Windhoek Observer

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The mayor of Karib has condemned gender-based violence (GBV) following a tragic incident in which a man murdered his girlfriend and her two children before taking his own life by setting fire to their home early on Sunday morning. According to Davey van Wyk, the nation should denounce domestic violence with the greatest hatred. “We don’t condone GBV at all, and it is regrettably sad that this incident happened. We urge men to stand up and own up rather than resorting to GBV,” van Wyk stated. He added that the recent allocation of space for a new police…

Niël Terblanché More than 60 learners from all 14 regions of Namibia are gathered in Windhoek as part of the 6th Children’s Parliament that started on Friday. The special parliament is a demonstration of Namibia’s commitment to empowering the youth and transforming the education system to secure a brighter future for all children in the country. President Nangolo Mbumba opened the week-long session, which will be held under the theme “Transforming Education in Namibia.” It was a historic event because it was both the President’s first and last time addressing the Children’s Parliament. In his speech, President Mbumba congratulated the…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Landless People’s Movement’s (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi says the Swapo-led government has since independence, failed to introduce the right policies that can provide young people with opportunities. According to Swartbooi, the only way young people gain freedom and independence is through their everyday struggles. Swartbooi made these remarks during the LPM rally that took place in Windhoek’s Khomasdal suburb over the weekend. “Those of you who have never seen the sunrise, you who vote to see electricity, we welcome you to the dawn of a new era, where we will make the change happen in this country…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Joseph Kauandenge, from the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), has blamed aspiring party leader Barry Rukoro for the party's failed elective congress. NUDO was set to elect new leaders over the weekend, but the party's national executive committee called the congress off to avoid a possible physical brawl. On Sunday, Rukoro said the congress was called off because the outgoing leadership was not ready to host the election, and many reports that were supposed to be presented to the congress were missing. Kauandenge said that Rukoro is manipulating the truth. He said Rukoro put his personal interest above…

Martin Endjala Hundreds of landless Walvis Bay residents are preparing to submit applications for land. This is an initiative launched by the Walvis Bay Backyard Tenants Group, who say they want to purchase Portion 23 of Farm 37 near Dune 7. According to a public notice inviting those who live in backyard shacks who were left out to become beneficiaries of Portion 19, well known as Extension 6 of Green Valley. “We are going to apply to the Walvis Bay Municipality to purchase portion 23 of farm 37,” read the notice. The group leader, Festus Immanuel, said they are a…

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has cautioned the public to disregard a poster depicting men with a rainbow flag that is associated with the LGBTQ+ community. On Monday, the party issued a warning to those who reproduced its communication material. “The IPC noted with concern that members of the public are defacing IPC communication posters by imposing and reproducing communication material depicting the logo of the party. We hereby issue a stern warning to those culprits to cease doing so with immediate effect,” stated the party. The poster bearing the party's logo is being circulated on social…

Niël Terblanché The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund donated three pieces of medical equipment, valued at N$1.1 million, to the Windhoek Central Hospital on Friday. According to Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, the MVA Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, the contribution is expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide high-quality care to its patients. The donated equipment includes an intensive care unit (ICU) monitor, a diathermy unit, and a suction machine. Each piece of equipment plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety and improving the overall effectiveness of medical interventions at the hospital. The ICU Monitor is designed to enable healthcare professionals…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Council chairperson, Lukas Muha has urged his fellow lawmakers to consider prioritising the review and passage of four bills that have been passed and referred to them by the National Assembly. Muha made these remarks during the National Council opening session in Windhoek at Parliament on Monday. The bills are the Electoral Amendment Bill, the Marriage Bill, the Property Practitioners Bill and the Road Fund Administration Amendment Bill. He said the house should also consider eight National Council Standing Committee reports and two inter-parliamentary cluster reports in accordance with Article 74(2) read together with Article 59(3).…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The minister of environment, forestry and tourism (MEFT), Pohamba Shifeta, has urged the travel and tourism sector to improve its customer service. Speaking at the launch of the 2023 Annual Tourist Statistical Report, Shifeta highlighted the importance of trained staff to enhance service quality. "I have met some clients complaining about our service and that we need to look at our services. I call upon the industry players to train our staff, as these are the staff that can make it or break it," said Shifeta. He emphasised the need for better coaching, not just in public service…