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…

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…

Staff writer Pensioners have expressed disappointment and frustration at the N$100 increase in the monthly old-age grant, saying it does little to ease rising living costs. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah announced in the 2026/27 budget last week that the pension will increase from N$1 600 to N$1 700 from 1 April. The government said the adjustment reflects fiscal constraints and competing national priorities. Beneficiaries in Windhoek and the Zambezi region say the increase will not stretch far. “A N$100.00 cannot even afford enough electricity to last a day; it cannot even afford to buy enough food,” said 72-year-old Mary Nyambe…

Staff Writer Online gambling is becoming a growing concern among young people, with more women affected as betting platforms expand through smartphones and social media. Psychologists and counsellors say easy access to betting apps and online advertising has normalised gambling among youth, many of whom face unemployment and financial pressure. Psychologist Margaret Liswaniso said the pattern of gambling has shifted in recent years. “What we are seeing is not just casual betting anymore,” she said. “For some young women, gambling has become a coping mechanism for stress and economic frustration. They are less likely to seek help early because of…

Renthia Kaimbi Namibia has stepped up efforts to fight illicit finance, as the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), in partnership with the European Union (EU), launched a week-long national risk assessment workshop in Windhoek on Monday. The workshop runs until 6 March 2026. It focuses on strengthening how Namibia identifies and responds to money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing risks. Illicit financial flows remain a concern across Africa. According to background information shared at the event, these flows are estimated at about USD 88.6 billion a year on the continent. They stem from tax evasion, corruption, organised crime and human…

Allexer Namundjembo Namibia Oil and Gas last week unveiled its second biannual industry report, bringing together policymakers, executives, financial institutions and industry professionals to reflect on developments in the country’s oil and gas sector. The launch was supported by Africa Provider Offshore Services. The report provides data on exploration activity, key projects and supply-chain trends in the local energy market. It tracks sector growth and investor interest as Namibia’s offshore discoveries continue to shape the industry. Sanjay Korteweg, founding partner of Namibia Oil and Gas, said the publication aims to support collaboration and provide reliable information. “This biannual industry report…

Justicia Shipena No Namibian national has been reported affected by the recent US-Israeli attacks in the Middle East, according to the Namibian Embassy in Cairo. The Embassy said it has not received reports of any Namibians directly impacted in the affected areas. It noted that the security situation remains volatile and may change without warning. "All Namibian citizens residing in, transiting through, or travelling within the region, their safety and well-being remain a priority. The embassy will continue to provide timely updates and relevant information to keep Namibians informed as the situation unfolds,” it said in a statement yesterday.  The…

Allexer Namundjembo Political analysts say a growing mistrust in Parliament lay behind last week’s opposition walkout in the National Assembly, which halted the approval of four nominees to the Public Service Commission (PSC). The vote, tabled by prime minister Elijah Ngurare, could not proceed after opposition members left the chamber. Their exit left the House without a quorum to continue.  This comes as the terms of the current commissioners expired at the end of last month. The new appointees are expected to be sworn in to ensure continuity at the constitutional body. Political analyst Sackaria Johannes said the conduct of…

Renthia Kaimbi The minister of justice and labour relations, Fillemon Wise Immanuel, has directed all government ministries to verify that every state-contracted service provider complies with minimum wage laws. Immanuel warned that the government cannot be linked, even indirectly, to the exploitation of workers. He issued the directive in a circular dated 24 February addressed to the line ministers. “Representations received from various unions and employees confirm that a number of security companies rendering services to state institutions, including your respective ministries, continue to pay their employees below the legally mandated minimum wage,” he stated. He said paying below the…