Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché The Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust’s (NaDEET), innovative approach to environmental education and its impact on both individuals and Namibian policy received a prestigious international accolade. NaDEET is a Namibian non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and sustainable living, that has been honoured with the UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Protection. According to a statement on UNESCO’s website, the award was presented on 20 November 2024 at the World Science Forum in Budapest, Hungary, acknowledging NaDEET's substantial contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Established in 2003, NaDEET operates from the NamibRand Nature Reserve, offering immersive programs…

Mallex Shipanga The Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS) has raised concerns over non-tariff barriers impacting trade at the Pioneer Gate and Skilpadshek border posts, which connect Botswana and South Africa. Complaints about these barriers, which obstruct international trade, were submitted by clearing agents and transport operators. The TKCS hosted a meeting on Tuesday where the institution addressed the complaints. “The meeting noted several challenges that resulted in non-tariff barriers,” said the institution. These challenges include capacity building, failure to pre-clear trucks, an increase in transit volumes, network challenges, and new updates. During the meeting, the TKCS aimed to address the…

Niël Terblanché As Namibians prepare to head to the polls tomorrow to elect the country’s fifth president and members of the eighth National Assembly, President Nangolo Mbumba has called on citizens to embrace peace and unity during this significant moment in the nation’s history. Addressing the nation on the eve of the elections, Mbumba reflected on Namibia’s democratic journey and its commitment to free and fair elections. “For the past 34 years of our independence, peaceful, fair, and free elections have become part of the cherished culture of our constitutional democracy,” he said. The President’s remarks come at a time…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The British High Commission in Windhoek has confirmed that Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and a presidential candidate in the 2024 Namibian general elections, is not and has never been a British citizen. This confirmation comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Itula’s citizenship status, a topic that has sparked public debate and raised questions about his eligibility to contest for Namibia’s highest office. “Dr. Panduleni Itula is not and has never been a British citizen,” said Lwimba Mufune, the communications and political officer at the high commission. According to UK government guidelines on citizenship,…

Martin Endjala The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) is under scrutiny following allegations of a fabricated quotation of N$8 million for a single spare part. In a letter dated 22 November from Windhoeker Maschinen Fabrik (WMF) which was cited by the ministry last week as having sold the part, raised questions about the authenticity of the quotation presented to the public. The matter first came to light on 19 November, when Affirmative Repositioning (AR) party leader Job Amupanda questioned the quotation. The MODVA denied the allegations during a press conference last week. Colonel Petrus Anton, the managing director…

Stefanus Nashama McHenry Venaani, the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) claimed that the party is alone in its quest to hold the Swapo-led government accountable. While addressing the party’s final rally in Windhoek on Sunday, Venaani stated that the PDM has a proven track record of holding the government accountable. “There is no political party in Namibia that has the legislative record, experience, maturity and holding government to account,” said Venaani. He believes the PDM has the legislative experience necessary to form its own government. Venaani said PDM’s record is unmixed since it has fought against unemployment in…

Allexer Namundjembo Leaders of different student unions have blamed UNAM for letting students write their final examinations without knowing if they have qualified for them or not. This follows an incident last week during which a male student held his lecturer at gunpoint and demanded that the lecturer change his marks. According to Natangwe Shikesho, the president of the Student Union of Namibia, UNAM has recklessly permitted students to take exams without verifying their eligibility. “We regret the unfortunate situation, and we do encourage students to follow the right procedures to resolve the matter. However, this is a testimony of…

Martin Endjala NamWater and MTC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday aimed at addressing Namibia's water infrastructure challenges. Abraham Nehemia, NamWater’s chief executive officer, described the partnership as a transformative step for the country’s water sector. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology and embarking on initiatives such as smart water metering, digital transformation, and capacity building, we are paving the way for innovative and sustainable solutions,” he said. He explained that the MoU represents more than just an agreement, calling it a commitment to improving efficiency, reducing water losses, and enhancing service delivery for all Namibians. Nehemia emphasized that this…

Niël Terblanché The planned maintenance shutdown for the service and repair of the Erongo Desalination Plant (EDP) has been successfully concluded. According to Christine de Klerk, the spokesperson for Orano, which operates the EDP, water production resumed early on Saturday morning. Since then, the plant has already produced more than 40 000 cubic metres of fresh water. “An unexpected pipeline breakage between Swakopmund and the Omdel aquifer, unfortunately, occurred while the desalination plant was offline for repairs and maintenance. This resulted in the water supply to Swakopmund being reduced to a bare minimum,” De Klerk said. She added that, with…