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Allexer Namundjembo President Nangolo Mbumba has urged new parliamentarians to uphold the principles of unity, liberty, equality, and justice. In his final address to Parliament on Tuesday, he called on MPs to use the chamber to combat racism, tribalism, division, and corruption, ensuring progress in the country’s "Second Struggle for Economic Freedom." “Since I am now ending my political career to join my fellow citizens, I encourage current and future generations of members of parliament to continue using this chamber to advance these ideals,” Mbumba stated. The country’s fourth president reflected on how parliament is where the sovereignty of the…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The High Court has ruled that the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) must refund N$1.2 million to Obie Logistics (Pty) Ltd after it unlawfully withheld the tax refund to offset a N$53 million debt owed by a separate company, Obie Transport. NamRA’s action was based on Section 83D of the Income Tax Act, of 1981, which was amended in 2015 to allow the agency to recover unpaid taxes from company directors. However, the court ruled that the law could not be applied retroactively and that Obie Logistics could not be held responsible for debts from another company that was…

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has taken parliament to court over a report it claims is unconstitutional and flawed.  The report, titled ‘Report of the Motion on Devastating Strike at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC),’ was tabled in parliament on 15 February by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resources and Community Development. It identified the main cause of the 2021 strike by 600 employees as the N$5.4 million paid to executive management and selected senior managers as “performance bonuses.” The committee also found that NBC violated the Labour Act, which limits salary deductions to one-third of an…

Hertta-maria Amutenja  The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation has assigned an inspector to investigate the death of Abel Ashiyana Kayembo, a Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED) employee who was electrocuted while on duty at Yinsu Village in Kavango West Region on Monday.  The ministry also engaged NORED and the Electricity Control Board (ECB) to jointly conduct the investigation. NORED spokesperson, Simon Lukas confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to Kayembo’s family.  He said the company has appointed an external industry expert to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. “This incident will remain a painful reminder of the…

 Allexer Namundjembo With just over a week left before a new government takes office under President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the outgoing National Assembly is pushing to amend Rule 2 on committee procedures, a move drawing criticism for its timing. On Tuesday, Swapo lawmaker Philipus Katamero introduced the proposal, which seeks to change the composition of the Selection Committee to include ten members, comprising the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Government Chief Whip, Opposition Chief Whip, and six other members determined by proportional representation. Swapo's Natangwe Ithete seconded the proposal, suggesting a change to Rule 2 to make the selection committee consist of ten…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Sources within the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) told the  Windhoek Observer that the bank’s former boss, John Steytler, was presented with an ultimatum to either resign or face suspension. The specific reasons for this decision remain undisclosed. Steytler resigned with immediate effect on Tuesday. Speculation has also emerged that there is potential that he may be appointed as a cabinet minister under president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s incoming cabinet either as finance minister or director general of planning. Steytler has, however, denied these claims. ““You can quote me on this; I’m definitely not going to Cabinet,” he told the…

Allexer Namundjembo The Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) director, Paulus Noa, has called for transparency in the implementation of the Welwitshia Wealth Fund (WWF) to ensure its credibility in the country. The fund has drawn attention for its potential to drive sustainable economic growth, as it is designed to build long-term savings and provide a buffer against economic shocks. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Noa said the nation should be aware of the monitoring mechanisms in place and understand how the fund will benefit both current and future generations. “It is not the ACC that manages the fund.…

Ester Mbathera  The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has yet to release its final report on Namibia's 2024 elections.  The preliminary report was issued two days after the elections, but the final report remains pending. SEOM member, Magabolle Mafiri on Saturday told the Windhoek Observer that the report is still to be submitted to the Namibian government. "In line with the SADC principles and guidelines, it will be copied to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), following which it will be shared with electoral stakeholders after 90 days," said Mafiri. SEOM typically releases their preliminary statements,…

Ester Mbathera  Female members of Swapo have celebrated the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the party’s president, calling it a milestone that demonstrates women’s capability to lead. Nandi-Ndaitwah was elected by acclamation at Swapo’s 6th extraordinary congress on Saturday, becoming the party’s first female president.  The central committee had endorsed her as the sole presidential candidate on 17 February. Election by acclamation allows an association or party to skip the final ballot process in an uncontested election. Party member, Sharonice Busch described her election as a “significant moment” for young women and women across the country. “We have demonstrated that…

Allexer Namundjembo The Oranjemund Town Council (OTC) is demanding N$21 million in unpaid rates and taxes from the government for two properties, including the land housing the Oranjemund Airport.  The Ministry of Works and Transport owns the land, but the council says it has not received payments since 2018. The land in question is Farm 166, where the airport is located, and an adjacent Farm 171, which is vacant. The council claims that the government owes N$15.7 million for Farm 166 and N$5.3 million for Farm 171, totalling N$21 million in unpaid rates and taxes.  Council chairperson for the management…