Windhoek Observer

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein has announced that the government has made progress in updating the Commercial (Agricultural) Land Act and the Communal Land Reform Act. He said the government has consolidated two following recommendations made during the 2nd National Land Conference in 2018. The minister was speaking at the national validation to review the final draft of the resettlement criteria on Monday in Windhoek. ‘’These consultations are a clear dedication towards a responsive land reform policy,” he said. Schlettwein said that, despite delays in drafting, the law is now ready and will…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has announced the passing of Congress of Democrats (CoD) representative, Johannes Matroos, who died on Saturday. Matroos was part of the delegation of political parties observing the printing process of ballot papers for the upcoming elections in Johannesburg last week. According to a media statement from ECN’s chief electoral and referenda officer Peter Shaama, the late Matroos passed away on 2 November. He said that Matroos was scheduled to return to Namibia on 30 October with the rest of the party representatives. However, after missing his scheduled transport to the airport, they…

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has successfully dispatched ballot papers and non-sensitive election materials to 33 of the country’s 35 diplomatic missions worldwide. This is preparation for the Presidential and National Assembly elections special voting window for Namibians in the diaspora set for 13 November. The chief electoral and referenda officer, Peter Shaama in a statement on Monday said that the distribution commenced and concluded last Thursday, with the materials sent out on 1 November. The material was sent through the diplomatic bags of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO). Shaama added that the remaining…

Niël Terblanché Grootfontein’s residents are battling with an influx of free-roaming livestock that has taken over their streets, gardens, and public spaces. This has created a crisis that has left many frustrated and searching for solutions. The town, once known for its neat neighbourhoods, now faces the daily challenge of herds of cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs wandering the community. Despite repeated complaints to the town council, residents feel their concerns have largely been ignored, and many worry that the once vibrant town is losing its character and quickly turning into a village. For at least four years, the town…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani has raised alarm over the escalating livestock theft in the country, highlighting its detrimental impact on farmers. Speaking at a rally in Gobabis over the weekend, Venaani claimed that livestock theft cost farmers more than N$3.4 million in the Omaheke region last year. "PDM is resolutely committed to addressing crime in all its forms, ensuring that our communities can feel safe and secure. We shall enhance the training of police officers to ensure that investigations result in successful convictions," he said. Venaani pledged to decentralise policing powers from national to regional…

Martin Endjala A group of Zimbabwean citizens living in Namibia, under the banner Zimbabwe Citizens Against Sanctions, submitted a petition to the embassy of the United States in Windhoek on Monday in which they demand the immediate lifting of sanctions imposed on their country by the USA. The action coincides with the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day, observed on 25 October during which the severe economic and humanitarian impacts caused by the sanctions are emphasised. Arthur Makarutse, the chairman of the Zimbabwe Citizens Against Sanctions group, argued that the sanctions have led to high unemployment, surpassing 80%, causing…

Niël Terblanché MTC employees, supported by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund and Namib Mills, donated more than 250 mattresses and essential food supplies to learners of the Cocoma Primary School in the Ndiyona circuit of the Kavango East Region. The generous initiative, part of the employee-led MTC Care programme, is a vital lifeline for many learners who struggle daily with educational inequalities. During the handover, school principal Moses Ndumba expressed gratitude, noting the difference this gesture will make to Cocoma Primary’s learners. “We are highly appreciative of the support that we have received today. Some of our learners have…

Niël Terblanché As NamWater continues to partner with various stakeholders to make a lasting, positive impact on communities across Namibia. In this regard, NamWater has demonstrated its commitment to improving education and community development in Namibia's Hardap Region with a substantial donation aimed at equipping young learners for academic success. At a ceremony on Monday which was attended by key stakeholders, NamWater handed over stationery supplies valued at N$381 660 to ten primary schools which is a substantial investment in the educational landscape of southern Namibia. Kadiva Hamutumwa, NamWater’s Chief Strategy and Corporate Affairs Officer, stated that the initiative is…