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Hertta-Maria Amutenja, Allexer Namundjebo, Martin Endjala Namibians across the country faced long waits and numerous challenges on election day for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Amid the heat, logistical issues at polling stations, power outages, and frustrations among voters created a tense atmosphere that hindered the smooth running of the process. People started lining up at polling stations as early as 04:00 on Wednesday, hoping to be among the first to cast their vote. Many of them were unprepared for the delays and chaos that plagued election day. The voting process in the Oshikoto Region, specifically at Omuthiya,…

Hertta-maria Amutenja, Martin Endjala, Allexer Namundjembo The 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections were overshadowed by logistical issues, including ballot paper shortages and operational delays at various polling stations. Polling stations such as Omeya Golf Estate, Mix Settlement, Finkenstein, Brakwater Shopping Centre, and Centaurus High School in the Khomas Region, as well as Omudaungilo Constituency in the Ohangwena Region, reported running out of ballot papers by 15h00. These challenges have frustrated voters and prompted calls for urgent action from political stakeholders and civil society. The Independent Patriots for Change’s (IPC) leader, Panduleni Itula, has accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN)…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The High Court has ordered the former Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) chairperson for Swakopmund, Milton Augumeb, to retract defamatory statements he made about the leadership of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN). On 25 November, the court also instructed Augumeb, who had claimed that the union's leadership was in crisis and that the national executive committee (NEC) was involved in the misappropriation of funds, to issue a public apology. Augumeb was also ordered to unconditionally retract the said defamatory statement. In addition, he must issue a public apology for the aforementioned defamatory statements within 14 days. Augumeb…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The United States Embassy in Namibia has issued a safety advisory to its citizens, urging them to remain vigilant during and after the country’s presidential and national assembly elections. The elections were held on Wednesday. In a statement shared on its social media platforms, the embassy highlighted the potential for heightened activity during the election period. “Throughout this period, as well as over the days following the elections, rallies and demonstrations may occur,” the statement read. The embassy advised American nationals in Namibia to avoid large crowds and stay alert. “Maintain a low profile, carry proper identification, review…

Niël Terblanché The Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust’s (NaDEET), innovative approach to environmental education and its impact on both individuals and Namibian policy received a prestigious international accolade. NaDEET is a Namibian non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and sustainable living, that has been honoured with the UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Protection. According to a statement on UNESCO’s website, the award was presented on 20 November 2024 at the World Science Forum in Budapest, Hungary, acknowledging NaDEET's substantial contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Established in 2003, NaDEET operates from the NamibRand Nature Reserve, offering immersive programs…

Mallex Shipanga The Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS) has raised concerns over non-tariff barriers impacting trade at the Pioneer Gate and Skilpadshek border posts, which connect Botswana and South Africa. Complaints about these barriers, which obstruct international trade, were submitted by clearing agents and transport operators. The TKCS hosted a meeting on Tuesday where the institution addressed the complaints. “The meeting noted several challenges that resulted in non-tariff barriers,” said the institution. These challenges include capacity building, failure to pre-clear trucks, an increase in transit volumes, network challenges, and new updates. During the meeting, the TKCS aimed to address the…

Niël Terblanché As Namibians prepare to head to the polls tomorrow to elect the country’s fifth president and members of the eighth National Assembly, President Nangolo Mbumba has called on citizens to embrace peace and unity during this significant moment in the nation’s history. Addressing the nation on the eve of the elections, Mbumba reflected on Namibia’s democratic journey and its commitment to free and fair elections. “For the past 34 years of our independence, peaceful, fair, and free elections have become part of the cherished culture of our constitutional democracy,” he said. The President’s remarks come at a time…