National News

Patience Makwele The City of Windhoek’s plan to relocate informal traders from the Havana Four-Way has come under scrutiny in parliament, with members of parliament (MPs) questioning the local authority’s resort to court action, the suitability of the proposed relocation area and its engagement with affected traders. Chief executive officer Moses Matyayi told the parliamentary standing committee on economy and industry, public administration and planning on Tuesday that the municipality had secured a court order to remove people refusing to relocate, as the dispute continues to affect the N$381 million Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road upgrade. “Unfortunately, we have to resort…

Sostenus Wilherm Vice President Lucia Witbooi has urged Namibians to support a fundraising initiative targeting N$100 000 for medical supplies and solar kits for health centres in Cuba, citing the country’s support for Namibia during the liberation struggle. Speaking at the official opening of the Art for Cuba Exhibition in Windhoek on Monday, Witbooi said the initiative was an opportunity for Namibia to reciprocate Cuba’s longstanding solidarity and support. “Today, as the people of Cuba face significant humanitarian and energy challenges, this exhibition offers Namibia an opportunity to reciprocate that friendship through practical action,” she said. The exhibition, organised through…

Sostenus Wilherm Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has called on investors to explore opportunities in Omuthiya, identifying housing, retail, logistics and light industrial development as key sectors that could drive economic growth and create jobs. Kathindi made the remarks at the official opening of the third Omuthiya Business Expo on Tuesday, saying the town was emerging as an important commercial centre in northern Namibia and stressing that its growth must translate into tangible benefits for residents. “Omuthiya has an important role to play in the future of the Oshikoto Region. As our regional capital, its geographical location, administrative significance and connectivity…

Renthia Kaimbi Two business organisations have urged the ministry of finance to extend the Namibian Tax Amnesty Programme beyond its 31 October 2026 deadline.  They warned that economic hardship, slow business recovery and the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak are preventing many taxpayers from settling outstanding tax debts. The Walvis Bay Chamber of Business has proposed extending the programme by three years to 31 October 2029, or at least two years to 2028, while the Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) is calling for a 24-month extension. In a letter dated 26 October 2026 to finance ministry executive director Oscar Capelao, Walvis…

Patience Makwele Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called for stricter accountability in the implementation of public projects, warning that delays cost communities employment opportunities and reduce the benefits of government spending. Ngurare made the remarks in a prepared statement read on his behalf by Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka at the official opening of the ninth Rundu Annual Trade Fair on Monday. “Delays in implementation get postponed employment opportunities, disappoint communities, and reduce the intended impact of public investment,” he said. Ngurare said Rundu Town Council received N$75 million for infrastructure improvements during the 2025/26 financial year, while N$3.5 million…

Patience Makwele Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has urged the newly inaugurated Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) Council to accelerate key reforms, including a review of the authority’s governing law and the finalisation of a policy on microcredentials. Speaking at the council’s inauguration in Windhoek on Monday, Steenkamp said the authority needed to complete outstanding reforms and ensure its progress translated into improvements in the services it provides. The reforms include reviewing the NQA’s legislative framework, implementing the National Policy on Qualifications Standards, finalising the National Policy on Microcredentials and modernising the National Qualifications Framework Information Management System and accreditation processes. “I…

Sostenus Wilherm Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse has called for stronger action against the repeated use of short-term employment contracts in Namibia’s mining sector. He warned that the practice undermines job security, skills development and workers’ access to employment benefits. Speaking at the Mineworkers Union of Namibia’s (MUN) Northern Regional Roundtable in Tsumeb on Saturday, Amutse criticised arrangements in which workers are employed for a few months before being replaced, arguing that mining investment must deliver more than temporary job opportunities. “We must therefore pay attention not only to the number of jobs created, but also to their…

Sostenus Wilherm More than three years after construction began, Omuthiya’s new open market remains incomplete, with the town’s third Business Expo now seeking to raise funds towards completing the facility. Mayor Wilbard Anyemba told the Windhoek Observer that the expo, running from 26 to 31 October at the New Open Market Centre, aims to support small businesses while mobilising resources for the project. “The main objective of the third Omuthiya Business Expo is twofold, to raise funds towards the construction and completion of our Open Market, and to provide a platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), local entrepreneurs and…