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MoHSS warns against false health alerts

MoHSS warns against false health alerts

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has dismissed claims of an airborne virus causing severe stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea.  The ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, urged the public to seek official information from the relevant authorities. “We don’t act on rumours. If there was anything at all, we would verify the veracity of that claim. What we do have is a cholera outbreak in the Kunene region and the measles outbreak, which we announced in December,” he said. He added that the ministry has not recorded any other public health concerns and condemned the spread…
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UNESCO and GRN partner to digitise education

UNESCO and GRN partner to digitise education

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, in partnership with UNESCO Namibia, has officially launched the ICT Transforming Education in Africa – Phase III initiative, an ambitious project aimed at integrating digital technology into the education system. The initiative forms part of the UNESCO-Korean Funds-in-Trust (KFIT) programme, a multinational effort to harness information and communication technology (ICT) for educational development across Sub-Saharan Africa. Education minister Ester Anna Nghipondoka described the project as an essential step in modernising the education system to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. “Technology is no longer a luxury; it is…
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 Dams see positive inflows

 Dams see positive inflows

The latest dam level update from NamWater indicates significant positive inflows into key dams, improving overall water storage and boosting Namibia’s water security. Since 10 March 2025, Von Bach, Swakoppoort, Hardap, Naute, and Neckartal Dams have recorded increased water levels, extending their capacity to sustain water supply in their respective regions. Current Dam Levels as of 12 March: Von Bach Dam: Increased from 35.3% to 35.8%, with an additional 239,000 cubic metres of water. Swakoppoort Dam: Improved from 37.5% to 38.4%, receiving a total of 572,000 cubic metres. Hardap Dam: Now at 24.2% capacity, gaining 5.839 million cubic metres over…
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New strategy and framework set to enhance trade efficiency

New strategy and framework set to enhance trade efficiency

Niël Terblanché Namibia has launched a new Coordinated Border Management (CBM) national strategy and Inter-Agency Standard Operations Framework, aimed at enhancing the country’s role as a trade hub for Southern Africa.  The initiative, introduced in Windhoek on Monday, seeks to streamline cross-border trade, improve customs efficiency, and reduce delays at border points and seaports. Speaking at the launch in Windhoek, Sikongo Haihambo, the executive director of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, acknowledged the challenges posed by prolonged clearance times at Namibia’s border points and seaports. “A cargo takes about 19 days to depart after clearance at Walvis Bay Port.…
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Spilling the beans led to recovery of N$3.4 million

Spilling the beans led to recovery of N$3.4 million

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) recovered N$3.4 million after receiving information from whistleblowers through its Spill the Beans hotline. According to Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, the spokesperson of NamRA, the whistle blower platform was launched in partnership with Deloitte Namibia in May 2024 “The initiative has been instrumental in enhancing transparency and accountability within the country's tax system,” he said in a statement released on Wednesday. He added that since its inception, Spill the Beans has received 60 reports addressing concerns such as fraud, corruption, tax evasion, alleged money laundering, drug smuggling, and unethical behaviour. “These reports have led to…
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CAF congress pays tribute to Nujoma and Siyauya

CAF congress pays tribute to Nujoma and Siyauya

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Congress honoured Namibia’s late founding president, Sam Nujoma, and Namibia Football Association (NFA) General Secretary Charles Siyauya with a moment of silence during its 14th Extraordinary General Congress in Cairo, Egypt. NFA President Robert Shimooshili expressed deep gratitude for the tribute, describing it as a significant gesture of respect and solidarity. "I extend my deepest gratitude to the CAF Congress delegates for their collective gesture of solidarity and respect. The moment of silence in honour of our founding president and general secretary was a profoundly moving tribute. This act of remembrance will…
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Steytler given ultimatum before resignation

Steytler given ultimatum before resignation

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Sources within the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) told the  Windhoek Observer that the bank’s former boss, John Steytler, was presented with an ultimatum to either resign or face suspension. The specific reasons for this decision remain undisclosed. Steytler resigned with immediate effect on Tuesday. Speculation has also emerged that there is potential that he may be appointed as a cabinet minister under president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s incoming cabinet either as finance minister or director general of planning. Steytler has, however, denied these claims. ““You can quote me on this; I’m definitely not going to Cabinet,” he told the…
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Election by acclamation not democratic – analyst 

Election by acclamation not democratic – analyst 

Ester Mbathera  Political commentators and analysts have criticised Swapo’s recent extraordinary congress for electing Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as party president by acclamation. Nandi-Ndaitwah was elected unopposed last Saturday, a move that has sparked debate about the party’s internal democratic processes. Stephanus Pombili, a party member and analyst, defended the decision, stating that electing Nandi-Ndaitwah by acclamation was intended to prevent infighting, division, and the emergence of dual centres of power within the party. “These two centres of power harness sabotage and political uncertainty within the party and the country. The party president could advance for impeachment if he controls the majority…
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First cholera case confirmed in Kunene region

First cholera case confirmed in Kunene region

Niël Terblanché Health care services have been put on high alert to ensure swift action to safeguard public health after the first cholera case has been reported in the Kunene region. The Ministry of Health and Social Services’ (MoHSS) executive director, Ben Nangombe, in a statement on Tuesday, said health care services are committed to preventing a widespread outbreak. Nangome confirmed the first case of cholera in Namibia, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease in the country. He said the case, identified in the Kunene Region, has prompted health authorities to activate a comprehensive response to contain…
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NIPDB distances itself from NMH’s decision to discipline journalist

NIPDB distances itself from NMH’s decision to discipline journalist

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has dismissed claims of media freedom violations and interference in the internal affairs of Network Media Hub (NMH) as baseless and illogical. In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the NIPDB’s senior communications manager, Catherine Shipushu emphasised the board’s commitment to upholding media freedom as guaranteed by the Namibian Constitution.  "However, accountability is a two-way principle. Journalists also bear the professional responsibility to report accurately, fairly, and without bias,” she stated. The statement follows a disciplinary hearing held by NMH last week against staff member Jemimah Beukes, who is alleged…
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