Windhoek Observer – Windhoek Observer

30 Apr

The National Planning Commission’s blind spot

Editorial, Featured

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent directive that all government institutions must budget for internships and apprenticeships is a welcome intervention in a country grappling with an escalating graduate unemployment crisis. The instruction is both practical and necessary. For too long, thousands of young Namibians have walked across graduation stages, degrees in hand and hope in their hearts, only to be met by a labour market that appears structurally incapable of absorbing them. Internships and apprenticeships are not a silver bullet, but they are a sensible bridge between education and employment. They offer graduates what employers repeatedly demand: experience. They create pathways…

30 Apr

Sankwasa warns of ‘mushrooming’ traditional chiefs …orders lineage proof to amend relevant acts

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa has raised concerns over what he describes as a rapid and unverified increase in the number of traditional authorities across Namibia, warning that overlapping jurisdictions are creating confusion over the administration of communal land. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer yesterday following a week-long consultation meeting with traditional authorities held in Otjiwarongo last month, Sankwasa said his ministry has asked traditional chiefs to prove their lineage to the throne. The move, he explained, is intended to help the ministry better amend the Communal Land Act, as there are currently too many…

30 Apr

Atomic Energy Board to review laws and projects

National News

Patience Makwele The reappointed Atomic Energy Board will focus on reviewing legislation, strengthening technical capacity and assessing projects as Namibia moves to advance its nuclear strategy. The board, chaired by Shitaleni Herman, has been appointed for a three-year term following its inauguration by health and social services minister Esperance Luvindao on Wednesday. Luvindao said the board will play a role in implementing the country’s nuclear plans after the Cabinet approved the Nuclear Industry Strategy in September 2025. “The board remains vital in shaping the trajectory of Namibia’s nuclear sector and ensuring it contributes meaningfully to national development,” she said. The…

30 Apr

Uanguta tells public to handle new coins properly

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Bank of Namibia (BoN) governor Ebson Uanguta has urged the public to stop damaging the country's new coin series. He said such actions are contributing to their deterioration. Uanguta said BoN Bank has observed cases where coins, especially the N$5, are being subjected to excessive force. “We have seen it, particularly for the N$5 that is disintegrating, and people sometimes want to subject these coins to things ordinarily that the coin should not be subjected to. In some of the videos that were circulating, we have seen someone using excessive power – not sure if it was a…

30 Apr

Consultations begin on SWATF veterans petition

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Consultations on a petition by former members of the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWAFT) kicked off on Wednesday as they seek recognition and compensation under the law. The petition, signed by 71 individuals, is before parliament’s standing committee on constitutional, legal affairs and petitions. It was tabled in the National Assembly on 5 March. The petitioners want to be recognised as liberation veterans under the Veterans Act, 2008. They argue their exclusion is unconstitutional and denies them access to benefits and support. Committee chairperson Pohamba Shifeta said the issue raises serious concerns. “This petition raises concerns regarding…

30 Apr

District road in Ohangwena links over 2 000 residents

National News

Renthia Kaimbi The new D4119 district road from Omulondo to Oshuuli in the Ohangwena region has been inaugurated. Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi and Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa officially opened the 23-kilometre all-weather road on Friday, together with German development partners and local residents. The road connects more than 2 000 people, two schools and a heritage centre. The project cost N$53 million. The Namibian government funded 40% of construction, compensation and demining, while the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, through KfW Development Bank, provided N$31 million for construction and N$7 million for consulting. Eponga…

30 Apr

OBSERVER COASTAL | Unions accused of conflict of interest in fishing industry

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Unions representing workers in the fishing industry are facing accusations of conflicting roles following last week’s engagement between President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and industry stakeholders. Concerns were raised about a trend where some union officials act as industrial relations or human resource officers, chair disciplinary hearings and dismiss workers they are meant to represent. The secretary general of the Mining, Metal, Maritime, and Construction Workers Union (MMMC), Joseph Garo, said a distinction must be made between union representatives and labour consultants. “I know of one person that might be a union member that is also a consultant. He can…

30 Apr

OBSERVER COASTAL | Walvis Bay mayor vows to extinguish landfill fires

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Walvis Bay mayor Johannes Shimbilinga has pledged to act on landfill fires that have covered parts of the town in smoke. Speaking at a council meeting on Tuesday, he said the fires have become a priority due to concerns over public health and air quality. “Council is aware of the ongoing fire incidents at the landfill site. Addressing the situation remains a priority, and steps are being taken to strengthen control and improve management of the site,” he said. Shimbilinga said unlawful activity at the landfill is contributing to the fires. He said unauthorised occupation has disrupted operations…

30 Apr

OBSERVER COASTAL | Erongo leaders warn corruption is stalling development

National News

Renthia Kaimbi Leaders in the Erongo region say corruption is slowing development and weakening public trust as stakeholders met to shape the next anti-corruption strategy. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) held a consultative meeting at Mile 4 Caravan Park on Wednesday. The government officials, traditional leaders, civil society and members of the public reviewed the draft national anti-corruption strategy and action plan for 2026–2031 and the proposed national ethics and anti-corruption policy framework. The meeting forms part of a nationwide consultation process to guide the next phase of the strategy. An evaluation of the current strategy showed a 71% implementation rate,…

30 Apr

NNN orders ministries to fund graduate internships

Main, National News

Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed all government offices, ministries and agencies to allocate funds for internships and apprenticeship programmes to address graduate unemployment. The directive requires government institutions to create and fund structured internship and apprenticeship opportunities to give graduates work experience. “We therefore expect governments, offices, ministries and agencies to create budgetary allocations for internships and apprenticeships, including hiring graduate interns in order to gain industrial experience,” Nandi-Ndaitwah made the announcement at the University of Namibia (Unam) graduation ceremony in Windhoek on Wednesday. She called on the private sector to support the programme and said cooperation between…