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Renthia Kaimbi Welwitchia University nursing student Karien Kaunapawa Nikanor died in an apparent suicide last week after allegedly failing the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).  Nikanor was a second-year, trimester student in the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery Science programme.  The director of corporate engagement and international relations at Welwitchia University, Christel Nassauw, confirmed the tragedy but said that no suicide note was found.  She added that no direct link between Nikanor’s academic performance and her death can be established. "Yes, I confirm it to be true. The reasons behind the student's death are not confirmed and cannot be tied…

Allexer Namundjembo Education, health, and technology have emerged as top priorities for returning appointed ambassadors. On Thursday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced a recycle of diplomats who will head missions around the world. The appointments include Tonata Gebhard to China, Monica Nashandi to Russia, Wilbard Hellao to the United States of America, Sophia Nangula to Sweden, Jerobeam Shaanika to Germany, Benjamin Kandanga to Finland, and Sabine Böhlke-Möller to France. Lebbius Tobias was assigned to Cuba, and Sipapela Cletius Sipapela returns to the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Elvis Shiweda will represent Namibia in Switzerland. Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that only retained ambassadors have…

Justicia Shipena  The ministry of finance has instructed Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) commissioner Sam Shivute to investigate allegations of nepotism and favouritism lodged against him. On 6 May 2025, finance ministry executive director Michael Humavindu told Shivute in a letter that the seriousness of the complaint required a “prompt and thorough investigation”.  He requested a formal report with findings and corrective actions by 30 June 2025 and emphasised confidentiality and urgency. The complaint was filed on 22 April 2025 by NamRA's human resource officer, Ndamononghenda Nampweya, who was suspended in October 2023.  In a letter addressed to finance minister Erich…

Allexer Namundjembo Industrial action broke out on Tuesday outside Plastic Packaging (Pty) Ltd in Windhoek after wage negotiations with the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (MANWU) collapsed.  Workers began picketing at the company’s premises, demanding higher salary increases than those offered by management. Negotiations, which began in January 2025  have yet to yield an agreement.  The company confirmed the deadlock, saying it had tabled an above-inflation increase for employees but could not meet the union’s latest demands. Plastic Packaging’s managing director, Nico Du Plessis, said the company remains open to dialogue but must consider wider financial realities.  “We have…

Justicia Shipena National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) corruption and bribery accused Kornelius “Cedric” Willemse served as a middleman between Namcor  and Enercon Namibia before being appointed as Namcor’s supply and logistics manager, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has told the court. ACC chief investigator Oberty Inambao testified during Willemse’s bail application on Monday.  He said Willemse acted as a consultant to Namcor when Enercon signed a fuel supply agreement with the company in 2021.  Willemse was later appointed permanently in June 2022 as supply and logistics manager. “From the evidence we obtained, Mr Willemse was an employee of Namcor throughout…

Justicia Shipena  Opposition parties have accused Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of threatening voters after she said service delivery will be delayed if Swapo does not win a majority in the upcoming regional and local authority elections. Nandi-Ndaitwah made the comments at the opening of Swapo’s central committee meeting on Saturday, urging voters to give the party a decisive mandate.  Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) leaders and spokesperson, Immanuel Nashinge, called the remarks undemocratic and misleading.  “That’s just a political statement. It doesn’t make sense at all. Local authorities depend on the minister of urban and rural development, who is a…

 Allexer Namundjembo  The National Assembly descended into chaos on Thursday after Affirmative Repositioning (AR) parliamentarian Tuhafeni Kalola was forcibly removed from the chamber on the orders of speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. Kalola was escorted out by parliamentary security after refusing to take his seat when instructed by Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.  He had attempted to raise a point of privilege without recognition, sparking a heated standoff that escalated into physical confrontation. “I insisted that I should be given that privilege to ask for a point of privilege. It is common, and every member of parliament ought to be given that right,” Kalola said afterwards,…

Justicia Shipena The government will dispose of 1 500 vehicles that have exceeded both their age and mileage limits under the government fleet policy. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced this in Parliament on Wednesday.  He said the process is aimed at cutting costs and improving efficiency in state transport operations. “The government fleet across our ministries, agencies, and regions has experienced significant ageing over the past decade, necessitating an urgent and comprehensive phase-out and renewal programme,” Nekundi said. The policy requires vehicles to be replaced after five years of service or once they have clocked 120 000 kilometres. …

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Former National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) executive Kornelius 'Cedric' Willemse told the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court that his wealth was built from personal investments and not from funds derived from the oil company. He made the statement during his bail application before Magistrate Olga Muharukua, saying that although he held senior positions at Namcor, his assets and businesses did not originate from the company. Willemse outlined his current financial situation, stating that before his arrest he earned about N$250 000 a month, plus N$95 000 from businesses in South Africa and his Namcor salary.  “Since my detention I…

Allexer Namundjembo More than ten traditional authorities in the country remain without leadership due to succession disputes.  President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed this on Monday at the opening of the 26th annual meeting of the Council of Traditional Leaders at Ekamuti Guesthouse in Ondangwa.  The country has 53 recognised traditional authorities, but several are caught in long-running leadership battles.  Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that the disputes are undermining traditional governance and consuming resources meant for urgent priorities.  “As I am speaking to you now, out of 53 recognised Traditional Authorities, there are more than ten Traditional Authorities without leadership due to succession disputes,”…