National News – Page 10 – Windhoek Observer

05 Mar

OBSERVER COASTAL | Roads Authority CEO visits coastal road projects

National News

Roads Authority chief executive officer Mbahupu Tjivikua visited key road infrastructure projects at the coast last Thursday. He inspected the Walvis Bay–Swakopmund Freeway Phase 2 project and the Walvis Bay weighbridge and inspection pit. Tjivikua was joined by senior Roads Authority officials and representatives from SMEC Consultants and UNIK Construction Company. The visit allowed the team to review construction progress and check compliance with safety and quality standards. Officials also engaged with project teams working on the sites. The Walvis Bay–Swakopmund Freeway phase 2 project aims to improve traffic flow and road safety along the coastal corridor. The Walvis Bay…

05 Mar

SADC reviews SRHR progress

National News

Moses Magadza A two-day annual review meeting of the Sweden-funded Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV and AIDS Governance Project of the SADC Parliamentary Forum ended in Luanda, Angola on Tuesday. The meeting closed with strong appreciation for progress made and urgent calls for domestic resource mobilisation to safeguard hard-won gains amid shifting global funding realities. Hosted by the National Assembly of Angola, the meeting brought together members of parliament, parliamentary staff, development partners, UN agencies and civil society to assess implementation and chart the next phase of the regional initiative. Opening the review, Angolan member of parliament…

05 Mar

NYC acting director quits after 25 days … cites Masua’s ‘disrespect’

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi Allegations of disrespect from the interim executive chairperson and board have forced the acting director of the National Youth Council (NYC) to resign after just 25 days in the role. The Windhoek Observer has learnt that Mzingisi Gqwede, who was appointed acting director on 3 February 2026, resigned on Friday. His departure has deepened instability at the youth institution. NYC’s programmes manager, Sircca Nghitila, was appointed acting director yesterday. Sources inside the institution say tensions escalated when Gqwede refused to approve sitting fees for the board’s fourth and fifth extraordinary meetings. The dispute centred on whether the meetings…

04 Mar

‘Oil security not a concern for now’ – Amutse

National News

Justicia Shipena Namibia’s fuel supply remains stable for the next few months despite rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse told parliament on Tuesday. He responded to an urgent oral question from the South West Africa National Union (Swanu) president and member of parliament Evilastus Kaaronda, who asked how prepared the country is for a possible fuel price increase after crude oil prices surged. This follows as brent crude oil prices rose sharply by 10% to around US$80 per barrel on Sunday. Analysts say prices could increase even further…

04 Mar

Double dipping questions hang over finance ED

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The appointment of Oscar Capelao as executive director of the Ministry of Finance has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, as he continues to serve on the board of the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor). Capelao was appointed executive director in December 2025, a role that places him at the centre of government oversight of public enterprises, including Namcor. He has served as a Namcor board member since July 2024. His dual position has drawn scrutiny from governance expert Johannes Coetzee, who cautioned that the arrangement presents structural risks. “If the same person is on the…

04 Mar

Windhoek rent takes a big bite out of youth salaries

National News

Staff Writer Young working professionals in Windhoek are spending up to half of their monthly income on rent as housing costs continue to rise faster than wages. A one-bedroom unit now ranges between N$4 500 and N$7 500 per month, excluding utilities. For many tenants, rent is their largest expense. An upfront payment of between N$8 000 and N$12 000, including deposits and utility charges, is often required to secure a one-bedroom apartment. For entry- and mid-level earners taking home less than N$10 000 per month, the financial pressure begins before they move in. A 27-year-old marketing assistant, who spoke…

04 Mar

Parliament still in turmoil over PSC appointments

National News

Justicia Shipena The National Assembly descended into disorder on Tuesday after opposition members once again objected to the voting process over the approval of four nominated Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioners. Parliament had resumed debate on the nomination and re-nomination of PSC members for a five-year term. When the House adjourned last Thursday, the matter had not been concluded. The motion, tabled by prime minister Elijah Ngurare, sought approval for the appointment and re-appointment of commissioners nominated by the President. The matter carried urgency, as the current commissioners’ terms expired on Friday and new members were expected to be sworn…

04 Mar

‘We did our part’ – Kapofi on veterans camping outside Swapo HQ

National News

Allexer Namundjembo A standoff between the government and a group of liberation struggle veterans camping outside Swapo Party headquarters has drawn fresh attention, with defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi saying his ministry has fulfilled its responsibilities. Kapofi said the veterans’ grievances are not directed at his ministry but at the United Nations. “They are citing the UN in their demands,” he said. He added that the group is demanding answers from the UN, not from the ministry. “We are trying to read what the law is saying because it is in the law,” he said. Kapofi said he…

04 Mar

NDP honours members for grassroots work

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The National Democratic Party (NDP) over the weekend honoured a group of long-standing members for their role in strengthening grassroots structures, driving campaign strategies and supporting community development. The awards were presented during a ceremony held on Saturday at Kamunu Hall in Katima Mulilo. Party supporters and community leaders attended the event. In a telephonic interview with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, NDP president Martin Lukato said the recognition reflects the contribution members have made in building the party. “These members have gone beyond ordinary participation. They have inspired peers, led campaigns, and ensured that our message of…

03 Mar

Namibia’s restricted fishing zone not gazetted

Main, National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) has confirmed that the official coordinates of Namibia’s 200-metre isobath restricted fishing zone have never been formally gazetted. The 200-metre isobath restriction has been in place since 1990. It prohibits trawling and longlining in shallow waters along Namibia’s coast. The measure protects juvenile hake and horse mackerel, limits sardine bycatch, and preserves bottom habitats that serve as biodiversity hotspots. Unlike formally declared protected areas such as the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area (NIMPA), established through detailed coordinates in Government Gazette No. 4210 of 16 February 2009, the isobath…