Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has imposed a ban on the importation and transit of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from Germany in order to protect Namibia’s livestock industry. The restriction follows a confirmed outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany on 10 January 2025. The disease has been confirmed in a herd of water buffalo near Brandenberg, in the Markisch Odèland district of Germany (to the west of Berlin). Announcing the measure, Johannes Shoopala, the acting chief veterinary officer, said the ban aims to safeguard Namibia’s prized animal health status. "This decision is in…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Opposition parties have criticised President Nangolo Mbumba for extending a message of solidarity message to the president of the United States of America, Joe Biden and the people of California following six days of deadly wildfires. Mbumba, in his message, said Namibia stands with the people of California during this difficult hour and wishes them strength. “As a country that is disproportionately affected by a warming planet, Namibia stands ready to work with the American government and like-minded nations to deal with the scourge of climate change,” he said. However, opposition parties accused Mbumba of failing to extend…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police in the Erongo region confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the brutal panga attack and armed robbery of an elderly couple in Henties Bay last week. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the police’s community affairs division in Erongo, the suspects were apprehended on Sunday morning, mere days after the attack that left Alexander Grobler (77) and his wife, Martha Maria Grobler (69), hospitalised. The attack occurred on Wednesday night when the suspects broke into the Groblers’ home situated on Henties Bay’s main road. Armed with pangas, they assaulted the…

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has raised over N$3 500 to provide food and clothing for families affected by recent floods in Windhoek. Fritz Kaufman, the IPC's Khomas regional commander, made the announcement on Friday. “We have collected that money, which was used to secure food hampers and some clothing,” Kaufman said. He stressed the party’s commitment to supporting the community during times of crisis and expressed gratitude to all contributors, highlighting the importance of solidarity in adversity. Kaufman confirmed that the handover of the donations would take place this week. The IPC’s relief efforts are part…

Allexer Namundjebo The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that the procurement of equipment necessary to complete the Oshaambelo Livestock Development Centre has been completed. The equipment was acquired late last year as part of ongoing efforts to finalise the project, which has faced delays since its inception in 2008. In a video released by the ministry, the executive director, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata visited the incomplete centre on 14 December to assess progress and identify shortfalls. The ministry explained that the evaluation is part of preparations for infrastructure upgrades under the Livestock Support Program. “This initiative seeks to enhance agricultural infrastructure, improve…

Niël Terblanché President Nicolás Maduro Moros was sworn in for his third term as the leader of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Friday The inauguration ceremony, held in Caracas, was attended by various international dignitaries, including a Namibian delegation led by Jenelly Matundu, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Matundu served as the special envoy of President Nangolo Mbumba during the visit. According to international media reports, the event took place amid significant international controversy. The 2024 Venezuelan presidential election faced widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities. Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia claimed victory after stating that the…

Niël Terblanché The implementation of the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035 is poised to play a transformative role in achieving a healthy and prosperous Africa. In this regard, the African Union (AU) convened an Extraordinary Summit in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme "Sustainable and Resilient Agrifood Systems for a Healthy and Prosperous Africa." Peya Mushelenga, the minister of international relations and cooperation led the delegation which actively participated in these vital discussions from Thursday to Saturday. The summit focused on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035. The Ministry of International Relations…

Martin Endjala The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) and the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) have strongly criticised the African Development Bank (AfDB) report on infrastructure development in Namibia. The AfDB report claims that Namibian companies lack the capacity to manage infrastructure development projects and are unable to compete against international firms for major contracts. NALOBA’s vice president, Peter Amadhila condemned the report, questioning the role of the AfDB in developing the capacity of Namibian enterprises. “All they do is set the requirements so high in order to intentionally award these projects to international companies, where directly or indirectly…