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ARVs, other medicine stocks low  Buys medicine from local pharmaceutical companies Ministry returns N$700m to treasury Renthia Kaimbi  The Ministry of Health and Social Services appears to be back in business with 'middlemen' as medicine shortages deepen and emergency purchases drive up costs. The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has invited bids for the supply of antiretroviral drugs for 12 months, raising questions about a return to intermediaries 'middlemen' after a shift to direct procurement from manufacturers. This follows as Namibia faces shortages of essential medicines.  Sources who spoke to the Windhoek Observer said the ministry returned about N$700…

Renthia Kaimbi  A municipal tender in Tsumeb has drawn scrutiny after it was awarded to a company previously linked to the chairperson of the municipality’s management committee, Sem Nghuulikwa. Sources who spoke to the Windhoek Observer raised concerns over the award to Kweni-Pewa Trading CC, citing Nghuulikwa’s past involvement with the company. A founding statement seen by the Windhoek Observer lists Nghuulikwa as a witness during the company’s registration. In a declaration dated 20 February 2026, Nghuulikwa confirmed his past role.  “I confirm that during the year 2023, I assisted Kweni-Pewa Trading CC with business registration services. My name appears…

Justicia Shipena  Former agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Mac-Albert Hengari has threatened to issue summons against the government if it fails to pay N$10 million in damages over his arrest and detention. In a letter dated 20 March seen by the Windhoek Observer, Hengari’s lawyers, Dr Weder, Kruger & Haikali Incorporated (WKH), acting through senior associate Mekumbu Tjitere, notified the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, inspector general of the Namibian Police Joseph Shikongo and other officials of intended legal action. Hengari was arrested in April 2025. According to the letter, he claims he was arrested…

Patience Makwele Members of parliament have urged Namibia’s youth to take charge of the next phase of development.  They warned that without jobs and opportunities, independence risks losing its meaning. The remarks were made during Independence Day celebrations over the weekend in the Zambezi and Kavango West regions by members of parliament, including Charles Mubita, Martin Lukato and speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. Mubita, who also serves as deputy minister of defence and veteran affairs, said Namibia must confront the realities many citizens still face.  “We cannot claim to be independent on an empty stomach. We now need…

Teachers protest approved Schools to remain open President to deliver midnight address Justicia Shipena  Namibia marks its 36th independence anniversary with a mix of protest and celebration. In Windhoek, a teachers’ protest, a public march and official ceremonies are taking place on the same day. The Namibian Police Force in the Khomas region has approved a planned demonstration by the Teachers’ Union of Namibia (TUN) scheduled for today.  In a notice issued by Khomas regional commander Johanna Ngondo yesterday, the police said they have no objection to the protest after reviewing the union’s submission dated 16 March. Ngondo said the…

Patience Makwele  The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has denied auctioning counterfeit goods, saying all such items are destroyed in line with the law. The response follows concerns from traders and the public over goods being sold through auctions conducted by Aucor Auctioneers. Questions grew after an auction notice titled “NamRA warehouse clearance auction” was shared online. The notice stated that goods would be auctioned from 18 to 20 March at the Brendan Simbwaye Complex in Rundu. NamRA said there has been no change in policy. “All counterfeit goods confiscated are disposed of strictly through destruction. These goods are not eligible…

Patience Makwele  The Medical Association of Namibia (MAN) says it was not consulted on the government’s plan to require senior officials to use public health facilities from 1 April. The directive, known as Vision April 2026, will see about 294 senior government officials move to public healthcare in its first phase. Health minister Esperance Luvindao last week said the arrangement is “not complicated” and officials will still be allowed to consult private doctors. However, the association’s chief executive officer, Dr Armid Azadeh, said doctors were not formally engaged before the announcement. He said this raises questions about how the policy…

Allexer Namundjembo As Namibia prepares to mark another year of independence, debates have emerged over who will take the stage at this year’s celebrations across the country. This year’s Independence Day commemorations will take place simultaneously in all 14 regions for the first time.  The decentralised format aims to allow communities to celebrate within their own constituencies rather than gathering in a single location. However, the lineup of keynote speakers has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and analysts who say the programme appears dominated by members of the ruling Swapo. Posters circulated ahead of the celebrations list current and former…

Allexer Namundjembo The City of Windhoek has ordered the demolition of a house built in Havana location in Windhoek after it found that construction took place without municipal approval. City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya stated that the construction of the structure did not adhere to municipal building regulations, which mandate the submission and approval of building plans. “City officials discovered that a brick structure was being erected on the erf and instructed the individual to stop construction because the area is still under incremental development and no approval had been granted,” Amutenya said in response to questions by the Windhoek Observer…

Patience Makwele  Former and current members of the Windhoek council say some improvements were made in land servicing and municipal reforms, but the demand for housing continues to outpace supply. Windhoek’s population is estimated at about 486 186 residents. About 224 000 people live in informal settlements, placing pressure on housing and land delivery in the capital. Joseph Uapingene, a former councillor who served from 2020 to 2025, representing the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo), said the council made progress in servicing land and facilitating housing development. According to Uapingene, the municipality serviced about 1,200 urban plots and about 800…