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‘Hage gave freely, so should we’ – Geingos

‘Hage gave freely, so should we’ – Geingos

Allexer Namundjembo Former First Lady Monica Geingos has called on the nation to honour her husband, the late President Hage Geingob, by sharing the new banknote with others.  She made these remarks during the launch of the N$60 commemorative banknote in honour of Geingob by the Bank of Namibia on Wednesday. “Geingob didn’t have the habit of keeping money. He always gave money to people. If you want to honour Geingob, give the note to as many people as possible,’’ Geingos said. She explained Geingob’s dedication to the country, noting the sacrifices he made for the nation.  “He spent his…
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Venaani accuse GRN of avoiding accountability over diamond heist

Venaani accuse GRN of avoiding accountability over diamond heist

Allexer Namundjembo The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, accused the government of avoiding accountability in the Namdia diamond heist that took place on 18 January by hiding behind the fact that the matter is “sub judice”. During the parliament session on Tuesday, Venaani demanded answers from Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on the matter. “Government must come forward and tell us what is happening with the case. The government must tell us how far along the case is because they cannot be hiding behind “sub judice" when the resources of our country are being stolen in broad…
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Tsumeb Municipality donates 21 plots and houses to residents

Tsumeb Municipality donates 21 plots and houses to residents

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Tsumeb Municipality announced the donation of 21 residential plots to selected individuals in the town through private transactions. This was revealed in a public notice issued under the Local Authorities Act. According to the notice placed in newspapers, the plots, each measuring 300 square meters, are located in Extension 8 and Extension 10 of Tsumeb. The properties are zoned for residential use and remain unimproved. The town’s mayor, Mathew Hangula, explained that the recipients of the houses are members of the Build Together Programme who had houses built at the old municipal dump site.  “It seems that…
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Walvis Bay residents drowning in uncollected garbage

Walvis Bay residents drowning in uncollected garbage

Niël Terblanché Walvis Bay residents are growing increasingly frustrated as waste piles up in the streets due to the near-collapse of the municipality’s refuse removal services. With only one operational refuse truck and four aging vehicles frequently out of service, the town's waste management division is struggling to cope, prompting calls for urgent intervention. Kaleinasho Maxuilili wrote a letter this week to the municipality expressing her concern about the environmental and sanitary conditions at the town.  “It is disheartening to see the increasing litter and sewage issues, which not only tarnish our town's beauty but also pose serious health risks.…
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​​No leads on missing St. George’s learner

​​No leads on missing St. George’s learner

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Police have reported no new information regarding the disappearance of Joliane Kabwe (17), a Grade 11 learner from St. George’s Diocesan School in Windhoek, who has been missing since Monday. Deputy Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo on Wednesday confirmed that a missing person file has been opened and that patrols are ongoing. “The search is ongoing; however, we have no clues yet. We are doing patrols, but there are no concrete leads as to where she might have gone,’ said Mubebo. Mubebo has urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any sightings or information that…
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Payment for loss of cattle to wildlife conflict increased to N$ 8000

Payment for loss of cattle to wildlife conflict increased to N$ 8000

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta announced that starting 1 April 2025, the government will compensate farmers N$8 000 for cattle lost due to wildlife conflicts.  Shifeta made the announcement on Wednesday in the National Assembly while introducing the “Human Wildlife Conflict Self Reliance Scheme (HWC).”  The scheme aims to directly offset losses suffered by farmers due to wildlife damage to livestock and crops. Shifeta explained that although the compensation was previously increased from N$ 3000 to N$ 5000, it will now rise to N$8 000.  This adjustment aims to promote fair benefit distribution and ensure…
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Fears grow over uranium mining in Stampriet Artesian Basin

Fears grow over uranium mining in Stampriet Artesian Basin

Niël Terblanché Concerns have again been raised over the potential threat to underground water supply, as key discussions on the proposed in situ leach uranium mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin (SAB) were removed from the agenda at the recent Namibia Regional Water Symposium in Keetmanshoop. The SAB is a water source for towns such as Leonardville, Aranos, Aminuis, Stampriet, Gochas, and Koës in the Hardap region. It also serves as a water supply for farming communities and large-scale irrigation projects that contribute to national food security. Recognising its importance, the government has designated the SAB as a legislated Water…
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Effectiveness of drought commodity voucher programme assessed

Effectiveness of drought commodity voucher programme assessed

Niël Terblanché In a bid to alleviate the dire food shortages caused by the El Niño-induced drought, the Government of Japan and the World Food Programme (WFP) have provided life-saving assistance to thousands of Namibians through a commodity voucher programme. A delegation led by Japan’s Ambassador to Namibia, Shinichi Asazuma, WFP Namibia’s Acting Country Director, Tiwonge Machiwenyika, and Kunene Governor, Marius Sheya, recently visited Queen Sofia Farm and De Riet settlement to assess the impact of the initiative. The programme, backed by a N$9.3 million contribution from the Government of Japan, has provided essential food relief to 26 556 people…
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GIPF needs proof of life before the end of June

GIPF needs proof of life before the end of June

Niël Terblanché The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) urged all pensioners, children, and spousal beneficiaries to complete their biometric verification (proof of life) process for the period ending on 30 June.   Those who fail to verify their status before the deadline risk having their monthly benefits suspended. In a statement released on Wednesday, GIPF spokesperson Edwin Tjiramba stressed the importance of the verification process, stating that it ensures benefits are paid to the rightful recipients without delay. “Proof of life on the biometric system is key to ensuring that the Fund pays benefits to the rightful beneficiaries and on time,”…
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ECB eyes sustainable electricity pricing

ECB eyes sustainable electricity pricing

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Electricity Control Board (ECB) Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kahimise said proposed tariff structures must balance the operational viability of utilities with ensuring electricity remains accessible and affordable for all Namibians. Kahimise spoke at the Nampower 2025/2026 bulk tariff public presentation in Windhoek on Wednesday.  He said the ECB, as a regulator, aims to create tariffs that are fair and support economic growth at both business and household levels. “We are not just inundated with access and affordability concerns. The long-term sustainability of our national electricity utility also features pertinently given its creditworthiness—which is foundational not only to its…
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