National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Namibia’s northern regions are experiencing widespread power outages, with residents in parts of the Omusati and Oshikoto regions reporting prolonged blackouts that have disrupted daily life and essential services. The entire Onemanya area, along with neighbouring villages such as Uukuvu, Ilambo, and Onadjila, has been without electricity since Wednesday. The outage has affected households, small businesses, and schools, with many residents raising concerns over the lack of communication and response. Getrud Simeon from Onemanya village said the continued blackout was causing mounting frustration. "The power is still off, and it’s becoming frustrating. We depend on electricity for everything.…

Allexer Namundjembo The acting chief executive officer of the Gibeon Village Council (GVC), Pederius Tjihireko, defended the recent termination of staff contracts, saying the decisions were made in line with internal procedures and legal frameworks. Two employees, a debtors’ clerk and an administrative staff member, had their contracts terminated earlier this week. Their departures have raised questions among residents and community activists about what may be causing the wave of staff exits. Tjihireko said the terminations followed provisions set out in the Labour Act and the Local Authorities Act. “Any affected individuals who feel the termination was unjust have the…

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts have raised concerns about the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC)’s decision not to designate a leader of the official opposition in Parliament. The analysts warned that the move may weaken the party’s coordination and effectiveness in the National Assembly. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the absence of a clear leader in Parliament could leave IPC Members of Parliament without guidance. “The party leader usually helps set the direction, and without that leadership, MPs may struggle to stay united or focused on the party's goals. They could also feel lost or unsure about how to act in…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Some regional governors are reportedly eyeing diplomatic posts as their terms of office are nearing an end. While no official announcements have been made, sources indicate that these governors, whose terms were extended until 20 June, are lobbying for ambassadorial appointments. The governors are said to be leveraging their political and regional leadership experience in lobbying for postings abroad. Diplomatic appointments are usually timed with the international school calendar, starting in August or September, to allow diplomats with school-going children to secure placements. About 25 diplomatic positions are expected to be filled, with new appointees serving five-year terms.…

Niël Terblanché The minister of international relations and trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has set out her vision for the ministry’s expanded role, calling on staff to embrace the integration of trade and diplomacy as a strategic tool to reposition the country on the African continent and globally. Speaking during a general staff meeting in Windhoek on Wednesday, Ashipala-Musavyi acknowledged the trust placed in her by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and expressed her gratitude to her predecessors, including Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, Namibia’s first Foreign Minister, and former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, President Nandi-Ndaitwah herself. “It is a responsibility that I have…

Niël Terblanché The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has initiated court proceedings against political activist Michael Amushelelo for alleged contempt of court. This action follows Amushelelo's recent social media posts concerning rape allegations against the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Mac Hengari. In a statement posted on social media, Amushelelo questioned the consistency of public demands for accountability. "As a society, it will be very hypocritical of all of you to demand that [redacted] resigns from his position as Member of Parliament and Minister when we equally have Joseph Shikongo, who is…

Allexer Namundjembo Former President Nangolo Mbumba will receive full presidential benefits despite serving for only one year in office after the death of former President Hage Geingob in February last year. Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari confirmed that Mbumba is entitled to benefits in line with the Presidential Remuneration and Other Benefits Act 5 of 2016. “President Mbumba will be provided with a small number of staff members and an office, consistent with the entitlements of a former president,” Hengari said. The Act provides former presidents with an office, administrative support, security and medical aid for themselves, their spouses, and legally…

Allexer Namundjembo Youth and student organisations are demanding urgent intervention from the education ministry over the ongoing food crisis in government hostels, following procurement delays that have left many learners without meals. The Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Affirmative Repositioning Students Command (ARSC), and Students Union of Namibia (SUN) have criticised the ministry for failing to ensure food supply in hostels and warned of the impact on learners’ health and academic performance. LPM Youth Command spokesperson William Minnie blamed the crisis on bureaucratic inefficiency and political interference. “It’s a failure of governance when children go hungry because of governmental ineptitude,” he…

Niël Terblanché Namibia is seeking to strengthen its energy and trade ties with Russia, with a focus on cooperation in natural resource beneficiation and infrastructure development. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev at State House on Tuesday to discuss areas of mutual interest, particularly energy and value addition to Namibia’s raw materials. According to Presidential Press Secretary, Alfredo Hengari, the meeting centred on increasing collaboration between the two countries to add value to Namibia’s natural resources. “The President reiterated the need for stronger cooperation with the Russian Federation in the area of energy, which has…

Niël Terblanché The Swakopmund Municipality has launched a series of development projects aimed at upgrading public infrastructure, expanding services to informal settlements, and restoring a long-neglected shelter for vulnerable residents. The projects, valued in the millions of Namibian dollars, were announced this week by the mayor, Blasius Goraseb, during the latest council meeting. Among the undertakings is the Mole Cubicles Upgrade Project, which the Council handed over to contractors this week. He added that with a price tag of N$4.8 million, the project is set for completion by October 2025 and will introduce enclosed cubicles to provide secure spaces for…