Main

Patience Makwele President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed all government offices, ministries and agencies to allocate funds for internships and apprenticeship programmes to address graduate unemployment. The directive requires government institutions to create and fund structured internship and apprenticeship opportunities to give graduates work experience. “We therefore expect governments, offices, ministries and agencies to create budgetary allocations for internships and apprenticeships, including hiring graduate interns in order to gain industrial experience,” Nandi-Ndaitwah made the announcement at the University of Namibia (Unam) graduation ceremony in Windhoek on Wednesday. She called on the private sector to support the programme and said cooperation between…

Patience Makwele Public anger is growing over salary increases for politicians, with many questioning the timing and priorities for salary increment.  The debate follows a proclamation by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday, approving new salaries and benefits for ministers, governors and members of parliament.  The changes took effect from 1 April and were based on recommendations from the Public Office Bearers (Remuneration and Benefits) Commission. The increases come as public servants receive a 5% salary adjustment, while many face higher deductions, including contributions to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas). The government has also cited limited funds when…

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has approved new salaries and benefits for ministers, governors and members of parliament.  The public office bearers (remuneration and benefits) commission recommended adjustments, which Nandi-Ndaitwah implemented through a presidential proclamation dated 27 April 2026.  The proclamation amends the 2017 framework. The salary adjustment takes effect as of 1 April 2026.  According to the proclamation seen by the Windhoek Observer, under the new structure, the prime minister earns a basic salary of N$1.3 million, with water and electricity covered, official transport and a housing allowance of N$351 175, bringing total remuneration to N$1.65 million.  The deputy…

Justicia Shipena  Delays in the construction of the Swapo's new headquarters have pushed the project cost beyond initial estimates, ballooning to over N$900 million. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed the revised figure during the party’s 66th anniversary celebrations, which coincided with the official opening of the building. “As it stands now, it is over N$900,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that the project was delayed by two years, moving it beyond the earlier estimate of between N$600 million and N$700 million. The headquarters project has faced scrutiny over the years, especially on financing the project.  In 2023, contractor Unik Construction Engineering halted work…

Patience Makwele  Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Paulus Noa says the ACC is still waiting for details from the Ministry of Health and Social Services on the suspected fraud scheme at the Central Medical Stores (CMS).  Last Friday, the health ministry revealed it had uncovered suspected irregularities at CMS, where some staff may have manipulated stock records and diverted medicines. The ministry's executive director Penda Ithindi said the discovery prompted the ministry to launch an investigation into possible fraud within the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain. “The obligation is upon the ministry to provide us with the names of those implicated…