Windhoek Observer

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…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe NamWater, in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, has announced the resumption of irrigation water supply from the Hardap Dam. The decision was approved by Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein to support national priorities of agricultural productivity and economic stability in the Hardap region and will be implemented on 20 January. NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata revealed the development on Wednesday, following a thorough assessment of the dam's water availability. The analysis determined that irrigation water can be supplied with a 20% demand reduction, allowing 80% of arable land to be irrigated until July while maintaining…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The country’s top performers in the National Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSCO) Ordinary and Advanced Subsidiary (AS) levels are setting their sights on careers in medicine. Many of the high achievers expressed aspirations to study at the University of Namibia (UNAM) or abroad. The exam results were announced on Tuesday by the minister of education, arts and culture, Anna Nghipondoka. Trinity /Oxurus from Rukonga Vision School in Kavango East shared her passion for radiology and medicine. “I enjoy learning about the human body and that is why I want to study either radiology or medicine. I am mostly motivated…

Allexer Namundjembo Landless People’s Movement (LPM) national council affiliate, William Minnie and Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Youth League secretary general, Julia Nekwaya have accused the National Youth Council (NYC) interim board of political bias after a High Court order barred them and other protesters from entering the council’s premises. The court order, issued on Monday evening, follows protests that began last week, culminating in NYC staff being forced out of their offices and the interim board being chased from its premises. The order prohibits Minnie, Nekwaya, third respondent Jafet Amakali, and unnamed protesters from disrupting NYC operations, locking premises, or…

Niël Terblanché The Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has assured the public that the Namibian Police’s general crime-fighting and prevention efforts will be intensified this year to ensure the safety of all. “I would like to indicate that the 2025 crime prevention operations, traffic law enforcement, anti-poaching operations, and efforts against drug trafficking and dealings will be intensified,” he said. Shikongo said during a special briefing on Monday when he voiced serious concern over the increasing incidents of child exploitation through prostitution and the spread of child pornography. According to him the police and other law…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Employers in the fuel retail, security, and hospitality sectors have issued retrenchment notices and threatened to alter employees' benefits in response to the national minimum wage (NMW) implementation order. The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has described this as retaliatory actions by certain employers. The MUN’s general secretary, George Ampweya revealed that the union is aware of one such employer, Engen Swakopmund Truck Port. “The employer has informed employees about plans to remove the housing allowance of about N$1 400 to increase their wages to the minimum required level. Additionally, they have proposed removing the annual bonus, which…