Windhoek Observer

Martin Endjala Trade experts have dismissed reports suggesting that the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is engaged in a trade war. Last year, Botswana and Namibia banned the import of vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, garlic, onions, ginger, fresh herbs and citrus from South Africa until 2025. The introduction of import restrictions is seen as contrary to the union's principles. At the time of the ban, the president of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, said it was intended to bolster the production of local farmers and the economy by promoting self-sufficiency. A trade expert in the Ministry…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Many children are excited to return to their studies, but for some, the new school term brings the fear of being bullied. Head of the Human Rights Desk of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Joyce Muzengua, shared her concerns over the issue, revealing how her child had been a victim of bullying due to his intelligence. “Looking back, I realise that there were signs I failed to recognize. My son is usually such a vibrant and curious child, always asking endless questions. But for a period, he became unusually quiet and reserved,” she said. Despite the emotional toll,…

Allexer Namundjembo The executive director of education, Sannet Steenkamp, called on parents to report any school principals or teachers who deny learners access to classrooms due to incomplete school uniforms. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer recently, Steenkamp said such actions are unconstitutional and violate the Education Act of 2020. “It is unconstitutional to deny a learner access to education because of a uniform. I want every parent to report specific principals or teachers who deny learners access to education because of incomplete school uniforms to the education directors in their regions. We will take necessary action,” Steenkamp said. She referenced…

Martin Endjala Local authorities that have failed to elect office bearers are causing hardship for residents. This is according to public policy analyst Marius Kudumo. “The lack of a functioning council delays much-needed decisions that will positively impact the livelihoods of the residents,” said Kudumo. The Omuthiya Town Council and the City of Windhoek are among the local authorities currently without mayors and management committees. These municipalities have yet to elect their respective officebearers. “Failure to elect office bearers is a dereliction of legal duties and responsibilities and leads to paralysis and dysfunctionality, as no substantive decision can be made,”…

Allexer Namundjembo The printing of the ballot papers for the Guinas Constituency by-election is complete, with the final batch ready for transport to Tsumeb on Monday. This follows a rigorous process led by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and observed by representatives from the two contesting political parties, the SWAPO and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM). Local printing company Solitaire Press printed the ballots on 10 January. Solitaire Press was awarded a tender valued at N$332 793.90 for the design, printing, and delivery of 4,600 ballots. The price of N$72.34 per ballot paper has faced criticism from activist Michael…

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s Chief Justice Peter Shivute has called for the introduction of plea bargaining in the Namibian court system, describing it as a principle that should have been introduced a long time ago. Justice Shivute made these remarks while welcoming Uganda’s Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo at the Supreme Court in Windhoek during a courtesy visit on Friday. This visit by a Ugandan delegation, organized in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to explore Namibia’s biomass and charcoal industry, served as an opportunity for the two nations to exchange insights on their respective judicial systems. “Plea bargaining,…

Martin Endjala Karibib’s deputy mayor, Mechelle Swartz has resigned from her position to take up a permanent cashier role within the council. Swartz represented the Landless People’s Party (LPM) on the council. Karibib’s mayor, Davey Van Wyk confirmed Swartz's resignation to the Windhoek Observer on Thursday. “She resigned recently after she was appointed as the new cashier after emerging as the successful candidate,” he said. The cashier position became vacant in 2023 after the previous cashier resigned amid allegations of embezzlement of council funds. The former cashier, Ndatoolewe Mwahafa, and the council's accountant, Ann-Mary Mutilifa, were arrested for allegedly defrauding…

Allexer Namundjembo The Bukalo Village Council CEO, Ntwala Lyamine-Sazita, has denied allegations of delayed salary payments, asserting that staff members have been receiving their salaries on time. This response comes after complaints shared with the Windhoek Observer accused the council of failing to pay salaries on time since March 2024. The complaints included claims that the council had not paid third-party contributions for nine consecutive months since March 2024. “Money is deducted from employees’ salaries but is never paid over to the third parties. The message states that non-payments led to the suspension of medical aid. Lyamine-Sazita, who joined the…