and integrated services were instrumental in Rhino's success as the block's operator. These exploration wells are the first to be completed entirely from in-country infrastructure through Halliburton's newly established operational bases in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Lüderitz. 'This success is an example of what's possible when world-class technology, local collaboration, and a shared long-term vision come together,' said Antoine Berel, vice president, Halliburton Sub-Saharan Africa. 'Our newly established infrastructure across Namibia enabled this discovery, which will help unlock Namibia's energy potential and build the capacity to support the country's future as an energy hub in Africa.' As Namibia attracts international interest in its offshore basins, the success of this campaign sets a new standard for energy development in the region. 'At the onset of the drilling campaign, we communicated to our partners that Rhino's exploration efforts in Namibia should simultaneously prove geological potential and deliver long-term benefits for the country. The discoveries on Block 2914 are a promising start to this journey, which will contribute to the foundation we are laying for Namibia's burgeoning oil and gas industry — one built on knowledge and skills transfer, local capacity building and the upliftment of young Namibians,' said Travis Smithard, CEO of Rhino Resources. In October 2024, Rhino Resources and Halliburton inaugurated the Rhino-Halliburton Technology Centre at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Southern Campus, a state-of-the-art facility aimed to advance geoscience education and research nationwide. The centre represents a long-term investment in Namibia's youth, who will provide the future human capital and scientific leadership in the energy sector. The collaborative and integrated local-first approach underscores the value that Halliburton and Rhino Resources bring to Namibia and serves as a model for future projects in the country and the region. About Halliburton Halliburton is one of the world's leading providers of products and services to the energy industry. Founded in 1919, we create innovative technologies, products, and services that help our customers maximize their value throughout the life cycle of an asset and advance a sustainable energy future. Visit us at connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Capitalising on Namibia's oil and gas boom to ensure sustainability through inclusive growth
The oil and gas industry's greatest promise lies in job creation across the value chain. Image: REUTERS/Abdiqani Hassan Namibia is well positioned for significant growth and transformation. With major oil and gas discoveries in the Orange Basin and a 40-well drilling campaign by Total, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in 2026, the country has a unique opportunity to redefine its economic landscape. To support long-term prosperity, however, it is essential that the right choices are made now. Logistics, construction, catering and other support services have already seen increased activity, and if this is managed wisely, it could have a widespread positive effect on GDP and employment. This will require inclusive planning, policy reform and a commitment to skills development to ensure sustainable economic reform. Investing in skills to foster job creation The oil and gas industry's greatest promise lies in job creation across the value chain. Early momentum has focused on accessible, semi-skilled roles such as entry-level workers and support staff. These jobs are essential, but for long-term sustainability it is vital to also invest in higher-skilled roles such as engineers, drilling managers, and project leaders, and to ensure robust skills transfer takes place. While internships, technical training, and engineering placements are already underway, these must be scaled. Inclusive development means ensuring that opportunities reach all Namibians. The roadshows being conducted by companies like TotalEnergies and Namcor are a step in the right direction. Engaging communities across the regions not only fosters transparency, it ensures local needs are reflected in national strategies. Learning from history to avoid pitfalls The potential for growth as a result of these significant oil and gas discoveries is massive, but history demonstrates that there is a risk of becoming over-reliant. Namibia must learn from the experiences of countries like Nigeria, where weak regulatory oversight led to environmental degradation and lost public trust. Angola also provides a lesson on the dangers of centralised control and the need for local content development. On the positive side, Norway provides a model of how to manage wealth transparently, invest in the future and ensure that the benefits of natural resources are widely shared. There are also environmental risks inherent in the oil and gas sector including carbon emissions and the far-reaching effects of oil spills on marine wildlife. Namibia cannot afford to treat sustainability as a tick-box exercise. Robust monitoring, strict operator accountability, and full environmental integration at every stage of development will be key. The solution lies in building strong, transparent institutions. Regulatory frameworks must balance the need for investment with environmental protection and social impact. They must enforce local employment quotas, set clear environmental standards, and ensure oil revenues are reinvested in long-term development. A springboard for economic transformation The world is increasingly focused on the transition away from fossil fuels, so there is a finite window of opportunity for Namibia to take advantage of oil and gas