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Allexer Namundjembo The acting chief executive officer of the Gibeon Village Council (GVC), Pederius Tjihireko, defended the recent termination of staff contracts, saying the decisions were made in line with internal procedures and legal frameworks. Two employees, a debtors’ clerk and an administrative staff member, had their contracts terminated earlier this week. Their departures have raised questions among residents and community activists about what may be causing the wave of staff exits. Tjihireko said the terminations followed provisions set out in the Labour Act and the Local Authorities Act. “Any affected individuals who feel the termination was unjust have the…

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts have raised concerns about the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC)’s decision not to designate a leader of the official opposition in Parliament. The analysts warned that the move may weaken the party’s coordination and effectiveness in the National Assembly. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the absence of a clear leader in Parliament could leave IPC Members of Parliament without guidance. “The party leader usually helps set the direction, and without that leadership, MPs may struggle to stay united or focused on the party's goals. They could also feel lost or unsure about how to act in…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Some regional governors are reportedly eyeing diplomatic posts as their terms of office are nearing an end. While no official announcements have been made, sources indicate that these governors, whose terms were extended until 20 June, are lobbying for ambassadorial appointments. The governors are said to be leveraging their political and regional leadership experience in lobbying for postings abroad. Diplomatic appointments are usually timed with the international school calendar, starting in August or September, to allow diplomats with school-going children to secure placements. About 25 diplomatic positions are expected to be filled, with new appointees serving five-year terms.…

Niël Terblanché The minister of international relations and trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has set out her vision for the ministry’s expanded role, calling on staff to embrace the integration of trade and diplomacy as a strategic tool to reposition the country on the African continent and globally. Speaking during a general staff meeting in Windhoek on Wednesday, Ashipala-Musavyi acknowledged the trust placed in her by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and expressed her gratitude to her predecessors, including Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, Namibia’s first Foreign Minister, and former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, President Nandi-Ndaitwah herself. “It is a responsibility that I have…

Niël Terblanché The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has initiated court proceedings against political activist Michael Amushelelo for alleged contempt of court. This action follows Amushelelo's recent social media posts concerning rape allegations against the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Mac Hengari. In a statement posted on social media, Amushelelo questioned the consistency of public demands for accountability. "As a society, it will be very hypocritical of all of you to demand that [redacted] resigns from his position as Member of Parliament and Minister when we equally have Joseph Shikongo, who is…