National News

Renthia Kaimbi The Namibian Navy has intercepted a foreign-flagged fishing vessel suspected of illegal fishing inside Namibia’s waters.  The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs confirmed that the Namibian Navy flagship, NS Elephant, intercepted the vessel FU YUAN YU 9878 with visual call sign BZTV on 17 May during a routine patrol near Namibia’s northern maritime border with Angola. The vessel was intercepted within Namibia’s contiguous zone and territorial waters at coordinates 17°14.98’ S, 011°32.42’ E. According to the ministry, the vessel was found carrying a full net of unreported fish species and did not have a valid harvesting permit…

Justicia Shipena  The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) says Namibia still imports nearly half of its pearl millet, locally known as mahangu, despite the crop being the country’s main staple food, prompting a new effort to improve production and strengthen the value chain. FAO representative in Namibia Patrice Talla said Mahangu remains central to food security, especially in northern communal areas where families have depended on it for generations. “Mahangu is the primary cereal for more than 60% of Namibians,” Talla said during the launch of the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative in Oshakati…

Patience Makwele The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs says the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) is modernising its operations to include drone warfare and other technology-driven military systems training.  The ministry said this is as militaries across the world increasingly rely on drones, surveillance systems and cyber-based operations in conflicts. “If you have been following current affairs, you would realise that wars are now predominantly fought with drones. As such, the NDF is in a modernisation process,” said defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi in a speech delivered on his behalf by special advisor Hilma Nikanor on Thursday at…

Patience Makwele A 16-year-old boy from the Omusati region is being praised across Namibia after risking his life to save nine-month-old twins who had allegedly been thrown into a pond at Omutundungu village. Cornelius Shimwaafeni, a learner at Nicodemus Primary School, has drawn national attention after rescuing the infants during what started as an ordinary day herding livestock. According to reports, Shimwaafeni allegedly witnessed the twins being thrown into the water by their biological mother before rushing into the pond to save them. In an interview with NBC, Shimwaafeni said he immediately jumped into the water without hesitation. He managed…

Patience Makwele  Young Namibians have been urged to play a stronger role in protecting bees and other pollinators as concerns grow over declining bee populations and the impact this could have on food security, agriculture and the environment. The call comes as Namibia joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Bee Day on 20 May, which raises awareness about the importance of bees in supporting ecosystems and food production. Speaking on the issue, environmental advocate Gretchen Burmeister said many people still underestimate the role bees play in daily life and food systems. “If bees disappear, a large portion…

Patience Makwele Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has urged graduates to use their qualifications to create opportunities for themselves and contribute to Namibia’s development as the country continues facing high youth unemployment. Ngurare made the remarks on Wednesday during the 2026 graduation ceremony of Triumphant College, where more than 600 graduates received certificates, diplomas and degrees in fields including computer science, education, engineering and legal studies. The number of graduates increased from the 523 recorded last year. Addressing the graduates, Ngurare encouraged young people to continue learning, researching and developing new ideas beyond the classroom. “Remember that education is a public…

Patience Makwele Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse says his ministry will investigate allegations that curricula vitae (CVs) submitted by unemployed Namibians to a Chinese mining contractor in Karibib were dumped in the open.  The incident involves M15 Mining Contractor, a company contracted by Osino Resources Corporation and has sparked public anger over the handling of personal information belonging to job seekers. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday evening after reviewing a statement issued by the office of the Erongo governor, Amutse described the matter as unacceptable. “This cannot be allowed, definitely. We will definitely have to investigate…

Justicia Shipena  The newly launched Namibia for Life Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) agreement aims to secure long-term funding for community conservancies and strengthen conservation efforts across Namibia. The agreement was launched and signed in Windhoek on Wednesday.  World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Namibia country director Dr Juliane Zeidler said the programme was built through partnerships involving government, conservation organisations and international development partners, including the German government, KfW, USAID, the Millennium Challenge Account and the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs bureau. Zeidler said declining donor funding forced conservation organisations to rethink long-term sustainability. “When traditional bilateral funding began to…

Patience Makwele Vice president Lucia Witbooi has called for stronger support for vocational education.  She said skills training remains one of Namibia’s most important tools in fighting unemployment and creating opportunities for young people with disabilities. Witbooi made the remarks on Wednesday during the graduation ceremony of 443 learners enrolled in the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills programme at Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture through the National Institute for Educational Development and provides practical vocational and life skills training in areas such as bricklaying, plumbing,…