resources. Investment in human capital and infrastructure must be a priority, and skilled artisans like welders, electricians and riggers need to be upskilled and certified to meet industry standards. Ports must be expanded, and housing shortages in Namibia need urgent attention. In addition, power infrastructure must keep pace with industrial demand. Sustainable economic growth requires revenues to be channelled into infrastructure, healthcare, education, and most importantly, economic diversification. This is already in progress, with renewable energy projects, including green hydrogen initiatives, underway and more in the pipeline. Tourism, agriculture and manufacturing are also seeing renewed interest. These sectors must be nurtured as the demand for fossil fuels falls away in future generations. Learning from history and investing strategically will serve not only the oil and gas sector, but the broader economy. With the right regulations in place, as well as inclusive policies, and investments aimed at developing a resilient, diversified economy, Namibia can build an industry that doesn't just create wealth, it uplifts the nation. Julien Karambua, Country Manager at Workforce Staffing Namibia. Julien Karambua, Country Manager at Workforce Staffing Namibia Image: Supplied. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Jason Rowles' 5-wicket haul leads SA U19 victory over Namibia
Jason Rowles claimed an incredible five-wicket haul to set up South Africa U19's 10-wicket win over Cricket Namibia in the opening game of their three-match 50-over series in Windhoek. The slow left-arm spinner sent down six overs in which he returned five wickets for just eight runs. Thirty-one out of his 36 deliveries were dots, with his figures key to rolling over the hosts for 95 at the Namibia Cricket Ground. Adnaan Lagadien then plundered nine fours and a six in a dashing unbeaten 65 off 47 balls to help the away side chase down their target inside 12 overs and go 1-0 up in the series. Match two takes place tomorrow. Before that, the Junior Proteas will take full pride in this win after delivering a complete performance from the time they won the toss and bowled, right through until the end. Fit-again Lions fast bowler JJ Bason (2-32) struck in the third over when he got rid of Muller Michael for a duck, before possibly the only passage of play that went well for the Namibians over the next 10 overs. This was when Zacheo Jansen van Vuuren struck a top score of 41 and put on 41 with Malan Morkel (10) for the second wicket, allowing their side to reach 49-1. But Ntando Soni (1-22) then began the slide by dismissing the latter, with the former following just under three overs later when he was removed by another Dolphins player, Bandile Mbatha (1-9). The slide continued as Rowles worked his magic and no other Namibia player managed to reach double figures. In the end they collapsed and were all out in 28 overs, which included losing nine wickets for 46 runs. Lagadien was then in no mood to hang around, and together with Jorich van Schalkwyk (23* off 25 balls), chased down the target with 38.1 overs to spare. The post Rowles stars for SA U19 in Namibia appeared first on SA Cricketmag.
Reuters
28-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Fact Check: Namibia has not ‘cut off' the US from mining oil and gas
Namibia has not banned the U.S. from mining oil and gas in its jurisdiction, contrary to claims circulating on social media. Facebook posts, opens new tab on April 17 falsely said Windhoek terminated an oil and gas contract with the U.S., meaning 'no one will touch' the country's energy commodities. 'The oil companies in Namibia will be controlled by Namibians for the benefit of Namibians,' the posts said. International oil companies, including American firms Chevron and ExxonMobil, have flocked to the southern African country since last year after fresh offshore finds ranked among the largest this century. Now a global exploration hotspot, Namibia aims to produce its first oil by 2030. In March, Namibia's newly elected president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said her nation's emerging oil and gas sector would now be managed by the presidential office. There is no evidence, however, that she said this would mean banishing American companies from exploration or drilling. 'The information is indeed false,' Namibian presidential press secretary Alfredo Hengari said in an emailed response to Reuters. Chevron did not respond to a request for comment, though said on April 24 that it was considering drilling an exploration well in the Walvis Basin, off the Namibian cost, in 2026 or 2027. ExxonMobil is also undertaking detailed studies to identify potential drilling targets, according to Namibia's petroleum commissioner speaking at an energy conference on April 23. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State also told Reuters by email that the social media claim is false. National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) did not respond to a request for comment. However, Reuters reported in November that Namibia's government had begun talks with international energy companies on a gas development plan that it wants NAMCOR to lead. ExxonMobil did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. False. Spokespeople for both the Namibian presidency and the U.S. State Department told Reuters the claim is false. Since the claim appeared online, U.S. oil major Chevron has said it's considering drilling an exploration well off the Namibian coast in 2026 or 2027. Another, ExxonMobil, is carrying out studies to locate potential drilling spots, also off the Namibian coast. This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact-checking work.
