National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Swakopmund municipality has approved the donation of 165 residential erven to listed beneficiaries in the DRC extensions 27, 29 and 30. The decision was ratified at a council meeting on 24 November 2025 and forms part of the municipality’s efforts to secure property rights for residents. The approval follows an earlier process in April 2023, when 805 ownership certificates were handed over to DRC residents.  That handover gave residents legal recognition of their properties, allowing them to open municipal utility accounts and build permanent structures.  It also placed an obligation on owners to pay municipal rates and…

Renthia Kaimbi Tensions have reportedly emerged within the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) over the use of the title “leader of the official opposition”. The disagreement is between party president Panduleni Itula and IPC’s parliamentary leader Immanuel Nashinge.  Sources told the Windhoek Observer that Itula allegedly warned Nashinge in December 2025 against responding to the title outside parliament.  Itula is also said to have insisted that all state invitations meant for the opposition leader be forwarded directly to him. Nashinge dismissed the allegations as a “boring joke” and said the IPC’s leadership structure is clear. “(The) leader of the official…

Allexer Namundjembo Sign language interpretation services in Namibia remain inadequate despite recent progress, the National Association of Deaf Adults (NNAD) has said. Responding to questions on the status of sign language integration last week, NNAD said initiatives such as the Namibian Sign Language App (NAMSLAP) have improved access, especially in schools.  It said many deaf Namibians still face barriers when accessing public services. “The landscape of sign language interpretation in Namibia presents both progress and persistent challenges,” the association said, noting that NAMSLAP was rolled out with support from the UN Democracy Fund and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). NNAD…

Staff Writer The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture says admission into a tertiary institution does not automatically guarantee government funding.  Education minister Sanet Steenkamp on Friday clarified how the subsidised tertiary funding model will apply for the 2026 academic year. Steenkamp said funding decisions under the subsidised tertiary funding model will continue to follow the existing eligibility rules used by the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), despite the expansion of subsidised education. “Being admitted into a tertiary institution does not automatically guarantee funding, but funding decisions will be guided by the existing, transparent requirements,” Steenkamp…

Renthia Kaimbi Kwaito artist Lazarus "Gazza" Shiimi has ended a brief venture related to the international defence sector and is now refocusing on music and local business projects in Namibia. Shiimi said the separation from a UAE-based manufacturer of armoured vehicles and security equipment was amicable and followed limited support from local stakeholders.  He said the decision allows him to focus on areas where he can have a direct impact on youth development and economic growth at home. “When an opportunity arises that could potentially build skills and industry for our people, I believe in exploring it fully. The aim…

Justicia Shipena Former National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) executive and fraud-corruption accused Olivia Dunaiski has described the judgement denying her bail as a “shocking” one.  Dunaiski is now appealing the decision and is asking the High Court to condone delays in her bail appeal and allow the matter to be heard on its merits. Magistrate Linus Samunzala denied bail to Dunaiski and her co-accused in September last year.  In his ruling, Samunzala said five of the six people accused in the N$480 million Namcor corruption and fraud case lied during their bail testimonies.  She said the ruling which denied…

Allexer Namundjembo The Popular Democratic Movement Youth League (PDMYL) says recent changes to education policies have left many learners uncertain about their transition from secondary to tertiary education. PDMYL spokesperson Inajovandu Katjepunda stated that the changes have created confusion and could limit opportunities for further study, especially for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. “The growing uncertainty is deeply concerning,” Katjepunda said, adding that policy shifts have directly affected access to higher education. The Ministry of Education this week released the 2025 national examination results.  According to data from the ministry, only about 36% of Grade 11 learners met the minimum requirements…

Justicia Shipena Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) says it cannot comment beyond confirming the arrest of one of its employees in connection with the N$315 million diamond heist. The Windhoek Observer approached Namdia after the company confirmed on Thursday that an employee had been arrested.  The publication sought details, including the employee’s position, gender and identity, among others.  “Unfortunately, as it is an active criminal investigation, Namdia is not in a position to provide any further details of the arrest,” Namdia’s public relations and communications officer, Beverley Coussement, told the Windhoek Observer in response to questions. Coussement did however, confirm that…