National News

Renthia Kaimbi A fire in the DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund has left at least 36 people affected and destroyed 12 informal structures, according to a report released by the municipality of Swakopmund. The fire broke out on 3 April 2026 at around 19h51 in extension 14 near the airport side. It spread quickly through closely built shacks. Emergency teams arrived to find the area covered in smoke and flames. Investigators described the fire as being at a “fully developed stage". Firefighters started suppression, search and rescue operations and managed to bring the fire under control. Investigators said the fire…

Justicia Shipena  The Roads Authority (RA) could spend more than N$3 000 per hour on external lawyers for the appeal case involving two of its dismissed senior executives. This is, as the RA already spent about N$400 000 on the matter.  The parastatal's legal, corporate governance and compliance department has set aside N$8 million for legal fees for the 2026/2027 financial year. This is contained in an internal document dated 12 March 2026 and seen by the Windhoek Observer.  The memo was addressed to its chief executive officer Hippy Tjivikua through the procurement committee. The document, issued by the legal,…

Justicia Shipena  “As a person of your political argument and record that has fought apartheid, why are you allowing Germany to practise apartheid atonement to the genocide victims of the OvaHerero and the Nama people?” Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani posed this question to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during her state of the nation address (Sona) on Wednesday.  Venaani questioned why Namibia appears ready to accept a settlement he believes is lower than what Germany has paid in other cases.  He pointed to a recent United Nations (UN) resolution recognising transatlantic slavery as the “gravest…

Justicia Shipena  August 26 Construction has been selected as the contractor for building the new Wanaheda NaTIS Centre in Katutura.  The project is aimed at bringing services closer to residents in Katutura. On Monday during the groundbreaking ceremony, minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi revealed August 26 as the contractor.  Nekundi said the decision followed last year's visit to the NaTIS facility located in the northern industrial area. in 2025. “It was a regrettable experience. The facility was overwhelmed, and this compromised excellent service delivery,” he said. He said residents from areas such as Hakahana, Havana, Goreangab and Okuryangava…

Allexer Namundjebo  Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has started a campaign to disconnect water supply to customers whose accounts are more than 60 days in arrears. The campaign is part of a nationwide debt collection effort. The campaign began on 25 March, targeting overdue accounts across the country. On Wednesday, NamWater's head of public relations and corporate communications, Lot Ndamanomhata, said the move followed a rise in unpaid bills, which has affected its operations and limited its ability to expand water infrastructure. “The intervention forms part of the corporation's ongoing efforts to strengthen financial sustainability, uphold the cost recovery model, and…

Justicia Shipena  Fishrot accused Ricardo Gustavo has opposed an application by co-accused Otniel Shuudifonya for leave to appeal a court ruling that refused a lengthy delay of the trial. Gustavo, together with Namgomar Pesca Namibia (Pty) Ltd, is challenging Shuudifonya’s attempt to appeal the postponement ruling. Shuudifonya, through his lawyer Joas Neemwatya, is seeking permission to appeal a decision delivered on 21 January 2026 by High Court judge Marelize du Plessis.  The court granted only a limited postponement of about six weeks instead of the six to seven months requested. In his application, Shuudifonya argues that the six-week preparation period…

The second edition of the MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba kicked off in Windhoek on Wednesday.  The indaba brings together over 400 delegates from across Namibia and Africa. Held under the theme “Marketing from the Heart", the three-day event brought together professionals in branding, marketing and communications.  The Indaba focused on storytelling, building brands and improving communication strategies in a changing digital space. Participants took part in discussions on how to shape narratives and strengthen brand identity across the continent.  The event positioned itself as a growing platform for industry players to share ideas and learn from each other. MTC…

Allexer Namundjembo The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has withdrawn a previously published spectrum application notice involving Click Cloud Hosting Services CC.  Cran opened a new application and tariff submission for public comment. Cran revealed this in a government gazette dated 2 April. Cran confirmed the withdrawal of an earlier notice issued in February. “The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia hereby withdraws the following spectrum application notices."  In a February notice Cran had informed the public of a spectrum licence application by Click Cloud Hosting Services CC and invited comments on the proposed use of radio frequencies. By withdrawing…