National News – Windhoek Observer

22 Sep

Zambezi land dispute raises fears of violence

National News

Patience Makwele A decades-old land dispute in the Zambezi region has flared up again, with the Masubia khuta (tribal court) warning that renewed confrontations between families could result in injuries or loss of life. The dispute involves four families: the Jimu, Muninjahi, Ndivi and Jojo families, and has passed through traditional and formal courts for decades. Senior Masubia induna (traditional council) Albius Mwala said the tribal court could no longer deal with the matter because it had moved beyond its jurisdiction. “This issue, it is no longer with us,” Mwala said. According to Mwala, the traditional court summoned the four…

22 Sep

Budget watchdog still in infancy, says Speaker

National News

Patience Makwele Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says Namibia’s Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) remains in its infancy, with parliament still relying on support from sister legislatures and the African network to establish the institution. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila made the remarks on Monday, during the opening of the ninth African Network of Parliamentary Budget Offices (AN-PBO) Annual Conference in Swakopmund. She said parliament remains committed to establishing its own PBO but was still at an early stage of the process. “We are still in the infant stages of this endeavour and would therefore rely on the support of our sister parliaments…

22 Sep

IPC demands works ED’s recusal from Namibia Air talks

National News

Sostenus Wilherm The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has demanded the immediate removal of the executive director in the ministry of works and transport, Jonas Sheelongo, from all negotiations and planning structures involved in establishing Namibia’s proposed new national airline, Namibia Air. The party warned that his alleged record at Air Namibia raises serious governance and public interest concerns. IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula made the demand, calling for Sheelongo to recuse himself from steering committees, negotiation panels, strategic planning bodies and technical advisory roles linked to the Namibia Air. Kalangula’s call comes as the government…

22 Sep

NHP reassures members as FIMA reshapes medical aid

National News

Sostenus Wilherm Namibia Health Plan (NHP) has reassured its members that their medical aid benefits and contributions will remain unchanged as the fund prepares for the implementation of the Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA). The fund held an online members information session on 9 September under the theme “Let’s Talk FIMA: Understanding What FIMA Means for You as an NHP Member”, aimed at explaining the new regulatory framework and what it means for members. The engagement comes as FIMA introduces strengthened requirements for the governance, accountability, transparency and financial soundness of medical aid funds. Principal officer of NHP Dantago…

22 Sep

ACC summons NAC boss …as airport company points to savings and improved performance

Main, National News

Staff Writer The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned Namibia Airports Company (NAC) chief executive officer Bisey /Uirab to appear before the commission as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corrupt practices at the state-owned company. The summons, issued on September 9, directed /Uirab to appear before authorised officer Matias Amadhila at the ACC headquarters in Windhoek on Monday. However, being summoned by the ACC does not in itself constitute a finding of wrongdoing or guilt. The summons is part of an investigative process through which the commission seeks information and documentation to establish the facts surrounding transactions and decisions…

21 Sep

Poor waste management fuels baboon threat in Windhoek

National News

Sostenus Wilherm Poor waste management is increasingly attracting baboons into Windhoek communities, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warning that exposed food waste is creating conditions that can bring wildlife into close contact with residents and potentially put vulnerable people at risk. The warning was delivered by prime minister Elijah Ngurare on behalf of Nandi-Ndaitwah during the commemoration of World Cleanup Day and the relaunch of the National Cleanup Namibia Campaign in Windhoek on Saturday. Nandi-Ndaitwah said the growing presence of baboons in residential areas demonstrates that poor waste management is no longer simply an issue of litter and untidy surroundings but…

21 Sep

Govt extends farm equipment deadline …sets aside N$40m for unsold grain

National News

Sostenus Wilherm The government has extended the deadline for farmers applying to acquire agricultural equipment to 16 October 2026 following an overwhelming response from farmers across the country, according to the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform (MAFWLR). The application process was initially scheduled to close at the end of September, but farmers from all 14 regions reportedly raised concerns that the original timeframe was too short. MAFWLR acting executive director Petrus Nangolo said the extension was agreed upon to give more farmers an opportunity to participate. “We are in agreement to extend to give people enough time,…

21 Sep

ITEC alumni showcase skills gained through Indian training

National News

Patience Makwele More than 120 Namibian professionals who received training in India through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme gathered in Windhoek to reflect on how skills gained abroad have continued to shape their careers. Among them was Martha Nghipandulwa, who underwent digital forensics training in India in 2017, a field she shared that has become increasingly relevant as criminal activity moves from the physical world into digital spaces. “Crimes are not happening in the physical world anymore. More crimes are committed through digital and electronics (platforms),” Nghipandulwa said. She said the training gave her practical skills that…

21 Sep

Justice system battles infrastructure, capacity gaps

Main, National News

Patience Makwele Namibia’s justice system is struggling with poor court infrastructure, shortages of specialist services, weak record management and avoidable postponements that continue to slow the delivery of justice. The problems came into light on Friday as the three-day State of Justice Conference in Windhoek concluded, with officials calling for practical measures to address weaknesses across the justice chain. Ministry of justice and labour relations executive director Audrin Mathe said some courts remain inaccessible and poorly maintained, while others lack secure waiting areas, private consultation spaces and suitable facilities for children who have survived gender-based violence. He also pointed to…

18 Sep

Cuba solidarity campaign raises N$2.6m…as “mysterious donor” pledges N$17m

National News

Patience Makwele The Namibia-Cuba solidarity campaign on Wednesday raised about N$2.6 million for medical supplies and solar energy equipment for Cuba, while a “mysterious donor” N$17 million contribution was announced during the fundraising gala in Windhoek. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare announced the N$17 million donation during the fundraising proceedings, saying the amount was either being given or was already on its way. “We have received a mysterious donor… The amount is as follows in terms of all added up which is being given or it’s on its way is N$17 million,” Ngurare said. However, the prime minister’s office has declined…