National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Mine Workers Union of Namibia (MUN) has won a dispute with Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter over its voluntary separation programme (VSP). A recent ruling found the company must comply with section 34 of the Labour Act. The decision followed two days of conciliation talks on 12 and 13 August 2025. Section 34 requires companies to consult employees and unions and give proper notice before asking workers to leave for economic, technological, or operational reasons. The dispute began when MUN accused Sinomine of bypassing fair labour practices by pushing ahead with the VSP without engaging the union.  The union…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The president of the Association for Localised Interest (ASOLI) and former member of parliament Joseph Kauandenge has cautioned urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa against overreaching in his role. He said the functions of ministers are outlined in the constitution, while the roles of regional and local authorities are clearly stated in various acts. “The minister’s directives therefore must embody the spirit of separation of powers and, more importantly, recognise the aspect of decentralisation, where these entities must be allowed to make their own decisions, especially so on the side of councillors as elected leaders and representatives…

Allexer Namundjembo After nearly a decade of leadership uncertainty, Eugene Siwombe Kudumo has been officially appointed as the new chief of the Uukwangali Traditional Authority. Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa confirmed the decision in a letter dated 12 August 2025, addressed to Sisindi Mbambero, a member of the Uukwangali Chiefs Council.  The Uukwangali community has been without a recognised chief since the passing of chief Daniel Sitentu Mpasi on 17 December 2014. Leadership succession was delayed due to disputes within the royal family and legal challenges, including a 2019 High Court ruling that set aside Siwombe’s initial…

Justicia Shipena Namibia has called on the international community not to stand by as a “humanitarian catastrophe of potentially monumental proportions” unfolds in Gaza City. This follows the Israeli Security Cabinet’s approval of a plan to take control of Gaza City.  Namibia says the move will worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis marked by hunger, deprivation, and the risk of forced starvation. The executive director in the ministry of international relations, Penda Naanda, said Namibia welcomes the condemnation of the plan by members of the international community.  He said Namibia is guided by its constitution, advocating for peaceful dispute resolution…

Renthia Kaimbi The interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC), Beverly Silas-!Garas has resigned, effective 19 August 2025.  Her resignation ends an eight-month interim leadership that began in December 2024, during which the NYC faded legal disputes, protests, frozen funding, and allegations of political interference. Silas-!Garas submitted her resignation letter on 11 August 2025.  She said the decision coincides with the end of her two-month extension, which she did not request.  “I have given my reasons to the minister [Sanet Steenkamp], and therefore will not disclose them publicly. It's a decision I made with a sober mind without…

Renthia Kaimbi Families of victims of the Lubango dungeons say the death of former Namibia Defence Force (NDF) chief Solomon “Jesus” Hawala marks a time for judgement on his actions. Some victims say they will not forgive him and believe he had much to answer for but took it to his grave. Hawala died on Monday. His legacy is tied to allegations from the liberation struggle era. As Swapo’s deputy army commander and chief of security in the 1980s, he oversaw detainee camps in Lubango, Angola, where thousands of Swapo members and civilians were imprisoned on suspicion of spying for…

Allexer Namundjembo  The Erongo Regional Council (ERC) has resolved to defy a Windhoek High Court order reinstate Benitha Imbamba as chairperson.  Councillors instead decided to retain current chairperson Florian Donatus. At a special council meeting on Tuesday, councillors voted 4–2 to retain Donatus and to appeal the 1 August judgement.  The court ruled  that Imbamba’s March removal through a vote of no confidence was  unlawful and ordered her immediate return to office. Donatus confirmed the council had passed two resolutions, to maintain the current leadership and to challenge the ruling.  He distanced his political party, the Independent Patriots for Change…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Union leaders have questioned the government's willingness to enforce labour laws. Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha said he does not believe the ministry of justice and labour relations is serious about labour law enforcement.  He was reacting to the ministry’s announcement that 13 employers have been summoned for violating the Labour Act. On Tuesday, the Employment Equity Commission (EEC) said the employers will appear before its review panel on 13 and 14 August 2025 for failing to comply with the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, 1998. Members of the public may attend the hearings.…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Youth-led businesses across the country have welcomed the extension of the Youth Development Fund (YDF) application deadline to 25 August 2025, saying it allows them more time to prepare proposals. The Windhoek West Constituency Office announced the extension last week, urging eligible youth to take advantage of the new date.  Submissions must be made by 17h00. The office said the decision aims to increase youth participation in the fund.  “We encourage all eligible youth to use this opportunity to submit their proposals so they can be considered for funding,” it said. Some applicants have faced challenges accessing information,…