National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened an investigation into the Walvis Bay municipality over alleged irregularities linked to a N$3.4 million pothole repair tender. The probe also covers the recruitment process of a senior manager. ACC interim spokesperson Marina Matundu confirmed the investigation to the Windhoek Observer.  “We confirm that a case has been registered with us, but the investigations are still at an early stage,” she said. The investigation centers the allegations around the municipality's chief executive officer, Victoria Kapenda. According to documents and sources, the ACC is examining a tender awarded for pothole repairs across the…

Renthia Kaimbi President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the 2026 Cabinet year with a call for decisive action, saying the current global climate demands a clear break from routine governance. Speaking to ministers and senior officials yesterday, she emphasised that reverting to the status quo was not a viable option.  She urged Cabinet to adopt a “business unusual” mindset to respond to the country’s most urgent needs. She said the administration has limited time to deliver on its mandate, with only four years left to advance Namibia’s Vision 2030. “Time is therefore not on our side. Every day, every hour, and every…

Allexer Namundjembo Senior accounting and financial adviser Mefflint de Waal said removing the digital aspect of the payroll deduction management system (PDMS) and replacing it with a manual helpdesk could cause problems with salary payments.  He said the change may slow down payroll services and reduce proper financial checks for public servants. De Waal said the move from an automated digital platform to a manual system marks a step back in public sector service delivery. “For more than two decades, Namibia operated a fully automated PDMS that linked government payroll directly with banks and insurers in real time. That system…

Allexer Namundjembo National Council chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha has urged members of the seventh National Council to embrace continuous learning. He said capacity building is central to effective lawmaking and oversight. Muha made the call on Monday in Windhoek when he opened the first orientation seminar for members of the council. “Capacity building is not a one-time event but a continuous process of learning, adaptation, and professional development,” he said. He said regular training is needed, especially given the high turnover of members, to ensure that lawmakers can review bills properly and carry out oversight with care and integrity. Muha…

Staff Writer  MTC Care and the Rössing Foundation on Friday donated assistive devices to the National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN).  MTC Care handed over ten wheelchairs valued at N$80 000. The beneficiaries come from different regions, widening the reach of the initiative. MTC Care is an employee-driven initiative where staff members contribute monthly to social causes.  The donation forms part of the NDCN Community Assistive Device Drive, a national programme that collects and distributes assistive devices and protective equipment to persons with disabilities across Namibia. Lawreance Kaimu, chairperson of the NDCN research and development committee, praised MTC and the…

Allexer Namundjembo  The High Court has ordered a Katima Mulilo resident and others to leave a disputed property after ruling that they had no legal right to occupy the land.  The court found they were not entitled to compensation because they failed to prove they had made lawful improvements to the property. Balwizi Lorraine Mubonenwa, the registered owner of Erf 1049, Katima Mulilo Extension 5, brought the case.  Balwizi Lorraine Mubonenwa approached the court to evict Mavis Mulite Muyakale and all other occupants.  High Court judge Beatrix de Jager, in her judgement dated 16 January, explained that once ownership and…

Renthia Kaimbi The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has revised entrance and conservation fees for national parks. This follows a public consultation process. The new fees will start applying from 1 April 2026. The ministry's deputy executive director, Colgar Sikopo, thanked stakeholders who participated in the review and said the changes are aimed at supporting the long-term sustainability of the country’s conservation efforts. The revised fees introduce a tiered system based on nationality, age and vehicle type.  The largest increases apply to visitors from outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The new charges will apply to major parks,…

Staff Writer  The National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) has approved N$8.6 million in funding for youth-owned businesses.  The latest funding round, which took place from 1 November 2025 to 30 January 2026 and has been channeled to 30 businesses.  This followed an earlier approval of N$5.3 million for 16 businesses announced at the official launch of the NYDF. The funded enterprises operate in sectors that include auto mechanics, construction, tourism, catering, car wash services, mobile food trading, legal services, fashion and cosmetics, transport and shuttle services, media, health, education, ICT, welding and metal fabrication, accounting, event management, restaurants, guesthouses, funeral…