Observer

Martin Endjala Heavy windstorms last Wednesday left several houses in the Eengodi and Omuthiya constituencies without roofs. People in Onamushi, Onyavia, Ongaka and Okambuguthe villages were badly affected by the strong winds. Mwawendange Petersen, a priest at the House of Healing International Ministry in the Ongaka area, told the Windhoek Observer on Monday that the roof sheets were blown off and lying around the ground, along with poles and trees that were uprooted by the windstorm. “At this stage, it is hard to tell or put the exact number of houses or people affected because other areas in the Oshikoto…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Labour unions, media advocates, and stakeholders widely celebrate the Namibia Media Professionals Union's (NAMPU) official trade union registration as a significant step towards strengthening workers' rights in Namibia's media industry. NAMPU received its certificate of recognition from the Office of the Labour Commissioner on Monday, 16 December 2024, after a four-year campaign for formal recognition. The media ombudsman, John Nakuta, hailed the development as a landmark moment for media workers. “It is really good news to hear that NAMPU has finally been registered officially as one of the many trade unions in the country. For that reason, I…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Okahao State Hospital in the Omusati Region has been grappling with a critical shortage of essential medical supplies. Patients seeking medical care have been left stranded without critical items such as health passports, tonsil medication, and amoxicillin syrup, sparking growing concerns over the deteriorating state of healthcare services in the area. The Windhoek Observer visited the hospital on Sunday and witnessed that the essential items were indeed out of stock. Due to a lack of medical passports, patients received handwritten documents to record their medical information. “This is frustrating. I came here for my child’s medication, and…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Netball Namibia’s president, Rebekka Goagoses has called on local authorities to prioritise the construction of proper sports facilities or repurpose warehouses and community spaces into sports venues, particularly those that can accommodate netball. Goagoses made the appeal during the closing ceremony of the Africa Netball Cup 2024, held at the Dome in Swakopmund from 9 to 14 December. “For this, I call on our local authorities to prioritise the construction of proper sports facilities. Let us turn our warehouses and community spaces into venues that nurture our athletes and prepare them for international competition,” she said. The tournament…

Niël Terblanché Swakopmund is gearing up for a festive season filled with joy, safety and security. A special detachment of the Namibian Police’s Special Reserve Force arrived in the holiday town on Sunday and their mission is to enforce law and order throughout the bustling festive period, ensuring a safe and tranquil environment for both residents and visitors. Linda Mupupa, the spokesperson of the municipality, reiterated the council's support for the endeavour. “As part of its commitment to a safe and secure environment, the town council sponsored N$147 027 to accommodate and provide meals for the Special Reserve Force members,”…

Martin Endjala The Namibian United Party (UNP) has described the just-concluded 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections as illegitimate. In a statement issued recently, UNP chief servant, Amos Likuwa criticised the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), saying it had no valid reason to create a chaotic voting process given the time and resources at its disposal. “Fellow Namibians, the ECN’s actions are undeniable, unbelievable, indescribable and unacceptable,” he said. Likuwa claimed that the ECN was acting against the interests of many Namibians, denying and grossly violating citizens' rights throughout the nation. “The only question that lingers in my mind is…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Rundu Rural Constituency Councillor Paulus Mbangu has criticised the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare for excluding unemployed rural residents from benefiting from the Basic Income Grant (BIG). The grant, introduced to alleviate poverty among struggling families, targets Namibians aged between 18 and 59. Its implementation has largely been concentrated in urban areas, angering rural communities. Mbangu likened the ministry’s urban-focused approach to apartheid-era policies, arguing that it discriminates against rural residents and fosters negative perceptions of the government. “The ministry’s urban-centric policies are no different from apartheid policies, as they ignore the unique challenges…