Observer

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Not all uniformed members of the Namibia Defense Force (NDF), the Namibian Police Force, the Namibian Correctional Service, and seagoing personnel will cast their votes countrywide on special voting day,13 November. Uniformed personnel and Namibian citizens who may find themselves outside the country on 27 November are set to cast their vote today. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Colonel Peter Shilumbu said the only NDF members who will be casting their votes are those, who are expected to work at polling stations on 27 November. He added that the rest are expected to…

Niël Terblanché The recent dismissal of New Era Publication Corporation’s (NEPC) managing editor, Johnathan Beukes, has sparked widespread public debate on press freedom and government transparency in Namibia. Amid public outcry, the ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has issued a statement clarifying its role in NEPC’s internal affairs while also stressing that it is committed to press freedom despite allegations of political interference. In a statement released on Tuesday, the MICT addressed concerns over its involvement in NEPC’s internal matters for llowing what MICT term “the dismissal” of Beukes. The ministry stressed that, as a shareholder, its engagement…

Allexer Namundjembo The United Democratic Front (UDF) has distanced itself from Chief Justus ǁGaroëb endorsement. Chief ǁGaroëb who is the founder of the UDF, made an announcement at the 47th annual Damara Festival held at Okombahe settlement over the weekend. In his speech, ǁGaroëb commended the women of Namibia for maintaining the dignity and pride of their communities. “When women demonstrate resilience, it’s time they’re given the opportunity to lead. At the late Chief’s funeral, Vice President Nandi-Ndaitwah put her campaign on hold to stand by us the entire day. Witnessing her courage, I believe she deserves a chance to…

Allexer Namundjembo The LPM Youth Command Element’s Khomas Regional Commander, Junia Kaindjee has accused the National Youth Council’s Executive Director Sharonice Busch of ignoring their funding request. Kaindjee has said that the Element submitted a request to the NYC on the 10th of last month, and the NYC acknowledged the receipt of the request on the 11th, but they did not receive any feedback. “We have not received substantive feedback from the director's office. Our request was for the National Youth Council to assist us with transport and refreshments for our Youth Empowerment Conference on the 17th of last month,…

Niël Terblanché In preparation for the Presidential and National Assembly elections in two weeks and the special voting set to take place today, the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced restricted airspace within the Windhoek Flight Information Region (FYWF) on election-related dates. According to Toska Sem, the executive director of the NCAA, the decision aims to ensure heightened safety and security during this critical period, as detailed in the Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) No. 69/2024. Sem stated that the NCAA’s directive, issued under Part 71 of the Namibian Civil Aviation Regulations, will temporarily ban all remotely piloted aircraft systems…

Niël Terblanche The Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) Executive Women Leadership Workshop held in Swakopmund on Tuesday set the stage for a new era in regional policing. The workshop will effect change through leadership while also aiming to inspire communities and create a legacy for future generations of women leaders in the SARPCCO region. The workshop was a convergence point for senior female leaders in policing, aiming to break traditional barriers, strengthen regional collaboration, and craft a vision for more inclusive leadership across Southern Africa. The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo inaugurated…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Regional government officials anticipate challenges as the Conditional Basic Income Grant (CBIG) programme, aimed at providing cash support to vulnerable households, extends to additional towns and regions, including Walvis Bay, Henties Bay, Arandis, Omaruru, Rehoboth, Karasburg, and Ongwediva. The programme, implemented by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, was originally piloted in Windhoek under the Harambee Prosperity Plan, replacing food parcels with cash transfers for low-income households. The governor of the Oshana region, Elia Irimari, expressed concerns about documentation requirements that could exclude some eligible households. "The challenge we anticipate is when those who…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is actively adopting the principles of a circular economy to enhance resource efficiency and stimulate economic growth. At a recent meeting in Walvis Bay, Professor Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairman of the Namibia National Cleaner Production and Sustainable Consumption Centre (NNCPC), called for the nation's commitment to this transformative economic model. He said a circular economy focuses on the continuous use of resources by promoting sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products. This approach contrasts with the traditional linear economy, which follows a 'take-make-dispose' pattern, leading to significant waste…