Windhoek Observer

The Globe and Mail Sickness has been common for years in Tsumeb, where Dundee Precious Metals (DPM) was the biggest employer for more than a decade. Tests have now found the soil is contaminated with arsenic and other heavy metals In the citrus orchards above the Namibian town, workers often fall sick. They say they feel a burning sensation in their eyes and throats and a metallic taste in their mouths as the wind blows across from the copper smelter a few kilometres away. “When the gas is coming from that side, we get headaches and dizziness, and sometimes you…

Ester Mbathera The country’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system faces accusations of failing both communities and the environment, according to a report released by the Namibian Environment and Wildlife Society recently. Authored by John Pallett and Ndelimona Iipinge, the report highlights deficiencies in the EIA system. “The whole process appears to be a box-checking exercise that serves a wealthy and well-connected few at the expense of the majority of Namibians and our environment,” reads the report. One example cited involves an Exclusive Prospecting License (EPL) near the //Huab Conservancy in the Khorixas area, which is home to a number of…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has dismissed claims that some of Namibia's top-performing Grade 11 and 12 learners had prior access to examination question papers because their parents hold high-ranking positions within the ministry. Clementine Tsumis-Garises, Director of National Examinations and Assessment, addressed the allegations, which stemmed from a WhatsApp message circulating in a group named “The Africa We Want.” The message accused the ministry of corruption and favouritism, particularly after Minister Anna Nghipondoka publicly congratulated her nieces, Twapewa and Twahafa Negumbo, during the announcement of the results. The message also alleged that Jolisa Garises and…

Allexer Namundjembo High Court Judge Orben Sibeya has emphasised the importance of ensuring the judicial system remains accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial means. He said this during the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) legal challenge against the results of the 2024 National Assembly elections on Wednesday. Judge Sibeya voiced his concerns after respondents in the case demanded substantial security costs from the IPC, with amounts ranging from N$500 000 to N$750 000. The judge warned that such exorbitant demands risked barring access to the courts for applicants with limited resources, undermining the principles of justice. Anton Katz, representing the…

Martin Endjala The European Union (EU) has disbursed a N$42 million grant to four civil society organisations (CSOs) to advance the country’s development agenda. The funding is part of a strategic partnership aimed at fostering inclusive green growth, strengthening civil society participation, and addressing the country's economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The grants, awarded to the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation, Namibia Development Trust, Namibia Nature Foundation, and Deutsche Welle Academy, were the result of a competitive call for proposals launched by the EU delegation in 2024. “These promising projects will be funded under our bilateral programme with Namibia,…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) faced a bomb threat on January 14, disrupting operations and bringing airport security protocols under scrutiny. The incident occurred when a 66-year-old passenger on a departing flight claimed, "There could be a bomb on the aircraft, for all we know. Section 198 (2) C of the Civil Aviation Act states that acts contrary to public safety and order at an airport where a person who, while in an airport, and in a manner contrary to public order or safety at the airport - without justification makes an alarming statement, uses alarming words…

Niël Terblanché Namibia welcomed the United States of America’s decision to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and hailed it as a victory for justice and international diplomacy. President Nangolo Mbumba commended the announcement made by the Biden Administration on 14 January 2025, describing it as a long overdue step in the right direction. In a statement on Wednesday, Mbumba lauded the decision as one that aligns with Namibia’s consistent calls in international forums for Cuba’s removal from the contentious list. “I commend the US Government for having eventually taken the long overdue decision to remove…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is steadfast in its aim to achieve 70% of its energy supply from renewable sources by 2030. The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, said this during the 15th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly held from 11 to 13 January 2025 in Abu Dhabi. "Several key initiatives are nearing completion, and new projects will be launched in early 2025," he said while addressing the assembly. He stressed that Namibia is focused on harnessing solar, wind, and biomass resources to diversify the energy mix of the country. The minister also outlined Namibia's electrification…