National News

Renthia Kaimbi and Sostenus Wilherm Independent Patriots for Change leader Dr Panduleni Itula, has challenged the issuance of an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to Namibia Marine Phosphate (Pty) Ltd for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project through a notice of appeal and legal objection filed with the minister of environment, forestry and tourism. The appeal, lodged on 10 August 2026 by Itula on behalf of the official opposition, contends that the environmental commissioner, Timotheus Mufeti erred in approving the project under Mining Licence 170, arguing that the decision violates foundational principles of Namibia's environmental law and constitutional guarantees of administrative justice.…

Sostenus Wilherm Entrepreneur Isdor Muronga says a fire has destroyed much of a lodge he had been building for years in Andara village in the Mukwe Constituency of the Kavango East region, wiping out an investment of more than N$3 million and forcing him to appeal to Namibians for help to rebuild the project. In an emotional video message released after receiving footage of the blaze from his home village, Muronga said the fire swept through rooms at the lodge while the development was still under construction. "I am recording this video with a very heavy heart. I received a…

Patience Makwele  Oshana regional Governor Hofni Iipinge has handed over school furniture worth N$50 000 to two schools in Okaku Constituency, providing immediate relief to learners affected by shortages of desks and chairs. Okadhimeti Kindergarten and Oshikondiilongo Combined School received the furniture on Monday after approaching Iipinge’s office for assistance with inadequate classroom furniture. Okadhimeti Kindergarten received 10 desks and chairs, while Oshikondiilongo Combined School received 30 desks and chairs. The handover forms part of Iipinge’s school-furniture initiative, which he said is intended to ensure that learners are not forced to sit on floors, stones or share inadequate desks during…

Patience Makwele Four major social-partner organisations have challenged labour and justice mpinister Wise Fillemon Immanuel’s decision to seek fresh nominations for the Labour Advisory Council, arguing that representatives of organised labour and business should be selected by the constituencies they represent. The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA), Namibian Employers’ Federation (NEF) and Namibian Employers Association (NEA) on Monday jointly objected to Immanuel’s request for six names from which he would select representatives to the council. The organisations said they had already submitted nominees mandated by their respective constituencies. The development follows Immanuel’s rejection…

Patience Makwele Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa’s warning about foreign cultural influence in Africa has sparked a broader debate over where cultural preservation ends and personal choice begins. Sankwasa recently questioned the growing adoption of foreign-influenced beauty practices, including Brazilian hairstyles and artificial nails, arguing that Africans should be more conscious of the cultural influences shaping their identities. Speaking at the Olufuko Cultural Festival gala dinner in Outapi, Sankwasa challenged Africans to examine whether some imported trends were gradually displacing traditional practices and values. His remarks have drawn both support and caution from analysts, with one arguing…

Sostenus Wilherm Namibia must move beyond exporting green hydrogen and instead build the scientific, technological and industrial capabilities needed to ensure Namibians own and drive the country’s emerging green hydrogen economy, Vice President Lucia Witbooi has said. Speaking at the official launch of the REALTEST Green Hydrogen Research Project at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Main Campus in Windhoek on Monday, Witbooi said Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions should form part of a broader strategy to transform the country into a knowledge-driven industrial economy. She said the country’s abundant renewable energy resources provide Namibia with a strong foundation to become one…

Sostenus Wilherm The City of Windhoek has outlined major infrastructure and service delivery investments for the John Pandeni constituency, including more than N$1.9 billion in planned upgrades to water reclamation facilities. The developments were presented during a public meeting with residents of the John Pandeni constituency held on Sunday under Section 88 of the Local Authorities Act, providing a platform for communities to raise concerns and engage directly with municipal leadership on service delivery. A major focus was the council’s plans to strengthen Windhoek’s water infrastructure. The Gammams Water Reclamation Facility is expected to undergo an upgrade estimated at N$1.1…

Sostenus Wilherm The City of Windhoek is accelerating efforts to transform informal settlements in the Samora Machel constituency into formal townships, with 10 areas earmarked for upgrading as part of a broader drive to improve housing, basic services and public infrastructure. The progress was outlined during a public meeting in the constituency, where residents also raised concerns over access to water and electricity, safety and the lack of a formal taxi rank. Of the 10 planned townships, four areas situated on Farms 1008 and 1007 at Goreangab Dam have already been approved and recommended by the city council.  Environmental Impact…