National News

Patience Makwele  The Miss Namibia Organisation has called on the public to support contestants in the Miss Namibia 2026 competition.  This followed criticism about contestant Albertina Haimbala, who served as a judge during the 2024 Miss Namibia competition and is now competing in the 2026 contest. In a media statement on Tuesday, the organisation said all contestants are subject to the same eligibility requirements and screening standards. The organisation said there are no rules preventing former judges, masters of ceremonies, experienced models or previous contestants with pageant experience from entering the competition if they meet the official entry requirements. “All…

Patience Makwele  Psychologists say they are seeing more children struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating – problems they link to excessive social media use. Several mental health experts told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday that the growing number of children spending hours on social media platforms is beginning to show clear psychological and developmental effects. Clinical psychologist Anastasia France said children under the age of 15 are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing. “At that stage of development, children are still forming their sense of identity and self-worth,” France said. “When they are constantly…

The children and close relatives of Namibia’s founding First Lady, Madam Kovambo Nujoma, gathered at the family residence in Windhoek to celebrate her 93rd birthday, yesterday. Surrounded by love, laughter and generations of family, the occasion was a reminder of the quiet strength that has helped shape our nation’s history. As the steadfast partner of Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, Madam Kovambo was more than a First Lady, she was a pillar of resilience and a steady hand during the most defining chapters of Namibia’s journey to independence. While the nation mourned the passing of President Nujoma in February last…

Staff Writer  Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture minister Sanet Steenkamp has urged employees of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) to continue supporting students as the fund adjusts to its integration into the ministry. NSFAF was formally integrated into the ministry on 1 March and will now fully operate from within the ministry. She said students depend on the fund and services must continue during the transition. “I must emphasise that students depend on NSFAF, and service delivery must not be compromised during this period,” Steenkamp said during her first meeting with NSFAF employees at the fund’s…

Allexer Namundjembo At least 17 police officers have died in line of duty since 2019. Inspector general Joseph Shikongo revealed this on Saturday during the commemoration of the Interpol International Blue Day at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College in Olympia, Windhoek. The annual observance, held under the theme “Fallen Heroes in Blue Forever Remembered", honours police officers who died while performing official duties. Speaking during the ceremony, Shikongo said the day reminds officers that policing demands sacrifice. “This day is internationally recognised under the auspices of Interpol and reminds us that policing is not just a mere profession. It…

Allexer Namundjembo Rehoboth mayor Jacky Khariseb has called on government ministries, agencies and other institutions in the town to settle their outstanding municipal accounts. Khariseb said non-payment by several institutions has worsened the council’s financial situation and forced it to accumulate debt with bulk service providers. “It resulted in us accumulating debts with our bulk suppliers and created more pressure on the individual residential accounts of our residents. It is about time that all of us take responsibility and accountability for our accounts,” he said. Khariseb instructed the town council’s administrator to issue letters of demand to institutions with unpaid…

Patience Makwele  Health professionals and government officials have raised concern about the growing exposure to pornography in Namibia.  They say easy access to explicit content is affecting adults and children and is shaping sexual behaviour, mental health and relationships. Medical specialists say pornography addiction among Namibian men and women is becoming a public health concern. They warn that children and adolescents are increasingly exposed to explicit material online. Earlier this year, behavioural health specialist Dr Gerrit Keyter said pornography is influencing how young people understand relationships. “Pornography is no longer just a private matter. It is shaping how our children…

Chamwe Kaira  Commercial crimes resulted in losses of about N$2.79 billion during the 2024/2025 financial year, according to the Namibian Police. Police recorded 897 commercial crime cases during the period. Authorities arrested 229 suspects in connection with these cases. Of those arrested, 80 were convicted. The police said money and goods worth N$2.79 billion were stolen in these crimes. Only N$6.84 million was recovered. One vehicle and one house linked to the cases were also seized. Overall crime levels remained high during the period. Data from the Namibian Police Force shows that 110 945 criminal cases were reported during the…