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Renthia Kaimbi Court papers allege that the company later awarded the N$122 million veterinary cordon fencing contract through emergency procurement was already on the project site two days before the award was formally issued, deepening controversy surrounding the tender process. The urgent High Court application by China Jiangxi International (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd JV Homefin Properties CC alleges that personnel from Punchu Trading CC JV China State Construction Engineering Co. Southern Africa were on site as early as 5 September, while the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) only formally awarded the contract to the joint venture on 7 September. The…

Sostenus Wilherm Namibia has turned to Chinese water experts in a nationwide search for new groundwater sources, with a two-week feasibility study set to assess borehole drilling potential across all 14 regions at no cost to the Namibian government, as the country faces growing pressure to secure reliable water supplies. A Chinese expert team arrived in Namibia this week to investigate groundwater availability, water quality and the technical conditions required to drill boreholes in identified areas. The study could become the foundation for future groundwater development projects and deeper cooperation between Namibia and China, including possible agreements on water provision.…

Renthia Kaimbi National Planning Commission Director-General Dr Kaire Mbuende has called for a balance between environmental conservation and industrial development, warning that environmental concerns should not become an absolute barrier to economic activity. Speaking at the inaugural African Green Industries Summit at the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre, Mbuende said Namibia should not view conservation and development as mutually exclusive. “Concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale industrial development, particularly in sensitive areas, must be taken seriously. Namibia should not be forced to choose between development and conservation. That is a false choice,” he said. Mbuende pointed to the Tsau…

Renthia Kaimbi The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) is at the centre of a mounting controversy after it cancelled a N$127 million tender for the construction of veterinary cordon fences, only to immediately award the contract through an emergency procurement provision to a company that had failed to secure the bid through the open and competitive process. Documents obtained by the Windhoek Observer reveal a series of events that anonymous sources are calling a “brutal” abuse of power, raising questions about transparency, fairness and the integrity of Namibia’s public procurement system. The saga began on 22 June 2026, when…

Sostenus Wilherm Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has rejected Divundu Village Council’s appeal to have chief executive officer Athanasius Ndjamba Maghumbo’s five-year contract renewed, making it clear that the council’s challenge is unlikely to change his decision. Sankwasa told the Windhoek Observer that Maghumbo’s contract will not be renewed, regardless of whether the he influenced councillors to challenge the minister’s decision. “His contract will not be renewed, even if he influences Councillors to appeal,” Sankwasa said. The minister’s position comes amid allegations from a Divundu activist that Maghumbo personally drafted the council’s appeal against the rejection of his…

Renthia Kaimbi Calls are growing for US President Donald Trump to recall United States Ambassador to Namibia John Giordano amid mounting controversy over his conduct and diplomatic engagements in Namibia, with critics warning that the situation could undermine long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries. The calls follow an incident in which Giordano was reportedly denied entry to the Walvis Bay Town Hall on Friday, where the National Fisheries Indaba was underway in the presence of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The presidency has distanced itself from the incident, saying it was not responsible for the organisation or administration of the event.…

Renthia Kaimbi Namibia’s response to Angolans fleeing devastating drought conditions has come under scrutiny, with Amnesty International accusing the country of leaving vulnerable women and children in a legal and humanitarian protection gap. Rather than receiving adequate protection and access to basic services, many drought-displaced Angolans reportedly face the threat of arrest and deportation, while struggling to access healthcare, education, shelter, water and documentation in Namibia. The report released on Wednesday, titled “The Drier It Gets, the Longer You Have to Walk, the Deeper You Have to Dig” – The Human Rights Impacts of Drought-Induced Displacement on Angolan Women &…

…as opposition members call for speaker's head Patience Makwele  The national assembly descended into chaos on Wednesday after the official opposition, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), attempted to table a motion seeking the removal of Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila in a direct challenge to the leadership of the House. IPC member of parliament Michael Mulunga moved, without notice, for the national assembly to resolve that Kuugongelwa-Amadhila be removed from office, accusing her of failing to act fairly and impartially in presiding over parliament. He invoked the House’s Standing Rules alongside Article 51(2) of the Namibian Constitution, which provides for the…

Renthia Kaimbi Former First Lady Monica Geingos’ documented response to the 2020 killing of Andy Kazekondjo and the assault of his younger sister focused on psychological and emotional support for the affected family, rather than a commitment to build them a house. The clarification follows a recent letter by Affirmative Repositioning activist and Moses Garoëb constituency chairperson, Vilbardina Kalume addressed to Geingos, in which she asked for an update on what she described as a housing commitment made by Geingos’ office after the incident in Havana. Kalume said Geingos’ office, working with the One Economy Foundation and social welfare partners,…

Sostenus Wilherm Namibia’s planned national airline, Namibia Air, could see Ethiopian Airlines take control of its top management and key operations, after the Ethiopian carrier indicated that management control would be a condition for any future equity partnership with the proposed airline. The revelation has raised fresh concerns over Namibia’s aviation sovereignty, the role of local aviation professionals and the financial viability of the carrier, which the government hopes to launch in December 2026. The concerns follow an internal ministry of works and transport briefing report seen by the Windhoek Observer on engagements held in Addis Ababa on August 21…