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Martin Endjala The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has cautioned that utility companies that fail to apply for tariff adjustments stand to lose revenue. The board’s chief executive officer, Robert Kahimise, explained that failing to apply for tariff adjustment on time coincided with the implementation of the bulk tariff, which is effective 1 July. “As we cautioned last year during the tariff review period, all distribution utilities ought to apply for their annual tariff review immediately after the announcement of the NamPower bulk tariff. This is so because utilities that do not apply for tariff adjustments in time stand to lose…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Christian Coalition of Churches in Namibia requested that President Nangolo Mbumba sign a bill amending the Marriage Act, which prohibits the solemnisation and recognition of same-sex marriages in Namibia. In a letter addressed to Mbumba on 16 June, the coalition emphasised the importance of preserving Namibian society's moral and ethical fabric and called upon Mbumba to urgently sign the bill. "We therefore call upon you, Mr President, to urgently sign the Bill amending the Marriage Act and prohibiting the solemnisation and recognition of same-sex marriage in the Republic of Namibia." The letter expressed concern over the promotion…

Niël Terblanché Namibia's ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of the severe drought conditions received a significant boost as India announced its commitment to assist with grain and other food items. The outgoing High Commissioner of India, Mandarapu Subbarayudu, announced the provision of drought aid during a farewell courtesy call on President Nangolo Mbumba at State House earlier this week. Subbarayudu indicated that India's assistance might also extend to training locals in drought-resilient agricultural practices, which could provide a sustainable solution to the recurrent issue of drought in Namibia. This pledge from India follows an appeal by the Namibian government…

Niël Terblanché Namibia's national security strategy has come under scrutiny for prioritising state security over the security of its people, a stance that has significant implications for human rights and privacy. Research associate with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), Frederico Links, has voiced concerns about this approach, describing it as problematic and infringing on individual rights. During the launch of a report titled "Problematic Influences: African National Security Narratives in Namibian Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Law Framing and Enforcement" Links pointed out that this national security narrative forces individuals to surrender their rights for the sake of safety He…

Niël Terblanché The essential role of education and technology in forging an inclusive and thriving continent was highlighted during the official celebration of Public Service Day in Namibia. In her address at the closing of the three-day-long event, the Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, said that African governments have made substantial investments and commitments to their educational systems, leading to significant achievements over the last few decades. "Primary school completion rates have increased from 52% in the year 2000 to 69% by 2022, and youth literacy rates in sub-Saharan Africa have improved remarkably from 66% in 2000…

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Pandulani Itula, has refuted allegations that the party has bought cars to run its political campaigns. According to Itula, who spoke during a radio interview, the party entered into an agreement with someone to rent cars for its campaign; however, he did not reveal details about the person. “It is not true. IPC has never bought or given any single car. I do not know where those who made such allegations find such a story. We found someone with cars and said that the cars should not be given…

Stefanus Nashama The Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero has expressed disappointment with the delays in the process of renovating the Independence Stadium. She shared this with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday in response to questions about the stadium's renovation and upgrades. “The ministry is disappointed that it is taking so long to start the renovation process,” said Tjongarero. Although the work should have started in September of last year, more than ten months have passed without any progress. The minister claims that the procurement process is to blame for the delay. “The delay is with the…

Martin Endjala The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has directed regional councils and local authorities to cease the practice of blocking prepaid electricity metres to recover arrears on other municipal services. Robert Kahimise, the ECB’s chief executive officer, gave this order during Thursday's announcement of tariffs for distribution licensees. He urged the various electricity distributors to explore alternative debt recovery methods that comply with the relevant legislation. This comes after the ECB received a customer complaint about a local authority blocking pre-paid meters for municipal accounts in arrears. “The ECB ruling on the matter is that this practice is not allowed…

Niël Terblanché Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries have agreed to establish a regional public service commission. Salmaan Jacobs, the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in Namibia described the decision as an initiative that will be aimed at cultivating collaboration and enhancing public service across the region. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Africa Public Service Day commemorations in Windhoek on Thursday, Jacobs stressed the importance of this new forum. "The forum will provide a platform where information and lessons can be shared, and where the provisions of national constitutions and relevant laws can be safeguarded…

Martin Endjala Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government will not interfere with the more than one billion Euros in genocide funds from the German government intended for genocide-affected communities. She said the government's sole role is to facilitate and guarantee the money is used for its intended purpose. She said this during the meeting of the chiefs forum of the affected communities of the 1904–1908 genocide, held on Thursday at the Gateway Conference Centre in Khomasdal. “At this point, let me assure you once more that the government of the Republic of Namibia will not interfere with the endowment…