National News

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao says positive parenting remains the strongest tool to address violence against children, poor child development and long-term poverty. She spoke at the launch of the national parent and caregiver handbook and facilitator guide at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek on Wednesday. Luvindao said investment in families must be treated as a national development priority. “The family unit is the bedrock of our national development. If the family is weak, the nation is weak. But if the family is strong, supported and nurtured, our potential is limitless,” she said. She said…

Renthia Kaimbi Kuisebmond Secondary School has raised about N$2.5 million through a fundraising gala dinner to support the construction of a multi-purpose hall. The event took place on Saturday evening at the Atlantic Hotel in Walvis Bay. Business leaders, government officials and community members attended the event to support the school’s infrastructure project. School principal Jonathan Maswahu said the funds will help complete the second phase of construction. He said the project has reached the roofing stage and about N$3 million is needed to complete the structure. The hall will seat about 1 000 people. It will serve as an…

Renthia Kaimbi The House Johannesson Palliative Care Centre has opened in Swakopmund to support patients with life-threatening illnesses in the Erongo region. Erongo governor Nathalia |Goagoses inaugurated the 10-bed facility on Friday. She delivered the keynote address on behalf of the minister of health and social services. Esperance Luvindao also participated in the ceremony by cutting the ribbon to mark the opening. She said the facility expands access to cancer and palliative care services outside Windhoek. “This facility is more than a building. It is a blueprint for the future of Namibian healthcare and a shining example of a functional…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…