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Allexer Namundjembo  Khomas region’s population has risen to 494 605. This marks an increase of 44.6% between 2011 and 2023, according to the latest regional results of Namibia’s population and housing census released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). Presenting the findings, NSA statistician general Alex Shimuafeni said the 2023 census marked a shift in data collection. “This was Namibia’s first digital census with real-time, computer-aided data collection using handheld devices,” Shimuafeni said. He said the census remains central to public planning and governance.  “The census generates diverse data on demographic and socioeconomic information and plays an essential role in…

Justicia Shipena  Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) must demonstrate that its reported profit was made in a transparent and accountable manner.  His comments come after the meat processor announced that it had recorded a profit following years of losses, bailouts and boardroom battles.  For the financial year ended 31 January 2025, Meatco’s revenue increased by N$662 million, rising to N$1.865 billion from N$1.203 billion the previous year.  The state entity revealed the figures on Monday ahead of its annual general meeting scheduled for Friday. Preliminary performance indicators show the group recorded an operating profit…

Renthia Kaimbi The N$5 million tender for reflective livestock gear was first advertised on the e-procurement platform in November 2025, but the availability of companies that could supply immediately led to an emergency procurement process, according to the National Road Safety Council (NRSC). This comes as questions have been raised about the transparency of the tender, which was piloted in the Khomas, Omusati and Oshana regions late last year. Concerns centred on the decision to award the tender on an emergency basis just weeks before the festive season. Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Nelson Kalangula last week…

Renthia Kaimbi TransNamib Limited Holdings has suspended two senior executives with immediate effect following a forensic investigation into alleged property mismanagement, disposal irregularities and statutory breaches. Executive for human capital Webster Gonzo and executive for properties Alynsia Platt were placed on precautionary suspension on Friday by the TransNamib board. Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi confirmed that he approved the decision. The suspensions follow a forensic probe commissioned into the conduct of the executives. The board has resolved that disciplinary proceedings will now follow. Two days before the suspensions, the company acknowledged that an internal investigation was under way.…

Renthia Kaimbi Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani says the government must take blame for the death of former Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA) member of parliament and Caprivi high treason convict Geoffrey Mwilima. Mwilima died in Windhoek on Thursday at the age of 70. He was receiving treatment at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital. He had been battling diabetes while in prison. Mwilima was released on 24 December on remission after serving part of a 15-year sentence that began in December 2015. Remission is the reduction or cancellation of the remainder of a prison sentence after a person has served…

Justicia Shipena A proposed fine of up to N$20 000 for officials who breach conflict of interest rules in the petroleum sector is too low for an industry worth billions, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Nelson Kalangula has told the National Assembly. Debating the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill on Wednesday, Kalangula said the penalty does not match the scale of the oil industry. The bill bars senior officials in the Upstream Petroleum Unit from holding financial interests in licence-holding companies, with penalties of up to N$20 000 or imprisonment of up to five years for…

Allexer Namudjembo Energy lawyer Shakwa Nyambe says Namibia’s oil and gas sector has grown beyond the powers given to the minister of industries, mines and energy and the petroleum commissioner under the current oil law.  He said this as parliament debates changes to the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act. Nyambe said he supports the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, adding that the changes are needed to update regulations and attract investment in the upstream sector. Nyambe explained that the 1991 law concentrates extensive authority in the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy and the petroleum commissioner, a structure he…

Allexer Namundjembo The death of Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda has left Namibians shaken and many within the justice system fear for their safety.  Shiweda died on Saturday at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, where she had been hospitalised since October last year after she was shot and attacked with corrosive acid while preparing to go to work in Ondangwa.  She fought for her life for four months before succumbing to her injuries. The Namibia Law Association (NLA) says the death of Shiweda is an attack on the justice system and the rule of law. Gebhardt said the killing…

Justicia Shipena  Oranjemund Town Council has failed to pay its contracted security service provider for more than three months.  This has prompted an urgent legal demand for immediate settlement of outstanding invoices. The demand is contained in a letter dated 3 February 2026 from Solomon Kanyemba Incorporated, acting on behalf of EyeQ Security Services, which has been providing security services to the municipality since August 2025. According to the letter, payments for services rendered have been repeatedly delayed, with the January 2026 invoice still unpaid when the correspondence was issued.  The company said payment for December 2025 was only made…