National News

Allexer Namundjembo  The recent appointment of ambassadors by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has sparked debate about tribalism, inclusivity, and merit in public service.  While the presidency's claim that the move aims to strengthen Namibia's diplomatic presence, critics argue that the appointments perpetuate old figures and lack ethnic balance. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani said he plans to re-table a motion on tribalism.  “After my return from New York I will table a reflection on our nation’s status,” Venaani said on Sunday. He criticised the recycling of ambassadors, describing it as uncalled for.  "We can't recycle…

Renthia Kaimbi The High Court has dismissed an urgent application brought by the Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy, #Aodaman Traditional Authority and Ultimate Safaris to stop mining activities at the Goantagab tin mine. Judge Boas Usiku delivered the ruling on Friday, striking the case from the roll for lack of urgency.  The court ordered the applicants to pay the costs of the first respondent, Timoteus Mashuna, including fees for “one instructing and two instructed legal practitioners.”  The urgent application, filed on Thursday, sought to block scheduled blasting on Mashuna’s mining claims. The applicants argued that the activities violated a…

Allexer Namundjembo  Student bodies have welcomed the government’s decision to officially recognise Ndama East Primary School in Kavango East. On Friday, prime minister Elijah Ngurare and minister of education Sanet Steenkamp visited the school, where it was formally declared legal.  The government also announced an infrastructure development project that will include 25 new classrooms, an administration block, two ablution facilities, and a perimeter fence.  Temporary shelters will be provided before construction begins next yetar. Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) spokesperson Jessy Abraham said the announcement validates what communities have long fought for.  “Nanso has always maintained that community-established schools are…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  Environment minister Indileni Daniel has declared a national war on waste, warning that pollution is harming public health, food security, tourism, and the economy. Speaking at the National Clean-Up Campaign in Nkurenkuru, Kavango West Region, on Saturday, Daniel said Namibia must act now to protect its environment.  “A clean environment is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the bedrock of public health, food security, tourism, and national dignity. Waste undermines our health, our food security, our economy, and even our national pride,” she said. Daniel announced that the government will push for stronger penalties against…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Family homes will no longer be auctioned below market value following the enforcement of the High Court Amendment Act of 2024, which came into effect on 22 August. Justice and labour relations minister Filimon Wise Immanuel told parliament that the reform closes constitutional gaps in the sale of immovable properties to recover debts.  He said no property can now be sold in execution without approval from a High Court judge, who must first confirm that a debtor has no sufficient movable assets to cover the debt. “The Amendment Act steps in to restore fairness. It ensures that selling…

Allexer Namundjembo Premium Namibian beef will soon feature on the menus of Block House restaurants across Germany.  The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) announced the development yesterday, describing it as a milestone for the country’s agricultural exports and its growing role in international beef markets. Namibian beef is known for being free-range, grass-fed, and sustainably produced on the country’s farmlands.  Namibia remains the only African country approved to export beef to both the United States and the European Union.  After two and a half years of preparation, Namibian rump steak will be served as a monthly special at…

Justicia Shipena  Cleanergy Solutions Namibia will establish an ammonia jetty and storage facility at Walvis Bay before scaling up hydrogen and ammonia production for export to South Africa and the European Union (EU), an investment estimated at €3 billion (approximately N$65 billion).  On Thursday Cleanergy opened the country's first large-scale solar-powered green hydrogen plant.  The project is a joint venture between Belgium’s CMB.Tech and Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group.  It will begin by producing ammonia for maritime shipping and supplying a hydrogen refuelling station at Walvis Bay.  The station will serve trucks, port equipment, railway applications, and small vessels. …

Justicia Shipena  Companies will be monitored to ensure local content promises translate into real benefits, according to the Presidency’s Upstream Petroleum Unit.  The deputy head of the unit, Carlo McLeod, said all commitments must give Namibians a fair chance to participate. This commitment comes as the government concluded nationwide consultations on the draft National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy.  The consultations, held from 1 to 17 September, engaged leaders and communities across all 14 regions.  Governors, councillors, traditional leaders, entrepreneurs, elders, and youth shared views in meetings from Lüderitz to Katima Mulilo. Communities called for the petroleum industry to empower…

Justicia Shipena  Political analyst Henning Melber says Namibia has little to offer as a follow-up to the Pact for the Future in the wake of the post-government transition.  Last year, Namibia, together with Germany, co-hosted the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future, which led to the adoption of the Pact for the Future during the 79th UN General Assembly.  The pact seeks to build a safer, more peaceful, and sustainable world. The summit also adopted the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. Melber noted that Namibia’s focus at this year's assembly may shift toward its unique…

Allexer Namundjembo Two community representatives from South Africa, Jakob Makai of the !Kung people and Lukas Poemuru of the Khwe community, took part in the Indigenous People’s Knowledge Fair hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).  Their participation was supported by the organisation Palms For Life. The fair ran from 5 to 18 September at Nhoma village, Epupa village and Khorixas.  It brought together 12 indigenous communities from different countries for 12 days of cultural exchange, dialogue and learning. Vice President Lucia Witbooi welcomed the participants at Naankuse on Thursday.  “Indigenous people bring ecological and economic contributions,…