National News

Sostenus Wilherm The government has intensified its campaign to remove illegal fences erected on communal land, with authorities warning that unauthorised fencing continues to threaten equal access to grazing areas and communal resources. The ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform said it has expanded nationwide operations to dismantle illegal and unauthorised fences in collaboration with regional councils, communal land boards and traditional authorities. The programme, which is being implemented under the Communal Land Reform Act, 2002, aims to protect communal land rights and ensure that common grazing areas remain accessible to all lawful users. Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyanda…

Sostenus Wilherm Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has defended his decision to remove five Namibia Airports Company (NAC) board members on Tuesday, saying the intervention was necessary to strengthen governance, accountability and stability at the state-owned aviation company. The minister’s response follows questions sent by the Windhoek Observer seeking clarity on the reasons behind the immediate dismissal of the board members, the appointment of an interim board and measures being taken to ensure that NAC operations continue without disruption. Nekundi removed five NAC directors on Tuesday and appointed an interim board to oversee the company during a transitional period.…

Patience Makwele  An estimated 98% of cervical cancer cases in Namibia are linked to persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), prompting renewed calls for greater uptake of HPV vaccination and routine cervical screening as the country marks National Cancer Awareness Week. The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) said cervical cancer remains the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among Namibian women despite being largely preventable through early vaccination, regular screening and timely treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. CAN chief executive officer Rolf Hansen said the disease continues to devastate families across the country, stressing that every woman deserves the opportunity to…

Patience Makwele  A N$132 million hostel which has been under construction at Otjiwanda Secondary School is expected to ease mounting pressure on secondary school placements in Grootfontein by providing accommodation for learners who travel from remote communities to attend school. Education officials say the development will address one of the biggest challenges facing the circuit, where many learners secure places in Grade 8 but struggle to find accommodation because they live far from town. The project, which got underway earlier this year, includes the construction of separate hostels for boys and girls, staff houses, a kitchen and dining hall, sports…

Sostenus Wilherm The Ohangwena Region has launched a strategic drive to attract investment and transform local economic opportunities into bankable projects, with the unveiling of the Ohangwena Regional Investment Map and Action Plan 2025–2030 aimed at positioning entrepreneurs, investors and businesses at the centre of regional development. The roadmap was presented during a high-level breakfast engagement hosted by Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa in Eenhana on Tuesday, where entrepreneurs, financiers, investors and government stakeholders gathered to discuss ways of unlocking the region’s economic potential. The initiative identifies priority investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, the creative economy, health, tourism and…

…Katjavivi urges Namibia to preserve governance lessons through action and documentation Patience Makwele Namibia has been urged to ensure that the legacy of former late President Hage Geingob is preserved through research, documentation and stronger institutions rather than being confined to commemorative events and tributes. The call was made during the inaugural Dr Hage Geingob Town Hall Conversation which was held at the University of Namibia on Monday, where former leaders, academics and young professionals reflected on Geingob’s contribution to governance in Namibia and Africa. The event, held on what would have been Geingob’s 85th birthday, was held under the…

Sostenus Wilherm The High Court has set a series of deadlines for Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) Football Club and Young African Football Club as the legal dispute over a failed football club sale worth N$1.3 million moves into its next phase, with both sides expected to exchange pleadings and evidence before returning to court next month. Judge Shafimana Ueitele, sitting in chambers on Tuesday, ordered Young African to file its plea, counterclaim, exception or any application to strike out parts of the claim by 21 August 2026. NCS Football Club has until 1 September to respond to any plea or…

Sostenus Wilherm The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (NARETU) will mark its fifth anniversary by shifting focus from traditional celebrations to a worker-focused outreach programme aimed at empowering employees through labour education, health awareness and financial guidance. The union will host the ‘Naretu @ 5: Members Outreach’ on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at the public open space in front of the Sanlam Centre Building in Windhoek, where workers will have access to free consultations and services from various strategic partners. Naretu secretary-general Petersen Kambinda said the anniversary represents more than just a milestone for the organisation, but an opportunity…

Sostenus Wilherm The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has welcomed the judiciary’s two-month traffic fine amnesty but warned that the intervention will only provide temporary relief unless deeper challenges facing Namibia’s public transport sector are addressed. The amnesty, which started on 3 August 2026 and will run until 30 September 2026, allows motorists with outstanding admission of guilt traffic fines to settle their debts without facing the immediate consequences associated with unpaid fines. IPC shadow minister of works and transport, Nelson Kalangula, said the initiative provides much-needed relief, particularly for taxi drivers and public transport operators who have been affected…