National News

Omusati invests N$120 in agriculture and fisheries

Omusati invests N$120 in agriculture and fisheries

Patience Makwele  Omusati has positioned itself as one of Namibia’s leading agricultural regions, with more than N$120 million invested in irrigation, livestock infrastructure, farmer support and fisheries as the government seeks to boost food production, create jobs and stimulate the regional economy. Delivering his second State of the Region Address (SORA) on Friday, Omusati Governor Immanuel Shikongo said agriculture remains the cornerstone of the region’s development agenda, with major investments already translating into increased production and employment opportunities. “As the saying goes, agriculture is not an option; it is the heartbeat of survival,” Shikongo said. Among the flagship projects is…
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IPC says Kapofi missed the point on protesting veterans

IPC says Kapofi missed the point on protesting veterans

Allexer Namundjembo The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has accused minister of defence and veterans affairs Frans Kapofi of sidestepping concerns over protesting liberation struggle veterans, saying he misrepresented a parliamentary question that called for direct intervention rather than an explanation of veterans’ benefits. IPC shadow minister of defence and veterans affairs Aloisius Kangulu told the Windhoek Observer on Sunday that his urgent oral question in the National Assembly last week was intended to urge Kapofi to personally engage veterans who have been camping outside the Swapo Party headquarters in Windhoek and help facilitate a resolution to their grievances. “I…
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Zaamwani slaps 50% levy on bycatch …as President engages industry on fisheries sustainability 

Zaamwani slaps 50% levy on bycatch …as President engages industry on fisheries sustainability 

Renthia Kaimbi Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Inge Zaamwani has officially put into effect a Cabinet decision to increase penalty fees on bycatch, raising the levy from 15% to 50%. In a letter dated 12 June 2026 and addressed to finance minister Ericah Shafudah, Zaamwani formally requested approval for the increase, which is grounded in Section 44 of the Marine Resources Act and follows consultation with the Marine Resource Advisory Council. The letter outlines that the ministry has observed an alarming increase in bycatch volumes reported by right holders in recent years. Bycatch, defined under the Act…
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‘Veterans camped outside Swapo HQ are receiving their benefits’ – Kapofi

‘Veterans camped outside Swapo HQ are receiving their benefits’ – Kapofi

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, has rejected suggestions that veterans currently camped outside the Swapo Party headquarters are at odds with the government, saying they continue to receive all benefits and support due to them despite their ongoing protest. Kapofi made the remarks in the National Assembly following concerns raised by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Member of Parliament Alosius Kangulu, who questioned the government’s engagement with the group as they continue living in tents during the cold winter season. Addressing the minister, Kangulu praised Kapofi's leadership but questioned why he had not personally engaged…
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Daure Daman TA objects ultimate.earth’s leasehold application

Daure Daman TA objects ultimate.earth’s leasehold application

By Renthia Kaimbi The Daure Daman Traditional Authority has formally objected to the leasehold application submitted by ultimate.earth, formerly known as Ultimate Safaris, for a vast tract of communal land in the Kunene Region. In a letter dated 23 June 2026 to the Kunene Communal Land Board, the traditional authority maintained its opposition to the application, raising concerns about the consultation process and the conduct of the tourism operator. The objection comes amid a protracted legal and regulatory battle between ultimate.earth and Goantagab Tin Mine, a local mining operation that accuses the tourism company of anti-competitive behaviour. The Daure Daman…
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Eigub demands action on contractor payment delays

Eigub demands action on contractor payment delays

Allexer Namundjembo Landless People's Movement (LPM) Member of Parliament Dawid Eigub has called on Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare to explain persistent delays in government payments to contractors and service providers, warning that the situation is threatening businesses and driving up the cost of public projects. In a notice of question scheduled for the National Assembly, Eigub said there is growing concern over outstanding payments for work that has already been completed and certified by government institutions. According to the lawmaker, some contractors have reportedly waited more than six months to receive payment. “These delays have far-reaching consequences. Contractors are increasingly…
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RFA rolls out digital platforms to cut delays and boost efficiency

RFA rolls out digital platforms to cut delays and boost efficiency

Patience Makwele  The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has launched a suite of new digital self-service platforms aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility and service delivery, as the institution moves to modernise how road funding is managed in Namibia. The rollout includes an online fuel levy refund portal, a prepaid cross-border charges system, a mobile application for mass distance charge clients, and an upgraded website designed to serve as the central access point for all RFA services. The initiative forms part of the organisation’s broader digital transformation drive aligned with national efforts to improve public service delivery through technology. Speaking during an…
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RCC faces legal action over N$5m debt … as Nekundi labels the company ‘a mess’

RCC faces legal action over N$5m debt … as Nekundi labels the company ‘a mess’

Renthia Kaimbi The Roads Contractor Company (RCC) is facing mounting financial and governance pressures, just days after a stormy meeting where minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi reportedly described the company as “a mess” and demanded answers from its leadership over a disclaimer audit opinion and widespread payment failures. In a letter dated 20 June 2026 addressed to RCC interim chief executive officer Dasius Nelumbu, Bruyns Legal Practitioners, acting on behalf of Dust Construction and Civils (Pty) Ltd, rejected the RCC's purported rescission of a lease-to-own agreement for construction equipment as “factually incorrect, legally unsound” and “a desperate and…
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PDM demands progress on beneficiation agenda, seeks measurable targets

PDM demands progress on beneficiation agenda, seeks measurable targets

Allexer Namundjembo The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has demanded clear progress on the country's natural resource beneficiation programme, saying the government must move beyond policy statements and provide measurable outcomes, defined targets, and evidence of tangible economic impact. PDM member of parliament Diederik Vries questioned the minister in the Presidency, Charles Mubita, in Parliament on Wednesday, seeking clarity on the implementation and effectiveness of the beneficiation strategy. In his motivation, Vries said beneficiation has been repeatedly presented as a basis of Namibia’s economic transformation agenda, but there is still limited clarity on its real-world impact. “Natural resource beneficiation has been…
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Namibia’s youth driving change through STEM

Namibia’s youth driving change through STEM

Eugenia Moche A new generation of innovators is reshaping the country's future through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At the centre of this movement is Genius Robotics, the organisation behind the Namibian Robotics Team. Once a non-profit organisation, the company has now evolved into a growing enterprise, but its mission remains to empower youth to innovate, bring change, and excite communities through technology. What began as one young founder's international experience representing Namibia at the First Global Challenge, an international robotics competition, has now grown into a movement that is inspiring learners. Genuis Robotics chief executive officer and founder…
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