Windhoek Observer

Renthia Kaimbi A project meant to preserve one of Tsumeb’s oldest landmarks and boost tourism has turned into a dispute over alleged misuse of funds and poor workmanship. The rehabilitation of the historic De Wet mining shaft, funded by a €100,000 (about N$2 million) donation from the German government, was completed only months ago.  Local residents have already raised concerns after rust began to appear on the structure five months after it was sandblasted, coated, and welded. The project was intended to make the shaft safe for visitors, but accusations now suggest that the work left the structure more vulnerable. …

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Four local associations in Namibia have applied for registration with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), signalling a growing mobilisation ahead of the next local authority elections. A government gazette published on September 11, 2025, lists the Association for Localised Interest—Swakopmund (ASOLI-Swakopmund), Walvis Bay Community Association (WBCA), Outjo Residents Association (ORA), and Grootfontein Rates and Taxpayers Association (GRTPA) as applicants under Section 148 of the Electoral Act, 2014.  The notices were signed by ECN chief electoral officer Peter Shaama on 5 September and published six days later. The gazette includes details of each association’s office-bearers, addresses, membership numbers,…

Allexer Namundjembo The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) is accused of failing to pay soldiers’ subsistence and travel allowance, with some members deployed to Katima Mulilo for the 26 Heroes' August Day parade allegedly receiving nothing. Sources within the ministry, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said ceremonial defence members often go without allowances, especially when deployed outside their duty stations.  “Only top military officials are receiving S&T, and if you’re not close to a senior officer, you won’t receive anything,” they said.  They also claimed that ceremonial soldiers sent to Katima Mulilo did not recieve allowances and…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) has dismissed corruption allegations contained in anonymous letters circulating on social media, saying it will not act on unverified claims. Three weeks ago, a 40-page dossier surfaced online  accusing vice chancellor Erold Naomab and senior officials of syphoning millions through irregular procurement, reckless spending, and abuse of authority.  The document, allegedly addressed to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Paulus Noa . It also flagged the absence of audited financial statements since 2019.  Among the allegations were nepotistic appointments, inflated contracts , favoritism in tenders,  a N$30 million “rebranding” project handled…

Renthia Kaimbi Swapo secretary of finance, Lucia Iipumbu, has rejected claims that the party’s assets have depreciated, saying recent reports on its financial state were misleading and lacked verification. In a recent statement, Iipumbu said references to asset depreciation were misplaced.  She explained that the financial notice published was only an abridged report of the political funding account, submitted to meet electoral act requirements, and did not include fixed assets that could depreciate. “These assets far exceed the meagre N$12 million,” she said, citing holdings such as Kalahari Holdings and other subsidiaries. She added that the figure of N$958 986…