National News

Patience Makwele The National Council has donated N$27 609 to the Namibia-Cuba Solidarity Campaign to support humanitarian assistance to Cuba, with the campaign appealing to Namibian businesses and the public to contribute to the initiative. The contribution was raised through individual donations from all 42 members of the National Council and was handed over in Windhoek on Thursday. Deputy chairperson of the National Solidarity Committee with Cuba, Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, said the funds would support the procurement of medicine, medical supplies and solar kits for Cuba. He said the contribution demonstrated that Namibia’s longstanding solidarity with Cuba remained active and…

Patience Makwele Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital has been urged to reduce trauma patient transfers following the installation of specialised medical equipment worth approximately N$4 million, which is expected to strengthen the facility’s capacity to handle trauma and orthopaedic cases locally. Oshikoto regional health director Josua Nghipangelwa said the C-Arm imaging machine, together with an orthopaedic drill and saw, has raised the level of trauma care available at the state facility and should enable it to serve more patients from across northern Namibia. “With this new equipment, Onandjokwe hospital raises the level of trauma care that is capable at a state facility,”…

Patience Makwele Khomas governor Sam Shafishuna Nujoma has called for Windhoek to stop being a transit point for tourists and position itself as a cultural destination capable of keeping visitors in the city longer and spread tourism income to creatives, hospitality businesses and residents. Nujoma made the call on Wednesday during the official opening of the “Namibia – A Photographic View” exhibition at the City of Windhoek, which forms part of the cultural cooperation between Windhoek and its sister city Mannheim, Germany. He said Windhoek was uniquely positioned to benefit from the country’s tourism flows, noting that nearly every visitor…

Sostenus Wilherm The High Court of Namibia has postponed a legal battle in which Shoprite Namibia (Pty) Ltd is seeking more than N$16 million from Amarula Investment CC, Gerome Meshawn Schmidt, Amalia Maxine Schmidt and SchmidtCo. Property Development Company (Pty) Ltd over outstanding financial obligations linked to an OK Foods franchise in Ongwediva. The matter was before High Court judge Shafimana Ueitele in Windhoek on Wednesday. According to a court order, the case was postponed to 10 September 2026 for a status hearing, pending the outcome of an interlocutory matter before deputy judge-president Hannelie Prinsloo. The dispute arises from a…

Sostenus Wilherm The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) has called for intensified investment in skills development, local employment and business capacity as Namibia moves closer to commercial oil and gas production, warning that the country’s emerging petroleum industry must translate into tangible opportunities for Namibians. PETROFUND chief executive officer Nillian Mulemi said the industry’s success should not only be measured by oil production and investment, but by its ability to create jobs, improve living standards and stimulate the growth of local businesses. Her remarks were delivered at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek on Wednesday under the…

Patience Makwele Illegal firearm owners have been given until 30 September to surrender their weapons without arrest or prosecution, with the Namibian Police Force warning that those who continue to possess unlicensed firearms and related materials after the amnesty will face prosecution. The warning was issued during the launch of the 2026 September Amnesty Month by safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu on Wednesday at the Police National Headquarters in Windhoek. The amnesty runs from 1 to 30 September and allows people in possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and armaments to voluntarily surrender them without facing arrest or prosecution. Iipumbu…

Sostenus Wilherm The ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security has introduced the new Employment Permit to Conduct Business aimed at simplifying the process for investors and businesspersons seeking to establish or conduct business in Namibia. The new permit, introduced through an amendment to Regulation 17 of the Immigration Control Act, 1993 (Act No. 7 of 1993), will come into effect on 1 September 2026. The ministry said the reform is intended to reduce administrative barriers, improve efficiency and create a more investor-friendly environment. According to a public notice issued by home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu, the amended regulation…

Patience Makwele Cabinet has approved Namibia’s National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, paving the way for increased Namibian participation in the country’s emerging oil and gas industry. Special advisor and head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the office of the President, Kornelia Shilunga, announced the approval on Wednesday at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026 in Windhoek. “I am happy to confirm that the National Upstream Local Content Policy has been approved by Cabinet,” Shilunga said. She said the policy provides direction for increasing Namibian participation across the petroleum value chain, including through local business development, employment, skills…